National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC) Shares Sold by Ritholtz Wealth Management

Ritholtz Wealth Management decreased its stake in National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC - Free Report) by 70.5% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 2,858 shares of the company's stock after selling 6,843 shares during the period. Ritholtz Wealth Management's holdings in National HealthCare were worth $265,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. 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 purchasing an additional 214 shares during the last quarter. Sterling Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in National HealthCare by 809.1% in the fourth 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. Allworth Financial LP boosted its holdings in National HealthCare by 378.0% in the fourth quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 564 shares of the company's stock valued at $61,000 after purchasing an additional 446 shares during the last quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC purchased a new position in National HealthCare in the fourth quarter valued at about $83,000. Finally, State of Wyoming purchased a new position in National HealthCare in the fourth quarter valued at about $93,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 56.44% of the company's stock.

National HealthCare Stock Down 1.1%

NYSE NHC traded down $1.18 on Friday, hitting $104.86. 271,511 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 58,686. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $100.41 and a 200 day moving average of $100.46. National HealthCare Co. has a twelve month low of $89.14 and a twelve month high of $138.49. The company has a market capitalization of $1.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.14 and a beta of 0.55. The company has a current ratio of 1.80, a quick ratio of 1.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14.

National HealthCare Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 1st. Investors of record on Monday, June 30th will be given a $0.64 dividend. This is a boost from National HealthCare's previous quarterly dividend of $0.61. This represents a $2.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.44%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 30th. National HealthCare's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 36.99%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

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

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.