ENSIGN GROUP, INC 10-K

Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 94 Consolidated Financial Statements: Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 95 Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 202 5 , 202 4 , and 202 3 96 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 202 5 , 202 4 , and 202 3 97 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 202 5 , 202 4 , and 202 3 98 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 100 93 Table of Contents REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of The Ensign Group, Inc. Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Ensign Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 4, 2026, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. Critical Audit Matter The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates. Self-Insurance Liabilities (General and Professional Liability Claims) - Refer to Notes 2 and 17 to the financial statements Critical Audit Matter Description The Company is self-insured for general and professional liability claims while maintaining stop-loss coverage with third-party insurers to limit its total liability exposure. Self-insurance reserves consist of the projected settlement value of reported and unreported claims. The projected settlement values are estimated based on the Company's historical experience, supplemented with industry experience as necessary, and are established using actuarial methods followed in the insurance industry. We identified the evaluation of the Company's self-insurance reserves for general and professional liability claims as a critical audit matter because estimating the projected settlement value for reported and unreported claims involves significant estimation by management. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our actuarial specialists, when performing audit procedures to evaluate whether the general and professional liability self-insurance reserves were appropriately recorded as of December 31, 2025. How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit Our audit procedures related to the self-insurance reserves for general and professional liability included the following, among others: • We tested the effectiveness of controls over the reserve for general and professional liabilities, including management's controls over the review of the historical claim data and the projection of the settlement value of the reported and unreported claims. • We tested the underlying data that served as a basis for the actuarial analysis, including historical claims, to test that the inputs to the actuarial estimate were complete and accurate. • We read the Company's insurance policies and compared the coverage and terms to the assumptions used by management. • With the assistance of our actuarial specialists, we evaluated the methods and assumptions used by management to estimate the self-insurance reserves for general and professional liability claims by: • Performing a retrospective review by comparing management's change in ultimate loss to the differential between expected development and actuals incurred during the current year to identify potential bias in the determination of the general and professional liability reserves. • Developing an independent range of estimated losses for the general and professional liability reserve and comparing management's estimate to our estimated independent range . /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Costa Mesa, California February 4, 2026 We have served as the Company's auditor since 1999. 94 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except par values) December 31, 2025 2024 (in thousands, except par values) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 503,881 $ 464,598 Accounts receivable—less allowance for doubtful accounts of $ 7,805 and $ 8,435 at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively 636,985 569,897 Investments—current 68,506 62,255 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 62,932 60,882 Total current assets $ 1,272,304 $ 1,157,632 Property and equipment, net 1,696,863 1,291,354 Right-of-use assets 2,097,862 1,861,071 Insurance subsidiary deposits and investments 166,841 141,246 Deferred tax assets 83,138 66,281 Restricted and other assets 41,600 46,499 Intangible assets, net 6,381 7,292 Goodwill 97,981 97,981 TOTAL ASSETS $ 5,462,970 $ 4,669,356 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 97,327 $ 98,947 Accrued wages and related liabilities 422,326 347,532 Lease liabilities—current 114,816 93,475 Accrued self-insurance liabilities—current 81,623 67,331 Other accrued liabilities 174,027 132,057 Current maturities of long-term debt 4,227 4,086 Total current liabilities $ 894,346 $ 743,428 Long-term lease liabilities—less current portion 1,949,213 1,735,325 Accrued self-insurance liabilities—less current portion 164,792 144,421 Other long-term liabilities 82,266 64,169 Long-term debt—less current maturities 137,529 141,585 TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 3,228,146 $ 2,828,928 Commitments and contingencies (Notes 13 and 18) EQUITY Ensign Group, Inc. stockholders' equity: Common stock: $ 0.001 par value; 150,000 shares authorized; 61,652 and 58,085 shares issued and shares outstanding at December 31, 2025, respectively, and 60,838 and 57,438 shares issued and shares outstanding at December 31, 2024, respectively 62 61 Additional paid-in capital 614,724 528,052 Retained earnings 1,756,137 1,426,762 Common stock in treasury, at cost, 3,567 and 3,400 shares at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively ( 139,198 ) ( 117,764 ) Total Ensign Group, Inc. stockholders' equity $ 2,231,725 $ 1,837,111 Non-controlling interest 3,099 3,317 Total equity $ 2,234,824 $ 1,840,428 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 5,462,970 $ 4,669,356 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 95 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 2023 (In thousands, except per share data) REVENUE Service revenue $ 5,032,118 $ 4,237,525 $ 3,708,071 Rental revenue 25,723 22,960 21,284 TOTAL REVENUE $ 5,057,841 $ 4,260,485 $ 3,729,355 Expense: Cost of services 4,019,076 3,376,884 2,941,238 Rent—cost of services 239,312 216,016 197,358 General and administrative expense 269,820 225,143 263,005 Depreciation and amortization 104,327 84,138 72,387 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 4,632,535 $ 3,902,181 $ 3,473,988 Income from operations 425,306 358,304 255,367 Other income (expense): Interest expense ( 7,988 ) ( 8,286 ) ( 8,087 ) Interest income 24,512 28,749 19,216 Other income 13,792 7,327 6,266 OTHER INCOME, NET $ 30,316 $ 27,790 $ 17,395 Income before provision for income taxes 455,622 386,094 272,762 Provision for income taxes 111,358 87,636 62,912 NET INCOME $ 344,264 $ 298,458 $ 209,850 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 293 485 451 NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. $ 343,971 $ 297,973 $ 209,399 NET INCOME PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE ENSIGN GROUP INC. Basic $ 6.00 $ 5.26 $ 3.76 Diluted $ 5.84 $ 5.12 $ 3.65 WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING Basic 57,306 56,655 55,708 Diluted 58,873 58,240 57,323 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 96 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Common Stock Additional Paid-In Capital Retained Earnings Treasury Stock Non-Controlling Interest (In thousands) Shares Amount Shares Amount Total BALANCE - JANUARY 1, 2023 55,661 $ 59 $ 415,560 $ 946,339 3,368 $ ( 114,626 ) $ 1,468 $ 1,248,800 Issuance of common stock to employees and directors resulting from the exercise of stock options 759 1 18,368 — — — — 18,369 Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures 199 — 5,068 — — — — 5,068 Shares of common stock used to satisfy tax withholding obligations ( 22 ) — — — 22 ( 1,929 ) — ( 1,929 ) Dividends declared ($ 0.2325 per share) — — — ( 13,085 ) — — — ( 13,085 ) Employee stock award compensation — — 30,754 — — — — 30,754 Purchase of noncontrolling interest shares — — ( 256 ) — — — — ( 256 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — — — — — 451 451 Noncontrolling interest attributable to subsidiary equity plan — — ( 3,787 ) — — — 3,533 ( 254 ) Net income attributable to the Ensign Group, Inc. — — — 209,399 — — — 209,399 BALANCE - DECEMBER 31, 2023 56,597 $ 60 $ 465,707 $ 1,142,653 3,390 $ ( 116,555 ) $ 5,452 $ 1,497,317 Issuance of common stock to employees and directors resulting from the exercise of stock options 632 1 22,285 — — — — 22,286 Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures 219 — 6,165 — — — — 6,165 Shares of common stock used to satisfy tax withholding obligations ( 10 ) — — — 10 ( 1,209 ) — ( 1,209 ) Dividends declared ($ 0.2425 per share) — — — ( 13,864 ) — — — ( 13,864 ) Employee stock award compensation — — 36,183 — — — — 36,183 Purchase of noncontrolling interest shares — — ( 2,426 ) — — — ( 2,024 ) ( 4,450 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — — — — — 485 485 Noncontrolling interest attributable to subsidiary equity plan — — 138 — — — ( 596 ) ( 458 ) Net income attributable to the Ensign Group, Inc. — — — 297,973 — — — 297,973 BALANCE - DECEMBER 31, 2024 57,438 $ 61 $ 528,052 $ 1,426,762 3,400 $ ( 117,764 ) $ 3,317 $ 1,840,428 Issuance of common stock to employees and directors resulting from the exercise of stock options 577 1 29,043 — — — — 29,044 Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures 237 — 9,744 — — — — 9,744 Shares of common stock used to satisfy tax withholding obligations ( 10 ) — — — 10 ( 1,434 ) — ( 1,434 ) Dividends declared ($ 0.2525 per share) — — — ( 14,596 ) — — — ( 14,596 ) Employee stock award compensation — — 47,895 — — — — 47,895 Repurchase of common stock (Note 19) ( 157 ) — — — 157 ( 20,000 ) — ( 20,000 ) Purchase of noncontrolling interest shares — — ( 594 ) — — — — ( 594 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — — — — — 293 293 Noncontrolling interest attributable to subsidiary equity plan — — 584 — — — ( 511 ) 73 Net income attributable to the Ensign Group, Inc. — — — 343,971 — — — 343,971 BALANCE - DECEMBER 31, 2025 58,085 $ 62 $ 614,724 $ 1,756,137 3,567 $ ( 139,198 ) $ 3,099 $ 2,234,824 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 97 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2025 2024 2023 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 344,264 $ 298,458 $ 209,850 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 104,327 84,138 72,387 Amortization of deferred financing fees 1,057 1,061 1,067 Deferred income taxes ( 16,857 ) 635 ( 27,481 ) Stock-based compensation 48,299 36,226 30,767 Insurance proceeds and (gain) loss on long-lived assets, net 885 3,367 723 Other operating activities, net 4,371 2,747 4,278 Change in operating assets and liabilities Accounts receivable ( 70,433 ) ( 84,397 ) ( 79,818 ) Prepaid income taxes 11,179 ( 9,227 ) 814 Prepaid expenses and other assets ( 16,441 ) ( 19,055 ) 6,993 Cash surrender value of life insurance policy premiums ( 18,356 ) ( 14,833 ) ( 16,072 ) Deferred compensation liability 18,487 14,986 16,044 Operating lease obligations ( 3,389 ) 287 ( 6,564 ) Accounts payable ( 2,920 ) 2,835 15,924 Accrued wages and related liabilities 82,812 19,992 47,967 Other accrued liabilities 41,724 ( 34,048 ) 70,960 Accrued self-insurance liabilities 35,261 44,014 28,827 NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ 564,270 $ 347,186 $ 376,666 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property and equipment ( 193,557 ) ( 158,240 ) ( 106,180 ) Cash payments for acquisitions ( 323,258 ) ( 156,547 ) ( 69,014 ) Cash proceeds from insurance recoveries and sale of assets 14,226 6,152 2,277 Purchases of investments ( 110,723 ) ( 105,149 ) ( 29,603 ) Maturities of investments 99,670 26,397 18,852 Other investing activities, net 465 ( 2,665 ) 970 NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES $ ( 513,177 ) $ ( 390,052 ) $ ( 182,698 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from debt (Note 13) — 400 150 Payments on debt ( 4,086 ) ( 4,350 ) ( 4,033 ) Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options 29,044 22,286 18,369 Repurchase of shares of common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations ( 1,434 ) ( 1,209 ) ( 1,929 ) Repurchase of shares of common stock (Note 19) ( 20,000 ) — — Dividends paid ( 14,410 ) ( 13,671 ) ( 12,890 ) Other financing activities ( 924 ) ( 5,618 ) ( 279 ) NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES $ ( 11,810 ) $ ( 2,162 ) $ ( 612 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 39,283 ( 45,028 ) 193,356 Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period 464,598 509,626 316,270 Cash and cash equivalents end of period $ 503,881 $ 464,598 $ 509,626 98 Table of Contents Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2025 2024 2023 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 6,907 $ 7,063 $ 7,025 Income taxes 116,202 96,337 89,730 Lease liabilities 242,142 215,677 196,942 Non-cash financing and investing activity Accrued capital expenditures $ 9,200 $ 7,900 $ 4,600 Accrued dividends declared 3,775 3,589 3,396 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new and modified operating lease obligations 335,901 232,918 376,550 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 99 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Dollars, shares and options in thousands, except per share data) 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS The Company — The Ensign Group, Inc. (collectively, Ensign or the Company), is a holding company with no direct operating assets, employees or revenue. The Company's independent subsidiaries provide health care services across the post-acute care continuum and engage in the ownership, acquisition, development and leasing of skilled nursing, senior living and other healthcare-related properties and ancillary businesses. As of December 31, 2025, the Company's independent subsidiaries operated 373 facilities and other ancillary operations located in 17 states. The Company's independent subsidiaries have a collective capacity of approximately 37,900 operational skilled nursing beds and 3,400 senior living units. As of December 31, 2025, the Company's independent subsidiaries operated 253 facilities under long-term lease arrangements and had options to purchase eight of those 253 facilities. The Company's real estate portfolio consists of 158 owned real estate properties, which includes 120 facilities operated and managed by the Company's independent subsidiaries, 38 operations leased to and operated by third-party operators and the Service Center (defined below) location. Of those 38 third-party operations, one senior living operation is located on the same real estate property as a skilled nursing operation that an independent subsidiary operates. Building on this foundation, the Company continued its growth strategy in 2025 through significant expansion of its operational footprint. During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company expanded its presence with the addition of 40 stand-alone