Independence Realty (IRT) vs National Health Investors (NHI)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 10, 2026.
Summary
Independence Realty (IRT) has outperformed National Health Investors (NHI) over the past year, losing 8.7% versus a loss of 12.2%. Over five years, NHI leads with a +14.8% price change compared with -30.7% for IRT. Independence Realty is the larger company by market cap ($3.57 billion vs $3.18 billion), about 1.1 times the size, while National Health Investors is growing revenue faster (+12.1% vs +2.8%).
On valuation, National Health Investors trades at a lower forward P/E (19.3x vs 184.6x for Independence Realty). National Health Investors offers the higher dividend yield (5.67% vs 4.67%). National Health Investors converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 37.9% versus 8.6%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | IRT | NHI |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $14.77 | $64.85 |
| Market cap | $3.57B | $3.18B |
| 1-day change | +0.89% | +0.42% |
| YTD return | -15.50% | -15.08% |
| 1-year return | -8.71% | -12.15% |
| 5-year return | -30.69% | +14.78% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 82.06 | 18.74 |
| Forward P/E | 184.63 | 19.33 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.18 | $3.46 |
| Dividend yield | 4.67% | 5.67% |
| Annual dividend | $0.69 | $3.68 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $657.70M | $375.63M |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +2.76% | +12.07% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $56.56M | $142.18M |
| Net margin | 8.60% | 37.85% |
| 52-week high | $17.79 | $91.38 |
| 52-week low | $14.33 | $63.51 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -16.98% | -29.03% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +30.47% | +26.26% |
| Average volume | 3.24M | 376.40K |
| Shares outstanding | 235.74M | 49.11M |
| Employees | 904 | 32 |
| Sector | Real Estate | Real Estate |
| Industry | Real Estate Investment Trusts | Real Estate Investment Trusts |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Independence Realty trades at a higher earnings multiple (82.1x vs 18.7x trailing P/E).
- National Health Investors offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (5.67% vs 4.67%).
- National Health Investors is more profitable, keeping 37.9 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 8.6 cents for Independence Realty.
- National Health Investors grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+12.07% vs +2.76%).
About Independence Realty
IRT stock →Independence Realty Trust, Inc., an S&P 400 MidCap Company, is a real estate investment trust that owns and operates multifamily communities across non-gateway U.S. markets.
Real Estate · Real Estate Investment Trusts · 904 employees
About National Health Investors
NHI stock →National Health Investors, Inc. is a self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT).
Real Estate · Real Estate Investment Trusts · 32 employees
IRT vs NHI FAQ
Which is bigger, Independence Realty or National Health Investors?
Independence Realty (IRT) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.57B compared with $3.18B for National Health Investors (NHI).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, IRT or NHI?
IRT returned -8.71% over the past 12 months, compared with -12.15% for NHI (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, IRT or NHI?
NHI has the lower trailing P/E at 18.7, versus 82.1 for IRT. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Independence Realty or National Health Investors?
National Health Investors has the higher yield at 5.67%, compared with 4.67% for Independence Realty.
Are Independence Realty and National Health Investors in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry within the Real Estate sector.