olivlawolivlaw

olivLaw · US equity research

National HealthCare Corporation NHC

Services-Skilled Nursing Care Facilities · SIC 8051 · Vertical: Health services (SIC 805x)

212.40USD+3.19% · 1 dayClose 04 Nov 2026

National HealthCare Corporation operates skilled nursing, assisted living, homecare and hospice services, with a focus on post-acute and senior care. In 2026 it expanded its portfolio through acquisitions, including the purchase of facilities it had previously leased from a landlord, which changes its asset base and rent expense structure.

At the close of 04 Nov 2026, National HealthCare Corporation (NHC) stock was 212.40 USD (+3.19% on the day), with market capitalisation 3.3 bn USD, P/E 23.9 on diluted EPS of 8.89 USD over the last 12 months, dividend yield 1.22%, beta 0.46, 52-week range 124.93–247.94 USD. Latest reported quarter (Q2 2026): revenue of 408.0 m USD (+8.8% YoY), net income of 40.3 m USD (+70.0% YoY), diluted EPS 2.54 USD.

Data as of · AI analysis dated · Source: SEC filings and closing prices, computed by olivLaw.

Market cap
3.3 bn USD
shares as of 03 Aug 2026
P/E (TTM)
23.9
Diluted EPS TTM 8.89 · TTM to 30 Jun 2026
E/P (TTM)
4.18%
TTM to 30 Jun 2026
Dividend yield
1.22%
DPS 12m 2.59
Beta (2y)
0.46
Volatility (1y) 35%
52-week range
124.93247.94

Price history

Loading chart…

Technical reading

RSI (14)
42.5
weak (30–45)
Bollinger (20, 2)
197.64 – 254.77
in the lower half of the band · %B 0.26 · band width 25.3%
SMA 50 / 200
224.64 / 195.12
mixed trend
MACD (12, 26, 9)
-5.47 / -2.31
MACD below signal

Indicators describe past prices; on their own they do not predict direction. On our history the RSI ≤ 40 filter added no return (see the signals methodology).

Performance

CompanyS&P 500vs S&P 500Vertical median
1 month−7.8%−1.1%−6.7 pp—
3 months−4.1%−0.5%−3.6 pp—
6 months+25.4%+4.4%+21.0 pp—
Year to date+54.9%+12.3%+42.6 pp—
1 year+73.9%+13.5%+60.4 pp+14.2%
3 years+199.5%+76.4%+123.1 pp+142.2%
5 years+178.2%+63.7%+114.5 pp—
Max drawdown (1y)
−18.5%
20 Oct 2026 → 02 Nov 2026
Max drawdown (5y)
−34.4%
30 Aug 2024 → 08 Apr 2025
Compound annual growth (5y)
+22.7%
S&P 500 +10.4%

Price returns, dividends excluded.

Quarterly results

Latest quarter: Q2 2026 · 30 Jun 2026

Revenue
408.0 m USD
+8.8% YoY
Net income
40.3 m USD
+70.0% YoY
Diluted EPS
2.54
+67.1% YoY
net / operating
9.9% / 12.0%

Quarterly margins

Quarterly statements · USD

Fiscal yearQ3 '24Q4 '24Q1 '25Q2 '25Q3 '25Q4 '25Q1 '26Q2 '26
Revenue340.2 m369.4 m373.7 m374.9 m382.7 m386.5 m381.8 m408.0 m
Operating income22.8 m28.9 m30.8 m34.1 m30.4 m33.1 m32.3 m48.9 m
Depreciation & amortisation10.6 m11.4 m11.0 m11.0 m11.2 m11.8 m11.6 m11.2 m
Interest expense1.7 m2.3 m2.1 m2.0 m1.5 m816.0 k269.0 k13.0 k
Pre-tax income58.0 m6.1 m43.7 m32.2 m54.4 m32.1 m44.8 m54.0 m
Income tax15.3 m28.0 k11.4 m8.1 m13.4 m6.9 m8.7 m13.5 m
Net income42.8 m6.1 m32.2 m23.7 m39.2 m24.8 m35.9 m40.3 m
Diluted EPS2.730.39 ≈2.071.522.501.58 ≈2.272.54
Operating cash flow34.2 m ≈12.8 m39.3 m62.8 m ≈66.2 m ≈16.8 m62.5 m43.3 m ≈
Capex5.7 m ≈8.2 m6.1 m10.2 m ≈9.7 m ≈10.4 m9.6 m12.5 m ≈
Dividends paid9.4 m ≈9.4 m9.4 m9.4 m ≈9.9 m ≈9.9 m9.9 m10.0 m ≈
Share repurchases2.1 m ≈01.7 m4.7 m ≈3.2 m ≈5.2 m16.3 m7.2 m ≈

