a51087872.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, 2015

o    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.)
     
255 E. Fifth Street, Suite 2600, Cincinnati, Ohio
 
45202
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip code)
     
(513) 762-6690
(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
o
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 
Yes
x
 
No
o
 

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
o
Non-accelerated
filer
o
Smaller reporting
company
o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Yes
o
 
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
17,077,227 Shares
March 31, 2015
     

 
-1-

 

CHEMED CORPORATION AND
SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Index

     
     
 
Page No.
PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
   
Item 1.  Financial Statements
   
   
 
     
   
 
     
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
EX – 31.1
   
EX – 31.2
   
EX – 31.3
   
EX – 32.1
   
EX – 32.2
   
EX – 32.3
   
EX – 101.INS
   
EX – 101.SCH
   
EX – 101.CAL
   
EX – 101.DEF
   
EX – 101.LAB
   
EX – 101.PRE
   

 
-2-

 
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
             
             
             
   
March 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 28,335     $ 14,132  
Accounts receivable less allowances of $16,406 (2014 - $14,728)
    145,757       124,607  
Inventories
    6,166       6,168  
Current deferred income taxes
    16,926       15,414  
Prepaid income taxes
    1,279       2,787  
Prepaid expenses
    10,023       11,456  
Total current assets
    208,486       174,564  
Investments of deferred compensation plans
    52,075       49,147  
Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $183,726 (2014 - $185,735)
    104,796       105,336  
Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization of $32,896 (2014 - $32,772)
    55,901       56,027  
Goodwill
    466,576       466,722  
Other assets
    7,843       8,136  
Total Assets
  $ 895,677     $ 859,932  
                 
LIABILITIES
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
  $ 43,618     $ 46,849  
Current portion of long-term debt
    6,875       6,250  
Income taxes
    13,033       5,818  
Accrued insurance
    42,498       40,814  
Accrued compensation
    43,578       50,718  
Accrued legal
    1,115       753  
Other current liabilities
    20,853       24,352  
Total current liabilities
    171,570       175,554  
Deferred income taxes
    28,794       29,945  
Long-term debt
    154,375       141,250  
Deferred compensation liabilities
    51,407       48,684  
Other liabilities
    12,989       13,143  
Total Liabilities
    419,135       408,576  
Commitments and contingencies
               
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Capital stock - authorized 80,000,000 shares $1 par; issued 33,516,044 shares (2014 - 33,337,297 shares)
    33,516       33,337  
Paid-in capital
    553,565       538,845  
Retained earnings
    791,970       771,176  
Treasury stock - 16,538,355 shares (2014 - 16,446,572)
    (904,825 )     (894,285 )
Deferred compensation payable in Company stock
    2,316       2,283  
Total Stockholders' Equity
    476,542       451,356  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
  $ 895,677     $ 859,932  
                 
   
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
 
-3-

 
 
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)
             
             
             
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Service revenues and sales
  $ 376,652     $ 358,300  
Cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation)
    268,885       257,819  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    58,588       55,671  
Depreciation
    8,032       7,149  
Amortization
    576       1,009  
Total costs and expenses
    336,081       321,648  
Income from operations
    40,571       36,652  
Interest expense
    (969 )     (3,815 )
Other income - net
    563       816  
Income before income taxes
    40,165       33,653  
Income taxes
    (15,628 )     (13,079 )
Net income
  $ 24,537     $ 20,574  
                 
Earnings Per Share
               
Net income
  $ 1.45     $ 1.17  
Average number of shares outstanding
    16,914       17,510  
                 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
               
Net income
  $ 1.40     $ 1.12  
Average number of shares outstanding
    17,466       18,305  
                 
Cash Dividends Per Share
  $ 0.22     $ 0.20  
                 
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 
-4-

 
 
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
       
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
           
Net income
  $ 24,537     $ 20,574  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
               
by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    8,608       8,158  
Deferred income taxes
    (2,734 )     6,841  
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable
    3,804       3,304  
Amortization of discount on convertible notes
    -       2,261  
Stock option expense
    1,444       1,309  
Amortization of debt issuance costs
    131       337  
Noncash long-term incentive compensation
    934       373  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding
               
amounts acquired in business combinations:
               
Increase in accounts receivable
    (24,926 )     (27,700 )
Decrease in inventories
    2       27  
Decrease/(increase) in prepaid expenses
    1,433       (1,112 )
Decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities
    (9,538 )     (32,561 )
Increase in income taxes
    11,696       5,322  
Increase in other assets
    (2,815 )     (1,069 )
Increase in other liabilities
    2,569       3,080  
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation
    (2,900 )     (1,399 )
Other sources
    129       409  
Net cash provided/(used) by operating activities
    12,374       (11,846 )
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
               
Capital expenditures
    (8,553 )     (8,131 )
Business combinations, net of cash acquired
    -       (250 )
Other sources
    351       29  
Net cash used by investing activities
    (8,202 )     (8,352 )
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
               
Proceeds from long-term debt
    37,200       -  
Payment on long-term debt
    (23,450 )     -  
Purchases of treasury stock
    -       (32,982 )
Dividends paid
    (3,743 )     (3,303 )
Capital stock surrendered to pay taxes on stock-based compensation
    (5,464 )     (2,916 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    4,899       13,193  
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation
    2,900       1,399  
Increase/(decrease) in cash overdrafts payable
    (1,528 )     369  
Other uses
    (783 )     (501 )
Net cash provided/(used) by financing activities
    10,031       (24,741 )
Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    14,203       (44,939 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    14,132       84,418  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 28,335     $ 39,479  
                 
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 
-5-

 
 
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated 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, 2014 balance sheet data were derived from audited financial statements but do 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 state 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 audited Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

2.   Revenue Recognition

Both the VITAS segment and the 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 limitations, as described below.

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.

During the first quarter of 2015, we recorded a $165,000 Medicare cap reversal of amounts recorded in the fourth quarter of 2014 for one program’s projected 2015 measurement period liability.

Shown below is the Medicare cap liability activity for the fiscal periods ended (in thousands):

   
March 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Beginning balance January 1,
  $ 6,112     $ 8,260  
2015 measurement period
    (165 )     -  
2014 measurement period
    -       (847 )
Payments
    (4,566 )     -  
Ending balance March 31,
  $ 1,381     $ 7,413  

Vitas provides charity care, in certain circumstances, to patients without charge when management of the hospice program determines, at the time services are performed, that the patient does not have the financial wherewithal to make payment.  There is no revenue or associated accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated financial statements related to charity care.  The cost of charity care is calculated by taking the ratio of charity care days to total days of care and multiplying by total cost of care.  The cost of charity care is as follows (in thousands):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
   
2014
 
$ 1,974     $ 1,699  

 
-6-

 
 
3.   Segments

Service revenues and sales and after-tax earnings by business segment are as follows (in thousands):

   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Service Revenues and Sales
       
 
 
VITAS
  $ 269,613     $ 260,412  
Roto-Rooter
    107,039       97,888  
Total
  $ 376,652     $ 358,300  
                 
After-tax Earnings
               
VITAS
  $ 19,315     $ 18,159  
Roto-Rooter
    12,008       10,033  
Total
    31,323       28,192  
Corporate
    (6,786 )     (7,618 )
Net income
  $ 24,537     $ 20,574  

We report corporate administrative expenses and unallocated investing and financing income and expense not directly related to either segment as “Corporate”.

