Chemed(CHE)
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 CHE Stock Falls Despite Q1 Earnings & Revenue Beat, Gross Margin Declines
 ZACKS· 2025-04-25 15:20
 Core Viewpoint - Chemed Corporation reported strong first-quarter 2025 earnings and revenue growth, but faced stock price decline due to concerns over gross margin contraction and Roto-Rooter segment performance [1][2][14].   Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS for Q1 2025 was $5.63, an increase of 8.3% year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.5% [1] - GAAP EPS was $4.86, reflecting a 14.6% increase from the previous year [1] - Revenues for the quarter reached $646.9 million, up 9.8% year over year, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.7% [2]   Segment Performance - VITAS segment reported net patient revenues of $407.4 million, a 15.1% increase year over year, driven by an 11.9% rise in days-of-care and a 3.2% increase in Medicare reimbursement rates [4] - Roto-Rooter segment generated sales of $239.5 million, a 1.8% year-over-year increase, with commercial revenues up 7.3% [6] - Roto-Rooter residential revenues decreased by 1.7% year over year, with specific declines in drain cleaning and plumbing services [7]   Margin and Expense Analysis - Gross profit increased by 6% year over year to $216.4 million, but gross margin contracted by 119 basis points to 33.5% due to rising service costs [8] - SG&A expenses decreased by 8.9% year over year to $105.6 million, while adjusted operating profit rose by 25.6% to $110.8 million [8]   Liquidity and Capital Structure - As of the end of Q1 2025, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $173.9 million, down from $178.4 million at the end of Q4 2024, with no current or long-term debt [9][10] - Net cash provided by operating activities was $32.7 million, compared to $84.5 million in the same period last year [10]   Shareholder Returns and Guidance - The company repurchased 50,000 shares for $29.8 million, with approximately $225.6 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization [11] - For 2025, Chemed expects VITAS revenues to grow by 10.5% to 11.3%, while Roto-Rooter is forecasted to grow by 2.4% to 3.0% [12] - Adjusted EPS guidance for 2025 is set between $24.95 and $25.45, indicating an 8.8% growth over 2024 [13]
 Chemed(CHE) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
 2025-04-24 20:14
 Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - VITAS net revenue was $407.4 million in Q1 2025, an increase of 15.1% compared to the prior year period [18] - Adjusted EBITDA, excluding Medicare cap, totaled $70.3 million in Q1 2025, an increase of 15.9% [20] - Adjusted EBITDA margin in Q1 2025, excluding Medicare cap, was 17.2%, which is 13 basis points above the prior year period [20] - Roto Rooter generated total revenue increase of 1.8% in Q1 2025 compared to the prior year quarter [13] - Adjusted EBITDA at Roto Rooter in Q1 2025 totaled $59.2 million, a decrease of 2.4% compared to the prior year quarter [25]   Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - VITAS admissions totaled 18,139 in Q1 2025, a 7.3% improvement compared to the same period of 2024 [8] - Average daily census (ADC) for VITAS expanded to 22,244, an increase of 13.1% compared to the prior year quarter [8] - Roto Rooter branch residential revenue increased by 1.7% to $167.2 million, driven by a 3% increase in excavation revenue and a 12.5% increase in water restoration [21][22] - Roto Rooter branch commercial revenue increased by 7.3% to $57.7 million, driven by a 38% increase in excavation and a 14% increase in water restoration [23]   Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hospital-based admissions represented 49% of overall admissions for VITAS, the highest level since the pandemic [36] - Hospital-directed admissions increased by 12% compared to Q1 2024 [32] - The average revenue per patient day for VITAS in Q1 2025 was $207.58, which is 221 basis points above the prior year period [19]   Company Strategy and Development Direction - VITAS management is focusing on increasing hospital-based admissions to navigate Medicare cap issues [11][34] - The company is expanding its operating scope within Florida and other states with certificate of need restrictions [16] - Roto Rooter management is refining its excavation pricing model to balance revenue growth and EBITDA margin [28]   Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in VITAS's ability to maintain above-average growth both organically and through acquisitions in 2025 and beyond [39] - The company anticipates providing updated earnings guidance as part of the June 30, 2025 earnings press release [29] - Management acknowledged that the growth path seen in 2023 and 2024 was likely higher than what is sustainable due to the Medicare cap [53]   Other Important Information - The Covington Health acquisition positively impacted revenue, adjusted net income, and EBITDA by 3 to 4% [21] - The company experienced a $48 million increase in receivables due to the return of funds from a previous audit [56][58]   Q&A Session Summary  Question: Details on long-term cap management strategy - Management discussed the importance of managing cap cushion and the impact of hospital admissions on average length of stay [44][45] - The focus is on ensuring long-term sustainable growth while navigating regulatory changes [50][51]   Question: Cash flow dynamics and working capital - Management explained that cash flow was affected by the timing of receivables and a PIP payment [55][58] - They clarified that the increase in receivables was not indicative of cash flow collection problems [60]
