EX-13 3 a50173390ex13.htm EXHIBIT 13 a50173390ex13.htm
Exhibit 13
 
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

Financial Review

Contents

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
2
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Income
3
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet
4
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
5
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
6
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7
 
 
Unaudited Summary of Quarterly Results
32
 
 
Selected Financial Data
34
 
 
Unaudited Consolidating Statements of Income
35
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations
38
 
 
Officers’ and Directors’ Listing and Corporate Information
IBC
 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

    The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as that term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and disposition of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorization of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
The Company’s management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Vice President and Controller, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the framework established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this evaluation, management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, as stated in their report which appears on page 2.
 
 
1

 
 
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Chemed Corporation:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Chemed Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.







/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cincinnati, OH
February 27, 2012
 
 
2

 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                   
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
                 
(in thousands, except per share data)
                 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Continuing Operations
                 
     Service revenues and sales
  $ 1,355,970     $ 1,280,545     $ 1,190,236  
     Cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation)
    970,484       906,016       834,574  
     Selling, general and administrative expenses
    202,260       201,964       197,426  
     Depreciation
    25,247       24,386       21,535  
     Amortization
    4,252       4,657       6,367  
     Other operating expenses (Note 7)
    -       -       3,989  
          Total costs and expenses
    1,202,243       1,137,023       1,063,891  
          Income from operations
    153,727       143,522       126,345  
     Interest expense
    (13,888 )     (11,959 )     (11,599 )
     Other income--net (Note 11)
    717       2,268       5,874  
          Income before income taxes
    140,556       133,831       120,620  
     Income taxes (Note 12)
    (54,577 )     (52,000 )     (46,583 )
          Income from continuing operations
    85,979       81,831       74,037  
Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes (Note 9)
    -       -       (253 )
Net Income
  $ 85,979     $ 81,831     $ 73,784  
                         
                         
Earnings Per Share (Note 16)
                       
     Income from continuing operations
  $ 4.19     $ 3.62     $ 3.30  
     Net Income
  $ 4.19     $ 3.62     $ 3.29  
     Average number of shares outstanding
    20,523       22,587       22,451  
Diluted Earnings Per Share (Note 16)
                       
     Income from continuing operations
  $ 4.10     $ 3.55     $ 3.26  
     Net Income
  $ 4.10     $ 3.55     $ 3.24  
     Average number of shares outstanding
    20,945       23,031       22,742  
                         
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are integral parts of this statement.
         
 
 
3

 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
           
             
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
           
(in thousands, except shares and per share data)
           
December 31,
 
2011
   
2010
 
Assets
           
     Current assets
           
          Cash and cash equivalents (Note 10)
  $ 38,081     $ 49,917  
          Accounts receivable less allowances of  $11,524 (2010 - $13,332)
    77,924       112,999  
          Inventories
    8,668       7,728  
          Current deferred income taxes (Note 12)
    12,540       15,098  
          Prepaid income taxes
    2,131       770  
          Prepaid expenses
    11,409       10,285  
               Total current assets
    150,753       196,797  
     Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust (Notes 15 and 17)
    31,629       28,304  
     Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation (Note 13)
    82,951       79,292  
     Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization of  $28,904 (2010 - $27,438) (Note 6)
    58,262       57,858  
     Goodwill
    460,633       458,343  
     Other assets
    11,677       9,567  
                    Total Assets
  $ 795,905     $ 830,161  
                 
Liabilities
               
     Current liabilities
               
          Accounts payable
  $ 48,225     $ 55,829  
          Income taxes (Note 12)
    90       1,161  
          Accrued insurance
    37,147       36,492  
          Accrued compensation
    41,087       39,719  
          Other current liabilities
    18,851       16,141  
               Total current liabilities
    145,400       149,342  
     Deferred income taxes (Note 12)
    29,463       25,085  
     Long-term debt (Note 3)
    166,784       159,208  
     Deferred compensation liabilities (Note 15)
    30,693       27,851  
     Other liabilities
    9,881       6,626  
                    Total Liabilities
    382,221       368,112  
     Commitments and contingencies (Notes 14 and 19)
               
Stockholders' Equity
               
     Capital stock - authorized 80,000,000 shares $1 par; issued 30,936,925 shares
               
          (2010 - 30,381,863 shares)
    30,937       30,382  
     Paid-in capital
    398,094       365,007  
     Retained earnings
    546,757       473,316  
     Treasury stock - 11,880,051 shares (2010 - 9,103,185 shares), at cost
    (564,091 )     (408,615 )
     Deferred compensation payable in Company stock (Note 15)
    1,987       1,959  
                    Total Stockholders' Equity
    413,684       462,049  
                    Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
  $ 795,905     $ 830,161  
                 
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are integral parts of this statement.
         
 
 
4

 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                 
                   
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
                 
(in thousands)
                 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
                 
     Net income
  $ 85,979     $ 81,831     $ 73,784  
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
                       
          Depreciation and amortization
    29,499       29,043       27,902  
          Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable
    8,563       9,078       10,833  
          Stock option expense
    8,376       7,762       8,639  
          Amortization of discount on covertible notes
    7,576       7,081       6,617  
          Provision for deferred income taxes (Note 12)
    7,242       (2,409 )     4,979  
          Noncash portion of long-term incentive compensation
    2,595       4,161       4,385  
          Amortization of debt issuance costs
    1,137       654       632  
          Discontinued operations (Note 9)
    -       -       253  
          Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding amounts acquired in business combinations:
                       
                    Decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable
    26,896       (68,656 )     33,754  
                    Decrease/(increase) in inventories
    (940 )     (151 )     29  
                    Decrease/(increase) in prepaid expenses
    (1,124 )     332       (455 )
                    Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable and other current liabilities
    (1,397 )     13,810       (8,109 )
                    Increase in income taxes
    2,708       4,825       623  
                    Increase in other assets
    (4,009 )     (4,398 )     (1,678 )
                    Increase in other liabilities
    4,548       5,999       272  
          Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation
    (3,854 )     (3,357 )     (1,955 )
          Other sources
    548       407       327  
               Net cash provided by operating activities
    174,343       86,012       160,832  
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
                       
     Capital expenditures
    (29,592 )     (25,639 )     (21,496 )
     Business combinations, net of cash acquired (Note 8)
    (3,664 )     (9,469 )     (1,919 )
     Other uses
    (858 )     (592 )     573  
               Net cash used by investing activities
    (34,114 )     (35,700 )     (22,842 )
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
                       
     Purchases of treasury stock (Note 21)
    (147,886 )     (109,330 )     (4,225 )
     Dividends paid
    (12,538 )     (11,881 )     (8,157 )
     Proceeds from exercise of stock options (Note 4)
    8,036       5,327       545  
     Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation
    3,854       3,357       1,955  
     Debt issuance costs
    (2,657 )     -       -  
     Increase/(decrease) in cash overdraft payable
    (826 )     (581 )     2,891  
     Repayment of long-term debt (Note 3)
    -       -       (14,669 )
     Net change in revolving line of credit
    -       -       (8,200 )
     Other sources/(uses)
    (48 )     297       658  
               Net cash used by financing activities
    (152,065 )     (112,811 )     (29,202 )
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (11,836 )     (62,499 )     108,788  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    49,917       112,416       3,628  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 38,081     $ 49,917     $ 112,416  
                         
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are integral parts of this statement.
                       
 
 
5

 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES
                             
IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                             
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
   
(in thousands, except per share data)
                         
Deferred
     
                            Compensation    
                     
Treasury
   
Payable in
     
   
Capital
   
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
Stock-
   
Company
     
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
at Cost
   
Stock
 
Total
 
    Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 29,515     $ 313,516     $ 337,739     $ (285,977 )   $ 2,038     $ 396,831  
Net income
    -       -       73,784       -       -       73,784  
Dividends paid ($.36 per share)
    -       -       (8,157 )     -       -       (8,157 )
Stock awards and exercise of stock options (Note 4)
    376       21,741       -       (7,305 )     -       14,812  
Purchases of treasury stock (Note 21)
    -       -       -       (742 )     -       (742 )
Other
    -       633       -       83       (82 )     634  
    Balance at December 31, 2009
    29,891       335,890       403,366       (293,941 )     1,956       477,162  
Net income
    -       -       81,831       -       -       81,831  
Dividends paid ($.52 per share)
    -       -       (11,881 )     -       -       (11,881 )
Stock awards and exercise of stock options (Note 4)
    491       28,541       -       (10,615 )     -       18,417  
Purchases of treasury stock (Note 21)
    -       -       -       (104,139 )     -       (104,139 )
Other
    -       576       -       80       3       659  
    Balance at December 31, 2010
    30,382       365,007       473,316       (408,615 )     1,959       462,049  
Net income
    -       -       85,979       -       -       85,979  
Dividends paid ($.60 per share)
    -       -       (12,538 )     -       -       (12,538 )
Stock awards and exercise of stock options (Note 4)
    555       33,218       -       (11,576 )     -       22,197  
Purchases of treasury stock (Note 21)
    -       -       -       (143,970 )     -       (143,970 )
Other
    -       (131 )     -       70       28       (33 )
    Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 30,937     $ 398,094     $ 546,757     $ (564,091 )   $ 1,987     $ 413,684  
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are integral parts of this statement.
                 
 
 
6

 
 
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

1.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
We operate through our two wholly-owned subsidiaries: VITAS Healthcare Corporation (“VITAS”) and Roto-Rooter Group, Inc. (“Roto-Rooter”). 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 provides 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.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Chemed Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

We have analyzed the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) authoritative guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities relative to our contractual relationships with Roto-Rooter’s independent contractors and franchisees.  The guidance requires the primary beneficiary of a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) to consolidate the accounts of the VIE.  Based upon the guidance provided by the FASB, we have concluded that neither the independent contractors nor the franchisees are VIEs.

CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash equivalents comprise short-term, highly liquid investments, including money market funds that have original maturities of three months or less.

ACCOUNTS AND LOANS RECEIVABLE
Accounts and loans receivable are recorded at the principal balance outstanding less estimated allowances for uncollectible accounts.  For the Roto-Rooter segment, allowances for trade accounts receivable are generally provided for accounts more than 90 days past due, although collection efforts continue beyond that time.  Due to the small number of loans receivable outstanding, allowances for loan losses are determined on a case-by-case basis.  For the VITAS segment, allowances for accounts receivable are provided on accounts based on expected collection rates by payer types. The expected collection rate is based on both historical averages and known current trends.  Final write-off of overdue accounts or loans receivable is made when all reasonable collection efforts have been made and payment is not forthcoming.  We closely monitor our receivables and periodically review procedures for granting credit to attempt to hold losses to a minimum.

As of December 31, 2011, VITAS has approximately $720,000 in unbilled revenue included in accounts receivable (December 31, 2010 - $2.8 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.  We make appropriate provisions to reduce our accounts receivable balance for any governmental or other payer reviews resulting in denials of patient service revenue.  We believe our hospice programs comply with all payer requirements at the time of billing.  However, we cannot predict whether future billing reviews or similar audits by payers will result in material denials or reductions in revenue.

       CONCENTRATION OF RISK
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, approximately 51% and 72%, respectively, of VITAS’ total accounts receivable balance were due from Medicare and 34% and 20%, respectively, of VITAS’ total accounts receivable balance were due from various state Medicaid programs.  Combined accounts receivable from Medicare and Medicaid represent 76% of the net accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011.

As further described in Note 20, we have agreements with one vendor to provide specified pharmacy services for VITAS and its hospice patients.  In 2011 and 2010, respectively, purchases made from this vendor represent over 90% of all pharmacy services used by VITAS.

 
7

 
 
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

INVENTORIES
Substantially all of the inventories are either general merchandise or finished goods.  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.  For determining the value of inventories, cost methods that reasonably approximate the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method are used.

DEPRECIATION AND PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT
Depreciation of properties and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the remaining lease terms (excluding option terms) or their useful lives.  Expenditures for maintenance, repairs, renewals and betterments that do not materially prolong the useful lives of the assets are expensed as incurred. The cost of property retired or sold and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and the resulting gain or loss is reflected currently in income.

Expenditures for major software purchases and software developed for internal use are capitalized and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  For software developed for internal use, external direct costs for materials and services and certain internal payroll and related fringe benefit costs are capitalized in accordance with the FASB’s authoritative guidance on accounting for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use.

The weighted average lives of our property and equipment at December 31, 2011, were:

Buildings and building improvements
10.1
 
yrs.
Transportation equipment
14.4
   
Machinery and equipment
5.6
   
Computer software
5.0
   
Furniture and fixtures
4.7
   

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets arise from purchase business combinations and are amortized using either an accelerated method or the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  The selection of an amortization method is based on which method best reflects the economic pattern of usage of the asset.  The weighted average lives of our identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2011, were:

Covenants not to compete
6.4
 
yrs.
Reacquired franchise rights
6.7
   
Referral networks
10.0
   
Customer lists
13.3
   

The date of our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment analysis is October 1.  The VITAS trade name is considered to have an indefinite life.  We also capitalize the direct costs of obtaining licenses to operate either hospice programs or plumbing operations subject to a minimum capitalization threshold.  These costs are amortized over the life of the license using the straight line method.  Certificates of Need (CON), which are required in certain states for hospice operations, are generally granted without expiration and thus, we believe them to be indefinite-lived assets subject to impairment testing.

For valuing the VITAS tradename, we perform a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected theoretical royalty cash stream from the VITAS tradename.  For valuing capitalized CON costs, we perform a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected income from the operating unit projecting income on a “with and without” basis.  This method compares the expected income stream from the operating unit with a theoretical income stream assuming that the applicable state did not have a CON requirement.  The difference in the discounted income streams is attributed as being the fair value of the CON.   Based on these calculations, neither the VITAS tradename nor the capitalized CON costs are impaired.

We consider that Roto-Rooter Corp. (RRC), Roto-Rooter Services Co. (RRSC) and VITAS are appropriate reporting units for testing goodwill impairment.  We consider RRC and RRSC separate reporting units but one operating segment.  This is appropriate as they each have their own set of general ledger accounts that can be analyzed at “one level below an operating segment” per the definition of a reporting unit in FASB guidance.

In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08 – Goodwill Impairment Testing which provides additional guidance related to the impairment testing of goodwill.  ASU No. 2011-08 allows an
 
 
8

 
 
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

 
entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test.  An entity will no longer be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount.  The revised guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, but early adoption is permitted.  We adopted the new guidelines for our impairment test conducted as of October 1, 2011.  Based on our review of qualitative factors, such as financial performance of the reporting units and the macro-economic environment, we determined it was more likely than not that the fair value of each of our reporting units exceeded their respective recorded values. Accordingly, we concluded that the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test is not necessary.
 
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
If we believe a triggering event may have occurred that indicates a possible impairment of our long-lived assets, we perform an estimate and valuation of the future benefits of our long-lived assets (other than goodwill, the VITAS trade name and capitalized CON costs) based on key financial indicators. If the projected undiscounted cash flows of a major business unit indicate that property and equipment or identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets have been impaired, a write-down to fair value is made.

OTHER ASSETS
Debt issuance costs are included in other assets.  Issuance costs related to revolving credit agreements are amortized using the straight line method, over the life of the agreement.  All are other issuance costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the debt.

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.  Sales of Roto-Rooter products, including drain cleaning machines and drain cleaning solution, comprise less than 3% of our total service revenues and sales for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011.

CHARITY CARE
VITAS provides charity care, in certain circumstances, to patients without charge when management of the hospice program determines 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 providing charity care during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, was $7.3 million, $7.2 million and $6.3 million, respectively.  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.

SALES TAX
The Roto-Rooter segment collects sales tax from customers when required by state and federal laws.  We record the amount of sales tax collected net in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.

GUARANTEES
In the normal course of business, Roto-Rooter enters into various guarantees and indemnifications in our relationships with customers and others.  These arrangements include guarantees of services for periods ranging from one day to one year and product satisfaction guarantees.  Mainly due to our technicians being commission-based, guarantees and indemnifications do not materially impact our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  Therefore, no liability for guarantees has been recorded as of December 31, 2011 or 2010.

OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation) includes salaries, wages and benefits of service providers and field personnel, material costs, medical supplies and equipment, pharmaceuticals, insurance costs, service vehicle costs and other expenses directly related to providing service revenues or generating sales.  Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, wages, stock option expense and benefits of selling, marketing and administrative employees, advertising expenses, communications and branch telephone expenses, office rent and operating costs, legal, banking and professional fees and other administrative costs.  The cost associated with VITAS sales personnel is included in cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation).

ADVERTISING
We expense the production costs of advertising the first time the advertising takes place.  The costs of telephone directory listings are expensed when the directories are placed in circulation.  These directories are generally in
 
 
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Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

circulation for approximately one year, at which point they are typically replaced by the publisher with a new directory.  We generally pay for directory placement assuming it is in circulation for one year.  If the directory is in circulation for less than or greater than one year, we receive a credit or additional billing, as necessary.  We do not control the timing of when a new directory is placed in circulation.  Advertising expense in continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2011, was $27.2 million (2010 – $27.7 million; 2009 - $27.0 million).
 
COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of shares of capital stock outstanding.  Diluted earnings per share reflect the dilutive impact of our outstanding stock options and nonvested stock awards.  Stock options whose exercise price is greater than the average market price of our stock are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award and recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period on a straight-line basis.

