← Laboratory Corporation of America overview

Laboratory Corporation of America vs Chemed: why the prices moved differently

Weekly · monthly · quarterly news summaries, side by side in time

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LH)

Q3 2026
▲2▼1

Labcorp launches new tests, raises guidance, but Medicare fee cut proposal weighs

  • New product launches and Medicare coverage Labcorp launched ColoSense, the first FDA-approved at-home RNA colorectal cancer test, gained Medicare coverage for NASHnext, and introduced the first FDA-cleared Alzheimer's blood test. These expand its testing menu and open new revenue streams.

    These launches are new in Q3 and show innovation driving growth.

  • Strong financial performance and raised guidance Labcorp beat Q2 estimates, raised its 2026 guidance, completed a large buyback, and set long-term revenue growth targets of 5%–8%. This signals confidence in its business and returns cash to shareholders.

    These are new financial updates that positively influenced investor sentiment.

  • Proposed Medicare lab fee cuts CMS proposed cutting Medicare lab fees by up to 15% starting January 2027, citing overpayment versus private insurers. This sharply pressured Labcorp and Quest shares, raising concerns about future margins and revenue.

    This is a new regulatory threat that negatively impacted the stock.

  • Reaffirmed outlook despite reimbursement pressure Labcorp reaffirmed its 2026–2029 outlook, saying it already assumed reimbursement pressure. However, the stock still fell about 3% in Q3, reflecting investor caution over potential margin and revenue risks.

    This shows the counterweight: management confidence versus market skepticism.

September 2026
▲2▼1

New Alzheimer's Test and Growth Plan Meet Medicare Fee Cut Threat

  • First FDA-cleared single-biomarker Alzheimer's blood test Labcorp launched the first FDA-cleared single-biomarker Alzheimer's blood test, a simple blood draw that could replace costly PET scans. It also allied with the largest US primary care network to drive routine orders, supporting future test volume and revenue.

    New product and partnership that can lift future demand and revenue.

  • Investor Day reaffirms 2026 guidance and sets 5%-8% growth target Labcorp reaffirmed 2026 adjusted EPS guidance above Wall Street estimates and set long-term targets of 5%-8% annual revenue growth and 8.5%-11.5% EPS growth through 2029. The plan includes margin expansion and AI/robotics, giving investors a clearer growth path.

    Directly supports earnings expectations and long-term valuation.

  • CMS proposes up to 15% cut in Medicare lab fees CMS proposed cutting Medicare lab payments by up to 15% starting January 2027, saying Medicare pays 16% more than private insurers. Labcorp and Quest shares fell sharply. If finalized, this would lower reimbursement for routine tests and pressure revenue and margins.

    A major regulatory threat that directly reduces future payments.

  • Labcorp says CMS cuts won't change 2026-2029 outlook Labcorp reaffirmed its 2026-2029 growth targets despite the proposed Medicare cuts, saying it already accounted for continued reimbursement pressure. It warned the cuts could hurt patient access and backs the RESULTS Act. The stock still fell about 3%, showing investors remain cautious.

    Company response to the cut is key to whether the negative is already priced in.

Latest
▲2▼1

New Alzheimer's Test and Growth Plan Meet Medicare Fee Cut Threat

  • First FDA-cleared single-biomarker Alzheimer's blood test Labcorp launched the first FDA-cleared single-biomarker Alzheimer's blood test, a simple blood draw that could replace costly PET scans. It also allied with the largest US primary care network to drive routine orders, supporting future test volume and revenue.

    New product and partnership that can lift future demand and revenue.

  • Investor Day reaffirms 2026 guidance and sets 5%-8% growth target Labcorp reaffirmed 2026 adjusted EPS guidance above Wall Street estimates and set long-term targets of 5%-8% annual revenue growth and 8.5%-11.5% EPS growth through 2029. The plan includes margin expansion and AI/robotics, giving investors a clearer growth path.

