a5670496.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
 
X
 
Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the
Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2008
       
     
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Commission File Number: 1-8351

CHEMED CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
31-0791746
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization)
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

2600 Chemed Center, 255 E. Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
 
45202
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip code)
 
(513) 762-6900
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes
X
 
No
   

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Large accelerated filer
X
 
Accelerated filer
   
Non-accelerated filer
   


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Yes
 
 
No
X
 
 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class
Amount
Date
     
Capital Stock $1 Par Value
23,728,308 Shares
March 31, 2008
     
 


-1-

 
CHEMED CORPORATION AND
SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES



Index
 
               
Page No.
       
         
         
       
                 
       
     
                 
     
 
     
                 
       
                 
 
                 
 
                 
       
                 
         
 
                 
         
 
-2-

 
 
 
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
 
(in thousands except share and per share data)
 
                                               
                                               
                                     
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
                                     
2008
   
2007
 
ASSETS
                                           
Current assets
                                           
Cash and cash equivalents
                $ 29,704     $ 4,988  
Accounts receivable less allowances of      $9,818
                       
 (2007 - $9,746)
                                        87,004       101,170  
Inventories
                                        7,439       6,596  
Current deferred income taxes
              14,996       14,212  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
            9,035       10,496  
Total current assets
                                  148,178       137,462  
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust
      29,524       29,417  
Notes receivable
                                  -       9,701  
Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated
                       
depreciation of
  $ 92,467      
(2007 - $88,639)
            72,910       74,513  
Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated
                       
amortization of
  $ 18,253      
(2007 - $17,245)
            64,168       65,177  
Goodwill
                                              438,656       438,689  
Other assets
                                              15,467       15,411  
 
Total Assets
                                    $ 768,903     $ 770,370  
                                                               
LIABILITIES
                                                         
Current liabilities
                                                 
Accounts payable
                                    $ 46,450     $ 46,168  
Current portion of long-term debt
              10,166       10,162  
Income taxes
                                      10,100       4,221  
Accrued insurance
                                      37,600       36,337  
Accrued compensation
                              31,195       40,072  
Other current liabilities
                              14,474       13,929  
Total current liabilities
                              149,985       150,889  
Deferred income taxes
                                      5,465       5,802  
Long-term debt
                                      212,070       214,669  
Deferred compensation liabilities
              29,653       29,149  
Other liabilities
                                      5,540       5,512  
 
Total Liabilities
                                      402,713       406,021  
                                                               
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                 
Capital stock - authorized 80,000,000 shares $1 par; issued 29,379,006
                 
shares (2007 - 29,260,791 shares)
            29,379       29,261  
Paid-in capital
                                              271,296       267,312  
Retained earnings
                                      293,707       278,336  
Treasury stock - 5,650,698 shares (2007 - 5,299,056 shares), at cost
      (230,594 )     (213,041 )
Deferred compensation payable in Company stock
            2,402       2,481  
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
              366,190       364,349  
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
          $ 768,903     $ 770,370  
                                                               
                                                               
See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.
 
 
-3-

 
 CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
 
 (in thousands, except per share data)
 
             
             
             
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
 Service revenues and sales
  $ 285,268     $ 270,439  
 Cost of services provided and goods sold
               
 (excluding depreciation)
    205,812       188,247  
 Selling, general and administrative expenses
    42,727       48,070  
 Depreciation
    5,438       4,715  
 Amortization
    1,450       1,315  
 Other operating income
    -       (1,138 )
 Total costs and expenses
    255,427       241,209  
 Income from operations
    29,841       29,230  
 Interest expense
    (1,597 )     (3,742 )
 Other (expense)/income--net
    (1,189 )     869  
 Income before income taxes
    27,055       26,357  
 Income taxes
    (10,235 )     (10,136 )
 Net income
  $ 16,820     $ 16,221  
                 
                 
 Earnings Per Share
               
Net income   0.70      0.63  
Average number of shares outstanding
    23,873       25,716  
                 
 Diluted Earnings Per Share
               
Net income    0.69      0.62  
Average number of shares outstanding
    24,285       26,162  
                 
 Cash Dividends Per Share
  $ 0.06     $ 0.06  
                 
 See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.
 
 
-4-

 
 CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
 
 (in thousands)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2008
   
2007
 
 Cash Flows from Operating Activities
           
 Net income    16,820     16,221  
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
               
 by operating activities:
               
 Depreciation and amortization
    6,888       6,030  
 Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable
    2,002       2,084  
 Provision for deferred income taxes
    (1,126 )     (345 )
 Amortization of debt issuance costs
    254       455  
 Noncash long-term incentive compensation
    -       4,719  
 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding
               
 amounts acquired in business combinations
               
 Decrease in accounts receivable
    12,112       5,275  
 Increase in inventories
    (843 )     (174 )
 Decrease in prepaid expenses and
               
 other current assets
    1,488       858  
 Decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities     (5,679 )     (9,091
 Increase in income taxes
    6,677       9,538  
 Increase in other assets
    (293 )     (2,102 )
 Increase in other liabilities
    532       2,218  
 Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation
    (825 )     (611 )
 Other sources/(uses)
    1,524       (375 )
 Net cash provided by operating activities
    39,531       34,700  
 Cash Flows from Investing Activities
               
 Net sources/(uses) from the disposition of discontinued operations
    9,556       (3,876 )
 Capital expenditures     (3,891     (5,764
 Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
    19       2,975  
 Other uses      (122      (361
 Net cash provided/(used) by investing activities
    5,562       (7,026 )
 Cash Flows from Financing Activities
               
 Purchases of treasury stock
    (16,263 )     (24,199 )
 Repayment of long-term debt
    (2,595 )     (141 )
 Dividends paid     (1,449     (1,555
 Decrease in cash overdrafts payable
    (963 )     (1,608 )
 Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation
    825       611  
 Other sources      68        81  
 Net cash used by financing activities
    (20,377 )     (26,811 )
 Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    24,716       863  
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    4,988       29,274  
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 29,704     $ 30,137  
                 
                 
 See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.
 
