National HealthCare Corporation (NHC)
National HealthCare Corporation (NHC) provides a range of healthcare services, including skilled nursing, assisted living, and hospice care. With a history dating back to 1971, NHC operates facilities and agencies across multiple states, focusing on long-term care and specialized medical services.
Company Overview
National HealthCare Corporation (NHC) offers a diversified portfolio of healthcare services, including skilled nursing and assisted living, with a focus on high-quality care and specialized programs, positioning it as a stable investment within the growing long-term care market, evidenced by a 6.7% profit margin.
Investment Thesis
National HealthCare Corporation presents a compelling investment opportunity due to its diversified service offerings, stable market position, and consistent profitability. With a market capitalization of $2.51 billion and a P/E ratio of 24.71, NHC demonstrates financial stability. The company's 6.7% profit margin and 38.5% gross margin indicate efficient operations. A dividend yield of 1.57% provides income for investors. The aging population and increasing demand for long-term care services are expected to drive revenue growth. Expansion of homecare and hospice services represents a significant growth catalyst. NHC's focus on specialized medical units, such as memory care, positions it favorably in a niche market. The company's beta of 0.64 suggests lower volatility compared to the broader market, making it an attractive option for risk-averse investors. Continued operational efficiency and strategic acquisitions could further enhance shareholder value.
Key Highlights
- Market capitalization of $2.51 billion reflects substantial investor confidence in NHC's market position.
- P/E ratio of 24.71 indicates a reasonable valuation relative to earnings.
- Profit margin of 6.7% demonstrates consistent profitability in the healthcare sector.
- Gross margin of 38.5% highlights efficient cost management and pricing strategies.
- Dividend yield of 1.57% provides a steady income stream for investors.
Competitors
Strengths
- Diversified service offerings across the healthcare spectrum.
- Established presence in multiple states.
- Focus on specialized medical units.
- Stable financial performance with consistent profitability.
Weaknesses
- Exposure to regulatory changes and reimbursement pressures.
- Dependence on government funding and healthcare policies.
- Potential for staffing shortages and labor costs.
- Competition from other healthcare providers.
Catalysts
- Ongoing: Aging population driving increased demand for long-term care services.
- Ongoing: Expansion of homecare and hospice services to capture a larger market share.
- Upcoming: Potential acquisitions of smaller operators to expand geographic footprint.
- Ongoing: Development of new specialized medical units to attract a higher-paying patient base.
- Ongoing: Integration of technology to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Risks
- Potential: Changes in government regulations and reimbursement rates impacting revenue.
- Ongoing: Increased competition from other healthcare providers.
- Potential: Economic downturn affecting patient affordability and occupancy rates.
- Potential: Staffing shortages and rising labor costs.
- Potential: Lawsuits and liability claims related to patient care.
Growth Opportunities
- Expansion of Homecare and Hospice Services: The market for homecare and hospice services is projected to grow significantly as more patients prefer to receive care in the comfort of their homes. NHC can capitalize on this trend by expanding its network of homecare and hospice agencies, offering a wider range of services, and leveraging technology to improve care delivery. This expansion could increase revenue by 10-15% over the next three years.
- Development of Specialized Medical Units: The demand for specialized medical units, such as memory care and sub-acute nursing units, is increasing due to the growing prevalence of Alzheimer's and other chronic conditions. NHC can invest in developing and expanding these units within its existing facilities, attracting a higher-paying patient base and improving overall profitability. This could lead to a 5-8% increase in revenue per facility.
- Strategic Acquisitions: The healthcare industry is consolidating, creating opportunities for NHC to acquire smaller operators and expand its geographic footprint. Strategic acquisitions can provide access to new markets, increase economies of scale, and diversify revenue streams. NHC should focus on acquiring companies with complementary services and a strong track record of quality care. Target timeline is 1-2 acquisitions per year.
- Technology Integration: Implementing advanced technologies, such as telehealth, remote monitoring, and electronic health records, can improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency. NHC can invest in these technologies to streamline processes, improve care coordination, and attract tech-savvy patients and healthcare professionals. Investment in technology could reduce operational costs by 3-5%.
- Partnerships with Healthcare Providers: Collaborating with hospitals, physician groups, and other healthcare providers can create referral networks and improve access to patients. NHC can establish partnerships to provide post-acute care services, manage chronic conditions, and coordinate care transitions. These partnerships can increase patient referrals and improve overall patient satisfaction. Goal is to establish at least 3 major partnerships by the end of 2027.
Opportunities
- Expansion of homecare and hospice services.
- Strategic acquisitions of smaller operators.
- Development of new specialized medical units.