 Chemed(CHE) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
 2025-04-24 19:57
 Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - VITAS net revenue was $407.4 million in Q1 2025, an increase of 15.1% compared to the prior year period, driven by an 11.9% increase in days of care and a 3.2% increase in Medicare reimbursement rates [18][19] - Adjusted EBITDA for VITAS, excluding Medicare cap, totaled $70.3 million, reflecting a 15.9% increase, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 17.2%, up 13 basis points from the prior year [20][28] - Roto Rooter generated total revenue growth of 1.8% in Q1 2025, with gross branch revenue increasing by 3.1% [13][21]   Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - VITAS admissions totaled 18,139, a 7.3% improvement compared to Q1 2024, with an average daily census of 22,244, up 13.1% year-over-year [8][30] - Roto Rooter branch residential revenue increased by 1.7% to $167.2 million, while branch commercial revenue rose by 7.3% to $57.7 million [22][23] - Revenue from independent contractors declined by 6.4% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [24]   Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hospital-based admissions represented 49% of overall admissions for VITAS, the highest level since the pandemic, with a 12% increase compared to Q1 2024 [36] - The average length of stay for VITAS patients increased to 118.7 days, compared to 103.9 days in Q1 2024 [32]   Company Strategy and Development Direction - VITAS is focusing on increasing hospital-based admissions to manage Medicare cap exposure, which is expected to provide a cushion for revenue growth [10][34] - Roto Rooter is refining its excavation pricing model to balance revenue growth and EBITDA margin, responding to feedback from its commercial sales force [26][28] - The company is expanding its operating scope in Florida, with new locations in Pasco and Marion counties expected to drive future growth [16][37]   Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in VITAS's ability to maintain above-average growth through organic means and accretive acquisitions in 2025 and beyond [39] - The company acknowledged that the growth path seen in 2023 and 2024 may not be sustainable due to Medicare cap constraints, suggesting a more moderate growth trajectory moving forward [53]   Other Important Information - The Covington Health acquisition positively impacted revenue, adjusted net income, and EBITDA by 3 to 4% [20] - Cash flow dynamics were affected by the timing of accounts receivable, particularly related to a $48 million refund and a $57 million PIP payment [56][58]   Q&A Session Summary  Question: Long-term cap management strategy - Management discussed the importance of managing Medicare cap cushion and the impact of hospital admissions on revenue and length of stay [42][44]  Question: Cash flow dynamics and working capital - Management clarified that the increase in accounts receivable was due to timing issues rather than cash flow collection problems [54][60]
 Chemed(CHE) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
 2025-04-24 15:02
 Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - VITAS net revenue was $407.4 million in Q1 2025, a 15.1% increase compared to the prior year period, driven by an 11.9% increase in days of care and a 3.2% increase in Medicare reimbursement rates [12] - Adjusted EBITDA for VITAS, excluding Medicare Cap, totaled $70.3 million, reflecting a 15.9% increase, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 17.2%, up 13 basis points from the prior year [13] - Roto Rooter generated a total revenue increase of 1.8% in Q1 2025 compared to the prior year, with gross branch revenue increasing by 3.1% [8][15]   Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - VITAS admissions totaled 18,139 in Q1 2025, a 7.3% increase from the same period in 2024, with average daily census (ADC) expanding to 22,244, a 13.1% increase [6][21] - Roto Rooter branch residential revenue increased by 1.7% to $167.2 million, driven by a 3% increase in excavation revenue and a 12.5% increase in water restoration [15] - Roto Rooter branch commercial revenue increased by 7.3% to $57.7 million, supported by a 38% increase in excavation and a 14% increase in water restoration [15]   Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hospital-based admissions represented 49% of overall admissions for VITAS in Q1 2025, the highest level since the pandemic, with a 12% increase compared to Q1 2024 [24] - The average length of stay for VITAS patients increased to 118.7 days in Q1 2025 from 103.9 days in Q1 2024, reflecting the impact of community access initiatives [22]   Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on increasing hospital-based admissions to manage Medicare cap exposure, which is expected to provide a cushion for revenue growth [7][24] - VITAS is expanding its operating scope in Florida, with new locations in Pasco and Marion Counties, which are anticipated to enhance growth potential [10][25] - Roto Rooter management is refining its excavation pricing model to balance revenue growth and EBITDA margin, particularly in the commercial sector [19]   Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in VITAS's ability to maintain above-average growth both organically and through acquisitions in 2025 and beyond [26] - The company acknowledged that the growth path observed in 2023 and 2024 may not be sustainable in the mid to long term due to Medicare cap constraints [36]   Other Important Information - The financial results for Q1 2025 were within expectations and guidance, with plans to provide updated earnings guidance in the upcoming earnings press release [20] - The company experienced a significant increase in accounts receivable due to the timing of cash flow related to a previous audit refund [39][40]   Q&A Session Summary  Question: Details on long-term cap management strategy - Management discussed the importance of managing Medicare cap exposure and the impact of regulatory changes on revenue growth [30][31]  Question: Insights on cash flow dynamics and working capital - Management explained that cash flow dynamics were affected by the timing of receivables and a significant refund related to an audit, clarifying that these do not indicate collection problems [37][39]
 Chemed(CHE) - 2025 Q1 - Quarterly Results
 2025-04-23 20:30
 Revenue Growth - Revenue increased by 9.8% to $646.9 million in Q1 2025 compared to the prior year[3] - Net Patient Revenue for VITAS was $407.4 million, reflecting a 15.1% increase year-over-year[6] - Roto-Rooter generated revenue of $239.5 million, an increase of 1.8% compared to the previous year[11] - Service revenues and sales for Q1 2025 were $646,943,000, up from $589,233,000 in Q1 2024, reflecting a growth of 9.8%[38] - VITAS segment net revenue for Q1 2025 reached $407,400,000, up from $354,007,000 in Q1 2024, indicating a year-over-year increase of 15.1%[45] - Homecare revenue within the VITAS segment was $351,566,000 in Q1 2025, compared to $304,860,000 in Q1 2024, marking a growth of 15.3%[45]   Earnings Performance - GAAP Diluted Earnings-per-Share (EPS) rose by 14.6% to $4.86, while Adjusted Diluted EPS increased by 8.3% to $5.63[3] - Net income for Q1 2025 was $71,757,000, an increase of 10.7% compared to $65,017,000 in Q1 2024[36] - Adjusted net income for Q1 2025 was $83,074,000, compared to $79,831,000 in Q1 2024, reflecting a growth of 4.5%[42] - The diluted earnings per share for Q1 2025 was $4.86, up from $4.24 in Q1 2024, representing an increase of 14.6%[42]   Operational Metrics - Average Daily Census (ADC) grew by 13.1% to 22,244, with admissions increasing by 7.3% to 18,139[3] - Average daily census (ADC) for homecare increased to 18,140 days in Q1 2025 from 15,911 days in Q1 2024, a rise of 14.2%[45] - Total admissions for VITAS in Q1 2025 were 18,139, up from 16,911 in Q1 2024, representing an increase of 7.2%[45] - The average length of stay for patients increased to 118.7 days in Q1 2025 from 103.9 days in Q1 2024, suggesting a longer duration of care provided[45]   Financial Position - As of March 31, 2025, Chemed had total cash and cash equivalents of $173.9 million and no debt[16] - Total current assets decreased to $502,385,000 in Q1 2025 from $539,617,000 in Q1 2024, a decline of 6.8%[34] - Total liabilities remained relatively stable at $544,753,000 in Q1 2025 compared to $544,138,000 in Q1 2024[34] - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $173,882,000 in Q1 2025 from $313,350,000 in Q1 2024, a decrease of 44.7%[36] - Total stockholders' equity slightly decreased to $1,181,762,000 in Q1 2025 from $1,183,495,000 in Q1 2024[34]   Cash Flow and Investments - Net cash provided by operating activities was $32,744,000 in Q1 2025, down from $84,549,000 in Q1 2024, a decline of 61.2%[36] - Capital expenditures for Q1 2025 were $13,280,000, compared to $12,163,000 in Q1 2024, an increase of 9.2%[36] - The company repurchased 50,000 shares for $29.8 million, with approximately $225.6 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization[18] - The company purchased $33,222,000 in treasury stock during Q1 2025, compared to $38,460,000 in Q1 2024[36]   Efficiency and Collection - Adjusted EBITDA for VITAS was $70.3 million, up 15.9% from the prior year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 17.2%[9] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $121,692,000, compared to $114,622,000 in Q1 2024, reflecting a growth of 6.1%[40] - The estimated uncollectible accounts as a percentage of revenues decreased to 0.6% in Q1 2025 from 1.1% in Q1 2024, indicating improved revenue collection efficiency[46] - The company reported a decrease in accounts receivable by $67,424,000 in Q1 2025, contrasting with an increase of $5,345,000 in Q1 2024[36]
 Why Is Chemed (CHE) Up 4.5% Since Last Earnings Report?
