780,437 Shares in National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC) Bought by Morgan Stanley Institutional Investment Advisors LLC

Morgan Stanley Institutional Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC - Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 780,437 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $98,156,000. National HealthCare comprises about 22.1% of Morgan Stanley Institutional Investment Advisors LLC's investment portfolio, making the stock its 2nd biggest holding. Morgan Stanley Institutional Investment Advisors LLC owned approximately 5.06% of National HealthCare as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its position in shares of National HealthCare by 196.2% in the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 231 shares of the company's stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 153 shares during the last quarter. EntryPoint Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of National HealthCare in the first quarter worth approximately $58,000. Copeland Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of National HealthCare in the third quarter worth approximately $62,000. Innealta Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of National HealthCare in the second quarter worth approximately $98,000. Finally, Reliant Investment Management LLC bought a new position in shares of National HealthCare in the third quarter worth approximately $203,000. 56.44% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Insider Buying and Selling at National HealthCare

In other news, SVP Brian F. Kidd sold 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.01, for a total transaction of $260,020.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 21,747 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $2,827,327.47. This represents a 8.42 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 13.75% of the company's stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com upgraded shares of National HealthCare from a "buy" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Saturday, November 16th.

National HealthCare Price Performance

NYSE NHC traded up $0.63 on Friday, reaching $126.48. 49,323 shares of the company's stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 62,142. National HealthCare Co. has a 12 month low of $75.53 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. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $123.65 and a 200 day simple moving average of $118.69. The stock has a market cap of $1.95 billion, a PE ratio of 15.77 and a beta of 0.41.

National HealthCare Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 30th will be given a dividend of $0.61 per share. This represents a $2.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.93%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 30th. National HealthCare's payout ratio is currently 30.58%.

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.