Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. Decreases Holdings in National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC)

Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. trimmed its holdings in shares of National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC) by 0.6% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 194,381 shares of the company’s stock after selling 1,157 shares during the quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc.’s holdings in National HealthCare were worth $20,908,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in NHC. Morgan Stanley Institutional Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of National HealthCare during the 3rd quarter valued at about $98,156,000. Jane Street Group LLC raised its position in shares of National HealthCare by 213.3% during the 3rd quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 28,887 shares of the company’s stock valued at $3,633,000 after buying an additional 19,667 shares in the last quarter. Barclays PLC raised 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 buying an additional 16,336 shares in the last quarter. Systematic Financial Management LP grew its holdings in National HealthCare by 6.6% during the 3rd quarter. Systematic Financial Management LP now owns 113,922 shares of the company’s stock valued at $14,328,000 after purchasing an additional 7,011 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ellsworth Advisors LLC bought a new position in National HealthCare during the 4th quarter valued at about $650,000. 56.44% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

National HealthCare Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:NHC opened at $94.56 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.85 and a beta of 0.41. National HealthCare Co. has a 12 month low of $87.03 and a 12 month high of $138.49. The firm’s 50-day moving average is $97.28 and its 200 day moving average is $113.05. The company has a current ratio of 1.80, a quick ratio of 1.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14.

National HealthCare Dividend Announcement

The company 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 dividend of $0.61 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 28th. This represents a $2.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.58%. National HealthCare’s payout ratio is 37.31%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com downgraded shares of National HealthCare from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, March 3rd.

Insider Activity at National HealthCare

In other National HealthCare news, insider Health Corp National sold 28,147 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.71, for a total value of $3,200,595.37. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 1,056,616 shares in the company, valued at $120,147,805.36. This represents a 2.59 % decrease in their position. The sale 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.

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.