 
 
INSURANCE ACCRUALS
For our Roto-Rooter segment and Corporate Office, we self-insure for all casualty insurance claims (workers’ compensation, auto liability and general liability).  As a result, we closely monitor and frequently evaluate our historical claims experience to estimate the appropriate level of accrual for self-insured claims.  Our third-party administrator (“TPA”) processes and reviews claims on a monthly basis.  Currently, our exposure on any single claim is capped at $500,000.  In developing our estimates, we accumulate historical claims data for the previous 10 years to calculate loss development factors (“LDF”) by insurance coverage type.  LDFs are applied to known claims to estimate the ultimate potential liability for known and unknown claims for each open policy year.  LDFs are updated annually.  Because this methodology relies heavily on historical claims data, the key risk is whether the historical claims are an accurate predictor of future claims exposure.  The risk also exists that certain claims have been incurred and not reported on a timely basis.  To mitigate these risks, in conjunction with our TPA, we closely monitor claims to ensure timely accumulation of data and compare claims trends with the industry experience of our TPA.

For the VITAS segment, we self-insure for workers’ compensation claims.  Currently, VITAS’ exposure on any single claim is capped at $750,000. For VITAS’ self-insurance accruals for workers’ compensation, the valuation methods used are similar to those used internally for our other business units.

Our casualty insurance liabilities are recorded gross before any estimated recovery for amounts exceeding our stop loss limits.  Estimated recoveries from insurance carriers are recorded as accounts receivable.

TAXES ON INCOME
Deferred taxes are provided on an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss carry-forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences.  Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amount of assets and liabilities and their tax basis.  Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in our opinion, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in laws and rates on the date of enactment.

We are subject to income taxes in Canada, U.S. federal and most state jurisdictions.  Significant judgment is required to determine our provision for income taxes.  Our financial statements reflect expected future tax consequences of such uncertain positions assuming the taxing authorities’ full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts.

CONTINGENCIES
We are subject to various lawsuits and claims in the normal course of our business.  In addition, we periodically receive communications from governmental and regulatory agencies concerning compliance with Medicare and Medicaid billing requirements at our VITAS subsidiary.  We establish reserves for specific, uninsured liabilities in connection with regulatory and legal action that we deem to be probable and estimable.  We record legal fees associated with legal and regulatory actions as the costs are incurred.  We disclose material loss contingencies that are probable but not reasonably estimable and those that are at least reasonably possible.

 
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Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

ESTIMATES
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Disclosures of aftertax expenses and adjustments are based on estimates of the effective income tax rates for the applicable segments.

RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior-year amounts to conform to current year classifications.  In 2011 we reclassified capitalized direct costs of obtaining licenses to operate plumbing locations and hospice programs from other long-term assets to intangible assets.

2.
Hospice Revenue Recognition
VITAS recognizes revenue at the estimated realizable amount due from third-party payers, which are primarily Medicare and Medicaid.  Payers may deny payment for services in whole or in part on the basis that such services are not eligible for coverage and do not qualify for reimbursement.  We estimate denials each period and make adequate provision in the financial statements.  The estimate of denials is based on historical trends and known circumstances and does not vary materially from period to period on an aggregate basis.  Medicare billings are subject to certain limitations, as described below.

The allowance for doubtful accounts for VITAS comprises the following (in thousands):

   
Medicare
   
Medicaid
   
Commercial
   
Other
   
Total
 
Beginning Balance January 1, 2010
  $ 6,268     $ 2,535     $ 1,630     $ 505     $ 10,938  
Bad debt provision
    2,918       2,922       1,745       314       7,899  
Write-offs
    (2,218 )     (2,653 )     (2,152 )     (436 )     (7,459 )
Other/Contractual adjustments
    -       -       -       423       423  
Ending Balance December 31, 2010
    6,968       2,804       1,223       806       11,801  
Bad debt provision
    315       4,323       2,245       172       7,055  
Write-offs
    (2,368 )     (4,030 )     (1,915 )     (1,282 )     (9,595 )
Other/Contractual adjustments
    2       -       16       724       742  
Ending Balance December 31, 2011
  $ 4,917     $ 3,097     $ 1,569     $ 420     $ 10,003  

VITAS is subject to certain limitations on Medicare payments for services.  Specifically, if the number of inpatient care days any hospice program provides to Medicare beneficiaries exceeds 20% of the total days of hospice care such program provided to all Medicare patients for an annual period beginning September 28, the days in excess of the 20% figure may be reimbursed only at the routine homecare rate.  None of VITAS’ hospice programs exceeded the payment limits on inpatient services in 2011, 2010 or 2009.

VITAS is also subject to a Medicare annual per-beneficiary cap (“Medicare cap”).  Compliance with the Medicare cap is measured by comparing the total Medicare payments received under a Medicare provider number with respect to services provided to all Medicare hospice care beneficiaries in the program or programs covered by that Medicare provider number between November 1 of each year and October 31 of the following year with the product of the per-beneficiary cap amount and the number of Medicare beneficiaries electing hospice care for the first time from that hospice program or programs from September 28 through September 27 of the following year.

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 revenues are likely to exceed the annual per-beneficiary 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 actions, which include changes to the patient mix and increased 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 service revenue.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, we reversed Medicare cap liability for amounts recorded in the fourth quarter of 2010 for two programs’ projected 2011 measurement period liability. This reversal was partially offset by the Medicare cap liability for three programs’ projected 2012 measurement period liability.   For the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded pretax charges in continuing operations for the estimated Medicare cap liability for two programs’
 
 
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Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

projected liability through year end for the 2011 measurement period.  The majority of the liability relates to one program which is VITAS’ largest hospice.  This amount was subsequently reversed during the 2011 fiscal year due to increased admission trends.  Shown below is the Medicare cap liability activity for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Beginning Balance January 1,
  $ 1,371     $ 1,981  
Expense - 2012 measurement period
    2,578       -  
Reversal - 2011 measurement period
    (786 )     -  
Expense - 2011 measurement period
    -       1,110  
Reversal - 2010 measurement period
    -       (1,720 )
 Other
    (198 )     -  
Ending Balance December 31,
  $ 2,965     $ 1,371  

3.      Long-Term Debt and Lines of Credit
As of December 31, 2011, we have long-term debt of $166.8 million (December 31, 2010 - $159.2 million).  This long-term debt is related in its entirety to our Convertible Notes that are due in full in 2014.

2011 REFINANCING
On March 1, 2011, we replaced our existing credit agreement with our Revolving Credit Facility (“2011 Credit Agreement”).  Terms of the 2011 Credit Agreement consist of a five-year, $350 million revolving credit facility.  This 2011 Credit Agreement has a floating interest rate that is currently LIBOR plus 175 basis points (2.11% at December 31, 2011).  The 2011 Credit Agreement also includes a $150 million expansion feature.  Debt issuance costs written-off related to the previous existing credit agreement are not material.

CONVERTIBLE NOTES
In May 2007, we issued $200 million of Senior Convertible Notes due 2014 (the “Notes”) at a price of $1,000 per Note, less an underwriting fee of $27.50 per Note.  We received approximately $194 million in net proceeds from the sale of the Notes after paying underwriting fees, legal and other expenses.  We pay interest on the Notes on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on November 15, 2007. The Notes mature on May 15, 2014. The Notes are guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by each of our subsidiaries that are a borrower or a guarantor under any senior credit facility, as defined in the Indenture.  The Notes were convertible, under certain circumstances, into our Capital Stock at an initial conversion rate of 12.3874 shares per $1,000 principal amount of Notes.  This conversion rate is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $80.73 per share. Prior to March 1, 2014, holders may convert their Notes under certain circumstances. On and after March 1, 2014, the Notes will be convertible at any time prior to the close of business three days prior to the stated maturity date of the Notes. Upon conversion of a Note, if the conversion value is $1,000 or less, holders will receive cash equal to the lesser of $1,000 or the conversion value of the number of shares of our Capital Stock. If the conversion value exceeds $1,000, in addition to this, holders will receive shares of our Capital Stock for the excess amount.  The Indenture contains customary terms and covenants that upon certain events of default, including without limitation, failure to pay when due any principal amount, a fundamental change or certain cross defaults in other agreements or instruments, occurring and continuing; either the trustee or the holders of 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes may declare the principal of the Notes and any accrued and unpaid interest through the date of such declaration immediately due and payable. In the case of certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency relating to any significant subsidiary or to us, the principal amount of the Notes and accrued interest automatically becomes due and payable.

The conversion rate on the Notes is adjusted upon certain corporate events including a quarterly dividend payment in excess of $0.06 per share.  We have increased the dividend per share periodically since issuing the Notes.  This has the effect of changing the conversion rate to 12.5589 ($79.62 per share) at December 31, 2011.

Pursuant to the FASB’s guidance on accounting for derivative instruments indexed to, and potentially settled in a company’s own stock as well as the guidance on the meaning of “indexed to a company’s own stock,” the Notes are accounted for as convertible debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the embedded options within the Notes have not been accounted for as separate derivatives.  FASB’s guidance requires all such convertible debentures to be separately accounted for as debt and equity pieces of the instrument.  At inception of the convertible instrument, cash flows related to the convertible instrument are to be discounted using a market rate of interest.

 
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Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

The following amounts are included in our consolidated balance sheet related to the Notes (in thousands):

   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Principal amount of convertible debentures
  $ 186,956     $ 186,956  
Unamortized debt discount
    (20,172 )     (27,748 )
Carrying amount of convertible debentures
  $ 166,784     $ 159,208  
Additional paid in capital (net of tax)
  $ 31,310     $ 31,310  

In conjunction with the Notes, we entered into a purchased call transaction and a warrant transaction (written call) with JPMorgan Chase, National Association and Citibank, N.A. (the "Counterparties").  The purchased call options cover approximately 2,477,000 shares of our Capital Stock, which under most circumstances represents the maximum number of shares of Capital Stock that underlie the Notes.  Concurrently with entering into the purchased call options, we entered into warrant transactions with each of the Counterparties. Pursuant to the warrant transactions, we sold to the Counterparties warrants to purchase in the aggregate approximately 2,477,000 shares of our Capital Stock. In most cases, the sold warrants may not be exercised prior to the maturity of the Notes.

The purchased call options and sold warrants are separate contracts with the Counterparties, are not part of the terms of the Notes and do not affect the rights of holders under the Notes. A holder of the Notes will not have any rights with respect to the purchased call options or the sold warrants.  The purchased call options are expected to reduce the potential dilution upon conversion of the Notes if the market value per share of the Capital Stock at the time of exercise is greater than the conversion price of the Notes at time of exercise. The sold warrants have an exercise price of $105.44 and are expected to result in some dilution should the price of our Capital Stock exceed this exercise price.

Our net cost for these transactions was approximately $27.3 million.  Pursuant to FASB’s authoritative guidance, the purchased call option and the sold warrants are accounted for as equity transactions.  Therefore, our net cost was recorded as a decrease in stockholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
 
The following amounts comprise interest expense included in our consolidated income statement (in thousands):

   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash interest expense
  $ 5,175     $ 4,224     $ 4,350  
Non-cash amortization of debt discount
    7,576       7,081       6,617  
Amortization of debt costs
    1,137       654       632  
Total interest expense
  $ 13,888     $ 11,959     $ 11,599  

The unamortized debt discount is amortized using the effective interest method over the remaining life of the Notes.  The effective rate on the Notes after adoption of the standard is 6.875%. The average interest rate for our long-term debt was 1.9% for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Capitalized interest was not material for any of the periods shown.  Summarized below are the total amounts of interest paid during the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

2011
  $ 4,754  
2010
    4,113  
2009
    4,667  

DEBT COVENANTS
Collectively, the 2011 Credit Agreement and the Notes require us to meet certain restrictive non-financial and financial covenants. We are in compliance with all non-financial debt covenants as of December 31, 2011.  The restrictive financial covenants are defined in the 2011 Credit Agreement and include maximum leverage ratios, minimum fixed charge coverage and consolidated net worth ratios, limits on operating leases and minimum asset value limits.  We are in compliance with the financial debt covenants as of December 31, 2011, as follows:
 
 
13

 
 
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies


Description
 
Requirement
 
Chemed
         
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated  Adj.
     
EBITDA)
 
< 3.50 to 1.00
 
1.09 to 1.00
         
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash
       
Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges)
 
> 1.50 to 1.00
 
2.47 to 1.00
         
Annual Operating Lease Commitment
 
< $30.0 million
 
$19.8 million

We have issued $29.5 million in standby letters of credit as of December 31, 2011, mainly for insurance purposes.  Issued letters of credit reduce our available credit under the revolving credit agreement.  As of December 31, 2011, we have approximately $320.5 million of unused lines of credit available and eligible to be drawn down under our revolving credit facility, excluding the expansion feature.

4.
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
We have six stock incentive plans under which 8,450,000 shares can be issued to key employees through a grant of stock awards and/or options to purchase shares.  The Compensation/Incentive Committee (“CIC”) of the Board of Directors administers these plans.  All options granted under these plans provide for a purchase price equal to the market value of the stock at the date of grant.  The latest plan, covering a total of 1,750,000 shares, was adopted in May 2010.  The plans are not qualified, restricted or incentive plans under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.  The terms of each plan differ slightly; however, stock options issued under the plans generally have a maximum term of 10 years.  Under one plan, adopted in 1999, up to 500,000 shares may be issued to employees who are not our officers or directors.

     We grant stock options and restricted stock awards to our officers, other key employees and directors to better align their long-term interests with those of our shareholders.  We grant stock options at an exercise price equal to the market price of our stock on the date of grant.  Options generally vest evenly annually over a three-year period and have a contractual life of 10 years.  Restricted stock awards generally cliff vest over a three-or four year period.  Immediately vesting stock awards are generally granted to our non-employee directors annually at the time of our Annual Meeting.

 
  In February 2011, the CIC granted 35,713 restricted stock awards to certain key employees.  These shares cliff vest in February 2015.  In May 2011, the CIC granted 6,928 unrestricted shares to stock to the Company’s outside directors.

The following table summarizes total stock option and stock award activity during 2011:

   
Stock Options
   
Stock Awards
 
         
Weighted Average
   
Aggregate
         
Weighted
 
               
Remaining
   
Intrinsic
         
Average
 
   
Number of
   
Exercise
   
Contractual
   
Value
   
Number of
   
Grant-Date
 
   
Options
   
Price
   
Life (Years)
   
(thousands)
   
Shares
   
Price
 
                                     
Outstanding at January 1, 2011
    2,586,646     $ 47.19                   151,620     $ 48.00  
Granted
    513,100       65.17                   125,741       64.74  
Exercised/Vested
    (433,321 )     36.22                   (58,238 )     57.61  
Canceled/ Forfeited
    (27,902 )     51.99                   (4,000 )     44.02  
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
    2,638,523       52.44       6.6     $ 12,748       215,123       55.25  
Vested and expected to vest
                                               
   at December 31, 2011
    2,630,500       52.45       6.6       12,724    
n.a.
   
n.a.
 
Exercisable at December 31, 2011
    1,630,660       49.22       5.5       11,506    
n.a.
   
n.a.
 

We estimate the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model, consistent with the provisions of the FASB’s and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) guidance.  We determine expected term, volatility, dividend yield and forfeiture rate based on our historical experience.  We believe that historical experience is the best indicator of these factors.  Prior to 2011, we separated the participants into two groups for purposes of calculating the fair value of options.  Beginning in 2011, we valued all participants’ options as a single group because segregation of data did not provide significantly different results for determining compensation expense for stock options.  Data for 2010 and 2009 have been combined to present the weighted average information of previously segregated data.  The assumptions we used to value the 2011, 2010 and 2009 grants are as follows:
 
 
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Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Stock price on date of issuance
  $ 65.17     $ 52.76     $ 44.02  
Grant date fair value per share
  $ 19.08     $ 15.21     $ 14.04  
Number of options granted
    513,100       515,100       508,600  
Expected term (years)
    4.9       5.1       5.1  
Risk free rate of return
    2.35%       2.43%       1.74%  
Volatility
    32.8%       33.5%       35.0%  
Dividend yield
    1.0%       1.5%       0.6%  
Forfeiture rate
    -       1.6%       2.0%  

Other data for stock option and stock award activity include (in thousands, except per-share amounts):

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Total compensation cost of stock-based compensation
                 
   plans charged against income
  $ 14,237     $ 14,961     $ 15,726  
Total income tax benefit recognized in income for stock
                       
   based compensation plans
    5,232       5,499       5,780  
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised
    12,925       10,096       5,079  
Total intrinsic value of stock awards vested during the period
    3,757       8,437       5,604  
Per-share weighted averaged grant-date fair value of
                       
   stock awards granted
    64.74       57.13       44.54  

Other data for stock options and stock awards for 2011 include (dollar amounts in thousands):

   
Stock
   
Stock
 
   
Options
   
Awards
 
Total unrecognized compensation related to nonvested options and awards at end of year
  $ 9,851     $ 5,995  
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation cost of nonvested options
               
   and awards to be recognized (years)
    1.8       1.8  
Actual income tax benefit realized from options exercised during the year
  $ 4,764    
n.a.
 

EXECUTIVE LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN (“LTIP”)
Our shareholders approved in May 2002 the adoption of the LTIP covering our officers and certain key employees.  The CIC periodically approves a pool of shares to be awarded based on stock price targets, EBITDA targets, time-based vesting and a discretionary component for the LTIP.

The CIC established price targets and pools of unrestricted shares to be granted if the closing stock price reaches the target price for 30 of 60 consecutive trading days during the specified three-year period:

   
February 2011 Price Targets for the
 
May 2009 Price Targets for the
   
three years ending February 18, 2014
 
three years ending February 28, 2012
 
Price target
$79.00
$85.00
$90.00
 
$54.00
$58.00
$62.00
 
Number of shares in the pool
25,000
25,000
25,000
 
22,500
33,750
33,750
 
Shares awarded:
             
 
   From the pool
 -
 -
 -
 
22,500
33,750
33,750
 
   Discretionary shares
 -
 -
 -
 
5,400
7,350
7,350
 
   Total shares
 -
 -
 -
 
27,900
41,100
41,100
 
Pretax cost of award (in thousands)
 n.a.
 n.a.
 n.a.
 