4.  Earnings per Share

Earnings per share (“EPS”) are computed using the weighted average number of shares of capital stock outstanding.  Earnings and diluted earnings per share are computed as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

     
Net Income
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Income
   
Shares
   
Earnings
per Share
 
2015
                   
 
Earnings
  $ 24,537       16,914     $ 1.45  
 
Dilutive stock options
    -       397          
 
Nonvested stock awards
    -       155          
 
Diluted earnings
  $ 24,537       17,466     $ 1.40  
                           
2014
                         
 
Earnings
  $ 20,574       17,510     $ 1.17  
 
Dilutive stock options
    -       362          
 
Nonvested stock awards
    -       148          
 
Conversion of notes
    -       285          
 
Diluted earnings
  $ 20,574       18,305     $ 1.12  
 
For the three month period ended March 31, 2015 411,000 stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have been anti-dilutive.  For the three month period ended March 31, 2014 329,000 stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have been anti-dilutive.

For the first three months of 2014 diluted earnings per share was impacted by the issuance of 285,000 shares of capital stock under the conversion feature of our 1.875% Senior Convertible Notes (the “Notes”) on the May 15, 2014 maturity date.

 
-7-

 
 
5.   Long-Term Debt
 
On June 30, 2014, we replaced our existing credit agreement with the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“2014 Credit Agreement”).  Terms of the 2014 Credit Agreement consist of a five-year, $350 million revolving credit facility and a $100 million term loan.  The 2014 Credit Agreement has a floating interest rate that is currently LIBOR plus 113 basis points.

The debt outstanding as of March 31, 2015 consists of the following:

Revolver
  $ 65,000  
Term loan
    96,250  
Total
    161,250  
Current portion of term and revolving loan
    (6,875 )
Long-term debt
  $ 154,375  
 
Scheduled principal payments of the term loan are as follows:
2015
  $ 5,000  
2016
    7,500  
2017
    8,750  
2018
    10,000  
2019
    65,000  
    $ 96,250  

The 2014 Credit Agreement contains the following quarterly financial covenants:

Description
 
Requirement
     
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated  Adj. EBITDA)
 
< 3.50 to 1.00
     
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges)
 
> 1.50 to 1.00
     
Annual Operating Lease Commitment
 
< $50.0 million

We are in compliance with all debt covenants as of March 31, 2015. We have issued $36.6 million in standby letters of credit as of March 31, 2015 for insurance purposes.  Issued letters of credit reduce our available credit under the 2014 Credit Agreement.  As of March 31, 2015, we have approximately $248.4 million of unused lines of credit available and eligible to be drawn down under our revolving credit facility.
 
6.   Other Income – Net

Other income -- net comprises the following (in thousands):
 
    Three months ended March 31,  
   
2015
   
2014
 
Market value gains on assets held in deferred
           
compensation trust
  $ 950     $ 1,162  
Gain/(loss) on disposal of property and equipment
    48       (278 )
Interest income - net
    44       (50 )
Other - net
    (479 )     (18 )
     Total other income - net
  $ 563     $ 816  

 
-8-

 
 
 7.   Stock-Based Compensation Plans

On February 20, 2015, the Compensation/Incentive Committee of the Board of Directors (“CIC”) granted 10,761 Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) contingent upon the achievement of certain total shareholders return (“TSR”) targets as compared to the TSR of a group of peer companies for the three-year period ending December 31, 2017, the date at which such awards vest.  The cumulative compensation cost of the TSR-based PSU award to be recorded over the three year service period is $1.5 million.

On February 20, 2015, the CIC also granted 10,761 PSUs contingent upon the achievement of certain earnings per share (“EPS”) targets for the three-year period ending December 31, 2017.  At the end of each reporting period, the Company estimates the number of shares that it believes will ultimately be earned and records that expense over the service period of the award.  We currently estimate the cumulative compensation cost of the EPS-based PSUs to be recorded over the three year service period is $1.2 million.

8.   Independent Contractor Operations

The Roto-Rooter segment sublicenses with 68 independent contractors to operate certain plumbing repair and drain cleaning businesses in lesser-populated areas of the United States and Canada.  We had notes receivable from our independent contractors as of March 31, 2015 totaling $1.4 million (December 31, 2014 - $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 0% to 7% per annum and the remaining terms of the loans range from 2 months to 5 years at March 31, 2015.  We recorded the following from our independent contractors (in thousands):

 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
Revenues
  $ 9,464     $ 9,023  
Pretax profits
    5,557       5,159  

9.   Retirement Plans

All of the Company’s plans that provide retirement and similar benefits are defined contribution plans.  These expenses include the impact of market gains and losses on assets held in deferred compensation plans.  Expenses for the Company’s pension and profit-sharing plans, excess benefit plans and other similar plans are as follows (in thousands):

Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
   
2014
 
$ 4,186     $ 3,897  
 
10.  Legal and Regulatory Matters

The VITAS segment of the Company’s business operates in a heavily-regulated industry.  As a result, the Company is subjected to inquiries and investigations by various government agencies, as well as to lawsuits, including qui tam actions.  The following sections describe the various ongoing material lawsuits and investigations of which the Company is currently aware.  It is not possible at this time for us to estimate either the timing or outcome of any of those matters, or whether any potential loss, or range of potential losses, is probable or estimable.

Regulatory Matters and Litigation

In June 2011, the U.S. Attorney provided the Company with a partially unsealed qui tam complaint filed under seal in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas,  United States, et al. ex rel. Urick v. VITAS HME Solutions, Inc. et al., 5:08-cv-0663 (“Urick”).  The U.S. Attorney filed a notice in May 2012 stating that it had decided not to intervene in the case at that time but indicating that it continues to investigate the allegations.  In June 2012, the complaint was unsealed.  The complaint asserts violations of the federal False Claims Act and the Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act based on allegations of a conspiracy to submit to Medicare and Medicaid false claims involving hospice services for ineligible patients, unnecessary medical supplies, failing to satisfy certain prerequisites for payment, and altering patient records, including backdating patient revocations.  The suit was brought by Barbara Urick, a then registered nurse in VITAS’s San Antonio program, against VITAS, certain of its affiliates, and several former VITAS employees, including physicians Justo Cisneros and Antonio Cavasos and nurses Sally Schwenk, Diane Anest, and Edith Reed.  In September 2012 and July 2013, the plaintiff dismissed all claims against the individual defendants.  The complaint was served on the VITAS entities on April 12, 2013.
 
 
-9-

 
 
Also in June 2011, the U.S. Attorney provided the Company with a partially unsealed qui tam complaint filed under seal in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, United States, et al. ex rel. Spottiswood v. Chemed Corp., 1:07-cv-4566 (“Spottiswood”).  In April 2012, the complaint was unsealed.  The U.S. Attorney and Attorney General for the State of Illinois filed notices in April and May 2012, respectively, stating that they had decided not to intervene in the case at that time but indicating that they continue to investigate the allegations.  Plaintiff filed an amended complaint in November 2012.  The complaint asserts violations of the federal False Claims Act and the Illinois Whistleblower Reward and Protection Act based on allegations that VITAS fraudulently billed Medicare and Medicaid for providing unwarranted continuous care services.  The suit was brought by Laura Spottiswood, a former part-time pool registered nurse at VITAS, against Chemed, VITAS, and a VITAS affiliate.  The complaint was served on the defendants on April 12, 2013.  On May 29 and June 4, 2013, respectively, the Court granted the government’s motion to partially intervene in Spottiswood and in Urick on the allegations that VITAS submitted or caused to be submitted false or fraudulent claims for continuous care and routine home care on behalf of certain ineligible Medicare beneficiaries.  The Court also transferred them to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri under docket Nos. 4:13-cv-505 and 4:13-cv-563, respectively.