skilled nursing operations, five stand-alone senior living operations and one campus operation in 14 states, including entering into three new states. These new operations added a total of 4,175 operational skilled nursing beds and 313 operational senior living units to be operated by the Company's independent subsidiaries. Subsequent to December 31, 2025, the Company expanded its operations with the addition of five stand-alone skilled nursing operations. These new operations added 582 operational skilled nursing beds to be operated by the Company's independent subsidiaries. The Company's captive real estate investment trust (REIT), Standard Bearer Healthcare REIT, Inc. (Standard Bearer), owns and manages its real estate business. The REIT structure provides the Company with an efficient vehicle for future acquisitions of properties that could be operated by Ensign's independent subsidiaries or other third parties. Standard Bearer has elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Refer to Note 6, Standard Bearer for additional information on Standard Bearer. To support the growth effort and operational needs, the Company maintains a centralized support structure through its Service Center and captive insurance subsidiary, which provide essential services and risk management to its independent subsidiaries. Certain of the Company’s wholly-owned independent subsidiaries, collectively referred to as the Service Center, provide specific accounting, payroll, human resources, compliance, information technology, legal, risk management and other centralized services to the other independent subsidiaries. The Company also has a wholly-owned captive insurance subsidiary that provides some claims-made coverage to the Company’s independent subsidiaries for general and professional liabilities, as well as coverage for certain workers’ compensation insurance liabilities. Each of the Company's wholly-owned independent subsidiaries have their own management, employees and assets. References herein to the consolidated “Company” and “its” assets and activities in this Annual Report are not meant to imply, nor should it be construed as meaning that The Ensign Group, Inc. has direct operating assets, employees or revenue, or that any of the subsidiaries are operated by The Ensign Group, Inc. 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation — The accompanying consolidated financial statements (the Financial Statements) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). The Company is the sole member or stockholder of various consolidated limited liability companies and corporations established to operate various acquired skilled nursing operations, senior living operations and related ancillary services. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company presents noncontrolling interests within the equity section of its consolidated balance sheets and the amount of consolidated net income that is attributable to The Ensign Group, Inc. and the noncontrolling interests in its consolidated statements of income. The Financial Statements include the accounts of all independent subsidiaries controlled by the Company through its ownership of a majority voting interest. 100 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) Reclassifications — Certain amounts in the prior period statements of cash flows have been reclassified to conform to the presentation of the current period financial statements. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income. Estimates and Assumptions — The preparation of the Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. The most significant estimates in the Company’s Financial Statements relate to revenue, acquired property and equipment, right-of-use assets, impairment of long-lived assets, lease liabilities, general and professional liabilities, workers' compensation and healthcare claims included in accrued self-insurance liabilities and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Fair Value Considerations — The Company’s financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable. The Company believes all of the financial instruments’ recorded values approximate fair values because of their nature or respective short durations. Fair value measurements are based on a three-tier hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. See Note 5, Fair Value Measurements for additional information. The Company's non-financial assets, which includes goodwill, intangible assets, property and equipment and right-of-use assets, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, on a periodic basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Service Revenue Recognition — The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606). The Company's service revenue is derived primarily from providing healthcare services to its patients. Revenue is recognized when services are provided to patients at the amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to be entitled from patients and third-party payors, including Medicaid, Medicare and insurers (private and Medicare replacement plans), in exchange for providing patient care. The healthcare services provided pursuant to skilled patient contracts include routine services in exchange for a contractual agreed-upon amount or rate. Routine services are treated as a single performance obligation satisfied over time as services are rendered. As such, patient care services represent a bundle of services that are not capable of being distinct. Additionally, there may be ancillary services that are not included in the daily rates for routine services, but instead are treated as separate performance obligations satisfied at a point in time, if and when those services are rendered. Revenue recognized from healthcare services are adjusted for estimates of variable consideration to arrive at the transaction price. The Company determines the transaction price based on contractually agreed-upon amounts or rates on a per day basis, adjusted for estimates of variable consideration. The Company uses the expected value method in determining the variable component that should be used to arrive at the transaction price, using contractual agreements and historical reimbursement experience within each payor type. The amount of variable consideration that is included in the transaction price may be constrained and is included in net revenue only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period. If actual amounts of consideration ultimately received differ from the Company’s estimates, the Company adjusts these estimates, which would affect net revenue in the period such variances become known. As the Company’s contracts with its patients have an original duration of one year or less, the Company uses the practical expedient applicable to its contracts and does not consider the time value of money. Further, because of the short duration of these contracts, the Company has not disclosed the transaction price for the remaining performance obligations as of the end of each reporting period or when the Company expects to recognize this revenue. In addition, the Company has applied the practical expedient provided by FASB ASC Topic 340, Other Assets and Deferred Costs , and all incremental customer contract acquisition costs are expensed as they are incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. 101 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) Rental Revenue Recognition — The Company's rental revenues are primarily generated by leasing healthcare-related properties through triple-net lease arrangements, under which the tenant is solely responsible for the costs related to the property. Revenue for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term when collectability of all minimum lease payments is probable in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 842, Leases (ASC 842). The Company has elected the single component practical expedient, which allows a lessor, by class of underlying asset, not to allocate the total consideration to the lease and non-lease components based on their relative stand-alone selling prices where certain criteria are met. Tenant reimbursements related to property taxes and insurance are neither considered lease nor non-lease components under ASC 842. Lessee payments for taxes and insurance paid directly to a third party, on behalf of the Company, are excluded from variable lease payments and rental revenue in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. Otherwise, tenant reimbursements for taxes and insurance that are paid by the Company directly to a third party are classified as additional rental revenue and expense and recognized by the Company on a gross basis. Accounts Receivable — Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from Medicare and Medicaid programs, other government programs, managed care health plans and private payor sources, net of estimates for variable consideration. Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents consist of bank term deposits, money market funds and treasury bill related investments with original maturities of three months or less at time of purchase and therefore approximate fair value. The fair value of money market funds is determined based on “Level 1” inputs, which consist of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets. The Company places its cash and short-term investments with high credit quality financial institutions. Insurance Subsidiary Deposits and Other Investments — The Company's captive insurance subsidiary cash and cash equivalents, deposits and investments are designated to support long-term insurance subsidiary liabilities and have been classified as short-term and long-term assets based on the timing of expected future payments of the Company's captive insurance liabilities. The majority of these deposits and investments are held in instruments that are rated A or better. The deposits are held in a bank account with a high credit quality financial institution. Investments classified as held-to-maturity are financial instruments that the Company has the intent and ability to hold to maturity and are reported net of any related amortization and are not remeasured to fair value on a recurring basis. The Company's non-qualified deferred compensation plan's (the DCP) contracts insuring the lives of certain employees who are eligible to participate in the DCP are held in a rabbi trust. Cash surrender value of the contracts is based on funds that shadow the investment allocations specified by participants in the deferred compensation plan. When evaluating an investment for its current expected credit losses, the Company reviews factors such as historical experience with defaults, losses, credit ratings, term, market sector and macroeconomic trends, including current conditions and forecasts to the extent they are reasonable and supportable. Property and Equipment — Property and equipment are initially recorded at their historical cost. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets (ranging from three to 59 years). Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term. Acquisition Accounting — The Company’s acquisition stra tegy has been focused on identifying real estate asset acquisitions within its target markets that offer strong opportunities for return. The Company accounts for acquisitions using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (ASC 805). The Company applies a screen test to evaluate if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets to determine whether a transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition or in rare cases, as a business combination. Acquisitions are included in the consolidated financial statements from their respective acquisition dates which is the date when the Company gained effective control. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed, if any, are measured at fair value on the acquisition date. In determining the fair value of identifiable assets, the Company uses various valuation techniques. These valuation methods require management to make estimates and assumptions surrounding projected revenues and costs, future growth, and discount rates. 102 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) Leases — The Company leases skilled nursing facilities, senior living facilities and commercial office space. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease and performs an evaluation to determine whether the lease should be classified as an operating or finance lease at the inception of the lease. Rights and obligations of the operating leases are included as right-of-use assets and current and long-term lease liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. As the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at lease commencement date in determining the present value of future lease payments. The Company utilizes a third-party specialist to assist in estimating the incremental borrowing rate. The Company records rent expense for operating leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The lease term used for straight-line rent expense is calculated from the date the Company is given control of the leased premises through the end of the lease term. Renewals are not assumed in the determination of the lease term unless they are deemed to be reasonably assured at the inception of the lease. The lease term used for this evaluation also provides the basis for establishing depreciable lives for buildings subject to lease and leasehold improvements. In connection with the new operations obtained through long-term leases, the Company did not acquire any material assets or assume any liabilities other than the tenant's post-assumption rights and obligations under the long-term lease. The Company also entered into a separate operations transfer agreement with each prior operator as part of each transaction. The Company's independent subsidiaries also enter into long-term leases that may include options to purchase the facilities. As a result, from time to time, an independent real estate subsidiary may acquire the property of facilities that have previously been operated under third-party leases. The Company's real estate leases generally have initial lease terms of ten years or more and typically include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that generally extend the lease term for an additional ten to 15 years. Exercise of the renewal options is generally subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions which vary by contract and generally follow payment terms that are consistent with those in place during the initial term. The Company reassesses the renewal option using a "reasonably certain" threshold, which is understood to be a high threshold. For leases where the Company is reasonably certain to exercise its renewal option, the option periods are included within the lease term and, therefore, the measurement of the right-of-use asset and lease liability. The Company's leases generally contain annual escalation clauses that are either fixed or variable in nature, some of which are dependent upon published indices. The Company recognizes lease expense for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less on a straight-line basis over the lease term. These leases are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. Certain of the Company's lease agreements include rental payments that are adjusted periodically for inflation. The lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. The Company subleases skilled nursing facilities to third-party operators and considers the subleases to be separate contracts as the Company is not relieved of its primary obligation under its operating lease. The rental income from third-parties related to these subleases is presented on a gross basis from the rent expense associated with the Company's lease obligations and is not material to the consolidated statements of income. