StockNews.com Upgrades Chemed (NYSE:CHE) to Buy

Chemed (NYSE:CHE) was upgraded by equities research analysts at StockNews.com from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday.

Chemed Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:CHE opened at $594.36 on Friday. Chemed has a 1 year low of $512.12 and a 1 year high of $654.62. The stock’s fifty day moving average price is $550.98 and its 200-day moving average price is $563.76. The company has a market cap of $8.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.03, a PEG ratio of 2.15 and a beta of 0.48.

Insider Transactions at Chemed

In related news, VP Brian C. Judkins bought 145 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 30th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $519.50 per share, for a total transaction of $75,327.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 1,678 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $871,721. This trade represents a 9.46 % increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Company insiders own 3.32% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Chemed

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. UMB Bank n.a. lifted its stake in shares of Chemed by 300.0% during the 4th quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 52 shares of the company’s stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 39 shares in the last quarter. Atala Financial Inc purchased a new position in shares of Chemed in the fourth quarter valued at about $29,000. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC boosted its stake in shares of Chemed by 64.7% in the fourth quarter. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 56 shares of the company’s stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 22 shares during the period. Trust Co. of Vermont purchased a new stake in shares of Chemed during the fourth quarter worth about $34,000. Finally, Tortoise Investment Management LLC raised its stake in Chemed by 77.3% during the 4th quarter. Tortoise Investment Management LLC now owns 78 shares of the company’s stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 95.85% of the company’s stock.

About Chemed

Chemed Corporation provides hospice and palliative care services to patients through a network of physicians, registered nurses, home health aides, social workers, clergy, and volunteers primarily in the United States. The company operates in VITAS and Roto-Rooter segments. It offers plumbing, drain cleaning, excavation, water restoration, and other related services to residential and commercial customers through company-owned branches, independent contractors, and franchisees.