📊 NHC Key Takeaways
Is National Healthcare Corp. (NHC) a Good Investment?
National Healthcare Corp demonstrates solid financial health with zero long-term debt and strong free cash flow generation (13.9% FCF margin), but fundamental profitability is deteriorating with net income declining 2.1% YoY despite 3.3% revenue growth, suggesting margin compression. Alarmingly low returns on capital (ROE 3.3%, ROA 2.4%) indicate the company is not efficiently deploying its $1.5B asset base, warranting a cautious stance until profitability trends improve.
NHC exhibits resilient profitability and strong free cash flow with minimal leverage, providing a solid financial foundation in a regulated, labor-intensive sector. Modest revenue growth and a slight net income decline suggest some margin pressure, but liquidity, interest coverage, and cash conversion support ongoing investment and stability. EPS growth outpacing net income implies share count reductions or mix effects, enhancing per‑share fundamentals.
National Healthcare Corp. Key Strengths (NHC)
- Zero long-term debt provides exceptional financial flexibility and balance sheet resilience
- Strong free cash flow generation of $52.9M with 13.9% FCF margin relative to revenue
- Excellent liquidity position with current ratio of 1.86x and quick ratio of 1.82x
- Low capital intensity with CapEx at only 2.5% of revenue, enabling higher cash returns
- Very strong balance sheet with low leverage and high interest coverage
- Robust cash generation and FCF margin (~9.8%) with OCF > net income
- Solid profitability metrics for the sector (OM 8.5%, ROE 11.2%)
NHC Stock Risks: National Healthcare Corp. Investment Risks
- Net income declining 2.1% YoY while revenue grows 3.3% indicates operational margin compression and deteriorating profitability
- Critically low returns on capital with ROE of 3.3% and ROA of 2.4% suggest inefficient asset deployment and value destruction
- Anemic 3.3% revenue growth reflects limited market expansion in mature skilled nursing care sector facing demographic and regulatory headwinds
- EPS growth of 17.5% masking net income decline signals share buybacks compensating for weak underlying earnings fundamentals
- Skilled nursing care sector faces persistent labor cost inflation, regulatory pressures, and Medicare reimbursement uncertainty
- Reimbursement exposure to Medicare/Medicaid and regulatory changes
- Labor inflation and staffing constraints pressuring margins
- Slow top-line growth and potential occupancy/mix headwinds
Key Metrics to Watch
- Operating margin trend and sustainability amid labor cost pressures
- Net income growth rate relative to revenue growth to assess margin stability
- Return on equity and return on assets improvement trajectory
- Free cash flow conversion rate and ability to sustain 13%+ FCF margins
- Facility occupancy rates and average daily patient census movements
- Operating margin
- Wage expense as % of revenue
National Healthcare Corp. (NHC) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
National Healthcare Corp. presents a mixed fundamental picture. Review the detailed metrics above to form your own investment thesis.
NHC Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
NHC vs Services Sector: How National Healthcare Corp. Compares
How National Healthcare Corp. compares to Services sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is National Healthcare Corp. Stock Overvalued? NHC Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, National Healthcare Corp. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Services 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.
National Healthcare Corp. Balance Sheet: NHC Debt, Cash & Liquidity
NHC Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
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 Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
NHC Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $361.6M | $32.2M | $2.07 |
| 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 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
National Healthcare Corp. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
NHC SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q 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 a Combined AI Grade of A from Claude (B) and ChatGPT (A) with 76% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are NHC's key strengths?
Claude: Zero long-term debt provides exceptional financial flexibility and balance sheet resilience. Strong free cash flow generation of $52.9M with 13.9% FCF margin relative to revenue. ChatGPT: Very strong balance sheet with low leverage and high interest coverage. Robust cash generation and FCF margin (~9.8%) with OCF > net income.
What are the risks of investing in NHC?
Claude: Net income declining 2.1% YoY while revenue grows 3.3% indicates operational margin compression and deteriorating profitability. Critically low returns on capital with ROE of 3.3% and ROA of 2.4% suggest inefficient asset deployment and value destruction. ChatGPT: Reimbursement exposure to Medicare/Medicaid and regulatory changes. Labor inflation and staffing constraints pressuring margins.
What is NHC's revenue and growth?
National Healthcare Corp. reported revenue of $381.8M.
Does NHC pay dividends?
National Healthcare Corp. pays dividends, with $9.9M 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 $2.27.
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 grade reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
What is NHC's fundamental grade?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in May 2026, National Healthcare Corp. has a A grade with 76% 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 3.3% (sector avg: 16%), net margin of 9.4% (sector avg: 10%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
What is NHC's AI grade for 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives National Healthcare Corp. a combined A grade 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 $62.5M, with capital expenditures of $9.6M. FCF margin is 13.9%.
How does NHC compare to other Services stocks?
Vs Services sector averages: Net margin 9.4% (avg: 10%), ROE 3.3% (avg: 16%), current ratio 1.86 (avg: 1.5).