 ZACKS· 2025-03-28 16:36
 Core Viewpoint - Chemed's shares have increased by approximately 4.5% since the last earnings report, outperforming the S&P 500, raising questions about the sustainability of this positive trend leading up to the next earnings release [1]   Company Performance - Chemed has not seen any earnings estimate revisions from analysts in the past two months, indicating a period of stability in expectations [2] - The company holds a VGM Score of B, with a strong Growth Score of A, a Momentum Score of B, but a lower Value Score of D, placing it in the bottom 40% for value investment strategy [3]   Outlook - Chemed has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), suggesting expectations of below-average returns in the upcoming months [4]   Industry Comparison - Chemed operates within the Zacks Medical - Outpatient and Home Healthcare industry, where DaVita HealthCare has seen a 3.9% increase in shares over the past month [5] - DaVita HealthCare reported revenues of $3.29 billion for the last quarter, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 4.7%, with EPS rising from $1.87 to $2.24 [5] - For the current quarter, DaVita HealthCare is projected to report earnings of $1.75 per share, indicating a decline of 26.5% from the previous year, with no changes in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the last 30 days [6]
 Chemed Q4 Earnings & Revenues Top, Stock Climbs, Margins Contract
 ZACKS· 2025-02-28 14:30
 Core Viewpoint - Chemed Corporation reported better-than-expected earnings and revenues for the fourth quarter of 2024, driven by strong performance in its VITAS segment and an acquisition that bolstered its metrics [14].   Financial Performance - The adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the fourth quarter was $6.83, a 3.5% increase year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.5% [1] - The GAAP EPS was $6.02, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous year [2] - Full-year adjusted EPS reached $23.13, marking a 13.9% increase from the prior year [2] - Revenues for the fourth quarter improved by 9.2% year over year to $640 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.7% [3] - Total revenues for the full year were $2.43 billion, up 7.4% from the previous year [3]   Segment Performance - VITAS segment reported net patient revenues of $411 million in the fourth quarter, a 17.4% increase year over year, driven by a 14.6% rise in days of care and a nearly 3.5% increase in Medicare reimbursement rates [5] - Roto-Rooter segment reported sales of $229 million, down 2.9% year over year, with mixed performance across its services [7][8]   Margin Analysis - Gross profit for the fourth quarter increased by 2.9% year over year to $234.1 million, but gross margin contracted by 226 basis points to 36.6% due to rising service costs [9] - SG&A expenses rose by 3.8% year over year to $104 million, while adjusted operating profit increased by 2.1% to $129.8 million, with adjusted operating margin contracting by 141 basis points to 20.3% [9]   Liquidity and Capital Structure - At the end of the fourth quarter, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $178.4 million, down from $264 million at the end of 2023, with no current or long-term debt [11] - The cumulative net cash provided by operating activities was $417.5 million compared to $330.3 million in the previous year [11] - The company repurchased 388,235 shares for $57.8 million, with approximately $255.3 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization [12]   Future Guidance - For 2025, Chemed expects VITAS revenues to increase by 10.5% to 11.3% from 2024 levels, with total revenue estimates pegged at $2.57 billion, indicating a 5.8% year-over-year improvement [13] - The adjusted EPS for full-year 2024 is expected to be in the range of $24.95-$25.45, implying an 8.5% growth over the 2024 adjusted figure [13]
 Chemed(CHE) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report
 2025-02-28 14:01
 Business Segments - Chemed operates in two segments: VITAS, providing hospice and palliative care, and Roto-Rooter, offering plumbing and related services[11]. - VITAS is one of the largest hospice service providers in the U.S., competing with numerous small, community-based hospices[25]. - Roto-Rooter's revenue and operating results are significantly impacted by weather patterns across the United States, affecting service demand[19].   Revenue Sources - Over 90% of VITAS' revenue comes from the Medicare program, indicating a significant reliance on government funding[21]. - Over 95% of VITAS' revenue comes from Medicare and Medicaid payments, primarily on a "per diem" basis, making cost management critical for profitability[54]. - Medicaid reimbursement accounted for approximately 4% of VITAS' revenues in 2024, with state programs required to pay at least the same rates as Medicare[70].   