Core Insights - The Ensign Group Inc. (ENSG) has expanded its operations by acquiring three skilled nursing facilities in Idaho and California, effective June 1, 2025 [1][8] - The acquisitions align with ENSG's strategy of targeted acquisitions and leasing, which will reduce capital expenses and enhance revenue generation [2][8] - The company’s skilled services segment saw a revenue increase of 15.9% year-over-year to $1.1 billion in Q1 2025, driven by higher occupancy rates and improved patient days [3] Acquisition Details - The acquired facilities include Ironwood Rehabilitation and Care Center (80 beds) and Lakeside Rehabilitation and Care Center (100 beds) in Coeur d'Alene, ID, and Toluca Lake Transitional Care (52 beds) in North Hollywood, CA [1][8] - The Idaho properties will operate under a triple-net lease agreement with a third-party landlord [2][8] - These acquisitions bring ENSG's total operational count to 347 healthcare facilities across 17 states [2][8] Growth Strategy - ENSG's interest in both well-performing and underperforming facilities indicates a strong belief in its operational turnaround capabilities [4] - The company aims to acquire more real estate assets and senior living operations in the long term [4] Stock Performance - Over the past year, ENSG shares have increased by 22.2%, outperforming the industry growth of 13.5% [5]

Market Overview - The U.S. stock market remains strong despite concerns over credit downgrade and fiscal outlook, with major indexes finishing higher due to optimism from U.S.-China trade talks [1] - A temporary 90-day pause in tariffs and an agreement to lower mutual tariffs to 10% have positively influenced market sentiment [1] - The S&P 500 has closed higher in 16 of the past 19 trading days, indicating a strong performance [1] Inflation and Economic Indicators - Easing inflation indicators, with both CPI and PPI showing signs of cooling, have contributed to market buoyancy [2] - Despite Moody's downgrade raising long-term concerns about debt, the focus remains on near-term growth momentum and improving global trade relations [2] Investment Strategy - A relative price strength strategy is recommended, focusing on stocks that outperform the broader market [2][4] - Stocks that are underperforming on fundamental factors should be avoided, while those outperforming their sectors in price should be selected for better returns [5] Stock Recommendations - Recommended stocks based on relative price strength include Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD), Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM), EverQuote, Inc. (EVER), and Encompass Health Corp. (EHC) [3] Screening Parameters - Stocks should be screened based on relative price change over 12 weeks, 4 weeks, and 1 week, as well as positive current-quarter estimate revisions [8] - Only Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks that have historically outperformed the S&P 500 are considered [9] Company Highlights - **Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD)**: Market cap of $760.8 million, with a 34.8% upward revision in 2025 earnings estimates and a 15.6% increase in shares over the past year [11][10] - **Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM)**: Unique grocery model with a market cap of $1.5 billion, showing a 35.5% growth in 2025 earnings estimates and a 115.4% increase in shares over the past year [12][13] - **EverQuote, Inc. (EVER)**: Market cap of $867 million, with a 33% growth in 2025 earnings estimates, but shares have decreased by 3.5% in the past year [13][14] - **Encompass Health Corp. (EHC)**: Market cap not specified, with a 13.1% growth in 2025 earnings estimates and a 41.2% increase in shares over the past year [15]