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Chemed Stock Jumps 11% on Q1 Beat, VITAS Hospice Strength and Raised 2026 Outlook

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Tech giants in the AI race have been spending billions of dollars for GPUs made by Nvidia, considered a leader when it comes to chips that power the technology

CINCINNATI — Chemed Corp. shares soared more than 10% in midday trading Friday, climbing to around $424 after the healthcare services company delivered a solid first-quarter 2026 earnings beat, highlighted by strong performance at its VITAS hospice business and an upgraded full-year outlook that exceeded Wall Street expectations.

Chemed Stock Jumps 11% on Q1 Beat, VITAS Hospice Strength
Chemed Stock Jumps 11% on Q1 Beat, VITAS Hospice Strength and Raised 2026 Outlook

The stock (NYSE: CHE) opened sharply higher and sustained robust gains on April 24, with trading volume well above average. The move reflects investor relief and enthusiasm following Chemed’s report late Thursday, which showed resilience in its core end-of-life care operations amid a challenging environment for Medicare-funded services.

Chemed reported first-quarter revenue of $657.5 million, up 1.6% year-over-year and slightly ahead of analyst estimates around $649.8 million to $656.3 million. Adjusted diluted earnings per share reached $5.65, beating consensus forecasts of approximately $5.30 to $5.36. GAAP net income stood at $66.3 million, or $4.84 per share.

VITAS Healthcare, the nation’s largest provider of hospice services, drove much of the positive momentum. Net patient revenue rose 3.1% to $420 million, supported by an average daily census of 22,723 patients. Management noted improving admission trends and effective cost management despite ongoing Medicare rate pressures.

Roto-Rooter, Chemed’s plumbing and drain cleaning segment, delivered steady results with margins holding up well despite higher marketing investments. The dual-business model — combining stable healthcare cash flows with cyclical but high-margin service operations — continues to provide resilience.

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Chemed raised its full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $24.00–$24.75 from the previous range of $23.25–$24.25. The midpoint represents roughly 13% growth over 2025 levels, signaling management’s confidence in sustained VITAS recovery and operational efficiencies.

CEO Kevin McNamara emphasized disciplined capital allocation during the earnings call. The company repurchased 500,000 shares for $197.7 million in the quarter at an average price of $395.36, demonstrating confidence in its valuation. Approximately $229.6 million remains under the current repurchase authorization.

Wall Street reacted positively to the beat-and-raise. Several analysts noted the stronger-than-expected VITAS trends as a key positive, helping alleviate concerns from prior quarters. Price targets have edged higher, though the stock’s valuation remains premium given its defensive healthcare exposure and consistent cash generation.

Chemed operates two distinct but complementary businesses. VITAS provides end-of-life care across 17 states and the District of Columbia, serving patients through interdisciplinary teams focused on comfort and quality of life. Roto-Rooter offers essential plumbing, drain, and excavation services through company-owned and franchise locations nationwide.

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The company has long maintained a reputation for conservative management and shareholder-friendly policies, including regular share repurchases and a modest dividend. Its balance sheet remains solid with low leverage, providing flexibility for both organic growth and potential acquisitions.

Analysts view Chemed as a defensive play with growth potential. Demographic tailwinds in an aging U.S. population support long-term hospice demand, while Roto-Rooter benefits from consistent home maintenance needs. However, Medicare reimbursement rates and regulatory changes in healthcare remain ongoing watch items.

Friday’s surge marks a notable rebound and pushes shares toward recent highs. Year-to-date performance had been relatively muted before the earnings catalyst, making the double-digit move particularly eye-catching in a mixed broader market session.

For investors, Chemed offers exposure to stable, recession-resistant businesses with strong free cash flow characteristics. The company’s ability to generate consistent earnings and return capital through buybacks has historically appealed to value-oriented and income-focused portfolios.

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Challenges include labor costs in healthcare, inflationary pressures on Roto-Rooter operations, and potential policy shifts affecting Medicare Advantage and hospice margins. Management has demonstrated skill in navigating these dynamics through pricing discipline and operational improvements.

As trading continued Friday afternoon, CHE shares consolidated some gains but remained firmly positive with elevated volume. The reaction underscores the market’s appreciation for companies that deliver reliable results and raise guidance in an uncertain economic environment.

Looking ahead, Chemed will focus on executing its expanded guidance while continuing share repurchases and investing in capacity where appropriate. The second half of 2026 will test whether recent VITAS momentum sustains amid any broader healthcare funding pressures.