≈ derived quarter (cumulative difference / share-days average)

E/P over time

E/P = trailing-12-month diluted EPS / price at quarter end. E/P is the inverse of P/E and stays defined when earnings are negative.

Today's P/E sits at the 77 percentile of its own 39-quarter history (min 6.5, median 19.6, max 55.6; quarters with earnings only).

Fiscal years

Fiscal year20182019202020212022202320242025
Revenue980.3 m996.4 m1.0 bn1.1 bn1.1 bn1.1 bn1.3 bn1.5 bn
Revenue YoY+1.7%+1.6%+3.2%+4.5%+1.1%+5.1%+14.5%+16.1%
Net income59.0 m68.2 m41.9 m138.6 m22.4 m66.8 m101.9 m120.0 m
Net income YoY+4.9%+15.7%−38.6%+231.0%−83.8%+197.6%+52.6%+17.7%
Diluted EPS3.874.442.728.991.454.346.537.67
Diluted EPS YoY+4.9%+14.7%−38.7%+230.5%−83.9%+199.3%+50.5%+17.5%
net %6.0%6.8%4.1%12.9%2.1%5.9%7.8%7.9%
Free cash flow68.7 m73.7 m181.4 m23.0 m-21.5 m83.3 m79.7 m148.6 m

Reported results vs expectations

Loading…

Balance sheet & financial health

Fiscal year 2025 · 31 Dec 2025

Cash
92.8 m USD
Financial debt
40.0 m USD
Net debt
-52.8 m USD
Equity
1.1 bn USD
Total assets
1.5 bn USD
Debt / equity
0.04x
Current ratio
1.82x
ROE
11.7%
ROA
7.9%
FCF margin
9.8%

Financial statements (source on every figure)

Revenue and net income (USD)

Margins

Income statement · USD

Revenue
2023
1.1 bn
2024
1.3 bn
2025
1.5 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Operating income
2023
57.5 m
2024
89.9 m
2025
128.4 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Depreciation & amortisation
2023
42.0 m
2024
42.0 m
2025
44.9 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

EBITDA
2023
99.5 m ≈
2024
131.9 m ≈
2025
173.3 m ≈

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026derived

Interest expense
2023
324.0 k
2024
4.1 m
2025
6.4 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Pre-tax income
2023
88.7 m
2024
136.4 m
2025
162.4 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Income tax
2023
23.5 m
2024
34.3 m
2025
39.8 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Net income
2023
66.8 m
2024
101.9 m
2025
120.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Diluted EPS
2023
4.34
2024
6.53
2025
7.67

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Weighted average diluted shares
2023
15.4 m
2024
15.6 m
2025
15.6 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Dividend per share
2023
2.34
2024
2.42
2025
2.53

