Company Overview - Chemed is a diversified services company operating in healthcare and essential home services markets, with a dual-segment model that provides stable revenue streams through hospice care and property maintenance [6] - As of February 12, 2026, Chemed's market capitalization is $6.76 billion, with a revenue of $2.53 billion and a net income of $278.81 million [4] Recent Developments - On February 12, 2026, Barington Companies Management disclosed a new position in Chemed, acquiring 13,000 shares valued at approximately $5.56 million [1][2] - This new position represents 3.65% of Barington Companies Management's reportable U.S. equity assets [8] Financial Performance - Chemed reported third-quarter revenue of $624.9 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 3.1%, while adjusted diluted EPS decreased by 6.6% to $5.27 [10] - VITAS revenue increased by 4.2% to $407.7 million, with admissions up 5.6% and average daily census up 2.5% [11] - Roto-Rooter revenue grew by 1.1% to $217.2 million, although margins experienced compression [11] - Chemed ended the quarter with $129.8 million in cash and no current or long-term debt, maintaining full-year guidance of $22.00 to $22.30 per share [11] Market Position and Strategy - Chemed operates through two main segments: VITAS for hospice and palliative care services, and Roto-Rooter for plumbing and water restoration services, targeting both healthcare and property maintenance sectors [9] - The company leverages its national network, brand strength, and operational expertise to maintain a competitive position in its core markets [6] - The recent investment by Barington Companies Management adds defensive exposure to Chemed's portfolio, which is primarily focused on consumer and technology sectors [12]

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Group 1 - Chemed Corporation's Board of Directors has authorized an additional $300 million for stock repurchase under the existing share repurchase program, funded through operational cash and a revolving credit facility [1] - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of 60 cents per share, payable on March 13, 2026, to shareholders of record as of February 23, 2026, marking the 219th consecutive quarterly dividend in its 54 years as a public company [2] - Chemed operates two wholly owned subsidiaries: VITAS Healthcare, the largest provider of end-of-life hospice care in the U.S., and Roto-Rooter, the leading provider of plumbing and drain cleaning services [3]

Core Thesis - Chemed Corporation is viewed positively despite recent stock price declines, with a focus on the recovery potential of its hospice business, VITAS, and the overall valuation dislocation in the market [1][5]. Company Overview - Chemed Corporation operates two distinct businesses: VITAS, a hospice and palliative care provider, and Roto-Rooter, a plumbing services company, generating approximately $2.4 billion in revenue and $370 million in operating income [2]. - The company maintains a strong financial position with a return on invested capital (ROIC) above 20%, return on equity (ROE) in the high 20s, and a net-cash balance sheet [2]. Recent Performance and Market Sentiment - The stock has declined by about one-third recently, with the forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio dropping from the mid-20s to around 17x due to a reset in market expectations [3]. - VITAS has faced challenges such as Medicare cap adjustments and management turnover, leading to a significant cut in earnings guidance [3]. Market Outlook - Despite recent setbacks, the hospice market remains attractive due to favorable demographics and Medicare incentives, positioning VITAS for potential revenue growth in the mid- to high-single digits and double-digit operating profit growth in the medium term [3]. - Roto-Rooter is experiencing ongoing challenges from post-COVID normalization and competition, which may limit profitability, but it continues to generate significant cash flow [4]. Valuation Perspective - The current market valuation suggests a pessimistic outlook for VITAS, implying a permanent impairment and minimal future growth potential, which is considered overly negative by analysts [4]. - Chemed's strong free cash flow, disciplined capital returns, and the potential for a valuation rerating as VITAS stabilizes contribute to a favorable risk/reward profile [4].

Core Viewpoint - Chemed Corporation will release its financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2025, on February 25, 2026, after the market closes [1]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will be discussed in a conference call and webcast scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on February 26, 2026 [1]. - Participants can access the live webcast through Chemed's investor relations section or a dedicated hosting website [2]. - A taped replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the call concludes [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Chemed Corporation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio [4]. - The company operates two wholly owned subsidiaries: VITAS Healthcare, the largest provider of end-of-life hospice care in the U.S., and Roto-Rooter, the leading provider of plumbing and drain cleaning services [4].

Core Viewpoint - Chemed (CHE) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - Institutional investors often rely on earnings estimates to determine the fair value of stocks, leading to buying or selling actions that affect stock prices [4]. Chemed's Earnings Outlook - Chemed is expected to earn $22.16 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, with no year-over-year change, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 1.6% over the past three months [8]. - The upgrade reflects an improvement in Chemed's underlying business, which is likely to drive the stock price higher as investors respond positively to this trend [5][10]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - Chemed's upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [9][10].

