National HealthCare (NHC) vs Universal Health Services (UHS)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
National HealthCare (NHC) has outperformed Universal Health Services (UHS) over the past year, gaining 87.7% versus a loss of 14.4%. Over five years, NHC leads with a +212.0% price change compared with +32.1% for UHS. Universal Health Services is the larger company by market cap ($10.36 billion vs $3.53 billion), about 2.9 times the size, while National HealthCare is growing revenue faster (+16.1% vs +9.7%).
On valuation, Universal Health Services trades at a lower forward P/E (7.3x vs 523.7x for National HealthCare). National HealthCare offers the higher dividend yield (1.15% vs 0.46%). Universal Health Services converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 8.6% 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 | UHS |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $225.17 | $175.72 |
| Market cap | $3.53B | $10.36B |
| 1-day change | +1.80% | +0.63% |
| YTD return | +64.25% | -19.40% |
| 1-year return | +87.66% | -14.37% |
| 5-year return | +212.00% | +32.10% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 25.33 | 7.17 |
| Forward P/E | 523.65 | 7.33 |
| EPS (TTM) | $8.89 | $24.52 |
| Dividend yield | 1.15% | 0.46% |
| Annual dividend | $2.59 | $0.80 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.52B | $17.36B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +16.09% | +9.71% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $120.02M | $1.49B |
| Operating margin | 8.46% | 11.48% |
| Net margin | 7.91% | 8.57% |
| 52-week high | $239.29 | $246.33 |
| 52-week low | $116.42 | $140.08 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -5.90% | -28.66% |
| Analyst consensus | — | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | — | +10.94% |
| Average volume | 108.25K | 789.88K |
| Shares outstanding | 15.66M | 51.69M |
| Employees | 15,278 | 102,000 |
| 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
- Universal Health Services is about 2.9 times larger than National HealthCare by market value ($10.36B vs $3.53B).
- NHC has outperformed UHS by 102.0 percentage points over the past year.
- National HealthCare trades at a higher earnings multiple (25.3x vs 7.2x trailing P/E).
- National HealthCare grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+16.09% vs +9.71%).
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 Universal Health Services
UHS stock →Universal Health Services, Inc., through its subsidiaries, owns and operates acute care hospitals, and outpatient and behavioral health care facilities in the United States. It operates through Acute Care Hospital Services and Behavioral Health Care Services segments.
Health Care · Hospital/Nursing Management · 102,000 employees
NHC vs UHS FAQ
Which is bigger, National HealthCare or Universal Health Services?
Universal Health Services (UHS) is larger, with a market capitalization of $10.36B compared with $3.53B for National HealthCare (NHC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, NHC or UHS?
NHC returned +87.66% over the past 12 months, compared with -14.37% for UHS (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, NHC or UHS?
UHS has the lower trailing P/E at 7.2, versus 25.3 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 Universal Health Services?
National HealthCare has the higher yield at 1.15%, compared with 0.46% for Universal Health Services.
Are National HealthCare and Universal Health Services in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Hospital/Nursing Management industry within the Health Care sector.