10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x    Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2024

o    Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission File Number: 1-8351

CHEMED CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	31-0791746
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)
255 E. Fifth Street, Suite 2600, Cincinnati, Ohio	45202
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip code)
(513) 762-6690 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes   x No   o  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes   x No   o  

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

Large Accelerated Filer x Accelerated Filer o Non-accelerated Filer o Smaller Reporting Company o

Emerging growth company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended the extended transition period for complying with a new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13 (a) of the Exchange Act o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes    o  No   x  

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class	Trading Symbol	Name of Each Exchange on which Registered	Amount	Date
Capital Stock $1 Par Value	CHE	New York Stock Exchange	15,139,240 Shares	March 31, 2024

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CHEMED CORPORATION AND

SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Index

	Page No.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Item 1. Financial Statements
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets -
March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023	3
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income -
Three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023	4
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
Three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023	5
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity-
Three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023	6
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	20
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	30
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	30
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings	30
Item 1A. Risk Factors	30
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	31
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities	31
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures	31
Item 5. Other Information	31
Item 6. Exhibits	32
EX – 31.1
EX – 31.2
EX – 32.1
EX – 32.2
EX – 101
EX – 104
SIGNATURES	33

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	313,350	$	263,958
Accounts receivable less allowances		177,334		181,511
Inventories		10,712		12,004
Prepaid income taxes		9,790		13,166
Prepaid expenses		28,431		30,204
Total current assets		539,617		500,843
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust		117,649		106,126
Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $365,074 (2023- $354,872)		202,784		203,840
Lease right of use asset		131,751		126,387
Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization of $51,485 (2023 - $48,965)		88,137		90,264
Goodwill		591,519		585,017
Other assets		56,176		55,618
Total Assets	$	1,727,633	$	1,668,095
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	56,203	$	64,034
Income taxes		27,353		6,858
Accrued insurance		62,055		58,568
Accrued compensation		49,802		88,381
Accrued legal		7,183		6,386
Short-term lease liability		39,279		38,635
Other current liabilities		40,099		49,188
Total current liabilities		281,974		312,050
Deferred income taxes		24,899		30,321
Deferred compensation liabilities		117,550		104,069
Long-term lease liability		106,861		100,776
Other liabilities		12,854		13,003
Total Liabilities		544,138		560,219
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Capital stock - authorized 80,000,000 shares $1 par; issued 37,297,015 shares (2023 - 37,183,681 shares)		37,297		37,184
Paid-in capital		1,398,733		1,341,273
Retained earnings		2,505,892		2,446,925
Treasury stock - 22,212,667 shares (2023 - 22,148,927 shares)		(2,760,543)		(2,719,588)
Deferred compensation payable in Company stock		2,116		2,082
Total Stockholders' Equity		1,183,495		1,107,876
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	1,727,633	$	1,668,095
See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Service revenues and sales	$	589,233	$	560,157
Cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation)		385,127		370,705
Selling, general and administrative expenses		115,873		100,095
Depreciation		13,287		12,286
Amortization		2,521		2,513
Other operating expense		92		1,739
Total costs and expenses		516,900		487,338
Income from operations		72,333		72,819
Interest expense		(425)		(1,551)
Other income/(expense) - net		12,577		(103)
Income before income taxes		84,485		71,165
Income taxes		(19,468)		(17,044)
Net income	$	65,017	$	54,121
Earnings Per Share:
Net income	$	4.30	$	3.62
Average number of shares outstanding		15,121		14,966
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Net income	$	4.24	$	3.58
Average number of shares outstanding		15,339		15,110
Cash Dividends Per Share	$	0.40	$	0.38
See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$	65,017	$	54,121
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		15,808		14,799
Noncash long-term incentive compensation		9,106		2,024
Stock option expense		9,025		8,482
Benefit for deferred income taxes		(5,422)		(3,195)
Amortization of debt issuance costs		80		95
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable		5,345		(14,318)
Decrease/(increase) in inventories		1,302		(391)
Decrease in prepaid expenses		1,909		1,236
Decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities		(43,012)		(24,109)
Change in current income taxes		23,871		19,118
Net change in lease assets and liabilities		25		(632)
Increase in other assets		(12,243)		(2,173)
Increase in other liabilities		13,332		5,313
Other sources		406		122
Net cash provided by operating activities		84,549		60,492
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures		(12,163)		(17,020)
Business combinations, net of cash acquired		(7,300)		-
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets		86		146
Other uses		(8)		(139)
Net cash used by investing activities		(19,385)		(17,013)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Purchases of treasury stock		(38,460)		-
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		37,242		25,680
Dividends paid		(6,050)		(5,685)
Capital stock surrendered to pay taxes on stock-based compensation		(5,725)		(3,166)
Change in cash overdrafts payable		(2,115)		-
Payments on other long-term debt		-		(76,250)
Other uses		(664)		(130)
Net cash used by financing activities		(15,772)		(59,551)
Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents		49,392		(16,072)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		263,958		74,126
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	313,350	$	58,054
See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands, except per share data)
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:										Deferred
										Compensation
								Treasury		Payable in
		Capital		Paid-in		Retained		Stock-		Company
		Stock		Capital		Earnings		at Cost		Stock		Total
Balance at December 31, 2023	$	37,184	$	1,341,273	$	2,446,925	$	(2,719,588)	$	2,082	$	1,107,876
Net income		-		-		65,017		-		-		65,017
Dividends paid ($0.40 per share)		-		-		(6,050)		-		-		(6,050)
Stock awards and exercise of stock options		113		58,112		-		(8,577)		-		49,648
Purchases of treasury stock		-		-		-		(32,344)		-		(32,344)
Other		-		(652)		-		(34)		34		(652)
Balance at March 31, 2024	$	37,297	$	1,398,733	$	2,505,892	$	(2,760,543)	$	2,116	$	1,183,495
										Deferred
										Compensation
								Treasury		Payable in
		Capital		Paid-in		Retained		Stock-		Company
		Stock		Capital		Earnings		at Cost		Stock		Total
Balance at December 31, 2022	$	36,796	$	1,149,899	$	2,197,918	$	(2,588,145)	$	2,247	$	798,715
Net income		-		-		54,121		-		-		54,121
Dividends paid ($0.38 per share)		-		-		(5,685)		-		-		(5,685)
Stock awards and exercise of stock options		88		36,338		-		(3,406)		-		33,020
Other		-		(118)		-		(37)		37		(118)
Balance at March 31, 2023	$	36,884	$	1,186,119	$	2,246,354	$	(2,591,588)	$	2,284	$	880,053
See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

1.    Basis of Presentation

As used herein, the terms “We,” “Company” and “Chemed” refer to Chemed Corporation or Chemed Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

We have prepared the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Chemed in accordance with Rule 10-01 of SEC Regulation S-X. Consequently, we have omitted certain disclosures required under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. The December 31, 2023 balance sheet data were derived from audited financial statements but do not include all disclosures required by GAAP. However, in our opinion, the financial statements presented herein contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to state fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2024 or any other future period, and we make no representations related thereto. These financial statements are prepared on the same basis as and should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

CLOUD COMPUTING

As of March 31, 2024, Roto-Rooter has no significant capitalized implementation costs related to cloud computing.

VITAS utilizes a human resources system that is considered a cloud computing arrangement. We have capitalized approximately $5.6 million related to implementation of this project which is included in prepaid assets in the accompanying balance sheets. The VITAS human resource system was placed into service in January 2020 and is being amortized over 5.7 years. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, $249,000 has been amortized, respectively.

INCOME TAXES

Our effective income tax rate was 23.0% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 23.9% during the first quarter of 2023. Excess tax benefit on stock options exercised reduced our income tax expenses by $3.3 million and $1.7 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS

Included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are $723,000 and $690,000 of capitalized property and equipment which were not paid for as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Accrued property and equipment purchases have been excluded from capital expenditures in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow. There are no material non-cash amounts included in interest expense for any period presented.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

We account for acquired businesses using the acquisition method of accounting. All assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. The determination of fair value involves estimates and the use of valuation techniques when market value is not readily available. We use various techniques to determine fair value in accordance with accepted valuation models, primarily the income approach. The significant assumptions used in developing fair values include, but are not limited to, revenue growth rates, the amount and timing of future cash flows, discount rates, useful lives, royalty rates and future tax rates. The excess of purchase price over the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired is recorded as goodwill. See Note 17 for discussion of recent acquisitions.

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 after-tax expenses and adjustments are based on estimates of the effective income tax rates for the applicable segments.

2.    Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The standard and subsequent amendments are intended to develop a common revenue standard for removing inconsistencies and

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weaknesses, improve comparability, provide for more useful information to users through improved disclosure requirements and simplify the preparation of financial statements. The standard is also referred to as Accounting Standards Codification No. 606 (“ASC 606”).

VITAS

Service revenue for VITAS is reported at the amount that reflects the ultimate consideration we expect to receive in exchange for providing patient care. These amounts are due from third-party payors, primarily commercial health insurers and government programs (Medicare and Medicaid), and include variable consideration for revenue adjustments due to settlements of audits and reviews, as well as certain hospice-specific revenue capitations. Amounts are generally billed monthly or subsequent to patient discharge. Subsequent changes in the transaction price initially recognized are not significant.

Hospice services are provided on a daily basis and the type of service provided is determined based on a physician’s determination of each patient’s specific needs on that given day. Reimbursement rates for hospice services are on a per diem basis regardless of the type of service provided or the payor. Reimbursement rates from government programs are established by the appropriate governmental agency and are standard across all hospice providers. Reimbursement rates from health insurers are negotiated with each payor and generally structured to closely mirror the Medicare reimbursement model. The types of hospice services provided and associated reimbursement model for each are as follows:

Routine Home Care occurs when a patient receives hospice care in their home, including a nursing home setting.  The routine home care rate is paid for each day that a patient is in a hospice program and is not receiving one of the other categories of hospice care.  For Medicare patients, the routine home care rate reflects a two-tiered rate, with a higher rate for the first 60 days of a hospice patient’s care and a lower rate for days 61 and after.  In addition, there is a Service Intensity Add-on payment which covers direct home care visits conducted by a registered nurse or social worker in the last seven days of a hospice patient’s life, reimbursed up to 4 hours per day in 15 minute increments at the continuous home care rate.

General Inpatient Care occurs when a patient requires services in a controlled setting for a short period of time for pain control or symptom management which cannot be managed in other settings.  General inpatient care services must be provided in a Medicare or Medicaid certified hospital or long-term care facility or at a freestanding inpatient hospice facility with the required registered nurse staffing.

Continuous Home Care is provided to patients while at home, including a nursing home setting, during periods of crisis when intensive monitoring and care, primarily nursing care, is required in order to achieve palliation or management of acute medical symptoms.  Continuous home care requires a minimum of 8 hours of care within a 24-hour day, which begins at midnight.  The care must be predominantly nursing care provided by either a registered nurse or licensed nurse practitioner.  While the published Medicare continuous home care rates are daily rates, Medicare pays for continuous home care in 15 minute increments.  This 15 minute rate is calculated by dividing the daily rate by 96.

Respite Care permits a hospice patient to receive services on an inpatient basis for a short period of time in order to provide relief for the patient’s family or other caregivers from the demands of caring for the patient.  A hospice can receive payment for respite care for a given patient for up to five consecutive days at a time, after which respite care is reimbursed at the routine home care rate.

Each level of care represents a separate promise under the contract of care and is provided independently for each patient contingent upon the patient’s specific medical needs as determined by a physician. However, the clinical criteria used to determine a patient’s level of care is consistent across all patients, given that, each patient is subject to the same payor rules and regulations. As a result, we have concluded that each level of care is capable of being distinct and is distinct in the context of the contract. Furthermore, we have determined that each level of care represents a stand ready service provided as a series of either days or hours of patient care. We believe that the performance obligations for each level of care meet criteria to be satisfied over time. VITAS recognizes revenue based on the service output. VITAS believes this to be the most faithful depiction of the transfer of control of services as the patient simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by our performance. Revenue is recognized on a daily or hourly basis for each patient in accordance with the reimbursement model for each type of service. VITAS’ performance obligations relate to contracts with an expected duration of less than one year. Therefore, VITAS has elected to apply the optional exception provided in ASC 606 and is not required to disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied at the end of the reporting period. The unsatisfied or partially satisfied performance obligations referred to above relate to bereavement services provided to patients’ families for at least 12 months after discharge.

Care is provided to patients regardless of their ability to pay. Patients who meet our criteria for charity care are provided care without charge. There is no revenue or associated accounts receivable in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements related to charity care. The cost of providing charity care for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $2.2 million and $2.0 million,

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respectively. The cost of charity care is included in cost of services provided and goods sold and is calculated by taking the ratio of charity care days to total days of care and multiplying by the total cost of care.

Generally, patients who are covered by third-party payors are responsible for related deductibles and coinsurance which vary in amount. VITAS also provides service to patients without a reimbursement source and may offer those patients discounts from standard charges. VITAS estimates the transaction price for patients with deductibles and coinsurance, along with those uninsured patients, based on historical experience and current conditions. The estimate of any contractual adjustments, discounts or implicit price concessions reduces the amount of revenue initially recognized. Subsequent changes to the estimate of the transaction price are recorded as adjustments to patient service revenue in the period of change. Subsequent changes that are determined to be the result of an adverse change in the patients’ ability to pay (i.e. change in credit risk) are recorded as bad debt expense. VITAS has no material adjustments related to subsequent changes in the estimate of the transaction price or subsequent changes as the result of an adverse change in the patient’s ability to pay for any period reported.

Laws and regulations concerning government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, are complex and subject to varying interpretation and change over time. Medicare and Medicaid programs have broad authority to audit and review compliance with such laws and regulations and impose payment suspensions or modifications when merited. Additionally, the contracts we have with commercial health insurance payors provide for retroactive audit and review of claims. Settlement with third party payors for retroactive adjustments due to audits, reviews or investigations are considered variable consideration and are included in the determination of the estimated transaction price for providing patient care. The variable consideration is estimated based on the terms of the payment agreement, existing correspondence from the payor and our historical settlement activity. These estimates are adjusted in future periods, as new information becomes available.

We are subject to certain limitations on Medicare payments for services which are considered variable consideration, as follows:

Inpatient Cap. 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 during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

Medicare Cap. We are also subject to a Medicare annual per-beneficiary cap (“Medicare cap”). Compliance with the Medicare cap is measured in one of two ways based on a provider election. The “streamlined” method compares 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 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. At March 31, 2024, all our programs except one are using the “streamlined” method.

