Cerity Partners LLC Has $2.12 Million Stock Position in National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC)

Cerity Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC - Free Report) by 28.8% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 22,879 shares of the company's stock after acquiring an additional 5,115 shares during the quarter. Cerity Partners LLC owned 0.15% of National HealthCare worth $2,123,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Bessemer Group Inc. boosted its holdings in National HealthCare by 396.3% in the fourth quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 268 shares of the company's stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 214 shares during the last quarter. Sterling Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of National HealthCare by 809.1% in the 4th quarter. Sterling Capital Management LLC now owns 400 shares of the company's stock valued at $43,000 after purchasing an additional 356 shares during the last quarter. State of Wyoming acquired a new stake in shares of National HealthCare during the fourth quarter worth $93,000. RWA Wealth Partners LLC raised its stake in National HealthCare by 16.7% during the fourth quarter. RWA Wealth Partners LLC now owns 2,100 shares of the company's stock worth $226,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Finally, ClearAlpha Technologies LP bought a new stake in National HealthCare during the fourth quarter valued at $236,000. 56.44% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

National HealthCare Trading Down 1.2%

NHC traded down $1.12 during trading on Thursday, hitting $94.48. The company's stock had a trading volume of 52,195 shares, compared to its average volume of 60,625. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.84 and a beta of 0.55. National HealthCare Co. has a twelve month low of $89.14 and a twelve month high of $138.49. The company has a quick ratio of 1.77, a current ratio of 1.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. The stock's fifty day moving average price is $103.81 and its 200-day moving average price is $98.68.

National HealthCare Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 1st. Investors of record on Monday, June 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.64 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, June 30th. This is a positive change from National HealthCare's previous quarterly dividend of $0.61. This represents a $2.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.71%. National HealthCare's dividend payout ratio is currently 36.99%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, Wall Street Zen raised National HealthCare from a "buy" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Monday, May 12th.

About National HealthCare

National HealthCare Corporation engages in the operation of services to skilled nursing facilities, assisted and independent living facilities, homecare and hospice agencies, and health hospitals. Its skilled nursing facilities offer licensed therapy services, nutrition services, social services, activities, and housekeeping and laundry services, as well as medical services prescribed by physicians; and rehabilitative services, such as physical, speech, respiratory, and occupational therapy for patients recovering from strokes, heart attacks, orthopedic conditions, neurological illnesses, or other illnesses, injuries, or disabilities.