On May 2, 2013, the government filed a False Claims Act complaint against the Company and certain of its hospice-related subsidiaries in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, United States v. VITAS Hospice Services, LLC, et al., No. 4:13-cv-00449-BCW (the “2013 Action”).  Prior to that date, the Company received various subpoenas from the U.S. Department of Justice and OIG that have been previously disclosed.  The 2013 Action alleges that, since at least 2002, VITAS, and since 2004, the Company, submitted or caused the submission of false claims to the Medicare program by (a) billing Medicare for continuous home care services when the patients were not eligible, the services were not provided, or the medical care was inappropriate, and (b) billing Medicare for patients who were not eligible for the Medicare hospice benefit because they did not have a life expectancy of six months or less if their illnesses ran their normal course.  This complaint seeks treble damages, statutory penalties, and the costs of the action, plus interest.  On August 1, 2013, the government filed its First Amended Complaint in the 2013 Action.  The First Amended Complaint changed and supplemented some of the allegations, but did not otherwise expand the causes of action or the nature of the relief sought against VITAS.  The defendants filed a motion to dismiss on September 24, 2013.  The Court denied the motion, except to the extent that claims were filed before July 24, 2002, on September 30, 2014. 

On May 6, 2013, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, at the request of the government, unsealed a qui tam complaint against VITAS and VITAS Healthcare Corporation of California, United States ex rel. Charles Gonzales v. VITAS Healthcare Corporation, et al., CV 12-0761-R (“Gonzales”).  The case was transferred from the Central District of California to the Western District of Missouri under docket No. 4:13-cv-344.  The government partially intervened in Gonzales.  The Gonzales complaint alleges that VITAS’ Los Angeles program falsely certified and recertified patients as eligible for the Medicare Hospice Benefit.  It alleges violations of the False Claims Act and seeks treble damages, civil penalties, recovery of costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses, and pre- and post-judgment interest.  

On September 25, 2013, the Court granted a joint motion by the government, the relators, and VITAS to consolidate the Spottiswood,  Urick, and  Gonzales complaints with the 2013 Action.  As a result, the First Amended Complaint will govern the consolidated federal claims brought by the United States and the relators for all purposes.  The relators and VITAS have stipulated that certain non-intervened claims will not be pursued by the relators.  The Spottiswood relator filed an action under the Illinois False Claims Act, The State of Illinois ex rel. Laura Spottiswood v. Chemed Corporation, et al., No. 14 L 2786 in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois on March 6, 2014.  The Court granted the parties’ joint motion to place this case on its stay calendar, pending resolution of the 2013 Action.

VITAS has also received document subpoenas in related state matters.  In February 2010, VITAS received a civil investigative demand (“CID”) from the Texas Attorney General seeking documents from January 1, 2002 through the date of the CID, and interrogatory responses in connection with an investigation of possible fraudulent submission of Medicaid claims for non-qualifying patients and fraudulent shifting of costs from VITAS to the State of Texas and the United States.  The CID requested similar information sought by prior Department of Justice subpoenas, including policy and procedure manuals and information concerning Medicare and Medicaid billing, patient statistics and sales and marketing practices, together with information concerning record-keeping and retention practices, and medical records concerning 117 patients.  In September 2010, VITAS received a third CID from the Texas Attorney General seeking additional documents concerning business plans and results, revocation forms for certain patients, and electronic documents of 10 current and former employees.  In July 2012, VITAS received an investigative subpoena from the Florida Attorney General seeking documents previously produced in the course of prior government investigations as well as, for the period January 1, 2007 through the date of production, billing records and procedures; information concerning business results, plans, and strategies; documents concerning patient eligibility for hospice care; and certain information concerning employees and their compensation.
 
 
-10-

 
 
The net costs incurred related to U.S. v. Vitas and related regulatory matters were $1.3 million and $748,000 for the periods ending March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

In November 2013, two shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed against the Company’s current and former directors, as well as certain of its officers, both of which are covered by the Company’s commercial insurance.  On November 6, 2013, KBC Asset Management NV filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, KBC Asset Management NV, derivatively on behalf of Chemed Corp. v. McNamara, et al., No. 13 Civ. 1854 (LPS) (D. Del.).  It sued Kevin McNamara, Joel Gemunder, Patrick Grace, Thomas Hutton, Walter Krebs, Andrea Lindell, Thomas Rice, Donald Saunders, Arthur Tucker, Jr., George Walsh III, Frank Wood, Timothy O’Toole, David Williams and Ernest Mrozek, together with the Company as nominal defendant.  Plaintiff alleges that since at least 2004, Chemed, through VITAS, has submitted or caused the submission of false claims to Medicare.  The suit alleges a claim for breach of fiduciary duty against the individual defendants, and seeks (a) a declaration that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the Company; (b) an order requiring those defendants to pay compensatory damages, restitution and exemplary damages, in unspecified amounts, to the Company; (c) an order directing the Company to implement new policies and procedures; and (d) costs and disbursements incurred in bringing the action, including attorneys’ fees.

On November 14, 2013, Mildred A. North filed suit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, North, derivatively on behalf of Chemed Corp. v. Kevin McNamara, el al., No. 13 Civ. 833 (MDB) (S.D. Ohio).  She sued Kevin McNamara, David Williams, Timothy O’Toole, Joel Gemunder, Patrick Grace, Walter Krebs, Andrea Lindell, Thomas Rice, Donald Saunders, George Walsh III, Frank Wood and Thomas Hutton, together with the Company as nominal defendant.  Plaintiff alleges that, between February 2010 and the present, the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties as officers and directors of Chemed by, among other things, (a) allegedly causing VITAS
to submit improper and ineligible claims to Medicare and Medicaid; and (b) allegedly misrepresenting the state of Chemed’s internal controls.  The suit alleges claims for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control and gross mismanagement against the individual defendants.  The complaint also alleges unjust enrichment and insider trading against Messrs. McNamara, Williams and O’Toole.  Plaintiff seeks (a) a declaration that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the Company; (b) an order requiring those defendants to pay compensatory damages, restitution and exemplary damages, in unspecified amounts, to the Company; (c) an order directing the Company to implement new policies and procedures; and (d) costs and disbursements incurred in bringing the action, including attorneys’ fees.

On January 29, 2014 defendants in North filed a motion to transfer that case to Delaware under 28 U.S.C § 1404(a). On February 12, 2014, defendants in KBC filed a motion to dismiss that case pursuant to Federal Rules of Civil

Procedure 23.1 and 12(b)(6).  On September 19, 2014, the Ohio court granted defendants’ motion to transfer North to Delaware.  Following that decision and in light of that transfer, on September 29, 2014, the Delaware court denied without prejudice defendants’ motion to dismiss KBC, and referred both cases to Magistrate Judge Burke.

On October 15, 2014, Plaintiff KBC filed a motion to consolidate KBC with North.  On February 2, 2015 the court granted the motion for consolidation in full, appointing Plaintiff KBC the sole lead plaintiff and its counsel, the sole lead and liaison counsel.  The court ordered that both cases will proceed under the caption In re Chemed Corp. Shareholder and Derivative Litigation, No. 13 Civ. 1854 (LPS) (CJB) (D. Del.).  Plaintiff KBC has designated its pending complaint as the operative complaint in the consolidated proceedings.  Defendants have renewed their motion to dismiss the claims and allegations.