The “proportional” method compares 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 the Medicare provider number between September 28 and September 27 of the following year with the product of the per beneficiary cap amount and a pro-rated number of Medicare beneficiaries receiving hospice services from that program during the same period. The pro-rated number of Medicare beneficiaries is calculated based on the ratio of days the beneficiary received hospice services during the measurement period to the total number of days the beneficiary received hospice services.

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 revenue recognized during the government fiscal year that will require repayment to the Federal government under the Medicare cap and record an adjustment to revenue of an amount equal to a ratable portion of our best estimate for the year.

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For VITAS’ patients in the nursing home setting in which Medicaid pays the nursing home room and board, VITAS serves as a pass-through between Medicaid and the nursing home. We are responsible for paying the nursing home for that patient’s room and board. Medicaid reimburses us for 95% of the amount we have paid. This results in a 5% net expense for VITAS related to nursing home room and board. This transaction creates a performance obligation in that VITAS is facilitating room and board being delivered to our patient. As a result, the 5% net expense is recognized as a contra-revenue account under ASC 606 in the accompanying financial statements.

The composition of patient care service revenue by payor and level of care for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 is as follows (in thousands):

	Medicare		Medicaid		Commercial		Total
Routine home care	$	286,555	$	11,971	$	6,334	$	304,860
Inpatient care		26,189		2,387		1,727		30,303
Continuous care		22,554		773		842		24,169
	$	335,298	$	15,131	$	8,903	$	359,332
All other revenue - self-pay, respite care, etc.								4,084
Subtotal							$	363,416
Medicare cap adjustment								(2,375)
Implicit price concessions								(4,090)
Room and board, net								(2,944)
Net revenue							$	354,007

The composition of patient care service revenue by payor and level of care for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 is as follows (in thousands):

	Medicare		Medicaid		Commercial		Total
Routine home care	$	250,916	$	10,568	$	5,566	$	267,050
Inpatient care		25,519		2,432		1,142		29,093
Continuous care		18,508		650		783		19,941
	$	294,943	$	13,650	$	7,491	$	316,084
All other revenue - self-pay, respite care, etc.								3,021
Subtotal							$	319,105
Medicare cap adjustment								(2,750)
Implicit price concessions								(3,108)
Room and board, net								(2,769)
Net revenue							$	310,478

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Roto-Rooter

Roto-Rooter provides plumbing, drain cleaning, excavation, water restoration and other related services to both residential and commercial customers primarily in the United States. Services are provided through a network of company-owned branches, independent contractors and franchisees. Service revenue for Roto-Rooter is reported at the amount that reflects the ultimate consideration we expect to receive in exchange for providing services.

Roto-Rooter owns and operates branches focusing mainly on large population centers in the United States. Roto-Rooter’s primary lines of business in company-owned branches consist of plumbing, sewer and drain cleaning, excavation and water restoration. For purposes of ASC 606 analysis, plumbing, sewer and drain cleaning, and excavation have been combined into one portfolio and are referred to as “short-term core services”. Water restoration is analyzed as a separate portfolio. The following describes the key characteristics of these portfolios:

Short-term Core Services are plumbing, drain and sewer cleaning and excavation services. These services are provided to both commercial and residential customers. The duration of services provided in this category range from a few hours to a few days. There are no significant warranty costs or on-going obligations to the customer once a service has been completed. For residential customers, payment is received at the time of job completion before the Roto-Rooter technician leaves the residence. Commercial customers may be granted credit subject to internally designated authority limits and credit check guidelines. If credit is granted, payment terms are generally 30 days or less.

Each job in this category is a distinct service with a distinct performance obligation to the customer. Revenue is recognized at the completion of each job. Variable consideration consists of pre-invoice discounts and post-invoice discounts. Pre-invoice discounts are given in the form of coupons or price concessions. Post-invoice discounts consist of credit memos generally granted to resolve customer service issues. Variable consideration is estimated based on historical activity and recorded at the time service is completed.

Water Restoration Services involve the remediation of water and humidity after a flood. These services are provided to both commercial and residential customers. The duration of services provided in this category generally ranges from 3 to 5 days. There are no significant warranties or on-going obligations to the customer once service has been completed. The majority of these services are paid by the customer’s insurance company. Variable consideration relates primarily to allowances taken by insurance companies upon payment. Variable consideration is estimated based on historical activity and recorded at the time service is completed.

For both short-term core services and water restoration services, Roto-Rooter satisfies its performance obligation at a point in time. The services provided generally involve fixing plumbing, drainage or flood-related issues at the customer’s property. At the time service is complete, the customer acknowledges its obligation to pay for service and its satisfaction with the service performed. This provides evidence that the customer has accepted the service and Roto-Rooter is now entitled to payment. As such, Roto-Rooter recognizes revenue for these services upon completion of the job and receipt of customer acknowledgement. Roto-Rooter’s performance obligations for short-term core services and water restoration services relate to contracts with an expected duration of less than a year. Therefore, Roto-Rooter has elected to apply the optional exception provided in ASC 606 and is not required to disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied at the end of the reporting period. Roto-Rooter does not have significant unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied performance obligations at the time of initial revenue recognition for short-term core or water restoration services.

Roto-Rooter owns the rights to certain territories and contracts with independent third-parties to operate the territory under Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks (“independent contractors”). Such contracts are for a specified term but cancellable by either party without penalty with 90 days’ advance notice. Under the terms of these arrangements, Roto-Rooter provides certain back office support and advertising along with a limited license to use Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks. The independent contractor is responsible for all day-to-day management of the business including staffing decisions and pricing of services provided. All performance obligations of Roto-Rooter cease at the termination of the arrangement.

Independent contractors pay Roto-Rooter a standard fee calculated as a percentage of their cash collection from weekly sales. The primary value for the independent contractors under these arrangements is the right to use Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks. Roto-Rooter recognizes revenue from independent contractors over-time (weekly) as the independent contractor’s labor sales are completed and payment from customers are received. Payment from independent contractors is also received on a weekly basis. The use of Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks and advertising provides immediate value to the independent contractor as a result of Roto-Rooter’s nationally recognized brand. Therefore, over-time recognition provides the most faithful depiction of the transfer of services as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided. There is no significant variable consideration related to these arrangements.

Roto-Rooter has licensed the rights to operate under Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks in other territories to franchisees. Each such contract is for a 10 year term but cancellable by Roto-Rooter for cause with 60 day advance notice without penalty. The franchisee may cancel the contract for any reason with 60 days advance notice without penalty. Under the terms of the contract, Roto-Rooter provides national advertising and consultation on various aspects of operating a Roto-Rooter business along with the right to use

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Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks. The franchisee is responsible for all day-to-day management of the business including staffing decisions, pricing of services provided and local advertising spend and placement. All performance obligations of Roto-Rooter cease at the termination of the arrangement.

Franchisees pay Roto-Rooter a standard monthly fee based on the population within the franchise territory. The standard fee is revised on a yearly basis based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. The primary value for the franchisees under this arrangement is the right to use Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks. Roto-Rooter recognizes revenue from franchisees over-time (monthly). Payment from franchisees is also received on a monthly basis. The use of Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks and advertising provides immediate value to the franchisees as a result of Roto-Rooter’s nationally recognized brand. Therefore, over-time recognition provides the most faithful depiction of the transfer of services as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided. There is no significant variable consideration related to these arrangements.

The composition of disaggregated revenue for the first quarter is as follows (in thousands):

	March 31,
	2024		2023
Drain cleaning	$	61,621	$	66,489
Plumbing		48,098		50,453
Excavation		58,618		59,576
Other		244		193
Subtotal - short term core		168,581		176,711
Water restoration		46,678		50,762
Independent contractors		19,616		23,300
Franchisee fees		1,491		1,351
Other		6,015		4,745
Gross revenue		242,381		256,869
Implicit price concessions and credit memos		(7,155)		(7,190)
Net revenue	$	235,226	$	249,679

3.    Segments

Service revenues and sales by business segment are shown in Note 2. After-tax income/(loss) by business segment are as follows (in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
VITAS	$	43,970	$	24,764
Roto-Rooter		40,853		47,653
Total		84,823		72,417
Corporate		(19,806)		(18,296)
Net income	$	65,017	$	54,121

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

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4.    Earnings per Share

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

			Net Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31,		Income		Shares	Earnings per Share
2024
	Earnings	$	65,017	15,121	$	4.30
	Dilutive stock options		-	162
	Nonvested stock awards		-	56
	Diluted earnings	$	65,017	15,339	$	4.24
2023
	Earnings	$	54,121	14,966	$	3.62
	Dilutive stock options		-	94
	Nonvested stock awards		-	50
	Diluted earnings	$	54,121	15,110	$	3.58

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, there were 312,000 stock options excluded from the computation of dilutive earnings per share because they would have been anti-dilutive.

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, there were 326,000 stock options excluded from the computation of dilutive earnings per share because they would have been anti-dilutive.

5.    Long-Term Debt and Lines of Credit

On June 28, 2022, we replaced our existing credit facility with a fifth amended and restated Credit Agreement (“2022 Credit Facilities”). Terms of the 2022 Credit Facilities consist of a five-year $450.0 million revolver as well as a five-year $100.0 million term loan. Principal payments of $1.25 million on the term loan are due on the last day of each fiscal quarter, with a final payment due at the end of the agreement. The 2022 Credit Facilities have a floating interest rate that is generally the secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) plus an additional tiered rate which varies based on our current leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2024, the interest rate is SOFR plus 100 basis points. The 2022 Credit Facilities include an expansion feature that provides the Company the opportunity to increase its revolver and or term loan by an additional $250.0 million.

We made prepayments totaling $75.0 million plus a regularly scheduled payment of $1.25 million in the first quarter of 2023, on the $100.0 million term loan. We paid the remaining balance of $21.3 million in April 2023. There were no prepayment penalties associated with this repayment. There are no significant deferred debt issuance costs capitalized related to the term loan. This prepayment reduced the total borrowing capacity of the 2022 Credit Facilities from $550.0 million to $450.0 million.

The 2022 Credit Facilities contain the following quarterly financial covenants effective as of March 31, 2024:

Description	Requirement
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA)	< 3.50 to 1.00
Interest Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Adj. EBITDA/Consolidated Interest Expense)	> 3.00 to 1.00

We are in compliance with all debt covenants as of March 31, 2024. We have issued $45.2 million in standby letters of credit as of March 31, 2024, mainly for insurance purposes. Issued letters of credit reduce our available credit under the 2022 Credit Facilities. As of March 31, 2024, we have approximately $404.8 million of unused lines of credit available and eligible to be drawn down under the revolving credit facility.

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6.    Other Income/(Expense) – Net

Other income/(expense) – net comprises the following (in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Market value adjustment on assets held in
deferred compensation trust	$	8,334	$	(321)
Interest income		4,243		150
Other-net		-		68
Total other income/(expense) - net	$	12,577	$	(103)

7.    Leases

Chemed and each of its operating subsidiaries are service companies. As such, real estate leases comprise the largest lease obligation (and conversely, right of use asset) in our lease portfolio. VITAS has leased office space, as well as space for inpatient units (“IPUs”) and/or contract beds within hospitals. Roto-Rooter mainly has leased office space. Our leases have remaining terms of under 1 year to 13 years, some of which include options to extend the lease for up to 5 years, and some of which include options to terminate the lease within 1 year.

Roto-Rooter purchases equipment and leases it to certain of its independent contractors. We analyzed these leases in accordance with ASC 842 and determined they are operating leases. As a result, Roto-Rooter capitalizes the equipment underlying these leases, depreciates the equipment and recognizes rental income.

We do not currently have any finance leases, therefore all lease information disclosed is related to operating leases.

The components of balance sheet information related to leases were as follows:

	March 31,		‎December 31,
	2024		2023
Assets
Operating lease assets	$	131,751	$	126,387
Liabilities
Current operating leases		39,279		38,635
Noncurrent operating leases		106,861		100,776
Total operating lease liabilities	$	146,140	$	139,411

The components of lease expense for the first quarter are as follows (in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Lease Expense (a)
Operating lease expense	$	15,582	$	14,906
Sublease income		(23)		(23)
Net lease expense	$	15,559	$	14,883

(a)Includes short-term leases and variable lease costs, which are immaterial. Included in both cost of services provided and goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses.

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The components of cash flow information related to leases were as follows:

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from leases	$	12,453	$	12,668
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$	16,559	$	6,845

Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term at March 31, 2024
Operating leases	4.92	years

Weighted Average Discount Rate at March 31, 2024
Operating leases	3.35	%

Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities (in thousands)
2024	$	34,596
2025		39,126
2026		30,524
2027		18,547
2028		13,678
Thereafter		23,613
Total lease payments	$	160,084
Less: interest		(13,944)
Total liability recognized on the balance sheet	$	146,140

For leases commencing prior to April 2019, minimum rental payments exclude payments to landlords for real estate taxes and common area maintenance. Operating lease payments include $1.7 million related to extended lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised and exclude $493,000 of lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced.

8.    Stock-Based Compensation Plans

On February 16, 2024, the Compensation/Incentive Committee of the Board of Directors (“CIC”) granted 7,133 Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) that vest contingent upon the achievement of certain total shareholder return (“TSR”) targets as compared to the TSR of a group of peer companies for the three-year period ending December 31, 2026, the date at which such awards vest. The cumulative compensation cost of the TSR-based PSU award to be recorded over the three-year service period is $4.8 million.

On February 16, 2024, the CIC also granted 7,133 PSUs that vest contingent upon the achievement of certain earnings per share (“EPS”) targets for the three-year period ending December 31, 2026. At the end of each reporting period, the Company estimates the number of shares that it believes will ultimately be earned and records the corresponding expense over the service period of the award. We currently estimate the cumulative compensation cost of the EPS-based PSUs to be recorded over the three-year service period is $4.2 million.  

At the end of 2023, the then Chief Financial Officer (CFO) transitioned to an employee advisor role.  In early 2024, in connection with this change of roles, the CFO’s employment agreement terminated, and the CFO was given a one-time grant of 6,424 PSUs to be paid based on the Company’s TSR performance for the fiscal years 2024 to 2026.  This one-time grant is structured the same as the Company’s standard TSR-based PSU grants with the exception that there are no future service requirements to be satisfied by the employee.  Based on the structure of the one-time award, the entire value of the award, $5.3 million, was recognized as compensation expense in SG&A in the consolidated statements of income for the period ended March 31, 2024.

