The Ensign Group (NASDAQ:ENSG) Posts Earnings Results, Misses Estimates By $0.11 EPS

The Ensign Group (NASDAQ:ENSG) released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The company reported $1.36 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.47 by ($0.11), Zacks reports. The Ensign Group had a net margin of 5.84% and a return on equity of 17.21%. The Ensign Group updated its FY 2025 guidance to 6.160-6.340 EPS.

The Ensign Group Stock Performance

ENSG traded up $3.49 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $148.86. 852,392 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 425,532. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.04, a P/E/G ratio of 1.66 and a beta of 0.94. The Ensign Group has a 52-week low of $113.27 and a 52-week high of $158.45. The company has a quick ratio of 1.56, a current ratio of 1.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. The company’s fifty day moving average price is $138.22 and its 200-day moving average price is $143.81.

The Ensign Group Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st were paid a $0.0625 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 31st. This is a positive change from The Ensign Group’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.06. This represents a $0.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.17%. The Ensign Group’s payout ratio is currently 6.05%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have weighed in on ENSG shares. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on The Ensign Group from $167.00 to $172.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Monday, October 28th. Truist Financial reduced their price target on The Ensign Group from $170.00 to $155.00 and set a “hold” rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, January 6th. Oppenheimer boosted their target price on shares of The Ensign Group from $165.00 to $168.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Friday, October 25th. UBS Group initiated coverage on shares of The Ensign Group in a research note on Thursday, November 21st. They issued a “buy” rating and a $175.00 price target for the company. Finally, Stephens upped their price target on The Ensign Group from $163.00 to $167.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Monday, October 28th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, The Ensign Group presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $167.17.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Barry M. Smith sold 700 shares of The Ensign Group stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $133.43, for a total transaction of $93,401.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 30,852 shares in the company, valued at $4,116,582.36. This trade represents a 2.22 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders own 3.90% of the company’s stock.

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.