Principal Financial Group Inc. Has $6.07 Million Stock Position in National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC)

Principal Financial Group Inc. increased its position in National HealthCare Co. (NYSE:NHC) by 2.6% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 65,410 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 1,671 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. owned 0.42% of National HealthCare worth $6,070,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in NHC. Northern Trust Corp grew its stake in National HealthCare by 4.8% in the fourth quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 193,792 shares of the company’s stock valued at $20,844,000 after acquiring an additional 8,795 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of National HealthCare by 2.8% in the 4th quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 164,911 shares of the company’s stock worth $17,738,000 after purchasing an additional 4,435 shares in the last quarter. Systematic Financial Management LP grew its position in National HealthCare by 3.5% in the 4th quarter. Systematic Financial Management LP now owns 117,884 shares of the company’s stock valued at $12,680,000 after purchasing an additional 3,962 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in National HealthCare by 46.6% during the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 63,145 shares of the company’s stock valued at $6,792,000 after purchasing an additional 20,072 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP raised its holdings in National HealthCare by 75.6% during the fourth quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 47,062 shares of the company’s stock worth $5,062,000 after buying an additional 20,268 shares during the last quarter. 56.44% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

National HealthCare Stock Performance

Shares of NHC opened at $98.22 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.31 and a beta of 0.55. National HealthCare Co. has a 52 week low of $89.14 and a 52 week high of $138.49. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $104.57 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $99.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a quick ratio of 1.77 and a current ratio of 1.80.

National HealthCare Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.64 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 30th. This is a boost from National HealthCare’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.61. This represents a $2.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.61%. National HealthCare’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 36.99%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Wall Street Zen raised shares of National HealthCare from a “buy” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Monday, May 12th.

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.