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9.    Retirement Plans

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

Three months ended March 31,
2024		2023
$	13,421	$	5,873

10.    Legal and Regulatory Matters

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

Regulatory Matters and Litigation

VITAS is one of a group of hospice providers selected by the Office of the Inspector General’s (“OIG”) Office of Audit Services (“OAS”) for inclusion in an audit of the provision of elevated level-of-care hospice services. On July 14, 2022, VITAS received the final audit report from OAS. Per this report, the OAS audit examined VITAS inpatient and continuous care claims for the period April 2017 to March 2019. The audit covered a total population of 50,850 claims representing total Medicare reimbursement of $210.0 million during this two-year time period. From this population, OAS selected 100 claims, representing $688,000 of reimbursement, for detailed review. The final OAS audit report includes a series of recommendations, including that VITAS repay approximately $140.0 million of the $210.0 million VITAS received from Medicare for hospice services during this two-year period, despite the fact that at the time of the release of the results of the audit, many of the disputed claims were time-barred from being challenged. VITAS believes that the OAS audit process and related final report contains significant flaws including its methodology, medical reviews, technical reviews, proposed extrapolation methodology, and contravenes the “reasonable physician standard” set forth in the appliable Aseracare precedent.

On August 29, 2022, six weeks subsequent to the OAS finalizing its audit, VITAS received a demand letter from its Medicare Administrative Contractor (“MAC”) seeking repayment of $50.3 million. This demand letter is $90.0 million lower than the final OAS audit recommendation, as a significant portion of the 100 claims reviewed are closed pursuant to applicable law and ineligible to be reopened. VITAS timely filed its initial appeal of the overpayment decision and deposited $50.3 million under the “Immediate Recoupment” process to preserve its appeal rights. To date, VITAS has been refunded $3.34 million of the amount deposited and continues to appeal the remaining claims through the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals process. The amount deposited has been recorded as an “other long-term asset” in the consolidated balance sheets, as detailed in Note 13.

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

11.    Concentration of Risk

As of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, approximately 64% and 75%, respectively, of VITAS’ total accounts receivable balance were from Medicare and 29% and 19%, respectively, of VITAS’ total accounts receivable balance were due from various state Medicaid or managed Medicaid programs. Combined accounts receivable from Medicare, Medicaid, and managed Medicaid represent approximately 83% of the consolidated net accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2024.

VITAS has a pharmacy services contract with one service provider for specified pharmacy services related to its hospice operations. Similarly, VITAS obtains the majority of its medical supplies from a single vendor. A large majority of VITAS’ pharmaceutical and medical supplies purchases are from these vendors. The pharmaceutical and medical supplies purchased by VITAS are available through many providers in the United States. However, a disruption from VITAS’ main service providers could adversely impact VITAS’ operations, including temporary logistical challenges and increased cost associated with getting medication and medical supplies to our patients.

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12.    Cash Overdrafts and Cash Equivalents

There is $13.6 million in cash overdrafts payable included in accounts payable at March 31, 2024. There was $15.7 million of cash overdrafts included in accounts payable at December 31, 2023.

From time to time throughout the year, we invest excess cash in money market funds with major commercial banks. We closely monitor the creditworthiness of the institutions with which we invest our overnight funds. In 2023, Chemed began investing excess cash in a money market fund holding US Treasuries. Deposits and withdrawals are made daily, based on the Company’s excess cash balance. There are no penalties associated with withdrawals. The accounts bear interest at a normal market rate.

13.    Other Assets

Other assets comprise the following (in thousands):

	March 31,		December 31,
	2024		2023
Deposit with OAS	$	46,968	$	46,968
Cash surrender value life insurance		3,741		3,651
Noncurrent advances and deposits		2,205		2,139
Deferred debt costs		1,191		1,197
Other		2,071		1,663
Total other assets	$	56,176	$	55,618

14.    Other Current Liabilities

	March 31,		December 31,
	2024		2023
Medicare Cap	$	8,855	$	13,245
Healthcare worker retention bonus		6,097		8,901
Accrued advertising		3,700		4,641
All other		21,447		22,401
Total other current liabilities	$	40,099	$	49,188

There are no individual amounts exceeding 5% of the total current liabilities in the “all other” line item for either period presented.

15.    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.

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The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of March 31, 2024 (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)
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	$	117,649	$	117,649	$	-	$	-
Cash equivalents		303,875		303,875		-		-

The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of December 31, 2023 (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)
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	$	106,126	$	106,126	$	-	$	-
Cash equivalents		257,343		257,343		-		-

For cash, 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. As further described in Note 5, our outstanding long-term debt has a floating interest rate that is reset at short-term intervals, generally 30 or 60 days. The interest rate we pay also includes an additional amount based on our current leverage ratio. As such, we believe our borrowings reflect significant nonperformance risks, mainly credit risk. Based on these factors, we believe the fair value of our long-term debt approximates its carrying value.

16.    Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions

We repurchased the following capital stock:

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Total cost of repurchased shares (in thousands)	$	32,344	$	-
Shares repurchased		50,000		-
Weighted average price per share	$	646.87	$	-

In November 2023, the Board of Directors authorized $300.0 million for additional stock repurchase under the February 2011 repurchase program. In May and November 2021, the Board of Directors authorized a total of $600.0 million for additional stock repurchase under Chemed’s existing share repurchase program. We currently have $281.7 million of authorization remaining under this share repurchase plan.

17.    Acquisitions

On March 11, 2024, Roto-Rooter completed the acquisition of one franchise in New Jersey for $5.8 million in cash. On March 27, 2024, Roto-Rooter completed the acquisition of one franchise in Texas for $1.5 million in cash.

Goodwill is assessed for impairment on a yearly basis as of October 1. All goodwill recognized is deductible for tax purposes.

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Shown below is movement in Goodwill (in thousands):

	VITAS		Roto-Rooter		Total
Balance at December 31, 2023	$	334,063	$	250,954	$	585,017
Business combinations		-		6,550		6,550
Foreign currency adjustments		-		(48)		(48)
Balance at March 31, 2024	$	334,063	$	257,456	$	591,519

18. Recent Accounting Standards

In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU 2023-07 – Reportable Segments”. The guidance provides enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The purpose of the amendment is to provide investors with a better understanding of an entity’s overall performance and assess potential future cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 31, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2024. The Company is currently analyzing the impact of the ASU on the current footnote disclosures.

In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU 2023-09 – Income Tax Disclosure”. The guidance provides increased transparency related to tax risk and tax planning through (1) disclosure in specific categories in the rate reconciliation and (2) provide additional information for reconciling items when a quantitative threshold is met. The guidance is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 31, 2024. The Company is currently analyzing the impact of the ASU on the current footnote disclosures.

19. Subsequent Event

VITAS completed the previously announced purchase of all hospice operations and an assisted living facility from Covenant Health and Community Services, Inc d/b/a/ Covenant Care (“Covenant”) for an aggregated purchase price of $85.0 million. The transaction is structured as an asset purchase. The transaction, which was announced on March 13, 2024, closed effective April 17, 2024.

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

Executive Summary

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

The vast majority of the Company’s operations are located in the United States. As both operations are service companies, our employees are the most critical resource of the Company. We have very little exposure related to customers, vendors, or employees in other regions of the world.

The following is a summary of the key operating results (in thousands except per share amounts):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024			2023
Service revenues and sales	$	589,233		$	560,157
Net income	$	65,017		$	54,121
Diluted EPS	$	4.24		$	3.58
Adjusted net income	$	79,831		$	64,723
Adjusted diluted EPS	$	5.20		$	4.28
Adjusted EBITDA	$	114,622		$	100,117
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of revenue		19.5	%		17.9	%

Adjusted net income, adjusted diluted EPS, earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percent of revenue are not measures derived in accordance with US GAAP. We provide non-GAAP measures to help readers evaluate our operating results and to compare our operating performance with that of similar companies that have different capital structures. Our non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable measures presented in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of our non-GAAP measures is presented on pages 27-28.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the increase in consolidated service revenues and sales was driven by a 14.0% increase at VITAS offset by a 5.8% decrease at Roto-Rooter. The increase in service revenues at VITAS is comprised primarily of a 11.5% increase in days-of-care and a geographically weighted average Medicare reimbursement rate increase of approximately 2.6%. Acuity mix shift negatively impacted revenue growth 60-basis points in the quarter when compared to the prior year revenue and level-of-care mix. The combination of Medicare cap and other contra revenue changes increased revenue growth by 50-basis points. The decrease in service revenues at Roto-Rooter was driven by a decrease in all service lines.

The pandemic resulted in a significant shortage of licensed healthcare workers industry wide. VITAS has not been immune to this shortage. As a result, on July 1, 2022, VITAS implemented a hiring and retention bonus program for its licensed healthcare workers. It was a temporary program that helped VITAS attract and retain licensed healthcare workers during the pandemic- induced healthcare worker shortage. An eligible employee must continue in employment for a period of one-year from July 1, 2022 to receive a bonus. Additionally, employees hired between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023 were eligible if they continue employment for a one-year period from their hire date. A total of $39.7 million has been accrued since the start of the program. Payments totaling $33.6 million have been made from July 2023 to March 2024. The remaining accrued amount will be paid over the next two quarters. For the quarter ended March 31, 2023, the pre-tax cost of the retention program was $10.9 million. There was no material impact on the financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. See page 29 for additional VITAS operating metrics.

Starting September 30, 2023, Chemed no longer excluded the cost of the Retention Program when presenting non-GAAP operating metrics in current or prior periods.

On June 28, 2022, we replaced our existing credit facility with a fifth amended and restated Credit Agreement (“2022 Credit Facilities”). Terms of the 2022 Credit Facilities consist of a five-year $450.0 million revolver as well as a five-year $100.0 million term loan. Principal payments of $1.25 million on the term loan are due on the last day of each fiscal quarter, with a final payment due at the end of the agreement. The 2022 Credit Facilities have a floating interest rate that is generally SOFR plus an additional tiered rate which varies based on our current leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2024, the interest rate is SOFR plus 100 basis points. The 2022 Credit

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Facilities include an expansion feature that provides the Company the opportunity to increase its revolver and/or term loan by an additional $250.0 million.

We made prepayments totaling $75.0 million in the first quarter of 2023, on the $100.0 million term loan. We paid the remaining balance of $21.3 million on April 28, 2023. There were no prepayment penalties associated with this repayment. This prepayment reduced the total borrowing capacity of the 2022 Credit Facilities from $550.0 million to $450.0 million.

We have issued $45.2 million in standby letters of credit as of March 31, 2024, mainly for insurance purposes. Issued letters of credit reduce our available credit under the 2022 Credit Facilities. As of March 31, 2024, we have approximately $404.8 million of unused lines of credit available and are eligible to be drawn down under our revolving credit facility. Management believes its liquidity and sources of capital are satisfactory for the Company’s needs in the foreseeable future.

We anticipate that our operating income and cash flows will be sufficient to operate our business and meet any commitments for the foreseeable future.

Financial Condition

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Material changes in the balance sheet accounts from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024 include the following:

A $11.5 million increase in investments of deferred compensation plans due mainly to market valuation gains. This resulted in a similar increase in the liability associated with deferred compensation plans.

A $5.4 million increase in lease right of use asset due to lease renewals. This resulted in a similar increase in the long-term lease liability.

A $6.5 million increase in goodwill due to acquisitions at Roto-Rooter.

A $20.5 million increase in income taxes due to timing of payments.

A $38.6 million decline in accrued compensation due primarily to the payment of 2023 bonuses in the first quarter of 2024.

A $9.1 million decrease in other current liabilities due to payments of the retention bonus program implemented at VITAS and a decrease in the Medicare Cap liability at VITAS.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $24.1 million from March 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024. The main drivers are an increase in earnings of $10.9 million and an increase of $7.1 million in noncash long-term incentive compensation. Significant changes in our accounts receivable balances are typically driven by the timing of payments received from the Federal government at our VITAS subsidiary. We typically receive a payment in excess of $51.0 million from the Federal government for hospice services every other Friday. The timing of a period end will have a significant impact on the accounts receivable at VITAS. These changes generally normalize over a two-year period, as cash flow variations in one year are offset in the following year.

Management continually evaluates cash utilization alternatives, including share repurchase, debt repurchase, acquisitions and increased dividends to determine the most beneficial use of available capital resources.

Commitments and Contingencies

Collectively, the terms of the 2022 Credit Facilities require us to meet various financial covenants, to be tested quarterly. We are in compliance with all financial and other debt covenants as of March 31, 2024 and anticipate remaining in compliance throughout the foreseeable future.

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.

See Note 10 in the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 above for a description of current material legal matters.

‎

-21-

Results of Operations

Three months ended March 31, 2024 versus 2023 - Consolidated Results

Our service revenues and sales for the first quarter of 2024 increased 5.2% versus services and sales revenues for the first quarter of 2023. Of this increase, a $43.5 million increase was attributable to VITAS, offset by a $14.5 million decrease at Roto-Rooter. The following chart shows the components of revenue by operating segment (in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,				Increase/(Decrease)
	2024		2023		Percent
VITAS
Routine homecare	$	304,860	$	267,050	14.2
General inpatient		30,303		29,093	4.2
Continuous care		24,169		19,941	21.2
Other		4,084		3,021	35.2
Subtotal		363,416		319,105	13.9
Medicare cap adjustment		(2,375)		(2,750)	13.6
Room and board - net		(2,944)		(2,769)	(6.3)
Implicit price concessions		(4,090)		(3,108)	(31.6)
Net revenue	$	354,007	$	310,478	14.0
Roto-Rooter
Drain cleaning	$	61,621	$	66,489	(7.3)
Plumbing		48,098		50,453	(4.7)
Excavation		58,618		59,576	(1.6)
Other		244		193	26.4
Subtotal - short term core		168,581		176,711	(4.6)
Water restoration		46,678		50,762	(8.0)
Independent contractors		19,616		23,300	(15.8)
Outside franchisee fees		1,491		1,351	10.4
Other		6,015		4,745	26.8
Gross revenue		242,381		256,869	(5.6)
Implicit price concessions		(7,155)		(7,190)	0.5
Net revenue		235,226		249,679	(5.8)
Total Revenues	$	589,233	$	560,157	5.2

Days of care at VITAS during the quarters were as follows:

	Three months ended March 31,		Increase/(Decrease)
	2024	2023	Percent
Routine homecare	1,447,912	1,286,437	12.6
Nursing home	283,158	265,429	6.7
Respite	7,752	5,760	34.6
Subtotal routine homecare and respite	1,738,822	1,557,626	11.6
General inpatient	26,645	26,369	1.0
Continuous care	24,037	20,686	16.2
Total days of care	1,789,504	1,604,681	11.5

The increase in service revenues at VITAS is comprised primarily of an 11.5% increase in days-of-care and a geographically weighted average Medicare reimbursement rate increase of approximately 2.6%. Acuity mix shift negatively impacted revenue growth by 60-basis points in the quarter when compared to the prior year revenue and level-of-care mix. The combination of Medicare cap and other contra revenue changes increased revenue growth by 50-basis.

