The Ensign Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENSG) Stock Holdings Lifted by Ensign Peak Advisors Inc

Ensign Peak Advisors Inc raised its holdings in The Ensign Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENSG - Free Report) by 9.3% in the fourth quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 25,791 shares of the company's stock after purchasing an additional 2,197 shares during the period. Ensign Peak Advisors Inc's holdings in The Ensign Group were worth $3,427,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Barclays PLC grew its holdings in shares of The Ensign Group by 260.3% during the third quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 107,288 shares of the company's stock valued at $15,430,000 after buying an additional 77,514 shares during the last quarter. Tidal Investments LLC purchased a new position in The Ensign Group in the 3rd quarter worth $200,000. Park Avenue Securities LLC raised its stake in shares of The Ensign Group by 20.8% during the fourth quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 10,031 shares of the company's stock valued at $1,333,000 after acquiring an additional 1,730 shares during the last quarter. West Coast Financial LLC increased its position in shares of The Ensign Group by 2.2% during the fourth quarter. West Coast Financial LLC now owns 34,146 shares of the company's stock valued at $4,537,000 after buying an additional 748 shares during the period. Finally, Retirement Wealth Solutions LLC purchased a new stake in The Ensign Group in the fourth quarter worth about $25,000. Institutional investors own 96.12% of the company's stock.

The Ensign Group Price Performance

Shares of NASDAQ:ENSG traded down $0.16 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $149.59. The company's stock had a trading volume of 194,992 shares, compared to its average volume of 452,677. The business's 50 day simple moving average is $130.40 and its 200 day simple moving average is $135.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, a quick ratio of 1.56 and a current ratio of 1.56. The company has a market cap of $8.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 1.03. The Ensign Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $116.23 and a 12-month high of $158.45.

The Ensign Group (NASDAQ:ENSG - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The company reported $1.52 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $1.50 by $0.02. The Ensign Group had a net margin of 6.99% and a return on equity of 17.07%. The business had revenue of $1.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $1.17 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.30 earnings per share. The business's revenue for the quarter was up 16.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that The Ensign Group, Inc. will post 5.59 EPS for the current year.

The Ensign Group Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, April 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 31st were paid a $0.0625 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, March 31st. This represents a $0.25 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.17%. The Ensign Group's dividend payout ratio is currently 4.73%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

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

Insider Transactions at The Ensign Group

In related news, Director Barry M. Smith sold 700 shares of the firm'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 transaction, the director now owns 30,052 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,881,215.80. This trade represents a 2.28% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 3.90% of the company's stock.

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.