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Balance sheet · USD

Cash
2023
107.1 m
2024
76.1 m
2025
92.8 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Receivables
2023
108.5 m
2024
135.3 m
2025
139.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Inventories
2023
7.4 m
2024
9.0 m
2025
7.8 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Current assets
2023
406.2 m
2024
424.4 m
2025
461.8 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Property, plant & equipment, net
2023
493.3 m
2024
684.3 m
2025
673.8 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Goodwill
2023
168.3 m
2024
170.5 m
2025
170.5 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Intangibles (excl. goodwill)
2023
7.0 m
2024
19.9 m
2025
19.9 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Total assets
2023
1.3 bn
2024
1.5 bn
2025
1.5 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Short-term debt
2023
0
2024
7.5 m
2025
7.5 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Long-term debt
2023
0
2024
129.5 m
2025
32.5 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Current liabilities
2023
214.5 m
2024
234.8 m
2025
253.6 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Total liabilities
2023
400.3 m
2024
541.3 m
2025
451.9 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Equity
2023
910.5 m
2024
983.2 m
2025
1.1 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Cash flow · USD

Operating cash flow
2023
111.2 m
2024
107.3 m
2025
185.1 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Capex
2023
27.9 m
2024
27.6 m
2025
36.4 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Free cash flow
2023
83.3 m ≈
2024
79.7 m ≈
2025
148.6 m ≈

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026derived

Investing cash flow
2023
-17.6 m
2024
-236.7 m
2025
-33.9 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Financing cash flow
2023
-42.5 m
2024
100.3 m
2025
-136.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Dividends paid
2023
35.6 m
2024
37.0 m
2025
38.7 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Share repurchases
2023
2.5 m
2024
13.5 m
2025
14.7 m

SEC (XBRL)· 26 Feb 2026verified

Computed indicators

Growth

Revenue growth (YoY)
16.1%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Revenue CAGR 3Y
11.8%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
Revenue CAGR 5Y
8.1%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025
EBIT growth (YoY)
42.8%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Net income growth (YoY)
17.7%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Net income CAGR 3Y
74.9%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
Net income CAGR 5Y
23.4%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025
EPS growth (YoY)
17.5%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
EPS CAGR 3Y
74.2%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
EPS CAGR 5Y
23.0%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025
FCF growth (YoY)
86.5%
computed by olivLawFY 2025

Profitability

Gross margin
unavailable
input data missing
EBITDA margin
12.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
EBIT margin
9.3%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Net margin
9.0%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
FCF margin
9.4%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026

Returns

ROE
13.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
ROA
9.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
ROIC
10.6%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
ROCE
11.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Payout ratio (EPS)
29.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Payout ratio (FCF)
27.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026

Balance sheet

Net debt
-39.2 m USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Net debt / EBITDA
-0.2x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Debt / equity
0.0x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Interest coverage
56.6x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026

Liquidity

Current ratio
1.9x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Quick ratio
1.8x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Cash ratio
0.2x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026

Cash

Operating cash flow
188.8 m USD
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Capital expenditure
42.3 m USD
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Free cash flow
146.5 m USD
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
FCF conversion
104.5%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Cash conversion
99.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026

Efficiency

Days sales outstanding
33 days
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Days inventory outstanding
unavailable
input data missing
Days payables outstanding
unavailable
input data missing
Cash conversion cycle
unavailable
input data missing

Market and valuation

Market capitalisation
3.3 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Enterprise value
3.3 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Market cap / net income TTM
23.7x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
P/E (TTM)
23.9x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Earnings yield
4.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
P/B
3.0x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
P/S
2.1x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
EV/EBITDA
17.3x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
EV/EBIT
22.7x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
EV/Sales
2.1x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
P/FCF
22.7x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
FCF yield
4.4%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Dividend yield
1.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Shareholder yield (distributions)
2.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026

1 indicators that do not apply to the sector.

Valuation

olivLaw classification

Neutral profile

Score: 70 / 100

A scoring methodology on indicators and valuation, not investment advice.