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets — The Company reviews the carrying value of long-lived assets that are held and used in the Company’s independent subsidiaries for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is determined based upon expected undiscounted future net cash flows from the independent subsidiaries to which the assets relate, utilizing management’s best estimate, appropriate assumptions and projections at the time. If the carrying value is determined to be unrecoverable from future operating cash flows, the asset is deemed impaired and an impairment loss would be recognized to the extent the carrying value exceeded the estimated fair value of the asset. The Company estimates the fair value of assets based on the estimated future discounted cash flows of the asset. Intangible Assets and Goodwill — Definite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of patient base, facility trade names and customer relationships. Patient base is amortized over a period of four to eight months , depending on the classification of the patients and the level of occupancy in a new acquisition on the acquisition date. Trade names at independent subsidiaries are amortized over 30 years and customer relationships are amortized over a period of up to 20 years. The Company's indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trade names and Medicare and Medicaid licenses. The Company tests indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not be recoverable. 103 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. The Company tests goodwill during the fourth quarter of each year or more often if events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment. The Company performs its analysis for each reporting unit that constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is produced and reviewed by operating segment management and provides services that are distinct from the other components of the operating segment, in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (ASC 350). This guidance provides the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If, based on a review of qualitative factors, it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company performs a goodwill impairment test by comparing the carrying value of each reporting unit to its respective fair value. The Company determines the estimated fair value of each reporting unit using a discounted cash flow analysis. The fair value of the reporting unit is the implied fair value of goodwill. In the event a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized. An impairment loss is measured by the difference between the carrying value of the reporting unit and its fair value. The Company anticipates that the majority of goodwill recognized will be fully deductible for tax purposes as of December 31, 2025. Self-Insurance — The Company is partially self-insured for general and professional liability claims up to a base amount per claim (the self-insured retention) with an aggregate, one-time deductible above this limit. Losses beyond these amounts are insured through third-party policies with coverage limits per claim, per location and on an aggregate basis for the Company. The combined self-insured retention for the Company's independent subsidiaries in California is $ 1,000 per claim ($ 750 if an enforceable arbitration agreement applies), subject to an additional one-time deductible of $ 3,139 . For the independent subsidiaries not in California, the self-insured claim is $ 750 per claim ($ 650 if an enforceable arbitration agreement applies), subject to an additional one-time, deductible of $ 4,600 . For all independent subsidiaries, except those located in Colorado, the third-party coverage above these limits is $ 1,000 per claim, $ 3,000 per operation, with a $ 10,000 blanket aggregate limit and an additional state-specific aggregate where required by state law. In Colorado, the third-party coverage above these limits is $ 1,000 per claim and $ 3,000 per operation, which is independent of the aforementioned blanket aggregate limits that apply outside of Colorado. The majority of the self-insured retention and deductible limits for general and professional liabilities and workers' compensation liabilities are self-insured through the captive insurance subsidiary, the related assets and liabilities of which are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The captive insurance subsidiary is subject to certain statutory requirements as an insurance provider. The Company’s policy is to accrue amounts equal to the actuarial estimated costs to settle open claims of insureds, as well as an estimate of the cost of insured claims that have been incurred but not reported. The Company develops information about the size of the ultimate claims based on historical experience, current industry information and actuarial analysis, and evaluates the estimates for claim loss exposure on a quarterly basis. The Company uses actuarial valuations to estimate the liability based on historical experience and industry information. The Company’s independent subsidiaries are self-insured for workers’ compensation liabilities in California. To protect itself against loss exposure in California with this policy, the Company has purchased individual specific excess insurance coverage that insures individual claims that exceed $ 625 per occurrence. In Texas, the independent subsidiaries have elected non-subscriber status for workers’ compensation claims and the Company has purchased individual stop-loss coverage that insures individual claims that exceed $ 750 per occurrence. The Company’s independent subsidiaries in all other states, with the exception of Washington, are under a loss sensitive plan that insures individual claims that exceed $ 350 per occurrence. In the State of Washington, the Company is self-insured and has purchased individual specific excess insurance coverage that insures individual claims that exceed $ 500 per occurrence. For all of the self-insured plans and retention, the Company accrues amounts equal to the estimated costs to settle open claims, as well as an estimate of the cost of claims that have been incurred but not reported. The Company uses actuarial valuations to estimate the liability based on historical experience and industry information. The Company self-funds medical (including prescription drugs) and dental healthcare benefits to the majority of its employees. The Company is fully liable for all financial and legal aspects of these benefit plans. To protect itself against loss exposure with this policy, the Company has purchased individual stop-loss insurance coverage that insures individual claims that exceed $ 525 for each covered person. 104 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) The Company believes that adequate provision has been made in the Financial Statements for liabilities that may arise out of patient care, workers’ compensation, healthcare benefits and related services provided to date. The amount of the Company’s reserves was determined based on an estimation process that uses information obtained from both company-specific and industry data. This estimation process requires the Company to continuously monitor and evaluate the life cycle of the claims. Using data obtained from this monitoring and the Company’s assumptions about emerging trends, the Company, with the assistance of an independent actuary, develops information about the size of ultimate claims based on the Company’s historical experience and other available industry information. The most significant assumptions used in the estimation process include determining the trend in costs, the expected cost of claims incurred but not reported and the expected costs to settle or pay damage awards with respect to unpaid claims. The self-insured liabilities are based upon estimates, and while management believes that the estimates of loss are reasonable, the ultimate liability may be in excess of or less than the recorded amounts. Due to the inherent volatility of actuarially determined loss estimates, it is reasonably possible that the Company could experience changes in estimated losses that could be material to net income. If the Company’s actual liabilities exceed its estimates of losses, its future earnings, cash flows and financial condition would be adversely affected. Income Taxes — Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities at tax rates in effect when such temporary differences are expected to reverse. The Company generally expects to fully utilize its deferred tax assets; however, when necessary, the Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its net deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In determining the need for a valuation allowance or the need for and magnitude of liabilities for uncertain tax positions, the Company makes certain estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are based on, among other things, knowledge of operations, markets, historical trends and likely future changes and, when appropriate, the opinions of advisors with knowledge and expertise in certain fields. Due to certain risks associated with the Company’s estimates and assumptions, actual results could differ. Standard Bearer was organized, has operated and intends to continue to operate in a manner to qualify for taxation as a REIT. In order to qualify as a REIT, Standard Bearer must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute to its shareholders, which in this case is the Company, at least 90% of its annual taxable income. As a REIT, Standard Bearer generally will not be subject to federal income tax to the extent it distributes as qualifying dividends, all of its REIT taxable income to its shareholders. If Standard Bearer fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it will be subject to federal income tax on its taxable income at regular corporate income tax rates and generally will not be permitted to qualify for treatment as a REIT for federal income tax purposes for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification is lost unless the Internal Revenue Service grants the Company relief under certain statutory provisions. Noncontrolling Interest — The noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is initially recognized at estimated fair value on the acquisition date and is presented within total equity in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The Company presents the noncontrolling interest and the amount of consolidated net income attributable to The Ensign Group, Inc. in its consolidated statements of income. Net income per share is calculated based on net income attributable to The Ensign Group, Inc.'s stockholders. The carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest is adjusted based on an allocation of subsidiary earnings based on ownership interest. Stock-Based Compensation — The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors including employee stock options and restricted stock awards based on estimated fair values, ratably over the requisite service period of the award. Net income has been reduced as a result of the recognition of the fair value of all stock options and restricted stock awards issued, the amount of which is based upon the number of grants and other variables. As stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of income was based on awards expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. The Company estimates forfeitures at the time of grant and, if necessary, revises the estimate in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ. Recent Accounting Pronouncements — Except for rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under authority of federal securities laws and a limited number of grandfathered standards, the FASB ASC is the sole source of authoritative GAAP literature recognized by the FASB and applicable to the Company. For any new pronouncements announced, the Company considers whether the new pronouncements could alter previous generally accepted accounting principles and determines whether any new or modified principles will have a material impact on the Company's reported financial position or operations in the near term. The applicability of any standard is subject to the formal review of the Company's financial management and certain standards are under consideration. 105 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) Recent Accounting Standards Adopted by the Company — In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2023-09 "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures," which requires the Company to disclose disaggregated jurisdictional and categorical information for the tax rate reconciliation, income taxes paid and other income tax related amounts. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company adopted the requirements of this ASU retrospectively in Note 12, Income Taxes of this Annual Report. The adoption of this ASU does not have an impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted — In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03 " Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, " which requires the Company to disaggregate key expense categories such as employee compensation, depreciation and intangible asset amortization within its financial statements. ASU 2024-03 is effective for annuals periods beginning with the Company's fiscal year 2027, and interim periods within the Company's fiscal year 2028, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06 " Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software ," which amends the accounting for and disclosure of software costs under the existing standards. The amendments clarify the requirement for capitalizing software costs. ASU 2025-06 is effective beginning with the Company's fiscal year 2028 for both interim and annual periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements. 