National HealthCare (NHC) vs Tenet Healthcare (THC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
National HealthCare (NHC) has outperformed Tenet Healthcare (THC) over the past year, gaining 87.8% versus a gain of 26.9%. Over five years, THC leads with a +308.8% price change compared with +206.5% for NHC. Tenet Healthcare is the larger company by market cap ($21.00 billion vs $3.48 billion), about 6.0 times the size, while National HealthCare is growing revenue faster (+16.1% vs +3.1%).
On valuation, Tenet Healthcare trades at a lower forward P/E (12.4x vs 517.4x for National HealthCare). National HealthCare pays a dividend yielding 1.16%, while Tenet Healthcare does not currently pay one. Tenet Healthcare converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 11.1% versus 7.9%.
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 | THC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $222.47 | $260.80 |
| Market cap | $3.48B | $21.00B |
| 1-day change | +0.58% | +0.37% |
| YTD return | +61.35% | +30.75% |
| 1-year return | +87.75% | +26.85% |
| 5-year return | +206.48% | +308.79% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 25.02 | 10.08 |
| Forward P/E | 517.36 | 12.37 |
| EPS (TTM) | $8.89 | $25.88 |
| Dividend yield | 1.16% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $2.59 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.52B | $21.31B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +16.09% | +3.07% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $120.02M | $2.37B |
| Operating margin | 8.46% | 16.46% |
| Net margin | 7.91% | 11.11% |
| 52-week high | $239.29 | $283.05 |
| 52-week low | $116.42 | $157.58 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -7.03% | -7.86% |
| Analyst consensus | — | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | — | +9.40% |
| Average volume | 108.54K | 970.16K |
| Shares outstanding | 15.66M | 80.52M |
| Employees | 15,278 | 77,000 |
| 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
- Tenet Healthcare is about 6.0 times larger than National HealthCare by market value ($21.00B vs $3.48B).
- NHC has outperformed THC by 60.9 percentage points over the past year.
- National HealthCare trades at a higher earnings multiple (25.0x vs 10.1x trailing P/E).
- National HealthCare offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.16% vs 0.00%).
- National HealthCare grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+16.09% vs +3.07%).
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 Tenet Healthcare
THC stock →Tenet Healthcare Corporation operates as a diversified healthcare services company in the United States. The company operates through two segments: Hospital Operations and Services, and Ambulatory Care.
Health Care · Hospital/Nursing Management · 77,000 employees
NHC vs THC FAQ
Which is bigger, National HealthCare or Tenet Healthcare?
Tenet Healthcare (THC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $21.00B compared with $3.48B for National HealthCare (NHC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, NHC or THC?
NHC returned +87.75% over the past 12 months, compared with +26.85% for THC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, NHC or THC?
THC has the lower trailing P/E at 10.1, versus 25.0 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 Tenet Healthcare?
National HealthCare pays a dividend yielding 1.16%, while Tenet Healthcare does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are National HealthCare and Tenet Healthcare in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Hospital/Nursing Management industry within the Health Care sector.