The impressive intraday surge highlights Chemed’s appeal as a steady compounder with defensive qualities. With a strong balance sheet, improving operational trends and shareholder-friendly capital allocation, the company continues to navigate its dual-business model effectively in 2026.

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Walmart recalls 50,000 FitRx adjustable dumbbells over injury risk

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Walmart recalls 50,000 FitRx adjustable dumbbells over injury risk

About 50,000 adjustable dumbbells sold at Walmart have been recalled after reports of injuries, federal safety officials said.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the FitRx SmartBell Quick-Select 5-52.5 lb. Adjustable Dumbbells, made by New York-based Tzumi Electronics, should be immediately replaced.

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According to the agency, the weight plates can dislodge from the handle during use, posing an “impact hazard.”

COSTCO ISSUES URGENT RECALL ON POPULAR PRODUCT LINKED TO BURN INJURIES

FitRx SmartBell Quick-Select 5-52.5lbs Adjustable Dumbbell

About 50,000 adjustable dumbbells sold at Walmart have been recalled after reports of injuries, federal safety officials said. (The Consumer Product Safety Commission / Unknown)

The agency said it received more than 115 reports of the plates coming loose.

At least six injuries have been reported, including broken toes, bruises, contusions and lacerations.

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The recalled dumbbells are model 8361 and carry serial numbers KK23288361 through KK23388361 and KK207608361 through KK21347836.

CALIFORNIA ACCUSES AMAZON OF PUSHING RIVALS TO RAISE PRICES

The Walmart logo on its Arkansas headquarters

Adjustable dumbbells sold at Walmart are being recalled after reports that weight plates can detach during use, posing an injury risk. (Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The dumbbells adjust from 5 to 52.5 pounds in 2.5- or 5-pound increments. They are black with red accents and include a molded plastic storage tray.

Walmart sold the dumbbells for about $100 from January through November 2024.

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Consumers are advised to stop using the dumbbells immediately and contact Tzumi Electronics for a free replacement.

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A Walmart store in Illinois.

Federal regulators recalled thousands of dumbbells sold at Walmart after reports of injuries linked to loose weight plates. (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Customers can mark the word “Recalled” on the tray using permanent marker or paint and register at myfitrx.com/recall-52-lbs/, the agency said.

Tzumi Electronics can also be reached at 866-363-2237 or by email at smartbellrecall@tzumi.com.

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FOX Business has reached out to Walmart and Tzui Electronics for comment.

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SLVR: Silver Miners Struggle To Find Their Footing

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SLVR: Silver Miners Struggle To Find Their Footing

SLVR: Silver Miners Struggle To Find Their Footing

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Markets Weekly Outlook: Can Earnings Outweigh Geopolitical Headwinds And Central Bank Decisions?

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First Horizon – A Decent Start, But Follow Through Is Key (NYSE:FHN)

Markets Weekly Outlook: Can Earnings Outweigh Geopolitical Headwinds And Central Bank Decisions?

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Apropos of ‘The climate conundrum’ (ET, Oct 9), Mukul Sanwal rightly suggests that developing countries should lead in setting the agenda for global technological cooperation.

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Managing data – The Economic Times

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ET Search
This refers to your edit ���A welcome quest��� (ET, Oct 8). It is imperative to have a strong database. But just having a database of employment is not enough; the data has to be consistent. It has been observed that data vary from ministry to ministry, department to department. India���s information system is not very precise and efficient. One centralised database system can address this issue which will provide access to the diverse group of people and policymakers with consistency.

Debasish Maitra

IRMA, Anand, October 8

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US military says it struck vessel in Eastern Pacific, killing two

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Bulls Charge Back

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Bulls Charge Back

Bulls Charge Back

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Crude Oil Trades Above $95 Ahead Of Weekend Risk – WTI Technical Analysis

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Crude Oil Trades Above $95 Ahead Of Weekend Risk - WTI Technical Analysis

MarketPulse is an award-winning industry analysis and news site service created by OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc. Covering forex, commodities, global indices and more, our goal is to give timely, relevant and informative commentary on major macroeconomic trends, technical analysis and worldwide events impacting the industry.