 
-5-

 
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements

1.      Basis of Presentation
As used herein, the terms "We," "Company" and "Chemed" refer to Chemed Corporation or Chemed Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

We have prepared the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Chemed in accordance with Rule 10-01 of SEC Regulation S-X.  Consequently, we have omitted certain disclosures required under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements.  The December 31, 2007 balance sheet data were derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.  However, in our opinion, the financial statements presented herein contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.  These financial statements are prepared on the same basis as and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.  Certain 2007 amounts have been reclassified to conform with current period presentation on the balance sheet related to the presentation of Medicaid nursing home pass-through activity at our VITAS subsidiary.

2.      Revenue Recognition
Both the VITAS segment and Roto-Rooter segment recognize service revenues and sales when the earnings process has been completed.  Generally, this occurs when services are provided or products are delivered.  VITAS recognizes revenue at the estimated realizable amount due from third-party payers.  Medicare payments are subject to certain caps, as described below.

As of March 31, 2008, VITAS has approximately $10.6 million in unbilled revenue (December 31, 2007 - $9.5 million).  The unbilled revenue at VITAS relates to hospice programs currently undergoing focused medical reviews (FMR).  During FMR, surveyors working on behalf of the U.S. Federal government review certain patient files for compliance with Medicare regulations.  During the time the patient file is under review, we are unable to bill for care provided to those patients.  During the past year, the pace of FMR activity has increased industry-wide, resulting in our significant unbilled revenue balances.  We make appropriate provisions to reduce our accounts receivable balance for potential denials of patient service revenue due to FMR activity.

We actively monitor each of our hospice programs, by provider number, as to their specific admission, discharge rate and median length of stay data in an attempt to determine whether they are likely to exceed the annual per-beneficiary Medicare cap (“Medicare cap”).  Should we determine that revenues for a program are likely to exceed the Medicare cap based on projected trends, we attempt to institute corrective action to influence the patient mix or to increase patient admissions.  However, should we project our corrective action will not prevent that program from exceeding its Medicare cap, we estimate the amount of revenue recognized during the period that will require repayment to the Federal government under the Medicare cap and record the amount as a reduction to patient revenue.  The Medicare cap measurement period is from September 29 through September 28 of the following year for admissions and from November 1 through October 31 of the following year for revenue.  As of the date of this filing, for the 2007 and 2008 measurement period, we estimate that no programs have a required Medicare billing reduction.  Our current estimates for the projected full year 2007 and 2008 measurement period anticipate no programs with a Medicare cap billing limitation.  Therefore, no revenue reduction for Medicare cap has been recorded for the three-month period ended March 31, 2008.   During the three-month period ended March 31, 2007, we reversed approximately $472,000 related to estimated Medicare cap liabilities.  The reversal of previously recorded amounts was based on improving admissions trends as well as consolidation of certain VITAS programs.
 
-6-


3.      Segments
Service revenues and sales and aftertax earnings by business segment are as follows (in thousands):

     
Three months ended
 
     
March 31,
 
     
2008
   
2007
 
Service Revenues and Sales
           
VITAS
    $ 198,585     $ 184,049  
Roto-Rooter
      86,683       86,390  
 
Total
  $ 285,268     $ 270,439  
                   
Aftertax Earnings
               
VITAS
    $ 13,298     $ 14,987  
Roto-Rooter
      9,095       9,506  
 
Total
    22,393       24,493  
Corporate
      (5,573 )     (8,272 )
 
Net income
  $ 16,820     $ 16,221  

Beginning on January 1, 2008, the income statement impact of our deferred compensation plans covering Roto-Rooter employees has been classified as a Corporate activity.  Historically, the income statement impact has been recorded as a Roto-Rooter activity.  Due to the volatility in the capital markets, Roto-Rooter’s operational results were being distorted in our management reporting as a result of the activity of the deferred compensation plans.  Our Chief Operating Decision Maker, Kevin McNamara, determined that the income statement impact of Roto-Rooter’s deferred compensation plans is more appropriately classified as a Corporate activity.  Our internal management reporting documents have been changed to reflect this determination.  The comparable prior year period has been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

4.      Earnings per Share
Earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of shares of capital stock outstanding.  Earnings and diluted earnings per share for 2008 and 2007 are computed as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

   
Net Income
 
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Income
   
Shares
   
Earnings
per
Share
 
2008
                 
Earnings
  $ 16,820       23,873     $ 0.70  
Dilutive stock options
    -       377          
Nonvested stock awards
    -       35          
     Diluted earnings
  $ 16,820       24,285     $ 0.69  
2007
                       
Earnings
  $ 16,221       25,716     $ 0.63  
Dilutive stock options
    -       386          
Nonvested stock awards
    -       60          
     Diluted earnings
  $ 16,221       26,162     $ 0.62  

For the period ended March 31, 2008, 832,567 stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as their exercise prices were greater than the average market price for most of the quarter.  No stock options were excluded for the comparable period in 2007.

Diluted earnings per share may be impacted in future periods as the result of the issuance of our $200 million Notes and related purchased call options and sold warrants.  Under EITF 04-8 ”The Effect of Contingently Convertible Instruments on Diluted Earnings per Share” and EITF 90-19, we will not include any shares related to the Notes in our calculation of diluted earnings per share until our average stock price for a quarter exceeds the conversion price of $80.73.  We would then include in our diluted earnings per share calculation those shares issuable using the treasury stock method.  The amount of shares issuable is based upon the amount by which the average stock price for the quarter exceeds the conversion price.  The purchased call option does not impact the calculation of diluted earnings per share as it is always anti-dilutive. The sold warrants become dilutive when our average stock price for a quarter exceeds the strike price of the warrant.
 
-7-


The following table provides examples of how changes in our stock price impact the number of shares that would be included in our diluted earnings per share calculation.  It also shows the impact on the number of shares issuable upon conversion of the Notes and settlement of the purchased call options and sold warrants:

     
Shares
         
Total Treasury
   
Shares Due
   
Incremental
 
     
Underlying 1.875%
         
Method
   
to the Company
   
Shares Issued by
 
Share
   
Convertible
   
Warrant
   
Incremental
   
under Notes
   
the Company
 
Price
   
Notes
   
Shares
   
Shares (a)
   
Hedges
   
upon Conversion (b)
 
$ 80.73       -       -       -       -       -  
$ 90.73       273,061       -       273,061       (273,061 )     -  
$ 100.73       491,905       -       491,905       (491,905 )     -  
$ 110.73       671,222       118,359       789,581       (671,222 )     118,359  
$ 120.73       820,833       313,764       1,134,597       (820,833 )     313,764  
$ 130.73       947,556       479,274       1,426,830       (947,556 )     479,274  
                                             
 
      (a) Represents the number of incremental shares that must be included in the calculation of fully diluted shares under U.S. GAAP.
      (b) Represents the number of incremental shares to be issued by the Company upon conversion of the 1.875%
           Convertible Notes, assuming concurrent settlement of the note hedges and warrants.
 