The Company intends to defend vigorously against the allegations in each of the above lawsuits.  Regardless of the outcome of any of the preceding matters, responding to the subpoenas and dealing with the various regulatory agencies and opposing parties can adversely affect us through defense costs, potential payments, diversion of management time, and related publicity.  Although the Company intends to defend them vigorously, there can be no assurance that those suits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
 
-11-

 
 
11.   Concentration of Risk

VITAS has pharmacy services agreements ("Agreements") with Omnicare, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“OCR”) whereby OCR provides specified pharmacy services for VITAS and its hospice patients in geographical areas served by both VITAS and OCR.  The Agreements renew automatically for three-year terms.  Either party may cancel the Agreements at the end of any term by giving 30 days prior written notice.  VITAS made purchases from OCR of $9.2 million and $8.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  For the three month periods ending March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, purchases from this vendor represent approximately 90% of all pharmacy services used by VITAS.

12.   Cash Overdrafts and Cash Equivalents

Included in accounts payable at March 31, 2015 is cash overdrafts payable of $9.0 million (December 31, 2014 - $10.5 million).

From time to time throughout the year, we invest excess cash in money market funds with major commercial banks. We closely monitor the creditworthiness of the institutions with which we invest our overnight funds.  We had $408,000 in cash equivalents as of March 31, 2015.  There was $80,000 in cash equivalents as of December 31, 2014.  The weighted average rate of return for our cash equivalents was 0.06% at March 31, 2015 and 0.06% at December 31, 2014.

13.   Financial Instruments

FASB’s authoritative guidance on fair value measurements 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.

The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
 
         
Fair Value Measure
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
Mutual fund investments of deferred
                       
compensation plans held in trust
  $ 52,075     $ 52,075     $ -     $ -  
Long-term debt
    161,250       -       161,250       -  

For the mutual fund investments carrying value is fair value.  All outstanding long-term debt is at a floating interest rate tied to LIBOR. Therefore, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimation of fair value.

The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

         
Fair Value Measure
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
Mutual fund investments of deferred
                       
compensation plans held in trust
  $ 49,147     $ 49,147     $ -     $ -  
Long-term debt
    147,500       -       147,500       -  

For cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the liquidity and short-term nature of these instruments.

 
-12-

 
 
14.   Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions

We repurchased the following capital stock for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
             
Shares repurchased
    -       382,934  
Weighted average price per share
  $ -     $ 86.13  

In March 2015, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $100 million for stock repurchase under Chemed’s existing share repurchase program. We currently have $111.8 million of authorization remaining under this share repurchase plan.

15.   Recent Accounting Statements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers” which provides additional guidance to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue.  The standard will also be used to develop a common revenue standard for removing inconsistencies and weaknesses, improve comparability, provide more useful information to users through improved disclosure requirements, and simplify the preparation of financial statements.  The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017.  We are currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on our existing revenue recognition policies and disclosures.

In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, “ASU No. 2014-15 - Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern”.   ASU 2014-15 is intended to define management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. This guidance is effective for us for the annual period ending December 31, 2016 and interim periods thereafter. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 
-13-

 
 
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 teams 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, drain cleaning and other related 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 (in thousands except per share amounts):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
   
2014
 
Service revenues and sales
  $ 376,652       $ 358,300  
Net income
  $ 24,537       $ 20,574  
Diluted EPS
  $ 1.40       $ 1.12  
Adjusted net income
  $ 26,831       $ 23,713  
Adjusted diluted EPS
  $ 1.54       $ 1.32  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 52,849       $ 47,672  
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of revenue
    14.0 %       13.3 %

Adjusted net income, adjusted diluted EPS, earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures derived in accordance with GAAP.  We provide non-GAAP measures to help readers evaluate our operating results, compare our operating performance with that of similar companies that have different capital structures and help evaluate our ability to meet future debt service, capital expenditure and working capital requirements.  Our non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable measures presented in accordance with GAAP.  A reconciliation of our non-GAAP measures are presented on pages 22-23.

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the increase in consolidated service revenues and sales was driven by a 9.3% increase at Roto-Rooter and a 3.5% increase at VITAS.  The increase in service revenues at Roto-Rooter was driven primarily by an increase in the water restoration business line. Water restoration is the remediation or removal of water and humidity after a flood.  The increase in service revenues at VITAS was a result of Medicare reimbursement rates increasing 1.4%, a 3.5% increase in days of care and mix shift.  Consolidated net income increased 19.3% due to higher revenues at both VITAS and Roto-Rooter combined with leveraging our current infrastructure resulting in operating costs growing at a slower rate than revenue.   Diluted EPS increased 25.0% as a result of the increase in net income as well as a lower number of shares outstanding.  Adjusted EBITDA as a percent of revenue increased 0.7%.   See page 24 for additional VITAS operating metrics.

VITAS expects its full-year 2015 revenue growth, prior to Medicare cap, to be in the range of 3.0% to 4.0%.  Admissions in 2015 are estimated to increase 4.0%.  Adjusted EBITDA margin, prior to Medicare cap, is estimated to be 14.0% to 15.0%.  Medicare cap billing limitations are estimated to be $4.3 million in 2015. Roto-Rooter expects full-year 2015 revenue growth of 3.0% to 4.0%.  The revenue estimate is a result of continued expansion in water restoration services and increased job pricing of approximately 1.0%. Adjusted EBITDA margin for 2015 is estimated in the range of 19.0% to 20.0%.  We anticipate that our operating income and cash flows will be sufficient to operate our businesses and meet any commitments for the foreseeable future.

 
-14-

 
 
Financial Condition
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Material changes in the balance sheet accounts from December 31, 2014 to March 31, 2015 include the following:

●  
A $14.2 million increase in cash due to cash generated by operations and an increase in long-term debt partially offset by capital expenditures and cash dividends.
●  
A $21.2 million increase in accounts receivable related to the timing of payments.
●  
A $3.2 million decrease in accounts payable due to timing of payments.
●  
A $7.2 million increase in income taxes due to timing of payments
●  
A $7.1 million decrease in accrued compensation related to the payment of incentive compensation in the first quarter.
●  
A $3.5 million decrease in other current liabilities due mainly to payments made for Medicare cap.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $24.2 million primarily as a result of higher net income, lower legal payments in 2015 and the timing of other disbursements.  Management continually evaluates cash utilization alternatives, including share repurchase, debt repurchase, acquisitions and increased dividends to determine the most beneficial use of available capital resources.

We have issued $36.6 million in standby letters of credit as of March 31, 2015, for insurance purposes.  Issued letters of credit reduce our available credit under the revolving credit agreement.  As of March 31, 2015, we have approximately $248.4 million of unused lines of credit available and eligible to be drawn down under our revolving credit facility. Management believes its liquidity and sources of capital are satisfactory for the Company’s needs in the foreseeable future.

Significant changes in our accounts receivable balances are driven mainly by the timing of payments received from the Federal government at our VITAS subsidiary.  We typically receive a payment in excess of $35.0 million from the Federal government from hospice services every other Friday.  The timing of period end will have a significant impact on the accounts receivable at VITAS.  These changes generally normalize over a two year period, as cash flow variations in on year are offset in the following year.

