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National Research Corp (NRC)
NASDAQ:NRC

National Research (NRC) AI Stock Analysis

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National Research

(NASDAQ:NRC)

54Neutral
National Research's stock score reflects significant financial challenges, particularly in profitability and balance sheet clarity. While technical indicators suggest a bearish trend, the company's valuation metrics, including a moderate P/E ratio and strong dividend yield, provide some upside potential. The new CEO appointment may drive future growth, but immediate financial hurdles remain a key risk.

National Research (NRC) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

National Research Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionNational Research Corporation (NRC) is a leading provider of analytics and insights for the healthcare industry. The company offers a range of solutions designed to improve patient experience and outcomes, support care transitions, and drive value-based care initiatives. NRC operates primarily in sectors such as healthcare analytics, patient satisfaction, and healthcare quality measurement, delivering both technology-driven and consultative services.
How the Company Makes MoneyNRC generates revenue through a subscription-based model for its analytics and insights services, which are offered to hospitals, healthcare systems, and other healthcare providers. Key revenue streams include licensing fees for access to its software platforms, consulting services for healthcare performance improvement, and sales of its proprietary market research reports. Additionally, the company maintains strategic partnerships with healthcare organizations, which contribute to its earnings by expanding its client base and enhancing its service offerings.

National Research Financial Statement Overview

Summary
National Research faces notable challenges, particularly in profitability and balance sheet transparency in 2024. Although the company has exhibited operational strength through its cash flows, declining revenues and net income, coupled with unclear equity and debt positions, raise concerns about its financial health. Strategic adjustments may be necessary to bolster profitability and improve financial clarity.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
The income statement reveals a declining revenue trend over the past few years, with revenue dropping from $151.6 million in 2022 to $143.1 million in 2024. Despite this, the company has maintained a strong gross profit margin, consistently at or near 100% in recent years. However, the net profit margin has been under pressure, dropping to zero in 2024, indicating significant challenges in converting sales into profit.
Balance Sheet
30
Negative
The balance sheet shows a precarious financial position in 2024, with stockholders' equity and total debt both at zero, suggesting potential inaccuracies or major structural changes. Historically, the company had a reasonable debt-to-equity ratio and a positive equity position, but current figures prevent a meaningful analysis of leverage and capital structure.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Cash flow analysis indicates healthy operating cash flow with a positive free cash flow figure despite a decrease from past years. The free cash flow to net income ratio cannot be calculated for 2024 due to zero net income, but historically, the company has generated strong free cash flows, supporting operational resilience.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
143.06M148.58M151.57M147.95M133.28M
Gross Profit
86.13M92.56M94.52M95.60M84.09M
EBIT
35.19M40.05M46.54M50.27M42.68M
EBITDA
41.31M45.98M51.83M56.66M50.78M
Net Income Common Stockholders
24.78M30.97M31.80M37.47M37.26M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
4.23M6.65M25.03M54.36M34.69M
Total Assets
132.54M122.44M130.46M157.54M133.42M
Total Debt
62.68M38.96M22.18M26.55M30.61M
Net Debt
58.45M32.30M-2.85M-27.81M-4.08M
Total Liabilities
101.25M73.48M58.43M72.20M69.11M
Stockholders Equity
31.28M48.95M72.03M85.34M64.31M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
19.18M22.33M26.43M40.83M36.65M
Operating Cash Flow
34.63M38.11M36.27M46.34M40.64M
Investing Cash Flow
-20.28M-15.78M-9.84M-8.51M-3.72M
Financing Cash Flow
-16.76M-40.71M-55.58M-18.16M-15.50M

National Research Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price12.82
Price Trends
50DMA
15.59
Negative
100DMA
16.93
Negative
200DMA
19.21
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.68
Positive
RSI
31.86
Neutral
STOCH
9.40
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For NRC, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 12.82 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 14.34, below the 50-day MA of 15.59, and below the 200-day MA of 19.21, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.68 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 31.86 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 9.40 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for NRC.

National Research Risk Analysis

National Research disclosed 24 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. National Research reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

National Research Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (48)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
VMVMD
70
Outperform
$287.72M25.999.19%22.54%8.55%
67
Neutral
$306.61M19.048.27%6.76%-41.38%
NRNRC
54
Neutral
$293.70M12.2661.77%3.72%-3.72%-17.12%
48
Neutral
$6.86B1.11-51.04%2.47%16.66%1.53%
42
Neutral
$216.67M-174.85%-71.53%
42
Neutral
$257.70M239.90%-17.92%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
NRC
National Research
12.82
-22.82
-64.03%
CRVS
Corvus Pharmaceuticals
3.17
1.31
70.43%
TCMD
Tactile Systems Technology
13.60
-1.56
-10.29%
VMD
Viemed Healthcare
7.14
-1.70
-19.23%
HUMA
Humacyte
1.49
-1.48
-49.83%

National Research Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Jan 27, 2025 | % Change Since: -30.96% | Next Earnings Date: May 6, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted the company's strategic plans to expand its market and integrate innovative AI solutions, with positive organizational changes and financial management. However, financial results were flat year-over-year, and there is an expectation of increased net debt due to ongoing investments.
Highlights
Expansion Goals and Strategy
The company aims to double the total addressable market through portfolio additions, acquisitions, and partnerships, with a focus on double-digit annual revenue growth and expanding margins.
Organizational and Leadership Changes
The company has restructured its leadership and sales teams, adding new leaders and sales associates, and implemented new compensation plans and training programs to accelerate pipeline growth.
Innovative Technology and AI Integration
Investment in AI and product leadership to deliver innovative AI solutions to clients, with new tools and insights expected soon in the market.
Financial Management and Capital Allocation
Operating cash flows increased to $12 million compared to $8 million in the previous year. The company returned $18 million to stockholders through dividends and stock repurchases.
Lowlights
Flat Year-over-Year Financial Results
The financial results were consistent with expectations but relatively flat year-over-year, indicating no significant revenue growth in the short term.
Increased Net Debt
Net debt is expected to increase over the balance of the year due to ongoing investments in technology and market expansion.
Company Guidance
During National Research Corporation's Q1 2024 earnings call, the company outlined ambitious financial goals, including doubling their total addressable market through strategic portfolio additions, acquisitions, and partnerships, and achieving double-digit annual revenue growth. The company aims to expand its margins and create significant value for investors by leveraging its health care DNA and innovative technologies. With plans to enhance enterprise-wide experience solutions and apply a generative AI overlay across their offerings, NRC is focused on providing actionable insights that improve client revenue and costs. Despite flat financial results year-over-year, operating cash flows increased from $8 million to $12 million compared to the previous year, with $18 million returned to stockholders through dividends and stock repurchases. The company maintains a net debt of $40 million as of March 31, 2024, and plans to continue funding growth investments while ensuring financial flexibility for future opportunities.

National Research Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
National Research Appoints Trent Green as CEO
Positive
Mar 4, 2025

On February 26, 2025, National Research Corporation announced the appointment of Trent Green as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2025. Green, who has extensive experience in healthcare leadership, will succeed Mike Hays, who will transition to the role of Chairman. This leadership change is expected to drive NRC Health’s growth and innovation in the healthcare sector, building on its legacy of excellence and transparency.

Stock BuybackDividendsFinancial Disclosures
National Research Reports Decline in Q4 2024 Revenue
Negative
Jan 27, 2025

National Research Corporation reported a decrease in revenue and earnings for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The company returned $10.1 million to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases, indicating a strategic focus on delivering value to stakeholders despite financial challenges.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.