$1,799
$2,935
$3,012
 
Date of award
 n.a.
 n.a.
 n.a.
 
April 2010
December 2010
January 2011
 
 
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Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

The CIC also established cumulative adjusted EBITDA Earnings Targets for three-year and four year periods and pools of unrestricted shares to be granted upon the attainment of either target:

 
 Cumulative EBITDA Targets
 
November 2009
 
May 2007
Beginning measurement date
January 1, 2010
 
January 1, 2007
Three-year EBITDA Target (in thousands)
$640,000
 
$465,000
Four-year EBITDA target (in thousands)
825,000
 
604,000
Shares in EBITDA pool
80,000
 
80,000
Shares awarded:
     
   From the pool
-
 
80,000
   Discretionary shares
-
 
16,200
   Total shares
-
 
96,200
Pretax cost of award (in thousands)
-
 
$5,007
Date of award
n.a.
 
November 2009

The above pretax costs of the LTIP awards include related payroll taxes and savings plan contributions and are included in the “Selling, general and administrative expenses” line of the consolidated income statement.

In February 2011, the CIC approved a time-based LTIP award of 42,000 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 award is $2.7 million and will be recognized ratably over the 4 year vesting period.  We assumed no forfeitures in determining the cumulative compensation expense of the grant.  In November 2009, the CIC established a discretionary pool of 37,000 shares of capital stock.

EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN (“ESPP”)
The ESPP allows eligible participants to purchase our shares through payroll deductions at current market value.  We pay administrative and broker fees associated with the ESPP.  Shares purchased for the ESPP are purchased on the open market and credited directly to participants’ accounts.  In accordance with the FASB’s guidance, the ESPP is non-compensatory.

5.      Segments and Nature of the Business
Our segments include the VITAS segment and the Roto-Rooter segment.  Relative contributions of each segment to service revenues and sales were 73% and 27%, respectively, in 2011 and 72% and 28%, respectively, in 2010.  The vast majority of our service revenues and sales from continuing operations are generated from business within the United States.

The reportable segments have been defined along service lines, which is consistent with the way the businesses are managed. In determining reportable segments, the RRSC and RRC operating units of the Roto-Rooter segment have been aggregated on the basis of possessing similar operating and economic characteristics.  The characteristics of these operating segments and the basis for aggregation are reviewed annually.  Accordingly, the reportable segments are defined as follows:

  
The VITAS segment provides hospice services for patients with terminal illnesses.  This type of care is aimed at making the terminally ill patient’s end of life as comfortable and pain-free as possible.  Hospice care is typically available to patients who have been initially certified or re-certified as terminally ill (i.e., a prognosis of six months or less) by their attending physician, if any, and the hospice physician.  VITAS offers all levels of hospice care in a given market, including routine home care, inpatient care and continuous care.  Over 90% of VITAS’ revenues are derived through the Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement programs.

  
The Roto-Rooter segment provides repair and maintenance services to residential and commercial accounts using the Roto-Rooter registered service marks. Such services include plumbing and sewer, drain and pipe cleaning. They are delivered through company-owned and operated territories, independent contractor-operated territories and franchised locations. This segment also manufactures and sells products and equipment used to provide such services.

  
We report corporate administrative expenses and unallocated investing and financing income and expense not directly related to either segment as “Corporate”.  Corporate administrative expense includes the stewardship, accounting and reporting, legal, tax and other costs of operating a publicly held corporation.  Corporate
 
 
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investing and financing income and expenses include the costs and income associated with corporate debt and investment arrangements.
 
Segment data for our continuing operations are set forth below (in thousands):
 
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Revenues by Type of Service
       
 
       
VITAS
                 
  Routine homecare
  $ 718,658     $ 666,562     $ 615,408  
  Continuous care
    158,466       153,050       141,272  
  General inpatient
    110,742       105,588       97,356  
  Estimated BNAF
    -       -       1,950  
  Medicare cap
    (1,594 )     610       (1,643 )
Total segment
    986,272       925,810       854,343  
Roto-Rooter
                       
  Sewer and drain cleaning
    138,932       135,704       136,503  
  Plumbing repair and maintenance
    177,363       168,625       151,072  
  Independent contractors
    26,711       22,943       21,620  
  HVAC repair and maintenance
    3,410       4,183       4,031  
  Other products and services
    23,282       23,280       22,667  
Total segment
    369,698       354,735       335,893  
Total service revenues and sales
  $ 1,355,970     $ 1,280,545     $ 1,190,236  
Aftertax Segment Earnings/(Loss)
                       
VITAS
  $ 80,358     $ 79,796     $ 71,696  
Roto-Rooter
    34,879       31,678       33,040  
Total
    115,237       111,474       104,736  
Corporate
    (29,258 )     (29,643 )     (30,699 )
Discontinued operations
    -       -       (253 )
Net income
  $ 85,979     $ 81,831     $ 73,784  
Interest Income
                       
VITAS
  $ 4,293     $ 4,852     $ 4,581  
Roto-Rooter
    2,176       2,661       2,587  
Total
    6,469       7,513       7,168  
Corporate
    91       175       83  
Intercompany eliminations
    (6,134 )     (7,244 )     (6,828 )
Total interest income
  $ 426     $ 444     $ 423  
Interest Expense
                       
VITAS
  $ 229     $ 131     $ 374  
Roto-Rooter
    358       233       186  
Total
    587       364       560  
Corporate
    13,301       11,595       11,039  
Total interest expense
  $ 13,888     $ 11,959     $ 11,599  
Income Tax Provision
                       
VITAS
  $ 48,835     $ 48,601     $ 43,637  
Roto-Rooter
    21,353       19,547       20,372  
Total
    70,188       68,148       64,009  
Corporate
    (15,611 )     (16,148 )     (17,426 )
Total income tax provision
  $ 54,577     $ 52,000     $ 46,583  
 
 
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Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

 
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Identifiable Assets
                 
VITAS
  $ 504,677     $ 531,247     $ 476,621  
Roto-Rooter
    212,234       205,601       191,254  
Total
    716,911       736,848       667,875  
Corporate
    78,994       93,313       151,595  
Total identifiable assets
  $ 795,905     $ 830,161     $ 819,470  
Additions to Long-Lived Assets
                       
VITAS
  $ 24,298     $ 17,492     $ 14,945  
Roto-Rooter
    9,426       18,035       8,067  
Total
    33,724       35,527       23,012  
Corporate
    72       18       448  
Total additions to long-lived assets
  $ 33,796     $ 35,545     $ 23,460  
Depreciation and Amortization
                       
VITAS
  $ 18,480     $ 18,900     $ 17,973  
Roto-Rooter
    8,729       8,289       8,509  
Total
    27,209       27,189       26,482  
Corporate
    2,290       1,854       1,420  
Total depreciation and amortization
  $ 29,499     $ 29,043     $ 27,902  

6.      Intangible Assets
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009 was $1.5 million, $2.1 million and $4.0 million, respectively.  The following is a schedule by year of projected amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets (in thousands):
 
2012
  $ 1,487  
2013
    1,487  
2014
    508  
2015
    277  
2016
    242  
Thereafter
  307  

The balance in identifiable intangible assets comprises the following (in thousands):

   
Gross
   
Accumulated
   
Net Book
 
   
Asset
   
Amortization
   
Value
 
December 31, 2011
                 
Referral networks
  $ 21,729     $ (18,647 )   $ 3,082  
Covenants not to compete
    9,286       (8,885 )     401  
Customer lists
    1,222       (1,118 )     104  
Reacquired franchise rights
    974       (254 )     720  
    Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles
    33,211       (28,904 )     4,307  
VITAS trade name
    51,300       -       51,300  
Operating licenses
    2,655       -       2,655  
     Total
  $ 87,166     $ (28,904 )   $ 58,262  
December 31, 2010
                       
Referral networks
  $ 21,140     $ (17,427 )   $ 3,713  
Covenants not to compete
    9,211       (8,814 )     397  
Customer lists
    1,223       (1,089 )     134  
Reacquired franchise rights
    974       (108 )     866  
    Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles
    32,548       (27,438 )     5,110  
VITAS trade name
    51,300       -       51,300  
Operating licenses
    1,448       -       1,448  
     Total
  $ 85,296     $ (27,438 )   $ 57,858  
 
 
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7.
Other Operating Expenses
There were no other operating expenses from continuing operations for the periods ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.  For the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2009, we recorded pretax expenses of $4.0 million related to the costs of a contested proxy solicitation.

8.      Business Combinations
On April 29, 2011, our VITAS segment completed an acquisition of the operating assets of Family Comfort Hospice which is based in Alabama.  This acquisition adds three central Alabama locations serving ten counties to VITAS’ network of hospice programs.  We made no acquisitions within the Roto-Rooter segment.  The purchase price of this acquisition is allocated as follows (in thousands):
 
Working capital
  $ 382  
Identifiable intangible assets
    951  
Goodwill
    2,320  
Other assets and liabilities - net
    11  
    $ 3,664  

During 2010, we completed four business combinations within the Roto-Rooter segment for $9.5 million in cash to increase our market penetration in Kansas City, Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri, Jefferson City, Missouri and Spokane Washington.  We made no acquisitions within the VITAS segment during 2010.  The purchase price of these acquisitions was allocated as follows (in thousands):

Working capital
  $ 268  
Identifiable intangible assets
    589  
Goodwill
    8,225  
Other assets and liabilities - net
    387  
    $ 9,469  

During 2009, we completed two business combinations within the Roto-Rooter segment for $1.9 million in cash to increase our market penetration in Detroit, Michigan and Grand Rapids, Michigan.  We made no acquisitions within the VITAS segment during 2009.

The unaudited pro forma results of operations, assuming purchase business combinations completed in 2011 and 2010 were completed on January 1, 2010, do not materially impact the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  The results of operations of each of the above business combinations are included in our results of operations from the date of the respective acquisition.

9.      Discontinued Operations
Discontinued operations comprise (in thousands, except per share amounts):

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Adjustment to accruals of operations discontinued in prior years:
                 
Casualty insurance costs
  $ -     $ -     $ (400 )
Loss before income taxes
    -       -       (400 )
All other income taxes
    -       -       147  
Total adjustments
    -       -       (253 )
   Total discontinued operations
  $ -     $ -     $ (253 )
Earnings/(loss) per share
  $ -     $ -     $ (0.01 )
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share
  $ -     $ -     $ (0.02 )
 
 
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Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

In December 2009, we recorded a $400,000 pretax charge for residual casualty insurance claims related to our discontinued operations.

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the accrual for our estimated liability for potential environmental cleanup and related costs arising from the sale of DuBois amounted to $1.7 million.  Of the 2011 balance, $826,000 is included in other current liabilities and $901,000 is included in other liabilities (long-term).   The estimated timing of payments of these liabilities follows (in thousands):

2012
  $ 826  
2013
    300  
Thereafter
    601  
    $ 1,727  

We are contingently liable for additional DuBois-related environmental cleanup and related costs up to a maximum of $14.9 million.  On the basis of a continuing evaluation of the potential liability, we believe it is not probable this additional liability will be paid.  Accordingly, no provision for this contingent liability has been recorded.  The potential liability is not insured, and the recorded liability does not assume the recovery of insurance proceeds.  Also, the environmental liability has not been discounted because it is not possible to reliably project the timing of payments.  We believe that any adjustments to our recorded liability will not materially adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

10.          Cash Overdrafts and Cash Equivalents
Included in accounts payable are cash overdrafts of $10.3 million and $11.1 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

From time to time throughout the year, we invest excess cash in money market funds or repurchase agreements directly with major commercial banks. We do not physically hold the collateral for repurchase agreements, but the term is less than 10 days.  We closely monitor the creditworthiness of the institutions with which we invest our overnight funds and the quality of the collateral underlying those investments. We had $32.5 million in cash equivalents as of December 31, 2011.  There was $45.5 million in cash equivalents as of December 31, 2010.  The weighted average rate of return for our cash equivalents was 0.1% in both 2011 and 2010.

11.          Other Income—Net
Other income—net from continuing operations comprises the following (in thousands):

   
For the Years Ended December31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Market value gains on assets held in deferred
                 
     compensation trust
  $ 798     $ 2,210     $ 5,802  
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
    (441 )     (425 )     (369 )
Interest income
    426       444       423  
Other - net
    (66 )     39       18  
     Total other income
  $ 717     $ 2,268     $ 5,874  

The offset for market value gains or losses on assets held in deferred compensation trust is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 
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12.      Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes comprises the following (in thousands):
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Continuing Operations:
                 
Current
                 
U.S. federal
  $ 40,762     $ 46,789     $ 36,182  
U.S. state and local
    5,961       6,981       4,960  
Foreign
    612       639       462  
Deferred
                       
U.S. federal, state and local
    7,227       (2,418 )     4,980  
Foreign
    15       9       (1 )
Total
  $ 54,577     $ 52,000     $ 46,583  
Discontinued Operations:
                       
Current U.S. federal
  $ -     $ -     $ (65 )
Current U.S. state and local
    -       -       (5 )
Deferred U.S. federal, state and local
    -       -       (77 )
Total
  $ -     $ -     $ (147 )

A summary of the temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets/ (liabilities) follows (in thousands):

   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Accrued liabilities
  $ 27,687     $ 26,334  
Stock compensation expense
    12,200       10,257  
Allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable
    1,905       2,695  
State net operating loss carryforwards
    1,633       1,379  
Other
    2,845       2,763  
Deferred income tax assets
    46,270       43,428  
Amortization of intangible assets
    (42,192 )     (40,135 )
Accelerated tax depreciation
    (16,322 )     (10,499 )
Revenue recognition
    (1,684 )     -  
Currents assets
    (1,315 )     (1,148 )
Other
    (1,530 )     (1,397 )
Deferred income tax liabilities
    (63,043 )     (53,179 )
 Net deferred income tax liabilities
  $ (16,773 )   $ (9,751 )

Included in other assets at December 31, 2011, are deferred income tax assets of $150,000 (2010 - $236,000).  At December 31, 2011 and 2010, state net operating loss carryforwards were $31.0 million and $26.0 million, respectively.  These net operating losses will expire, in varying amounts, between 2012 and 2031.  Based on our history of operating earnings, we have determined that our operating income will, more likely than not, be sufficient to ensure realization of our deferred income tax assets.

After FASB’s adoption of FASB’s guidance on accounting for uncertain income taxes in 2007, we had approximately $1.3 million in unrecognized tax benefits.  The majority of this amount would affect our effective tax rate, if recognized in a future period.  The years ended December 31, 2008 and forward remain open for review for Federal income tax purposes.  The earliest open year relating to any of our material state jurisdictions is the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. During the next twelve months, we do not anticipate a material net change in unrecognized tax benefits.

As permitted by this guidance, we classify interest related to our accrual for uncertain tax positions in separate interest accounts.  As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, we have approximately $252,000 and $114,000, respectively, accrued in interest payable related to uncertain tax positions.  These accruals are included in other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.  Net interest expense related to uncertain tax positions included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of income is not material.

 
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Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

A roll forward of the significant changes to our unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Balance at January 1,
  $ 704     $ 1,010     $ 1,202  
Unrecognized tax benefits due to positions taken in current year
    2,038       119       136  
Decrease due to settlement with taxing authorities
    -       -       (214 )
Decrease due to expiration of statute of limitations
    (130 )     (425 )     (93 )
Other
    -       -       (21 )
Balance at December 31,
  $ 2,612     $ 704     $ 1,010  

The difference between the actual income tax provision for continuing operations and the income tax provision calculated at the statutory U.S. federal tax rate is explained as follows (in thousands):

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Income tax provision calculated using
                 
the statutory rate of 35%
  $ 49,195     $ 46,841     $ 42,217  
State and local income taxes,
                       
less federal income tax effect
    4,733       4,509       3,837  
Nondeductible expenses
    1,021       928       854  
Impact of deferred compensation plans
    (1 )     (27 )     (190 )
Other --net
    (371 )     (251 )     (135 )
Income tax provision
  $ 54,577     $ 52,000     $ 46,583  
Effective tax rate
    38.8 %     38.9 %     38.6 %

Summarized below are the total amounts of income taxes paid during the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

2011
  $ 44,343  
2010
    49,532  
2009
    40,872  

Provision has not been made for additional taxes on $35.1 million of undistributed earnings of our domestic subsidiaries.  Should we elect to sell our interest in all of these businesses rather than to effect a tax-free liquidation, additional taxes amounting to approximately $12.9 million would be incurred based on current income tax rates.

13.      Properties and Equipment
A summary of properties and equipment follows (in thousands):

   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Land
  $ 1,360     $ 1,360  
Buildings
    40,424       32,788  
Transportation equipment
    19,412       18,837  
Machinery and equipment
    62,467       58,706  
Computer software
    44,805       47,203  
Furniture and fixtures
    58,317       51,277  
Projects under development
    2,875       1,817  
Total properties and equipment
    229,660       211,988  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (146,709 )     (132,696 )
Net properties and equipment
  $ 82,951     $ 79,292  

The net book value of computer software at December 31, 2011 and 2010, was $15.4 million and $18.9 million, respectively.  Depreciation expense for computer software was $5.6 million, $5.9 million and $4.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
 
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14.     Lease Arrangements
We have operating leases that cover our corporate office headquarters, various warehouse and office facilities, office equipment and transportation equipment. The remaining terms of these leases range from one year to eight years, and in most cases we expect that these leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases in the normal course of business. We have no significant capital leases as of December 31, 2011 or 2010.

