National HealthCare (NHC) vs PACS Group (PACS)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
PACS Group (PACS) has outperformed National HealthCare (NHC) over the past year, gaining 236.4% versus a gain of 87.7%. PACS Group is the larger company by market cap ($6.86 billion vs $3.54 billion), about 1.9 times the size. On valuation, PACS Group trades at a lower forward P/E (15.9x vs 526.1x for National HealthCare).
National HealthCare pays a dividend yielding 1.14%, while PACS Group does not currently pay one. National HealthCare converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 7.9% versus 3.6%.
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 | NHC | PACS |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $226.21 | $43.31 |
| Market cap | $3.54B | $6.86B |
| 1-day change | +0.46% | -0.96% |
| YTD return | +64.25% | +13.91% |
| 1-year return | +87.66% | +236.38% |
| 5-year return | +212.00% | — |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 25.45 | 25.33 |
| Forward P/E | 526.07 | 15.86 |
| EPS (TTM) | $8.89 | $1.71 |
| Dividend yield | 1.14% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $2.59 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.52B | $5.29B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +16.09% | +29.32% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $120.02M | $191.54M |
| Gross margin | — | 21.92% |
| Operating margin | 8.46% | 5.85% |
| Net margin | 7.91% | 3.62% |
| 52-week high | $239.29 | $49.49 |
| 52-week low | $116.42 | $10.31 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -5.47% | -12.49% |
| Analyst consensus | — | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | — | +36.23% |
| Average volume | 108.25K | 804.84K |
| Shares outstanding | 15.66M | 158.34M |
| Employees | 15,278 | 47,455 |
| Sector | Health Care | Health Care |
| Industry | Hospital/Nursing Management | Hospital/Nursing Management |
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
- PACS has outperformed NHC by 148.7 percentage points over the past year.
- National HealthCare offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.14% vs 0.00%).
- PACS Group grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+29.32% vs +16.09%).
About National HealthCare
NHC stock →National HealthCare Corporation engages in the operation of services to skilled nursing facilities, assisted and independent living facilities, homecare and hospice agencies, and health hospitals. It operates through two segments: Inpatient and Homecare and Hospice Services.
Health Care · Hospital/Nursing Management · 15,278 employees
About PACS Group
PACS stock →PACS Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities in the United States. It also provides senior care and independent living facilities.
Health Care · Hospital/Nursing Management · 47,455 employees
NHC vs PACS FAQ
Which is bigger, National HealthCare or PACS Group?
PACS Group (PACS) is larger, with a market capitalization of $6.86B compared with $3.54B for National HealthCare (NHC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, NHC or PACS?
PACS returned +236.38% over the past 12 months, compared with +87.66% for NHC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, NHC or PACS?
PACS has the lower trailing P/E at 25.3, versus 25.4 for NHC. 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, National HealthCare or PACS Group?
National HealthCare pays a dividend yielding 1.14%, while PACS Group does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are National HealthCare and PACS Group in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Hospital/Nursing Management industry within the Health Care sector.