National HealthCare (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC) Stock Price Down 7.1% – Should You Sell?

National HealthCare Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC) was down 7.1% during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $182.01 and last traded at $182.01. Approximately 79,155 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 20% from the average daily volume of 98,880 shares. The stock had previously closed at $196.00.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts have commented on NHC shares. BMO Capital Markets raised National HealthCare to a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, May 18th. 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 report on Monday, May 18th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised National HealthCare to a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Monday, May 18th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of “Buy”.

National HealthCare Stock Performance

The company has a market capitalization of $2.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.26 and a beta of 0.64. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $172.68 and a 200-day moving average price of $153.96.

National HealthCare (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC) last released its earnings results on Thursday, May 7th. The company reported $1.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $381.82 million for the quarter. National HealthCare had a return on equity of 9.98% and a net margin of 8.10%.

National HealthCare Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, June 30th will be issued a dividend of $0.67 per share. This is an increase from National HealthCare’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.64. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, June 30th. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.4%. National HealthCare’s payout ratio is currently 59.12%.

Institutional Trading of National HealthCare

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of National HealthCare during the 3rd quarter worth $25,000. Quarry LP boosted its stake in National HealthCare by 171.9% in the third quarter. Quarry LP now owns 261 shares of the company’s stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 165 shares in the last quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in National HealthCare in the fourth quarter valued at about $42,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in National HealthCare by 28.5% in the first quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 311 shares of the company’s stock valued at $50,000 after buying an additional 69 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Simplex Trading LLC boosted its stake in National HealthCare by 140.0% in the fourth quarter. Simplex Trading LLC now owns 348 shares of the company’s stock valued at $48,000 after buying an additional 203 shares in 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.