VELA Investment Management LLC Lowers Stock Holdings in National HealthCare Co. (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC)

VELA Investment Management LLC reduced its stake in National HealthCare Co. (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC - Free Report) by 68.2% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 12,072 shares of the company's stock after selling 25,948 shares during the quarter. VELA Investment Management LLC owned about 0.08% of National HealthCare worth $1,116,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Captrust Financial Advisors raised its holdings in National HealthCare by 57.1% in the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 655 shares of the company's stock valued at $46,000 after acquiring an additional 238 shares during the period. Deutsche Bank AG raised its holdings in National HealthCare by 4.8% in the 4th quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 5,345 shares of the company's stock valued at $318,000 after acquiring an additional 245 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers raised its holdings in National HealthCare by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 39,110 shares of the company's stock valued at $2,271,000 after acquiring an additional 322 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. grew its position in shares of National HealthCare by 7.3% during the 2nd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 5,042 shares of the company's stock worth $353,000 after purchasing an additional 343 shares in the last quarter. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC grew its position in shares of National HealthCare by 9,150.0% during the 4th quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 370 shares of the company's stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 366 shares in the last quarter. 56.44% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, StockNews.com upgraded shares of National HealthCare from a "buy" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Friday, February 9th.

National HealthCare Price Performance

NYSEAMERICAN:NHC traded down $1.17 on Monday, hitting $87.97. The company had a trading volume of 31,730 shares, compared to its average volume of 77,159. The company has a market cap of $1.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.32 and a beta of 0.36. National HealthCare Co. has a 52 week low of $55.50 and a 52 week high of $101.81.

National HealthCare (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC - Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 16th. The company reported $0.98 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $300.91 million during the quarter. National HealthCare had a net margin of 5.85% and a return on equity of 6.03%.

National HealthCare Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, May 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 29th will be paid a dividend of $0.59 per share. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.68%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 27th. National HealthCare's payout ratio is currently 54.50%.

About National HealthCare

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.