U.S. Markets End Thursday in Decline; Estee Lauder Experienced the Largest Drop
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2d ago
0mins
Should l Buy ENSG?
Source: Barron's
- Stock Market Decline: U.S. stock indexes experienced a drop on Thursday, with the overall market declining by 1.59%.
- Sector Performance: The S&P 500 index fell by 1.23%, while another index decreased by 1.20%.
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Analyst Views on ENSG
Wall Street analysts forecast ENSG stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for ENSG is 209.00 USD with a low forecast of 200.00 USD and a high forecast of 220.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
4 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 197.160
Low
200.00
Averages
209.00
High
220.00
Current: 197.160
Low
200.00
Averages
209.00
High
220.00
About ENSG
The Ensign Group, Inc., through its independent operating subsidiaries, offers a range of skilled nursing and senior living services, physical, occupational and speech therapies, other rehabilitative and healthcare services, and real estate. The Company's segments include Skilled Services and Standard Bearer. The Skilled Services segment includes the operation of skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation therapy services. The Standard Bearer segment is comprised of select properties owned by it through its captive real estate investment trust (REIT) and leased to skilled nursing and senior living operations, including its own independent subsidiaries and third-party operators. The Company has over 369 healthcare operations, which includes 47 senior living operations, across 17 states. Its subsidiaries, including Standard Bearer Healthcare REIT, Inc., own around 155 real estate assets. Its operations are located in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado and other locations.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Significant Revenue Growth: The company reported total revenue of $5.1 billion for 2025, an 18.7% increase, with 2026 revenue guidance set between $5.77 billion and $5.84 billion, reflecting a 14.3% anticipated growth over 2025 results and optimism about future market demand.
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U.S. Markets End Thursday in Decline; Estee Lauder Experienced the Largest Drop
- Stock Market Decline: U.S. stock indexes experienced a drop on Thursday, with the overall market declining by 1.59%.
- Sector Performance: The S&P 500 index fell by 1.23%, while another index decreased by 1.20%.
See More
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- Multiple Transactions: On the same day, Ensign also acquired four nursing facilities in Texas—Wylie Oaks, Chateau Waco, Sunset Valley, and Timber Ridge—totaling 357 beds, demonstrating the company's rapid growth across various states in the U.S.
- Portfolio Growth: These acquisitions increase Ensign's total healthcare operations to 378, including 47 senior living operations across 17 states, further solidifying its leadership position in the healthcare services market.
- Strategic Goals: CEO Barry Port reaffirmed that Ensign is actively seeking opportunities to acquire both well-performing and struggling skilled nursing and healthcare-related businesses to achieve broader market coverage and business growth.
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- Service Network Coverage: Ensign operates 373 healthcare facilities across multiple states, offering a range of nursing and rehabilitative services, showcasing its extensive footprint and market penetration in the U.S. healthcare sector.
- Forward-Looking Statements: The company includes expectations regarding future growth prospects and operational performance in its statements, acknowledging industry competition and regulatory risks, indicating its sensitivity to market dynamics and strategic response plans.
See More
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- Significant Revenue Growth: The company reported total revenue of $5.1 billion for 2025, an 18.7% increase, with 2026 revenue guidance set between $5.77 billion and $5.84 billion, reflecting a 14.3% anticipated growth over 2025 results and optimism about future market demand.
- Active Acquisition Strategy: Ensign added 17 new operations in recent months, including 12 real estate assets, increasing the acquisition portfolio to 21.7% of total assets, demonstrating a proactive strategy to expand market share and enhance asset quality.
- Operational Efficiency Gains: South Bay Post Acute and Shoreline Health and Rehabilitation reported significant financial growth, with South Bay's earnings before income tax increasing by 127% and Shoreline's EBIT rising nearly 33%, showcasing the success of clinical specialization and leadership stability.
See More
U.S. Markets End Thursday in Decline; Estee Lauder Experienced the Largest Drop
- Stock Market Decline: U.S. stock indexes experienced a drop on Thursday, with the overall market declining by 1.59%.
- Sector Performance: The S&P 500 index fell by 1.23%, while another index decreased by 1.20%.
See More
Ensign Group Acquires Multiple Skilled Nursing Facilities
- Acquisition Expansion: On February 1, 2026, Ensign Group acquired the Agave Grove Post Acute nursing facility in Glendale, Arizona, which has 225 beds, marking the company's continued expansion in Arizona and enhancing its market share in the region.
- Multiple Transactions: On the same day, Ensign also acquired four nursing facilities in Texas—Wylie Oaks, Chateau Waco, Sunset Valley, and Timber Ridge—totaling 357 beds, demonstrating the company's rapid growth across various states in the U.S.
- Portfolio Growth: These acquisitions increase Ensign's total healthcare operations to 378, including 47 senior living operations across 17 states, further solidifying its leadership position in the healthcare services market.
- Strategic Goals: CEO Barry Port reaffirmed that Ensign is actively seeking opportunities to acquire both well-performing and struggling skilled nursing and healthcare-related businesses to achieve broader market coverage and business growth.
See More
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- Earnings Release Announcement: Ensign Group expects to issue its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 financial results on February 4, 2026, demonstrating the company's commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Investor Conference Call: The company invites investors to a live webcast on February 5, 2026, where management will discuss financial performance, aiming to enhance investor confidence and provide insights into future directions.
- Service Network Coverage: Ensign operates 373 healthcare facilities across multiple states, offering a range of nursing and rehabilitative services, showcasing its extensive footprint and market penetration in the U.S. healthcare sector.
- Forward-Looking Statements: The company includes expectations regarding future growth prospects and operational performance in its statements, acknowledging industry competition and regulatory risks, indicating its sensitivity to market dynamics and strategic response plans.
See More
Small-Cap Stocks Are Gaining Momentum: Reasons This Rally May Endure.
Small-Cap Stocks Performance: Small-cap stocks have started 2026 strongly, with the Russell 2000 index rising over 6% this month.
Comparison with Larger Indices: This performance surpasses that of larger indices such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite.
January Effect: The strong start for small-cap stocks may be attributed to the "January effect," a phenomenon where these stocks typically see gains in the first month of the year.
Market Trends: The trend indicates a potential shift in investor sentiment favoring smaller companies at the beginning of the year.
See More
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- Asset Allocation: Onto Innovation now represents 1.63% of Bridge City Capital's 13F reportable assets, highlighting its significance in the portfolio and potentially influencing future investment decisions.
- Market Performance: As of November 11, 2025, Onto Innovation shares were priced at $133.44, down 23.59% over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500 by 38.39 percentage points, which may present a buying opportunity for investors.
- Industry Outlook: Given the strong demand for AI chips, Bridge City Capital's increased stake likely reflects optimistic expectations for semiconductor process control companies, especially in the context of current low valuations that may attract more investor interest.
See More
