Swiss National Bank Cuts Stock Holdings in The Ensign Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENSG)

Swiss National Bank lessened its position in The Ensign Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENSG - Free Report) by 10.0% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 110,700 shares of the company's stock after selling 12,300 shares during the quarter. Swiss National Bank owned 0.20% of The Ensign Group worth $12,422,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its position in shares of The Ensign Group by 11.4% during the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 295,716 shares of the company's stock worth $27,481,000 after purchasing an additional 30,184 shares during the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers boosted its position in The Ensign Group by 24.9% in the 3rd quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 201,143 shares of the company's stock valued at $18,692,000 after buying an additional 40,050 shares during the period. Legacy Wealth Asset Management LLC grew its stake in The Ensign Group by 8.0% in the 3rd quarter. Legacy Wealth Asset Management LLC now owns 12,376 shares of the company's stock worth $1,150,000 after acquiring an additional 914 shares in the last quarter. Deutsche Bank AG grew its stake in The Ensign Group by 17.4% in the 3rd quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 31,050 shares of the company's stock worth $2,885,000 after acquiring an additional 4,593 shares in the last quarter. Finally, DeDora Capital Inc. increased its position in shares of The Ensign Group by 12.0% during the fourth quarter. DeDora Capital Inc. now owns 5,435 shares of the company's stock worth $610,000 after acquiring an additional 583 shares during the period. 96.12% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

The Ensign Group Stock Up 0.5 %

NASDAQ ENSG traded up $0.64 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $118.34. 195,838 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 297,997. The company has a market cap of $6.74 billion, a PE ratio of 31.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.59 and a beta of 0.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, a current ratio of 1.53 and a quick ratio of 1.53. The Ensign Group, Inc. has a 52 week low of $87.14 and a 52 week high of $127.57. The company's 50-day simple moving average is $120.70 and its 200-day simple moving average is $115.26.

The Ensign Group Cuts Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, April 30th. Shareholders of record on Sunday, March 31st were issued a $0.06 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, March 27th. This represents a $0.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.20%. The Ensign Group's dividend payout ratio is presently 6.32%.

Insider Buying and Selling at The Ensign Group

In other news, Director Daren Shaw sold 6,000 shares of The Ensign Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $119.67, for a total value of $718,020.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 31,375 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $3,754,646.25. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, Director Daren Shaw sold 6,000 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $119.67, for a total value of $718,020.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 31,375 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $3,754,646.25. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, VP Beverly B. Wittekind sold 10,000 shares of the company's stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $121.65, for a total value of $1,216,500.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 37,912 shares in the company, valued at $4,611,994.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 20,813 shares of company stock valued at $2,506,203. 3.90% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Oppenheimer increased their price objective on The Ensign Group from $130.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a research note on Monday, May 6th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on The Ensign Group from $112.00 to $133.00 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Finally, Stephens reaffirmed an "overweight" rating and issued a $135.00 price objective on shares of The Ensign Group in a research note on Tuesday, April 23rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, The Ensign Group currently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of $124.60.

The Ensign Group Company 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.