This week I’m seeking a prestigious and long-term dividend-paying stock from the healthcare business sector. 

That healthcare sector includes ten industries all related to testing, diagnosing and treating what ails us. Healthcare industries are: biotechnology; diagnostics & research; drug manufacturers – major and – specialty & generic; health care plans; long-term care facilities; medical care; medical devices; medical distribution; medical supplies.

Today I’m reviewing a small-cap long-term care facilities provider, named National Healthcare Corporation Inc. Its trading ticker symbol is NHC. 

National Healthcare Corp is engaged in the operation of skilled nursing facilities with associated assisted living and independent living facilities. It provides sub-acute and post-acute skilled nursing care, senior living and home health care services.

The company’s 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, for patients recovering from illnesses, injuries, or disabilities.

Its medical specialty units comprise memory care units and subacute nursing units that offer specialized care and programs for persons with Alzheimer’s or related disorders; and assisted living centers providing assistance with general activities of daily living.

As of December 31, 2017, the company operated 76 skilled nursing facilities with 9,597 licensed beds; 24 assisted living facilities; 5 independent living facilities; 36 homecare programs; and 4 pharmacies. 

National HealthCare Corporation was founded in 1971 and is based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

I use three key data points to gauge the value of any dividend equity or fund like NHC: 

(1) Price

(2) Dividends

(3) Returns

Besides those three, four more keys will finally unlock an equity or fund in which to invest.