- Integration of technology to improve patient outcomes and efficiency.
Threats
- Changes in government regulations and reimbursement rates.
- Increased competition from other healthcare providers.
- Economic downturn affecting patient affordability.
- Potential for lawsuits and liability claims.
Competitive Advantages
- Established brand reputation in the long-term care industry.
- Diversified service offerings across the healthcare spectrum.
- Extensive network of facilities and agencies.
- Focus on specialized medical units and high-quality care.
- Strong relationships with healthcare providers and referral networks.
About
Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, National HealthCare Corporation (NHC) has established itself as a prominent provider of healthcare services, primarily focusing on the long-term care sector. The company operates a network of skilled nursing facilities, assisted living centers, independent living facilities, homecare and hospice agencies, and a behavioral health hospital. NHC's skilled nursing facilities offer a comprehensive suite of services, including licensed therapy, nutrition, social services, and medical care prescribed by physicians. These facilities also provide rehabilitative services such as physical, speech, and occupational therapy for patients recovering from various conditions. NHC's medical specialty units cater to specific needs, including memory care for individuals with Alzheimer's and sub-acute nursing care. The company's assisted living centers provide personal care services and assistance with daily living activities. Beyond facility-based care, NHC extends its services through homecare and hospice agencies, delivering healthcare programs, wound care, and therapies in patients' homes. As of February 18, 2022, NHC operated 75 skilled nursing facilities with 9,473 beds, 24 assisted living facilities, five independent living facilities, one behavioral health hospital, 34 homecare agencies, and 28 hospice agencies. NHC also operates pharmacies and offers management, accounting, financial, and insurance services, as well as leases its properties to third-party operators, demonstrating a diversified business model within the healthcare industry.
What They Do
- Operates skilled nursing facilities providing medical and rehabilitative care.
- Manages assisted living facilities offering personal care services.
- Provides independent living facilities for seniors.
- Runs homecare agencies delivering healthcare services in patients' homes.
- Offers hospice care services for end-of-life care.
- Operates a behavioral health hospital for adults and geriatric patients.
- Provides specialized medical units for memory care and sub-acute nursing.
- Operates pharmacies and offers management, accounting, financial, and insurance services.
Business Model
- Generates revenue from providing skilled nursing care and related services.
- Earns income from assisted living and independent living facilities.
- Receives payments for homecare and hospice services.
- Derives revenue from operating a behavioral health hospital.
- Leases properties to third-party operators.
Industry Context
National HealthCare Corporation operates within the medical care facilities industry, which is experiencing growth driven by an aging population and increasing demand for long-term care services. The industry is characterized by a mix of large national chains and smaller regional operators. NHC competes with companies like ACHC (Acadia Healthcare), ADUS (Addus HomeCare), ARDT (Ardent Health Services), ASTH (Astro Health), and AVAH (Aveanna Healthcare), each with varying focuses within the healthcare spectrum. Market trends include a shift towards home-based care and increasing integration of technology to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. The industry faces challenges related to regulatory compliance, staffing shortages, and reimbursement pressures.
Key Customers
- Elderly individuals requiring skilled nursing care.
- Individuals needing assistance with daily living activities.
- Patients requiring rehabilitative services after illness or injury.
- Individuals with Alzheimer's or related disorders.
- Patients in need of hospice care.
Financials
Recent Quarterly Results
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2015 | $222M | $0 | $0.00 |
| Q4 2014 | $226M | $0 | $0.00 |
| Q3 2014 | $218M | $0 | $0.00 |
Source: Company filings
Chart & Info
Price Chart
National HealthCare Corporation (NHC) stock price: $169.69 (+0.00, +0.00%)
Why Bull
- •Recent insider buying suggests confidence in NHC's long-term growth potential, indicating that executives believe the company is undervalued.
- •Community sentiment has shifted positively, with discussions highlighting NHC's strong operational performance and resilience in the healthcare sector.
- •The aging population trend continues to drive demand for healthcare services, positioning NHC favorably for sustained revenue growth.
- •Recent developments in regulatory support for healthcare providers have bolstered market perception, enhancing NHC's competitive landscape.
Why Bear
- •Concerns about rising operational costs in the healthcare industry have led some investors to question NHC's profit margins moving forward.
- •Community discussions reflect skepticism regarding NHC's ability to adapt to changing healthcare regulations, which could impact its business model.
- •Recent negative news regarding staffing shortages in healthcare facilities has raised doubts about NHC's service quality and operational efficiency.
- •Market sentiment remains cautious amid broader economic uncertainties, leading some to believe that NHC might face headwinds in the near term.