5.      Patient Care Notes Receivable
In December 2007, the parties amended the terms of the long-term notes receivable from Patient Care.  We agreed to waive the prepayment penalty provisions in the notes provided that Patient Care paid $5 million of principal on or before December 31, 2007, and the remaining outstanding principal on or before March 31, 2008.  All principal outstanding on the notes receivable was collected as of March 31, 2008.

6.      Long-Term Debt
We are in compliance with all debt covenants as of March 31, 2008.  We have issued $27.5 million in standby letters of credit as of March 31, 2008, mainly for insurance purposes.  Issued letters of credit reduce our available credit under the revolving credit agreement.  As of March 31, 2008, we have approximately $147.5 million of unused lines of credit available and eligible to be drawn down under our revolving credit facility, excluding the expansion feature.

7.      Other Operating Income
During the first quarter of 2007, we completed the sale of Roto-Rooter’s call center building in Florida.  The proceeds from the sale were approximately $3.0 million, which resulted in a pretax gain of $1.1 million. The gain was recorded in other income from operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.
 
-8-


8.      Other Income -- Net
Other income -- net comprises the following (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Interest income
  $ 337     $ 767  
(Loss)/gain on trading investments of employee benefit trust
    (1,522 )     212  
(Loss)/gain on disposal of property and equipment
    (29 )     (136 )
Other - net
    25       26  
     Total other income
  $ (1,189 )   $ 869  

9.      Other Current Liabilities
Other current liabilities as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 consist of the following (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
 
Accrued legal settlements
  $ 2,142     $ 2,393  
Accrued divestiture expenses
    841       845  
Accrued Medicare cap estimate
    500       500  
Other
    10,991       10,191  
                 
     Total other current liabilities
  $ 14,474     $ 13,929  

10.    Stock-Based Compensation Awards
On February 13, 2008, the Compensation/Incentive Committee of the Board of Directors (“CIC”) approved a grant of 40,315 shares of restricted stock to certain key employees.  The restricted shares cliff vest four-years from the date of issuance.  The cumulative compensation expense related to the restricted stock award is $2.1 million and will be recognized ratably over the four-year vesting period.  We assumed no forfeitures in determining the cumulative compensation expense of the grant.

In February 2007, we met the cumulative earnings target specified in the Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) and on March 9, 2007 the CIC approved a stock grant of 100,000 shares and the related allocation to participants.  The pre-tax cost of the stock grant was $5.4 million and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.  No such LTIP grants were made during the first quarter of 2008.

11.    Loans Receivable from Independent Contractors
The Roto-Rooter segment sublicenses with approximately sixty-one independent contractors to operate certain plumbing repair and drain cleaning businesses in lesser-populated areas of the United States and Canada.  As of March 31, 2008, we had notes receivable from our independent contractors totaling $1.5 million (December 31, 2007 -$1.6 million).  In most cases these loans are fully or partially secured by equipment owned by the contractor.  The interest rates on the loans range from zero to 8% per annum and the remaining terms of the loans range from two months to 5 years at March 31, 2008.  During the three-months ended March 31, 2008, we recorded revenues of $5.6 million (2007 - $5.4 million) and pretax profits of $2.7 million (2007 - $2.5 million) from our independent contractors.

We have adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 46R "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities--an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (revised)" ("FIN 46R") relative to our contractual relationships with the independent contractors.  FIN 46R requires the primary beneficiary of a Variable Interest Entity ("VIE") to consolidate the accounts of the VIE.  We have evaluated our relationships with our independent contractors based upon guidance provided in FIN 46R and have concluded that some of the contractors who have loans payable to us may be VIE’s.  We believe consolidation, if required, of the accounts of any VIE’s for which we might be the primary beneficiary would not materially impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

-9-

 
12.    Pension and Retirement Plans
All of the Company’s plans that provide retirement and similar benefits are defined contribution plans.  Expenses for the Company’s pension and profit-sharing plans, excess benefit plans and other similar plans were $2.3 million and $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

13.    Litigation
VITAS is party to a class action lawsuit filed in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County, in September 2006 by Bernadette Santos, Keith Knoche and Joyce White (“Santos”).  This case alleges failure to pay overtime and failure to provide meal and rest periods to a purported class of California admissions nurses, chaplains and sales representatives.  The case seeks payment of penalties, interest and Plaintiffs’ attorney fees.  VITAS contests these allegations.  The lawsuit is in its early stage and we are unable to estimate our potential liability, if any, with respect to these allegations.

In April 2007, our Roto-Rooter subsidiary was named in a class action lawsuit filed in San Mateo Superior Court by Stanley Ita (“Ita”) alleging class-wide wage and hour violations at one California branch.  This suit alleges failure to provide meal and break periods, credit for work time beginning from the first call to dispatch rather than arrival at first assignment and improper calculations of work time and overtime.  The case sought payment of penalties, interest and Plaintiffs’ attorney fees.  After the suit was filed, we offered a settlement to certain members of the class and paid approximately $200,000.  In January 2008, we agreed to a tentative settlement with the remaining members of the class for approximately $1.8 million.  The tentative settlement is subject to court approval.  The tentative settlement has been accrued in the accompanying financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Regardless of outcome, defense of litigation adversely affects us through defense costs, diversion of our time and related publicity.  In the normal course of business, we are a party to various claims and legal proceedings.  We record a reserve for these matters when an adverse outcome is probable and the amount of the potential liability is reasonably estimable.

14.    OIG Investigation
In April 2005, the Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) for the Department of Health and Human Services served VITAS with civil subpoenas relating to VITAS’ alleged failure to appropriately bill Medicare and Medicaid for hospice services.  As part of this investigation, the OIG selected medical records for 320 past and current patients from VITAS’ three largest programs for review.  It also sought policies and procedures dating back to 1998 covering admissions, certifications, recertifications and discharges.  During the third quarter of 2005 and again in May 2006, the OIG requested additional information from us.  The Court dismissed a related qui tam complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida with prejudice in July 2007.  The plaintiffs are appealing this dismissal.  Pretax expenses related to complying with OIG requests were immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.

