SG Americas Securities LLC Takes Position in National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC)

SG Americas Securities LLC bought a new position in National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC - Free Report) during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund bought 7,058 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $655,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in NHC. Bessemer Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of National HealthCare by 396.3% during the 4th quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 268 shares of the company's stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 214 shares in the last quarter. Sterling Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of 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 in the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP increased its position in National HealthCare by 378.0% in the fourth quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 564 shares of the company's stock worth $61,000 after purchasing an additional 446 shares during the last quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC purchased a new stake in National HealthCare during the fourth quarter valued at $83,000. Finally, State of Wyoming purchased a new stake in National HealthCare during the fourth quarter valued at $93,000. 56.44% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

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

National HealthCare Trading Down 0.1%

NHC traded down $0.08 on Wednesday, hitting $107.71. The company had a trading volume of 108,313 shares, compared to its average volume of 59,320. The business's fifty day simple moving average is $100.99 and its 200 day simple moving average is $100.22. The company has a quick ratio of 1.77, a current ratio of 1.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. National HealthCare Co. has a 12-month low of $89.14 and a 12-month high of $138.49. The company has a market cap of $1.67 billion, a PE ratio of 13.50 and a beta of 0.55.

National HealthCare Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 30th will be paid a $0.64 dividend. This represents a $2.56 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.38%. This is a positive change from National HealthCare's previous quarterly dividend of $0.61. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 30th. National HealthCare's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 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.