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MaxLinear Stock Explodes 66% on Q1 Earnings Beat and AI Data Center Boom

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MaxLinear Stock 2026: Hold or Sell MXL Shares as Analysts

CARLSBAD, Calif. — MaxLinear Inc. shares skyrocketed more than 66% in morning trading Friday, surging to around $56.99 after the semiconductor company delivered a strong first-quarter earnings beat and raised its full-year outlook, driven by explosive growth in its optical data center business fueled by artificial intelligence demand.

MaxLinear Stock 2026: Hold or Sell MXL Shares as Analysts
MaxLinear

The stock (NASDAQ: MXL) opened sharply higher and maintained massive gains throughout the session on April 24, with trading volume exploding well above average. The dramatic move followed late Thursday’s report showing revenue of $137.2 million, up 43% year-over-year and beating analyst expectations. Adjusted earnings per share of 22 cents also topped forecasts of 18 cents.

MaxLinear’s infrastructure segment, which includes high-speed optical connectivity products critical for AI data centers, delivered the standout performance. Revenue in that category surged 136% year-over-year to become the company’s largest end market. CEO Kishore Seendripu highlighted “solid traction from optical products” at multiple hyperscale customers across scale-up and scale-out AI platforms.

The company raised its 2026 optical data center revenue target to $150 million-$170 million, up from previous guidance, reflecting improved visibility and production ramps. For the second quarter, MaxLinear guided revenue between $160 million and $170 million, signaling continued acceleration.

Wall Street responded with swift upgrades. Needham raised its rating to Buy from Hold, citing an infrastructure “inflection point.” Other firms followed with higher price targets, pushing consensus well above previous levels. Analysts now see MaxLinear as well-positioned in the AI infrastructure boom alongside bigger names like Nvidia and Broadcom.

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The surge marks one of the largest single-day percentage gains in the company’s history and pushes shares to multi-year highs. Year-to-date, MXL has more than doubled, reflecting growing investor conviction in its pivot toward high-growth optical and connectivity markets.

MaxLinear, a provider of radio frequency, analog, digital and mixed-signal integrated circuits, has benefited from the AI spending wave. Its products enable faster data movement in data centers, an area seeing massive investment as hyperscalers build out infrastructure for training and inference workloads. Management noted multiple high-value products entering meaningful production ramps across its portfolio.

Financially, the company reported GAAP gross margin of 57.5% and non-GAAP operating income of 16% of revenue. While it posted a GAAP net loss of $45.1 million due to stock-based compensation and other items, the underlying operational strength and forward momentum overshadowed those figures for investors.

The results come as the broader semiconductor sector navigates a recovery phase with AI tailwinds providing clear differentiation. MaxLinear’s focus on optical DSPs (digital signal processors) and PAM4 technology for 400G and 800G deployments has resonated strongly with customers, leading to design wins and production ramps that are now translating into revenue acceleration.

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Challenges remain. The company continues facing GAAP losses and integration costs from past acquisitions. However, leadership expressed confidence in improving profitability as revenue scales. Supply chain investments and wafer prepayments were highlighted to secure capacity for expected demand growth.

Analysts now forecast sustained growth through 2027, with next-generation platforms like Rushmore and Annapurna expected to contribute meaningfully. Panther SoC family revenues are projected to at least double year-over-year, adding diversification beyond optical.

The stock’s reaction reflects relief and excitement after a period of building anticipation. Shares had already climbed steadily in recent weeks on pre-earnings momentum, but Thursday’s beat-and-raise ignited a full breakout. Options activity and short covering likely amplified the move.

For a company with a market capitalization now exceeding $4 billion, the earnings report validates CEO Seendripu’s strategy of targeting high-value AI-adjacent markets. Investors appear willing to reward the transition despite historical cyclicality in the chip sector.

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Looking ahead, the coming quarters will test MaxLinear’s ability to execute on its raised guidance. Analysts will watch gross margin trends, customer concentration risks and any updates on additional design wins. Broader AI spending trends and potential macro slowdowns remain key external variables.

The impressive intraday surge caps a remarkable run for MaxLinear, transforming it from a relatively obscure analog chip player into a notable beneficiary of the AI infrastructure buildout. While valuation multiples have expanded significantly, many bulls argue the growth trajectory justifies the premium as the company hits an inflection point.

As trading continued Friday morning, MXL shares consolidated some gains but remained sharply higher with elevated volume. The move stands out in an otherwise mixed semiconductor tape, highlighting the market’s hunger for compelling AI-adjacent growth stories backed by strong execution.