The government continues to investigate the complaint’s allegations.  We are unable to predict the outcome of this matter or the impact, if any, that the investigation may have on our business, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources.  Regardless of outcome, responding to the subpoenas and defending the litigation can adversely affect us through defense costs, diversion of our time and related publicity.

15.    Related Party Agreement
In October 2004, VITAS entered into a pharmacy services agreement ("Agreement") with Omnicare, Inc. ("OCR") whereby OCR provides specified pharmacy services for VITAS and its hospice patients in geographical areas served by both VITAS and OCR.  The Agreement has an initial term of three years that renews automatically for one-year terms.  Either party may cancel the Agreement at the end of any term by giving written notice at least 90 days prior to the end of said term.  In June 2004, VITAS entered into a pharmacy services agreement with excelleRx.  The agreement has a one-year term and automatically renews unless either party provides a 90-day written termination notice.  Subsequent to June 2004, OCR acquired excelleRx.  Under both agreements, VITAS made purchases of $8.3 million and $8.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively and has accounts payable of $695,000 at March 31, 2008.

Mr. E. L. Hutton is non-executive Chairman of the Board and a director of the Company.  He was a director of OCR until his retirement in the first quarter of 2008 at which time he assumed the honorary post of Chairman Emeritus of OCR’s Board.  Mr. Joel F. Gemunder, President and Chief Executive Officer of OCR, Mr. Charles H. Erhart, Jr. and Ms. Sandra Laney are directors of both OCR and the Company. Mr. Kevin J. McNamara, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, is a director emeritus of OCR.  Ms. Andrea Lindell, a nominee for election to our Board of Directors, is also a director of OCR.  We believe that the terms of these agreements are no less favorable to VITAS than we could negotiate with an unrelated party.
 
-10-


16.    Cash Overdrafts Payable
Included in accounts payable at March 31, 2008 is cash overdrafts payable of $9.7 million (December 31, 2007 - $9.5 million).

17.    Capital Stock Transactions
On April 26, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized a $150 million stock repurchase program.  For the three months ended March 31, 2008 we repurchased 300,000 shares at a weighted average cost of $49.19 per share.  For the three months ended March 31, 2007 we repurchased 626,079 shares at a weighted average cost of $46.76 per share.

18.    Fair Value Measurements
On January 1, 2008, we partially adopted the provisions of Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”).  This statement defines a hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs in fair value measurements.  Level 1 measurements are measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.  Level 2 measurements use significant other observable inputs.  Level 3 measurements are measurements using significant unobservable inputs which require a company to develop its own assumptions.  In recording the fair value of assets and liabilities, companies must use the most reliable measurement available.  There was no impact on our financial position or results of operations upon adoption of SFAS 157. We have elected to partially defer adoption of SFAS No. 157 related to our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with FASB Staff Position 157-2.

As of March 31, 2008, we hold $29.5 million of investments in mutual funds and company owned life insurance policies in a Rabbi Trust related to certain of our deferred compensation plans and $28.2 million in cash equivalents invested in overnight securities.  These investments are valued using quoted prices in active markets for identical investments (Level 1).
 
19.    Recent Accounting Statements
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141(R) “Business Combinations (revised 2007)” (“SFAS 141(R)”), which changes certain aspects of the accounting for business combinations.  This Statement retains the fundamental requirements in Statement No. 141 that the purchase method of accounting be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination.  SFAS 141(R) modifies existing accounting guidance in the areas of deal and restructuring costs, acquired contingencies, contingent consideration, in-process research and development, accounting for subsequent tax adjustments and assessing the valuation date.  This Statement applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. An entity may not apply it before that date.  There will be no impact on our financial statements as a result of the adoption of SFAS 141(R); however our accounting for all business combinations after adoption will comply with the new standard.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 160 “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”), which requires ownership interests in subsidiaries held by others to be clearly identified, labeled and presented in the consolidated balance sheet within equity but separate from the parent company’s equity.  SFAS 160 also affects the accounting requirements when the parent company either purchases a higher ownership interest or deconsolidates the equity investment.  This Statement applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. An entity may not apply it before that date.  We currently do not have non-controlling interests in our consolidated financial statements.
 
-11-


20.    Guarantor Subsidiaries
Our 1.875% Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured, joint and severally liable basis by certain of our 100% owned subsidiaries.  The following unaudited, condensed, consolidating financial data presents the composition of the parent company (Chemed), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 for the balance sheet and the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 for the income statement and the statement of cash flows (dollars in thousands):

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
 
(As of March 31, 2008)
       
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
   
Consolidating
       
   
Parent
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 28,524     $ (1,389 )   $ 2,569     $ -     $ 29,704  
Accounts receivable, less allowances
    1,133       85,425       446       -       87,004  
Intercompany receivables
    3,183       -       (3,849 )     666       -  
Inventories
    -       6,736       703       -       7,439  
Current deferred income taxes
    142       14,675       179       -       14,996  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    681       8,234       120       -       9,035  
     Total current assets
    33,663       113,681       168       666       148,178  
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust
    -       -       29,524       -       29,524  
Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation
    4,216       66,811       1,883       -       72,910  
Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization
    -       64,167       1       -       64,168  
Goodwill
    -       433,946       4,710       -       438,656  
Other assets
    12,772       2,406       289       -       15,467  
Investments in subsidiaries
    516,665       11,573       -       (528,238 )     -  
          Total assets
  $ 567,316     $ 692,584     $ 36,575     $ (527,572 )   $ 768,903  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                       
Accounts payable
  $ (1,666 )   $ 47,752     $ 364     $ -     $ 46,450  
Intercompany payables
    -       (3,239 )     2,573       666       -  
Current portion of long-term debt
    10,000       166       -       -       10,166  
Income taxes
    (4,439 )     12,800       1,739       -       10,100  
Accrued insurance
    359       37,241       -       -       37,600  
Accrued salaries and wages
    789       29,914       492       -       31,195  
Other current liabilities
    3,395       10,958       121       -       14,474  
Deferred income taxes
    (23,040 )     38,935       (10,430 )     -       5,465  
Long-term debt
    212,000       70       -       -       212,070  
Deferred compensation liabilities
    -       -       29,653       -       29,653  
Other liabilities
    3,728       1,793       19       -       5,540  
Stockholders' equity
    366,190       516,194       12,044       (528,238 )     366,190  
     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 567,316     $ 692,584     $ 36,575     $ (527,572 )   $ 768,903  