    Directly supports earnings expectations and long-term valuation.

  • CMS proposes up to 15% cut in Medicare lab fees CMS proposed cutting Medicare lab payments by up to 15% starting January 2027, saying Medicare pays 16% more than private insurers. Labcorp and Quest shares fell sharply. If finalized, this would lower reimbursement for routine tests and pressure revenue and margins.

    A major regulatory threat that directly reduces future payments.

  • Labcorp says CMS cuts won't change 2026-2029 outlook Labcorp reaffirmed its 2026-2029 growth targets despite the proposed Medicare cuts, saying it already accounted for continued reimbursement pressure. It warned the cuts could hurt patient access and backs the RESULTS Act. The stock still fell about 3%, showing investors remain cautious.

    Company response to the cut is key to whether the negative is already priced in.

July 2026
▲4

Labcorp's new tests and raised guidance drive positive outlook

  • New at-home colorectal cancer test Labcorp launched ColoSense, the first FDA-approved RNA-based at-home colorectal cancer screening test, now covered by Medicare. This expands its test menu and could add recurring revenue from a large screening market.

    New product launch with Medicare coverage directly supports future revenue growth.

  • Medicare coverage for NASHnext liver test Medicare will cover and reimburse Labcorp's NASHnext blood test for liver disease starting August 2026, at about $252 per test. This should boost test volume and create a new recurring revenue stream.

    New reimbursement approval expands market access and revenue potential.

  • Raised profit forecast on strong testing demand Labcorp beat Q2 estimates and raised its 2026 earnings and revenue guidance, driven by steady diagnostic testing and growth in drug-development services. This signals management confidence and supports a higher stock price.

    Upgraded guidance and earnings beat are key positive catalysts for the stock.

  • Expanded oncology testing and buyback Labcorp launched the first FDA-approved PTEN companion diagnostic for prostate cancer and completed a large share buyback. These moves strengthen its precision oncology position and return cash to shareholders, supporting the stock.

    New oncology test and buyback completion reinforce growth and shareholder value.

▲4

Labcorp's new tests and raised guidance drive positive outlook

  • New at-home colorectal cancer test Labcorp launched ColoSense, the first FDA-approved RNA-based at-home colorectal cancer screening test, now covered by Medicare. This expands its test menu and could add recurring revenue from a large screening market.

    New product launch with Medicare coverage directly supports future revenue growth.

  • Medicare coverage for NASHnext liver test Medicare will cover and reimburse Labcorp's NASHnext blood test for liver disease starting August 2026, at about $252 per test. This should boost test volume and create a new recurring revenue stream.

    New reimbursement approval expands market access and revenue potential.

  • Raised profit forecast on strong testing demand Labcorp beat Q2 estimates and raised its 2026 earnings and revenue guidance, driven by steady diagnostic testing and growth in drug-development services. This signals management confidence and supports a higher stock price.

    Upgraded guidance and earnings beat are key positive catalysts for the stock.

  • Expanded oncology testing and buyback Labcorp launched the first FDA-approved PTEN companion diagnostic for prostate cancer and completed a large share buyback. These moves strengthen its precision oncology position and return cash to shareholders, supporting the stock.

    New oncology test and buyback completion reinforce growth and shareholder value.

Chemed Corp (CHE)

Q3 2026
▲3▼1

Chemed's strong Q2 and raised guidance outweigh a bearish call

  • Q2 profit jumps and full-year guidance raised Chemed's second-quarter profit rose to $67.7 million ($5.13 per share) from $52.5 million, with revenue up 8.8% to $673 million. Management raised 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $25.00-$25.75 and lifted the revenue growth outlook, signaling the business is performing better than expected.

    This is the core new event that directly lifts earnings expectations and the stock.

  • Vitas hospice drives growth; Roto Rooter lags The Vitas hospice unit beat expectations with 9% more admissions and lower labor costs, boosting revenue and margins. Roto Rooter's plumbing segment was weaker, with fewer leads and a drop in water restoration revenue, but management is reducing its reliance on paid leads.

