National HealthCare (NYSE:NHC) Upgraded by StockNews.com to “Strong-Buy” Rating

National HealthCare (NYSE:NHC) was upgraded by StockNews.com from a “buy” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report issued on Saturday.

National HealthCare Trading Down 1.1 %

Shares of NYSE NHC opened at $125.73 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $1.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.76 and a beta of 0.41. National HealthCare has a 12-month low of $73.96 and a 12-month high of $138.49. 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 business has a 50 day moving average of $123.50.

Insider Activity at National HealthCare

In related news, SVP Brian F. Kidd sold 2,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.01, for a total value of $260,020.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 21,747 shares in the company, valued at $2,827,327.47. This trade represents a 8.42 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 13.75% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of National HealthCare

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in NHC. Barclays PLC increased its position in shares of National HealthCare by 345.6% during the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 21,063 shares of the company’s stock valued at $2,649,000 after purchasing an additional 16,336 shares during the period. Jane Street Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of National HealthCare by 213.3% in the 3rd quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 28,887 shares of the company’s stock worth $3,633,000 after acquiring an additional 19,667 shares during the last quarter. Systematic Financial Management LP grew its holdings in shares of National HealthCare by 6.6% in the 3rd quarter. Systematic Financial Management LP now owns 113,922 shares of the company’s stock worth $14,328,000 after acquiring an additional 7,011 shares during the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors acquired a new position in shares of National HealthCare in the 3rd quarter worth $233,000. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets grew its holdings in shares of National HealthCare by 154.6% in the 3rd quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 2,813 shares of the company’s stock worth $354,000 after acquiring an additional 1,708 shares during the last quarter. 56.44% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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.