-12-


(as of December 31, 2007)
       
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
   
Consolidating
       
   
Parent
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 3,877     $ (1,584 )   $ 2,695     $ -     $ 4,988  
Accounts receivable, less allowances
    706       99,900       564       -       101,170  
Intercompany receivables
    42,241       -       (3,925 )     (38,316 )     -  
Inventories
    -       6,116       480       -       6,596  
Current deferred income taxes
    130       13,964       118       -       14,212  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    884       9,521       91       -       10,496  
     Total current assets
    47,838       127,917       23       (38,316 )     137,462  
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust
    -       -       29,417       -       29,417  
Note receivable
    9,701       -       -       -       9,701  
Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation
    4,306       68,303       1,904       -       74,513  
Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization
    -       65,176       1       -       65,177  
Goodwill
    -       433,946       4,743       -       438,689  
Other assets
    12,658       2,450       303       -       15,411  
Investments in subsidiaries
    500,952       11,005       -       (511,957 )     -  
          Total assets
  $ 575,455     $ 708,797     $ 36,391     $ (550,273 )   $ 770,370  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                       
Accounts payable
  $ (1,236 )   $ 47,035     $ 369     $ -     $ 46,168  
Intercompany payables
    -       34,992       3,324       (38,316 )     -  
Current portion of long-term debt
    10,000       162       -       -       10,162  
Income taxes
    1,137       3,034       50       -       4,221  
Accrued insurance
    255       36,082       -       -       36,337  
Accrued salaries and wages
    3,882       35,505       685       -       40,072  
Other current liabilities
    2,047       10,486       1,396       -       13,929  
Deferred income taxes
    (23,174 )     39,247       (10,271 )     -       5,802  
Long-term debt
    214,500       169       -       -       214,669  
Deferred compensation liabilities
    -       -       29,149       -       29,149  
Other liabilities
    3,695       1,797       20       -       5,512  
Stockholders' equity
    364,349       500,288       11,669       (511,957 )     364,349  
     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 575,455     $ 708,797     $ 36,391     $ (550,273 )   $ 770,370  


Condensed Consolidating Income Statement

(For the three months ended March 31, 2008)
       
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
   
Consolidating
       
   
Parent
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
 Continuing Operations
                             
 Net sales and service revenues
  $ -     $ 278,862     $ 6,406     $ -     $ 285,268  
 Cost of services provided and goods sold
    -       202,704       3,108       -       205,812  
 Selling, general and administrative expenses
    4,050       38,788       (111 )     -       42,727  
 Depreciation
    124       5,149       165       -       5,438  
 Amortization
    441       1,009       -       -       1,450  
      Total costs and expenses
    4,615       247,650       3,162       -       255,427  
      Income/ (loss) from operations
    (4,615 )     31,212       3,244       -       29,841  
 Interest expense
    (1,463 )     (133 )     (1 )     -       (1,597 )
 Other income - net
    1,368       (1,056 )     (1,501 )     -       (1,189 )
      Income/ (loss) before income taxes
    (4,710 )     30,023       1,742       -       27,055  
 Income tax (provision)/ benefit
    2,058       (10,979 )     (1,314 )     -       (10,235 )
 Equity in net income of subsidiaries
    19,472       699       -       (20,171 )     -  
 Net income
  $ 16,820     $ 19,743     $ 428     $ (20,171 )   $ 16,820  
 
-13-

 
(For the three months ended March 31, 2007)
       
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
   
Consolidating
       
   
Parent
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
 Continuing Operations
                             
 Net sales and service revenues
  $ -     $ 264,295     $ 6,144     $ -     $ 270,439  
 Cost of services provided and goods sold
    -       185,105       3,142       -       188,247  
 Selling, general and administrative expenses
    5,645       41,204       1,221       -       48,070  
 Depreciation
    122       4,448       145       -       4,715  
 Amortization
    305       1,010       -       -       1,315  
 Other
    (1,138 )     -       -       -       (1,138 )
      Total costs and expenses
    4,934       231,767       4,508       -       241,209  
      Income/ (loss) from operations
    (4,934 )     32,528       1,636       -       29,230  
 Interest expense
    (3,623 )     (119 )     -       -       (3,742 )
 Other income - net
    5,106       (4,284 )     47       -       869  
      Income/ (loss) before income taxes
    (3,451 )     28,125       1,683       -       26,357  
 Income tax (provision)/ benefit
    1,351       (10,789 )     (698 )     -       (10,136 )
 Equity in net income of subsidiaries
    18,321       985       -       (19,306 )     -  
 Net income
  $ 16,221     $ 18,321     $ 985     $ (19,306 )   $ 16,221  
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
 
(For the three months ended March 31, 2008)
       
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
       
   
Parent
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Consolidated
 
 Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
                       
 Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ (7,889 )   $ 46,513     $ 907     $ 39,531  
 Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
                               
  Capital expenditures
    (42 )     (3,695 )     (154 )     (3,891 )
  Net proceeds from sale of discontinued operations
    9,556       -       -       9,556  
  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    10       7       2       19  
  Other sources and uses - net
    (155 )     33       -       (122 )
       Net cash provided/ (used) by investing activities
    9,369       (3,655 )     (152 )     5,562  
 Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
                               
 Decrease in cash overdrafts payable
    (332 )     (631 )     -       (963 )
  Change in intercompany accounts
    42,838       (42,009 )     (829 )     -  
  Dividends paid to shareholders
    (1,449 )     -       -       (1,449 )
  Purchases of treasury stock
    (16,263 )     -       -       (16,263 )
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    116       -       -       116  
  Realized excess tax benefit on share based compensation
    825       -       -       825  
  Repayment of long-term debt
    (2,500 )     (95 )     -       (2,595 )
  Other sources and uses - net
    (68 )     72       (52 )     (48 )
       Net cash provided/ (used) by financing activities
    23,167       (42,663 )     (881 )     (20,377 )
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    24,647       195       (126 )     24,716  
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    3,877       (1,584 )     2,695       4,988  
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 28,524     $ (1,389 )   $ 2,569     $ 29,704  
 
