National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC) Stock Position Increased by Prudential Financial Inc.

Prudential Financial Inc. increased its stake in National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC - Free Report) by 98.2% in the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 28,192 shares of the company's stock after buying an additional 13,970 shares during the period. Prudential Financial Inc. owned about 0.18% of National HealthCare worth $3,032,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in NHC. Barclays PLC lifted its position in shares of National HealthCare by 345.6% during the third quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 21,063 shares of the company's stock worth $2,649,000 after purchasing an additional 16,336 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC lifted its holdings in National HealthCare by 213.3% during the 3rd quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 28,887 shares of the company's stock worth $3,633,000 after buying an additional 19,667 shares during the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. grew its position in shares of National HealthCare by 3.5% in the 4th quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 63,739 shares of the company's stock worth $6,856,000 after acquiring an additional 2,140 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. increased its holdings in shares of National HealthCare by 10.6% in the 4th quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 32,141 shares of the company's stock valued at $3,457,000 after acquiring an additional 3,084 shares during the last quarter. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in shares of National HealthCare by 6.0% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 43,073 shares of the company's stock valued at $5,417,000 after acquiring an additional 2,419 shares in the last quarter. 56.44% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, StockNews.com lowered shares of National HealthCare from a "strong-buy" rating to a "buy" rating in a research note on Monday, March 3rd.

National HealthCare Stock Performance

NHC traded down $2.42 on Monday, hitting $90.47. 83,339 shares of the company's stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 62,536. The company has a current ratio of 1.80, a quick ratio of 1.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $95.76 and a two-hundred day moving average of $109.79. National HealthCare Co. has a twelve month low of $87.03 and a twelve month high of $138.49. The firm has a market cap of $1.40 billion, a PE ratio of 11.34 and a beta of 0.42.

National HealthCare Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 25th. Investors of record on Friday, March 28th will be issued a $0.61 dividend. This represents a $2.44 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.70%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 28th. National HealthCare's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 37.31%.

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.