NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP

Current report

***The status of our lease with National Health Investors, Inc. creates uncertainties and risks to our future operations.***A significant portion of our skilled nursing and independent living facilities are subject to a long-term Master Agreement to Lease with National Health Investors, Inc. (“NHI”), which we refer to as the Master Lease. On July 29, 2025, NHI notified us of alleged non-compliance with certain non-monetary provisions of the Master Lease. On September 8, 2025, NHI formally alleged that the tenant under the lease, our wholly owned subsidiary NHC/OP, L.P., is in default as a result of alleged non-compliance with four non-monetary provisions, and indicated that failure to cure the alleged defaults within the applicable cure period would constitute an “Event of Default,” entitling NHI to pursue any remedies available under the agreement, including termination. We dispute that any default has occurred and we continue to communicate with NHI to resolve these matters. For a further discussion of our response to NHI’s allegations, please see Note 7 - Long-Term Leases to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q.

Current report

In October 2025, we provided NHI with a notice of our intent to exercise our right to extend the Master Lease for an additional five-year term beginning January 1, 2027. Under the Master Lease, the base rent for any renewal term is to be the fair rental value of the leased property as negotiated between the parties, without regard to improvements we made voluntarily at our expense. There is no assurance, however, that we will reach agreement with NHI on the base rent or other renewal terms. Further, if NHI asserts that an “Event of Default” has occurred or raises other objections to our extension notice, NHI may seek to terminate our occupancy of the leased properties.

Current report

Failure to resolve the current disputes with NHI or a failure to secure renewal of the Master Lease on acceptable terms could result in the loss of our right to occupy and operate some or all of the affected facilities, or subject us to damages, acceleration of rent, or other remedies in favor of NHI. Even if a default is ultimately determined not to have occurred, the process of resolving such disputes may result in significant legal and other expenses and could distract management from other priorities. The loss of these facilities or an increase in lease-related expenses could have a material adverse effect on our business, future results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and liquidity.