Closing price

212.40 USD

04 Nov 2026Source: olivLaw, closing series

Market cap: 3.3 bn USD

Key indicators

Market capitalisation
3.3 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
P/E (TTM)
23.9x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
P/B
3.0x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
EV/EBITDA
17.3x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
ROE
13.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Net margin
9.0%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Revenue growth (YoY)
16.1%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Dividend yield
1.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026

Coverage and freshness

31/37 reporting lines present
Latest full fiscal year: 2025
Latest reported period: 30 Jun 2026
Latest balance sheet date: 30 Jun 2026
Share count (cover of the latest filing), as of: 03 Aug 2026
Source: SEC (XBRL)published 06 Aug 2026
verified 2301derived 166

Score by group

  • Balance sheet98
  • Valuation26
  • Quality84
  • Growth99
  • Returns58

Estimated value range

Low
148.53
USD per share
Mid
178.30
USD per share
High
224.77
USD per share
Price: 212.40 USD
The price is within the range
Potential to the central value: -16.1% (value / price − 1)
Margin of safety: -19.1% (1 − price / value)
Agreement between methods: low · 3 methods used · 3 independent bases

The combined range = the median of the valid methods' low, central and high values; it is not a probability interval and does not cover every result. Envelope of all methods: 33.25 – 248.86 USD.

Valuation assumptions are editorial choices, not measured; beta is not measured.

Method ranges (USD per share)

— — Mid · ▏ Price

Valuation methods

  • DCF (discounted cash flow)148.53 – 224.77 (Mid 178.30)
    WACC 9.3% · starting FCFF 148.5 m USD · terminal value share of EV 73%
    The WACC × g sensitivity gives the method's bounds; these are not probabilities.
    Reverse DCF: starting growth implied by the price (fading linearly to terminal growth, everything else fixed): 20.3%
  • Peers: EV/EBITDAunavailable · not enough peers
  • Peers: P/E203.65 – 248.86 (Mid 248.58)
    3 companies used · median multiple 28.0x · quartiles 22.9x – 28.0x
    ENSG, HCSG, PACS
  • Dividend discount (DDM)33.25 – 44.71 (Mid 38.14)
Multiple comparisons use the SIC vertical: Health services (SIC 805x)

Classification (SIC) comparables group by industry code, not by economic activity; the direct group is an editorial selection by activity. Members' multiples are on their own trailing twelve months, at their own latest close.

Assumptions (illustrative, editorial)

Risk-free rate
4.3%
Equity risk premium
5.0%
Beta (default)
1.00
Cost of equity
9.3%
Terminal growth
2.5%

Factor scorecard

Neutral profile · Score 70/100

FactorValueScoreWeight used
ROIC · Quality10.6%66 (on a fixed band)10%
Net margin · Quality9.0%100 (vs peers)6%
FCF conversion · Quality104.5%100 (on a fixed band)6%
Revenue CAGR 3Y · Growth11.8%98 (on a fixed band)8%
EPS CAGR 3Y · Growth74.2%100 (on a fixed band)8%
Net debt / EBITDA · Balance sheet-0.2x100 (on a fixed band)10%
Interest coverage · Balance sheet56.6x100 (on a fixed band)6%
Current ratio · Balance sheet1.9x88 (on a fixed band)4%
P/E (TTM) · Valuation23.9x28 (on a fixed band)10%
EV/EBITDA · Valuation17.3x0 (on a fixed band)10%
FCF yield · Valuation4.4%55 (on a fixed band)8%
Shareholder yield (distributions) · Returns2.2%31 (on a fixed band)6%
Payout ratio (FCF) · Returns27.1%100 (on a fixed band)4%

Score groups

  • Balance sheet98/100 · 3/3 factors with a value
  • Growth99/100 · 2/2 factors with a value
  • Quality84/100 · 3/3 factors with a value
  • Returns58/100 · 2/2 factors with a value
  • Valuation26/100 · 3/3 factors with a value

Memo

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP (NHC). Latest full fiscal year: 2025; data up to 2026-06-30.

Figures computed from the financial statements: revenue 1.5 bn USD in 2025; YoY growth 16.1%; net margin 9.0%; ROE 13.1%; net debt/EBITDA -0.2x.