Compliance and Regulatory Challenges - The company emphasizes the importance of compliance with Medicare's Conditions of Participation to avoid sanctions and maintain operational integrity[33]. - VITAS must comply with various state licensure requirements, and non-compliance could adversely affect operations and participation in Medicare and Medicaid[53]. - The company faces regulatory challenges in expanding into states with Certificate of Need laws, which may require state agency approval for new programs[48]. - The Medicare program has implemented a 2% reimbursement cut, which was temporarily reduced to 1% during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting future revenue[73]. - The company is subject to various federal and state health regulatory laws covering professional services and the dispensing of drugs[101].   Financial Performance and Risks - VITAS' profitability is at risk due to potential increases in operating costs without corresponding increases in Medicare and Medicaid rates[134]. - Liability claims and inadequate insurance coverage pose risks to VITAS' financial condition and operational results[152]. - The company is subject to financial covenants that restrict its ability to incur additional debt and could lead to default if not met[160][161]. - The company has historically incurred debt to finance operations, and its ability to service this debt depends on future operating performance[168][169].   Competition - Roto-Rooter faces competition from local and regional firms, with competition primarily based on service quality, pricing, and brand recognition[23]. - The hospice industry is highly competitive, with VITAS facing pressure from various healthcare organizations and potential new entrants[149]. - The company recognizes the intense competition in the service industry, particularly in plumbing, which could impact its growth strategy[127].   Acquisitions and Growth Strategy - The company has engaged in twelve significant acquisitions or divestitures since its inception, focusing on maximizing shareholder value[10]. - VITAS acquired hospice operations and an assisted living facility from Covenant for an aggregated purchase price of $85.0 million in cash[121]. - Roto-Rooter completed several acquisitions in 2024, including a franchise in New Jersey for $5.8 million, Texas for $1.5 million, and Kentucky for $5.1 million, totaling $12.4 million[121]. - VITAS' growth strategy includes expansion into new markets, but success is not guaranteed, which could adversely affect overall business performance[145].   Employee and Workforce Management - The Company employed a total of 15,695 employees as of December 31, 2024, emphasizing the importance of talent attraction and retention[109]. - VITAS's "Difference Maker Program" paid over $39.2 million in bonuses to retain healthcare workers during the pandemic[119]. - The company values diversity and inclusion in its workforce to better serve its diverse customer base[120].   Cybersecurity and Data Protection - The company has developed a response plan for potential cybersecurity breaches and maintains safeguards against cyber-attacks[132]. - The company has implemented cybersecurity measures, including regular updates and independent testing, to combat increasing cyber threats[176][178]. - The company has not experienced any known material system/data breaches that compromised customer or proprietary data[155].   Environmental Compliance - As of December 31, 2024, the Company has an estimated liability for potential environmental cleanup costs amounting to $1.7 million, with a maximum contingent liability of $14.9 million[105]. - The Company is currently in compliance with environmental laws and regulations, with capital expenditures for compliance being immaterial in 2023 and 2024[106].   Shareholder Returns and Financial Position - The Company repurchased a total of 388,235 shares in the fourth quarter of 2024 at a weighted average price of $548.13 per share, with a remaining dollar amount of $351,929,650 under the repurchase program[193]. - The Company's cumulative total stockholder return from December 31, 2019, to December 31, 2024, was 22.37%, compared to 97.02% for the S&P 500 and 103.37% for the Dow Jones Industrial Diversified Index[199]. - The Company has no long-term debt as of December 31, 2024, and its interest rate risk exposure is primarily through a variable interest credit facility[203].   Legal and Litigation Risks - The company is involved in ongoing litigation, which could result in substantial damages and affect its financial condition[167]. - The company acknowledges that the effects of another pandemic could negatively impact its operations and service delivery[171][172].