Commitments and Contingencies
Collectively, the terms of our credit agreements require us to meet various financial covenants, to be tested quarterly.  We are in compliance with all financial and other debt covenants as of March 31, 2015 and anticipate remaining in compliance throughout 2015.

The VITAS segment of the Company’s business operates in a heavily-regulated industry.  As a result, the Company is subjected to inquiries and investigations by various government agencies, as well as to lawsuits, including qui tam actions.  The following sections describe the various ongoing material lawsuits and investigations of which the Company is currently aware.  It is not possible at this time for us to estimate either the timing or outcome of any of those matters, or whether any potential loss, or range of potential losses, is probable or estimable.

In June 2011, the U.S. Attorney provided the Company with a partially unsealed qui tam complaint filed under seal in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas,  United States, et al. ex rel. Urick v. VITAS HME Solutions, Inc. et al., 5:08-cv-0663 (“Urick”).  The U.S. Attorney filed a notice in May 2012 stating that it had decided not to intervene in the case at that time but indicating that it continues to investigate the allegations.  In June 2012, the complaint was unsealed.  The complaint asserts violations of the federal False Claims Act and the Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act based on allegations of a conspiracy to submit to Medicare and Medicaid false claims involving hospice services for ineligible patients, unnecessary medical supplies, failing to satisfy certain prerequisites for payment, and altering patient records, including backdating patient revocations.  The suit was brought by Barbara Urick, a then registered nurse in VITAS’s San Antonio program, against VITAS, certain of its affiliates, and several former VITAS employees, including physicians Justo Cisneros and Antonio Cavasos and nurses Sally Schwenk, Diane Anest, and Edith Reed.  In September 2012 and July 2013, the plaintiff dismissed all claims against the individual defendants.  The complaint was served on the VITAS entities on April 12, 2013.

Also in June 2011, the U.S. Attorney provided the Company with a partially unsealed qui tam complaint filed under seal in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, United States, et al. ex rel. Spottiswood v. Chemed Corp., 1:07-cv-4566 (“Spottiswood”).  In April 2012, the complaint was unsealed.  The U.S. Attorney and Attorney General for the State of Illinois filed notices in April and May 2012, respectively, stating that they had decided not to intervene in the case at that time but indicating that they continue to investigate the allegations.  Plaintiff filed an amended complaint in November 2012.  The complaint asserts violations of the federal False Claims Act and the Illinois Whistleblower Reward and Protection Act based on allegations that VITAS fraudulently billed Medicare and Medicaid for providing unwarranted continuous care services.  The suit was brought by Laura Spottiswood, a former part-time pool registered nurse at VITAS, against Chemed, VITAS, and a VITAS affiliate.  The complaint was served on the defendants on April 12, 2013.  On May 29 and June 4, 2013, respectively, the Court granted the government’s motion to partially intervene in Spottiswood and in Urick on the allegations that VITAS submitted or caused to be submitted false or fraudulent claims for continuous care and routine home care on behalf of certain ineligible Medicare beneficiaries.  The Court also transferred them to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri under docket Nos. 4:13-cv-505 and 4:13-cv-563, respectively.
 
 
-15-

 
 
On May 2, 2013, the government filed a False Claims Act complaint against the Company and certain of its hospice-related subsidiaries in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, United States v. VITAS Hospice Services, LLC, et al., No. 4:13-cv-00449-BCW (the “2013 Action”).  Prior to that date, the Company received various subpoenas from the U.S. Department of Justice and OIG that have been previously disclosed.  The 2013 Action alleges that, since at least 2002, VITAS, and since 2004, the Company, submitted or caused the submission of false claims to the Medicare program by (a) billing Medicare for continuous home care services when the patients were not eligible, the services were not provided, or the medical care was inappropriate, and (b) billing Medicare for patients who were not eligible for the Medicare hospice benefit because they did not have a life expectancy of six months or less if their illnesses ran their normal course.  This complaint seeks treble damages, statutory penalties, and the costs of the action, plus interest.  On August 1, 2013, the government filed its First Amended Complaint in the 2013 Action.  The First Amended Complaint changed and supplemented some of the allegations, but did not otherwise expand the causes of action or the nature of the relief sought against VITAS.  The defendants filed a motion to dismiss on September 24, 2013.  The Court denied the motion, except to the extent that claims were filed before July 24, 2002, on September 30, 2014. 

On May 6, 2013, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, at the request of the government, unsealed a qui tam complaint against VITAS and VITAS Healthcare Corporation of California, United States ex rel. Charles Gonzales v. VITAS Healthcare Corporation, et al., CV 12-0761-R (“Gonzales”).  The case was transferred from the Central District of California to the Western District of Missouri under docket No. 4:13-cv-344.  The government partially intervened in Gonzales.  The Gonzales complaint alleges that VITAS’ Los Angeles program falsely certified and recertified patients as eligible for the Medicare Hospice Benefit.  It alleges violations of the False Claims Act and seeks treble damages, civil penalties, recovery of costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses, and pre- and post-judgment interest.  

On September 25, 2013, the Court granted a joint motion by the government, the relators, and VITAS to consolidate the Spottiswood,  Urick, and  Gonzales complaints with the 2013 Action.  As a result, the First Amended Complaint will govern the consolidated federal claims brought by the United States and the relators for all purposes.  The relators and VITAS have stipulated that certain non-intervened claims will not be pursued by the relators.  The Spottiswood relator filed an action under the Illinois False Claims Act, The State of Illinois ex rel. Laura Spottiswood v. Chemed Corporation, et al., No. 14 L 2786 in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois on March 6, 2014.  The Court granted the parties’ joint motion to place this case on its stay calendar, pending resolution of the 2013 Action.

VITAS has also received document subpoenas in related state matters.  In February 2010, VITAS received a civil investigative demand (“CID”) from the Texas Attorney General seeking documents from January 1, 2002 through the date of the CID, and interrogatory responses in connection with an investigation of possible fraudulent submission of Medicaid claims for non-qualifying patients and fraudulent shifting of costs from VITAS to the State of Texas and the United States.  The CID requested similar information sought by prior Department of Justice subpoenas, including policy and procedure manuals and information concerning Medicare and Medicaid billing, patient statistics and sales and marketing practices, together with information concerning record-keeping and retention practices, and medical records concerning 117 patients.  In September 2010, VITAS received a third CID from the Texas Attorney General seeking additional documents concerning business plans and results, revocation forms for certain patients, and electronic documents of 10 current and former employees.  In July 2012, VITAS received an investigative subpoena from the Florida Attorney General seeking documents previously produced in the course of prior government investigations as well as, for the period January 1, 2007 through the date of production, billing records and procedures; information concerning business results, plans, and strategies; documents concerning patient eligibility for hospice care; and certain information concerning employees and their compensation.

