National HealthCare (NYSE:NHC) Lowered to "Buy" Rating by StockNews.com

National HealthCare (NYSE:NHC - Get Free Report) was downgraded by StockNews.com from a "strong-buy" rating to a "buy" rating in a note issued to investors on Friday.

National HealthCare Trading Up 4.0 %

NYSE:NHC traded up $5.19 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $135.11. The stock had a trading volume of 53,958 shares, compared to its average volume of 43,327. The stock has a market cap of $2.08 billion, a PE ratio of 22.78 and a beta of 0.41. National HealthCare has a 12-month low of $70.03 and a 12-month high of $138.49. The business's fifty day simple moving average is $123.76.

National HealthCare (NYSE:NHC - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 9th. The company reported $1.00 EPS for the quarter. National HealthCare had a net margin of 7.74% and a return on equity of 6.39%. The firm had revenue of $300.66 million during the quarter.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, SVP Brian F. Kidd sold 2,000 shares of the company's stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $130.01, for a total transaction of $260,020.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 21,747 shares of the company's stock, valued at $2,827,327.47. This represents a 0.00 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 13.75% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On National HealthCare

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund acquired a new stake in shares of National HealthCare in the first quarter valued at approximately $745,000. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd purchased a new position in National HealthCare in the 1st quarter valued at about $366,000. TD Asset Management Inc boosted its stake in shares of National HealthCare by 51.7% during the 2nd quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 13,500 shares of the company's stock worth $1,463,000 after purchasing an additional 4,600 shares during the last quarter. Miller Howard Investments Inc. NY purchased a new stake in shares of National HealthCare during the second quarter worth about $323,000. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC raised its position in shares of National HealthCare by 30.3% in the third quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 64,688 shares of the company's stock valued at $8,136,000 after buying an additional 15,061 shares during the last quarter. 56.44% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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.

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