The following is a summary of future minimum rental payments and sublease rentals to be received under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

2012
  $ 19,797    
2013
    14,995    
2014
    12,030    
2015
    9,725    
2016
    5,155    
Thereafter
    2,146    
               Total minimum rental payments     63,848    
Less: minimum sublease rentals
    (69 )  
               Net minimum rental payments   $ 63,779    

Total rental expense incurred under operating leases for continuing operations follows (in thousands):

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Total rental payments
  $ 22,199     $ 21,777     $ 21,219  
Less sublease rentals
    (170 )     (237 )     (270 )
     Net rental expense
  $ 22,029     $ 21,540     $ 20,949  

15.     Pension and Retirement Plans
Retirement obligations under various plans cover substantially all full-time employees who meet age and/or service eligibility requirements. The major plans providing retirement benefits to our employees are defined contribution plans.  Expenses charged to continuing operations for our retirement and profit-sharing plans, excess benefit plans and other similar plans are as follows (in thousands):

    For the Years Ended December 31,  
   
2011
     
2010
     
2009
 
  $ 9,408     $ 11,444     $ 15,143  
 
These expenses include the impact of market gains and losses on assets held in deferred compensation plans.

We have excess benefit plans for key employees whose participation in the qualified plans is limited by U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act requirements. Benefits are determined based on theoretical participation in the qualified plans.  Benefits are only invested in mutual funds, and participants are not permitted to diversify accumulated benefits in shares of our stock. Trust assets invested in shares of our stock are included in treasury stock, and the corresponding liability is included in a separate component of stockholders’ equity. At December 31, 2011, these trusts held 97,428 shares or $2.0 million of our stock (2010 – 99,494 shares or $2.0 million).
 
 
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16.     Earnings Per Share
The computation of earnings per share follows (in thousands, except per share data):

   
Income from Continuing Operations
   
Net Income
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
Income
   
Shares
   
Earnings per Share
   
Income
   
Shares
   
Earnings per Share
 
2011
                                   
Earnings
  $ 85,979       20,523     $ 4.19     $ 85,979       20,523     $ 4.19  
Dilutive stock options
    -       335               -       335          
Nonvested stock awards
    -       87               -       87          
     Diluted earnings
  $ 85,979       20,945     $ 4.10     $ 85,979       20,945     $ 4.10  
                                                 
2010
                                               
Earnings
  $ 81,831       22,587     $ 3.62     $ 81,831       22,587     $ 3.62  
Dilutive stock options
    -       348               -       348          
Nonvested stock awards
    -       96               -       96          
     Diluted earnings
  $ 81,831       23,031     $ 3.55     $ 81,831       23,031     $ 3.55  
                                                 
2009
                                               
Earnings
  $ 74,037       22,451     $ 3.30     $ 73,784       22,451     $ 3.29  
Dilutive stock options
    -       229               -       229          
Nonvested stock awards
    -       62               -       62          
     Diluted earnings
  $ 74,037       22,742     $ 3.26     $ 73,784       22,742     $ 3.24  

During 2011, 1.3 million stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as their exercise prices were greater than the average market price during most of the year.  During 2010, 970,900 stock options were also excluded.  During 2009, 819,917 stock options were also excluded.

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.  Per FASB’s authoritative guidance on the effect of contingently convertible instruments on diluted earnings per share and convertible bonds with issuer option to settle for cash upon conversion, 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 current conversion price.  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.

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 at December 31, 2011.  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:
 
 
24

 

Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

 
 
   
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       32,140       -       32,140       (34,382 )     (2,242 )
$ 90.73       287,382       -       287,382       (307,433 )     (20,051 )
$ 100.73       491,947       -       491,947       (526,270 )     (34,323 )
$ 110.73       659,562       119,997       779,559       (705,580 )     73,979  
$ 120.73       799,411       318,107       1,117,518       (855,187 )     262,331  
$ 130.73       917,865       485,908       1,403,773       (981,905 )     421,868  
                                             
a) Represents the number of incremental shares that must be included in the calculation of diluted shares under U.S. GAAP.
 
b) Represents the number of incremental shares to be issued by the Company upon conversion of the Notes assuming concurrent settlement
 
of the note hedges and warrants.
                 

17.      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
December 31, 2011 (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
  $ 31,629     $ 31,629     $ -     $ -  
Long-term debt
    166,784       175,755       -       -  

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.

18.      Loans Receivable from Independent Contractors
At December 31, 2011, we had contractual arrangements with 64 independent contractors to provide plumbing repair and drain cleaning services under sublicensing agreements using the Roto-Rooter name in lesser-populated areas of the United States and Canada. The arrangements give the independent contractors the right to conduct a plumbing and drain cleaning business using the Roto-Rooter name in a specified territory in exchange for a royalty based on a percentage of labor sales, generally approximately 40%.  We also pay for certain telephone directory advertising in these areas, lease certain capital equipment and provide operating manuals to serve as resources for operating a plumbing and drain cleaning business.  The contracts are generally cancelable upon 90 days’ written notice (without cause) or upon a few days notice (with cause).  The independent contractors are responsible for running the businesses as they believe best.

Our maximum exposure to loss from arrangements with our independent contractors at December 31, 2011 is approximately $1.1 million (2010 - $1.1 million).  The exposure to loss is mainly the result of loans provided to the independent contractors.  In most cases, these loans are partially secured by receivables and equipment owned by the independent contractor.  The interest rates on the loans range from zero to 8% per annum, and the remaining terms of the loans range from 2.5 months to 5.4 years at December 31, 2011.  During the periods ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 we recorded the following from our independent contractors (in thousands):
 
 
25

 
 
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

 
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Revenues
  $ 26,711     $ 22,943     $ 21,620  
Pretax profits
    13,320       10,695       9,466  
 
19.      Legal and Regulatory Matters

Litigation
On March 1, 2010 Anthony Morangelli and Frank Ercole filed a class action lawsuit in federal district court for the Eastern District of New York seeking unpaid minimum wages and overtime service technician compensation from Roto-Rooter and Chemed.  They also seek payment of penalties, interest and plaintiffs’ attorney fees.  We contest these allegations.  In September 2010, the Court conditionally certified a nationwide class of service technicians, excluding those who signed dispute resolution agreements in which they agreed to arbitrate claims arising out of their employment.  We are unable to estimate our potential liability, if any, with respect to this case.

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.  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.  We contest these allegations.  In December 2009, the trial court denied Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification.  In July 2011, the Court of Appeals affirmed denial of class certification on the travel time, meal and rest period claims, and reversed the trial court’s denial on the off-the-clock and sales representation exemption claims.  Plaintiffs have filed an appeal of this decision.  We are unable to estimate our potential liability or potential range of loss, if any, with respect to this case.

On November 14, 2011 Luann and Michael Cosgrove and Dawn Mills filed a class action lawsuit against Roto-Rooter in Minnesota state district court for the 4th Judicial District alleging unnecessary excavation work in Minnesota.  We removed the case to federal court.  Plaintiffs seek damages, injunctive relief, attorney fees and interest.  We contest these allegations.  This lawsuit is in its early stage and we are unable to estimate our potential liability, if any, with respect to these allegations.

On January 12, 2012, the Greater Pennsylvania Carpenters Pension Fund filed a putative class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio against the Company, Kevin McNamara, David Williams, and Tim O’Toole.  It alleges violation of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 against all defendants, and violation of Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the individual defendants. The suit, Greater Pennsylvania Carpenters Pension Fund v. Chemed Corp., et al., Civil Action No. 1:12-cv-28 (S.D. Ohio), concerns the VITAS hospice segment of the Company's business.   Plaintiff seeks, on behalf of a putative class of purchasers of Chemed Capital Stock between February 15, 2010 and November 16, 2011, compensatory damages in an unspecified amount and attorneys' fees and expenses, arising from defendants' failure to disclose an alleged fraudulent scheme to enroll ineligible hospice patients and to fraudulently obtain payments from the federal government.   Defendants believe the allegations are without merit, and intend to defend vigorously against them.

Regardless of outcome, defense of litigation adversely affects us through defense costs, diversion of our time and related publicity.

Regulatory Matters
In May 2009, VITAS received an administrative subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice requesting VITAS deliver to the OIG documents, patient records, and policy and procedure manuals for headquarters and its Texas programs concerning hospice services provided for the period January 1, 2003 to the date of the letter.  In August 2009, the OIG selected medical records for 59 past and current patients from a Texas program for review.   In February 2010, VITAS received a companion civil investigative demand (“CID”) from the State of Texas Attorney General’s Office, seeking related documents. In September 2010, it received a second CID and a second administrative subpoena seeking related documents.  In April 2011, the U.S. Attorney provided the Company with a copy of qui tam complaint filed under seal in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.  The Court unsealed this complaint in November 2011.  The U.S. Attorney and the Attorney General for the State of Texas filed a notice in November 2011 that they had decided not to intervene at that time in the case.  They continue to investigate its allegations.  It was brought by Michael Rehfelt, a former Vitas San Antonio program general manager, against Vitas, the program’s former Regional Vice President Keith Becker, its former Medical Director Justos Cisneros, and their current employers:  Wellmed Medical
 
 
26

 
 
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

Management, Care Level Management LLC, and Inspiris Inc.  It alleges admission and recertification of inappropriate patients, backdating revocations, and conspiring with HMO defendants to admit inappropriate patients to hospice.  In June 2011, the U.S. Attorney provided the Company with a partially unsealed second qui tam complaint filed under seal in the U.S. District court for the Western District of Texas.  In June 2011, the U.S. Attorney also provided the Company with a partially unsealed third qui tam complaint filed under seal in the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division.  We are conferring with the U.S. Attorney regarding the Company’s defenses to each complaint’s allegations.  We can neither predict the outcome of this investigation nor estimate our potential liability, if any.  We believe that we are in compliance with Medicare and Medicaid rules and regulations applicable to hospice providers.
 
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 appealed this dismissal, which the Court of Appeals affirmed.  The government continues to investigate the complaint’s allegations.  In March 2009, we received a letter from the government reiterating the basis of their investigation.  We are unable to estimate our potential liability, if any, with respect to this matter.

The costs to comply with either of these investigations were not material for any period presented.  Regardless of outcome, responding to the subpoenas can adversely affect us through defense costs, diversion of our time and related publicity.

20.      Related Party Transactions
VITAS has two 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 one-year terms.  Either party may cancel the Agreements at the end of any term by giving 90 days prior written notice.  VITAS made purchases from OCR of $39.4 million, $36.1 million and $33.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. VITAS’ accounts payable to OCR and its subsidiaries are not material at December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Mr. Joel F. Gemunder retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of OCR during the third quarter of 2010 and is a director of the Company.  Ms. Andrea Lindell is a director of both OCR and the Company.  We believe that the terms of these agreements are no more or less favorable to VITAS than we could negotiate with an unrelated party.

21.      Capital Stock Transactions
On November 7, 2011 our Board of Directors authorized an additional $100 million of stock repurchases under the February 2011 repurchase program.  On February 22, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized $100 million of stock repurchases under the newly established February 2011 repurchase program.  On December 27, 2010, our Board of Directors authorized an additional $70 million to the April 2007 stock repurchase program.  On May 19, 2008 our Board of Directors authorized an additional $56 million to the April 2007 stock repurchase program.  On April 26, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized a $150 million stock repurchase program.  We repurchased the following capital stock for the periods ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
 
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Shares repurchased
    2,602,513       1,648,047       15,900  
Weighted average price per share
  $ 55.28     $ 63.14     $ 46.65  

 
27

 

Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

 
22.      Recent Accounting Statements
In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-04 – Fair Value Measures.  ASU No. 2011-04 provides amendments to improve the comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements prepared in U.S. GAAP and IFRS.  The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011.  There was no material impact to the Company’s financial statements as a result of ASU No. 2011-04.
 
In July 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-07 – Health Care Entities which provides additional guidance to health care entities related to the recognition of patient service revenue and related disclosures.  The additional guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, but early adoption is permitted.  There was no material impact on the Company upon adoption of ASU No. 2011-07.
 
 
28

 
 
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

 
23.      Guarantor Subsidiaries
               Our 1.875% Senior Convertible Notes issued on May 14, 2007, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured, joint and severally liable basis by our 100% owned subsidiaries. The equity method has been used with respect to the parent company's (Chemed) investment in subsidiaries. No consolidating adjustment column is presented for the condensed consolidating statement of cash flow since there were no signficant consolidating entries for the periods presented. The following condensed, consolidating financial data present the composition of the parent company, the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):
 
                               
December 31, 2011
       
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
   
Consolidating
       
 
 
Parent
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 32,470     $ (1,422 )   $ 7,033     $ -     $ 38,081  
Accounts receivable, less allowances
    606       76,816       502       -       77,924  
Intercompany receivables
    -       273,413       -       (273,413 )     -  
Inventories
    -       8,032       636       -       8,668  
Current deferred income taxes
    (650 )     13,059       131       -       12,540  
Prepaid income taxes
    (114 )     1,689       556       -       2,131  
Prepaid expenses
    503       10,757       149       -       11,409  
     Total current assets
    32,815       382,344       9,007       (273,413 )     150,753  
Investments of deferred compensation plans
    -       -       31,629       -       31,629  
Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation
    11,641       68,755       2,555       -       82,951  
Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization
    -       58,262       -       -       58,262  
Goodwill
    -       456,183       4,450       -       460,633  
Other assets
    7,616       1,552       2,509       -       11,677  
Investments in subsidiaries
    793,277       21,148       -       (814,425 )     -  
          Total assets
  $ 845,349     $ 988,244     $ 50,150     $ (1,087,838 )   $ 795,905  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                 
Accounts payable
  $ (683 )   $ 48,490     $ 418     $ -     $ 48,225  
Intercompany payables
    269,042       -       4,371       (273,413 )     -  
Income taxes
    -       -       90       -       90  
Accrued insurance
    489       36,658       -       -       37,147  
Accrued compensation
    3,828       36,655       604       -       41,087  
Other current liabilities
    1,719       15,728       1,404       -       18,851  
      Total current liabilities
    274,395       137,531       6,887       (273,413 )     145,400  
Deferred income taxes
    (12,330 )     51,601       (9,808 )     -       29,463  
Long-term debt
    166,784       -       -       -       166,784  
Deferred compensation liabilities
    -       -       30,693       -       30,693  
Other liabilities
    2,816       4,630       2,435       -       9,881  
Stockholders' equity
    413,684       794,482       19,943       (814,425 )     413,684  
     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 845,349     $ 988,244     $ 50,150     $ (1,087,838 )   $ 795,905  

December 31, 2010
       
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
   
Consolidating
       
 
 
Parent
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 45,324     $ (1,571 )   $ 6,164     $ -     $ 49,917  
Accounts receivable, less allowances
    802       111,716       481       -       112,999  
Intercompany receivables
    -       172,426       -       (172,426 )     -  
Inventories
    -       7,191       537       -       7,728  
Current deferred income taxes
    (688 )     15,666       120       -       15,098  
Prepaid income taxes
    2,787       (1,809 )     (208 )     -       770  
Prepaid expenses
    782       9,244       259       -       10,285  
     Total current assets
    49,007       312,863       7,353       (172,426 )     196,797  
Investments of deferred compensation plans
    -       -       28,304       -       28,304  
Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation
    12,513       64,743       2,036       -       79,292  
Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization
    -       57,858       -       -       57,858  
Goodwill
    -       453,864       4,479       -       458,343  
Other assets
    6,049       1,343       2,175       -       9,567  
Investments in subsidiaries
    716,815       18,696       -       (735,511 )     -  
          Total assets
  $ 784,384     $ 909,367     $ 44,347     $ (907,937 )   $ 830,161  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                 
Accounts payable
  $ 4,924     $ 50,457     $ 448     $ -     $ 55,829  
Intercompany payables
    167,067       -       5,359       (172,426 )     -  
Income taxes
    (7,190 )     8,745       (394 )     -       1,161  
Accrued insurance
    906       35,586       -       -       36,492  
Accrued compensation
    4,235       35,016       468       -       39,719  
Other current liabilities
    1,549       13,447       1,145       -       16,141  
      Total current liabilities
    171,491       143,251       7,026       (172,426 )     149,342  
Deferred income taxes
    (11,356 )     45,168       (8,727 )     -       25,085  
Long-term debt
    159,208       -       -       -       159,208  
Deferred compensation liabilities
    -       -       27,851       -       27,851  
Other liabilities
    2,992       3,123       511       -       6,626  
Stockholders' equity
    462,049       717,825       17,686       (735,511 )     462,049  
     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 784,384     $ 909,367     $ 44,347     $ (907,937 )   $ 830,161  

 
29

 

Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

 
For the year ended December 31, 2011
       
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
   
Consolidating
       
 
 
Parent
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
 Continuing Operations
                             
 Net sales and service revenues
  $ -     $ 1,328,425     $ 27,545     $ -     $ 1,355,970  
 Cost of services provided and goods sold
    -       955,628       14,856       -       970,484  
 Selling, general and administrative expenses
    21,895       172,368       7,997       -       202,260  
 Depreciation
    945       23,496       806       -       25,247  
 Amortization
    1,756       2,496       -       -       4,252  
      Total costs and expenses
    24,596       1,153,988       23,659       -       1,202,243  
      Income/(loss) from operations
    (24,596 )     174,437       3,886       -       153,727  
 Interest expense
    (13,177 )     (587 )     (124 )     -       (13,888 )
 Other (expense)/income - net
    16,507       (16,591 )     801       -       717  
      Income/(loss) before income taxes
    (21,266 )     157,259       4,563       -       140,556  
 Income tax (provision)/benefit
    6,564       (59,407 )     (1,734 )     -       (54,577 )
 Equity in net income of subsidiaries
    100,681       3,001       -       (103,682 )     -  
 Net income
  $ 85,979     $ 100,853     $ 2,829     $ (103,682 )   $ 85,979  
                                         
