Lazard Asset Management LLC Sells 13,645 Shares of National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC)

Lazard Asset Management LLC decreased its stake in National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC - Free Report) by 38.4% during the fourth quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 21,863 shares of the company's stock after selling 13,645 shares during the period. Lazard Asset Management LLC owned about 0.14% of National HealthCare worth $2,351,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Barclays PLC grew its holdings in shares of National HealthCare by 345.6% during the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 21,063 shares of the company's stock valued at $2,649,000 after purchasing an additional 16,336 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. grew its holdings in shares of National HealthCare by 10.6% during the 4th quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 32,141 shares of the company's stock valued at $3,457,000 after purchasing an additional 3,084 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can grew its holdings in shares of National HealthCare by 48.7% during the 4th quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 5,684 shares of the company's stock valued at $611,000 after purchasing an additional 1,861 shares during the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of National HealthCare by 3.5% during the 4th quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 63,739 shares of the company's stock valued at $6,856,000 after purchasing an additional 2,140 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Teacher Retirement System of Texas grew its holdings in shares of National HealthCare by 7.6% during the 4th quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 13,389 shares of the company's stock valued at $1,440,000 after purchasing an additional 946 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 56.44% of the company's stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com raised shares of National HealthCare from a "buy" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a report on Monday, May 12th.

National HealthCare Price Performance

NHC stock opened at $108.61 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a quick ratio of 1.77 and a current ratio of 1.80. National HealthCare Co. has a 52 week low of $89.14 and a 52 week high of $138.49. The firm's fifty day moving average is $94.47 and its 200 day moving average is $104.24. The firm has a market cap of $1.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.61 and a beta of 0.51.

National HealthCare Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 30th will be issued a $0.64 dividend. This represents a $2.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.36%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 30th. This is a positive change from National HealthCare's previous quarterly dividend of $0.61. National HealthCare's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 36.99%.

National HealthCare Company Profile

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.

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