Copeland Capital Management LLC Boosts Holdings in Chemed Co. (NYSE:CHE)

Copeland Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Chemed Co. (NYSE:CHE - Free Report) by 16.8% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 151,623 shares of the company's stock after acquiring an additional 21,834 shares during the period. Chemed comprises approximately 1.5% of Copeland Capital Management LLC's portfolio, making the stock its 13th biggest holding. Copeland Capital Management LLC owned about 1.01% of Chemed worth $80,330,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. purchased a new stake in Chemed during the fourth quarter worth about $8,138,000. Capital Insight Partners LLC lifted its stake in Chemed by 5.3% in the fourth quarter. Capital Insight Partners LLC now owns 10,633 shares of the company's stock valued at $5,633,000 after purchasing an additional 539 shares during the last quarter. Ausbil Investment Management Ltd grew its holdings in Chemed by 105.4% during the fourth quarter. Ausbil Investment Management Ltd now owns 1,980 shares of the company's stock valued at $1,059,000 after purchasing an additional 1,016 shares during the period. KBC Group NV increased its position in Chemed by 1,436.8% in the fourth quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 5,809 shares of the company's stock worth $3,078,000 after buying an additional 5,431 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Blue Trust Inc. raised its stake in shares of Chemed by 2.5% in the fourth quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,921 shares of the company's stock valued at $1,018,000 after buying an additional 46 shares during the period. 95.85% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Chemed Stock Up 1.1 %

Shares of NYSE:CHE traded up $6.09 on Wednesday, hitting $563.76. 30,635 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 90,000. The company has a market cap of $8.48 billion, a PE ratio of 28.49, a PEG ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.48. Chemed Co. has a 52 week low of $512.12 and a 52 week high of $654.62. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $544.14 and a 200-day simple moving average of $564.46.

Chemed Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 6th. Investors of record on Monday, November 18th were given a $0.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 18th. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.35%. Chemed's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 10.11%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. StockNews.com raised Chemed from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a report on Saturday, November 30th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price target on Chemed from $697.00 to $633.00 and set an "outperform" rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 5th.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, VP Brian C. Judkins bought 145 shares of the business's stock in a transaction on Monday, December 30th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $519.50 per share, with a total value of $75,327.50. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 1,678 shares in the company, valued at approximately $871,721. This trade represents a 9.46 % increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Spencer S. Lee sold 732 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $575.62, for a total value of $421,353.84. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 18,287 shares in the company, valued at $10,526,362.94. The trade was a 3.85 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 3.32% 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.