StockNews.com Downgrades National HealthCare (NYSE:NHC) to Buy

National HealthCare (NYSE:NHC) was downgraded by stock analysts at StockNews.com from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report issued on Friday.

National HealthCare Trading Up 4.0 %

NYSE:NHC traded up $5.19 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $135.11. 53,958 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 43,327. The stock has a market cap of $2.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.78 and a beta of 0.41. The company’s 50 day moving average is $123.76. National HealthCare has a 52-week low of $70.03 and a 52-week high of $138.49.

National HealthCare (NYSE:NHC) last issued its earnings results on Friday, August 9th. The company reported $1.00 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $300.66 million for the quarter. National HealthCare had a return on equity of 6.39% and a net margin of 7.74%.

Insider Activity at National HealthCare

In other news, SVP Brian F. Kidd sold 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $130.01, for a total value 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 $2,827,327.47. This represents a 0.00 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 13.75% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of National HealthCare

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its stake in National HealthCare by 196.2% during the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 231 shares of the company’s stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 153 shares during the period. EntryPoint Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of National HealthCare during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $58,000. Copeland Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of National HealthCare in the third quarter worth $62,000. Innealta Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of National HealthCare in the second quarter worth $98,000. Finally, Reliant Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in National HealthCare in the third quarter valued at $203,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 56.44% of the company’s stock.

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.