VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al Makes New Investment in National HealthCare Corporation $NHC

VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al acquired a new position in shares of National HealthCare Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC - Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 10,800 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $2,283,000. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al owned approximately 0.07% of National HealthCare at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Mariner LLC grew its holdings in National HealthCare by 0.9% during the fourth quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 6,839 shares of the company's stock worth $938,000 after buying an additional 59 shares in the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in National HealthCare by 28.5% in the first quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 311 shares of the company's stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 69 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company raised its holdings in shares of National HealthCare by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 6,048 shares of the company's stock worth $966,000 after purchasing an additional 70 shares during the period. ProShare Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of National HealthCare by 3.3% during the 4th quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 2,466 shares of the company's stock valued at $338,000 after buying an additional 78 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Hsbc Holdings PLC boosted its position in National HealthCare by 1.2% during the first quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 7,969 shares of the company's stock worth $1,275,000 after purchasing an additional 93 shares during the period. 56.44% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

National HealthCare Price Performance

Shares of National HealthCare stock opened at $224.92 on Friday. The firm's 50-day moving average is $221.84 and its 200 day moving average is $193.62. The stock has a market cap of $3.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.30 and a beta of 0.62. National HealthCare Corporation has a 1 year low of $113.72 and a 1 year high of $239.29.

National HealthCare (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 6th. The company reported $1.74 EPS for the quarter. National HealthCare had a return on equity of 10.03% and a net margin of 9.00%.The company had revenue of $408.03 million for the quarter.

National HealthCare Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 30th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, September 30th will be given a dividend of $0.67 per share. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, September 30th. National HealthCare's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 61.89%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

NHC has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Robert W. Baird raised National HealthCare to a "strong-buy" rating in a report on Monday, May 18th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised National HealthCare to a "hold" rating in a research note on Monday, May 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of National HealthCare to a "strong-buy" rating in a research note on Monday, May 18th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets upgraded National HealthCare to a "hold" rating in a report on Monday, May 18th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of "Buy".

Insider Activity

In related news, CEO Stephen Fowler Flatt sold 1,500 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $237.08, for a total value of $355,620.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 65,487 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $15,525,657.96. This trade represents a 2.24% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director David R. Gifford sold 1,779 shares of the company's stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $225.42, for a total value of $401,022.18. Following the sale, the director owned 1,030 shares in the company, valued at approximately $232,182.60. This trade represents a 63.33% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 13.92% of the stock is owned by insiders.

About National HealthCare

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.

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