For the year ended December 31, 2010
           
Guarantor
     
Non-Guarantor
     
Consolidating
         
 
   
Parent
     
Subsidiaries
     
Subsidiaries
     
Adjustments
     
Consolidated
 
 Continuing Operations
                                       
 Net sales and service revenues
  $ -     $ 1,254,856     $ 25,689     $ -     $ 1,280,545  
 Cost of services provided and goods sold
    -       892,596       13,420       -       906,016  
 Selling, general and administrative expenses
    23,262       170,223       8,479       -       201,964  
 Depreciation
    860       22,732       794       -       24,386  
 Amortization
    1,404       3,253       -       -       4,657  
      Total costs and expenses
    25,526       1,088,804       22,693       -       1,137,023  
      Income/(loss) from operations
    (25,526 )     166,052       2,996       -       143,522  
 Interest expense
    (11,596 )     (363 )     -       -       (11,959 )
 Other (expense)/income - net
    15,520       (15,451 )     2,199       -       2,268  
      Income/(loss) before income taxes
    (21,602 )     150,238       5,195       -       133,831  
 Income tax (provision)/benefit
    6,859       (56,905 )     (1,954 )     -       (52,000 )
 Equity in net income of subsidiaries
    96,574       3,308       -       (99,882 )     -  
 Net income
  $ 81,831     $ 96,641     $ 3,241     $ (99,882 )   $ 81,831  
                                         
For the year ended December 31, 2009
           
Guarantor
     
Non-Guarantor
 
   
Consolidating
         
 
   
Parent
     
Subsidiaries
     
Subsidiaries
     
Adjustments
     
Consolidated
 
 Continuing Operations
                                       
 Net sales and service revenues
  $ -     $ 1,166,972     $ 23,264     $ -     $ 1,190,236  
 Cost of services provided and goods sold
    -       822,788       11,786       -       834,574  
 Selling, general and administrative expenses
    23,199       163,600       10,627       -       197,426  
 Depreciation
    602       20,221       712       -       21,535  
 Amortization
    1,222       5,145       -       -       6,367  
 Other operating expenses
    3,989       -       -       -       3,989  
      Total costs and expenses
    29,012       1,011,754       23,125       -       1,063,891  
      Income/(loss) from operations
    (29,012 )     155,218       139       -       126,345  
 Interest expense
    (11,040 )     (565 )     6       -       (11,599 )
 Other (expense)/income - net
    5,428       (5,422 )     5,868       -       5,874  
      Income/(loss) before income taxes
    (34,624 )     149,231       6,013       -       120,620  
 Income tax (provision)/benefit
    12,058       (56,543 )     (2,098 )     -       (46,583 )
 Equity in net income of subsidiaries
    96,603       4,043       -       (100,646 )     -  
      Income from continuing operations
    74,037       96,731       3,915       (100,646 )     74,037  
 Discontinued Operations
    (253 )     -       -       -       (253 )
 Net income
  $ 73,784     $ 96,731     $ 3,915     $ (100,646 )   $ 73,784  
 
 
30

 

Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

 
For the year ended December 31, 2011
        Guarantor     Non-Guarantor        
      Parent     Subsidiaries
 
  Subsidiaries    
Consolidated
 
 Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
                       
 Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 12,444     $ 158,159     $ 3,740     $ 174,343  
 Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
                               
  Capital expenditures
    (73 )     (28,145 )     (1,374 )     (29,592 )
  Business combinations, net of cash acquired
    -       (3,664 )     -       (3,664 )
  Other sources/(uses) - net
    (191 )     (730 )     63       (858 )
       Net cash used by investing activities
    (264 )     (32,539 )     (1,311 )     (34,114 )
 Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
                               
  Purchases of treasury stock
    (147,791 )     -       (95 )     (147,886 )
  Dividends paid to shareholders
    (12,538 )     -       -       (12,538 )
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    8,036       -       -       8,036  
  Realized excess tax benefit on share based compensation
    3,854       -       -       3,854  
  Debt issuance costs
    (2,657 )     -       -       (2,657 )
  Change in cash overdrafts payable
    9       (835 )     -       (826 )
  Change in intercompany accounts
    126,040       (124,636 )     (1,404 )     -  
  Other sources - net
    13       -       (61 )     (48 )
       Net cash provided/(used) by financing activities
    (25,034 )     (125,471 )     (1,560 )     (152,065 )
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (12,854 )     149       869       (11,836 )
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    45,324       (1,571 )     6,164       49,917  
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 32,470     $ (1,422 )   $ 7,033     $ 38,081  
                                 
For the year ended December 31, 2010
           
Guarantor
 
   
Non-Guarantor
 
       
     
Parent
     
Subsidiaries
 
   
Subsidiaries
 
   
Consolidated
 
 Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
                               
 Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 2,862     $ 81,781     $ 1,369     $ 86,012  
 Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
                               
  Capital expenditures
    (18 )     (24,677 )     (944 )     (25,639 )
  Business combinations, net of cash acquired
    -       (9,469 )     -       (9,469 )
  Other sources/(uses) - net
    (157 )     (688 )     253       (592 )
       Net cash used by investing activities
    (175 )     (34,834 )     (691 )     (35,700 )
 Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
                               
  Purchases of treasury stock
    (109,326 )     -       (4 )     (109,330 )
  Dividends paid to shareholders
    (11,881 )     -       -       (11,881 )
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    5,327       -       -       5,327  
  Realized excess tax benefit on share based compensation
    3,357       -       -       3,357  
  Change in cash overdrafts payable
    1,645       (2,226 )     -       (581 )
  Change in intercompany accounts
    44,135       (45,071 )     936       -  
  Other sources - net
    49       -       248       297  
       Net cash provided/(used) by financing activities
    (66,694 )     (47,297 )     1,180       (112,811 )
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (64,007 )     (350 )     1,858       (62,499 )
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    109,331       (1,221 )     4,306       112,416  
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 45,324     $ (1,571 )   $ 6,164     $ 49,917  
                                 
For the year ended December 31, 2009
         
Guarantor
 
Non-Guarantor
       
   
Parent
     
Subsidiaries
 
   
Subsidiaries
 
 
Consolidated
 
 Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
                               
 Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 950     $ 153,387     $ 6,495     $ 160,832  
 Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
                               
  Capital expenditures
    (448 )     (20,394 )     (654 )     (21,496 )
  Business combinations, net of cash acquired
    -       (1,919 )     -       (1,919 )
  Other sources/(uses) - net
    702       (312 )     183       573  
       Net cash provided/(used) by investing activities
    254       (22,625 )     (471 )     (22,842 )
 Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
                               
  Change in cash overdrafts payable
    19       2,872       -       2,891  
  Change in intercompany accounts
    140,674       (135,226 )     (5,448 )     -  
  Dividends paid to shareholders
    (8,157 )     -       -       (8,157 )
  Purchases of treasury stock
    (4,225 )     -       -       (4,225 )
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    545       -       -       545  
  Realized excess tax benefit on share based compensation
    1,955       -       -       1,955  
  Net decrease in revolving line of credit
    (8,200 )     -       -       (8,200 )
  Repayment of long-term debt
    (14,500 )     (169 )     -       (14,669 )
  Other sources/(uses) - net
    (49 )     338       369       658  
       Net cash provided/(used) by financing activities
    108,062       (132,185 )     (5,079 )     (29,202 )
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    109,266       (1,423 )     945       108,788  
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    65       202       3,361       3,628  
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 109,331     $ (1,221 )   $ 4,306     $ 112,416  
 
 
31

 
 
UNAUDITED SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
                   
                               
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
                             
(in thousands, except per share and footnote data)
                         
                               
   
First
   
Second
   
Third
   
Fourth
   
Total
 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Year
 
Total service revenues and sales
  $ 330,918     $ 333,360     $ 341,439     $ 350,253     $ 1,355,970  
Gross profit (excluding depreciation)
  $ 93,460     $ 93,763     $ 96,376     $ 101,887     $ 385,486  
Income from operations
  $ 30,548     $ 35,842     $ 41,311     $ 46,026     $ 153,727  
Interest expense
    (3,244 )     (3,461 )     (3,555 )     (3,628 )     (13,888 )
Other income/(expense)--net
    2,102       714       (1,935 )     (164 )     717  
Income before income taxes  
    29,406       33,095       35,821       42,234       140,556  
Income taxes
    (11,305 )     (12,809 )     (13,934 )     (16,529 )     (54,577 )
Net income (a)
  $ 18,101     $ 20,286     $ 21,887     $ 25,705     $ 85,979  
                                         
Earnings Per Share (a)
                                       
    Net income
  $ 0.86     $ 0.96     $ 1.06     $ 1.34     $ 4.19  
    Average number of shares outstanding
    21,055       21,155       20,674       19,237       20,523  
                                         
Diluted Earnings Per Share (a)
                                       
    Net income
  $ 0.84     $ 0.94     $ 1.04     $ 1.31     $ 4.10  
    Average number of shares outstanding
    21,568       21,637       21,055       19,556       20,945  
                                         
                                         
(a) The following amounts are included in income during the respective quarter (in thousands):
         

   
First
   
Second
   
Third
   
Fourth
   
Total
 
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Year
 
Pretax (cost)/benefit:
                             
    Stock option expense
  $ (1,933 )   $ (2,562 )   $ (2,408 )   $ (1,473 )   $ (8,376 )
    Noncash impact of change in accounting for convertible debt
    (1,790 )     (1,825 )     (1,861 )     (1,898 )     (7,374 )
    Long-term incentive compensation
    (3,012 )     -       -       -       (3,012 )
    Acquisition expenses
    (70 )     (39 )     (2 )     (10 )     (121 )
    Expenses of class action litigation
    (495 )     (186 )     (770 )     (848 )     (2,299 )
Expenses incurred in connection with the Office
                                 
        of Inspector General investigation
    (511 )     (486 )     (212 )     21       (1,188 )
            Total
  $ (7,811 )   $ (5,098 )   $ (5,253 )   $ (4,208 )   $ (22,370 )
Aftertax (cost)/benefit:
                                       
    Stock option expense
  $ (1,223 )   $ (1,620 )   $ (1,523 )   $ (932 )   $ (5,298 )
    Noncash impact of change in accounting for convertible debt
    (1,132 )     (1,155 )     (1,177 )     (1,200 )     (4,664 )
    Long-term incentive compensation
    (1,880 )     -       -       -       (1,880 )
    Acquisition expenses
    (44 )     (23 )     (2 )     (6 )     (75 )
    Expenses of class action litigation
    (301 )     (113 )     (467 )     (516 )     (1,397 )
Expenses incurred in connection with the Office
                                 
        of Inspector General investigation
    (317 )     (301 )     (131 )     12       (737 )
            Total
  $ (4,897 )   $ (3,212 )   $ (3,300 )   $ (2,642 )   $ (14,051 )
 
32

 

UNAUDITED SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
                   
                               
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
                             
(in thousands, except per share and footnote data)
                         
                               
   
First
 
Second
 
Third
 
Fourth
 
Total
 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
 
Year
 
Total service revenues and sales
  $ 308,813     $ 314,995     $ 320,451     $ 336,286     $ 1,280,545  
Gross profit (excluding depreciation)
  $ 89,676     $ 91,293     $ 92,536     $ 101,024     $ 374,529  
Income from operations
  $ 34,445     $ 33,856     $ 36,755     $ 38,466     $ 143,522  
Interest expense
    (2,952 )     (2,999 )     (2,995 )     (3,013 )     (11,959 )
Other income/(expense)--net
    186       10       222       1,850       2,268  
Income before income taxes  
    31,679       30,867       33,982       37,303       133,831  
Income taxes
    (12,321 )     (12,012 )     (12,994 )     (14,673 )     (52,000 )
Net income (a)
  $ 19,358     $ 18,855     $ 20,988     $ 22,630     $ 81,831  
                                         
Earnings Per Share (a)
                                       
    Net income
  $ 0.86     $ 0.83     $ 0.93     $ 1.00     $ 3.62  
    Average number of shares outstanding
    22,593       22,644       22,597       22,534       22,587  
                                         
Diluted Earnings Per Share (a)
                                       
    Net income
  $ 0.84     $ 0.82     $ 0.91     $ 0.98     $ 3.55  
    Average number of shares outstanding
    23,021       23,080       22,996       23,070       23,031  
                                         
                                         
(a) The following amounts are included in income during the respective quarter (in thousands):
         
                                         
                                         
   
First
 
Second
 
Third
 
Fourth
 
Total
 
   
Quarter
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
 
Year
 
Pretax (cost)/benefit:
                                       
    Stock option expense
  $ (2,051 )   $ (2,346 )   $ (1,968 )   $ (1,397 )   $ (7,762 )
    Noncash impact of change in accounting for convertible debt
    (1,655 )     (1,688 )     (1,721 )     (1,756 )     (6,820 )
    Long-term incentive compensation
    -       (1,799 )     -       (2,935 )     (4,734 )
    Acquisition expenses
    -       -       -       (324 )     (324 )
    Expenses of class action litigation
    -       (105 )     (322 )     (1,426 )     (1,853 )
Expenses incurred in connection with the Office
                                 
        of Inspector General investigation
    (160 )     (118 )     (112 )     (622 )     (1,012 )
            Total
  $ (3,866 )   $ (6,056 )   $ (4,123 )   $ (8,460 )   $ (22,505 )
Aftertax (cost)/benefit:
                                       
    Stock option expense
  $ (1,298 )   $ (1,484 )   $ (1,244 )   $ (883 )   $ (4,909 )
    Noncash impact of change in accounting for convertible debt
    (1,047 )     (1,068 )     (1,088 )     (1,110 )     (4,313 )
    Long-term incentive compensation
    -       (1,124 )     -       (1,833 )     (2,957 )
    Acquisition expenses
    -       -       -       (198 )     (198 )
    Expenses of class action litigation
    -       (63 )     (194 )     (869 )     (1,126 )
Expenses incurred in connection with the Office
                                 
        of Inspector General investigation
    (99 )     (74 )     (69 )     (385 )     (627 )
            Total
  $ (2,444 )   $ (3,813 )   $ (2,595 )   $ (5,278 )   $ (14,130 )
 
 
33

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
                             
                               
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
                             
(in thousands, except per share and footnote data, ratios, percentages and personnel)
       
                               
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Summary of Operations
                             
   Continuing operations (a)
                             
      Service revenues and sales
  $ 1,355,970     $ 1,280,545     $ 1,190,236     $ 1,148,941     $ 1,100,058  
      Gross profit (excluding depreciation)
    385,486       374,529       355,662       338,394       332,992  
      Depreciation
    25,247       24,386       21,535       21,581       20,118  
      Amortization
    4,252       4,657       6,367       5,924       5,270  
      Income  from operations
    153,727       143,522       126,345       132,857       122,755  
      Income from continuing operations (b)
    85,979       81,831       74,037       68,369       60,440  
      Net income (b)
    85,979       81,831       73,784       67,281       61,641  
   Earnings per share
                                       
      Income from continuing operations
  $ 4.19     $ 3.62     $ 3.30     $ 2.97     $ 2.46  
      Net income
    4.19       3.62       3.29       2.92       2.51  
      Average number of shares outstanding
    20,523       22,587       22,451       23,058       24,520  
   Diluted earnings per share
                                       
      Income from continuing operations
  $ 4.10     $ 3.55     $ 3.26     $ 2.93     $ 2.41  
      Net income
    4.10       3.55       3.24       2.88       2.46  
      Average number of shares outstanding
    20,945       23,031       22,742       23,374       25,077  
   Cash dividends per share
  $ 0.60     $ 0.52     $ 0.36     $ 0.24     $ 0.24  
Financial Position--Year-End
                                       
   Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 38,081     $ 49,917     $ 112,416     $ 3,628     $ 4,988  
   Working capital/(deficit)
    5,353       47,455       62,174       (18,142 )     (13,427 )
   Current ratio
    1.04       1.32       1.46       0.88       0.91  
   Properties and equipment, at cost less
                                       
      accumulated depreciation
  $ 82,951     $ 79,292     $ 75,358     $ 76,962     $ 74,513  
   Total assets
    795,905       830,161       819,470       759,622       768,945  
   Long-term debt
    166,784       159,208       152,127       158,210       163,715  
   Stockholders' equity
    413,684       462,049       477,162       396,831       395,800  
Other Statistics--Continuing Operations
                                       
   Capital expenditures
  $ 29,592     $ 25,639     $ 21,496     $ 26,094     $ 26,640  
   Number of employees
    13,733       13,058       12,308       11,884       11,783  
                                         
(a) Continuing operations exclude VITAS of Arizona, discontinued in 2006, Service America, discontinued in 2004 and Patient Care discontinued in 2002
 
(b) The following amounts are included in income from continuing operations during the respective year (in thousands):
 
                                         
      2011       2010       2009       2008       2007  
After-tax benefit/(cost):
                                       
     Stock option expense
  $ (5,298 )   $ (4,909 )   $ (5,464 )   $ (4,619 )   $ (2,962 )
     Noncash impact of change in accounting for convertible debt
    (4,664 )     (4,313 )     (3,988 )     (4,006 )     (2,335 )
     Long-term incentive compensation
    (1,880 )     (2,957 )     (3,134 )     -       (4,427 )
     Costs related to litigation settlements
    (1,397 )     (1,126 )     (534 )     -       (1,168 )
     Expenses incurred in connection with the Office of Inspector
                                 