The estimated value range is 148.53–224.77 USD per share (median of 3 methods, agreement: low); assumptions are illustrative. Against the central value of 178.30 USD, the price of 212.40 USD leaves a potential of -16.1% (value / price − 1) and a margin of safety of -19.1% (1 − price / value). The range is the median of the methods' low, central and high values, not a probability interval.

olivLaw score 70/100, methodological classification: neutral profile (score, margin of safety and method agreement together; not a judgement of the right price). Not investment advice.

Text generated deterministically from the figures shown; no language model. Not investment advice.

What supports the thesis

  • Net margin: 9.0%
  • FCF conversion: 104.5%
  • Revenue CAGR 3Y: 11.8%
  • EPS CAGR 3Y: 74.2%
  • Net debt / EBITDA: -0.2x
  • Interest coverage: 56.6x
  • Current ratio: 1.9x
  • Payout ratio (FCF): 27.1%

What contradicts it

  • P/E (TTM): 23.9x
  • EV/EBITDA: 17.3x
  • The valuation methods diverge

Versus the vertical median

Health services (SIC 805x) · same industry group (3-digit SIC) · compared with 5 companies

Multiples and returns vs the median

P/E
23.9x
vertical median 28.0x
below median (−14.6%)
EV/EBITDA
17.3x
vertical median —
P/S
2.1x
vertical median 1.4x
above median (+52.6%)
P/B
3.0x
vertical median 3.8x
below median (−22.6%)
ROE
13.1%
vertical median 17.1%
below median (−23.3%)
Net margin
9.0%
vertical median 4.9%
above median (+84.9%)
EBIT margin
9.3%
vertical median 7.4%
above median (+24.9%)
Revenue YoY
16.1%
vertical median 18.7%
below median (−14.0%)
Net debt/EBITDA
-0.2x
vertical median —
Dividend yield
1.2%
vertical median 0.4%
above median (+182.0%)

Price rebased to 100 (monthly, 5 years)

Companies in the vertical

Market capP/EROENet marginRevenue YoY1A / 3A
ENSGEnsign Group, Inc11.0 bn28.017.1%7.0%+18.7%+1% / +76%
PACSPACS Group, Inc.8.0 bn28.026.6%4.9%+29.3%+50% / unavailable
NHCNational Healthcare Corp3.3 bn23.913.1%9.0%+16.1%+74% / +199%
BKDBrookdale Senior Living Inc.2.7 bn—-362.1%-4.5%+2.2%+1% / +111%
HCSGHealthcare Services Group, Inc.1.8 bn17.920.4%5.6%+7.1%+41% / +173%
SNDASonida Senior Living, Inc.1.8 bn—-26.7%-23.3%+25.2%+14% / +282%

1- and 3-year price returns: for NHC from daily closes (the same as the performance table), for the other companies from month-end closes.

olivLaw engine forecast

The world engine ran after the company's latest material disclosure. Probabilities are of TOUCHING a level within the horizon (not closing there) and sit next to the random walk (p_rw), the no-information benchmark.

The engine has no published run for this company yet.

Valuation scenarios (editable assumptions)

Illustrative scenarios

Illustrative: not forecasts and without probabilities. Each case is one coherent set of assumptions, computed on today's figures.

Bear
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Base
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Bull
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Nothing is saved.

Estimated price (USD)

Estimated priceBearBaseBull
1 years
135.80
Total return -35% · Per year -35%
239.30
Total return 14% · Per year 14%
359.38
Total return 71% · Per year 71%
3 years
151.89
Total return -25% · Per year -9%
299.18
Total return 45% · Per year 13%
490.39
Total return 137% · Per year 33%
5 years
169.87
Total return -14% · Per year -3%
374.04
Total return 85% · Per year 13%
669.15
Total return 227% · Per year 27%
What moves the 3-year price the most
  • Exit P/E± 74.80
  • Net margin± 52.36
  • Annual revenue growth± 40.16
  • Annual dilution± 4.40

AI analysis

AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.