The net costs incurred related to U.S. v. Vitas and related regulatory matters were $1.3 million and $748,000 for the periods ending March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

In November 2013, two shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed against the Company’s current and former directors, as well as certain of its officers, both of which are covered by the Company’s commercial insurance.  On November 6, 2013, KBC Asset Management NV filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, KBC Asset Management NV, derivatively on behalf of Chemed Corp. v. McNamara, et al., No. 13 Civ. 1854 (LPS) (D. Del.).  It sued Kevin McNamara, Joel Gemunder, Patrick Grace, Thomas Hutton, Walter Krebs, Andrea Lindell, Thomas Rice, Donald Saunders, Arthur Tucker, Jr., George Walsh III, Frank Wood, Timothy O’Toole, David Williams and Ernest Mrozek, together with the Company as nominal defendant.  Plaintiff alleges that since at least 2004, Chemed, through VITAS, has submitted or caused the submission of false claims to Medicare.  The suit alleges a claim for breach of fiduciary duty against the individual defendants, and seeks (a) a declaration that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the Company; (b) an order requiring those defendants to pay compensatory damages, restitution and exemplary damages, in unspecified amounts, to the Company; (c) an order directing the Company to implement new policies and procedures; and (d) costs and disbursements incurred in bringing the action, including attorneys’ fees.
 
 
-16-

 
 
On November 14, 2013, Mildred A. North filed suit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, North, derivatively on behalf of Chemed Corp. v. Kevin McNamara, el al., No. 13 Civ. 833 (MDB) (S.D. Ohio).  She sued Kevin McNamara, David Williams, Timothy O’Toole, Joel Gemunder, Patrick Grace, Walter Krebs, Andrea Lindell, Thomas Rice, Donald Saunders, George Walsh III, Frank Wood and Thomas Hutton, together with the Company as nominal defendant.  Plaintiff alleges that, between February 2010 and the present, the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties as officers and directors of Chemed by, among other things, (a) allegedly causing VITAS to submit improper and ineligible claims to Medicare and Medicaid; and (b) allegedly misrepresenting the state of Chemed’s internal controls.  The suit alleges claims for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control and gross mismanagement against the individual defendants.  The complaint also alleges unjust enrichment and insider trading against Messrs. McNamara, Williams and O’Toole.  Plaintiff seeks (a) a declaration that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the Company; (b) an order requiring those defendants to pay compensatory damages, restitution and exemplary damages, in unspecified amounts, to the Company; (c) an order directing the Company to implement new policies and procedures; and (d) costs and disbursements incurred in bringing the action, including attorneys’ fees.

On January 29, 2014 defendants in North filed a motion to transfer that case to Delaware under 28 U.S.C § 1404(a). On February 12, 2014, defendants in KBC filed a motion to dismiss that case pursuant to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 23.1 and 12(b)(6).  On September 19, 2014, the Ohio court granted defendants’ motion to transfer North to Delaware.  Following that decision and in light of that transfer, on September 29, 2014, the Delaware court denied without prejudice defendants’ motion to dismiss KBC, and referred both cases to Magistrate Judge Burke.

On October 15, 2014, Plaintiff KBC filed a motion to consolidate KBC with North.  On February 2, 2015 the court granted the motion for consolidation in full, appointing Plaintiff KBC the sole lead plaintiff and its counsel, the sole lead and liaison counsel.  The court ordered that both cases will proceed under the caption In re Chemed Corp. Shareholder and Derivative Litigation, No. 13 Civ. 1854 (LPS) (CJB) (D. Del.).  Plaintiff KBC has designated its pending complaint as the operative complaint in the consolidated proceedings.  Defendants have renewed their motion to dismiss the claims and allegations.

The Company intends to defend vigorously against the allegations in each of the above lawsuits.  Regardless of the outcome of any of the preceding matters, responding to the subpoenas and dealing with the various regulatory agencies and opposing parties can adversely affect us through defense costs, potential payments, diversion of management time, and related publicity.  Although the Company intends to defend them vigorously, there can be no assurance that those suits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Results of Operations
Three months ended March 31, 2015 versus  2014 - Consolidated Results
Our service revenues and sales for the first quarter of 2015 increased 5.1% versus services and sales revenues for the first quarter of 2014.  Of this increase, $9.2 million was attributable to VITAS and a $9.2 million increase was attributable to Roto-Rooter.  The following chart shows the components of those changes (in thousands):

 
-17-

 
 
   
Increase/(Decrease)
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
VITAS
           
Routine homecare
  $ 9,144       4.7  
Continuous care
    16       -  
General inpatient
    723       2.8  
Medicare cap
    (682 )     (80.5 )
Roto-Rooter
               
Plumbing
    994       2.2  
Drain cleaning
    (1,008 )     (2.8 )
Water restoration
    8,939       587.5  
Contractor operations
    441       4.9  
Other
    (215 )     (4.0 )
Total
  $ 18,352       5.1  

The increase in VITAS’ revenues for the first quarter of 2015 versus the first quarter of 2014 was a combination of Medicare reimbursement rates increasing approximately 1.4% and a 3.5% increase in days of care.  In the first quarter of 2015, VITAS recorded a positive revenue adjustment of $165,000 related to one program’s Medicare cap liability recorded in the fourth quarter of 2014. This compares to a positive revenue adjustment of $847,000 recorded in the first quarter of 2014.

Days of care during the quarter ended March 31 were as follows:

   
Days of Care
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
Percent
 
                   
Routine homecare
    1,241,733       1,197,338       3.7  
Continuous care
    52,840       51,830       1.9  
General inpatient
    39,573       39,328       0.6  
Total days of care
    1,334,146       1,288,496       3.5  

Over 90% of VITAS’ service revenues for the period were from Medicare and Medicaid

The increase in plumbing revenues for the first quarter of 2015 versus 2014 is attributable to a 7.5% decrease in job count, offset by a 9.7% increase in a combination of price and service mix shift.  Drain cleaning revenues for the first quarter of 2015 versus 2014 reflect a 6.2% decrease in the number of jobs performed, offset by a 3.4% increase in a combination of price and service mix shift.  Water restoration increased 587.5% as a result of continued expansion into other Roto-Rooter locations.  Water restoration is the remediation or removal of water and humidity after a flood. Contractor operations increased 4.9% and Other Roto-Rooter revenue decreased 4.0%.
 
The consolidated gross margin was 28.6% in the first quarter of 2015 as compared with 28.0% in the first quarter of 2014.  On a segment basis, VITAS’ gross margin was 21.2% in the first quarter of 2015 and 21.1% in the first quarter of 2014, mainly.  The Roto-Rooter segment’s gross margin was 47.3% for the first quarter of 2015 as compared with 46.4% for the first quarter of 2014.  The gross margin increase was mainly the result of favorable casualty insurance experience during the first quarter of 2015.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) comprise (in thousands):

   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
SG&A expenses before the impact of market gains/(losses) of deferred compensation
           
plans, long-term incentive compensation, and OIG investigation expenses
  $ 55,430     $ 53,388  
Long-term incentive compensation
    934       373  
Net expenses related to OIG investigation
    1,274       748  
Market value gains related to assets held in deferred compensation trusts
    950       1,162  
Total SG&A expenses
  $ 58,588     $ 55,671  
 
 
-18-

 
 
SG&A expenses before long-term incentive compensation, expenses related to OIG investigation and the impact of market gains of deferred compensation plans for the first quarter of 2015 were up 3.8% when compared to the first quarter of 2014 mainly as a result of normal salary increases and favorable insurance accrual adjustments in 2015.
Other income - net comprise (in thousands):
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Market value gains on assets held in deferred
           
compensation trusts
  $ 950     $ 1,162  
Gain/(loss) on disposal of property and equipment
    48       (278 )
Interest income - net
    44       (50 )
Other
    (479 )     (18 )
Total other income - net
  $ 563     $ 816  

Our effective income tax rate was 38.9% in the first quarter of 2015 essentially equal to the first quarter of 2014.

