The Ensign Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENSG) is Wasatch Advisors LP's 6th Largest Position

Wasatch Advisors LP increased its position in The Ensign Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENSG - Free Report) by 4.8% in the fourth quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 3,497,137 shares of the company's stock after purchasing an additional 159,691 shares during the period. The Ensign Group accounts for about 2.3% of Wasatch Advisors LP's investment portfolio, making the stock its 6th biggest holding. Wasatch Advisors LP owned about 6.09% of The Ensign Group worth $464,630,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Retirement Wealth Solutions LLC acquired a new position in shares of The Ensign Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Avior Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in The Ensign Group by 190.1% in the fourth quarter. Avior Wealth Management LLC now owns 206 shares of the company's stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 135 shares during the last quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in The Ensign Group by 150.6% in the fourth quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC now owns 208 shares of the company's stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 125 shares during the period. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC grew its holdings in shares of The Ensign Group by 38.8% during the fourth quarter. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 354 shares of the company's stock valued at $47,000 after purchasing an additional 99 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Asset Planning Inc acquired a new stake in shares of The Ensign Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $80,000. 96.12% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

The Ensign Group Stock Performance

Shares of NASDAQ ENSG traded down $0.20 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $127.98. 405,858 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 427,182. The company has a market cap of $7.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.05, a PEG ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 0.91. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $128.90 and a 200 day moving average price of $137.69. The Ensign Group, Inc. has a 52 week low of $113.27 and a 52 week high of $158.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, a current ratio of 1.56 and a quick ratio of 1.56.

The Ensign Group (NASDAQ:ENSG - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 5th. The company reported $1.36 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $1.47 by ($0.11). The Ensign Group had a return on equity of 17.07% and a net margin of 6.99%. Sell-side analysts anticipate that The Ensign Group, Inc. will post 5.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The Ensign Group Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 31st will be paid a $0.0625 dividend. This represents a $0.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.20%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 31st. The Ensign Group's dividend payout ratio is presently 4.89%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms recently issued reports on ENSG. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on The Ensign Group from $170.00 to $155.00 and set a "hold" rating for the company in a research report on Monday, January 6th. Stephens restated an "overweight" rating and set a $155.00 price target on shares of The Ensign Group in a research report on Thursday, February 6th. Finally, Macquarie lifted their price objective on shares of The Ensign Group from $165.00 to $166.00 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 4th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $165.17.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Daren Shaw sold 2,000 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $129.66, for a total transaction of $259,320.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 26,325 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,413,299.50. This trade represents a 7.06 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Barry M. Smith sold 700 shares of the company's stock in a transaction on Monday, February 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $138.48, for a total value of $96,936.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 30,752 shares in the company, valued at $4,258,536.96. This represents a 2.23 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 42,486 shares of company stock worth $6,251,714 over the last 90 days. 3.90% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

About The Ensign Group

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.