3. REVENUE AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE The Company's service revenue is derived primarily from providing healthcare services to its patients. Revenue is recognized when services are provided to patients at the amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to be entitled from patients and third-party payors, including Medicaid, Medicare and insurers (private and Medicare replacement plans), in exchange for providing patient care. Disaggregation of Revenue The Company disaggregates revenue from contracts with its patients by payors. The Company has determined that disaggregating revenue into these categories achieves the disclosure objectives to depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. Revenue by Payor The Company’s revenue is derived primarily from providing healthcare services to patients and is recognized on the date services are provided at amounts billable to individual patients, adjusted for estimates for variable consideration. For patients under reimbursement arrangements with third-party payors, including Medicaid, Medicare and private insurers, revenue is recorded based on contractually agreed-upon amounts or rates, adjusted for estimates for variable consideration, on a per patient, daily basis or as services are performed. Revenue from the Medicare and Medicaid programs accounted for 69.5 %, 70.9 % and 72.6 % for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Settlements with Medicare and Medicaid payors for retroactive adjustments due to audits and reviews are considered variable consideration and are included in the determination of the estimated transaction price. These settlements are estimated based on the terms of the payment agreement with the payor, correspondence from the payor and the Company’s historical settlement activity. Consistent with healthcare industry practices, any changes to these revenue estimates are recorded in the period the change or adjustment becomes known based on the final settlement. The Company recorded adjustments to revenue which were not material to the Company's revenue for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. 106 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) Service revenue for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 is summarized in the following tables: Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 2023 Revenue % of Revenue Revenue % of Revenue Revenue % of Revenue Medicaid (1)(2) $ 2,002,007 39.8 % $ 1,682,344 39.7 % $ 1,459,449 39.4 % Medicare 1,194,554 23.7 1,055,226 24.9 985,749 26.6 Medicaid-skilled 301,122 6.0 266,738 6.3 245,663 6.6 Total Medicaid and Medicare $ 3,497,683 69.5 % $ 3,004,308 70.9 % $ 2,690,861 72.6 % Managed care 944,316 18.8 789,643 18.6 666,129 18.0 Private and other (3) 590,119 11.7 443,574 10.5 351,081 9.4 SERVICE REVENUE $ 5,032,118 100.0 % $ 4,237,525 100.0 % $ 3,708,071 100.0 % (1) Medicaid payor includes revenue for senior living operations. (2) Medicaid payor includes revenue related to state relief funding during the year ended December 31, 2023. (3) Private and other includes revenue for skilled services (private, Veteran Affairs and hospice payors), senior living and ancillary operations. In addition to the service revenue above, the Company's rental revenue derived from triple-net lease arrangements with third parties is $ 25,723 , $ 22,960 and $ 21,284 for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. State relief funding During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company received $ 64,238 in state relief funding and recognized $ 64,753 as revenue. The state relief funding were provided through Medicaid programs from various states, including healthcare relief funding under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), increases in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and other state specific relief programs. The funding generally incorporates specific use requirements primarily for direct patient care including labor related expenses that are attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic or are associated with providing patient care. Due to the expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in May 2023, the Company did not receive additional funding during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. Revenues from these additional payments are recognized in accordance with ASC 606, subject to variable consideration constraints. In certain operations where the Company received additional payments that exceeded expenses incurred related to specific qualifiers, the Company recorded deferred revenue for the excess amount until additional expenses are incurred for recognition. Accordingly, the amount of state relief revenue recognized is limited to the actual related expenses incurred. Balance Sheet Impact Included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are contract balances, comprised of billed accounts receivable and unbilled receivables, which are the result of the timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections, as well as contract liabilities, which primarily represent payments the Company receives in advance of services provided. The Company had no material contract liabilities or contract assets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, or activity during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from Medicare and Medicaid programs, other government programs, managed care health plans and private payor sources, net of estimates for variable consideration and doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, is summarized in the following table: 107 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) December 31, 2025 2024 Medicaid $ 296,649 $ 228,872 Managed care 163,463 139,711 Medicare 102,693 77,056 Private and other payors 81,985 132,693 $ 644,790 $ 578,332 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts ( 7,805 ) ( 8,435 ) ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET $ 636,985 $ 569,897 4. COMPUTATION OF NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE Basic net income per share is computed by dividing income from operations attributable to stockholders of The Ensign Group, Inc. by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares for the period. The computation of diluted net income per share is similar to the computation of basic net income per share, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common shares had been issued. A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the calculation of basic net income per common share follows: Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 2023 NUMERATOR: Net income $ 344,264 $ 298,458 $ 209,850 Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 293 485 451 Net income attributable to The Ensign Group, Inc. $ 343,971 $ 297,973 $ 209,399 DENOMINATOR: Weighted average shares outstanding 57,306 56,655 55,708 Basic net income per common share: $ 6.00 $ 5.26 $ 3.76 A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the calculation of diluted net income per common share follows: Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 2023 NUMERATOR: Net income $ 344,264 $ 298,458 $ 209,850 Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 293 485 451 Net income attributable to The Ensign Group, Inc. $ 343,971 $ 297,973 $ 209,399 DENOMINATOR: Weighted average common shares outstanding 57,306 56,655 55,708 Plus: incremental shares from assumed conversion (1) 1,567 1,585 1,615 Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding 58,873 58,240 57,323 Diluted net income per common share: $ 5.84 $ 5.12 $ 3.65 (1) Options outstanding which are anti-dilutive and therefore not factored into the weighted average common shares amount above were 1,006 , 914 and 1,429 for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. 108 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The Company's financial assets include held-to-maturity investments carried at amortized cost basis of $ 150,119 and $ 138,600 , of which $ 81,816 and $ 65,831 are designated to support insurance subsidiary liabilities, as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the amortized cost basis of these financial assets are considered to approximate fair value and are derived using Level 2 inputs. The Company believes its amortized cost basis investments that were in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 do not require an allowance for expected credit losses, nor has any event occurred through the filing date of this report that would indicate differently. The Company's financial assets also include the contracts insuring the lives of certain employees who are eligible to participate in non-qualified deferred compensation plans that are held in a rabbi trust. The cash surrender value of these contracts is based on funds that shadow the investment allocations specified by participants in the deferred compensation plan and are held at fair value. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the fair value of the investment funds was $ 74,405 and $ 56,049 , respectively, which are derived using Level 2 inputs. Refer to Note 16, Defined Contribution Plans for more information. Additionally, the Company has other investments held at historical cost basis, which are not material, for which the fair value is derived using Level 3 inputs. 6. STANDARD BEARER Standard Bearer's real estate portfolio consists of 152 of the Company's 158 owned real estate properties, of which 116 are operated and managed by the Company's independent subsidiaries and 37 are leased to and operated by third-party operators. Of those 37 operations, one senior living operation is located on the same real estate property as a skilled nursing operation that an independent subsidiary operates. During the year ended December 31, 2025, Standard Bearer added $ 314,189 of real estate assets associated with 25 stand-alone skilled nursing operations, one stand-alone senior living operation and two campus operations . Four of the acquisitions were related to exercising purchase options under an existing lease arrangement from CareTrust REIT, Inc. (CareTrust). Of these additions, four s tand-alone skilled nursing operations are leased to third-party operators and the remaining additions are operated by the Company's independent subsidiaries . Subsequent to December 31, 2025, Standard Bearer added approximately $ 18,053 of real estate assets associated with two stand-alone skilled nursing operations, of which all were leased back to the Company's independent subsidiaries. In addition, Standard Bearer had previously purchased the real estate for two stand-alone skilled nursing operations, which were subsequently transferred from third-party operators to the Company’s independent subsidiaries. Refer to Note 1, Description of Business , for additional information on operational expansions. During the year ended December 31, 2024, Standard Bearer added $ 131,927 of real estate assets associated with 11 stand-alone skilled nursing operations, three stand-alone senior living operations and three campus operations. Of these additions, three stand-alone senior living operations are leased to a third-party operator and the remaining additions are operated by the Company's independent subsidiaries. During the year ended December 31, 2023, Standard Bearer added $ 65,899 of real estate assets associated with three stand-alone skilled nursing operations and two campus operations. Of these additions, three skilled nursing operations and one campus operation acquired are operated by the Company's independent subsidiaries and the other campus operation is leased to a third-party operator. As part of the formation of Standard Bearer, certain of the Company's independent subsidiaries , Standard Bearer and Standard Bearer's independent real estate subsidiaries entered into several agreements that include leasing, management services and debt arrangements between the operations . All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Refer to Note 7, Business Segments , for additional information related to these intercompany eliminations as well as Standard Bearer as a reportable segment. 109 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) Intercompany master lease agreements Certain of the Company's independent subsidiaries and 116 Standard Bearer independent real estate subsidiaries have entered into seven triple-net master lease agreements (collectively, the Standard Bearer Master Leases). The lease periods range from 15 to 19 years with three five-year renewal options beyond the initial term, on the same terms and conditions. The rent structure under the Standard Bearer Master Leases includes a fixed component, subject to annual escalation equal to the lesser of (1) the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (but not less than zero ) or (2) 2.5 %. In addition to rent, the independent subsidiaries are required to pay the following: (1) all impositions and taxes levied on or with respect to the leased properties; (2) all utilities and other services necessary or appropriate for the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties; (3) all insurance required in connection with the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties; (4) all facility maintenance and repair costs; and (5) all fees in connection with any licenses or authorizations necessary or appropriate for the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties. Intercompany rental revenue generated from Ensign affiliated operations was $ 107,560 , $ 78,110 , and $ 66,712 for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which has been eliminated in consolidation. Intercompany management agreement Standard Bearer has no employees. The Service Center provides personnel and services to Standard Bearer pursuant to the management agreement between Standard Bearer and the Service Center. The management agreement provides for a base management fee that is equal to 5.0 % of total rental revenue and an incentive management fee that is equal to 5.0 % of funds from operations (FFO) and is capped at 1.0 % of total rental revenue, for a total of 6.0 %. Management fee generated between Standard Bearer and the Service Center for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was $ 7,589 , $ 5,707 and $ 4,948 , respectively, which has been eliminated in consolidation. Intercompany debt arrangements Standard Bearer obtains its funding through various sources including operating cash flows, access to debt arrangements and intercompany loans. The intercompany debt arrangements include mortgage loans and a credit facility to fund acquisitions and working capital needs. The interest rate under the credit facility is a base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25 % to 1.25 % per annum or SOFR plus a margin ranging from 1.25 % to 2.25 % per annum. In addition, as the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) mortgage loans and promissory note are entered into by real estate subsidiaries of Standard Bearer, the interest expense incurred from these debts are included in Standard Bearer's segment income. Refer to Note 13, Debt , for additional information related to these debts. Equity Instrument Denominated in the Shares of a Subsidiary As part of the formation of Standard Bearer in 2022, the Company established the Standard Bearer Healthcare REIT, Inc. 