-14-


(For the three months ended March 31, 2007)
       
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
       
   
Parent
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Consolidated
 
 Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
                       
 Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ (2,304 )   $ 37,437     $ (433 )   $ 34,700  
 Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
                               
  Capital expenditures
    (68 )     (5,459 )     (237 )     (5,764 )
  Business combinations, net of cash acquired
    -       (62 )     -       (62 )
  Net payments from sale of discontinued operations
    (137 )     (3,739 )     -       (3,876 )
  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    2,962       10       3       2,975  
  Other sources and uses - net
    (232 )     (67 )     -       (299 )
       Net cash provided/ (used) by investing activities
    2,525       (9,317 )     (234 )     (7,026 )
 Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
                               
  Increase/(decrease) in cash overdrafts payable
    394       (2,002 )     -       (1,608 )
  Change in intercompany accounts
    24,899       (26,206 )     1,307       -  
  Dividends paid to shareholders
    (1,555 )     -       -       (1,555 )
  Purchases of treasury stock
    (24,199 )     -       -       (24,199 )
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    130       -       -       130  
  Realized excess tax benefit on share based compensation
    611       -       -       611  
  Repayment of long-term debt
    -       (141 )     -       (141 )
  Other sources and uses - net
    8       -       (57 )     (49 )
       Net cash provided/ (used) by financing activities
    288       (28,349 )     1,250       (26,811 )
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    509       (229 )     583       863  
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    25,258       (1,314 )     5,330       29,274  
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 25,767     $ (1,543 )   $ 5,913     $ 30,137  
 
-15-


Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Executive Summary
We operate through our two wholly owned subsidiaries, VITAS Healthcare Corporation and Roto-Rooter Group, Inc.  VITAS focuses on hospice care that helps make terminally ill patients’ final days as comfortable as possible.  Through its team of doctors, nurses, home health aides, social workers, clergy and volunteers, VITAS provides direct medical services to patients, as well as spiritual and emotional counseling to both patients and their families.  Roto-Rooter’s services are focused on providing plumbing and drain cleaning services to both residential and commercial customers.  Through its network of company-owned branches, independent contractors and franchisees, Roto-Rooter offers plumbing and drain cleaning service to over 90% of the U.S. population.

The following is a summary of the key operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands except per share amounts):

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Consolidated service revenues and sales
  $ 285,268     $ 270,439  
                 
Consolidated net income
  $ 16,820     $ 16,221  
                 
Diluted EPS
  $ 0.69     $ 0.62  

The increase in consolidated service revenues and sales was driven by an 8% increase at VITAS while Roto-Rooter was essentially flat.  The increase at VITAS was primarily the result of a 3.4% increase in average daily census (ADC) from the first quarter of 2007, the October 1, 2007 Medicare reimbursement rate increase of approximately 3% and a slight mix shift to higher acuity days of care.  Roto-Rooter was driven by a 7% decrease in job count offset with an approximate 7.8% price and mix shift increase.  Consolidated net income increased at a slower rate than the increase in revenues due mainly to increased admissions and direct labor costs reducing overall gross margins at VITAS.  Diluted EPS increased as the result of increased earnings and a reduction of diluted share count due to our stock repurchase program.

Financial Condition
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Significant changes in the balance sheet accounts from December 31, 2007 to March 31, 2008 include the following:

 
The main cause of the $14.2 million decrease in accounts receivable relates to the timing of payments received from the US Government for VITAS.  Offsetting the decrease due to timing of Medicare payments, our uncollected receivables and unbilled revenue from focused medical review (FMR) activity at VITAS increased approximately $3 million since year end.  Roto-Rooter receivables are virtually unchanged reflecting the flat revenues from the fourth quarter of 2007.
 
The notes receivable due from Patient Care were collected in full during the first quarter of 2008.
 
The increase in treasury stock relates to the repurchase 300,000 shares made under the 2007 Share Repurchase Program.

 Net cash provided by continuing operations increased $4.8 million due primarily to the decrease in accounts receivable discussed above.

We have issued $27.5 million in standby letters of credit as of March 31, 2008, mainly for insurance purposes.  Issued letters of credit reduce our available credit under the revolving credit agreement.  As of March 31, 2008, we have approximately $147.5 million of unused lines of credit available and eligible to be drawn down under our revolving credit facility, excluding the expansion feature. Management believes its liquidity and sources of capital are satisfactory for the Company’s needs in the foreseeable future.

Commitments and Contingencies
Collectively, the terms of our credit agreements require us to meet various financial covenants, to be tested quarterly.  In connection therewith, we are in compliance with all financial and other debt covenants as of March 31, 2008 and anticipate remaining in compliance throughout 2008.
 
-16-

 
VITAS is party to a class action lawsuit filed in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County, in September 2006 by Bernadette Santos, Keith Knoche and Joyce White (“Santos”).  This case alleges failure to pay overtime and failure to provide meal and rest periods to a purported class of California admissions nurses, chaplains and sales representatives.  The case seeks payment of penalties, interest and Plaintiffs’ attorney fees.  VITAS contests these allegations.  The lawsuit is in its early stage and we are unable to estimate our potential liability, if any, with respect to these allegations.

In April 2007, our Roto-Rooter subsidiary was named in a class action lawsuit filed in San Mateo Superior Court by Stanley Ita (“Ita”) alleging class-wide wage and hour violations at one California branch.  This suit alleges failure to provide meal and break periods, credit for work time beginning from the first call to dispatch rather than arrival at first assignment and improper calculations of work time and overtime.  The case sought payment of penalties, interest and Plaintiffs’ attorney fees.  After the suit was filed, we offered a settlement to certain members of the class and paid approximately $200,000.  In January 2008, we agreed to a tentative settlement with the remaining members of the class for approximately $1.8 million.  The tentative settlement is subject to court approval.  The tentative settlement has been accrued in the accompanying financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007.

In April 2005, the Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) for the Department of Health and Human Services served VITAS with civil subpoenas relating to VITAS’ alleged failure to appropriately bill Medicare and Medicaid for hospice services.  As part of this investigation, the OIG selected medical records for 320 past and current patients from VITAS’ three largest programs for review.  It also sought policies and procedures dating back to 1998 covering admissions, certifications, recertifications and discharges.  During the third quarter of 2005 and again in May 2006, the OIG requested additional information from us.  The Court dismissed a related qui tam complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida with prejudice in July 2007.  The plaintiffs are appealing this dismissal.  Pretax expenses related to complying with OIG requests were immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.

