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The Ensign Group Rewards Investors with 6.3% Dividend Hike
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The board of directors of The Ensign Group, Inc. (ENSG - Free Report) recently approved a 6.3% hike in its quarterly dividend. The company will now reward its shareholders with a dividend of 4.25 cents per share as against 4 cents last paid on Oct 31, 2016. This translates to a yearly dividend payment of 17 cents per share.
The Ensign Group has been paying dividends since 2002 and has increased its payouts every year. This marks the 14th straight year of dividend hikes by the company. The dividend increases not only testify to the operational and financial strength of The Ensign Group, but also make the stock attractive for yield-seeking investors.
The shares of The Ensign Group have gained 0.35% year to date, compared with the Zacks categorized Nursing Homes industry’s decline of 14.48%. This indicates that the company’s relentless efforts to enhance shareholders’ values have paid off. The stock price appreciation was driven by the company’s strong underwriting results, which in turn, cemented shareholders’ confidence.
Based on the closing share price of $22.71 as of Dec 19, the increased dividend translates to a yield of 0.71%. The dividend will be paid on Dec 30, 2016. Average dividend yield for last five years is pegged at 0.94%, more than the industry average of 83%. Over the same time frame, the dividends have grown at a rate of 8.3% with a payout ratio of 18.12%.
The company remains committed to enhancing shareholder value. In fact, the board of directors is confident about the insurer’s financial condition and growth trajectory. The dividend hike is indicative of the bullish sentiment and should further strengthen the company’s position, leading to success in both the near and long term.
Zacks Rank:
The Ensign Group currently carries Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Stocks to Consider
Some better-ranked stocks from the medical sector include WellCare Health Plans Inc. , Magellan Health Inc. and UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH - Free Report)
Magellan delivered positive surprises in three of the last four quarters with an average beat of 42.58%. The company sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
WellCare delivered positive surprises in all of the last four quarters with an average beat of 40.01%. The company also has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
UnitedHealth delivered positive surprise in three of the last four quarters with an average beat of 3.86%. It carries a Zacks Rank #2
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The Ensign Group Rewards Investors with 6.3% Dividend Hike
The board of directors of The Ensign Group, Inc. (ENSG - Free Report) recently approved a 6.3% hike in its quarterly dividend. The company will now reward its shareholders with a dividend of 4.25 cents per share as against 4 cents last paid on Oct 31, 2016. This translates to a yearly dividend payment of 17 cents per share.
The Ensign Group has been paying dividends since 2002 and has increased its payouts every year. This marks the 14th straight year of dividend hikes by the company. The dividend increases not only testify to the operational and financial strength of The Ensign Group, but also make the stock attractive for yield-seeking investors.
The shares of The Ensign Group have gained 0.35% year to date, compared with the Zacks categorized Nursing Homes industry’s decline of 14.48%. This indicates that the company’s relentless efforts to enhance shareholders’ values have paid off. The stock price appreciation was driven by the company’s strong underwriting results, which in turn, cemented shareholders’ confidence.
Based on the closing share price of $22.71 as of Dec 19, the increased dividend translates to a yield of 0.71%. The dividend will be paid on Dec 30, 2016. Average dividend yield for last five years is pegged at 0.94%, more than the industry average of 83%. Over the same time frame, the dividends have grown at a rate of 8.3% with a payout ratio of 18.12%.
The company remains committed to enhancing shareholder value. In fact, the board of directors is confident about the insurer’s financial condition and growth trajectory. The dividend hike is indicative of the bullish sentiment and should further strengthen the company’s position, leading to success in both the near and long term.
Zacks Rank:
The Ensign Group currently carries Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Stocks to Consider
Some better-ranked stocks from the medical sector include WellCare Health Plans Inc. , Magellan Health Inc. and UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH - Free Report)
Magellan delivered positive surprises in three of the last four quarters with an average beat of 42.58%. The company sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
WellCare delivered positive surprises in all of the last four quarters with an average beat of 40.01%. The company also has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
UnitedHealth delivered positive surprise in three of the last four quarters with an average beat of 3.86%. It carries a Zacks Rank #2
Zacks' Top Investment Ideas for Long-Term Profit
How would you like to see our best recommendations to help you find today’s most promising long-term stocks? Starting now, you can look inside our portfolios featuring stocks under $10, income stocks, value investments and more. These picks, which have double and triple-digit profit potential, are rarely available to the public. But you can see them now. Click here >>