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Standard Bearer Equity Plan). The Company may grant stock options and restricted stock awards under the Standard Bearer Equity Plan to employees and management of Ensign's independent subsidiaries. These awards generally vest over a period of five years or upon the occurrence of certain prescribed events. The value of the stock options and restricted stock awards is tied to the value of the common stock of Standard Bearer, which is determined based on an independent valuation of Standard Bearer. The Company can also call the awards, generally upon employee termination. The Company granted 39 restricted stock awards during the year ended December 31, 2024. No stock options or restricted shares were granted under the Standard Bearer Equity Plan during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2023. A total of 8 restricted stock awards vested during the year ended December 31, 2025. There were no vestings of restricted stock awards during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. The grant-date fair value of the awards is recognized as compensation expense over the relevant vesting periods, with a corresponding adjustment to noncontrolling interests. The grant value was determined based on an independent valuation of the subsidiary shares. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, share-based compensation expense under the Standard Bearer Equity Plan was not material. There was no share-based compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2023. 7. BUSINESS SEGMENTS The Company has two reportable segments: (1) skilled services, which includes the operation of skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation therapy services and (2) Standard Bearer, which is comprised of selected real estate properties owned by Standard Bearer and leased to skilled nursing and senior living operators. 110 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) As of December 31, 2025, the skilled services segment includes 326 skilled nursing and 31 campus operations that provide both skilled nursing and rehabilitative care services and senior living services. The Company's Standard Bearer segment consists of 152 owned real estate properties. The Company also reports an “All Other” category that includes results from its senior living operations, which includes 16 stand-alone senior living operations and the senior living operations at 31 campus operations that provide both skilled nursing and rehabilitative care services and senior living services. In addition, the "All Other" category includes mobile diagnostics, medical transportation, other real estate, other ancillary operations and the Service Center. Services included in the “All Other” category are insignificant individually and therefore do not constitute a reportable segment. The Company’s reportable segments are significant operating segments that offer differentiated services. The segment structure reflects the Company's current operational and financial management and provides the best structure to maximize the quality of care and investment strategy provided, while maintaining financial discipline. Segment income is defined as income before provision for income taxes, excluding gain or loss from sale of real estate, real estate insurance recoveries and impairment of long-lived assets. The Company's chief operating decision maker or CODM, who is the Chief Executive Officer, reviews segment income for each operating segment to evaluate performance and allocate capital resources. The CODM uses segment income to analyze actual results as part of operational planning and to decide whether to reinvest profits into the segments or into other parts of the Company, such as through acquisitions, to pay dividends or to recommend a stock repurchase program. The Company's CODM does not review assets by segment in his resource allocation and therefore assets by segment are not disclosed below. Intercompany revenue is eliminated in consolidation, along with corresponding intercompany expenses. Included in segment income for Standard Bearer is expense for intercompany services provided by the Service Center as described in Note 6, Standard Bearer , as it is part of the CODM financial information. The following tables set forth financial information for the segments: Year Ended December 31, 2025 Skilled Services Standard Bearer Total Service revenue (1) $ 4,837,809 $ — $ 4,837,809 Rental revenue — 126,930 126,930 Segment revenue $ 4,837,809 $ 126,930 $ 4,964,739 Reconciliation of revenue: All other revenue (2) 232,846 Elimination of intercompany revenue (3) ( 139,744 ) TOTAL CONSOLIDATED REVENUE $ 5,057,841 Less: Other segment items (4) 4,165,591 11,210 Depreciation and amortization 55,821 37,599 Interest expense (5) — 40,498 Segment income $ 616,397 $ 37,623 $ 654,020 Reconciliation of profit or loss: All other not included in segment income ( 198,398 ) INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES $ 455,622 (1) Skilled services service revenue does not include intercompany service revenue generated by ancillary operations provided to the Company's independent subsidiaries and management service revenue generated by the Service Center with Standard Bearer. Intercompany service revenue is eliminated in "Elimination of intercompany revenue". (2) All other revenue includes $ 220,364 of service revenue and $ 12,482 of rental revenue for the year ended December 31, 2025, both of which include intercompany revenue that is eliminated in "Elimination of intercompany revenue". (3) Elimination of intercompany revenue includes the elimination of intercompany rental revenue of $ 113,689 and intercompany service revenue of $ 26,055 for the year ended December 31, 2025. (4) Other segment items include cost of services of $ 3,846,828 and rent expense of $ 318,763 for the skilled services segment, and cost of services of $ 2,133 , rent expense of $ 1,057 and general and administrative expenses of $ 8,020 for the Standard Bearer segment. Additionally, there are intercompany expenses of $ 139,744 during the year ended December 31, 2025, which are eliminated in consolidation. (5) Included in interest expense in Standard Bearer is interest from intercompany debt arrangements between Standard Bearer and The Ensign Group, Inc. of $ 35,058 during the year ended December 31, 2025, which is eliminated in consolidation. 111 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) Year Ended December 31, 2024 Skilled Services Standard Bearer Total Service revenue (1) $ 4,076,825 $ — $ 4,076,825 Rental revenue — 95,086 95,086 Segment revenue $ 4,076,825 $ 95,086 $ 4,171,911 Reconciliation of revenue: All other revenue (2) 192,881 Elimination of intercompany revenue (3) ( 104,307 ) TOTAL CONSOLIDATED REVENUE $ 4,260,485 Less: Other segment items (4) 3,513,167 9,152 Depreciation and amortization 45,195 29,297 Interest expense (5) — 27,302 Segment income $ 518,463 $ 29,335 $ 547,798 Reconciliation of profit or loss: All other not included in segment income ( 161,704 ) INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES $ 386,094 (1) Skilled services service revenue does not include intercompany service revenue generated by ancillary operations provided to the Company's independent subsidiaries and management service revenue generated by the Service Center with Standard Bearer. Intercompany service revenue is eliminated in "Elimination of intercompany revenue". (2) All Other revenue includes $ 181,066 of service revenue and $ 11,815 of rental revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024, both of which include intercompany revenue that is eliminated in "Elimination of intercompany revenue". (3) Elimination of intercompany revenue includes the elimination intercompany rental revenue of $ 83,941 and intercompany service revenue of $ 20,366 for the year ended December 31, 2024. (4) Other segment items include cost of services of $ 3,242,737 and rent expense of $ 270,430 for the skilled services segment, and cost of services of $ 2,265 , rent expense of $ 983 and general and administrative expenses of $ 5,904 for the Standard Bearer segment. Additionally, there are intercompany expenses of $ 104,307 during the year ended December 31, 2024, which are eliminated in consolidation. (5) Included in interest expense in Standard Bearer is interest from intercompany debt arrangements between Standard Bearer and The Ensign Group, Inc. of $ 20,285 during the year ended December 31, 2024, which is eliminated in consolidation. 112 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) Year Ended December 31, 2023 Skilled Services Standard Bearer Total Service revenue (1) $ 3,578,855 $ — $ 3,578,855 Rental revenue — 82,486 82,486 Segment revenue $ 3,578,855 $ 82,486 $ 3,661,341 Reconciliation of revenue: All other revenue (2) 155,804 Elimination of intercompany revenue (3) ( 87,790 ) TOTAL CONSOLIDATED REVENUE $ 3,729,355 Less: Other segment items (4) 3,075,164 8,455 Depreciation and amortization 38,766 25,205 Interest expense (5) — 19,761 Segment income $ 464,925 $ 29,065 $ 493,990 Reconciliation of profit or loss: All other not included in segment income ( 221,228 ) INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES $ 272,762 (1) Skilled services service revenue does not include intercompany service revenue generated by ancillary operations provided to the Company's independent subsidiaries and management service revenue generated by the Service Center with Standard Bearer. Intercompany service revenue is eliminated in "Elimination of intercompany revenue". (2) All Other revenue includes $ 144,667 of service revenue and $ 11,137 of rental revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, both of which include intercompany revenue that is eliminated in "Elimination of intercompany revenue". (3) Elimination of intercompany revenue includes the elimination of intercompany rental revenue of $ 72,339 and intercompany service revenue of $ 15,451 for the year ended December 31, 2023. (4) Other segment items includes cost of services of $ 2,832,012 and rent expense of $ 243,152 for the skilled services segment, and cost of services of $ 2,104 , rent expense of $ 954 and general and administrative expenses of $ 5,397 for the Standard Bearer segment. Additionally, there are intercompany expenses of $ 87,790 during the year ended December 31, 2023, which are eliminated in consolidation. (5) Included in interest expense in Standard Bearer is interest from intercompany debt arrangements between Standard Bearer and The Ensign Group, Inc. of $ 12,902 during the year ended December 31, 2023, which is eliminated in consolidation. Service revenue by major payor source were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2025 Skilled Services All Other (3) Total Service Revenue Revenue % Medicaid (1) $ 1,952,142 $ 49,865 $ 2,002,007 39.8 % Medicare 1,194,554 — 1,194,554 23.7 Medicaid-skilled 301,122 — 301,122 6.0 Total Medicaid and Medicare $ 3,447,818 $ 49,865 $ 3,497,683 69.5 % Managed care 944,316 — 944,316 18.8 Private and other (2) 445,675 144,444 590,119 11.7 TOTAL SERVICE REVENUE $ 4,837,809 $ 194,309 $ 5,032,118 100.0 % (1) Medicaid payor includes revenue generated from senior living operations. (2) Private and other includes revenue for skilled services (private, Veteran Affairs and hospice payors), senior living and ancillary operations. (3) All Other incorporates intercompany eliminations. 113 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) Year Ended December 31, 2024 Skilled Services All Other (3) Total Service Revenue Revenue % Medicaid (1) $ 1,646,422 $ 35,922 $ 1,682,344 39.7 % Medicare 1,055,226 — 1,055,226 24.9 Medicaid-skilled 266,738 — 266,738 6.3 Total Medicaid and Medicare $ 2,968,386 $ 35,922 $ 3,004,308 70.9 % Managed care 789,643 — 789,643 18.6 Private and other (2) 318,796 124,778 443,574 10.5 TOTAL SERVICE REVENUE $ 4,076,825 $ 160,700 $ 4,237,525 100.0 % (1) Medicaid payor includes revenue generated from senior living operations. (2) Private and other includes revenue for skilled services (private, Veteran Affairs and hospice payors), senior living and ancillary operations. (3) All Other incorporates intercompany eliminations. Year Ended December 31, 2023 Skilled Services All Other (3) Total Service Revenue Revenue % Medicaid (1) $ 1,429,473 $ 29,976 $ 1,459,449 39.4 % Medicare 985,749 — 985,749 26.6 Medicaid-skilled 245,663 — 245,663 6.6 Total Medicaid and Medicare 2,660,885 29,976 2,690,861 72.6 Managed care 666,129 — 666,129 18.0 Private and other (2) 251,841 99,240 351,081 9.4 TOTAL SERVICE REVENUE $ 3,578,855 $ 129,216 $ 3,708,071 100.0 % (1) Medicaid payor includes revenue generated from senior living operations. (2) Private and other includes revenue for skilled services (private, Veteran Affairs and hospice payors), senior living and ancillary operations. (3) All Other incorporates intercompany eliminations. 8. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - NET Property and equipment, net consists of the following: December 31, 2025 2024 Land $ 219,857 $ 162,873 Buildings and improvements 1,231,704 933,790 Leasehold improvements 254,309 212,603 Equipment 478,729 396,018 Furniture and fixtures 4,588 4,349 Construction in progress 58,615 41,209 $ 2,247,802 $ 1,750,842 Less: accumulated depreciation ( 550,939 ) ( 459,488 ) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET $ 1,696,863 $ 1,291,354 Real Estate Acquisitions A majority of the real estate properties were acquired by subsidiaries of Standard Bearer, as detailed in Note 6 . Standard Bearer . The aggregate purchase price for the real estate purchases during the year ended December 31, 2025 was $ 326,667 , which primarily consists of building and improvements of $ 262,305 and land of $ 56,984 . The aggregate purchase price for the real estate purchases during the year ended December 31, 2024 was $ 154,879 , which primarily consists of building and improvements of $ 108,709 and land of $ 20,547 , with the remaining primarily related to goodwill. 