Net income for both periods included the following after-tax items/adjustments that reduced or increased after-tax earnings (in thousands):
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
VITAS
           
Expenses related to OIG investigation
  $ (790 )   $ (464 )
Expenses related to litigation settlements
    -       (70 )
Acquisition expenses
    -       (1 )
Roto-Rooter
               
Expenses related to litigation settlements
    (3 )     (117 )
Corporate
               
Stock option expense
    (910 )     (822 )
Noncash impact of change in accounting for convertible debt
    -       (1,429 )
Long-term incentive compensation
    (591 )     (236 )
Total
  $ (2,294 )   $ (3,139 )

Three months ended March 31, 2015 versus 2014 - Segment Results

The change in after-tax earnings for the first quarter of 2015 versus the first quarter of 2014 is due to (in thousands):

             
       
   
Increase/(Decrease)
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
VITAS
  $ 1,156       6.4  
Roto-Rooter
    1,975       19.7  
Corporate
    832       10.9  
    $ 3,963       19.3  

VITAS’ after-tax earnings were positively impacted in 2015 compared to 2014 by a $9.2 million increase in revenue.   After-tax earnings as a percent of revenue in 2015 were 7.2% as compared to 7.0% in 2014.

Roto-Rooter’s after-tax earnings were positively impacted in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily by a $8.9 million revenue increase in Roto-Rooter’s water restoration line of business.  After-tax earnings as a percent of revenue at Roto-Rooter in 2015 were 11.2% as compared to 10.2% in 2014.  This increase is mainly the result of favorable casualty insurance experience during the first quarter of 2015.

 
-19-

 
 
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015
(in thousands)(unaudited)
                   
               
Chemed
 
   
VITAS
   
Roto-Rooter
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
2015 (a)
                         
Service revenues and sales
    $ 269,613     $ 107,039     $ -     $ 376,652  
Cost of services provided and goods sold
      212,495       56,390       -       268,885  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
      21,971       28,761       7,856       58,588  
Depreciation
      4,785       3,094       153       8,032  
Amortization
      167       108       301       576  
Total costs and expenses
      239,418       88,353       8,310       336,081  
Income/(loss) from operations
      30,195       18,686       (8,310 )     40,571  
Interest expense
      (57 )     (96 )     (816 )     (969 )
Intercompany interest income/(expense)
      1,726       838       (2,564 )     -  
Other income/(expense)—net
      (433 )     46       950       563  
Income/(expense) before income taxes
      31,431       19,474       (10,740 )     40,165  
Income taxes
      (12,116 )     (7,466 )     3,954       (15,628 )
Net income/(loss)
    $ 19,315     $ 12,008     $ (6,786 )   $ 24,537  
                                   
(a) The following amounts are included in net income (in thousands):
 
                              Chemed  
     
VITAS
   
Roto-Rooter
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
Pretax benefit/(cost):
                                 
Stock option expense
    $ -     $ -     $ (1,444 )   $ (1,444 )
Long-term incentive compensation
      -       -       (934 )     (934 )
Expenses related to litigation settlements
      -       (5 )     -       (5 )
Expenses related to OIG investigation
      (1,274 )     -       -       (1,274 )
Total
    $ (1,274 )   $ (5 )   $ (2,378 )   $ (3,657 )
                                   
                           
Chemed
 
     
VITAS
   
Roto-Rooter
   
Corporate
 
Consolidated
 
After-tax benefit/(cost):
                                 
Stock option expense
    $ -     $ -     $ (910 )   $ (910 )
Long-term incentive compensation
      -       -       (591 )     (591 )
Expenses related to litigation settlements
      -       (3 )     -       (3 )
Expenses related to OIG investigation
      (790 )     -       -       (790 )
Total
    $ (790 )   $ (3 )   $ (1,501 )   $ (2,294 )

 
-20-

 
 
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014
(in thousands)(unaudited)
                     
               
Chemed
 
   
VITAS
   
Roto-Rooter
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
2014 (a)
                         
Service revenues and sales
    $ 260,412     $ 97,888     $ -     $ 358,300  
Cost of services provided and goods sold
      205,392       52,427       -       257,819  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
      21,714       27,181       6,776       55,671  
Depreciation
      4,614       2,399       136       7,149  
Amortization
      419       145       445       1,009  
Total costs and expenses
      232,139       82,152       7,357       321,648  
Income/(loss) from operations
      28,273       15,736       (7,357 )     36,652  
Interest expense
      (56 )     (97 )     (3,662 )     (3,815 )
Intercompany interest income/(expense)
      1,344       649       (1,993 )     -  
Other income/(expense)—net
      (293 )     (59 )     1,168       816  
Income/(expense) before income taxes
      29,268       16,229       (11,844 )     33,653  
Income taxes
      (11,109 )     (6,196 )     4,226       (13,079 )
Net income/(loss)
    $ 18,159     $ 10,033     $ (7,618 )   $ 20,574  
                                   
(a) The following amounts are included in net income (in thousands):
 
                           
Chemed
 
     
VITAS
   
Roto-Rooter
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
Pretax benefit/(cost):
                                 
Stock option expense
    $ -     $ -     $ (1,309 )   $ (1,309 )
Noncash impact of accounting for convertible debt
      -       -       (2,259 )     (2,259 )
Long-term incentive compensation
      -       -       (373 )     (373 )
Acquisition expenses
      (1 )     -       -       (1 )
Expenses related to litigation settlements
      (113 )     (193 )     -       (306 )
Expenses related to OIG investigation
      (748 )     -       -       (748 )
Total
    $ (862 )   $ (193 )   $ (3,941 )   $ (4,996 )
                                   
                             
Chemed
 
     
VITAS
   
Roto-Rooter
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
After-tax benefit/(cost):
                                 
Stock option expense
    $ -     $ -     $ (822 )   $ (822 )
Noncash impact of accounting for convertible debt
      -       -       (1,429 )     (1,429 )
Long-term incentive compensation
      -       -       (236 )     (236 )
Acquisition expenses
      (1 )     -       -       (1 )
Expenses related to litigation settlements
      (70 )     (117 )     -       (187 )
Expenses related to OIG investigation
      (464 )     -       -       (464 )
Total
    $ (535 )   $ (117 )   $ (2,487 )   $ (3,139 )

 
-21-

 
 
Unaudited Consolidating Summary and Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA
                         
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
 
(in thousands)
                   
Chemed
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2015
 
VITAS
   
Roto-Rooter
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
                         
Net income/(loss)
  $ 19,315     $ 12,008     $ (6,786 )   $ 24,537  
Add/(deduct):
                               
Interest expense
    57       96       816       969  
Income taxes
    12,116       7,466       (3,954 )     15,628  
Depreciation
    4,785       3,094       153       8,032  
Amortization
    167       108       301       576  
EBITDA
    36,440       22,772       (9,470 )     49,742  
Add/(deduct):
                               
Intercompany interest expense/(income)
    (1,726 )     (838 )     2,564       -  
Interest income
    (34 )     (10 )     -       (44 )
Expenses related to OIG investigation
    1,274       -       -       1,274  
Expenses related to litigation settlements
    -       5       -       5  
Advertising cost adjustment
    -       (506 )     -       (506 )
Stock option expense
    -       -       1,444       1,444  
Long-term incentive compensation
    -       -       934       934  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 35,954     $ 21,423     $ (4,528 )   $ 52,849  
                                 
