National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC) Stock Holdings Reduced by Morgan Stanley Institutional Investment Advisors LLC

Morgan Stanley Institutional Investment Advisors LLC decreased its stake in National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC - Free Report) by 1.1% in the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 772,110 shares of the company's stock after selling 8,327 shares during the quarter. National HealthCare comprises 19.1% of Morgan Stanley Institutional Investment Advisors LLC's portfolio, making the stock its 2nd biggest holding. Morgan Stanley Institutional Investment Advisors LLC owned about 5.00% of National HealthCare worth $83,048,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Jane Street Group LLC lifted its stake in National HealthCare by 213.3% in the third quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 28,887 shares of the company's stock worth $3,633,000 after purchasing an additional 19,667 shares during the last quarter. Barclays PLC lifted its stake in shares of National HealthCare by 345.6% during the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 21,063 shares of the company's stock worth $2,649,000 after acquiring an additional 16,336 shares during the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its holdings in National HealthCare by 6.5% during the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 6,655 shares of the company's stock valued at $806,000 after acquiring an additional 409 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its position in 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 during the last quarter. Finally, Ellsworth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in National HealthCare in the fourth quarter worth $650,000. Institutional investors own 56.44% of the company's stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

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

National HealthCare Trading Up 0.2 %

NHC stock traded up $0.16 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $94.16. The company had a trading volume of 16,079 shares, compared to its average volume of 60,326. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $93.17 and a 200 day moving average of $106.93. 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 Co. has a 12 month low of $89.14 and a 12 month high of $138.49. The company has a market capitalization of $1.46 billion, a PE ratio of 11.80 and a beta of 0.42.

National HealthCare Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 25th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 28th will be issued a dividend of $0.61 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 28th. This represents a $2.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.59%. National HealthCare's payout ratio is currently 37.31%.

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.