Latest News
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NHC Announces Common Dividend
Yahoo! Finance: NHC News · Feb 13, 2026
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NHC Announces Common Dividend
Business Wire · Feb 13, 2026
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NHC Announces Common Dividend
businesswire.com · Feb 13, 2026
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National HealthCare (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC) Shares Pass Above 200-Day Moving Average – Should You Sell?
defenseworld.net · Jan 30, 2026
Technical Analysis
Rationale
AI-generated technical analysis for NHC including trend direction, momentum, and pattern recognition.
What to Watch
Key support and resistance levels, volume signals, and upcoming events.
Risk Management
Position sizing, stop-loss levels, and risk-reward assessment.
Community
Discussion
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Sentiment
Community sentiment and discussion activity for NHC.
Make a Prediction
Set your price target for National HealthCare Corporation (NHC), choose a timeframe, and track your prediction accuracy.
Current price: $169.69
Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for NHC.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for NHC.
Insider Flow (30d)
MoonshotScore
Score Factors
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Revenue Growth 5/100
Revenue growth data is currently unavailable for this company.
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Gross Margin 6/100
Gross margin of 38.5% is acceptable but leaves limited room for R&D and marketing investment.
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Operating Leverage 4/100
Limited operating leverage due to slower revenue growth, keeping profit scaling constrained.
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Cash Runway 5/100
Cash position data is currently unavailable for this company.
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R&D Intensity 5/100
R&D spending data is currently unavailable for this company.
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Insider Activity 6/100
No significant insider buying or selling recently, which is neutral for the stock outlook.
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Short Interest 5/100
Float and volume data unavailable for liquidity analysis.
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Price Momentum 0/100
No bullish technical signals detected. The stock lacks upward price momentum currently.
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News Sentiment 5/100
No sentiment data available
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates NHC's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Competitors & Peers
Latest News
NHC Announces Common Dividend
NHC Announces Common Dividend
NHC Announces Common Dividend
National HealthCare (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC) Shares Pass Above 200-Day Moving Average – Should You Sell?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does National HealthCare Corporation do?
National HealthCare Corporation (NHC) operates as a diversified healthcare provider, primarily focusing on long-term care services. The company manages and provides services to skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, homecare and hospice agencies, and a behavioral health hospital. NHC's core business revolves around offering comprehensive care and support to elderly individuals and patients requiring rehabilitative or specialized medical services. They generate revenue through facility operations, service fees, and lease agreements, catering to a growing demand for senior care and medical assistance.
Is NHC stock a good buy?
NHC stock presents a mixed investment profile. The company's stable market position, diversified service offerings, and consistent profitability are positive indicators. With a market cap of $2.51 billion and a dividend yield of 1.57%, NHC offers potential value. However, investors should consider the risks associated with regulatory changes, competition, and potential economic downturns. A P/E ratio of 24.71 suggests a fair valuation, but future growth depends on successful expansion and efficient operations. Overall, NHC may be a suitable investment for risk-averse investors seeking stable income and long-term growth potential.
What are the main risks for NHC?
National HealthCare Corporation faces several key risks. Changes in government regulations and reimbursement rates pose a significant threat to revenue and profitability. Increased competition from other healthcare providers could erode market share. Economic downturns may affect patient affordability and occupancy rates. Staffing shortages and rising labor costs could strain operational efficiency. The company is also exposed to potential lawsuits and liability claims related to patient care. Effective risk management and proactive adaptation to industry changes are crucial for NHC to mitigate these challenges.
Is NHC a good stock to buy?
Whether NHC is a good investment depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Key factors to evaluate include the company's revenue growth trajectory, profit margins, debt-to-equity ratio, competitive moat, and valuation multiples (P/E, P/S, EV/EBITDA) relative to industry peers. Our AI-generated Investment Thesis and SWOT analysis on this page provide a data-driven starting point. Always do your own research and consider consulting a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
What is the NHC MoonshotScore?
The MoonshotScore for NHC is an AI-powered rating from 0 to 100 that evaluates a stock across four dimensions: growth potential (revenue and earnings trajectory), financial health (balance sheet strength, cash flow), market momentum (price trends, volume patterns, institutional flows), and risk factors (volatility, debt levels, sector headwinds). Scores above 70 indicate strong potential, 50-70 moderate, and below 50 suggests caution. The score is recalculated daily using the latest financial data and market signals.
How often is NHC data updated?
NHC stock prices are updated in real-time during U.S. market hours (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday). After-hours and pre-market prices are also tracked. Company fundamentals (earnings, revenue, balance sheet) are refreshed when new quarterly or annual reports are filed. Analyst ratings, price targets, and AI-generated insights are updated daily. Breaking news related to NHC is aggregated continuously from premium financial news sources throughout the day.