Company Overview - Chemed Corporation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio [2] - The company operates two wholly owned subsidiaries: VITAS Healthcare, the largest provider of end-of-life hospice care in the nation, and Roto-Rooter, the leading provider of plumbing and drain cleaning services [2] Upcoming Events - Chemed Corporation will present at the BofA Securities 2025 Virtual Home Care Conference on December 9, 2025, at 1:20 PM (ET) [1] - The presentation will be available via live webcast on the Chemed website, with a replay accessible within 24 hours for 90 days [1]

Core Viewpoint - The company expresses optimism about future performance despite challenges faced in the second quarter, particularly for VITAS and Roto-Rooter [1] Company Performance - The second quarter of the year was challenging for both VITAS and Roto-Rooter, but the company remains confident in overcoming past issues, specifically the Florida Medicare Cap problems anticipated in 2025 [1] - Roto-Rooter has faced intense competition in recent years, but there are signs of improvement in the competitive environment, which the company plans to leverage over the next 12 to 18 months [1]

Chemed (NYSE:CHE) 2025 Conference Summary Company Overview - Chemed operates two distinct service businesses: VITAS (hospice provider) and Roto-Rooter (plumbing and drain care) [4][5] - The company has experienced consistent net income growth of 11% to 12% per annum over the past 20 years [5] - Chemed has utilized free cash flow to repurchase over $2 billion of its stock, reducing shares outstanding from approximately 27 million to just under 15 million [6] Financial Performance and Challenges - The second quarter of 2025 was challenging for both VITAS and Roto-Rooter, with VITAS facing Medicare cap issues in Florida [3][12] - VITAS had to return approximately $18.9 million to the government due to exceeding Medicare billing limitations [11][12] - Roto-Rooter faced increased competition, particularly from private equity-backed companies, affecting its market position and advertising costs [10][30] Growth Strategy - Chemed's growth strategy focuses on organic growth rather than acquisitions, leveraging strong cash flow from both businesses [5][11] - The company aims to return to pre-pandemic growth levels, targeting high single-digit growth rates for VITAS [69][78] - The hospice market is projected to grow 8-10% annually due to the aging baby boomer population [77][79] VITAS Performance - VITAS has seen a recovery in patient census, returning to pre-pandemic levels after workforce disruptions during the pandemic [7][64] - The company is strategically managing admissions to balance Medicare cap limitations, with expectations of improved performance in 2026 [15][66] - The average daily census (ADC) increased by 2.5%, with total admissions up 5.6% year-over-year [64][65] Roto-Rooter Performance - Roto-Rooter has experienced a decline in phone calls and leads due to increased competition and higher advertising costs [31][32] - The company is adapting its marketing strategy to focus more on commercial business, which has shown promising growth [89][90] - Roto-Rooter is expanding its commercial business manager program, which has resulted in a 20% revenue increase in branches where it has been implemented [92][94] Labor and Operational Insights - Chemed has successfully managed labor turnover, with rates now better than pre-pandemic levels [81][82] - Average wage increases have been around 3% to mid-threes, and the company has been recognized as a best workplace in healthcare for 2025 [85][88] - The company does not anticipate labor shortages impacting operations in 2026 [80] Market Outlook - Chemed expects to achieve a balanced growth trajectory for both VITAS and Roto-Rooter, with a focus on maintaining a healthy mix of short-stay and long-stay patients [79][80] - The company is optimistic about returning to historical growth rates and addressing competitive challenges effectively [50][51] Conclusion - Chemed is navigating through post-pandemic recovery with a focus on returning to consistent growth across its two business segments, while addressing competitive pressures and operational challenges [3][10][12]

Core Viewpoint - Chemed (CHE) has shown a recent price increase and analysts suggest significant upside potential based on price targets, with a mean target indicating a 32.7% increase from the current price [1][2]. Price Targets and Analyst Estimates - The mean price target for CHE is $578.5, with a standard deviation of $19.97, indicating a consensus among analysts [2]. - The lowest price target is $550.00, suggesting a 26.2% increase, while the highest target is $595.00, indicating a potential 36.5% increase [2]. - A low standard deviation among price targets suggests strong agreement among analysts regarding the stock's price direction [9]. Earnings Estimates and Analyst Sentiment - Analysts have shown optimism regarding CHE's earnings prospects, with a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions [4][11]. - Over the last 30 days, two earnings estimates have been revised upward, leading to a 1.9% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [12]. - CHE holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate factors [13]. Investment Considerations - While price targets are a common metric, relying solely on them for investment decisions may not be prudent due to potential biases in analyst estimates [3][10]. - The correlation between earnings estimate revisions and stock price movements suggests that the direction indicated by price targets may be a useful guide for further research [11][14].