In brief

National HealthCare Corporation operates skilled nursing, assisted living, homecare and hospice services, with a focus on post-acute and senior care. In 2026 it expanded its portfolio through acquisitions, including the purchase of facilities it had previously leased from a landlord, which changes its asset base and rent expense structure.

SWOT

Strengths

  • A diversified service portfolio, from skilled nursing to hospice and homecare, which reduces dependence on one type of activity.
  • Quality measured by CMS ratings, with a share of four- and five-star facilities above the industry average.
  • A mixed ownership structure that gives control over part of the real estate and flexibility in management.

Weaknesses

  • Heavy dependence on government funding, particularly Medicare and Medicaid, exposes revenue to pricing decisions.
  • Labor costs remain high and hard to control, compressing operating margins.
  • The dispute with the landlord of key facilities creates uncertainty over long-term occupancy terms.

Opportunities

  • Buying previously leased facilities could reduce rent costs and increase control over assets.
  • Developing assisted living and residential projects with partners could diversify revenue sources.
  • Quality-based payment could reward facilities with good results if performance is sustained.

Threats

  • Rate cuts in federal and state programs could directly affect revenues and margins.
  • Overbuilding of assisted living could pressure occupancy and pricing.
  • Staffing rules, if reactivated, could add significant operating costs.

Risks

  • NHI lease disputehigh

    NHI alleged that the tenant subsidiary was not complying with non-monetary provisions of the master lease, and the company disputes these allegations 1. Loss of operating rights could affect many facilities.

  • Dependence on public fundinghigh

    A substantial share of revenue comes from Medicare and Medicaid, programs subject to frequent change. Rate reductions could quickly affect margins 1.

  • Labor cost pressuremedium

    Shortages of nurses and qualified staff can raise wages and benefits, and staffing mandates could impose additional costs 1.

  • Retroactive payment adjustmentsmedium

    Payments can be adjusted retroactively after audits, and some costs may be disallowed, which could create repayments 1.

  • Professional liability reserveslow

    Reserves for professional liability and workers' compensation rose in 2025, and the company sets aside restricted assets to cover them, tying up capital 1.

Investment thesis

What would need to be true (bull case)

  • Rising occupancy and a quality rating above the industry average could support revenues if the trend continues.
  • Buying facilities from NHI could reduce rent costs and improve margins over the longer term.
  • Diversification across skilled nursing, homecare and hospice offers a steadier base than a single service type.

What would break the thesis

  • Heavy reliance on government programs exposes the company to rate cuts it cannot control.
  • The dispute with the main landlord and a costly acquisition could raise debt and reduce financial flexibility.
  • Labor costs could stay elevated, and staffing rules could add further pressure.

What to watch

  • Integration of the 32 facilities bought from NHI and effects on rent expense2026
  • Trend in occupancy across owned and leased facilitiesQ3 2026
  • Outcome of the NHI dispute and any changes to the master leasenext 10-K
  • Updates on federal staffing rules and Medicare rate decisions2027

Products, market & competition

AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.

The business

NHC's principal business is operating skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, independent living, homecare and hospice agencies, and behavioral health hospitals 1. The company says it provides post-acute and senior care, and health care services represented 96.8% of net operating revenues in fiscal 2025 1. Beyond operations, it provides management and accounting services to third parties and insures its facilities' workers' compensation and liability risks 1.

At December 31, 2025, the company operated or managed 80 skilled nursing facilities with 10,329 licensed beds, 26 assisted living facilities, nine independent living facilities, three behavioral health hospitals, 34 homecare and 33 hospice agencies in nine states 1. Of the 80 facilities, 43 are owned, 29 leased and 8 managed for third parties 1. On July 1, 2026, the company bought the land and facilities of 32 skilled nursing facilities and three independent living facilities previously leased from NHI for $560,000,000 2.

The model combines direct operation, ownership of real estate and management for third parties, which brings management fees generally set at 6% of the managed centers' net operating revenues 1. Occupancy is a central management focus, and the company reports it rose in fiscal 2025 and in the first half of 2026 2.