For investors, MaxLinear’s performance underscores the power of earnings surprises in a market rewarding visibility into high-growth segments. With optical data center momentum accelerating and a diversified portfolio providing ballast, the company appears poised for what management calls a “multi-year growth phase.”

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‘Never Been About the Money’

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Victor Wembanyama

HOUSTON — Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history Thursday with a three-year, $150 million contract extension, then opened his news conference with a heartfelt prayer giving all glory to Jesus Christ and emphasizing that the massive payday was never about the money.

Will Anderson Jr.
Will Anderson Jr.

The 24-year-old All-Pro, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 draft, secured $134 million in guarantees in the deal that keeps him under team control through 2030. His new average annual value of $50 million tops the previous mark held by edge rusher Micah Parsons. The contract includes a rare no-trade clause for a non-quarterback and a $32 million signing bonus.

Moments after the agreement was finalized, Anderson took the podium and immediately bowed his head in prayer. “Thank You, Jesus — Jesus, I owe all I am to You,” he said. “Thank You for blessing me and keeping me and holding me together all these years. Without Jesus I am nothing.” The powerful opening set the tone for an emotional press conference focused on faith, family and gratitude rather than dollars.

Tears flowed as Anderson described the moment his agent called with the news. “I literally just started crying,” he said. “We FaceTimed my parents… my whole family just went crazy. It was a big moment for us. It was bigger than me. I think about my family, everything we’ve been through, to be able to bless them just as much as they’ve blessed me.”

Anderson, a devout Christian who has spoken openly about his faith throughout his career, credited God for the journey from Alabama standout to NFL superstar. He referenced a recent visit to a prison ministry that deepened his walk with Christ. “Walking into that prison and seeing how strong their faith was — these guys facing life sentences, don’t get to see their kids — but their faith in Jesus Christ was so strong. It literally changed my life,” he said.

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The extension rewards Anderson’s rapid rise. In just three seasons, he has established himself as one of the league’s most dominant pass rushers, earning Defensive Player of the Year consideration and helping transform the Texans into contenders. His combination of speed, power and relentless motor has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s all-time great edge defenders.

Texans general manager Nick Caserio praised Anderson’s character as much as his on-field production. “Will is not only an elite player but an elite person,” Caserio said. “He leads by example, he’s humble, and his faith is at the center of everything he does. We’re thrilled to have him locked up long term.”

The deal comes after the Texans exercised Anderson’s fifth-year option earlier in April, setting the stage for the extension. With the new contract, Anderson is now tied to Houston through the 2030 season at a total potential value of $177 million when including previous rookie deal earnings.

Financially, the extension resets the market for elite pass rushers. Anderson’s $50 million AAV surpasses Parsons’ previous benchmark and reflects the rising value of defensive stars in today’s pass-heavy NFL. The massive guarantee provides security while giving the Texans flexibility in future salary cap planning.

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Anderson’s teammates and coaches expressed excitement. Quarterback C.J. Stroud called him “the heart and soul of our defense” and praised his leadership. Head coach DeMeco Ryans highlighted Anderson’s work ethic and commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

Beyond football, Anderson has used his platform for faith-based initiatives. His recent prison visit with agent Nicole Lynn was part of broader efforts to share his testimony. In the press conference, he encouraged young athletes to keep God first. “Put Him at the center of everything,” Anderson said. “Success means more when your foundation is built on faith.”

The contract news spread rapidly across social media, with many praising Anderson’s humility and faith-first approach in a league often defined by flash and materialism. Hashtags like #GloryToGod and #WillAnderson trended as fans and fellow players shared clips of his prayer.

Analysts view the deal as a win-win. The Texans lock in a cornerstone defender during his prime years, while Anderson gains financial security to support his family and pursue off-field passions. His emphasis on gratitude and faith resonated deeply in a sports culture hungry for authentic voices.

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As training camp approaches, Anderson will report as one of the league’s highest-paid players with expectations to continue his ascent. The Texans, fresh off strong recent seasons, see him as central to their Super Bowl aspirations.

For Anderson, the moment was never just about the money. “This is about family, about faith, about what God has done in my life,” he said. “I’m just trying to walk in my purpose and glorify Him every step of the way.”

The record-breaking extension and faith-centered celebration mark another chapter in Will Anderson Jr.’s remarkable journey — from Alabama recruit to NFL superstar — all while keeping his eyes fixed on what he believes matters most.

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