National HealthCare (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC) Sees Strong Trading Volume - Still a Buy?

Key Points

• National HealthCare shares traded at $223.14 amid unusually high volume of 91,904 shares, although volume declined 17% from the prior session.
• Analyst sentiment remains positive: two analysts rate the stock a Strong Buy and two rate it Hold, resulting in a consensus Buy rating.
• The company reported quarterly revenue of $408.03 million and EPS of $1.74, while declaring a quarterly dividend of $0.67, equivalent to a 1.2% annualized yield.

National HealthCare Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC - Get Free Report) shares saw unusually-high trading volume on Friday . 91,904 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 17% from the previous session's volume of 111,191 shares.The stock last traded at $223.14 and had previously closed at $222.26.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Robert W. Baird upgraded National HealthCare to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Monday, May 18th. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded National HealthCare to a "hold" rating in a report on Monday, May 18th. BMO Capital Markets upgraded shares of National HealthCare to a "hold" rating in a research note on Monday, May 18th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of National HealthCare to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Monday, May 18th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat, National HealthCare presently has a consensus rating of "Buy".

National HealthCare Stock Performance

The company has a 50 day moving average of $218.93 and a 200 day moving average of $189.65. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.96 and a beta of 0.61.

National HealthCare (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 6th. The company reported $1.74 earnings per share (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 firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 30th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 30th will be paid a $0.67 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, September 30th. This represents a $2.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.2%. National HealthCare's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 61.89%.

Insider Transactions at National HealthCare

In other news, CEO Stephen Fowler Flatt sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $237.08, for a total value of $355,620.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 65,487 shares in the company, valued at approximately $15,525,657.96. This represents a 2.24% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Lisa Piercey bought 949 shares of the business's stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 1st. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $184.26 per share, for a total transaction of $174,862.74. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 949 shares in the company, valued at approximately $174,862.74. This represents a ∞ increase in their position. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. 13.92% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On National HealthCare

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in NHC. Strs Ohio acquired a new stake in shares of National HealthCare during the fourth quarter worth about $809,000. Militia Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of National HealthCare in the 1st quarter valued at about $2,827,000. Morgan Stanley Institutional Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of National HealthCare by 38.6% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley Institutional Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,038,787 shares of the company's stock valued at $142,407,000 after purchasing an additional 289,566 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. purchased a new position in National HealthCare during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $417,602,000. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP grew its stake in National HealthCare by 45.4% during the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 530,302 shares of the company's stock worth $84,689,000 after buying an additional 165,615 shares during the last quarter. 56.44% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

National HealthCare Company Profile

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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