The government continues to investigate the complaint’s allegations.  We are unable to predict the outcome of this matter or the impact, if any, that the investigation may have on our business, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources.  Regardless of outcome, responding to the subpoenas and defending the litigation can adversely affect us through defense costs, diversion of our time and related publicity.

Results of Operations
First Quarter 2008 versus First Quarter 2007 - Consolidated Results
Our service revenues and sales for the first quarter of 2008 increased 5.5% versus revenues for the first quarter of 2007.  Of this increase, $14.5 million was attributable to VITAS and $293,000 was attributable to Roto-Rooter.  The following chart shows the components of those changes (dollar amounts in thousands):

       
Increase/(Decrease)
 
       
Amount
   
Percent
 
VITAS
               
  Routine homecare
  $ 10,069       7.7 %
  Continuous care
    2,430       8.5 %
  General inpatient     2,509       10.7 %
  Medicare cap     (472 )     100.0 %
Roto-Rooter
                 
  Plumbing       370       1.1 %
  Drain cleaning
    (20 )     -0.1 %
  Other
      (57 )     -0.5 %
                     
  Total
  $ 14,829       5.5 %

The increase in VITAS’ revenues for the first quarter of 2008 versus the first quarter of 2007 is attributable to an increase in ADC of 3.3% for routine homecare, 2.5% for continuous care and 6.3% for general inpatient. ADC is a key measure we use to monitor volume growth in our hospice business.  Changes in total program admissions and average length of stay for our patients are the main drivers of changes in ADC. The remainder of the revenue increase is due primarily to the annual increase in Medicare reimbursement rates in the fourth quarter of 2007, as well as geographic mix shifts within patient care categories.  In excess of 90% of VITAS’ revenues for the period were from Medicare and Medicaid.
 
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The increase in the plumbing revenues for the first quarter of 2008 versus 2007 comprises a 5% decrease in the number of jobs performed and a 6% increase in the average price per job.  Drain cleaning revenues for the first quarter of 2008 versus 2007 comprised an 8% decline in the number of jobs offset by an 8% increase in the average price per job.  The decrease in other revenues is attributable primarily to lower sales of drain cleaning products offset by increased revenue from the independent contractor operations.
 
The consolidated gross margin was 27.9% in the first quarter of 2008 as compared with 30.4% in the first quarter of 2007.  On a segment basis, VITAS’ gross margin was 20.0% in the first quarter of 2008 and 22.8% in the first quarter of 2007.  This margin decline is a combination of increased expenses related to admissions and increased costs for direct patient care labor.  As part of its growth strategy, VITAS has expanded its investment in the admissions process. At the end of the first quarter of 2008, VITAS increased staffing of sales representatives, admissions coordinators and admissions nurses by 18%. This resulted in an additional $2.1 million of admission expense in the quarter and equates to 106 basis points of the decline in gross margin in the quarter.  The remaining margin decline is due to an increase in direct patient care labor. This additional labor is a combination of salary rate increases for existing employees as well as excess staffing relative to current patient census and individual plans of care. In the first quarter of 2008, total field salary increases averaged 4.2% over the prior-year period which is largely commensurate with local market salary requirements. This is above the 3.0% inflation per diem increase VITAS received from CMS in October 2007. Over the past several years the CMS calculated inflation factor has been below the actual inflation on direct patient care costs, primarily wages. Historically, VITAS has been able to offset this inflation adjustment shortfall through scale in management systems and infrastructure.  Management anticipates VITAS margins returning to more historical levels in the second half of 2008.
 
The Roto-Rooter segment’s gross margin was 45.8% in the first quarter of 2008 and 46.6% in the first quarter of 2007.  The slight decline in gross margin is attributable to a $0.4 million aftertax charge for a settlement of litigation relating to a 2003 fire that, for unique technical reasons, was not covered by Roto-Rooter’s secondary insurance carrier.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) for the first quarter of 2008 were $42.8 million, a decrease of $5.3 million (11%) versus the first quarter of 2007.  The decrease is largely due to 2007 stock-based compensation expense of $5.4 million related to the LTIP.  There was no such LTIP expense in the first quarter of 2008.

Interest expense, substantially all of which is incurred at Corporate, declined from $3.7 million in the first quarter of 2007 to $1.6 million in the first quarter of 2008 due primarily to the debt refinancing transactions completed in the second quarter of 2007.  Other (expenses)/income-net decreased from income of $869,000 in the first quarter of 2007 to expenses of $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2008 related to realized and unrealized losses in the investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust.

Our effective income tax rate decreased from 38.5% in the first quarter of 2007 to 37.8% in the first quarter of 2008 as the result of R&D credits available on certain of our information systems technology developed by VITAS.

Net income for both periods included the following aftertax special items/adjustments that increased/ (reduced) aftertax earnings (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Stock-option expense
  $ (884 )   $ (371 )
Unreserved prior year insurance claim
    (358 )     -  
Gain on sale of Florida Call Center
    -       724  
R&D income tax credit related to prior years
    322       -  
Long-term incentive compensation award
    -       (3,414 )
Legal expenses of OIG Investigation
    9       (41 )
Other
    -       296  
    $ (911 )   $ (2,806 )
 
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First quarter 2008 versus First quarter 2007 - Segment Results
The change in aftertax earnings for the first quarter of 2008 versus the first quarter of 2007 is due to (in thousands):

   
Net Income
 
   
Increase/(Decrease)
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
VITAS
  $ (1,689 )     -11.3 %
Roto-Rooter
    (411 )     -4.3 %
Corporate
    2,699       32.6 %
                 
    $ 599       3.7 %

The following chart updates historical unaudited financial and operating data of VITAS (dollars in thousands, except dollars per patient day):
 
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OPERATING STATISTICS FOR VITAS SEGMENT
 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2008 AND 2007
 
(unaudited)
 
             
   
2008
   
2007
 
OPERATING STATISTICS
           
Net revenue
           
Homecare
  $ 141,617     $ 131,548  
Inpatient
    25,971       23,462  
Continuous care
    30,997       28,567  
Total before Medicare cap allowance
    198,585       183,577  
Medicare cap allowance
    -       472  
Total
  $ 198,585     $ 184,049  
Net revenue as a percent of total
               