The decrease in plumbing revenues for the first quarter of 2024 versus 2023 is attributable to a 2.2% decrease in price and service mix shift and by a 2.5% decrease in job count. The decrease in drain cleaning revenues for the first quarter of 2024 versus 2023

-22-

is attributable to a 9.2% decrease in job count offset by a 1.9% increase in price and service mix. Excavation and water restoration jobs are generally sold as a result of initial calls from customers regarding drain cleaning issues.

The consolidated gross margin was 34.6% in the first quarter of 2024 as compared with 33.8% in the first quarter of 2023. On a segment basis, VITAS’ gross margin was 23.2% in the first quarter of 2024 as compared with 18.3%, in the first quarter of 2023. The increase in gross margin at VITAS is mostly the result of increased revenues and the expiration of the licensed healthcare worker retention bonus program in 2023. The Roto-Rooter segment’s gross margin was 51.9% for the first quarter of 2024 as compared with 53.1% in the first quarter of 2023. This decline was mainly the result of declining revenue.

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

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
SG&A expenses before long-term incentive compensation and the impact of market value adjustments related to deferred compensation trusts	$	98,418	$	97,902
Long-term incentive compensation		9,121		2,514
Impact of market value adjustments related to assets held in deferred compensation trusts		8,334		(321)
Total SG&A expenses	$	115,873	$	100,095

SG&A expenses before long-term incentive compensation and the impact of market value adjustments related to deferred compensation trusts for the first quarter of 2024 were up 0.5% when compared to first quarter of 2023.

Other income/(expense) – net comprise (in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Market value adjustment on assets held in deferred compensation trusts	$	8,334	$	(321)
Interest income		4,243		150
Other		-		68
Total other income/(expense) - net	$	12,577	$	(103)

We invest excess cash in money market funds with major commercial banks. We closely monitor the creditworthiness of the institutions with which we invest our overnight funds. In 2023, Chemed began investing excess cash in a money market fund holding US Treasuries. Deposits and withdrawals are made daily, based on the Company’s excess cash balance. There are no penalties associated with withdrawals. The accounts bear interest at a normal market rate.

Our effective tax rate reconciliation is as follows (in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024			2023
Income tax provision calculated at the statutory federal rate	$	17,742		$	14,945
Stock compensation tax benefits		(3,297)			(1,650)
State and local income taxes		2,961			2,940
Other--net		2,062			809
Income tax provision	$	19,468		$	17,044
Effective tax rate		23.0	%		23.9	%

‎

-23-

Net income for both periods included the following after-tax items/adjustments that (reduced) or increased after-tax earnings (in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Roto-Rooter
Amortization of reacquired franchise agreements	$	(1,804)	$	(1,729)
Litigation settlements		-		(1,290)
Corporate
Stock option expense		(7,555)		(7,010)
Severance arrangement		(5,337)		-
Long-term incentive compensation		(3,415)		(2,223)
Excess tax benefits on stock compensation		3,297		1,650
Total	$	(14,814)	$	(10,602)

Three months ended March 31, 2024 versus 2023 - Segment Results

Net income/(loss) for the first quarter of 2024 versus the first quarter of 2023 by segment (in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
VITAS	$	43,970	$	24,764
Roto-Rooter		40,853		47,653
Corporate		(19,806)		(18,296)
	$	65,017	$	54,121

After-tax earnings as a percent of revenue at VITAS in the first quarter of 2024 was 12.4% as compared to 8.0% in the first quarter of 2023. VITAS’ after-tax earnings increased primarily due to increased revenues and the expiration of the licensed healthcare worker retention bonus program in 2023.

Roto-Rooter’s net income was negatively impacted in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023 primarily due to declining revenue. After-tax earnings as a percent of revenue at Roto-Rooter in the first quarter of 2024 was 17.4%, as compared to 19.1% in the first quarter of 2023.

After-tax Corporate expenses for the first quarter of 2024 increased 8.3% when compared to the first quarter in 2023 due primarily to a $1.7 million increase in stock-based compensation.

‎

-24-

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2024
(in thousands)(unaudited)
							Chemed
	VITAS		Roto-Rooter		Corporate		Consolidated
2024 (a)
Service revenues and sales	$	354,007	$	235,226	$	-	$	589,233
Cost of services provided and goods sold		271,896		113,231		-		385,127
Selling, general and administrative expenses		23,792		61,260		30,821		115,873
Depreciation		5,166		8,108		13		13,287
Amortization		26		2,495		-		2,521
Other operating expense		7		85		-		92
Total costs and expenses		300,887		185,179		30,834		516,900
Income/(loss) from operations		53,120		50,047		(30,834)		72,333
Interest expense		(46)		(117)		(262)		(425)
Intercompany interest income/(expense)		5,194		3,442		(8,636)		-
Other income—net		29		22		12,526		12,577
Income/(expense) before income taxes		58,297		53,394		(27,206)		84,485
Income taxes		(14,327)		(12,541)		7,400		(19,468)
Net income/(loss)	$	43,970	$	40,853	$	(19,806)	$	65,017
(a) The following amounts are included in net income (in thousands):
							Chemed
	VITAS		Roto-Rooter		Corporate		Consolidated
Pretax benefit/(cost):
Stock option expense	$	-	$	-	$	(9,026)	$	(9,026)
Severance arrangement		-		-		(5,337)		(5,337)
Long-term incentive compensation		-		-		(3,784)		(3,784)
Amortization of reacquired franchise agreements		-		(2,352)		-		(2,352)
Total	$	-	$	(2,352)	$	(18,147)	$	(20,499)
							Chemed
	VITAS		Roto-Rooter		Corporate		Consolidated
After-tax benefit/(cost):
Stock option expense	$	-	$	-	$	(7,555)	$	(7,555)
Severance arrangement		-		-		(5,337)		(5,337)
Long-term incentive compensation		-		-		(3,415)		(3,415)
Amortization of reacquired franchise agreements		-		(1,804)		-		(1,804)
Excess tax benefits on stock compensation		-		-		3,297		3,297
Total	$	-	$	(1,804)	$	(13,010)	$	(14,814)

‎

-25-

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023
(in thousands)(unaudited)
							Chemed
	VITAS		Roto-Rooter		Corporate		Consolidated
2023 (a)
Service revenues and sales	$	310,478	$	249,679	$	-	$	560,157
Cost of services provided and goods sold		253,654		117,051		-		370,705
Selling, general and administrative expenses		23,336		60,813		15,946		100,095
Depreciation		4,958		7,312		16		12,286
Amortization		26		2,487		-		2,513
Other operating expense		12		1,727		-		1,739
Total costs and expenses		281,986		189,390		15,962		487,338
Income/(loss) from operations		28,492		60,289		(15,962)		72,819
Interest expense		(50)		(133)		(1,368)		(1,551)
Intercompany interest income/(expense)		4,648		2,743		(7,391)		-
Other (expense)/income—net		189		29		(321)		(103)
Income/(expense) before income taxes		33,279		62,928		(25,042)		71,165
Income taxes		(8,515)		(15,275)		6,746		(17,044)
Net income/(loss)	$	24,764	$	47,653	$	(18,296)	$	54,121
(a) The following amounts are included in net income (in thousands):
							Chemed
	VITAS		Roto-Rooter		Corporate		Consolidated
Pretax benefit/(cost):
Stock option expense	$	-	$	-	$	(8,482)	$	(8,482)
Long-term incentive compensation		-		-		(2,514)		(2,514)
Amortization of reacquired franchise agreements		-		(2,352)		-		(2,352)
Litigation settlements		-		(1,756)		-		(1,756)
Total	$	-	$	(4,108)	$	(10,996)	$	(15,104)
							Chemed
	VITAS		Roto-Rooter		Corporate		Consolidated
After-tax benefit/(cost):
Stock option expense	$	-	$	-	$	(7,010)	$	(7,010)
Long-term incentive compensation		-		-		(2,223)		(2,223)
Amortization of reacquired franchise agreements		-		(1,729)		-		(1,729)
Litigation settlements		-		(1,290)		-		(1,290)
Excess tax benefits on stock compensation		-		-		1,650		1,650
Total	$	-	$	(3,019)	$	(7,583)	$	(10,602)

‎

-26-

Unaudited Consolidating Summary and Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
(in thousands)								Chemed
For the three months ended March 31, 2024		VITAS		Roto-Rooter		Corporate		Consolidated
	Net income/(loss)	$	43,970	$	40,853	$	(19,806)	$	65,017
	Add/(deduct):
	Interest expense		46		117		262		425
	Income taxes		14,327		12,541		(7,400)		19,468
	Depreciation		5,166		8,108		13		13,287
	Amortization		26		2,495		-		2,521
	EBITDA		63,535		64,114		(26,931)		100,718
	Add/(deduct):
	Intercompany interest expense/(income)		(5,194)		(3,442)		8,636		-
	Interest income		(29)		(22)		(4,192)		(4,243)
	Stock option expense		-		-		9,026		9,026
	Severance arrangement		-		-		5,337		5,337
	Long-term incentive compensation		-		-		3,784		3,784
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	58,312	$	60,650	$	(4,340)	$	114,622
								Chemed
For the three months ended March 31, 2023		VITAS		Roto-Rooter		Corporate		Consolidated
	Net income/(loss)	$	24,764	$	47,653	$	(18,296)	$	54,121
	Add/(deduct):
	Interest expense		50		133		1,368		1,551
	Income taxes		8,515		15,275		(6,746)		17,044
	Depreciation		4,958		7,312		16		12,286
	Amortization		26		2,487		-		2,513
	EBITDA		38,313		72,860		(23,658)		87,515
	Add/(deduct):
	Intercompany interest expense/(income)		(4,648)		(2,743)		7,391		-
	Interest income		(121)		(29)		-		(150)
	Stock option expense		-		-		8,482		8,482
	Long-term incentive compensation		-		-		2,514		2,514
	Litigation settlements		-		1,756		-		1,756
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	33,544	$	71,844	$	(5,271)	$	100,117

‎

-27-

RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED NET INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)(unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Net income as reported	$	65,017	$	54,121
Add/(deduct) pre-tax cost of:
Stock option expense		9,026		8,482
Severance arrangement		5,337		-
Long-term incentive compensation		3,784		2,514
Amortization of reacquired franchise agreements		2,352		2,352
Litigation settlements		-		1,756
Add/(deduct) tax impacts:
Tax impact of the above pre-tax adjustments (1)		(2,388)		(2,852)
Excess tax benefits on stock compensation		(3,297)		(1,650)
Adjusted net income	$	79,831	$	64,723
Diluted Earnings Per Share As Reported
Net income	$	4.24	$	3.58
Average number of shares outstanding		15,339		15,110
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share
Adjusted net income	$	5.20	$	4.28
Adjusted average number of shares outstanding		15,339		15,110
(1) The tax impact of pre-tax adjustments was calculated using the effective tax rate of the operating unit for which each adjustment is associated.

‎

-28-

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
OPERATING STATISTICS FOR VITAS SEGMENT
(unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
OPERATING STATISTICS	2024			2023
Net revenue ($000)
Homecare	$	304,860		$	267,050
Inpatient		30,303			29,093
Continuous care		24,169			19,941
Other		4,084			3,021
Subtotal	$	363,416		$	319,105
Room and board, net		(2,944)			(2,769)
Contractual allowances		(4,090)			(3,108)
Medicare cap allowance		(2,375)			(2,750)
Total	$	354,007		$	310,478
Net revenue as a percent of total before Medicare cap allowances
Homecare		83.9	%		83.7	%
Inpatient		8.3			9.1
Continuous care		6.7			6.2
Other		1.1			1.0
Subtotal		100.0			100.0
Room and board, net		(0.8)			(0.8)
Contractual allowances		(1.1)			(1.0)
Medicare cap allowance		(0.7)			(0.9)
Total		97.4	%		97.3	%
Days of care
Homecare		1,447,912			1,286,437
Nursing home		283,158			265,429
Respite		7,752			5,760
Subtotal routine homecare and respite		1,738,822			1,557,626
Inpatient		26,645			26,369
Continuous care		24,037			20,686
Total		1,789,504			1,604,681
Number of days in relevant time period		91			90
Average daily census (days)
Homecare		15,911			14,294
Nursing home		3,112			2,949
Respite		85			64
Subtotal routine homecare and respite		19,108			17,307
Inpatient		293			293
Continuous care		264			230
Total		19,665			17,830
Total Admissions		16,911			16,179
Total Discharges		16,170			15,405
Average length of stay (days)		103.9			99.9
Median length of stay (days)		16.0			15.0
ADC by major diagnosis
Cerebro		43.6	%		41.8	%
Neurological		13.4			19.3
Cancer		10.1			10.5
Cardio		16.1			16.0
Respiratory		7.2			7.3
Other		9.6			5.1
Total		100.0	%		100.0	%
Admissions by major diagnosis
Cerebro		27.7	%		26.4	%
Neurological		7.5			10.7
Cancer		24.6			24.7
Cardio		15.6			16.2
Respiratory		10.8			10.9
Other		13.8			11.1
Total		100.0	%		100.0	%
Estimated uncollectible accounts as a percent of revenues		1.1	%		1.0	%
Accounts receivable --
Days of revenue outstanding- excluding unapplied Medicare payments		42.3			34.7
Days of revenue outstanding- including unapplied Medicare payments		34.3			29.2

‎

-29-

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

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

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The Company’s primary market risk exposure relates to interest rate risk exposure through its variable interest line of credit. At March 31, 2024, the Company had no variable rate debt outstanding. For each $10 million borrowed under the credit facility, an increase or decrease of 100 basis points (1%), increases or decreases the Company’s annual interest expense by $100,000.

