Ensign Group raises 2026 earnings guidance

The Ensign Group raised its 2026 earnings guidance after reporting third-quarter GAAP diluted earnings of $1.76 per share and adjusted earnings of $2.03, according to its earnings release filed with an 8-K.

The skilled nursing and senior living operator now expects 2026 earnings of $7.94 to $8.02 per diluted share, up from its original guidance of $7.75 to $7.85. It also raised the low end of its annual revenue guidance to $5.89 billion while keeping the high end at $5.92 billion.

Occupancy and Medicare trends

Revenue from skilled services at Same Facilities and Transitioning Facilities rose 10.7% and 10.5%, respectively, from a year earlier, and skilled days increased 7.2% and 7.9%, the release said. Medicare revenue at those facilities improved 11.1% and 7.8%, with Medicare days up 7.6% and 6.3%.

Management's view

"We are thrilled to report another outstanding quarter," Chief Executive Barry Port said in the release. He noted the midpoint of the new earnings guidance represents a 21.5% increase over 2025 and 45.5% growth over 2024.

Port also cited the company's clinical results, saying that according to the most recently published CMS data, its Same Facilities achieved annual survey results 15% better than the state level and 28% better than the county level.

Chief Investment Officer Chad Keetch said Ensign continues to acquire new operations "with significant long-term upside" and expects to maintain a healthy pace of growth.

Why it matters

Ensign grows largely by buying underperforming nursing facilities and improving them. Rising skilled days and Medicare revenue show demand for post-acute care remains solid, and a higher earnings outlook with one quarter left indicates the acquisition strategy continues to add to results.

Sources

1. The Ensign Group, Inc. Form 8-K with third-quarter 2026 results, filed Oct. 27, 2026 (accession 0001125376-26-000047)

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