National HealthCare Corp. earnings rose 15% in the first quarter to $3.9 million, compared with $3.4 million in the year ago quarter. The Murfreesboro, TN-based nursing home company reported quarterly revenues of $120 million, compared with $113 million last year.
The company did not release reasons for the boost, but it did announce it would begin paying quarterly dividends. The first payout will be 12.5 cents per share to shareholders of record on April 30.
NHC operates 75 long-term health care centers, with 9,332 beds. NHC also operates 32 home care programs, six independent living centers and assisted living centers at 19 locations.