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

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

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

PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

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

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

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

‎

-30-

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

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

The following table shows the activity related to our share repurchase program for the first three months of 2024:

	Total Number	Weighted Average		Cumulative Shares	Dollar Amount
	of Shares	Price Paid Per		Repurchased Under	Remaining Under
	Repurchased	Share		the Program	The Program
February 2011 Program
January 1 through January 31, 2024	-	$	-	10,591,123	$	314,054,431
February 1 through February 29, 2024	-		-	10,591,123		314,054,431
March 1 through March 31, 2024	50,000		646.87	10,641,123	$	281,710,685
First Quarter Total	50,000	$	646.87

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5.    Other Information

None.

‎

-31-

Item 6.    Exhibits

Exhibit No.	Description
31.1	Certification by Kevin J. McNamara pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act of 1934.
31.2	Certification by Michael D. Witzeman pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act of 1934.
32.1	Certification by Kevin J. McNamara pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification by Michael D. Witzeman pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101	The following materials from Chemed Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 formatted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, (ii) The Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income, (iii) The Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, (iv) The Condensed Statement of Equity, and (v) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
104	The cover page from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, formatted in iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.

‎

-32-

SIGNATURES

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

			Chemed Corporation
			(Registrant)
Dated:	April 29, 2024	By:	/s/ Kevin J. McNamara
			Kevin J. McNamara
			(President and Chief Executive Officer)
Dated:	April 29, 2024	By:	/s/ Michael D. Witzeman
			Michael D. Witzeman
			(Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Controller)

-33-

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

I, Kevin J. McNamara, certify that:

1.  I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Chemed Corporation (“registrant”);

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

                             a)  designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

                             b)  designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

                             c)  evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

                             d)  disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter  (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors or persons performing the equivalent function:

                             a)  all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

                             b)  any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:    April29, 2024	/s/ Kevin J. McNamara
	Kevin J. McNamara
	(President and Chief Executive Officer)

E-6

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

I, Michael D. Witzeman, certify that:

1.  I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Chemed Corporation (“registrant”);

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)  designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)  designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c)  evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)  disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors or persons performing the equivalent function:

a)  all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)  any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:    April29, 2024	/s/ Michael D. Witzeman
	Michael D. Witzeman
	(Vice President, Controller, and Chief Financial Officer)

E-2

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION BY KEVIN J. MCNAMARA

PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002.

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned, as President and Chief Executive Officer of Chemed Corporation (“Company”), does hereby certify that:

1)the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March  31,  2024 (“Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2)the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:    April 29,  2024	/s/ Kevin J. McNamara
	Kevin J. McNamara
	(President and Chief Executive Officer)

E-4

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION BY MICHAEL D. WITZEMAN

PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002.

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned, as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Chemed Corporation (“Company”), does hereby certify that:

1)the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March  31,  2024(“Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2)the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:    April29, 2024	/s/ Michael D. Witzeman
	Michael D. Witzeman
	(Vice President, Controller and Chief Financial Officer)

E-5

XML

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024 shares
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2024
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2024
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-8351
Entity Registrant Name	CHEMED CORPORATION
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	31-0791746
Entity Address, Address Line One	255 E. Fifth Street
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 2600
Entity Address, City or Town	Cincinnati
Entity Address, State or Province	OH
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	45202
City Area Code	513
Local Phone Number	762-6690
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Capital Stock $1 Par Value
Trading Symbol	CHE
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	15,139,240
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000019584

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 313,350	$ 263,958
Accounts receivable less allowances	177,334	181,511
Inventories	10,712	12,004
Prepaid income taxes	9,790	13,166
Prepaid expenses	28,431	30,204
Total current assets	539,617	500,843
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	117,649	106,126
Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $365,074 (2023- $354,872)	202,784	203,840
Lease right of use asset	131,751	126,387
Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization of $51,485 (2023 - $48,965)	88,137	90,264
Goodwill	591,519	585,017
Other assets	56,176	55,618
Total Assets	1,727,633	1,668,095
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	56,203	64,034
Income taxes	27,353	6,858
Accrued insurance	62,055	58,568
Accrued compensation	49,802	88,381
Accrued legal	7,183	6,386
Short-term lease liability	39,279	38,635
Other current liabilities	40,099	49,188
Total current liabilities	281,974	312,050
Deferred income taxes	24,899	30,321
Deferred compensation liabilities	117,550	104,069
Long-term lease liability	106,861	100,776
Other liabilities	12,854	13,003
Total Liabilities	544,138	560,219
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Capital stock - authorized 80,000,000 shares $1 par; issued 37,297,015 shares (2023 - 37,183,681 shares)	37,297	37,184
Paid-in capital	1,398,733	1,341,273
Retained earnings	2,505,892	2,446,925
Treasury stock - 22,212,667 shares (2023 - 22,148,927 shares)	(2,760,543)	(2,719,588)
Deferred compensation payable in Company stock	2,116	2,082
Total Stockholders' Equity	1,183,495	1,107,876
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 1,727,633	$ 1,668,095

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Properties and equipment, at cost, accumulated depreciation	$ 365,074	$ 354,872
Identifiable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 51,485	$ 48,965
Capital stock - authorized	80,000,000	80,000,000
Capital stock - par value	$ 1	$ 1
Capital stock - issued	37,297,015	37,183,681
Treasury stock	22,212,667	22,148,927

XML

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Mar. 31, 2023
Consolidated Statements Of Income [Abstract]
Service revenues and sales	$ 589,233	$ 560,157
Cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation)	385,127	370,705
Selling, general and administrative expenses	115,873	100,095
Depreciation	13,287	12,286
Amortization	2,521	2,513
Other operating expense	92	1,739
Total costs and expenses	516,900	487,338
Income from operations	72,333	72,819
Interest expense	(425)	(1,551)
Other income/(expense) - net	12,577	(103)
Income before income taxes	84,485	71,165
Income taxes	(19,468)	(17,044)
Net income	$ 65,017	$ 54,121
Earnings Per Share:
Net income	$ 4.30	$ 3.62
Average number of shares outstanding	15,121	14,966
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Net income	$ 4.24	$ 3.58
Average number of shares outstanding	15,339	15,110
Cash Dividends Per Share	$ 0.40	$ 0.38

XML

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Mar. 31, 2023
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 65,017	$ 54,121
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	15,808	14,799
Noncash long-term incentive compensation	9,106	2,024
Stock option expense	9,025	8,482
Benefit for deferred income taxes	(5,422)	(3,195)
Amortization of debt issuance costs	80	95
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable	5,345	(14,318)
Decrease/(increase) in inventories	1,302	(391)
Decrease in prepaid expenses	1,909	1,236
Decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities	(43,012)	(24,109)
Change in current income taxes	23,871	19,118
Net change in lease assets and liabilities	25	(632)
Increase in other assets	(12,243)	(2,173)
Increase in other liabilities	13,332	5,313
Other sources	406	122
Net cash provided by operating activities	84,549	60,492
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(12,163)	(17,020)
Business combinations, net of cash acquired	(7,300)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	86	146
Other uses	(8)	(139)
Net cash used by investing activities	(19,385)	(17,013)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Purchases of treasury stock	(38,460)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	37,242	25,680
Dividends paid	(6,050)	(5,685)
Capital stock surrendered to pay taxes on stock-based compensation	(5,725)	(3,166)
Change in cash overdrafts payable	(2,115)
Payments on other long-term debt		(76,250)
Other uses	(664)	(130)
Net cash used by financing activities	(15,772)	(59,551)
Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	49,392	(16,072)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	263,958	74,126
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 313,350	$ 58,054

XML

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Capital Stock [Member]	Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock-At Cost [Member]	Deferred Compensation Payable In Company Stock [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2022	$ 36,796	$ 1,149,899	$ 2,197,918	$ (2,588,145)	$ 2,247	$ 798,715
Net income			54,121			54,121
Dividends paid			(5,685)			(5,685)
Stock awards and exercise of stock options	88	36,338		(3,406)		33,020
Other		(118)		(37)	37	(118)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2023	36,884	1,186,119	2,246,354	(2,591,588)	2,284	880,053
Balance at Dec. 31, 2023	37,184	1,341,273	2,446,925	(2,719,588)	2,082	1,107,876
Net income			65,017			65,017
Dividends paid			(6,050)			(6,050)
Stock awards and exercise of stock options	113	58,112		(8,577)		49,648
Purchases of treasury stock				(32,344)		(32,344)
Other		(652)		(34)	34	(652)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2024	$ 37,297	$ 1,398,733	$ 2,505,892	$ (2,760,543)	$ 2,116	$ 1,183,495

XML

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Mar. 31, 2023
Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends paid per share	$ 0.40	$ 0.38

XML

Basis Of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]

Basis Of Presentation

1.    Basis of Presentation

As used herein, the terms “We,” “Company” and “Chemed” refer to Chemed Corporation or Chemed Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

We have prepared the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Chemed in accordance with Rule 10-01 of SEC Regulation S-X. Consequently, we have omitted certain disclosures required under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. The December 31, 2023 balance sheet data were derived from audited financial statements but do not include all disclosures required by GAAP. However, in our opinion, the financial statements presented herein contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to state fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2024 or any other future period, and we make no representations related thereto. These financial statements are prepared on the same basis as and should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

CLOUD COMPUTING

As of March 31, 2024, Roto-Rooter has no significant capitalized implementation costs related to cloud computing.

VITAS utilizes a human resources system that is considered a cloud computing arrangement. We have capitalized approximately $5.6 million related to implementation of this project which is included in prepaid assets in the accompanying balance sheets. The VITAS human resource system was placed into service in January 2020 and is being amortized over 5.7 years. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, $249,000 has been amortized, respectively.

INCOME TAXES

Our effective income tax rate was 23.0% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 23.9% during the first quarter of 2023. Excess tax benefit on stock options exercised reduced our income tax expenses by $3.3 million and $1.7 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS

Included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are $723,000 and $690,000 of capitalized property and equipment which were not paid for as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Accrued property and equipment purchases have been excluded from capital expenditures in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow. There are no material non-cash amounts included in interest expense for any period presented.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

We account for acquired businesses using the acquisition method of accounting. All assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. The determination of fair value involves estimates and the use of valuation techniques when market value is not readily available. We use various techniques to determine fair value in accordance with accepted valuation models, primarily the income approach. The significant assumptions used in developing fair values include, but are not limited to, revenue growth rates, the amount and timing of future cash flows, discount rates, useful lives, royalty rates and future tax rates. The excess of purchase price over the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired is recorded as goodwill. See Note 17 for discussion of recent acquisitions.

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 after-tax expenses and adjustments are based on estimates of the effective income tax rates for the applicable segments.

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Revenue Recognition

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

2.    Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The standard and subsequent amendments are intended to develop a common revenue standard for removing inconsistencies and

weaknesses, improve comparability, provide for more useful information to users through improved disclosure requirements and simplify the preparation of financial statements. The standard is also referred to as Accounting Standards Codification No. 606 (“ASC 606”).

VITAS

Service revenue for VITAS is reported at the amount that reflects the ultimate consideration we expect to receive in exchange for providing patient care. These amounts are due from third-party payors, primarily commercial health insurers and government programs (Medicare and Medicaid), and include variable consideration for revenue adjustments due to settlements of audits and reviews, as well as certain hospice-specific revenue capitations. Amounts are generally billed monthly or subsequent to patient discharge. Subsequent changes in the transaction price initially recognized are not significant.

Hospice services are provided on a daily basis and the type of service provided is determined based on a physician’s determination of each patient’s specific needs on that given day. Reimbursement rates for hospice services are on a per diem basis regardless of the type of service provided or the payor. Reimbursement rates from government programs are established by the appropriate governmental agency and are standard across all hospice providers. Reimbursement rates from health insurers are negotiated with each payor and generally structured to closely mirror the Medicare reimbursement model. The types of hospice services provided and associated reimbursement model for each are as follows:

Routine Home Care occurs when a patient receives hospice care in their home, including a nursing home setting.  The routine home care rate is paid for each day that a patient is in a hospice program and is not receiving one of the other categories of hospice care.  For Medicare patients, the routine home care rate reflects a two-tiered rate, with a higher rate for the first 60 days of a hospice patient’s care and a lower rate for days 61 and after.  In addition, there is a Service Intensity Add-on payment which covers direct home care visits conducted by a registered nurse or social worker in the last seven days of a hospice patient’s life, reimbursed up to 4 hours per day in 15 minute increments at the continuous home care rate.

General Inpatient Care occurs when a patient requires services in a controlled setting for a short period of time for pain control or symptom management which cannot be managed in other settings.  General inpatient care services must be provided in a Medicare or Medicaid certified hospital or long-term care facility or at a freestanding inpatient hospice facility with the required registered nurse staffing.

Continuous Home Care is provided to patients while at home, including a nursing home setting, during periods of crisis when intensive monitoring and care, primarily nursing care, is required in order to achieve palliation or management of acute medical symptoms.  Continuous home care requires a minimum of 8 hours of care within a 24-hour day, which begins at midnight.  The care must be predominantly nursing care provided by either a registered nurse or licensed nurse practitioner.  While the published Medicare continuous home care rates are daily rates, Medicare pays for continuous home care in 15 minute increments.  This 15 minute rate is calculated by dividing the daily rate by 96.

Respite Care permits a hospice patient to receive services on an inpatient basis for a short period of time in order to provide relief for the patient’s family or other caregivers from the demands of caring for the patient.  A hospice can receive payment for respite care for a given patient for up to five consecutive days at a time, after which respite care is reimbursed at the routine home care rate.

Each level of care represents a separate promise under the contract of care and is provided independently for each patient contingent upon the patient’s specific medical needs as determined by a physician. However, the clinical criteria used to determine a patient’s level of care is consistent across all patients, given that, each patient is subject to the same payor rules and regulations. As a result, we have concluded that each level of care is capable of being distinct and is distinct in the context of the contract. Furthermore, we have determined that each level of care represents a stand ready service provided as a series of either days or hours of patient care. We believe that the performance obligations for each level of care meet criteria to be satisfied over time. VITAS recognizes revenue based on the service output. VITAS believes this to be the most faithful depiction of the transfer of control of services as the patient simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by our performance. Revenue is recognized on a daily or hourly basis for each patient in accordance with the reimbursement model for each type of service. VITAS’ performance obligations relate to contracts with an expected duration of less than one year. Therefore, VITAS has elected to apply the optional exception provided in ASC 606 and is not required to disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied at the end of the reporting period. The unsatisfied or partially satisfied performance obligations referred to above relate to bereavement services provided to patients’ families for at least 12 months after discharge.