                           
Chemed
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2014
 
VITAS
   
Roto-Rooter
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
                                 
Net income/(loss)
  $ 18,159     $ 10,033     $ (7,618 )   $ 20,574  
Add/(deduct):
                               
Interest expense
    56       97       3,662       3,815  
Income taxes
    11,109       6,196       (4,226 )     13,079  
Depreciation
    4,614       2,399       136       7,149  
Amortization
    419       145       445       1,009  
EBITDA
    34,357       18,870       (7,601 )     45,626  
Add/(deduct):
                               
Intercompany interest expense/(income)
    (1,344 )     (649 )     1,993       -  
Interest income
    64       (8 )     (6 )     50  
Expenses related to OIG investigation
    748       -       -       748  
Acquisition expenses
    1       -       -       1  
Advertising cost adjustment
    -       (741 )     -       (741 )
Expenses related to litigation settlements
    113       193       -       306  
Long-term incentive compensation
    -       -       373       373  
Stock option expense
    -       -       1,309       1,309  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 33,939     $ 17,665     $ (3,932 )   $ 47,672  

 
-22-

 
 
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED NET INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)(unaudited)
             
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Net income as reported
  $ 24,537     $ 20,574  
                 
Add/(deduct) after-tax cost of:
               
Stock option expense
    910       822  
Net expenses/(cost recovery) of OIG investigation
    790       464  
Long-term incentive compensation
    591       236  
Expenses related to litigation settlements
    3       187  
Additional interest expense resulting from the change in accounting
               
for the conversion feature of the convertible notes
    -       1,429  
Acquisition expenses
    -       1  
Adjusted net income
  $ 26,831     $ 23,713  
                 
Diluted Earnings Per Share As Reported
               
Net income
  $ 1.40     $ 1.12  
Average number of shares outstanding
    17,466       18,305  
                 
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share
               
Adjusted net income
  $ 1.54     $ 1.32  
Adjusted average number of shares outstanding*
    17,466       18,019  
                 
   
· Adjusted diluted average shares outstanding for 2014 excludes the estimated dilutive impact of the Convertible Notes (285,000 shares for the first quarter of 2014) as this impact was offset entirely by the Convertible Note Hedges when such conversion occurred in the second quarter of 2014.
 

 
-23-

 
 
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
OPERATING STATISTICS FOR VITAS SEGMENT
 
(unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
OPERATING STATISTICS
 
2015
   
2014
 
Net revenue ($000)
           
Homecare
  $ 204,541     $ 195,397  
Inpatient
    26,716       25,993  
Continuous care
    38,191       38,175  
Total before Medicare cap allowance
  $ 269,448     $ 259,565  
Medicare cap allowance
    165       847  
Total
  $ 269,613     $ 260,412  
Net revenue as a percent of total before Medicare cap allowances
               
Homecare
    75.9 %     75.3 %
Inpatient
    9.9       10.0  
Continuous care
    14.2       14.7  
Total before Medicare cap allowance
    100.0       100.0  
Medicare cap allowance
    0.1       0.3  
Total
    100.1 %     100.3 %
Average daily census (days)
               
Homecare
    10,877       10,476  
Nursing home
    2,920       2,828  
Routine homecare
    13,797       13,304  
Inpatient
    440       437  
Continuous care
    587       576  
Total
    14,824       14,317  
Total Admissions
    17,268       16,353  
Total Discharges
    16,990       16,002  
Average length of stay (days)
    79.0       81.1  
Median length of stay (days)
    13.0       14.0  
ADC by major diagnosis
               
Neurological
    23.7 %     39.2 %
Cerebro
    28.0       5.5  
Cancer
    16.9       17.3  
Cardio
    17.8       14.7  
Respiratory
    7.8       3.3  
Other
    5.8       20.0  
Total
    100.0 %     100.0 %
Admissions by major diagnosis
               
Neurological
    12.9       21.8 %
Cerebro
    18.6       6.7  
Cancer
    30.6       32.4  
Cardio
    15.8       13.8  
Respiratory
    10.8       9.9  
Other
    11.3       15.4  
Total
    100.0 %     100.0 %
Direct patient care margins
               
Routine homecare
    52.7 %     52.8 %
Inpatient
    8.4       4.2  
Continuous care
    15.9       16.6  
Homecare margin drivers (dollars per patient day)
               
Labor costs
  $ 57.21     $ 55.44  
Drug costs
    6.50       7.24  
Home medical equipment
    6.41       6.61  
Medical supplies
    2.92       3.22  
Inpatient margin drivers (dollars per patient day)
               
Labor costs
  $ 339.37     $ 349.71  
Continuous care margin drivers (dollars per patient day)
               
Labor costs
  $ 587.63     $ 593.77  
Bad debt expense as a percent of revenues
    1.0 %     1.0 %
Accounts receivable -- Days of revenue outstanding- excluding unapplied Medicare payments
    41.3       42.7  
Accounts receivable -- Days of revenue outstanding- including unapplied Medicare payments
    38.1       33.8  
 
 
-24-

 
 
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  The words “believe”, “expect”, “hope”, “anticipate”, “plan” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made.  These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve various known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors, which could cause Chemed’s actual results to differ from those expressed in such forward-looking statements.  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.  In addition, 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.  Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risk and there are no assurances that the matters contained in such statements will be achieved.  Chemed does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of a new information, future events or otherwise.

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The Company’s primary market risk exposure relates to interest rate risk exposure through its variable interest line of credit.  At March 31, 2015, the Company had $161.3 million of variable rate debt outstanding.  For each $10 million dollars borrowed under the credit facility, an increase or decrease of 100 basis points (1% point), increases or decreases the Company’s annual interest expense by $100,000.

The Company continually evaluates this interest rate exposure and periodically weighs the cost versus the benefit of fixing the variable interest rates through a variety of hedging techniques.

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.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

For information regarding the Company’s legal proceedings, see note 10, Legal and Regulatory Matters, under Part I, Item I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 
-25-

 
 
Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Item 2(c). Purchases of Equity Securities by Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

The following table shows the activity related to our share repurchase program for the first three months of 2015:

   
Total Number
   
Weighted
   
Cumulative Shares
   
Dollar Amount
 
   
of Shares
   
Price Paid Per
   
Repurchased Under
   
Remaining Under
 
   
Repurchased
   
Share
   
the Program
   
The Program
 
                         
February 2011 Program
                       
January 1 through January 31, 2015
    -     $ -       6,074,819     $ 11,808,785  
February 1 through February 28, 2015
    -       -       6,074,819       11,808,785  
March 1 through March 31, 2015
    -       -       6,074,819     $ 111,808,785  
                                 
First Quarter Total
    -     $ -                  
                                 
On March 13, 2015 our Board of Directors authorized an additional $100 million under the February 2011 Repurchase
Program.
 

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures

None

Item 5.    Other Information

None

 
-26-

 

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.
     
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
     
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
     
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
     
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
     
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
 
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:
 
May 1, 2015
 
By:
 
/s/ Kevin J. McNamara
             
Kevin J. McNamara
             
(President and Chief Executive Officer)
               
               
 
Dated:
 
May 1, 2015
 
By:
 
/s/ David P. Williams
             
David P. Williams
             
(Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer)
               
               
 
Dated:
 
May 1, 2015
 
By:
 
/s/ Arthur V. Tucker, Jr.
             
Arthur V. Tucker, Jr.
             
(Vice President and Controller)
 
 
-27-