Chemed is rallying after releasing first-quarter 2026 results late April 23, 2026, paired with an upward revision to full-year guidance. Management lifted 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance to $24.00–$24.75, a notable reset higher that is typically a primary catalyst for a single-day gap-up move in a large-cap healthcare services name. (stocktitan.net)

For Q1 2026, Chemed reported consolidated revenue of $657.5 million (+1.6% year over year), GAAP diluted EPS of $4.84 (down slightly), and adjusted diluted EPS of $5.65 (up slightly). The guidance raise comes alongside updated operating expectations for VITAS, including higher projected average daily census growth for 2026 and an updated adjusted EBITDA margin outlook excluding Medicare Cap impacts. (stocktitan.net)

Chemed’s buyback pace is adding support to the bullish read-through from guidance: the company repurchased 500,000 shares in Q1 for $197.7 million (average cost about $395 per share), with roughly $229.6 million still authorized as of March 31, 2026. Investors often treat accelerated repurchases as a confidence signal and a mechanical tailwind to per-share earnings power. (stocktitan.net)

Even with the upbeat guidance tone, Chemed’s report flagged pressure in the Roto-Rooter segment, including lower adjusted EBITDA and margin compression tied to higher SG&A, marketing spend, and weather-related disruption. The market’s positive reaction suggests investors are prioritizing the higher full-year EPS target and VITAS momentum, but the durability of the move may hinge on whether Roto-Rooter margins stabilize in coming quarters. (stocktitan.net)