          General investigation
    (737 )     (627 )     (363 )     (28 )     (141 )
     Acquisition expense
    (75 )     (198 )     -       -       -  
     Expenses associated with contested proxy solicitation
    -       -       (2,525 )     -       -  
     Non-taxable income on certain investments held in deferred
                                 
          compensation trusts
    -       -       1,211       -       -  
     Income tax impact of nondeductible losses on investments
                                 
          held in deferred compensation trusts
    -       -       (455 )     (3,062 )     (46 )
     Gain/(loss) on extinguishment of debt
    -       -       -       2,934       (8,778 )
     Loss on impairment of transportation equipment
    -       -       -       (1,714 )     -  
     Unreserved prior-year's insurance claim
    -       -       -       (358 )     -  
     Income tax credits or adjustments related to prior years
    -       -       -       322       -  
     Gain on sale of property
    -       -       -       -       724  
     Other
    -       -       -       -       296  
          Total
  $ (14,051 )   $ (14,130 )   $ (15,252 )   $ (10,531 )   $ (18,837 )
 
 
34

 

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
 (in thousands)(unaudited)
                         
                   
Chemed
 
   
VITAS
      Roto-Rooter
 
    Corporate
 
 
Consolidated
 
 2011
                       
 Service revenues and sales
  $ 986,272     $ 369,698     $ -     $ 1,355,970  
 Cost of services provided and goods sold
    766,732       203,752       -       970,484  
 Selling, general and administrative expenses
    75,698       102,528       24,034       202,260  
 Depreciation
    16,583       8,130       534       25,247  
 Amortization
    1,897       599       1,756       4,252  
 Total costs and expenses
    860,910       315,009       26,324       1,202,243  
 Income/(loss) from operations
    125,362       54,689       (26,324 )     153,727  
 Interest expense
    (229 )     (358 )     (13,301 )     (13,888 )
 Intercompany interest income/(expense)
    3,998       2,136       (6,134 )     -  
 Other income/(expense)—net
    62       (235 )     890       717  
 Income/(loss) before income taxes
    129,193       56,232       (44,869 )     140,556  
 Income taxes
    (48,835 )     (21,353 )     15,611       (54,577 )
 Net income/(loss)
  $ 80,358     $ 34,879     $ (29,258 )   $ 85,979  
                                 
                                 
(a) The following amounts are included in income from continuing operations (in thousands):
 
                             
Chemed
 
     
VITAS
     
Roto-Rooter
 
   
Corporate
 
   
Consolidated
 
Pretax benefit/(cost):
                               
     Stock option expense
  $ -     $ -     $ (8,376 )   $ (8,376 )
     Noncash impact of change in accounting for convertible debt
    -       -       (7,374 )     (7,374 )
     Long-term incentive compensation
    -       -       (3,012 )     (3,012 )
     Expenses of class action litigation
    -       (2,299 )     -       (2,299 )
     Acquisition expense
    (147 )     26       -       (121 )
Expenses incurred in connection with the Office of Inspector
               
          General investigation
    (1,188 )     -       -       (1,188 )
          Total
  $ (1,335 )   $ (2,273 )   $ (18,762 )   $ (22,370 )
                                 
                                 
     
VITAS
     
Roto-Rooter
 
   
Corporate
 
   
Consolidated
 
After-tax benefit/(cost):
                               
     Stock option expense
  $ -     $ -     $ (5,298 )   $ (5,298 )
     Noncash impact of change in accounting for convertible debt
    -       -       (4,664 )     (4,664 )
     Long-term incentive compensation
    -       -       (1,880 )     (1,880 )
     Expenses of class action litigation
    -       (1,397 )     -       (1,397 )
     Acquisition expense
    (91 )     16       -       (75 )
Expenses incurred in connection with the Office of Inspector
               
          General investigation
    (737 )     -       -       (737 )
          Total
  $ (828 )   $ (1,381 )   $ (11,842 )   $ (14,051 )
 
 
35

 

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010
 (in thousands)(unaudited)
                         
                     
Chemed
 
   
VITAS
   
Roto-Rooter
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
 2010
                       
 Service revenues and sales
  $ 925,810     $ 354,735     $ -     $ 1,280,545  
 Cost of services provided and goods sold
    709,094       196,922       -       906,016  
 Selling, general and administrative expenses
    73,755       100,731       27,478       201,964  
 Depreciation
    16,161       7,775       450       24,386  
 Amortization
    2,739       514       1,404       4,657  
 Total costs and expenses
    801,749       305,942       29,332       1,137,023  
 Income/(loss) from operations
    124,061       48,793       (29,332 )     143,522  
 Interest expense
    (131 )     (233 )     (11,595 )     (11,959 )
 Intercompany interest income/(expense)
    4,632       2,612       (7,244 )     -  
 Other income/(expense)—net
    (165 )     53       2,380       2,268  
 Income/(loss) before income taxes
    128,397       51,225       (45,791 )     133,831  
 Income taxes
    (48,601 )     (19,547 )     16,148       (52,000 )
 Net income/(loss)
  $ 79,796     $ 31,678     $ (29,643 )   $ 81,831  
                                 
                                 
(a) The following amounts are included in income from continuing operations (in thousands):
         

                             
Chemed
 
     
VITAS
     
Roto-Rooter
 
   
Corporate
 
   
Consolidated
 
Pretax benefit/(cost):
                               
     Stock option expense
  $ -     $ -     $ (7,762 )   $ (7,762 )
     Noncash impact of change in accounting for convertible debt
    -       -       (6,820 )     (6,820 )
     Long-term incentive compensation
    -       -       (4,734 )     (4,734 )
     Expenses of class action litigation
    -       (1,853 )     -       (1,853 )
     Acquisition expense
    (68 )     (256 )     -       (324 )
     Expenses incurred in connection with the Office of Inspector
                 
          General investigation
    (1,012 )     -       -       (1,012 )
          Total
  $ (1,080 )   $ (2,109 )   $ (19,316 )   $ (22,505 )
                                 
                                 
     
VITAS
     
Roto-Rooter
     
Corporate
 
   
Consolidated
 
After-tax benefit/(cost):
                               
     Stock option expense
  $ -     $ -     $ (4,909 )   $ (4,909 )
     Noncash impact of change in accounting for convertible debt
    -       -       (4,313 )     (4,313 )
     Long-term incentive compensation
    -       -       (2,957 )     (2,957 )
     Expenses of class action litigation
    -       (1,126 )     -       (1,126 )
     Acquisition expense
    (42 )     (156 )     -       (198 )
     Expenses incurred in connection with the Office of Inspector
                 
          General investigation
    (627 )     -       -       (627 )
          Total
  $ (669 )   $ (1,282 )   $ (12,179 )   $ (14,130 )
 
 
36

 

 
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009
 (in thousands)(unaudited)
                         
                     
Chemed
 
   
VITAS
      Roto-Rooter      
Corporate
 
 
Consolidated
 
 2009
                       
 Service revenues and sales
  $ 854,343     $ 335,893     $ -     $ 1,190,236  
 Cost of services provided and goods sold
    653,212       181,362       -       834,574  
 Selling, general and administrative expenses
    71,643       95,073       30,710       197,426  
 Depreciation
    13,269       8,068       198       21,535  
 Amortization
    4,704       441       1,222       6,367  
 Other operating expenses
    -       -       3,989       3,989  
 Total costs and expenses
    742,828       284,944       36,119       1,063,891  
 Income/(loss) from operations
    111,515       50,949       (36,119 )     126,345  
 Interest expense
    (374 )     (186 )     (11,039 )     (11,599 )
 Intercompany interest income/(expense)
    4,314       2,514       (6,828 )     -  
 Other income/(expense)—net
    (122 )     135       5,861       5,874  
 Income/(loss) before income taxes
    115,333       53,412       (48,125 )     120,620  
 Income taxes
    (43,637 )     (20,372 )     17,426       (46,583 )
 Income/(loss) from continuing operations
    71,696       33,040       (30,699 )     74,037  
 Discontinued operations
    -       -       (253 )     (253 )
 Net income/(loss)
  $ 71,696     $ 33,040     $ (30,952 )   $ 73,784  
                                 
                                 
(a) The following amounts are included in income from continuing operations (in thousands):
 
                             
Chemed
 
     
VITAS
     
Roto-Rooter
 
   
Corporate
 
   
Consolidated
 
Pretax benefit/(cost):
                               
     Stock option expense
  $ -     $ -     $ (8,639 )   $ (8,639 )
     Noncash impact of change in accounting for convertible debt
    -       -       (6,305 )     (6,305 )
     Long-term incentive compensation
    -       -       (5,007 )     (5,007 )
     Expenses associated with contested proxy solicitation
    -       -       (3,989 )     (3,989 )
     Non-taxable income on certain investments held in deferred
                 
          compensation trusts
    -       -       1,211       1,211  
     Costs related to litigation settlements
    -       (882 )     -       (882 )
     Expenses incurred in connection with the Office of Inspector
                 
          General investigation
    (586 )     -       -       (586 )
          Total
  $ (586 )   $ (882 )   $ (22,729 )   $ (24,197 )
                                 
                                 
     
VITAS
     
Roto-Rooter
 
   
Corporate
 
   
Consolidated
 
After-tax benefit/(cost):
                               
     Stock option expense
  $ -     $ -     $ (5,464 )   $ (5,464 )
     Noncash impact of change in accounting for convertible debt
    -       -       (3,988 )     (3,988 )
     Long-term incentive compensation
    -       -       (3,134 )     (3,134 )
     Expenses associated with contested proxy solicitation
    -       -       (2,525 )     (2,525 )
     Non-taxable income on certain investments held in deferred
                 
          compensation trusts
    -       -       1,211       1,211  
     Income tax impact of nondeductible losses on investments
                 
          held in deferred compensation trusts
    -       -       (455 )     (455 )
     Costs related to litigation settlements
    -       (534 )     -       (534 )
     Expenses incurred in connection with the Office of Inspector
                 
          General investigation
    (363 )     -       -       (363 )
          Total
  $ (363 )   $ (534 )   $ (14,355 )   $ (15,252 )
 
37

 

Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies


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 (“VITAS”) and Roto-Rooter Group, Inc. (“Roto-Rooter”). 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 is 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 years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands except percentages and per share amounts):

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Consolidated service revenues and sales
  $ 1,355,970     $ 1,280,545     $ 1,190,236  
Consolidated income from continuing operations
  $ 85,979     $ 81,831     $ 74,037  
Diluted EPS from continuing operations
  $ 4.10     $ 3.55     $ 3.26  
Adjusted EBITDA*
  $ 197,273     $ 189,395     $ 177,050  
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of revenue*
    14.5 %     14.8 %     14.9 %

*See page 51 for reconciliation to GAAP measures

Earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures derived in accordance with GAAP.  We use Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of earnings for our LTIP awards.  We also use adjusted EBITDA to determine compliance with certain debt covenants.  We provide EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA 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 EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable measures presented in accordance with GAAP.  A reconciliation of our net income to our Adjusted EBITDA is presented in tables following the Critical Accounting Policy section.

2011 versus 2010
The increase in consolidated service revenues and sales from 2010 to 2011 was driven by a 6.5% increase at VITAS and a 4.2% increase at Roto-Rooter.  The increase at VITAS was the result of an increase in average daily census (“ADC”) of 5.5%, driven by an increase in admissions of 2.8%, combined with Medicare price increases of approximately 2.1%.  The increase at Roto-Rooter was driven by a 2.2% price and mix shift increase as well as a 2.0% increase in job count.  Consolidated income from continuing operations increased 5.1% over prior year mainly as a result of the increase in revenues, which allowed us to further leverage our current cost structure.  Diluted EPS from continuing operations increased as the result of increased earnings and a decrease in the number of shares outstanding.  Adjusted EBITDA increased 4.2% from 2010 to 2011 mainly as a result of increased earnings.

2010 versus 2009
The increase in consolidated service revenues and sales from 2009 to 2010 was driven by an 8.4% increase at VITAS and a 5.6% increase at Roto-Rooter.  The increase at VITAS was the result of an increase in ADC of 6.1%, driven by an increase in admissions of 5.6%, combined with Medicare price increases of approximately 1.3%.  The increase at Roto-Rooter was driven by a 7.3% price and mix shift increase as well as a 0.4% increase in job count.  Consolidated income from continuing operations increased 10.5% over prior year mainly as a result of the increase in revenues, which allowed us to further leverage our current cost structure.  Diluted EPS from continuing operations increased as the result of increased earnings.  Adjusted EBITDA increased 7.0% from 2009 to 2010 mainly as a result of increased earnings.
 
Impact of Current Market Conditions
We expect Roto-Rooter to achieve full-year 2012 revenue growth of 4.0% to 5.0%.  This is a result of increased pricing of approximately 2.0%, a favorable mix shift to higher revenue jobs, and job count growth estimated at 0% to 1.5%.  Adjusted EBITDA margin for 2012 is estimated in the range of 17.0% to 18.0%.
 
 
38

 
 
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

 
We expect VITAS to achieve full-year 2012 revenue growth, prior to Medicare cap, of 5.0% to 8.0%.  Admissions are estimated to increase 2.5% to 4.0%. This revenue estimate includes the October 1, 2011, 2.5% increase in average hospice reimbursement rates.  We also expect VITAS to have estimated Medicare contractual billing limitations of $5.0 million.  Adjusted EBITDA margin, prior to Medicare cap, for 2012 is estimated to be in the range of 15.0% to 15.5%.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Significant factors affecting our cash flows during 2011 and financial position at December 31, 2011, include the following:
·  
Our continuing operations generated cash of $174.3 million;
·  
We repurchased $147.9 million of our stock using cash on hand;
·  
Accounts receivable decreased $26.9 million due to timing of receipts;
·  
We spent $29.6 million on capital expenditures.

The ratio of total debt to total capital was 28.7% at December 31, 2011, compared with 25.6% at December 31, 2010. Our current ratio was 1.04 and 1.32 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Collectively, the 2011 Credit Agreement and the Notes require us to meet certain restrictive non-financial and financial covenants.  We are in compliance with all non-financial debt covenants as of December 31, 2011.  The restrictive financial covenants are defined in the 2011 Credit Agreement and include maximum leverage ratios, minimum fixed charge coverage and consolidated net worth ratios, limits on operating leases and minimum asset value limits.  We are in compliance with all financial debt covenants as of December 31, 2011, as follows:

Description
 
Requirement
 
Chemed
         
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated  Adj. EBITDA)
 
< 3.50 to 1.00
 
1.09 to 1.00
         
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges)
 
> 1.50 to 1.00
 
2.47 to 1.00
         
Annual Operating Lease Commitment
 
< $30.0 million
 
$19.8 million

We forecast to be in compliance with all debt covenants through fiscal 2012.

We have issued $29.5 million in standby letters of credit as of December 31, 2011, mainly for insurance purposes.  Issued letters of credit reduce our available credit under the revolving credit agreement.  As of December 31, 2011, we have approximately $320.5 million of unused lines of credit available and eligible to be drawn down under our revolving credit facility, excluding the $150 million expansion feature.  We believe our cash flow from operating activities and our unused eligible lines of credit are sufficient to fund our obligations and operate our business in the near and long term.  We continually evaluate cash utilization alternatives, including share repurchase, debt repurchase, acquisitions, and increased dividends to determine the most beneficial use of available capital resources.
 
 
39

 

Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

CASH FLOW
Our cash flows for 2011, 2010 and 2009 are summarized as follows (in millions):

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 174.3     $ 86.0     $ 160.8  
Capital expenditures
    (29.6 )     (25.6 )     (21.5 )
          Operating cash after capital expenditures
    144.7       60.4       139.3  
Purchase of treasury stock
    (147.9 )     (109.3 )     (4.2 )
Repayment of long-term debt
    -       -       (22.9 )
Business combinations
    (3.7 )     (9.5 )     (1.9 )
Dividends paid
    (12.5 )     (11.9 )     (8.2 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    8.0       5.3       0.5  
Other--net
    (0.4 )     2.5       6.2  
        (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (11.8 )   $ (62.5 )   $ 108.8  

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We are subject to various lawsuits and claims in the normal course of our business.  In addition, we periodically receive communications from governmental and regulatory agencies concerning compliance with Medicare and Medicaid billing requirements at our VITAS subsidiary.  We establish reserves for specific, uninsured liabilities in connection with regulatory and legal action that we deem to be probable and estimable.  We disclose the existence of regulatory and legal actions when we believe it is reasonably possible that a loss could occur in connection with the specific action.  In most instances, we are unable to make a reasonable estimate of any reasonably possible liability due to the uncertainty of the outcome and stage of litigation.  We record legal fees associated with legal and regulatory actions as the costs are incurred.

In connection with the sale of DuBois Chemicals, Inc. ("DuBois") in 1991, we provided allowances and accruals relating to several long-term costs, including income tax matters, lease commitments and environmental costs.  Additionally, we retained liability for casualty insurance claims for Service America and Patient Care that were incurred prior to the respective disposal dates, 2005 and 2002.  In the aggregate, we believe these allowances and accruals are adequate as of December 31, 2011.  Based on reviews of our environmental-related liabilities under the DuBois sale agreement, we have estimated our remaining liability to be $1.7 million. As of December 31, 2011, we are contingently liable for additional cleanup and related costs up to a maximum of $14.9 million.  We do not believe it is probable that we will be required to make any payment towards this contingent liability. Thus, no provision has been recorded in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance.

On March 1, 2010 Anthony Morangelli and Frank Ercole filed a class action lawsuit in federal district court for the Eastern District of New York seeking unpaid minimum wages and overtime service technician compensation from Roto-Rooter and Chemed.  They also seek payment of penalties, interest and plaintiffs’ attorney fees.  We contest these allegations.  In September 2010, the Court conditionally certified a nationwide class of service technicians, excluding those who signed dispute resolution agreements in which they agreed to arbitrate claims arising out of their employment.  We are unable to estimate our potential liability, if any, with respect to this case.

