The Ensign Group (NASDAQ:ENSG) Reaches New 52-Week High - What's Next?

Key Points

• The Ensign Group's stock reached a new 52-week high of $158.81 during trading, with the last recorded price at $158.47.
• Analysts have varying price targets, with a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of $167.67, up from previous targets.
• The company reported a quarterly earnings per share (EPS) of $1.59, exceeding estimates, along with an 18.5% year-over-year revenue increase.

The Ensign Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENSG - Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $158.81 and last traded at $158.47, with a volume of 46090 shares. The stock had previously closed at $157.92.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

ENSG has been the subject of several recent research reports. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on The Ensign Group from $155.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a "hold" rating in a report on Monday, July 28th. Stephens lifted their price objective on The Ensign Group from $165.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating in a report on Monday, July 28th. Finally, Macquarie decreased their price objective on The Ensign Group from $159.00 to $156.00 and set an "outperform" rating for the company in a report on Friday, May 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $167.67.

The Ensign Group Trading Up 0.9%

The stock has a market cap of $9.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.15, a P/E/G ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a quick ratio of 1.41 and a current ratio of 1.41. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $149.44 and a 200-day moving average price of $138.81.

The Ensign Group (NASDAQ:ENSG - Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 24th. The company reported $1.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $1.54 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $1.23 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.22 billion. The Ensign Group had a return on equity of 16.92% and a net margin of 6.99%. The company's revenue for the quarter was up 18.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.32 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that The Ensign Group, Inc. will post 5.59 EPS for the current year.

The Ensign Group Cuts Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 31st. Investors of record on Monday, June 30th were given a $0.0625 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, June 30th. This represents a $0.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.2%. The Ensign Group's payout ratio is presently 4.54%.

Insider Transactions at The Ensign Group

In related news, Director Daren Shaw sold 1,999 shares of the business's stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $145.47, for a total value of $290,794.53. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 24,926 shares in the company, valued at $3,625,985.22. The trade was a 7.42% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, VP Beverly B. Wittekind sold 4,719 shares of the business's stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $155.00, for a total value of $731,445.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president owned 38,679 shares of the company's stock, valued at $5,995,245. The trade was a 10.87% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 19,336 shares of company stock worth $2,902,377. 3.90% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of The Ensign Group

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Financial Management Professionals Inc. purchased a new position in The Ensign Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Rise Advisors LLC increased its stake in The Ensign Group by 114.0% in the 1st quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 199 shares of the company's stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 106 shares during the period. WPG Advisers LLC purchased a new position in The Ensign Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. TCTC Holdings LLC increased its stake in The Ensign Group by 116.7% in the 1st quarter. TCTC Holdings LLC now owns 208 shares of the company's stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 112 shares during the period. Finally, Maseco LLP purchased a new position in The Ensign Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $36,000. Institutional investors own 96.12% of the company's stock.

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.