Care is provided to patients regardless of their ability to pay. Patients who meet our criteria for charity care are provided care without charge. There is no revenue or associated accounts receivable in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements related to charity care. The cost of providing charity care for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $2.2 million and $2.0 million,

respectively. The cost of charity care is included in cost of services provided and goods sold and is calculated by taking the ratio of charity care days to total days of care and multiplying by the total cost of care.

Generally, patients who are covered by third-party payors are responsible for related deductibles and coinsurance which vary in amount. VITAS also provides service to patients without a reimbursement source and may offer those patients discounts from standard charges. VITAS estimates the transaction price for patients with deductibles and coinsurance, along with those uninsured patients, based on historical experience and current conditions. The estimate of any contractual adjustments, discounts or implicit price concessions reduces the amount of revenue initially recognized. Subsequent changes to the estimate of the transaction price are recorded as adjustments to patient service revenue in the period of change. Subsequent changes that are determined to be the result of an adverse change in the patients’ ability to pay (i.e. change in credit risk) are recorded as bad debt expense. VITAS has no material adjustments related to subsequent changes in the estimate of the transaction price or subsequent changes as the result of an adverse change in the patient’s ability to pay for any period reported.

Laws and regulations concerning government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, are complex and subject to varying interpretation and change over time. Medicare and Medicaid programs have broad authority to audit and review compliance with such laws and regulations and impose payment suspensions or modifications when merited. Additionally, the contracts we have with commercial health insurance payors provide for retroactive audit and review of claims. Settlement with third party payors for retroactive adjustments due to audits, reviews or investigations are considered variable consideration and are included in the determination of the estimated transaction price for providing patient care. The variable consideration is estimated based on the terms of the payment agreement, existing correspondence from the payor and our historical settlement activity. These estimates are adjusted in future periods, as new information becomes available.

We are subject to certain limitations on Medicare payments for services which are considered variable consideration, as follows:

Inpatient Cap. 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 during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

Medicare Cap. We are also subject to a Medicare annual per-beneficiary cap (“Medicare cap”). Compliance with the Medicare cap is measured in one of two ways based on a provider election. The “streamlined” method compares 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 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. At March 31, 2024, all our programs except one are using the “streamlined” method.

The “proportional” method compares 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 the Medicare provider number between September 28 and September 27 of the following year with the product of the per beneficiary cap amount and a pro-rated number of Medicare beneficiaries receiving hospice services from that program during the same period. The pro-rated number of Medicare beneficiaries is calculated based on the ratio of days the beneficiary received hospice services during the measurement period to the total number of days the beneficiary received hospice services.

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 revenue recognized during the government fiscal year that will require repayment to the Federal government under the Medicare cap and record an adjustment to revenue of an amount equal to a ratable portion of our best estimate for the year.

‎

For VITAS’ patients in the nursing home setting in which Medicaid pays the nursing home room and board, VITAS serves as a pass-through between Medicaid and the nursing home. We are responsible for paying the nursing home for that patient’s room and board. Medicaid reimburses us for 95% of the amount we have paid. This results in a 5% net expense for VITAS related to nursing home room and board. This transaction creates a performance obligation in that VITAS is facilitating room and board being delivered to our patient. As a result, the 5% net expense is recognized as a contra-revenue account under ASC 606 in the accompanying financial statements.

The composition of patient care service revenue by payor and level of care for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 is as follows (in thousands):

	Medicare		Medicaid		Commercial		Total
Routine home care	$	286,555	$	11,971	$	6,334	$	304,860
Inpatient care		26,189		2,387		1,727		30,303
Continuous care		22,554		773		842		24,169
	$	335,298	$	15,131	$	8,903	$	359,332
All other revenue - self-pay, respite care, etc.								4,084
Subtotal							$	363,416
Medicare cap adjustment								(2,375)
Implicit price concessions								(4,090)
Room and board, net								(2,944)
Net revenue							$	354,007

The composition of patient care service revenue by payor and level of care for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 is as follows (in thousands):

	Medicare		Medicaid		Commercial		Total
Routine home care	$	250,916	$	10,568	$	5,566	$	267,050
Inpatient care		25,519		2,432		1,142		29,093
Continuous care		18,508		650		783		19,941
	$	294,943	$	13,650	$	7,491	$	316,084
All other revenue - self-pay, respite care, etc.								3,021
Subtotal							$	319,105
Medicare cap adjustment								(2,750)
Implicit price concessions								(3,108)
Room and board, net								(2,769)
Net revenue							$	310,478

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Roto-Rooter

Roto-Rooter provides plumbing, drain cleaning, excavation, water restoration and other related services to both residential and commercial customers primarily in the United States. Services are provided through a network of company-owned branches, independent contractors and franchisees. Service revenue for Roto-Rooter is reported at the amount that reflects the ultimate consideration we expect to receive in exchange for providing services.

Roto-Rooter owns and operates branches focusing mainly on large population centers in the United States. Roto-Rooter’s primary lines of business in company-owned branches consist of plumbing, sewer and drain cleaning, excavation and water restoration. For purposes of ASC 606 analysis, plumbing, sewer and drain cleaning, and excavation have been combined into one portfolio and are referred to as “short-term core services”. Water restoration is analyzed as a separate portfolio. The following describes the key characteristics of these portfolios:

Short-term Core Services are plumbing, drain and sewer cleaning and excavation services. These services are provided to both commercial and residential customers. The duration of services provided in this category range from a few hours to a few days. There are no significant warranty costs or on-going obligations to the customer once a service has been completed. For residential customers, payment is received at the time of job completion before the Roto-Rooter technician leaves the residence. Commercial customers may be granted credit subject to internally designated authority limits and credit check guidelines. If credit is granted, payment terms are generally 30 days or less.

Each job in this category is a distinct service with a distinct performance obligation to the customer. Revenue is recognized at the completion of each job. Variable consideration consists of pre-invoice discounts and post-invoice discounts. Pre-invoice discounts are given in the form of coupons or price concessions. Post-invoice discounts consist of credit memos generally granted to resolve customer service issues. Variable consideration is estimated based on historical activity and recorded at the time service is completed.

Water Restoration Services involve the remediation of water and humidity after a flood. These services are provided to both commercial and residential customers. The duration of services provided in this category generally ranges from 3 to 5 days. There are no significant warranties or on-going obligations to the customer once service has been completed. The majority of these services are paid by the customer’s insurance company. Variable consideration relates primarily to allowances taken by insurance companies upon payment. Variable consideration is estimated based on historical activity and recorded at the time service is completed.

For both short-term core services and water restoration services, Roto-Rooter satisfies its performance obligation at a point in time. The services provided generally involve fixing plumbing, drainage or flood-related issues at the customer’s property. At the time service is complete, the customer acknowledges its obligation to pay for service and its satisfaction with the service performed. This provides evidence that the customer has accepted the service and Roto-Rooter is now entitled to payment. As such, Roto-Rooter recognizes revenue for these services upon completion of the job and receipt of customer acknowledgement. Roto-Rooter’s performance obligations for short-term core services and water restoration services relate to contracts with an expected duration of less than a year. Therefore, Roto-Rooter has elected to apply the optional exception provided in ASC 606 and is not required to disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied at the end of the reporting period. Roto-Rooter does not have significant unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied performance obligations at the time of initial revenue recognition for short-term core or water restoration services.

Roto-Rooter owns the rights to certain territories and contracts with independent third-parties to operate the territory under Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks (“independent contractors”). Such contracts are for a specified term but cancellable by either party without penalty with 90 days’ advance notice. Under the terms of these arrangements, Roto-Rooter provides certain back office support and advertising along with a limited license to use Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks. The independent contractor is responsible for all day-to-day management of the business including staffing decisions and pricing of services provided. All performance obligations of Roto-Rooter cease at the termination of the arrangement.

Independent contractors pay Roto-Rooter a standard fee calculated as a percentage of their cash collection from weekly sales. The primary value for the independent contractors under these arrangements is the right to use Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks. Roto-Rooter recognizes revenue from independent contractors over-time (weekly) as the independent contractor’s labor sales are completed and payment from customers are received. Payment from independent contractors is also received on a weekly basis. The use of Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks and advertising provides immediate value to the independent contractor as a result of Roto-Rooter’s nationally recognized brand. Therefore, over-time recognition provides the most faithful depiction of the transfer of services as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided. There is no significant variable consideration related to these arrangements.

Roto-Rooter has licensed the rights to operate under Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks in other territories to franchisees. Each such contract is for a 10 year term but cancellable by Roto-Rooter for cause with 60 day advance notice without penalty. The franchisee may cancel the contract for any reason with 60 days advance notice without penalty. Under the terms of the contract, Roto-Rooter provides national advertising and consultation on various aspects of operating a Roto-Rooter business along with the right to use

Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks. The franchisee is responsible for all day-to-day management of the business including staffing decisions, pricing of services provided and local advertising spend and placement. All performance obligations of Roto-Rooter cease at the termination of the arrangement.

Franchisees pay Roto-Rooter a standard monthly fee based on the population within the franchise territory. The standard fee is revised on a yearly basis based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. The primary value for the franchisees under this arrangement is the right to use Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks. Roto-Rooter recognizes revenue from franchisees over-time (monthly). Payment from franchisees is also received on a monthly basis. The use of Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks and advertising provides immediate value to the franchisees as a result of Roto-Rooter’s nationally recognized brand. Therefore, over-time recognition provides the most faithful depiction of the transfer of services as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided. There is no significant variable consideration related to these arrangements.

The composition of disaggregated revenue for the first quarter is as follows (in thousands):

	March 31,
	2024		2023
Drain cleaning	$	61,621	$	66,489
Plumbing		48,098		50,453
Excavation		58,618		59,576
Other		244		193
Subtotal - short term core		168,581		176,711
Water restoration		46,678		50,762
Independent contractors		19,616		23,300
Franchisee fees		1,491		1,351
Other		6,015		4,745
Gross revenue		242,381		256,869
Implicit price concessions and credit memos		(7,155)		(7,190)
Net revenue	$	235,226	$	249,679

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Segments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Segments [Abstract]

Segments

3.    Segments

Service revenues and sales by business segment are shown in Note 2. After-tax income/(loss) by business segment are as follows (in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
VITAS	$	43,970	$	24,764
Roto-Rooter		40,853		47,653
Total		84,823		72,417
Corporate		(19,806)		(18,296)
Net income	$	65,017	$	54,121

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

 

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Earnings Per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

4.    Earnings per Share

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

			Net Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31,		Income		Shares	Earnings per Share
2024
	Earnings	$	65,017	15,121	$	4.30
	Dilutive stock options		-	162
	Nonvested stock awards		-	56
	Diluted earnings	$	65,017	15,339	$	4.24
2023
	Earnings	$	54,121	14,966	$	3.62
	Dilutive stock options		-	94
	Nonvested stock awards		-	50
	Diluted earnings	$	54,121	15,110	$	3.58

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, there were 312,000 stock options excluded from the computation of dilutive earnings per share because they would have been anti-dilutive.

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, there were 326,000 stock options excluded from the computation of dilutive earnings per share because they would have been anti-dilutive.

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Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit

5.    Long-Term Debt and Lines of Credit

On June 28, 2022, we replaced our existing credit facility with a fifth amended and restated Credit Agreement (“2022 Credit Facilities”). Terms of the 2022 Credit Facilities consist of a five-year $450.0 million revolver as well as a five-year $100.0 million term loan. Principal payments of $1.25 million on the term loan are due on the last day of each fiscal quarter, with a final payment due at the end of the agreement. The 2022 Credit Facilities have a floating interest rate that is generally the secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) plus an additional tiered rate which varies based on our current leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2024, the interest rate is SOFR plus 100 basis points. The 2022 Credit Facilities include an expansion feature that provides the Company the opportunity to increase its revolver and or term loan by an additional $250.0 million.

We made prepayments totaling $75.0 million plus a regularly scheduled payment of $1.25 million in the first quarter of 2023, on the $100.0 million term loan. We paid the remaining balance of $21.3 million in April 2023. There were no prepayment penalties associated with this repayment. There are no significant deferred debt issuance costs capitalized related to the term loan. This prepayment reduced the total borrowing capacity of the 2022 Credit Facilities from $550.0 million to $450.0 million.

The 2022 Credit Facilities contain the following quarterly financial covenants effective as of March 31, 2024:

Description	Requirement
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA)	< 3.50 to 1.00
Interest Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Adj. EBITDA/Consolidated Interest Expense)	> 3.00 to 1.00

We are in compliance with all debt covenants as of March 31, 2024. We have issued $45.2 million in standby letters of credit as of March 31, 2024, mainly for insurance purposes. Issued letters of credit reduce our available credit under the 2022 Credit Facilities. As of March 31, 2024, we have approximately $404.8 million of unused lines of credit available and eligible to be drawn down under the revolving credit facility.

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Other Income/(Expense) – Net

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Other Income/(Expense) – Net [Abstract]

Other Income/(Expense) – Net

6.    Other Income/(Expense) – Net

Other income/(expense) – net comprises the following (in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Market value adjustment on assets held in
deferred compensation trust	$	8,334	$	(321)
Interest income		4,243		150
Other-net		-		68
Total other income/(expense) - net	$	12,577	$	(103)

 

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Leases

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

7.    Leases

Chemed and each of its operating subsidiaries are service companies. As such, real estate leases comprise the largest lease obligation (and conversely, right of use asset) in our lease portfolio. VITAS has leased office space, as well as space for inpatient units (“IPUs”) and/or contract beds within hospitals. Roto-Rooter mainly has leased office space. Our leases have remaining terms of under 1 year to 13 years, some of which include options to extend the lease for up to 5 years, and some of which include options to terminate the lease within 1 year.

Roto-Rooter purchases equipment and leases it to certain of its independent contractors. We analyzed these leases in accordance with ASC 842 and determined they are operating leases. As a result, Roto-Rooter capitalizes the equipment underlying these leases, depreciates the equipment and recognizes rental income.

We do not currently have any finance leases, therefore all lease information disclosed is related to operating leases.

The components of balance sheet information related to leases were as follows:

	March 31,		‎December 31,
	2024		2023
Assets
Operating lease assets	$	131,751	$	126,387
Liabilities
Current operating leases		39,279		38,635
Noncurrent operating leases		106,861		100,776
Total operating lease liabilities	$	146,140	$	139,411

The components of lease expense for the first quarter are as follows (in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Lease Expense (a)
Operating lease expense	$	15,582	$	14,906
Sublease income		(23)		(23)
Net lease expense	$	15,559	$	14,883

(a)Includes short-term leases and variable lease costs, which are immaterial. Included in both cost of services provided and goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses.

