Algert Global LLC Takes $10.29 Million Position in The Ensign Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENSG)

Algert Global LLC bought a new stake in The Ensign Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENSG - Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm bought 77,415 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $10,285,000. Algert Global LLC owned approximately 0.13% of The Ensign Group at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of The Ensign Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $90,747,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new position in The Ensign Group during the fourth quarter worth $36,167,000. Northern Trust Corp lifted its stake in The Ensign Group by 26.7% during the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 937,930 shares of the company's stock worth $124,613,000 after acquiring an additional 197,865 shares in the last quarter. Wasatch Advisors LP grew its position in The Ensign Group by 4.8% in the 4th quarter. Wasatch Advisors LP now owns 3,497,137 shares of the company's stock valued at $464,630,000 after acquiring an additional 159,691 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Hood River Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of The Ensign Group by 58.6% in the fourth quarter. Hood River Capital Management LLC now owns 304,309 shares of the company's stock valued at $40,430,000 after purchasing an additional 112,481 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 96.12% of the company's stock.

The Ensign Group Price Performance

Shares of ENSG traded up $0.50 on Friday, reaching $136.78. The stock had a trading volume of 81,266 shares, compared to its average volume of 442,300. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $128.71 and a 200 day moving average of $135.93. The company has a quick ratio of 1.56, a current ratio of 1.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.86 billion, a PE ratio of 26.77, a PEG ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 1.03. The Ensign Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $116.23 and a twelve month high of $158.45.

The Ensign Group (NASDAQ:ENSG - Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The company reported $1.52 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $1.50 by $0.02. The Ensign Group had a return on equity of 17.07% and a net margin of 6.99%. The company had revenue of $1.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.17 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.30 EPS. The business's revenue for the quarter was up 16.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts expect that The Ensign Group, Inc. will post 5.59 EPS for the current year.

The Ensign Group Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, April 30th. Investors of record on Monday, March 31st were given a dividend of $0.0625 per share. This represents a $0.25 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.18%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, March 31st. The Ensign Group's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 4.73%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have commented on the stock. Macquarie lowered their price target on shares of The Ensign Group from $159.00 to $156.00 and set an "outperform" rating for the company in a report on Friday, May 2nd. Stephens reiterated an "overweight" rating and issued a $155.00 price target on shares of The Ensign Group in a research note on Thursday, February 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $163.50.

Insider Buying and Selling at The Ensign Group

In other The Ensign Group news, Director Daren Shaw sold 2,000 shares of the business's stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $129.66, for a total transaction of $259,320.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 26,325 shares in the company, valued at $3,413,299.50. The trade was a 7.06 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Barry M. Smith sold 700 shares of the company's stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $129.15, for a total value of $90,405.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 30,052 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,881,215.80. This represents a 2.28 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 3.90% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

The Ensign Group Profile

The Ensign Group, Inc provides skilled nursing, senior living, and rehabilitative services. It operates through two segments: Skilled Services and Standard Bearer. The company's Skilled Services segment engages in the operation of skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation therapy services for patients with chronic conditions, prolonged illness, and the elderly; and offers nursing facilities including specialty care, such as on-site dialysis, ventilator care, cardiac, and pulmonary management, as well as standard services comprising room and board, special nutritional programs, social services, recreational activities, entertainment, and other services.