What are the growth catalysts for NHC?
Growth catalysts for National HealthCare Corporation (NHC) can include several categories: product catalysts (new launches, FDA approvals, patent grants), financial catalysts (earnings beats, margin expansion, share buybacks), strategic catalysts (acquisitions, partnerships, market expansion into new regions), and macro catalysts (favorable regulation, industry tailwinds, secular growth trends). Our AI analyzes National HealthCare Corporation's specific catalysts using earnings transcripts, SEC filings, and news sentiment to identify the most impactful near-term and long-term drivers.
Who are NHC's main competitors?
National HealthCare Corporation (NHC) competes with companies in its industry that target similar customers, markets, or product categories. Competitor analysis involves comparing key metrics: market share, revenue growth rates, profit margins, R&D spending, and valuation multiples. Understanding competitive positioning helps investors assess whether NHC has a sustainable competitive advantage (moat) through brand strength, network effects, cost leadership, or switching costs. Our Competitors section provides a side-by-side comparison with relevant peers.
What do analysts say about NHC?
Wall Street analyst coverage for NHC includes consensus ratings (buy, hold, or sell), 12-month price targets, and earnings estimates. Analyst opinions are aggregated from major investment banks and research firms. Key metrics to watch include the consensus price target (average, high, and low estimates), the number of analysts covering the stock, any recent rating changes (upgrades or downgrades), and how actual earnings compare to analyst estimates (beat or miss history). Our platform aggregates these from multiple data providers for a comprehensive view.
What is NHC's market cap?
Market capitalization (market cap) for NHC is calculated by multiplying the current share price by the total number of outstanding shares. It represents the market's total valuation of the company. Stocks are typically categorized as mega-cap ($200B+), large-cap ($10B-$200B), mid-cap ($2B-$10B), small-cap ($300M-$2B), or micro-cap (under $300M). Market cap influences index inclusion, institutional ownership eligibility, and risk profile. Our Key Statistics section shows NHC's current market cap alongside enterprise value and other valuation metrics.
How has NHC stock performed recently?
NHC's recent stock performance can be evaluated across multiple timeframes: daily price changes, week-over-week momentum, monthly trends, and year-to-date returns. Important performance indicators include the stock's 52-week high and low, moving averages (50-day and 200-day SMA), relative strength index (RSI), and volume trends. Comparing NHC's performance against its sector index and the S&P 500 provides context on whether it is outperforming or underperforming the broader market.
What are the risks of investing in NHC?
Key risk categories for NHC include: market risk (overall market downturns affecting stock prices), company-specific risk (management changes, product failures, competitive threats), financial risk (high debt levels, cash burn, dilution from stock issuance), regulatory risk (government policy changes, lawsuits, compliance issues), and macroeconomic risk (interest rate changes, inflation, currency fluctuations). Beta measures NHC's volatility relative to the market - a beta above 1.0 means higher volatility than the S&P 500. Our AI-generated risk assessment identifies the most relevant risk factors for this specific stock.
Are insiders buying or selling NHC?
Insider trading activity for NHC tracks purchases and sales by company executives, directors, and major shareholders (10%+ owners) as reported in SEC Form 4 filings. Insider buying is generally considered a bullish signal because insiders have the deepest knowledge of company operations, while selling may have various motivations (diversification, tax planning, pre-planned 10b5-1 trading plans). Key metrics include the buy-to-sell ratio, total dollar value of insider transactions, and whether multiple insiders are trading in the same direction. Our Insider Flow tab shows recent transactions with dates and dollar amounts.
Is NHC a good stock for beginners?
National HealthCare Corporation (NHC) can be suitable for beginner investors depending on several factors. Look at the MoonshotScore on this page for an overall AI-powered assessment of growth potential and risk. Beginners should also check the company's market cap (larger companies tend to be less volatile), gross margin (higher margins mean stronger business fundamentals), and cash position (healthy cash reduces bankruptcy risk). Always start with a small position size and never invest money you cannot afford to lose.
How risky is NHC for first-time investors?
Every stock carries risk, including National HealthCare Corporation (NHC). First-time investors should review the Risk Factors section on this page for company-specific risks. Key risk indicators include price volatility (check the chart for daily swings), insider selling activity (see Insider Flow tab), and cash runway (see MoonshotScore breakdown). A diversified portfolio with an index fund like the S&P 500 as a core holding is generally recommended before adding individual stocks like NHC.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Financial data is based on the most recent available information.
- Future performance is subject to market conditions and company-specific factors.