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The components of cash flow information related to leases were as follows:

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from leases	$	12,453	$	12,668
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$	16,559	$	6,845

Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term at March 31, 2024
Operating leases	4.92	years

Weighted Average Discount Rate at March 31, 2024
Operating leases	3.35	%

Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities (in thousands)
2024	$	34,596
2025		39,126
2026		30,524
2027		18,547
2028		13,678
Thereafter		23,613
Total lease payments	$	160,084
Less: interest		(13,944)
Total liability recognized on the balance sheet	$	146,140

For leases commencing prior to April 2019, minimum rental payments exclude payments to landlords for real estate taxes and common area maintenance. Operating lease payments include $1.7 million related to extended lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised and exclude $493,000 of lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced.

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Stock-Based Compensation Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

8.    Stock-Based Compensation Plans

On February 16, 2024, the Compensation/Incentive Committee of the Board of Directors (“CIC”) granted 7,133 Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) that vest contingent upon the achievement of certain total shareholder return (“TSR”) targets as compared to the TSR of a group of peer companies for the three-year period ending December 31, 2026, the date at which such awards vest. The cumulative compensation cost of the TSR-based PSU award to be recorded over the three-year service period is $4.8 million.

On February 16, 2024, the CIC also granted 7,133 PSUs that vest contingent upon the achievement of certain earnings per share (“EPS”) targets for the three-year period ending December 31, 2026. At the end of each reporting period, the Company estimates the number of shares that it believes will ultimately be earned and records the corresponding expense over the service period of the award. We currently estimate the cumulative compensation cost of the EPS-based PSUs to be recorded over the three-year service period is $4.2 million.  

At the end of 2023, the then Chief Financial Officer (CFO) transitioned to an employee advisor role.  In early 2024, in connection with this change of roles, the CFO’s employment agreement terminated, and the CFO was given a one-time grant of 6,424 PSUs to be paid based on the Company’s TSR performance for the fiscal years 2024 to 2026.  This one-time grant is structured the same as the Company’s standard TSR-based PSU grants with the exception that there are no future service requirements to be satisfied by the employee.  Based on the structure of the one-time award, the entire value of the award, $5.3 million, was recognized as compensation expense in SG&A in the consolidated statements of income for the period ended March 31, 2024.

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Retirement Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Retirement Plans [Abstract]

Retirement Plans

9.    Retirement Plans

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

Three months ended March 31,
2024		2023
$	13,421	$	5,873

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Legal And Regulatory Matters

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Legal And Regulatory Matters [Abstract]

Legal And Regulatory Matters

10.    Legal and Regulatory Matters

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

Regulatory Matters and Litigation

VITAS is one of a group of hospice providers selected by the Office of the Inspector General’s (“OIG”) Office of Audit Services (“OAS”) for inclusion in an audit of the provision of elevated level-of-care hospice services. On July 14, 2022, VITAS received the final audit report from OAS. Per this report, the OAS audit examined VITAS inpatient and continuous care claims for the period April 2017 to March 2019. The audit covered a total population of 50,850 claims representing total Medicare reimbursement of $210.0 million during this two-year time period. From this population, OAS selected 100 claims, representing $688,000 of reimbursement, for detailed review. The final OAS audit report includes a series of recommendations, including that VITAS repay approximately $140.0 million of the $210.0 million VITAS received from Medicare for hospice services during this two-year period, despite the fact that at the time of the release of the results of the audit, many of the disputed claims were time-barred from being challenged. VITAS believes that the OAS audit process and related final report contains significant flaws including its methodology, medical reviews, technical reviews, proposed extrapolation methodology, and contravenes the “reasonable physician standard” set forth in the appliable Aseracare precedent.

On August 29, 2022, six weeks subsequent to the OAS finalizing its audit, VITAS received a demand letter from its Medicare Administrative Contractor (“MAC”) seeking repayment of $50.3 million. This demand letter is $90.0 million lower than the final OAS audit recommendation, as a significant portion of the 100 claims reviewed are closed pursuant to applicable law and ineligible to be reopened. VITAS timely filed its initial appeal of the overpayment decision and deposited $50.3 million under the “Immediate Recoupment” process to preserve its appeal rights. To date, VITAS has been refunded $3.34 million of the amount deposited and continues to appeal the remaining claims through the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals process. The amount deposited has been recorded as an “other long-term asset” in the consolidated balance sheets, as detailed in Note 13.

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

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Concentration Of Risk

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Concentration Of Risk [Abstract]

Concentration Of Risk

11.    Concentration of Risk

As of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, approximately 64% and 75%, respectively, of VITAS’ total accounts receivable balance were from Medicare and 29% and 19%, respectively, of VITAS’ total accounts receivable balance were due from various state Medicaid or managed Medicaid programs. Combined accounts receivable from Medicare, Medicaid, and managed Medicaid represent approximately 83% of the consolidated net accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2024.

VITAS has a pharmacy services contract with one service provider for specified pharmacy services related to its hospice operations. Similarly, VITAS obtains the majority of its medical supplies from a single vendor. A large majority of VITAS’ pharmaceutical and medical supplies purchases are from these vendors. The pharmaceutical and medical supplies purchased by VITAS are available through many providers in the United States. However, a disruption from VITAS’ main service providers could adversely impact VITAS’ operations, including temporary logistical challenges and increased cost associated with getting medication and medical supplies to our patients.

 

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Cash Overdrafts and Cash Equivalents

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Cash Overdrafts and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]

Cash Overdrafts and Cash Equivalents

12.    Cash Overdrafts and Cash Equivalents

There is $13.6 million in cash overdrafts payable included in accounts payable at March 31, 2024. There was $15.7 million of cash overdrafts included in accounts payable at December 31, 2023.

From time to time throughout the year, we invest excess cash in money market funds with major commercial banks. We closely monitor the creditworthiness of the institutions with which we invest our overnight funds. In 2023, Chemed began investing excess cash in a money market fund holding US Treasuries. Deposits and withdrawals are made daily, based on the Company’s excess cash balance. There are no penalties associated with withdrawals. The accounts bear interest at a normal market rate.

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Other Assets

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Other Assets [Abstract]

Other Assets

13.    Other Assets

Other assets comprise the following (in thousands):

	March 31,		December 31,
	2024		2023
Deposit with OAS	$	46,968	$	46,968
Cash surrender value life insurance		3,741		3,651
Noncurrent advances and deposits		2,205		2,139
Deferred debt costs		1,191		1,197
Other		2,071		1,663
Total other assets	$	56,176	$	55,618

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Other Current Liabilities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]

Other Current Liabilities

14.    Other Current Liabilities

	March 31,		December 31,
	2024		2023
Medicare Cap	$	8,855	$	13,245
Healthcare worker retention bonus		6,097		8,901
Accrued advertising		3,700		4,641
All other		21,447		22,401
Total other current liabilities	$	40,099	$	49,188

There are no individual amounts exceeding 5% of the total current liabilities in the “all other” line item for either period presented.

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Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

15.    Financial Instruments

FASB’s authoritative guidance on fair value measurements defines a hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs in fair value measurements. Level 1 measurements are measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 measurements use significant other observable inputs. Level 3 measurements are measurements using significant unobservable inputs which require a company to develop its own assumptions. In recording the fair value of assets and liabilities, companies must use the most reliable measurement available.

‎

The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of March 31, 2024 (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)
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	$	117,649	$	117,649	$	-	$	-
Cash equivalents		303,875		303,875		-		-

The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of December 31, 2023 (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)
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	$	106,126	$	106,126	$	-	$	-
Cash equivalents		257,343		257,343		-		-

For cash, 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. As further described in Note 5, our outstanding long-term debt has a floating interest rate that is reset at short-term intervals, generally 30 or 60 days. The interest rate we pay also includes an additional amount based on our current leverage ratio. As such, we believe our borrowings reflect significant nonperformance risks, mainly credit risk. Based on these factors, we believe the fair value of our long-term debt approximates its carrying value.

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Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions [Abstract]

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions

16.    Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions

We repurchased the following capital stock:

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Total cost of repurchased shares (in thousands)	$	32,344	$	-
Shares repurchased		50,000		-
Weighted average price per share	$	646.87	$	-

In November 2023, the Board of Directors authorized $300.0 million for additional stock repurchase under the February 2011 repurchase program. In May and November 2021, the Board of Directors authorized a total of $600.0 million for additional stock repurchase under Chemed’s existing share repurchase program. We currently have $281.7 million of authorization remaining under this share repurchase plan.

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Acquisitions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Acquisitions

17.    Acquisitions

On March 11, 2024, Roto-Rooter completed the acquisition of one franchise in New Jersey for $5.8 million in cash. On March 27, 2024, Roto-Rooter completed the acquisition of one franchise in Texas for $1.5 million in cash.

Goodwill is assessed for impairment on a yearly basis as of October 1. All goodwill recognized is deductible for tax purposes.

Shown below is movement in Goodwill (in thousands):

	VITAS		Roto-Rooter		Total
Balance at December 31, 2023	$	334,063	$	250,954	$	585,017
Business combinations		-		6,550		6,550
Foreign currency adjustments		-		(48)		(48)
Balance at March 31, 2024	$	334,063	$	257,456	$	591,519

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Recent Accounting Standards

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Recent Accounting Standards [Abstract]

Recent Accounting Standards

18. Recent Accounting Standards

In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU 2023-07 – Reportable Segments”. The guidance provides enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The purpose of the amendment is to provide investors with a better understanding of an entity’s overall performance and assess potential future cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 31, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2024. The Company is currently analyzing the impact of the ASU on the current footnote disclosures.

In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU 2023-09 – Income Tax Disclosure”. The guidance provides increased transparency related to tax risk and tax planning through (1) disclosure in specific categories in the rate reconciliation and (2) provide additional information for reconciling items when a quantitative threshold is met. The guidance is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 31, 2024. The Company is currently analyzing the impact of the ASU on the current footnote disclosures.

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Subsequent Event

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Subsequent Event [Abstract]

Subsequent Event

19. Subsequent Event

VITAS completed the previously announced purchase of all hospice operations and an assisted living facility from Covenant Health and Community Services, Inc d/b/a/ Covenant Care (“Covenant”) for an aggregated purchase price of $85.0 million. The transaction is structured as an asset purchase. The transaction, which was announced on March 13, 2024, closed effective April 17, 2024.

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Basis Of Presentation (Policy)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]

Basis Of Presentation

As used herein, the terms “We,” “Company” and “Chemed” refer to Chemed Corporation or Chemed Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

We have prepared the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Chemed in accordance with Rule 10-01 of SEC Regulation S-X. Consequently, we have omitted certain disclosures required under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. The December 31, 2023 balance sheet data were derived from audited financial statements but do not include all disclosures required by GAAP. However, in our opinion, the financial statements presented herein contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to state fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2024 or any other future period, and we make no representations related thereto. These financial statements are prepared on the same basis as and should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Cloud Computing

CLOUD COMPUTING

As of March 31, 2024, Roto-Rooter has no significant capitalized implementation costs related to cloud computing.

VITAS utilizes a human resources system that is considered a cloud computing arrangement. We have capitalized approximately $5.6 million related to implementation of this project which is included in prepaid assets in the accompanying balance sheets. The VITAS human resource system was placed into service in January 2020 and is being amortized over 5.7 years. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, $249,000 has been amortized, respectively.

Income Taxes

INCOME TAXES

Our effective income tax rate was 23.0% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 23.9% during the first quarter of 2023. Excess tax benefit on stock options exercised reduced our income tax expenses by $3.3 million and $1.7 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Non-Cash Transactions

NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS

Included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are $723,000 and $690,000 of capitalized property and equipment which were not paid for as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Accrued property and equipment purchases have been excluded from capital expenditures in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow. There are no material non-cash amounts included in interest expense for any period presented.

Business Combinations

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

We account for acquired businesses using the acquisition method of accounting. All assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. The determination of fair value involves estimates and the use of valuation techniques when market value is not readily available. We use various techniques to determine fair value in accordance with accepted valuation models, primarily the income approach. The significant assumptions used in developing fair values include, but are not limited to, revenue growth rates, the amount and timing of future cash flows, discount rates, useful lives, royalty rates and future tax rates. The excess of purchase price over the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired is recorded as goodwill. See Note 17 for discussion of recent acquisitions.

Estimates

ESTIMATESThe 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 after-tax expenses and adjustments are based on estimates of the effective income tax rates for the applicable segments.

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Revenue Recognition (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Schedule Of Patient Care Service Revenue

The composition of patient care service revenue by payor and level of care for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 is as follows (in thousands):

	Medicare		Medicaid		Commercial		Total
Routine home care	$	286,555	$	11,971	$	6,334	$	304,860
Inpatient care		26,189		2,387		1,727		30,303
Continuous care		22,554		773		842		24,169
	$	335,298	$	15,131	$	8,903	$	359,332
All other revenue - self-pay, respite care, etc.								4,084
Subtotal							$	363,416
Medicare cap adjustment								(2,375)
Implicit price concessions								(4,090)
Room and board, net								(2,944)
Net revenue							$	354,007

The composition of patient care service revenue by payor and level of care for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 is as follows (in thousands):

	Medicare		Medicaid		Commercial		Total
Routine home care	$	250,916	$	10,568	$	5,566	$	267,050
Inpatient care		25,519		2,432		1,142		29,093
Continuous care		18,508		650		783		19,941
	$	294,943	$	13,650	$	7,491	$	316,084
All other revenue - self-pay, respite care, etc.								3,021
Subtotal							$	319,105
Medicare cap adjustment								(2,750)
Implicit price concessions								(3,108)
Room and board, net								(2,769)
Net revenue							$	310,478

‎

Schedule Of Disaggregated Revenue

The composition of disaggregated revenue for the first quarter is as follows (in thousands):

	March 31,
	2024		2023
Drain cleaning	$	61,621	$	66,489
Plumbing		48,098		50,453
Excavation		58,618		59,576
Other		244		193
Subtotal - short term core		168,581		176,711
Water restoration		46,678		50,762
Independent contractors		19,616		23,300
Franchisee fees		1,491		1,351
Other		6,015		4,745
Gross revenue		242,381		256,869
Implicit price concessions and credit memos		(7,155)		(7,190)
Net revenue	$	235,226	$	249,679

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Segments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Segments [Abstract]

Segment Data

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
VITAS	$	43,970	$	24,764
Roto-Rooter		40,853		47,653
Total		84,823		72,417
Corporate		(19,806)		(18,296)
Net income	$	65,017	$	54,121

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Earnings Per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule Of Computation Of Earnings Per Share

			Net Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31,		Income		Shares	Earnings per Share
2024
	Earnings	$	65,017	15,121	$	4.30
	Dilutive stock options		-	162
	Nonvested stock awards		-	56
	Diluted earnings	$	65,017	15,339	$	4.24
2023
	Earnings	$	54,121	14,966	$	3.62
	Dilutive stock options		-	94
	Nonvested stock awards		-	50
	Diluted earnings	$	54,121	15,110	$	3.58

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Long-Term Debt And Lines of Credit (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit [Abstract]

Financial Debt Covenants

Description	Requirement
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA)	< 3.50 to 1.00
Interest Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Adj. EBITDA/Consolidated Interest Expense)	> 3.00 to 1.00

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Other Income/(Expense) – Net (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Other Income/(Expense) – Net [Abstract]

Schedule Of Other Income/(Expense) – Net

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Market value adjustment on assets held in
deferred compensation trust	$	8,334	$	(321)
Interest income		4,243		150
Other-net		-		68
Total other income/(expense) - net	$	12,577	$	(103)

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Leases (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Leases [Abstract]

Components Of Balance Sheet Information Related To Leases

	March 31,		‎December 31,
	2024		2023
Assets
Operating lease assets	$	131,751	$	126,387
Liabilities
Current operating leases		39,279		38,635
Noncurrent operating leases		106,861		100,776
Total operating lease liabilities	$	146,140	$	139,411

Components Of Lease Expense

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Lease Expense (a)
Operating lease expense	$	15,582	$	14,906
Sublease income		(23)		(23)
Net lease expense	$	15,559	$	14,883

(a)Includes short-term leases and variable lease costs, which are immaterial. Included in both cost of services provided and goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses.