    Explains the operational engine behind the earnings beat and the one soft spot investors should watch.

  • Dividend raised 17% and buybacks continue Chemed raised its quarterly dividend by 17% to 70 cents per share and is repurchasing shares aggressively, funded by over $173 million in quarterly operating cash flow. Returning more cash to shareholders supports the stock price and signals confidence in future profits.

    Shows a concrete new capital return action that supports the shares.

  • Bearish call flags slow long-term growth A StockStory report named Chemed a healthcare stock to avoid, citing just 4% annual revenue growth and 2.8% EPS growth over five years, plus diminishing returns on capital. This is a counterweight to the upbeat earnings and could cap gains if investors focus on the slow long-term track record.

    Provides the main negative view that balances the positive earnings news.

August 2026
▲3▼1

Chemed's strong Q2 and raised guidance outweigh a bearish call

  • Q2 profit jumps and full-year guidance raised Chemed's second-quarter profit rose to $67.7 million ($5.13 per share) from $52.5 million, with revenue up 8.8% to $673 million. Management raised 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $25.00-$25.75 and lifted the revenue growth outlook, signaling the business is performing better than expected.

    This is the core new event that directly lifts earnings expectations and the stock.

  • Vitas hospice drives growth; Roto Rooter lags The Vitas hospice unit beat expectations with 9% more admissions and lower labor costs, boosting revenue and margins. Roto Rooter's plumbing segment was weaker, with fewer leads and a drop in water restoration revenue, but management is reducing its reliance on paid leads.

    Explains the operational engine behind the earnings beat and the one soft spot investors should watch.

  • Dividend raised 17% and buybacks continue Chemed raised its quarterly dividend by 17% to 70 cents per share and is repurchasing shares aggressively, funded by over $173 million in quarterly operating cash flow. Returning more cash to shareholders supports the stock price and signals confidence in future profits.

    Shows a concrete new capital return action that supports the shares.

  • Bearish call flags slow long-term growth A StockStory report named Chemed a healthcare stock to avoid, citing just 4% annual revenue growth and 2.8% EPS growth over five years, plus diminishing returns on capital. This is a counterweight to the upbeat earnings and could cap gains if investors focus on the slow long-term track record.

    Provides the main negative view that balances the positive earnings news.

Latest
▲3▼1

Chemed's strong Q2 and raised guidance outweigh a bearish call

  • Q2 profit jumps and full-year guidance raised Chemed's second-quarter profit rose to $67.7 million ($5.13 per share) from $52.5 million, with revenue up 8.8% to $673 million. Management raised 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $25.00-$25.75 and lifted the revenue growth outlook, signaling the business is performing better than expected.

    This is the core new event that directly lifts earnings expectations and the stock.

  • Vitas hospice drives growth; Roto Rooter lags The Vitas hospice unit beat expectations with 9% more admissions and lower labor costs, boosting revenue and margins. Roto Rooter's plumbing segment was weaker, with fewer leads and a drop in water restoration revenue, but management is reducing its reliance on paid leads.

    Explains the operational engine behind the earnings beat and the one soft spot investors should watch.

  • Dividend raised 17% and buybacks continue Chemed raised its quarterly dividend by 17% to 70 cents per share and is repurchasing shares aggressively, funded by over $173 million in quarterly operating cash flow. Returning more cash to shareholders supports the stock price and signals confidence in future profits.

    Shows a concrete new capital return action that supports the shares.

  • Bearish call flags slow long-term growth A StockStory report named Chemed a healthcare stock to avoid, citing just 4% annual revenue growth and 2.8% EPS growth over five years, plus diminishing returns on capital. This is a counterweight to the upbeat earnings and could cap gains if investors focus on the slow long-term track record.

    Provides the main negative view that balances the positive earnings news.