Chemed (NYSE:CHE) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 26, 2026 10:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsHolley Schmidt - Vice President and Assistant ControllerJoanna Gajuk - Director of US Equity ResearchJoel Wherley - COOKevin McNamara - President and CEOMichael Witzeman - CFOConference Call ParticipantsBen Hendrix - AnalystBrian Tanquilut - Senior Equity Analyst and Healthcare Services Equity ResearchOperatorGood day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Chemed Corporation fourth quarter 2025 earnings confere ...

Chemed (NYSE:CHE) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 26, 2026 10:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsHolley Schmidt - Vice President and Assistant ControllerJoanna Gajuk - Director of US Equity ResearchJoel Wherley - COOKevin McNamara - President and CEOMichael Witzeman - CFOConference Call ParticipantsBen Hendrix - AnalystBrian Tanquilut - Senior Equity Analyst and Healthcare Services Equity ResearchOperatorGood day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Chemed Corporation fourth quarter 2025 earnings confere ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - VITAS' net revenue for Q4 2025 was $418.8 million, a 1.9% increase compared to the prior year, driven by a 1.3% increase in days of care and a 2.2% increase in Medicare reimbursement rates [12] - Adjusted EBITDA for VITAS, excluding Medicare cap, was $91.6 million, a decline of 1.7% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 21.7%, down 79 basis points from the prior year [13] - Roto-Rooter revenue declined by 3.7% in Q4 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with adjusted EBITDA at $47.5 million, a decrease of 21.1% [8][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - VITAS admissions totaled 17,419 in Q4 2025, a 6% improvement from Q4 2024, with hospital-directed admissions increasing by 9.9% [4][23] - Roto-Rooter branch residential revenue decreased by 3.1%, while branch commercial revenue increased by 1.6% [8][14] - Water restoration revenue declined by 10.3%, attributed to increased scrutiny from insurance companies leading to higher write-offs [15][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The percentage of total admissions from hospitals in Florida was 44.8%, indicating a recovery in the patient mix post-pandemic [5] - Average revenue per patient day for VITAS was $288.01, an increase of 86 basis points from the prior year [13] - The average daily census for VITAS was 22,462 patients, a 1.3% increase, with a median length of stay of 17 days [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - VITAS is focusing on balancing admissions between hospital-based and other pre-admission locations to improve revenue growth and EBITDA margins [6][24] - Roto-Rooter is expanding its commercial business by hiring commercial business managers, which has shown positive preliminary results [8][17] - The company plans to pursue strategic acquisitions and new start opportunities in Florida and other CON states to drive growth [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence that the Florida Medicare cap issue is resolved, allowing for a return to normal growth patterns for VITAS [10][26] - Roto-Rooter is expected to face a challenging operating environment but anticipates modest growth driven by improved lead generation and billing practices [10][11] - The company expects 2026 to be a transition year for both subsidiaries, with VITAS revenue growth projected at 5.5%-6.5% and Roto-Rooter at 3%-3.5% [19][20] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 400,000 shares of Chemed stock at an average price of $436.39, funded by free cash flow from both subsidiaries [18] - The estimated Medicare cap billing limitations for 2026 are $9.5 million, significantly lower than $27.2 million in 2025 [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What gives confidence in Roto-Rooter revenue growth in 2026 after flat revenues in 2025? - Management highlighted improvements in paid leads and a recovery in natural leads visibility, which are expected to drive revenue growth [30][34] Question: Are the long-term margin targets still achievable for Roto-Rooter? - Management indicated that achieving 24%-25% margins is still possible if Roto-Rooter can return to normalized revenue growth [42][44] Question: What is the outlook for VITAS revenue and EBITDA progression in 2026? - Management expects a return to normalized growth rates of 7%-9% as the patient mix is adjusted, with revenue growth building throughout the year [49][50]

Core Insights - The Pennant Group, Inc. reported strong financial results for the year 2025, with significant increases in revenue, net income, and adjusted earnings per share, indicating robust growth in its home health, hospice, and senior living services [1][2][4]. Financial Performance - Total revenue for 2025 was $947.7 million, a 36.3% increase from the previous year, with fourth-quarter revenue reaching $289.3 million, up 53.2% year-over-year [2][22]. - Net income for the full year was $29.6 million, a 31.1% increase, while fourth-quarter net income was $8.6 million, up 50.0% compared to the prior year quarter [2][3]. - Adjusted net income for 2025 was $41.6 million, reflecting a 38.9% increase, with fourth-quarter adjusted net income at $12.2 million, up 43.1% year-over-year [2][32]. Segment Performance - Home Health and Hospice Services segment revenue for 2025 was $732.7 million, a 41.0% increase, with fourth-quarter revenue at $233.3 million, up 64.3% [2][22]. - Senior Living Services segment revenue for 2025 was $215.0 million, a 22.3% increase, with fourth-quarter revenue at $56.1 million, up 19.6% [2][27]. Operational Metrics - Total home health admissions for 2025 were 86,076, a 44.1% increase, with fourth-quarter admissions at 28,941, up 81.3% [2][24]. - Hospice average daily census for 2025 was 4,204, a 28.6% increase, with fourth-quarter census at 5,060, up 46.9% [2][27]. - Senior living average occupancy for the fourth quarter was 80.6%, an increase of 200 basis points year-over-year, with average monthly revenue per occupied room at $5,238, up 5.6% [2][27]. Guidance for 2026 - The company anticipates total revenue for 2026 to be between $1,133.6 million and $1,171.8 million, with adjusted earnings per diluted share expected to be between $1.26 and $1.36 [5][6]. - Adjusted EBITDA for 2026 is projected to be between $88.5 million and $94.1 million [5][6]. Management Commentary - The CEO highlighted 2025 as a year of record-breaking performance and strategic growth, emphasizing the importance of operational excellence and successful integration of new operations [4][6]. - The COO noted the focus on maintaining momentum and delivering strong results across all key growth metrics, indicating confidence in continued success in 2026 [4][6].

CINCINNATI, Feb. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chemed Corporation (Chemed) (NYSE: CHE), which operates VITAS Healthcare Corporation (VITAS), the nation’s largest providers of end-of-life care, and Roto-Rooter, the nation’s largest commercial and residential plumbing and drain cleaning services provider, reported financial results for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2025, versus the comparable prior-year period. Results for Quarter Ended December 31, 2025 Consolidated operating results: Revenue was $639 ...

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]

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 Points - Chemed Corporation has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 60 cents per share, payable on December 5, 2025, to shareholders of record as of November 17, 2025, maintaining the same dividend as in August 2025 [1] - This marks the 218th consecutive quarterly dividend paid by Chemed in its 54 years as a public company [1] 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 in the nation [2]