114 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 9. INTANGIBLE ASSETS - NET Weighted Average Life (Years) December 31, 2025 2024 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Intangible Assets Net Net Assembled occupancy 0.4 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,991 $ ( 1,316 ) $ 675 Facility trade name 30.0 733 ( 486 ) 247 733 ( 462 ) 271 Customer relationships 18.4 4,582 ( 3,114 ) 1,468 4,582 ( 2,902 ) 1,680 TOTAL $ 5,315 $ ( 3,600 ) $ 1,715 $ 7,306 $ ( 4,680 ) $ 2,626 During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, amortization expense was $ 2,225 , $ 2,019 and $ 1,790 , respectively, of which $ 960 , $ 1,212 , and $ 1,202 was related to the amortization of right-of-use assets, respectively. The Company did no t record any impairment charge to intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. Estimated amortization expense for each of the years ending December 31 is as follows: Year Amount 2026 $ 234 2027 234 2028 234 2029 234 2030 234 Thereafter 545 $ 1,715 Other indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of the following: December 31, 2025 2024 Trade name $ 889 $ 889 Medicare and Medicaid licenses 3,777 3,777 TOTAL $ 4,666 $ 4,666 10. GOODWILL Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. The Company's acquisitions are primarily asset acquisitions and provided that goodwill corresponds to the acquisition of a business and not merely the acquisition of real estate property, the Company's Standard Bearer segment appropriately does not carry a goodwill balance. The following table represents goodwill value by the skilled services segment and "all other" category for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023: Skilled Services All Other Total December 31, 2023 $ 67,886 $ 8,983 $ 76,869 Additions 20,740 372 21,112 December 31, 2024 $ 88,626 $ 9,355 $ 97,981 December 31, 2025 $ 88,626 $ 9,355 $ 97,981 Management has evaluated its goodwill and intangible assets and determined there was no impairment during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. The Company has recognized cumulative goodwill impairment losses of $ 7,410 , since inception in 1999. 115 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 11. OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES Other accrued liabilities consist of the following: December 31, 2025 2024 Quality assurance fee $ 17,398 $ 12,667 Refunds, deferred revenue and advances 105,642 75,573 Cash held in trust for patients 8,653 6,370 Dividends payable 3,775 3,589 Property taxes 7,150 15,400 Income tax payable 818 — Accrued litigation (Note 18) 12,000 — Other 18,591 18,458 OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES $ 174,027 $ 132,057 Quality assurance fee represents the aggregate of amounts payable to various states that have a mandated fee based on patient days or licensed beds. Refunds, deferred revenue and advances consists of liabilities related to duplicate payments and credit balances from various payor sources, as well as payments received from residents in advance of services provided. Cash held in trust for patients reflects monies received from or on behalf of patients. Maintaining a trust account for patients is a regulatory requirement and, while the trust assets offset the liabilities, the Company assumes a fiduciary responsibility for these funds. The cash balance related to this liability is included in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. 12. INCOME TAXES The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 is summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 2023 Current: Federal $ 102,843 $ 70,144 $ 73,092 State 25,372 16,857 17,301 $ 128,215 $ 87,001 $ 90,393 Deferred: Federal ( 12,689 ) 582 ( 22,280 ) State ( 4,168 ) 53 ( 5,201 ) $ ( 16,857 ) $ 635 $ ( 27,481 ) TOTAL $ 111,358 $ 87,636 $ 62,912 A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the effective tax rate for income for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, is comprised as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 2023 Income tax expense at statutory rate $ 95,681 21.0 % $ 81,080 21.0 % $ 57,280 21.0 % State income taxes - net of federal benefit (a) 16,752 3.7 13,353 3.5 9,536 3.5 Non-deductible expenses 12,341 2.7 6,848 1.8 9,321 3.4 Equity compensation ( 12,231 ) ( 2.7 ) ( 12,631 ) ( 3.3 ) ( 11,629 ) ( 4.2 ) Other adjustments ( 1,185 ) ( 0.3 ) ( 1,014 ) ( 0.3 ) ( 1,596 ) ( 0.6 ) TOTAL INCOME TAX PROVISION $ 111,358 24.4 % $ 87,636 22.7 % $ 62,912 23.1 % (a) State taxes in California made up the majority (greater than 50 percent) of the tax effect in this category. 116 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) The Company's effective tax rate was 24.4 % for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to 22.7 % for the same period in 2024 and 23.1 % in 2023. The Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 are summarized below. December 31, 2025 2024 Deferred tax assets (liabilities): Accrued expenses $ 95,630 $ 76,419 Revenue related reserves 34,898 27,023 Tax credits 138 597 Insurance 27,224 24,817 Lease liability 532,035 470,313 State taxes 792 — $ 690,717 $ 599,169 Valuation allowance ( 21 ) ( 93 ) TOTAL DEFERRED TAX ASSETS $ 690,696 $ 599,076 State taxes — ( 197 ) Depreciation and amortization ( 67,348 ) ( 57,253 ) Prepaid expenses ( 9,128 ) ( 6,390 ) Right-of-use asset ( 531,082 ) ( 468,955 ) TOTAL DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES $ ( 607,558 ) $ ( 532,795 ) NET DEFERRED TAX ASSETS $ 83,138 $ 66,281 As of December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits, net of its state benefits that would affect the Company's effective tax rate. The Company classifies interest and/or penalties on income tax liabilities or refunds as additional income tax expense or income. Such amounts are not material. The federal statutes of limitations on the Company's 2021, 2020, and 2019 income tax years lapsed during the third quarter of 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. During the fourth quarter of each year, various state statutes of limitations also lapsed. The Company paid federal income taxes of $ 94,000 , $ 78,250 , and $ 72,500 for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Additionally, the Company paid state income taxes of $ 22,202 , $ 18,087 , and $ 17,230 for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Taxes paid in California accounted to greater than 5% of the total cash paid for taxes for 2025, 2024, and 2023. California cash taxes paid for these years were $ 11,675 , $ 9,175 , and $ 8,350 , respectively. 13. DEBT Debt consists of the following: December 31, 2025 2024 Mortgage loans and promissory note $ 144,352 $ 148,438 Less: current maturities ( 4,227 ) ( 4,086 ) Less: debt issuance costs, net ( 2,596 ) ( 2,767 ) LONG-TERM DEBT LESS CURRENT MATURITIES $ 137,529 $ 141,585 117 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) Credit Facility with a Lending Consortium Arranged by Truist The Company maintains a revolving credit facility between the Company and its independent subsidiaries, including Standard Bearer as co-borrowers, and Truist Securities (Truist) (the Credit Facility) with a revolving line of credit of up to $ 600,000 in aggregate principal amount with a maturity date of April 8, 2027. Borrowings are supported by a lending consortium arranged by Truist. The interest rates applicable to loans under the Credit Facility are, at the Company's option, equal to either a base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25 % to 1.25 % per annum or SOFR plus a margin ranging from 1.25 % to 2.25 % per annum, based on the Consolidated Total Net Debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility). In addition, there is a commitment fee on the unused portion of the commitments that ranges from 0.20 % to 0.40 % per annum, depending on the Consolidated Total Net Debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio. Borrowings made under the Credit Facility are guaranteed, jointly and severally, by certain of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, and are secured by a pledge of stock of the Company's material independent subsidiaries as well as a first lien on substantially all of such independent subsidiaries' personal property. The Credit Facility contains customary covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of the Company and its independent subsidiaries to grant liens on their assets, incur indebtedness, sell assets, make investments, engage in acquisitions, mergers or consolidations, amend certain material agreements and pay certain dividends and other restricted payments. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, the Company must comply with financial maintenance covenants to be tested quarterly, consisting of (i) a maximum consolidated total net debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio (which shall not be greater than 3.75 :1.00; provided that if the aggregate consideration for approved acquisitions in a six month period is greater than $ 50,000 , then the ratio can be increased at the election of the Company with notice to the administrative agent to 4.25 :1.00 for the first fiscal quarter and the immediately following three fiscal quarters), and (ii) a minimum interest/rent coverage ratio (which cannot be less than 1.50 :1.00). As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, there was no outstanding debt under the Credit Facility. The Company was in compliance with all loan covenants as of December 31, 2025 and 2024. Mortgage Loans and Promissory Note As of December 31, 2025, the Company has 23 subsidiaries that have mortgage loans insured with HUD in the aggregate amount of $ 143,449 , which subjects these subsidiaries to HUD oversight and periodic inspections. The mortgage loans bear effective interest rates in a range of 3.1 % to 4.2 %, including fixed interest rates in a range of 2.4 % to 3.3 % per annum. In addition to the interest rate, the Company incurs other fees for HUD placement, including, but not limited to audit fees. Amounts borrowed under the mortgage loans may be prepaid, subject to prepayment fees based on the principal balance on the date of prepayment. For the majority of the loans, during the first three years, the prepayment fee is 10.0 % and is reduced by 3.0 % in the fourth year of the loan and reduced by 1.0 % per year for years five through ten of the loan. There is no prepayment penalty after year ten. The terms for all the mortgage loans are 25 to 35 years. In addition to the HUD mortgage loans above, the Company has a promissory note of $ 903 that bears a fixed interest rate of 5.3 % per annum and has a term of 12 years. The note, which was assumed as part of an acquisition, is secured by the real property comprising the facility and the rent, issues and profits thereof, as well as all personal property used in the operation of the facility. Future principal payments due under the long-term debt arrangements discussed above are as follows: Years Ending December 31, Amount 2026 $ 4,227 2027 3,897 2028 3,779 2029 3,896 2030 4,017 Thereafter 124,536 $ 144,352 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had approximately $ 8,402 and $ 27,893 of borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility pledged as collateral to secure outstanding letters of credit. The Company believes that its outstanding letters of credit as of December 31, 2025 do not require an allowance for expected credit losses, nor has any event occurred through the filing date of this report that would indicate differently. 118 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 14. OPTIONS AND AWARDS The Company has one stock incentive plan, the Amended and Restated 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the Amended and Restated Plan), pursuant to which grants of the Company's securities may currently be made. During the second quarter of 2025, the Company’s stockholders approved the Amended and Restated Plan, which increased the total number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the Predecessor Plan). Including the shares rolled over from the Predecessor Plan, the Amended and Restated Plan provides for the issuance of 4,231 shares of common stock. The number of shares available to be issued under the Amended and Restated Plan will be reduced by (i) one share for each share that relates to an option or stock appreciation right award and (ii) two shares for each share which relates to an award other than a stock option or stock appreciation right award (a full-value award). Non-employee director options, to the extent granted, will vest and become exercisable in three equal annual installments, or the length of the term if less than three years , on the completion of each year of service measured from the grant date. All other options generally vest over five years at 20 % per year on the anniversary of the grant date. Options expire ten years from the date of grant. At December 31, 2025, the total number of shares available for issuance under the Amended and Restated Plan was 3,397 . The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to recognize the value of stock-based compensation expense for stock option awards. Determining the appropriate fair-value model and calculating the fair value of stock option awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating stock price volatility, expected option life, and forfeiture rates. The fair-value of the restricted stock awards at the grant date is based on the market price on the grant date, adjusted for forfeiture rates. The Company develops estimates based on historical data and market information, which can change significantly over time. • The expected option term is calculated by the average of the contractual term of the options and the weighted average vesting period for all options. The calculation of the expected option term is based on the Company's experience due to sufficient history. • The Company utilizes its own experience to calculate estimated volatility for options granted. • The dividend yield is based on the Company's historical pattern of dividends as well as expected dividend patterns. • The risk-free rate is based on the implied yield of U.S. Treasury notes as of the grant date with a remaining term approximately equal to the expected term. • Estimated forfeiture rate of approximately 4.62 % per year is based on the Company's historical forfeiture activity of unvested stock options. Stock Options The Company granted 721 , 704 and 1,008 stock options during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company used the following assumptions for stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023: Grant Year Options Granted Weighted Average Risk-Free Rate Expected Life Weighted Average Volatility Weighted Average Dividend Yield 2025 721 4.1 % 6.2 years 39.2 % 0.2 % 2024 704 4.3 % 6.2 years 40.5 % 0.2 % 2023 1,008 4.3 % 6.2 years 41.3 % 0.2 % For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the following represents the exercise price and fair value displayed at grant date for stock option grants: Grant Year Granted Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Fair Value of Options 2025 721 $ 160.61 $ 71.32 2024 704 $ 132.46 $ 60.37 2023 1,008 $ 95.05 $ 43.85 The weighted average exercise price equaled the weighted average fair value of common stock on the grant date for all options granted during the periods ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 and therefore, the intrinsic value was $ 0 at the date of grant. 