 Chemed(CHE) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
 2025-02-27 19:10
 Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - VITAS net revenue was $411 million in Q4 2024, an increase of 17.4% compared to the prior year period [21] - Roto-Rooter generated quarterly revenue of $229 million, a decrease of 2.9% year-over-year [13] - Adjusted EBITDA for VITAS was $93.2 million, an increase of 11.8% [23] - Adjusted EBITDA margin for VITAS was 22.5%, down 112 basis points from the prior year [23]   Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - VITAS admissions totaled 16,427, a 3.5% increase from Q4 2023 [8] - Average daily census (ADC) for VITAS expanded to 22,179 patients, a 14.6% increase year-over-year [37] - Roto-Rooter residential revenue decreased by 2%, while commercial revenue increased by 0.4% [13] - Roto-Rooter adjusted EBITDA totaled $60.3 million, a decrease of 7.2% compared to the prior year [26]   Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - VITAS experienced a geographically weighted average Medicare reimbursement rate increase of approximately 3.5% [21] - The average revenue per patient day for VITAS was $206.23, which is 244 basis points above the prior year [22] - Roto-Rooter's call volume was down 8% compared to the prior year quarter [14]   Company Strategy and Development Direction - VITAS is focusing on hospital-based admissions to manage Medicare cap exposure and ensure sustainable growth [42][45] - Roto-Rooter is optimistic about its commercial business growth and aims to stop further deterioration in the residential sector [30] - The company plans to continue its strategy of acquiring new locations and integrating other providers to enhance patient care [45]   Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding Roto-Rooter's turnaround despite challenging operating conditions [18] - VITAS management is confident in maintaining above-average historical growth through organic growth and acquisitions [45] - The company anticipates a slight moderation in growth rates due to Medicare cap management strategies [28]   Other Important Information - The Covenant Health acquisition contributed $11 million to $12 million in revenue during Q4 2024 [25] - The company is not incorporating share repurchases into its guidance for 2025 [67]   Q&A Session Summary  Question: What gives confidence in Roto-Rooter's turnaround? - Management noted strong support for growth in Roto-Rooter, with December and January typically being strong months [51][52]  Question: How does VITAS plan to capture market share? - VITAS is focusing on differentiated offerings and attracting high-quality clinicians to capture market share [61]  Question: What is the outlook for share repurchases? - No share repurchases are built into the guidance, but the company intends to do some level of programmatic share repurchases [69]  Question: What is causing margin pressure for VITAS? - The margin pressure is attributed to a shift towards hospital-based admissions and managing Medicare cap limitations [75]  Question: Will the Medicare cap be a headwind beyond 2025? - Management indicated that the Medicare cap is part of normal operations and does not anticipate substantial changes [82]
 Chemed (CHE) Surpasses Q4 Earnings and Revenue Estimates
 ZACKS· 2025-02-27 00:15
 Core Viewpoint - Chemed reported quarterly earnings of $6.83 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.79 per share, and showing an increase from $6.60 per share a year ago [1][2]   Financial Performance - The company achieved revenues of $639.99 million for the quarter ended December 2024, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.78% and up from $585.91 million year-over-year [3] - Chemed has surpassed consensus revenue estimates two times over the last four quarters [3]   Stock Performance - Chemed shares have increased approximately 3.9% since the beginning of the year, compared to a 1.3% gain in the S&P 500 [4] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [7]   Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $5.55 on revenues of $623.53 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $25.10 on revenues of $2.57 billion [8] - The estimate revisions trend for Chemed is mixed, which may change following the recent earnings report [7]   Industry Context - Chemed operates within the Medical - Outpatient and Home Healthcare industry, which is currently ranked in the top 24% of over 250 Zacks industries [9] - The industry has shown a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions [6]