Segments

Homecare and hospice

The segment covers homecare and hospice agencies, including the Caris Healthcare subsidiary 1. In fiscal 2025 it produced net operating revenues of $154,086 thousand and income before income taxes of $30,060 thousand 1. Revenues are smaller than the inpatient segment, but its margin in 2025 was higher, per the annual report figures.

Market context

NHC operates in long-term and post-acute senior care, where financing depends heavily on government programs. In fiscal 2025, Medicare accounted for 31% of net patient revenues, Medicaid 30% and managed care 12% 1. Labor pressure remains high, and the company reported a 4.0% rise in the composite skilled nursing per diem in 2025 1.

Demographic trends support demand for senior services, but the annual report notes overbuilding of assisted living in some markets, which can limit occupancy 1. For this reason the company emphasizes care quality and partnerships with hospital systems and other post-acute operators to sustain census 2.

Trends

  • Staffing rules and labor costsheadwind

    Federal minimum staffing rules for skilled nursing facilities are barred from enforcement under the OBBB law from July 2025 until 2034, but some states already have their own requirements 1. If those rules return, labor costs could rise, while the existing shortage of qualified staff has already increased wages 1.

  • Shift to quality-based paymentmixed

    Medicare reduces skilled nursing payments by up to 2 percentage points and redistributes funds based on quality measures, and the homecare model adjusts payments by up to 5% 1. Facilities with better ratings could benefit if this trend strengthens.

  • Lease dispute with NHImixed

    NHI alleged that the company's tenant subsidiary was not complying with non-monetary provisions of the master lease, which the company disputes 1. The July 2026 purchase of 32 facilities partly addresses this exposure and reduces reliance on leased property 2.

  • Rising occupancytailwind

    Census in owned and leased skilled nursing facilities rose in the first half of 2026, especially among Medicare and private pay patients 2. If the trend holds, it could support revenue without new capacity.

Competitive position

The senior care market is fragmented, with large and regional operators competing for the same patients and staff. Competition for private-pay residents and qualified clinical staff is intense, and labor costs are a common pressure across providers 1. NHC distinguishes itself with a quality rating above the industry average 2.

The competitive edge seems to come from combining direct operations, third-party management and property ownership, which gives flexibility in strategy. However, the lack of clearly identified US-listed peers makes direct margin comparison difficult.

  • Regional skilled nursing operators

    Compete for patients and staff in the same southeastern and mid-western states.

  • Assisted living operators

    Compete for private-pay residents, where overbuilding exists in some markets.

  • Homecare and hospice providers

    Compete in home-based care, where payment is per period or per visit.

  • Third-party facility managers

    Compete for management and accounting contracts with property owners.

News & filings

In the press

No news in our archive over the last 180 days.

SEC filings

  • Current report11 Aug 2026
    Other events · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report11 Aug 2026
    Results of operations · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Quarterly report06 Aug 2026
  • Current report01 Jul 2026
    Material agreement · Termination of a material agreement · Acquisition or disposition of assets · Creation of a direct financial obligation · Regulation FD disclosure · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report27 May 2026
    Material agreement · Termination of a material agreement · Creation of a direct financial obligation · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report15 May 2026
    Material agreement · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report13 May 2026
    Shareholder vote
  • Current report08 May 2026
    Results of operations · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Quarterly report07 May 2026
  • Current report07 May 2026
    Other events · Financial statements and exhibits

Sources

  1. [1] Form 10-K, fiscal year ended 2025-12-31 · SEC / National HealthCare Corporation · 26 Feb 2026
  2. [2] Form 10-Q, quarter ended 2026-06-30 · SEC / National HealthCare Corporation · 06 Aug 2026
  3. [3] Form 8-K, results release (exhibit 99.1) · SEC / National HealthCare Corporation · 11 Aug 2026

Figures computed by olivLaw from SEC filings and closing prices; the qualitative analysis is AI-generated from cited sources. Not investment advice.