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.  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.  We contest these allegations.  In December 2009, the trial court denied Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification.  In July 2011, the Court of Appeals affirmed denial of class certification on the travel time, meal and rest period claims, and reversed the trial court’s denial on the off-the-clock and sales representation exemption claims.  Plaintiffs have filed an appeal of this decision.  We are unable to estimate our potential liability or potential range of loss, if any, with respect to this case.
 
On November 14, 2011 Luann and Michael Cosgrove and Dawn Mills filed a class action lawsuit against  Roto-Rooter in Minnesota state district court for the 4th Judicial District alleging unnecessary excavation work in Minnesota.  We removed the case to federal court.  Plaintiffs seek damages, injunctive relief, attorney fees and interest.  We contest these allegations.  This lawsuit is in its early stage and we are unable to estimate our potential liability, if any, with respect to these allegations.
 
 
40

 

Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies


On January 12, 2012, the Greater Pennsylvania Carpenters Pension Fund filed a putative class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio against the Company, Kevin McNamara, David Williams, and Tim O’Toole.  It alleges violation of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 against all defendants, and violation of Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the individual defendants.  The suit, Greater Pennsylvania Carpenters Pension Fund v. Chemed Corp., et al., Civil Action No. 1:12-cv-28 (S.D. Ohio), concerns the VITAS hospice segment of the Company's business.   Plaintiff seeks, on behalf of a putative class of purchasers of Chemed Capital Stock between February 15, 2010 and November 16, 2011, compensatory damages in an unspecified amount and attorneys' fees and expenses, arising from defendants' failure to disclose an alleged fraudulent scheme to enroll ineligible hospice patients and to fraudulently obtain payments from the federal government.   Defendants believe the allegations are without merit, and intend to defend vigorously against them.

Regardless of outcome, defense of litigation adversely affects us through defense costs, diversion of our time and related publicity.

In May 2009, VITAS received an administrative subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice requesting VITAS deliver to the OIG documents, patient records, and policy and procedure manuals for headquarters and its Texas programs concerning hospice services provided for the period January 1, 2003 to the date of the letter.  In August 2009, the OIG selected medical records for 59 past and current patients from a Texas program for review.   In February 2010, VITAS received a companion civil investigative demand (“CID”) from the state of Texas Attorney General’s Office, seeking related documents.  In September 2010, it received a second CID and a second administrative subpoena seeking related documents. In April 2011, the U.S. Attorney provided the Company with a copy of a qui tam complaint filed under seal in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.    The Court unsealed this complaint in November 2011.  The U.S. Attorney and the Attorney General for the State of Texas filed a notice in November 2011 that they had decided not to intervene at that time in the case.  They continue to investigate its allegations.  It was brought by Michael Rehfelt, a former Vitas San Antonio program general manager, against Vitas, the program’s former Regional Vice President Keith Becker, its former Medical Director Justos Cisneros, and their current employers:  Wellmed Medical Management, Care Level Management LLC, and Inspiris Inc.  It alleges admission and recertification of inappropriate patients, backdating revocations, and conspiring with HMO defendants to admit inappropriate patients to hospice.  In June 2011, the U.S. Attorney provided the Company with a partially unsealed second qui tam complaint filed under seal in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.  In June 2011, the U.S. Attorney also provided the Company with a partially unsealed third qui tam complaint filed under seal in the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division.  We are conferring with the U.S. Attorney regarding the Company’s defenses to each complaint’s allegations.  We can neither predict the outcome of this investigation nor estimate our potential liability, if any.  We believe that we are in compliance with Medicare and Medicaid rules and regulations applicable to hospice providers.

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 appealed this dismissal, which the Court of Appeals affirmed.  The government continues to investigate the complaint’s allegations.  In March 2009, we received a letter from the government reiterating the basis of their investigation.  We are unable to estimate our potential liability, if any, with respect to this matter.

The costs to comply with either of these investigations were not material for any period presented.  Regardless of outcome, responding to the subpoenas can adversely affect us through defense costs, diversion of our time and related publicity.

 
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Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The table below summarizes our debt and contractual obligations as of December 31, 2011 (in thousands):
 
         
Less than
               
After
 
   
Total
   
1 year
   
1-3 Years
   
4 -5 Years
   
5 Years
 
Long-term debt obligations (a)
  $ 186,956     $ -     $ 186,956     $ -     $ -  
Interest on long-term debt
    8,763       3,505       5,258       -       -  
Operating lease obligations
    63,848       19,797       27,025       14,880       2,146  
Purchase obligations (b)
    48,225       48,225       -       -       -  
Other long-term obligations (c)
    37,261       -       3,284       3,284       30,693  
      Total contractual cash obligations
  $ 345,053     $ 71,527     $ 222,523     $ 18,164     $ 32,839  
                                         
(a)  Represents the face value of the obligation.
                                       
(b) Purchase obligations primarily consist of accounts payable at December 31, 2011.
                         
(c) Other long-term obligations comprise largely pension and excess benefit obligations.
                 


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
2011 Versus 2010 – Consolidated Results
Set forth below are the year-to-year changes in the components of the statement of operations relating to continuing operations for 2011 versus 2010 (in thousands, except percentages):

   
Favorable/(Unfavorable)
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Service revenues and sales
           
         VITAS   $ 60,462       7 %
          Roto-Rooter     14,963       4  
              Total     75,425       6  
Cost of services provided and goods sold
    (64,468 )     (7 )
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    (296 )     -  
Depreciation
    (861 )     (4 )
Amortization
    405       9  
Income from operations
    10,205       7  
Interest expense
    (1,929 )     (16 )
Other income--net
    (1,551 )     (68 )
Income before income taxes
    6,725       5  
Income taxes
    (2,577 )     (5 )
         Income from continuing operations   $ 4,148       5  

Our service revenues and sales for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased $75.4 million or 5.9% over the comparable prior year.  The VITAS segment accounted for $60.4 million of the increase and Roto-Rooter accounted for  $15.0 million of the increase.

The VITAS segment revenue increase is the result of the following (dollars in thousands):

   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Routine homecare
  $ 52,096       8 %
Continuous care
    5,416       4  
General inpatient
    5,154       5  
Medicare cap
    (2,204 )     (361 )
        Total revenues   $ 60,462       7  
 
The increase in VITAS’ revenue from 2010 to 2011 was a result of increased ADC of 5.5% driven by an increase in admissions of 2.8%, combined with Medicare price increases of approximately 2.1%.  The ADC increase was driven by a
 
 
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Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

5.7% increase in routine homecare, an increase of 1.2% in continuous care, and a 3.5% increase in general inpatient.  ADC is a key measure we use to monitor volume growth in our hospice programs.  Changes in total program admissions, discharges and average length of stay for our patients are the main drivers of changes in ADC.  The Medicare cap amount recorded in 2011 relates to the reversal of $786,000, net of Medicare cap liability for the 2011 measurement period recorded in the fourth quarter of 2010 offset by $2.6 million in Medicare cap liability for three programs’ projected 2012 measurement period liability.  We also reversed the remaining Medicare cap liability for our Phoenix program due to expiration for the period under review.
 
The Roto-Rooter segment revenue increase is the result of the following (dollars in thousands):

   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Plumbing
  $ 8,738       5 %
Sewer and drain cleaning
    3,228       2  
Contractor operations
    3,768       16  
Other
    (771 )     (3 )
        Total revenues   $ 14,963       4  

Plumbing revenues for 2011 increased from 2010 due to a 4.4% increase in the number of jobs performed and a 0.9% increase in the average price per job.   Sewer and drain cleaning revenues for 2011 increased from 2010 due to a 1.7% increase in the average price per job and an increase of  0.9% in the number of jobs performed.  Contractor operations revenue increased 16.4% as a result of performance by recent acquisitions and higher job count.
 
The consolidated gross margin was 28.4% in 2011 versus 29.2% in 2010.  On a segment basis, VITAS’ gross margin was 22.3% in 2011 and 23.4% in 2010.  Roto-Rooter’s gross margin was 44.9% in 2011 and 44.5% in 2010.  The decrease in VITAS’ gross margin is attributable to higher labor costs for admissions and Medicare compliance personnel and the opening of new operations, both new locations and new inpatient units, which carry significant start-up costs as capacity begins to ramp up.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) for 2011 comprise (in thousands):

   
2011
   
2010
 
SG&A expenses before long-term incentive
           
    compensation and the impact of market gains
           
    of deferred compensation plans
  $ 198,449     $ 195,020  
Long-term incentive compensation
    3,012       4,734  
Impact of market value gains on liabilities
               
    held in deferred compensation trusts
    799       2,210  
        Total SG&A expenses
  $ 202,260     $ 201,964  

    Normal salary increases and revenue related expenses between periods account for the 1.8% increase in SG&A expenses before long-term incentive compensation and the impact of market gains of deferred compensation plans
 
    Depreciation expense increased $861,000 (3.5%) in 2011 mainly due to the installation of patient capture software at our VITAS segment in the second quarter of 2010.
 
    Interest expense increased $1.9 million (16.1%) from 2010 to 2011 primarily as a result of higher costs of our expanded revolving line of credit starting in the first quarter of 2011.
 
 
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Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

Other income-net for 2011 and 2010 comprise (in thousands):

   
2011
   
2010
 
Market value gains on assets held in deferred
           
   compensation trusts
  $ 799     $ 2,210  
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
    (441 )     (425 )
Interest income
    426       444  
Other
    (67 )     39  
        Total other income
  $ 717     $ 2,268  

Our effective tax rate was 38.8% in 2011 compared to 38.9% in 2010.

Income from continuing operations for both periods include the following aftertax adjustments that increased/ (reduced) aftertax earnings (in thousands):
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
VITAS
           
Costs associated with the OIG investigation
  $ (737 )   $ (627 )
Acquisition expense
    (91 )     (42 )
Roto-Rooter
               
Costs related to litigation settlements
    (1,397 )     (1,126 )
Acquisition expense
    16       (156 )
Corporate
               
Long-term incentive compensation
    (1,880 )     (2,957 )
Noncash impact of change in accounting of convertible debt
    (4,664 )     (4,313 )
Stock option expense
    (5,298 )     (4,909 )
Total
  $ (14,051 )   $ (14,130 )

2011 Versus 2010 – Segment Results
The change in net income for 2011 versus 2010 is due to (in thousands, except percentages):

   
Increase/(Decrease)
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
VITAS
  $ 562       1 %
Roto-Rooter
    3,201       10  
Corporate
    385       1  
    $ 4,148       5  

 
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Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
2010 Versus 2009 – Consolidated Results
Set forth below are the year-to-year changes in the components of the statement of operations relating to continuing operations for 2010 versus 2009 (in thousands, except percentages):

   
Favorable/(Unfavorable)
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Service revenues and sales
           
        VITAS   $ 71,467       8 %
        Roto-Rooter     18,842       6  
              Total     90,309       8  
Cost of services provided and goods sold
    (71,442 )     (9 )
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    (4,538 )     (2 )
Depreciation
    (2,851 )     (13 )
Amortization
    1,710       27  
Other expenses
    3,989       100  
Income from operations
    17,177       14  
Interest expense
    (360 )     (3 )
Other income –net
    (3,606 )     (61 )
Income before income taxes
    13,211       11  
Income taxes
    (5,417 )     (12 )
        Income from continuing operations   $ 7,794       11  

Our service revenues and sales for the year ended December 31, 2010, increased $90.3 million or 7.6% over the comparable prior year.  The VITAS segment accounted for $71.5 million of the increase and Roto-Rooter accounted for  $18.8 million of the increase.

The VITAS segment revenue increase is the result of the following (dollars in thousands):

   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Routine homecare
  $ 51,154       8 %
Continuous care
    11,778       8  
General inpatient
    8,232       9  
Estimated BNAF
    (1,950 )     (100 )
Medicare cap
    2,253       137  
        Total revenues   $ 71,467       8  

The increase in VITAS’ revenue from 2009 to 2010 was a result of increased ADC of 6.1% driven by an increase in admissions of 5.6%, combined with Medicare price increases of approximately 1.3%.  The ADC increase was driven by a 6.1% increase in routine homecare, an increase of 5.3% in continuous care, and a 6.9% increase in general inpatient.  ADC is a key measure we use to monitor volume growth in our hospice programs.  Changes in total program admissions, discharges and average length of stay for our patients are the main drivers of changes in ADC.  The $1.95 million in Budget Neutrality Adjustment Factor (“BNAF”) was recorded in the first quarter of 2009 but related to hospice care provided in the fourth quarter of 2008 and did not recur in 2010. The Medicare cap amount recorded in 2010 relates to the reversal of $1.7 million, net of Medicare cap liability for the 2010 measurement period recorded in the fourth quarter of 2009 offset by $1.1 million in Medicare cap liability for three programs’ projected 2011 measurement period liability.

The Roto-Rooter segment revenue increase is the result of the following (dollars in thousands):
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Plumbing
  $ 17,553       12 %
Sewer and drain cleaning
    (799 )     (1 )
Contractor operations
    1,323       6  
Other
    765       3  
        Total revenues   $ 18,842       6  

 
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Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

Plumbing revenues for 2010 increased from 2009 due to a 10.2% increase in the average price per job and an increase of 3.7% in the number of jobs performed.  The increase in the plumbing price per job was driven by a combination of increased pricing and favorable job mix shift to more expensive jobs such as excavation.  Our excavation job count increased by 21.5% compared to 2009.  The average revenue per job for excavation work is approximately 5.5 times greater than other plumbing jobs.  Sewer and drain cleaning revenues for 2010 decreased from 2009 due to a 1.1% decrease in jobs performed partially offset by a 2.4% increase in the average price per job.  Contractor operations revenue increased 6.1% as a result of acquisitions and higher job count. The increase in other revenues is attributable to an increase in product sales.
 
The consolidated gross margin was 29.2% in 2010 versus 29.9% in 2009.  On a segment basis, VITAS’ gross margin was 23.4% in 2010 and 23.5% in 2009.  Roto-Rooter’s gross margin was 44.5% in 2010 and 46.0% in 2009.  VITAS gross margin was essentially flat compared to 2009.  Roto-Rooter’s gross margin decreased as a result of higher casualty and medical insurance expense as well as the continued mix shift to excavation which has higher revenue per job but slightly lower gross margin percentage per job.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) for 2010 comprise (in thousands):

   
2010
   
2009
 
SG&A expenses before long-term incentive
           
    compensation and the impact of market gains
           
    of deferred compensation plans
  $ 195,020     $ 187,828  
Long-term incentive compensation
    4,734       5,007  
Impact of market value gains on liabilities
               
    held in deferred compensation trusts
    2,210       4,591  
     Total SG&A expenses
  $ 201,964     $ 197,426  

    Normal salary increases and revenue related expenses between periods account for the 3.8% increase in SG&A expenses before long-term incentive compensation and the impact of market gains of deferred compensation plans.
 
    Depreciation expense increased $2.9 million (13.6%) in 2010 mainly due to the installation of patient capture software at our VITAS segment in the second quarter of 2010.
 
    There were no other operating expenses for 2010.  Other operating expenses for 2009 of $4.0 million are related to the expenses of a contested proxy solicitation.
 
    Interest expense increased $360,000 (3.1%) from 2009 to 2010 mainly due to an increase in bond discount amortization related to accounting for our convertible notes.

Other income-net for 2010 and 2009 comprise (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Market value gains on assets held in deferred
           
   compensation trusts
  $ 2,210     $ 4,591  
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
    (425 )     (369 )
Interest income
    444       423  
Gain on settlement of company-owned life
               
   insurance
    -       1,211  
Other
    39       18  
        Total other income
  $ 2,268     $ 5,874  

Our effective tax rate was 38.9% in 2010 compared to 38.6% in 2009.

In December 2009, we recorded a $400,000 pretax charge for retrospective casualty insurance claims related to our discontinued operations.  There was no such charge in 2010.
 
 
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Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

Income from continuing operations for both periods include the following aftertax adjustments that increased/ (reduced) aftertax earnings (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
VITAS
           
Costs associated with the OIG investigation
  $ (627 )   $ (363 )
Acquisition expense
    (42 )     -  
Roto-Rooter
               
Costs related to litigation settlements
    (1,126 )     (534 )
Acquisition expense
    (156 )     -  
Corporate
               
Long-term incentive compensation
    (2,957 )     (3,134 )
Noncash impact of change in accounting for convertible debt
    (4,313 )     (3,988 )
Stock option expense
    (4,909 )     (5,464 )
Expenses associated with contested proxy solicitation
    -       (2,525 )
Impact of non-deductible losses and non-taxable gains on
               
investments held in deferred compensation trusts
    -       756  
Total
  $ (14,130 )   $ (15,252 )

2010 Versus 2009 – Segment Results
The change in net income for 2010 versus 2009 is due to (in thousands, except percentages):

   
Increase/(Decrease)
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
VITAS
  $ 8,100       11 %
Roto-Rooter
    (1,362 )     (4 )
Corporate
    1,056       3  
Discontinued operations
    253       100  
    $ 8,047       11  

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Revenue Recognition
For both the Roto-Rooter and VITAS segments, service revenues and sales are recognized when the earnings process has been completed.  Generally, this occurs when services are provided or products are delivered. Sales of Roto-Rooter products, including drain cleaning machines and drain cleaning solution, comprise less than 3% of our total service revenues and sales for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011.

