The Ensign Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENSG) Holdings Boosted by MetLife Investment Management LLC

MetLife Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in The Ensign Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENSG) by 63.7% in the fourth quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 64,538 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 25,119 shares during the period. MetLife Investment Management LLC’s holdings in The Ensign Group were worth $8,575,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in The Ensign Group in the 4th quarter worth about $90,747,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of The Ensign Group during the fourth quarter worth approximately $36,167,000. Wasatch Advisors LP grew its position in The Ensign Group by 4.8% during the fourth quarter. Wasatch Advisors LP now owns 3,497,137 shares of the company’s stock valued at $464,630,000 after purchasing an additional 159,691 shares in the last quarter. World Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in The Ensign Group in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $21,744,000. Finally, Franklin Resources Inc. lifted its position in The Ensign Group by 32.7% in the 4th quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 417,482 shares of the company’s stock worth $55,467,000 after buying an additional 102,782 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.12% of the company’s stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on ENSG shares. Truist Financial dropped their price target on shares of 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. Stephens reiterated an “overweight” rating and set a $155.00 price target on shares of The Ensign Group in a report on Thursday, February 6th. Finally, Macquarie increased their price objective on The Ensign Group from $165.00 to $166.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Tuesday, February 4th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $165.17.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Barry M. Smith sold 700 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $129.15, for a total transaction of $90,405.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 30,052 shares in the company, valued at $3,881,215.80. The trade was a 2.28 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, Director Daren Shaw sold 2,000 shares of the company’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 value of $259,320.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 26,325 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $3,413,299.50. This trade represents a 7.06 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 42,486 shares of company stock valued at $6,251,714. 3.90% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

The Ensign Group Stock Down 6.3 %

ENSG opened at $119.93 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $6.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.47, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, a quick ratio of 1.56 and a current ratio of 1.56. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $128.78 and a 200 day moving average price of $137.41. The Ensign Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $113.27 and a twelve month high of $158.45.

The Ensign Group (NASDAQ:ENSG) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 5th. The company reported $1.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.47 by ($0.11). The Ensign Group had a return on equity of 17.07% and a net margin of 6.99%. Research analysts forecast that The Ensign Group, Inc. will post 5.59 EPS for the current year.

The Ensign Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 31st will be given a $0.0625 dividend. This represents a $0.25 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.21%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 31st. The Ensign Group’s dividend payout ratio is currently 4.89%.

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.