Chemed Corp (NYSE: CHE) is a Delaware-incorporated holding company that operates two distinct service businesses: VITAS Healthcare, a hospice care provider, and Roto-Rooter, a plumbing and drain service business. The company generates revenue through fee-for-service hospice care, primarily reimbursed by Medicare and Medicaid, and through transactional plumbing, drain cleaning, and water restoration services sold directly to residential and commercial customers. Chemed was incorporated in Delaware in 1970 as a subsidiary of W.R. Grace and Co., succeeded to W.R. Grace's Special Products Group in 1971, and became independent on March 10, 1982. Its stated operating model is to purchase, operate, and divest subsidiaries engaged in diverse business activities for the purpose of maximizing shareholder value. The Roto-Rooter brand has been in use since 1935 and is described in the FY2025 10-K (filed 2026-02-27) as among the most recognized service marks in the United States. VITAS Healthcare Corporation holds the trademarks "VITAS" and "Innovative Hospice Care."

Revenue model

VITAS generates revenue from hospice care services reimbursed primarily by government payors including Medicare and Medicaid. Roto-Rooter generates transactional revenue from plumbing, drain cleaning, and related services provided to residential and commercial customers, as well as through a franchise network.

Products and services

VITAS Healthcare: hospice and palliative care services. Roto-Rooter: plumbing repair, drain cleaning, water restoration services, franchise operations, and related products. Both segments develop and market new services within their respective categories.

Customers and end markets

VITAS serves terminally ill patients and their families, with reimbursement flowing primarily from Medicare and Medicaid. Roto-Rooter serves residential homeowners and commercial property customers, plus franchisees operating under the Roto-Rooter brand.

Value-chain role

Direct service operator in hospice care and residential/commercial plumbing and drain services. Also functions as a franchisor through the Roto-Rooter franchise network.

Geographic exposure

United States. Certain states require Certificates of Need for hospice operations, creating a state-by-state regulatory footprint for VITAS. Roto-Rooter operates nationally through company-owned locations and franchises.

Source: SEC 10-K, filed 2026-02-27

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