Homecare
    71.3 %     71.6 %
Inpatient
    13.1       12.8  
Continuous care
    15.6       15.6  
Total before Medicare cap allowance
    100.0       100.0  
Medicare cap allowance
    -       0.3  
Total
    100.0 %     100.3 %
Average daily census ("ADC") (days)
               
Homecare
    7,154       6,786  
Nursing home
    3,548       3,574  
Routine homecare
    10,702       10,360  
Inpatient
    453       426  
Continuous care
    536       523  
Total
    11,691       11,309  
                 
Total admissions
    15,212       14,110  
Total discharges
    14,992       14,051  
Average length of stay (days)
    71.5       76.9  
Median length of stay (days
    13.0       13.0  
ADC by major diagnosis
               
Neurological
    32.5 %     33.3 %
Cancer
    20.0       19.7  
Cardio
    13.0       14.6  
Respiratory
    6.9       7.0  
Other
    27.6       25.4  
Total
    100.0 %     100.0 %
Admissions by major diagnosis
               
Neurological
    19.0 %     18.9 %
Cancer
    33.4       33.6  
Cardio
    11.9       13.3  
Respiratory
    8.5       7.8  
Other
    27.2       26.4  
Total
    100.0 %     100.0 %
Direct patient care margins
               
Routine homecare
    49.5 %     50.8 %
Inpatient
    19.3       20.1  
Continuous care
    16.5       20.0  
Homecare margin drivers (dollars per patient day)
               
Labor costs
  $ 52.26     $ 49.12  
Drug costs
    7.49       8.18  
Home medical equipment
    6.17       5.75  
Medical supplies
    2.57       2.17  
Inpatient margin drivers (dollars per patient day)
               
Labor costs
  $ 266.18     $ 252.42  
Continuous care margin drivers (dollars per patient day)
               
Labor costs
  $ 509.62     $ 464.54  
Bad debt expense as a percent of revenues
    0.9 %     0.9 %
Accounts receivable -- days of revenue outstanding
    45.5       38.1  
                 
                 
VITAS has 5 large (greater than 450 ADC), 17 medium (greater than 200 but less than 450 ADC) and 21 small (less than 200 ADC) hospice
 
programs. There is one program continuing at March 31, 2008 with Medicare cap cushion of less than 10% for the 2008 measurement
 
period.
               
                 
Direct patient care margins exclude indirect patient care and administrative costs, as well as Medicare Cap billing limitation.
 
 
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Recent Accounting Statements
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141(R) “Business Combinations (revised 2007)” (“SFAS 141(R)”), which changes certain aspects of the accounting for business combinations.  This Statement retains the fundamental requirements in Statement No. 141 that the purchase method of accounting be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination.  SFAS 141(R) modifies existing accounting guidance in the areas of deal and restructuring costs, acquired contingencies, contingent consideration, in-process research and development, accounting for subsequent tax adjustments and assessing the valuation date.  This Statement applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. An entity may not apply it before that date.  There will be no impact on our financial statements as a result of the adoption of SFAS 141(R); however our accounting for all business combinations after adoption will comply with the new standard.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 160 “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”), which requires ownership interests in subsidiaries held by others to be clearly identified, labeled and presented in the consolidated balance sheet within equity but separate from the parent company’s equity.  SFAS 160 also affects the accounting requirements when the parent company either purchases a higher ownership interest or deconsolidates the equity investment.  This Statement applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. An entity may not apply it before that date.  We currently do not have non-controlling interests in our consolidated financial statements.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Regarding Forward-Looking Information
In addition to historical information, this report contains forward-looking statements and performance trends that are based upon assumptions subject to certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors.  Variances in any or all of the risks, uncertainties, contingencies, and other factors from our assumptions could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements and trends.  Our ability to deal with the unknown outcomes of these events, many of which are beyond our control, may affect the reliability of projections and other financial matters.

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Our primary market risk exposure relates to interest rate risk exposure through variable interest rate borrowings.  At March 31, 2008, we had $22.2 million of variable rate debt outstanding.  A 1% change in the interest rate on our variable interest rate borrowings would have a $222,000 full-year impact on our interest expense.  At March 31, 2008, the fair value of our Senior Convertible Notes approximates $165.5 million.

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision of our President and Chief Executive Officer and with the participation of the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and the Vice President and Controller, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Vice President and Controller have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.  There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
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PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2(c).  Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers                                                                                                                                                     
The following table shows the repurchase activity related to our share repurchase programs for the three months ended March 31, 2008:

   
Total
   
Weighted
Average
   
Cumulative
Shares
   
Dollar Amount
 
   
Number of
Shares
   
Price Paid
Per
   
Repurchased
Under
   
Remaining
Under
 
   
Repurchased
   
Share
   
the Program
   
The Program
 
                         
April 2007 Program
                       
January 1 through January 31, 2008
    -     $ -       1,293,250     $ 65,004,906  
                                 
February 1 through February 29, 2008
    300,000     $ 49.19       1,593,250     $ 50,247,480  
                                 
March 1 through March 31, 2008
    -     $ -       1,593,250     $ 50,247,480  
                                 
 First Quarter Total - April 2007 Program
    300,000     $ 49.19                  
                                 
                                 
On April 26, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized a $150 million share repurchase plan with no expiration date.
 
                                 

Item 6.    Exhibits

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
 
31.1
 
Certification by Kevin J. McNamara pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act of 1934.
       
 
31.2
 
Certification by David P. Williams pursuant to  Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act of 1934.
       
  31.3  
Certification by Arthur V. Tucker, Jr. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act of 1934.
       
  32.1  
Certification by Kevin J. McNamara pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
  32.2  
Certification by David P. Williams pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
  32.3  
Certification by Arthur V. Tucker, Jr. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


           
Chemed Corporation
           
(Registrant)
             
             
Dated:
 
April 30, 2008
 
By:
 
Kevin J. McNamara
           
Kevin J. McNamara
           
(President and Chief Executive Officer)
             
             
Dated:
 
April 30, 2008
 
By:
 
David P. Williams
           
David P. Williams
           
(Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer)
             
             
Dated:
 
April 30, 2008
 
By:
 
Arthur V. Tucker, Jr.
           
Arthur V. Tucker, Jr.
           
(Vice President and Controller)

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