SunTrust Robinson Humphrey Capital Markets analystEric J.Fleming initiated coverage of National Health Investors Inc. with a rating of"hold," and a price target of $80.

The analyst wrote in a research report: "With one ofthe lowest levered balance sheets in the healthcare REIT space (4.3x) and asolid growth track record, we believe NHI will continue to leverage its strongcost of capital position towards accretive acquisitions. With a stellar balancesheet, we think NHI is well positioned to take advantage of opportunities inthe market and further leverage its deep operator relationships to drive steadyinvestment growth."