📊 NHC Key Takeaways
Is NHC a Good Investment? Thesis Analysis
National Healthcare Corp demonstrates exceptional financial strength with fortress-like balance sheet (0.04x debt-to-equity), robust free cash flow generation ($148.6M annually), and strong liquidity. However, net income declined 2.1% despite 3.3% revenue growth, signaling margin compression in a challenged reimbursement environment.
Why Buy NHC? Key Strengths
- Exceptional balance sheet strength with minimal leverage (D/E 0.04x) and 31.0x interest coverage
- Strong free cash flow generation of $148.6M (9.8% FCF margin) with low capex intensity
- Solid liquidity position (1.82x current ratio) with $92.8M cash versus $40.0M long-term debt
NHC Investment Risks to Consider
- Net income declining (-2.1% YoY) despite revenue growth indicates margin compression and operational pressure
- Skilled nursing facility sector faces structural headwinds from Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement constraints and regulatory costs
- Modest organic revenue growth of 3.3% suggests limited expansion opportunity in mature healthcare services market
Key Metrics to Watch
- Operating margin trend - critical indicator of pricing power and cost control in reimbursement-constrained environment
- Free cash flow sustainability and capital allocation (organic investment, debt reduction, shareholder returns)
- Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rate changes and regulatory compliance costs impact
NHC Financial Metrics
💡 AI Analyst Insight
NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP presents a mixed fundamental picture. Review the detailed metrics above to form your own investment thesis.
NHC Profitability Ratios
NHC vs Default Sector
How NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP compares to Default sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is NHC Overvalued or Undervalued?
Based on fundamental analysis, NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Default sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
NHC Balance Sheet & Liquidity
NHC 5-Year Financial Trend & Growth Analysis
5-Year Trend Summary: NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP's revenue has grown significantly by 52% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $4.34 reflects profitable operations.
NHC Growth Metrics (YoY)
NHC Quarterly Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $328.7M | $39.2M | $2.50 |
| Q2 2025 | $279.9M | $23.7M | $1.52 |
| Q1 2025 | $285.8M | $26.2M | $1.69 |
| Q3 2024 | $277.0M | $10.4M | $0.68 |
| Q2 2024 | $269.6M | $16.3M | $1.06 |
| Q1 2024 | $258.0M | $11.7M | $0.76 |
| Q3 2023 | $260.2M | -$2.4M | $-0.16 |
| Q2 2023 | $260.1M | $3.2M | $0.21 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
NHC Capital Allocation
NHC SEC 10-K & 10-Q Filing Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP (CIK: 0001047335)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about NHC
What is the AI rating for NHC?
NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP (NHC) has an AI rating of BUY with 72% confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are NHC's key strengths?
Claude: Exceptional balance sheet strength with minimal leverage (D/E 0.04x) and 31.0x interest coverage. Strong free cash flow generation of $148.6M (9.8% FCF margin) with low capex intensity.
What are the risks of investing in NHC?
Claude: Net income declining (-2.1% YoY) despite revenue growth indicates margin compression and operational pressure. Skilled nursing facility sector faces structural headwinds from Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement constraints and regulatory costs.
What is NHC's revenue and growth?
NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP reported revenue of $1.5B.
Does NHC pay dividends?
NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP pays dividends, with $38.7M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find NHC SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP (CIK: 0001047335) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is NHC's EPS?
NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP has a diluted EPS of $7.67.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is NHC a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP has a BUY rating with 72% confidence. The AI analysis suggests favorable fundamentals based on SEC filings. This is not investment advice.
Is NHC stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for NHC: ROE of 11.2% (sector avg: 15%), net margin of 7.9% (sector avg: 12%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy NHC stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP a combined BUY rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is NHC's free cash flow?
NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP's operating cash flow is $185.1M, with capital expenditures of $36.4M. FCF margin is 9.8%.
How does NHC compare to other Default stocks?
Vs Default sector averages: Net margin 7.9% (avg: 12%), ROE 11.2% (avg: 15%), current ratio 1.82 (avg: 1.8).