First Trust Advisors LP Increases Position in National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC)

First Trust Advisors LP lifted its holdings in shares of National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC - Free Report) by 75.6% in the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 47,062 shares of the company's stock after buying an additional 20,268 shares during the period. First Trust Advisors LP owned about 0.30% of National HealthCare worth $5,062,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Barclays PLC grew its holdings in National HealthCare by 345.6% in the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 21,063 shares of the company's stock valued at $2,649,000 after buying an additional 16,336 shares in the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. increased its position in shares of National HealthCare by 6.5% during the third quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 6,655 shares of the company's stock worth $806,000 after buying an additional 409 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in shares of National HealthCare by 6.0% in the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 43,073 shares of the company's stock valued at $5,417,000 after acquiring an additional 2,419 shares in the last quarter. Ellsworth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in National HealthCare in the 4th quarter valued at about $650,000. Finally, Inspire Investing LLC lifted its position in National HealthCare by 10.5% in the 4th quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 4,092 shares of the company's stock valued at $440,000 after acquiring an additional 390 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 56.44% of the company's stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com lowered National HealthCare from a "strong-buy" rating to a "buy" rating in a report on Monday, March 3rd.

National HealthCare Price Performance

NYSE NHC traded up $1.81 on Friday, reaching $96.18. 25,783 shares of the company's stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 58,737. The stock has a market cap of $1.49 billion, a PE ratio of 12.05 and a beta of 0.42. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $92.91 and a 200 day simple moving average of $105.45. National HealthCare Co. has a 12 month low of $89.14 and a 12 month high of $138.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 1.80 and a quick ratio of 1.77.

National HealthCare Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, April 25th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 28th were paid a dividend of $0.61 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, March 28th. This represents a $2.44 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.54%. National HealthCare's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 37.31%.

National HealthCare 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.