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Chemed (CHE) Beats on Q3 Earnings, Raises 2018 Guidance

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Chemed Corporation (CHE - Free Report) delivered third-quarter 2018 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.07, up 42.8% from the year-ago period. The bottom line sailed past the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.79.

Quarter in Detail

Revenues in the reported quarter increased 6.4% year over year to $444.2 million, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $442 million.

Chemed operates through two wholly-owned subsidiaries, namely VITAS (a major provider of end-of-life care) and Roto-Rooter (a leading commercial and residential plumbing plus drain cleaning service provider).

In the third quarter, net revenues at VITAS totaled $302 million, reflecting an increase of 6.5% year over year. The top line was driven by 0.8% growth in geographically weighted average Medicare reimbursement rate and a 7.8% rise in average daily census. A Medicare Cap liability affected this revenue improvement by 0.6%. The revenue strength was partially offset by acuity mix shift, which negatively impacted revenues by 1.8%.

Roto-Rooter reported sales of $142 million in the third quarter, up 12.1% year over year. According to the company, revenues from water restoration climbed 18.3% year over year to $25 million.

Gross margin expanded 26 basis points (bps) year over year to 31.3%. Adjusted operating margin grew 117 bps to 16.1% in the quarter under review on the back of a 14.7% climb in operating profit.

Chemed exited the third quarter of 2018 with total cash and cash equivalents of $67.5 million, a significant rise from $12.7 million at the end of the second quarter of 2018. The company had total debt of $130 million at the end of the third quarter, reflecting a sharp rise from $103.4 million at the end of the second quarter. As of Sep 30, 2018, the company had approximately $284 million of undrawn borrowing capacity under its existing five-year credit agreement.

During the third quarter, the company repurchased shares worth $37.7 million. The board has authorized an additional $150 million for stock buyback under Chemed’s existing plan. As of Sep 30, 2018, the company had $84 million of remaining share repurchase authorization under this plan.

2018 Outlook Raised

The company now projects VITAS Healthcare revenue growth for 2018 in the range of 4.5- 5%, tightened from the previously provided band of 4-5%, prior to the Medicare Cap. Also, admissions are anticipated to improve 3.5-5% and Average Daily Census in 2018 is predicted to ascend 6.7%. Medicare Cap billing limitations are expected at around $1.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2018.

The Roto-Rooter business is now likely to augment 13-14% compared with the earlier-provided range of 12-13% for the full year. The view was backed by a 2% increase in job pricing, consistent growth in core plumbing plus drain cleaning services as well as revenue generation from water restoration services.

Full-year adjusted EPS is now envisioned to grow in the band of $11.80-$11.90 compared with the past forecast of $10.60-$10.85. The Zacks Consensus Estimate of $11.48 falls below the expected range.

Our Take

Chemed exited the third quarter on a solid note. Also, the company witnessed year-over-year growth in earnings and revenues. We are encouraged to note that the company’s subsidiaries saw a year-over-year revenue rise in the quarter under consideration. The expansion in adjusted operating margin buoys optimism. Further, the projection for 2018 hints at a brighter picture ahead.

However, reimbursement-related issues, seasonality in business, a competitive landscape and dependence on government mandates constantly pose challenges to the stock.

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Chemed carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A few better-ranked stocks in the broader medical space are Henry Schein, Inc. (HSIC - Free Report) , Humana Inc. (HUM - Free Report) and Inogen, Inc. (INGN - Free Report) .

Henry Schein is expected to release third-quarter 2018 results on Nov 6. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for adjusted EPS is $1.01 and for revenues, $3.35 billion. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Humana is likely to release third-quarter 2018 results on Nov 7. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarterly EPS is pegged at $4.29 and for revenues, stands at $13.97 billion. The stock holds a Zacks Rank of 2.

Inogen is slated to release third-quarter 2018 results on Nov 6. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EPS is pegged at 52 cents and for revenues, at $91.08 million. The stock sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

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