VITAS recognizes revenue at the estimated net realizable amount due from third-party payers, which are primarily Medicare and Medicaid.  Payers may deny payment for services in whole or in part on the basis that such services are not eligible for coverage and do not qualify for reimbursement.  We estimate denials each period and make adequate provision in the financial statements.  The estimate of denials is based on historical trends and known circumstances and generally does not vary materially from period to period on an aggregate basis.  Medicare billings are subject to certain limitations, as described below.

VITAS is subject to certain limitations on Medicare payments for services.  Specifically, if the number of inpatient care days any hospice program provides to Medicare beneficiaries exceeds 20% of the total days of Medicare hospice care such program provides to all patients for an annual period beginning September 28, the days in excess of the 20% figure may be reimbursed only at the routine homecare rate.  We have never had a program reach the inpatient cap.  None of our hospice programs are expected to be within 30% of the inpatient cap for the 2010 measurement period while the majority of our programs have expected cushion in excess of 75% of the inpatient cap.  Due to the significant cushion at each program, we do not anticipate it to be reasonably likely that any program will be subject to the inpatient cap in the foreseeable future.

VITAS is also subject to a Medicare annual per-beneficiary cap.  Compliance with the Medicare cap is measured by comparing the total Medicare payments received under a Medicare provider number with respect to services provided to all Medicare hospice care beneficiaries in the program or programs covered by that Medicare provider number between November 1 of each year and October 31 of the following year with the product of the per-beneficiary cap amount and the number of Medicare beneficiaries electing hospice care for the first time from that hospice program or programs during the relevant period.
 
 
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Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

We actively monitor each of our hospice programs, by provider number, as to their specific admissions, discharge rate and median length of stay data in an attempt to determine whether they are likely to exceed the Medicare cap.  Should we determine that a provider number is 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 that amount as a reduction in service revenue.

Our estimate of the Medicare cap liability is particularly sensitive to allocations made by our fiscal intermediary relative to patient transfers between hospices.  We are allocated a percentage of the Medicare cap based on the total days a patient spent in hospice care.  The allocation for patient transfers cannot be determined until a patient dies.  As the number of days a patient spends in hospice is based on a future event, this allocation process may take several years.  Therefore, we use only first time Medicare admissions in our estimate of the Medicare cap billing limitation.  This method assumes that credit received for patients who transfer into our program will be offset by credit lost from patients who transfer out of our program.  If the actual relationship of transfers in and transfers out for a given measurement period proves to be different for any program at or near a billing limitation, our estimate of the liability would increase or decrease on a dollar-for-dollar basis.  While our method has historically been materially accurate, each program can vary during a given measurement period.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, we reversed Medicare cap liability for amounts recorded in the fourth quarter of 2010 for two programs’ projected 2011 measurement period liability. This reversal was partially offset by the Medicare cap liability for three programs’ projected 2012 measurement period liability.   For the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded pretax charges in continuing operations for the estimated Medicare cap liability for two programs’ projected liability through year end for the 2011 measurement period.  The majority of the liability relates to one program which is VITAS’ largest hospice.  This amount was subsequently reversed during the 2011 fiscal year due to increased admission trends.  Shown below is the Medicare cap liability activity for the years end December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

   
2011
   
2010
 
Beginning Balance January 1,
  $ 1,371     $ 1,981  
Expense - 2012 measurement period
    2,578       -  
Reversal - 2011 measurement period
    (786 )     -  
Expense - 2011 measurement period
    -       1,110  
Reversal - 2010 measurement period
    -       (1,720 )
         Other     (198 )     -  
Ending Balance December 31,
  $ 2,965     $ 1,371  

Insurance Accruals
For the Roto-Rooter segment and Chemed’s Corporate Office, we self-insure for all casualty insurance claims (workers’ compensation, auto liability and general liability).  As a result, we closely monitor and frequently evaluate our historical claims experience to estimate the appropriate level of accrual for self-insured claims.  Our third-party administrator (“TPA”) processes and reviews claims on a monthly basis.  Currently, our exposure on any single claim is capped at $500,000.  In developing our estimates, we accumulate historical claims data for the previous 10 years to calculate loss development factors (“LDF”) by insurance coverage type.  LDFs are applied to known claims to estimate the ultimate potential liability for known and unknown claims for each open policy year.  LDFs are updated annually.  Because this methodology relies heavily on historical claims data, the key risk is whether the historical claims are an accurate predictor of future claims exposure.  The risk also exists that certain claims have been incurred and not reported on a timely basis.  To mitigate these risks, in conjunction with our TPA, we closely monitor claims to ensure timely accumulation of data and compare claims trends with the industry experience of our TPA.

For the VITAS segment, we self-insure for workers’ compensation claims.  Currently, VITAS’ exposure on any single claim is capped at $750,000.  For VITAS’ self-insurance accruals for workers’ compensation, the valuation methods used are similar to those used internally for our other business units.

Our casualty insurance liabilities are recorded gross before any estimated recovery for amounts exceeding our stop loss limits.  Estimated recoveries from insurance carriers are recorded as accounts receivable.  Claims experience adjustments to our casualty and workers’ compensation accrual for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were net, pretax debits/(credits) of $(17,000), $165,000 and ($1.9 million), respectively.
 
 
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Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

As an indication of the sensitivity of the accrued liability to reported claims, our analysis indicates that a 1% across-the-board increase or decrease in the amount of projected losses for all of our continuing operations would increase or decrease the accrued insurance liability at December 31, 2011, by $2.1 million or 5.7%.  While the amount recorded represents our best estimate of the casualty and workers’ compensation insurance liability, we have calculated, based on historical claims experience, the actual loss could reasonably be expected to increase or decrease by approximately $2.9 million as of December 31, 2011.

Income Taxes
Deferred taxes are provided on an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss carry-forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences.  Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amount of assets and liabilities and their tax basis.  Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in our opinion, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in laws and rates on the date of enactment.

We are subject to income taxes in the Federal and most state jurisdictions.  We are periodically audited by various taxing authorities.  Significant judgment is required to determine our provision for income taxes.  We adopted FASB’s authoritative guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, which prescribes a comprehensive model for how to recognize, measure, present and disclose in financial statements uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return.  Upon adoption of this guidance, the financial statements reflect expected future tax consequences of such uncertain positions assuming the taxing authorities’ full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets arise from purchase business combinations and are amortized using either an accelerated method or the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  The selection of an amortization method is based on which method best reflects the economic pattern of usage of the asset.

The date of our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment analysis is October 1.  The VITAS trade name is considered to have an indefinite life.  We also capitalize the direct costs of obtaining licenses to operate either hospice programs or plumbing operations subject to a minimum capitalization threshold.  These costs are amortized over the life of the license using the straight line method.  Certificates of Need (CON), which are required in certain states for hospice operations, are generally granted without expiration and thus, we believe them to be indefinite-lived assets subject to impairment testing.

For valuing the VITAS tradename, we perform a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected theoretical royalty cash stream from the VITAS tradename.  For valuing capitalized CON costs, we perform a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected income from the operating unit projecting income on a “with and without” basis.  This method compares the expected income stream from the operating unit with a theoretical income stream assuming that the applicable state did not have a CON requirement.  The difference in the discounted income streams is attributed as being the fair value of the CON.   Based on these calculations, neither the VITAS tradename nor the capitalized CON costs are impaired.

The valuations performed relative to the VITAS tradename and capitalized CON costs are particularly sensitive to our projections of future revenue and net income.  Additionally, the rate at which we would lose market share in a given program if a state repealed its CON requirements is a key assumption in our capitalized CON cost valuation model.

We consider that RRC, RRSC and VITAS are appropriate reporting units for testing goodwill impairment.  We consider RRC and RRSC as separate reporting units but one operating segment.  This is appropriate as they each have their own set of general ledger accounts that can be analyzed at “one level below an operating segment” per the definition of a reporting unit in FASB guidance.

In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08 – Goodwill Impairment Testing which provides additional guidance related to the impairment testing of goodwill.  ASU No. 2011-08 allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test.  An entity will no longer be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount.  The revised guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, but early adoption is permitted.  Our most recent quantitative analysis, performed as of October 1, 2010, indicated that the enterprise value our reporting units substantially exceeded their carrying value.  We adopted the new guidelines for our impairment test conducted as of October 1, 2011.  Based on our review of qualitative factors, such as financial performance of the reporting units and the macro-economic environment, we determined
 
 
49

 

Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

it was more likely than not that the fair value of each of our reporting units exceeded their respective recorded values.  Accordingly, we concluded that the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test is not necessary.
 
Stock-based Compensation Plans
Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award and recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period on a straight-line basis. We estimate the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model, consistent with the guidance provided by the FASB and the SEC.  We determine expected term, volatility, dividend yield and forfeiture rate based on our historical experience.  We believe that historical experience is the best indicator of these factors.

Contingencies
We are subject to various lawsuits and claims in the normal course of our business.  In addition, we periodically receive communications from governmental and regulatory agencies concerning compliance with Medicare and Medicaid billing requirements at our VITAS subsidiary.  We establish reserves for specific, uninsured liabilities in connection with regulatory and legal action that we deem to be probable and estimable.  We record legal fees associated with legal and regulatory actions as the costs are incurred.  We disclose material loss contingencies that probable but not reasonably estimable and those that are at least reasonably possible.
 
RECENT ACCOUNTING STATEMENTS
In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2011-04 - Fair Value Measures. ASU No. 2011-04 provides amendments to improve the comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements prepared in U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. There was no material impact to the Company's financial statements as a result of ASU No. 2011-04.
 
In July 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-07 - Health Care Entities which provides additional guidance to health care entities related to the recognition of patient service revenue and related disclosures. The additional guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, but early adoption is permitted. There was no material impact on the Company upon adoption of ASU No. 2011-07.
 
 
50

 

Consolidating Summary of Adjusted EBITDA
                   
                         
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
                       
(in thousands)
                   
Chemed
 
 2011
VITAS
 
Roto-Rooter
Corporate
 
Consolidated
 
                         
 Net income/(loss)
  $ 80,358     $ 34,879     $ (29,258 )   $ 85,979  
 Add/(deduct):
                               
 Interest expense
    229       358       13,301       13,888  
 Income taxes
    48,835       21,353       (15,611 )     54,577  
 Depreciation
    16,583       8,130       534       25,247  
 Amortization
    1,897       599       1,756       4,252  
 EBITDA
    147,902       65,319       (29,278 )     183,943  
 Add/(deduct):
                               
 Long-term incentive compensation
    -       -       3,012       3,012  
 Litigation settlement costs
    -       2,299       -       2,299  
 Legal expenses of OIG investigation
    1,188       -       -       1,188  
 Acquisition Expense
    147       (26 )     -       121  
 Stock option expense
    -       -       8,376       8,376  
 Advertising cost adjustment
    -       (1,240 )     -       (1,240 )
 Interest income
    (295 )     (40 )     (91 )     (426 )
 Intercompany interest/(expense)
    (3,998 )     (2,136 )     6,134       -  
 Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 144,944     $ 64,176     $ (11,847 )   $ 197,273  
                                 
                           
Chemed
 
 2010
VITAS
 
Roto-Rooter
Corporate
 
Consolidated
 
                                 
 Net income/(loss)
  $ 79,796     $ 31,678     $ (29,643 )   $ 81,831  
 Add/(deduct):
                               
 Interest expense
    131       233       11,595       11,959  
 Income taxes
    48,601       19,547       (16,148 )     52,000  
 Depreciation
    16,161       7,775       450       24,386  
 Amortization.
    2,739       514       1,404       4,657  
 EBITDA
    147,428       59,747       (32,342 )     174,833  
 Add/(deduct):
                               
 Long-term incentive compensation
    -       -       4,734       4,734  
 Litigation settlement costs
    -       1,853       -       1,853  
 Legal expenses of OIG investigation
    1,012       -       -       1,012  
 Acquisition Expense
    68       256       -       324  
 Stock option expense
    -       -       7,762       7,762  
 Advertising cost adjustment
    -       (679 )     -       (679 )
 Interest income
    (220 )     (49 )     (175 )     (444 )
 Intercompany interest/(expense)
    (4,632 )     (2,612 )     7,244       -  
 Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 143,656     $ 58,516     $ (12,777 )   $ 189,395  
                                 
                           
Chemed
 
 2009
VITAS
 
Roto-Rooter
Corporate
 
Consolidated
 
                                 
 Net income/(loss)
  $ 71,696     $ 33,040     $ (30,952 )   $ 73,784  
 Add/(deduct):
                               
 Discontinued operations
    -       -       253       253  
 Interest expense
    374       186       11,039       11,599  
 Income taxes
    43,637       20,372       (17,426 )     46,583  
 Depreciation
    13,269       8,068       198       21,535  
 Amortization
    4,704       441       1,222       6,367  
 EBITDA
    133,680       62,107       (35,666 )     160,121  
 Add/(deduct):
                               
 Long-term incentive compensation
    -       -       5,007       5,007  
 Non-taxable income from certain investments held in
                               
 deferred compensation trusts
    -       -       (1,211 )     (1,211 )
 Litigation settlement costs
    -       882       -       882  
 Expenses associated with contested proxy solicitation
    -       -       3,989       3,989  
 Legal expenses of OIG investigation
    586       -       -       586  
 Stock option expense
    -       -       8,639       8,639  
 Advertising cost adjustment
    -       (540 )     -       (540 )
 Interest income
    (267 )     (73 )     (83 )     (423 )
 Intercompany interest/(expense)
    (4,314 )     (2,514 )     6,828       -  
 Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 129,685     $ 59,862     $ (12,497 )   $ 177,050  
 
 
51

 

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
OPERATING STATISTICS FOR VITAS SEGMENT
(unaudited)
                                 
   
Three Months Ended December 31,
     
Year Ended December 31,
   
OPERATING STATISTICS
 
2011
 
 
 
2010
     
2011
 
 
 
2010
   
Net revenue ($000)
                               
Homecare
  $ 188,782       $ 176,517       $ 718,658       $ 666,562    
Inpatient
    27,882         27,344         110,742         105,588    
Continuous care
    40,516         39,463         158,466         153,050    
Total before Medicare cap allowance
  $ 257,180       $ 243,324       $ 987,866       $ 925,200    
Medicare cap allowance
    (2,620 )       (1,056 )       (1,594 )       610    
Total
  $ 254,560       $ 242,268       $ 986,272       $ 925,810    
Net revenue as a percent of total
                                       
before Medicare cap allowance
                                       
Homecare
    73.4  
%
    72.6   %     72.7  
%
    72.0   %
Inpatient
    10.8         11.2         11.2         11.4    
Continuous care
    15.8         16.2         16.1         16.6    
Total before Medicare cap allowance
    100.0         100.0         100.0         100.0    
Medicare cap allowance
    (1.0 )       (0.4 )       (0.2 )       0.1    
Total
    99.0  
%
    99.6   %     99.8  
%
    100.1   %
Average daily census (days)
                                       
Homecare
    9,582         8,851         9,285         8,476    
Nursing home
    3,092         3,193         3,069         3,207    
Routine homecare
    12,674         12,044         12,354         11,683    
Inpatient
    443         436         449         434    
Continuous care
    607         600         603         596    
Total
    13,724         13,080         13,406         12,713    
                                         
Total Admissions
    15,191         14,776         60,162         58,526    
Total Discharges
    15,289         15,038         60,393         57,817    
Average length of stay (days)
    79.0         80.8         78.8         78.1    
Median length of stay (days)
    14.0         15.0         14.0         14.0    
ADC by major diagnosis
                                       
Neurological
    34.0  
%
    33.9   %     34.4  
%
    33.6   %
Cancer
    17.8         18.3         17.7         18.4    
Cardio
    11.3         11.7         11.5         11.9    
Respiratory
    6.4         6.6         6.7         6.6    
Other
    30.5         29.5         29.7         29.5    
Total
    100.0  
%
    100.0   %     100.0  
%
    100.0   %
Admissions by major diagnosis
                                       
Neurological
    19.4  
%
    19.5   %     19.4  
%
    18.8   %
Cancer
    34.4         34.4         33.5         34.5    
Cardio
    10.8         11.0         10.8         11.3    
Respiratory
    7.6         7.4         8.3         8.0    
Other
    27.8         27.7         28.0         27.4    
Total
    100.0  
%
    100.0   %     100.0  
%
    100.0   %
Direct patient care margins
                                       
Routine homecare
    53.2  
%
    54.0   %     52.3  
%
    52.4   %
Inpatient
    13.1         14.4         12.9         13.6    
Continuous care
    19.9         22.6         20.3         21.4    
Homecare margin drivers (dollars per patient day)
                                       
Labor costs
  $ 52.92       $ 51.97       $ 53.63       $ 52.57    
Drug costs
    8.31         7.89         8.19         7.81    
Home medical equipment
    6.78         6.55         6.69         7.12    
Medical supplies
    2.79         2.67         2.80         2.56    
Inpatient margin drivers (dollars per patient day)
                                       
Labor costs
  $ 320.43       $ 305.19       $ 312.78       $ 299.54    
Continuous care margin drivers (dollars per patient day)
                                       
Labor costs
  $ 559.11       $ 533.32       $ 552.38       $ 531.69    
Bad debt expense as a percent of revenues
    0.6  
%
    0.7   %     0.7  
%
    0.9   %
Accounts receivable --
                                       
Days of revenue outstanding- excluding unapplied Medicare payments
    36.7         38.2      
N.A.
     
N.A.
   
Days of revenue outstanding- including unapplied Medicare payments
    22.3         36.5      
N.A.
     
N.A.
   
 
52

 
 
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

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. Such forward-looking statements and trends include, but are not limited to, the impact of laws and regulations on our operations, our estimate of future effective income tax rates and the recoverability of deferred tax assets. 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 our projections and other financial matters.
 
53