119 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) The following table represents the employee stock option activity during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023: Number of Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Number of Options Vested Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Vested January 1, 2023 3,833 $ 46.72 2,069 $ 28.87 Granted 1,008 95.05 Forfeited ( 91 ) 71.44 Exercised ( 759 ) 24.21 December 31, 2023 3,991 $ 62.65 1,887 $ 39.58 Granted 704 132.46 Forfeited ( 76 ) 86.92 Exercised ( 632 ) 35.28 December 31, 2024 3,987 $ 78.84 1,895 $ 52.64 Granted 721 160.61 Forfeited ( 60 ) 110.62 Exercised ( 577 ) 50.39 December 31, 2025 4,071 $ 96.87 1,991 $ 67.10 The following table represents the employee stock option activity during the year ended December 31, 2025: Stock Options Outstanding Stock Options Vested Number Outstanding Black-Scholes Fair Value Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Vested and Exercisable Year of Grant Exercise Price 2016 $ 15.93 - $ 16.86 53 $ 314 1 53 2017 15.80 - 19.41 104 617 2 104 2018 22.49 - 32.71 196 2,069 3 196 2019 41.07 - 45.76 302 4,743 4 302 2020 44.84 - 59.49 332 6,562 5 332 2021 73.47 - 83.64 395 12,973 6 298 2022 79.79 - 94.88 430 16,364 7 235 2023 89.83 - 98.83 896 39,354 8 336 2024 119.19 - 146.37 651 39,371 9 135 2025 $ 126.34 - $ 189.93 712 50,864 10 — TOTAL 4,071 $ 173,231 1,991 The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding, vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 is as follows: December 31, Options 2025 2024 2023 Outstanding $ 317,984 $ 219,309 $ 197,819 Vested 213,189 152,011 137,048 Expected to vest 98,487 63,243 56,759 The intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market value of the underlying common stock and the exercise price of the options . At December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, t he aggregate intrinsic value of options that vested during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was $ 54,478 , $ 37,700 , and $ 31,658 , respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was $ 60,636 , $ 60,358 , and $ 56,186 , respectively. 120 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) Restricted Stock Awards The Company granted 248 , 232 and 219 restricted stock awards during the years ended December 31, 2025 , 2024 and 2023, respectively. All awards were granted at an issue price of $ 0 and generally vest over five years . The fair value per share of restricted awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2025 , 2024 and 2023 ranged from $ 126.34 to $ 189.93 , $ 116.65 to $ 149.12 and $ 89.83 to $ 98.31 , respectively. The fair value per share includes quarterly stock awards to non-employee directors. Included in the restricted stock award grants are $ 8,003 and $ 6,165 of annual bonuses that were settled in vested restricted stock awards during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. A summary of the status of the Company's non-vested restricted stock awards as of December 31, 2025 and changes during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 is presented below: Non-Vested Restricted Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested at January 1, 2023 487 $ 64.92 Granted 219 92.04 Vested ( 255 ) 64.21 Forfeited ( 20 ) 71.53 Nonvested at December 31, 2023 431 $ 78.91 Granted 232 131.26 Vested ( 215 ) 86.97 Forfeited ( 13 ) 83.12 Nonvested at December 31, 2024 435 $ 102.71 Granted 248 155.13 Vested ( 236 ) 109.30 Forfeited ( 11 ) 109.85 Nonvested at December 31, 2025 436 $ 129.54 During the year ended December 31, 2025 , the Company granted 14 automatic quarterly stock awards to non-employee directors for their service on the Company's board of directors. The fair value per share of these stock awards ranged from $ 129.09 to $ 177.94 based on the market price on the grant date. Stock-based compensation expense Stock-based compensation expense recognized for the Company's equity incentive plans and long-term incentive plan for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 2023 Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options $ 30,676 $ 22,439 $ 17,221 Stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock awards 15,121 11,662 11,845 Stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock awards to non-employee directors 2,098 2,082 1,688 TOTAL $ 47,895 $ 36,183 $ 30,754 In future periods, the Company expects to recognize approximately $ 102,691 and $ 49,326 in stock-based compensation expense for unvested options and unvested restricted stock awards, respectively, that were outstanding as of December 31, 2025. Future stock-based compensation expense will be recognized over 3.7 and 3.8 weighted average years for unvested options and restricted stock awards, respectively. There were 2,080 unvested and outstanding options as of December 31, 2025, of which 1,916 options are expected to vest. The weighted average contractual life for options outstanding, vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2025 was 6.7 years. 121 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 15. LEASES The Company leases from CareTrust real property associated with 104 independent skilled nursing and senior living facilities used in the Company’s operations under eight “triple-net” master lease agreements (collectively, the Master Leases), which range in terms from 13 to 20 years. At the Company’s option, the Master Leases may be extended for two or three five-year renewal terms beyond the initial term, on the same terms and conditions. The extension of the term of any of the Master Leases is subject to the following conditions: (1) no event of default under any of the Master Leases having occurred and continuing; and (2) the tenants providing timely notice of their intent to renew. The term of the Master Leases is subject to termination prior to the expiration of the current term upon default by the tenants in their obligations, if not cured within any applicable cure periods set forth in the Master Leases. If the Company elects to renew the term of a Master Lease, the renewal will be effective to all, but not less than all, of the leased property then subject to the Master Lease. During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company added eight operations to an existing Master Lease and amended the initial term to 15 years. As a result, the total lease liabilities and right-of-use assets increased by $ 124,761 to reflect the new lease obligations. The Company does not have the ability to terminate the obligations under a Master Lease prior to its expiration without CareTrust’s consent. If a Master Lease is terminated prior to its expiration other than with CareTrust’s consent, the Company may be liable for damages and incur charges such as continued payment of rent through the end of the lease term as well as maintenance and repair costs for the leased property. The rent structure under the Master Leases includes a fixed component, subject to annual escalation equal to the lesser of (1) the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (but not less than zero ) or (2) 2.5 %. In addition to rent, the Company is required to pay the following: (1) all impositions and taxes levied on or with respect to the leased properties (other than taxes on the income of the lessor); (2) all utilities and other services necessary or appropriate for the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties; (3) all insurance required in connection with the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties; (4) all facility maintenance and repair costs; and (5) all fees in connection with any licenses or authorizations necessary or appropriate for the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties. Total rent expense for continuing operations under the Master Leases was approximately $ 72,460 , $ 69,399 and $ 66,439 for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Among other things, under the Master Leases, the Company must maintain compliance with specified financial covenants measured on a quarterly basis, including a portfolio coverage ratio and a minimum rent coverage ratio. The Master Leases also include certain reporting, legal and authorization requirements. The Company is in compliance with requirements of the Master Leases as of December 31, 2025. The Company leases facilities where its independent subsidiaries operate under non-cancelable operating leases, most of which have initial lease terms ranging from 15 to 20 years. Most of these leases contain renewal options, certain of which involve rent increases. The Company's 104 independent subsidiaries, excluding the subsidiaries that are operated under the Master Leases with CareTrust, are operated under 19 separate master lease arrangements. During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company entered into five new master leases to add 14 stand-alone skilled nursing facilities operated by the Company's independent subsidiaries with initial terms between 14 and 15 years. The new master leases increased the lease liabilities and right-of-use assets by $ 134,893 to reflect the new lease obligations. Under the master leases, a default at a single facility could subject one or more of the other facilities covered by the same master lease to the same default risk. Failure to comply with Medicare and Medicaid provider requirements is an event of default under several of the Company’s leases, master lease agreements and debt financing instruments. In addition, other potential defaults related to an individual facility may cause a default of an entire master lease portfolio and could trigger cross-default provisions in the Company’s outstanding debt arrangements and other leases. With an indivisible lease, it is difficult to restructure the composition of the portfolio or economic terms of the lease without the consent of the landlord. 122 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) The components of operating lease expense are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 2023 Rent - cost of services (1) $ 239,312 $ 216,016 $ 197,358 Cost of services (2) 26,828 24,297 20,454 General and administrative expense 793 700 498 Depreciation and amortization (3) 960 1,212 1,202 $ 267,893 $ 242,225 $ 219,512 (1) Rent- cost of services includes deferred rent expense adju stments of $ 868 , $ 808 and $ 870 for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Additionally, rent- cost of services includes other variable lease costs such as consumer price index increases and short-term leases of $ 18,540 , $ 14,013 , and $ 10,259 for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 respectively. (2) Cost of services includes variable lease costs consisting of property taxes and insurance. (3) Depreciation and amortization is related to the amortization of favorable and direct lease costs. Future minimum lease payments for all third-party leases as of December 31, 2025 are as follows: Year Amount 2026 $ 238,459 2027 238,047 2028 237,089 2029 231,668 2030 226,246 Thereafter 1,904,147 TOTAL LEASE PAYMENTS $ 3,075,656 Less: present value adjustment ( 1,011,627 ) PRESENT VALUE OF TOTAL LEASE LIABILITIES $ 2,064,029 Less: current lease liabilities ( 114,816 ) LONG-TERM OPERATING LEASE LIABILITIES $ 1,949,213 Operating lease liabilities are based on the net present value of the remaining lease payments over the remaining lease term. In determining the present value of lease payments, the Company used its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the weighted average remaining lease term is 13.9 years and 14.5 years, respectively and the weighted average discount rate used to determine the operating lease liabilities is 6.2 % and 6.3 %, respectively. Subsequent to December 31, 2025, the Company expanded its operations through a long-term lease with the addition of one stand-alone skilled nursing operation. The aggregate impact to the carrying value of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets related to the long-term lease is estimated to be $ 26,837 . Lessor Activities The Company leases 38 of its owned real estate properties to third-party operators, of which 32 senior living operations are operated by The Pennant Group, Inc. (Pennant). All of these properties are triple-net leases, whereby the respective tenants are responsible for all costs at the properties including: (1) all impositions and taxes levied on or with respect to the leased properties (other than taxes on the income of the lessor); (2) all utilities and other services necessary or appropriate for the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties; (3) all insurance required in connection with the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties; (4) all facility maintenance and repair costs; and (5) all fees in connection with any licenses or authorizations necessary or appropriate for the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties. The initial terms range from 14 to 16 years. During 2025, the Company entered into five lease agreements with separate third-party operators of four skilled nursing operations and one senior living operation, with initial lease terms between two months and 15 years. Subsequent to December 31, 2025, two of these skilled nursing operations were transferred to the Company's independent subsidiaries to operate. During 2024, the Company expanded its operations through a separate master lease arrangement for three stand-alone senior living operations with a third-party operator for an initial lease term of 15 years. 123 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) Total rental income from all third-party sources for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 2023 Pennant (1) $ 16,497 $ 15,480 $ 15,048 Other third-party (2) 9,226 7,480 6,236 TOTAL $ 25,723 $ 22,960 $ 21,284 (1) Pennant rental income includes variable rent such as property taxes of $ 1,163 , $ 1,235 , and $ 1,296 during the year ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023. (2) Other third-party includes rental revenue associated with the Company's subleases to third parties of $ 4,455 , $ 4,347 and $ 3,897 for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. Future contractual minimum annual rental income for all third-party leases as of December 31, 2025 were as follows: Year Amount 2026 $ 27,573 2027 26,757 2028 26,379 2029 26,268 2030 25,201 Thereafter 122,863 TOTAL $ 255,041 16. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS The Company has a 401(k) defined contribution plan (the 401(k) Plan), whereby eligible employees may contribute up to 90 % of their annual basic earnings, subject to applicable annual Internal Revenue Code limits. Additionally, the 401(k) Plan provides for discretionary matching contributions (as defined in the 401(k) Plan) by the Company. The Company expensed matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan of $ 4,291 , $ 3,532 and $ 2,836 during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company has a non-qualified deferred compensation plan (DCP), whereby certain highly compensated employees who are otherwise ineligible to participate in the Company's 401(k) plan, may defer the receipt of a portion of their base compensation and, for certain employees, up to 100 % of their eligible bonuses. Additionally, the DCP allows for the employee deferrals to be deposited into a rabbi trust and the funds are generally invested in individual variable life insurance contracts owned by the Company that are specifically designed to fund savings plans of this nature. