The Ensign Group, Inc. Reports First Quarter 200...(0 million for the prior year quarter and...),Health

The company reported first quarter 2008 EBITDAR of $17.3 million vs. $13.4 million for the first quarter 2007. EBITDAR is a non-GAAP financial measure. A discussion of the company's use of this non-GAAP financial measure is set forth below, and a reconciliation of net income to EBITDAR for the first quarter 2008 and 2007 appears in the financial data portion of this release.

The company reported first quarter 2008 net income of $6.3 million or $0.31 per diluted share, compared to $4.1 million or $0.24 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2007.

Commenting on the results, Ensign President and Chief Executive Officer Christopher Christensen said, "We are pleased with the first quarter performance of our operational leaders and their teams. Our EBITDAR margins grew to 15.2% overall and 15.6% same-store, and reflect our continued focus on fundamentals and execution. We believe these results demonstrate the leverage inherent in our operating model, and provide a solid foundation to build on for the remainder of 2008 and beyond."

More complete information is contained in the Company's 10-Q, which was filed with the SEC today and can be viewed on the Company's website at http://www.ensigngroup.net.

Recent Highlights

On May 1, 2008, the Company acquired a 120-bed skilled nursing facility in Orem, Utah, its first new facility acquisition since going public in 2007. The Company used approximately $2.0 million of its initial public offering ("IPO") proceeds to acquire and assume a favorable long-term lease on the facility. Barry Port, President of Ensign portfolio subsidiary Keystone Care, Inc., said,
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