The Ensign Group (NASDAQ:ENSG) Sets New 52-Week High - Here's Why

Key Points

• The Ensign Group's stock reached a new 52-week high of $162.76, with a current trading price of $161.70 and a market capitalization of $9.33 billion.
• Analysts have a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" for the stock, with the average target price set at $167.67.
• Recently, the company reported earnings of $1.59 per share, surpassing expectations, while also announcing a quarterly dividend of $0.0625 per share.

Shares of The Ensign Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENSG - Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $162.76 and last traded at $161.70, with a volume of 569215 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $160.63.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts have issued reports on the company. Stephens raised their target price on The Ensign Group from $165.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating in a research report on Monday, July 28th. Macquarie dropped their price objective 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. Truist Financial boosted their target price on shares of The Ensign Group from $155.00 to $165.00 and gave the company a "hold" rating in a research report on Monday, July 28th. Finally, UBS Group reiterated a "buy" rating and issued a $195.00 price target (up from $185.00) on shares of The Ensign Group in a research report on Thursday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $171.00.

The Ensign Group Stock Performance

The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $150.27 and a 200 day simple moving average of $139.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a current ratio of 1.41 and a quick ratio of 1.41. The firm has a market cap of $9.58 billion, a PE ratio of 30.13, a PEG ratio of 1.88 and a beta of 1.02.

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

The Ensign Group Cuts Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 30th were paid a $0.0625 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, June 30th. This represents a $0.25 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.2%. The Ensign Group's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 4.54%.

Insider Transactions at The Ensign Group

In other news, Director Barry M. Smith sold 700 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.48, for a total value of $107,436.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 27,852 shares of the company's stock, valued at $4,274,724.96. This trade represents a 2.45% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, VP Beverly B. Wittekind sold 4,719 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction dated 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 transaction, the vice president directly owned 38,679 shares in the company, valued at $5,995,245. This trade represents a 10.87% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 17,337 shares of company stock valued at $2,611,583 over the last quarter. 3.90% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On The Ensign Group

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in ENSG. Rise Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of The Ensign Group by 114.0% during the first quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 199 shares of the company's stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 106 shares during the period. 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 buying an additional 112 shares during the period. WPG Advisers LLC purchased a new position in The Ensign Group in the 1st quarter worth about $27,000. Financial Management Professionals Inc. purchased a new position in The Ensign Group in the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. Finally, Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC increased its stake in The Ensign Group by 638.7% in the 2nd quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 229 shares of the company's stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 198 shares during the period. 96.12% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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.