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company accrued $ 81,553 and $ 63,051 , respectively, as long term deferred compensation in other long term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Cash surrender value of the contracts is based on investment funds that shadow the investment allocations specified by participants in the deferred compensation plan. Refer to Note 5, Fair Value Measurements for more information on the funds. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded gains related to its DCP of $ 8,354 , $ 5,157 and $ 4,634 , respectively, which are included in other income, net, and recorded offsetting expenses of 8,782 , $ 5,559 , and $ 4,887 , respectively, which are allocated between cost of services and general administrative expenses. 124 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 17. SELF INSURANCE LIABILITIES The following table represents the Company's self-insurance insurance liabilities, on an undiscounted basis, inclusive of anticipated insurance recoveries, as of December 31, 2025 and 2024: December 31, 2025 2024 Accrued general liability and professional malpractice liabilities $ 186,780 $ 160,149 Accrued workers’ compensation liabilities 42,121 37,291 Accrued health benefits 17,514 14,312 TOTAL SELF-INSURANCE LIABILITIES $ 246,415 $ 211,752 Less: current self-insurance liabilities 81,623 67,331 LONG-TERM SELF-INSURANCE LIABILITIES $ 164,792 $ 144,421 The following table represents activity in our self-insurance liabilities as of and for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024: Amount Balance January 1, 2024 $ 165,910 Current year provisions 217,631 Claims paid and direct expenses ( 173,617 ) Change in long-term insurance losses recoverable 1,828 Balance December 31, 2024 $ 211,752 Current year provisions 245,038 Claims paid and direct expenses ( 209,777 ) Change in long-term insurance losses recoverable ( 598 ) Balance December 31, 2025 $ 246,415 The anticipated insurance recoveries included in the self-insurance liabilities are presented gross rather than net with the corresponding asset of $ 17,143 and $ 17,741 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, included in Restricted and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. 18. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Indemnities — From time to time, the Company enters into certain types of contracts that contingently require the Company to indemnify parties against third-party claims. The terms of such obligations vary by contract and, in most instances, do not expressly state or include a specific or maximum dollar amount. Generally, amounts under these contracts cannot be reasonably estimated until a specific claim is asserted. Consequently, because no claims have been asserted, no liabilities have been recorded for these obligations on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets for any of the periods presented. Litigation and Regulatory Matters — The Company and its independent subsidiaries are party to various legal actions and administrative proceedings and are subject to various claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Such claims may be related to, but are not limited to, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, alleged Medicare or Medicaid false claims, qui tam or "whistleblower" claims related to alleged violations of the False Claims Act and/or the Anti-Kickback Statute, alleged violations of state and federal wage and hour laws, environmental matters, investigations, examinations, audits and surveys or other claims in connection with the delivery of healthcare and non-healthcare services and general business operations. These claims may come from a variety of governmental agencies, including but not limited to, the following federal agencies: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Office of Inspector General (OIG); U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ); Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA), U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); National Labor Relations Board (NLRB); U.S. Department of Labor (DOL); U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In addition to these federal agencies, there are also a variety of state and local authorities with the ability to bring claims against our independent subsidiaries. 125 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) The Company and its independent subsidiaries are also subject to requests for information and investigations by other state and federal governmental entities (e.g., Offices of the Attorney General and Offices of the Inspector General). The Company cannot predict or provide any assurance as to the possible outcome of any inquiry, investigation or related litigation. If any such inquiry, investigation or related litigation were to proceed, and the Company and/or its independent subsidiaries are subjected to, alleged to be liable for, or agree to a settlement of, claims or obligations under federal Medicare statutes, the FCA, or similar state and federal statutes and related regulations, or if the Company and/or its independent subsidiaries are alleged or found to be liable on theories of general or professional negligence or under the law of employment practices (including wage and hour violations), the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected and its stock price could be adversely impacted. Among other things, any settlement or litigation could involve the payment of substantial sums to settle any alleged violations and may also include the assumption of specific procedural and financial obligations by the Company or its independent subsidiaries under a Corporate Integrity Agreement and/or other such arrangement. From time to time, various state or Federal agencies may issue requests for information, including but not limited to a subpoena. As an example, California's Office of Health Care Affordability is currently conducting a Cost and Market Impact Review (CMIR) with respect to specific components of a proposed transaction involving three of our California operations. The Company provided OHCA with requested information regarding specific components of the proposed transaction as part of the CMIR. The Company has been unable to effect resolution including attempts to narrow the scope, and limit the requests to its independent subsidiaries operating in California. The Company has filed a Petition in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Orange, seeking a declaration that the CMIR regulations violate the United States Constitution and/or the California Constitution, and is void and unenforceable as applied to the Company. It also has requested that OHCA be ordered to withdraw the subpoena and close the inquiry, so the underlying transaction can be completed. Other claims and suits, including class actions, continue to be filed against the Company and other companies in its industry. The Company and its independent subsidiaries have been subjected to, and are currently involved in, class action litigation alleging violations (alone or in combination) of state and federal wage and hour laws as related to the alleged failure to pay wages, to timely provide and compensate for meal and rest breaks, and related causes of action. In 2025, the Company agreed to settle substantially all alleged wage, hour or labor code-related violations asserted on a class or representative basis against its independent subsidiaries in California for purported violations occurring during the six year period ending December 2025, pending court approval. Accordingly, the Company has recorded an accrual of $ 12,000 within Other accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2025. The Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these actions will have an ongoing material adverse effect on the Company’s business, cash flows, financial condition or results of operations. In 2024, the Company, on behalf of its independent subsidiaries, received a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) indicating that the DOJ is investigating the Company to determine whether claims have been submitted to Medicare and Texas Medicaid for services which were unnecessary or otherwise not consistent with existing reimbursement requirements. The CID covers the period from January 1, 2016, to the present. As a general matter, the Company's independent subsidiaries maintain policies and procedures to promote compliance with all applicable Medicare and Medicaid requirements, including but not limited to those relating to the presentation of claims for reimbursement for services provided . The Company is fully cooperating with the DOJ in response to the CID. However, the Company cannot predict the outcome of the investigation or its potential impact on the consolidated financial statements. In 2023, following a four-week medical negligence trial in the State of Arizona, the jury returned a verdict against one of the Company’s independent subsidiaries. The Company is in the process of appealing the jury verdict. The Company has in the past appealed similar decisions and has, in some circumstances, received decisions in its favor. Although the Company intends to vigorously defend against these specific claims and in general these types of claims and cases, there can be no assurance that the outcomes of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on operational results and financial condition. The Company has recorded an estimated liability for this matter. In 2018, the Company, on behalf of its independent subsidiaries, received a CID from the DOJ stating that it was investigating to determine whether there had been a violation of the False Claims Act (FCA) and/or the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) with respect to the relationships between certain of the Company’s independent subsidiaries and persons who serve or have served as medical directors. In 2020, the Company was advised that the DOJ declined to intervene in any subsequent action filed in connection with the subject matter of this investigation. Despite the decision of the DOJ to decline to participate in litigation based on the subject matter of its previously issued CID, the involved qui tam relator moved forward with the complaint in 2020. In 2024, the Company mediated with the involved parties and agreed to settle the civil case for $ 48,000 and recorded the accrual as of December 31, 2023. Following the finalization of the settlement documents and payment of the settlement funds during the fourth quarter of 2024, the qui tam complaint was dismissed and the matter was resolved. 126 Table of Contents THE ENSIGN GROUP, INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) Medicare Revenue Recoupments — The Company's independent subsidiaries are subject to regulatory reviews relating to the provision of Medicare and Medicaid services, billings and potential overpayments as a result of Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC), and various Program Safeguard Contractors and Medicaid Integrity Contractors (collectively referred to as Reviews). Reviews vary in claim selection size and processes, ranging from a single episode/claim month to larger, multi-claim batches; and from single rounds of review to reviews of multiple rounds with pass/fail criteria. If an operation has a significant error rate or fails a Review and/or subsequent Reviews, the operation could then be subject to extended review or an extrapolation of the identified error rate to billings in the same time period. The Company anticipates that these Reviews could increase in frequency in the future. As of December 31, 2025, and through the filing date of this report, 25 of the Company's independent subsidiaries had multi-claim Reviews scheduled or in process. Concentrations Credit Risk — The Company has significant accounts receivable balances, the collectability of which is dependent on the availability of funds from certain governmental programs, primarily Medicare and Medicaid. These receivables represent the only significant concentration of credit risk for the Company. The Company does not believe there are significant credit risks associated with these governmental programs. The Company believes that an appropriate allowance has been recorded for the possibility of these receivables proving uncollectible and continually monitors and adjusts these allowances as necessary. The Company’s receivables from Medicare and Medicaid payor programs accounted for 61.9 % and 52.9 % of its total accounts receivable as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Revenue from reimbursement under the Medicare and Medicaid programs accounted for 69.5 %, 70.9 % and 72.6 % of the Company's revenue for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. 19. COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM On May 15, 2025, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program pursuant to which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $ 20,000 of its common stock under the program for a period of approximately 12 months from June 16, 2025. During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company did not repurchase any shares pursuant to this stock repurchase program. On February 21, 2025, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program pursuant to which the Company was authorized to repurchase up to $ 20,000 of its common stock under the program for a period of approximately 12 months from March 26, 2025. During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company purchased 157 shares of its common stock for $ 20,000 . This repurchase program expired upon the repurchase of the fully authorized amount under the plan and is no longer in effect. On May 16, 2024, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program pursuant to which the Company was authorized to repurchase up to $ 20,000 of its common stock under the program for a period of approximately 12 months from September 1, 2024. The Company did not purchase any shares pursuant to this stock repurchase program before the repurchase program was cancelled on February 21, 2025. On August 29, 2023, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program pursuant to which the Company was authorized to repurchase up to $ 20,000 of its common stock under the program for a period of approximately 12 months from September 1, 2023, which terminated by its terms on August 31, 2024. The Company did not purchase any shares pursuant to this stock repurchase program. Under the repurchase program, the Company is authorized to repurchase its issued and outstanding common shares from time to time in open-market and privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, pursuant to contractual provisions, and block trades, or otherwise in accordance with federal securities laws. The share repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares. Any such repurchases will depend on the Company's business strategy, prevailing market conditions, the Company's liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions or covenants, compliance with securities laws, and other factors. The amounts involved in any such transaction may be material. Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. 127 Table of Contents