Chemed Corporation (CHE)

Over the past six months, Chemed Corp. experienced several stock events. In Q1 2026, Chemed reported earnings per share of $5.65, surpassing estimates, but revenue slightly missed expectations, leading to initial stock volatility. Management raised its full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance due to improving trends in VITAS Healthcare. Chemed announced a five-year $450 million amended and restated credit agreement. Roto-Rooter completed acquisitions for San Francisco and Fort Worth franchise territories. There have been recent insider selling activities. Chemed continued its share repurchase program and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.60 per share. The share price as of April 17, 2026, was $384.61, representing a decline of 31.76% from April 21, 2025.

Demand seasonality for Chemed Corp.'s products and services is influenced by its two businesses. VITAS Healthcare's demand for hospice services is generally essential and less susceptible to seasonal fluctuations. Roto-Rooter's plumbing and drain cleaning services can have seasonal variations, with colder weather potentially increasing demand for certain plumbing services and heavy rainfall increasing demand for drain cleaning and water restoration.

Chemed Corporation is a diversified holding company based in Cincinnati, Ohio, operating through VITAS Healthcare and Roto-Rooter. VITAS Healthcare provides hospice and palliative care services, offering medical, spiritual, and emotional support to patients and families, and is the nation's largest provider of end-of-life care. Roto-Rooter offers plumbing, drain cleaning, excavation, and water restoration services to residential and commercial customers across North America.

Chemed Corporation is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. VITAS Healthcare operates hospice programs in multiple U.S. markets, including Florida, California, and Texas, reaching approximately 90% of the U.S. population. Roto-Rooter provides services across the United States and Canada through company-owned branches, independent contractors, and franchisees, also operating in Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines, serving roughly 90% of the U.S. population and sizable Canadian regions.

Chemed's brand reputation is largely tied to its two distinct subsidiaries. VITAS Healthcare is recognized as a leading hospice provider, with strong growth indicating continued trust and demand. Roto-Rooter holds a strong brand reputation as a market leader in plumbing and drain cleaning services. Roto-Rooter has faced margin compression due to weaker residential demand, higher costs, and insurance-related pressures. VITAS has successfully managed its Medicare Cap, indicating improved compliance and financial management. A leadership transition is set for VITAS Healthcare with a new CEO.

Chemed Corporation is predominantly held by institutional investors, who collectively hold over 85% of the company's outstanding shares. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co., and State Street Corp. Individual insider ownership is relatively modest, at approximately 2.3%, with CEO Kevin J. McNamara being the largest individual insider holder.