‎

Components Of Cash Flow Information Related To Leases

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from leases	$	12,453	$	12,668
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$	16,559	$	6,845

Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term at March 31, 2024
Operating leases	4.92	years

Weighted Average Discount Rate at March 31, 2024
Operating leases	3.35	%

Summary Of Maturity Of Operating Lease Liabilities

Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities (in thousands)
2024	$	34,596
2025		39,126
2026		30,524
2027		18,547
2028		13,678
Thereafter		23,613
Total lease payments	$	160,084
Less: interest		(13,944)
Total liability recognized on the balance sheet	$	146,140

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Retirement Plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Retirement Plans [Abstract]

Schedule Of Expenses For Retirement, Profit-Sharing Plans, Excess Benefit Plans And Other Similar Plans

Three months ended March 31,
2024		2023
$	13,421	$	5,873

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Other Assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Other Assets [Abstract]

Schedule of Other Assets

	March 31,		December 31,
	2024		2023
Deposit with OAS	$	46,968	$	46,968
Cash surrender value life insurance		3,741		3,651
Noncurrent advances and deposits		2,205		2,139
Deferred debt costs		1,191		1,197
Other		2,071		1,663
Total other assets	$	56,176	$	55,618

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Other Current Liabilities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]

Schedule of Other Current Liabilities

	March 31,		December 31,
	2024		2023
Medicare Cap	$	8,855	$	13,245
Healthcare worker retention bonus		6,097		8,901
Accrued advertising		3,700		4,641
All other		21,447		22,401
Total other current liabilities	$	40,099	$	49,188

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Financial Instruments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Carrying Value, Fair Value And Hierarchy Of Financial Instruments

The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of March 31, 2024 (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)
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	$	117,649	$	117,649	$	-	$	-
Cash equivalents		303,875		303,875		-		-

The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of December 31, 2023 (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)
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	$	106,126	$	106,126	$	-	$	-
Cash equivalents		257,343		257,343		-		-

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Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions [Abstract]

Schedule Of Repurchased Capital Stock

	Three months ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Total cost of repurchased shares (in thousands)	$	32,344	$	-
Shares repurchased		50,000		-
Weighted average price per share	$	646.87	$	-

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Acquisitions (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Schedule Of Movement In Goodwill

	VITAS		Roto-Rooter		Total
Balance at December 31, 2023	$	334,063	$	250,954	$	585,017
Business combinations		-		6,550		6,550
Foreign currency adjustments		-		(48)		(48)
Balance at March 31, 2024	$	334,063	$	257,456	$	591,519

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Basis Of Presentation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2023
Excess tax benefit on stock options	$ 3,300	$ 1,700
Effective tax rate	23.00%	23.90%
Capitalized property and equipment	$ 723		$ 690
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	363,416	$ 319,105
VITAS [Member] | Cloud Computing [Member]
Capitalized contract cost	5,600
Capitalized contract cost, amortization expense	$ 249	249
Capitalized contract cost, amortization period	5 years 8 months 12 days
Roto-Rooter [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	$ 242,381	256,869
Roto-Rooter [Member] | Franchise Fees [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	$ 1,491	$ 1,351

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Revenue Recognition (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2023
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Charity care cost	$ 2,200,000	$ 2,000,000.0
Medicare cap liability	6,097,000		$ 8,901,000
Service revenue and sales	$ 589,233,000	$ 560,157,000
Roto-Rooter [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Credit payment terms	30 days
Duration of advance notice of cancellation without penalty for both parties	90 days
Term of contract	10 years
Duration of advance notice of cancelation without penalty	60 days
Roto-Rooter [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Duration of services provided	5 days
Roto-Rooter [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Duration of services provided	3 days
VITAS [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Period of tier one care rate	60 days
Period of tier two care rate	61 days
Period of services provided after discharge	12 months
Period of service intensity add-on payment	7 days
Reimbursement period per day in 15 min. increments	4 hours
Minimum amount of care per 24-hr period	8 hours
Percentage of Medicaid reimbursement	95.00%
Percentage of expenses	5.00%
Service revenue and sales	$ 0
Accounts Receivable, Sale	$ 0
VITAS [Member] | Adoption of ASC 606 [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Percentage of expenses	5.00%
VITAS [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Inpatient cap percentage	20.00%

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Revenue Recognition (Schedule Of Patient Care Service Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Mar. 31, 2023
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Care service revenue	$ 363,416	$ 319,105
Net revenue	354,007	310,478
Routine Home Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Care service revenue	304,860	267,050
Inpatient Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Care service revenue	30,303	29,093
Continuous Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Care service revenue	24,169	19,941
Care Services Total [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Care service revenue	359,332	316,084
All Other Revenue- Self-pay, Respite Care, Etc. [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Care service revenue	4,084	3,021
Medicare Cap Adjustment [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Medicare cap adjustment	(2,375)	(2,750)
Implicit Price Concessions [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Implicit price concessions	(4,090)	(3,108)
Room And Board, Net [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Room and board, net	(2,944)	(2,769)
Medicare [Member] | Routine Home Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Care service revenue	286,555	250,916
Medicare [Member] | Inpatient Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Care service revenue	26,189	25,519
Medicare [Member] | Continuous Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Care service revenue	22,554	18,508
Medicare [Member] | Care Services Total [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Care service revenue	335,298	294,943
Medicaid [Member] | Routine Home Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Care service revenue	11,971	10,568
Medicaid [Member] | Inpatient Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Care service revenue	2,387	2,432
Medicaid [Member] | Continuous Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Care service revenue	773	650
Medicaid [Member] | Care Services Total [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Care service revenue	15,131	13,650
Commercial [Member] | Routine Home Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Care service revenue	6,334	5,566
Commercial [Member] | Inpatient Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Care service revenue	1,727	1,142
Commercial [Member] | Continuous Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Care service revenue	842	783
Commercial [Member] | Care Services Total [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Care service revenue	$ 8,903	$ 7,491

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Revenue Recognition (Schedule Of Disaggregated Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Mar. 31, 2023
Gross revenue	$ 363,416	$ 319,105
Net revenue	354,007	310,478
Roto-Rooter [Member]
Gross revenue	242,381	256,869
Implicit price concessions and credit memos	(7,155)	(7,190)
Net revenue	235,226	249,679
Roto-Rooter [Member] | Drain cleaning [Member]
Gross revenue	61,621	66,489
Roto-Rooter [Member] | Plumbing [Member]
Gross revenue	48,098	50,453
Roto-Rooter [Member] | Excavation [Member]
Gross revenue	58,618	59,576
Roto-Rooter [Member] | Other [Member]
Gross revenue	244	193
Roto-Rooter [Member] | Short-Term Core [Member]
Gross revenue	168,581	176,711
Roto-Rooter [Member] | Water Restoration [Member]
Gross revenue	46,678	50,762
Roto-Rooter [Member] | Independent Contractors [Member]
Gross revenue	19,616	23,300
Roto-Rooter [Member] | Franchise Fees [Member]
Gross revenue	1,491	1,351
Roto-Rooter [Member] | Other [Member]
Gross revenue	$ 6,015	$ 4,745

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Segments (Segment Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Mar. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	$ 65,017	$ 54,121
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	84,823	72,417
VITAS [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	43,970	24,764
Roto-Rooter [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	40,853	47,653
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	$ (19,806)	$ (18,296)

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Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Mar. 31, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Excluded stock options, Anti-dilutive	312,000	326,000

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Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Computation Of Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Mar. 31, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings	$ 65,017	$ 54,121
Diluted earnings	$ 65,017	$ 54,121
Earnings, Shares	15,121	14,966
Dilutive stock options, Shares	162	94
Nonvested stock awards, Shares	56	50
Diluted earnings, Shares	15,339	15,110
Earnings, Earnings per Share	$ 4.30	$ 3.62
Diluted earnings, Earnings per Share	$ 4.24	$ 3.58

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Long-Term Debt And Lines of Credit (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2023	Mar. 31, 2024	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jun. 28, 2022
SOFR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate		1.00%
2022 Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity			$ 450,000	$ 550,000
Standby letters of credit		$ 45,200
Unused lines of credit		$ 404,800
2022 Credit Facilities [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility period, years		5 years
Amount outstanding					$ 450,000
2022 Credit Facilities [Member] | Expansion Feature [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity					250,000
2022 Credit Facilities [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility period, years		5 years
Periodic principal payments		$ 1,250	1,250
Frequency of principal payments		last day of each fiscal quarter
Repayment of long-term debt	$ 21,300		$ 75,000
Prepayment penalties		$ 0
Amount outstanding					$ 100,000
Deferred financing costs		$ 0

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Long-Term Debt And Lines of Credit (Financial Debt Covenants) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA), Requirement	1.00
Interest Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Adj. EBITDA/Consolidated Interest Expense)	1.00
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA), Requirement	3.50
Interest Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Adj. EBITDA/Consolidated Interest Expense)	3.00

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Other Income/(Expense) – Net (Schedule Of Other Income/(Expense) – Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Mar. 31, 2023
Other Income/(Expense) – Net [Abstract]
Market value adjustment on assets held in deferred compensation trust	$ 8,334	$ (321)
Interest income	4,243	150
Other-net		68
Total other income/(expense) - net	$ 12,577	$ (103)

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Leases (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024 USD ($)
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Option to extend the lease, term	up to 5 years
Option to terminate the lease, term	within 1 year
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization	$ 0
Finance Lease, Liability	0
Operating lease payments related to extended lease terms	1,700,000
Lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced	$ 493,000
Minimum [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Remaining terms of leases under operating lease	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Remaining terms of leases under operating lease	13 years

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Leases (Components Of Balance Sheet Information Related To Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Assets
Operating lease assets	$ 131,751	$ 126,387
Liabilities
Current operating leases	39,279	38,635
Noncurrent operating leases	106,861	100,776
Total operating lease liabilities	$ 146,140	$ 139,411

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Leases (Components Of Lease Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2024	Mar. 31, 2023
Lease Expense
Operating lease expense	[1]	$ 15,582	$ 14,906
Sublease income	[1]	(23)	(23)
Net lease expense	[1]	$ 15,559	$ 14,883

[1] Includes short-term leases and variable lease costs, which are immaterial. Included in both cost of services provided and goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses.

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Leases (Components Of Cash Flow Information Related To Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Mar. 31, 2023
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from leases	$ 12,453	$ 12,668
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$ 16,559	$ 6,845
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term, Operating leases	4 years 11 months 1 day
Weighted Average Discount Rate, Operating leases	3.35%

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Leases (Summary Of Maturity Of Operating Lease Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
2024	$ 34,596
2025	39,126
2026	30,524
2027	18,547
2028	13,678
Thereafter	23,613
Total lease payments	160,084
Less: interest	(13,944)
Total liability recognized on the balance sheet	$ 146,140	$ 139,411

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Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2023	Mar. 31, 2024
Performance Based TSR [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares vesting period, years		3 years
Cumulative compensation expense	$ 4.8
Performance Based EPS [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares vesting period, years		3 years
Cumulative compensation expense	$ 4.2
Compensation/Incentive Committee [Member] | Performance Based TSR [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares of stock granted	7,133
Compensation/Incentive Committee [Member] | Performance Based EPS [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares of stock granted	7,133
Chief Financial Officer [Member] | Performance Based TSR [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cumulative compensation expense		$ 5.3
Shares of stock granted		6,424

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Retirement Plans (Schedule Of Expenses For Retirement, Profit-Sharing Plans, Excess Benefit Plans And Other Similar Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Mar. 31, 2023
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Net (losses)/gains for retirement and profit-sharing plans, excess benefit plans and other similar plans	$ 13,421	$ 5,873

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Legal And Regulatory Matters (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands			3 Months Ended
	Aug. 29, 2022 USD ($)	Jul. 14, 2022 USD ($) item	Mar. 31, 2024
Audit of provision of elevated level-of-care hospice services [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Period of Occurrence			two-year
Number of total care claims | item		50,850
Reimbursement amount over period of occurrence		$ 210,000
Number of claims selected | item		100
Amount of reimbursement for claims selected		$ 688
Maximum damages sought		$ 140,000
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 50,300
Difference between the final OAS audit recommendation and damages sought	90,000
VITAS [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Refund of amount deposited	$ 3,340

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Concentration Of Risk (Narrative) (Details) - item	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
VITAS [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of service providers	1
Medicare [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member] | Credit Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	64.00%	75.00%
Medicaid [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member] | Credit Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	29.00%	19.00%
Medicare, Medicaid, And Managed Medicaid [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member] | Credit Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	83.00%

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Cash Overdrafts and Cash Equivalents (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Cash Overdrafts and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash overdrafts included in accounts payable	$ 13.6	$ 15.7

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Other Assets (Schedule Of Other Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Other Assets [Abstract]
Deposit with OAS	$ 46,968	$ 46,968
Cash surrender value life insurance	3,741	3,651
Noncurrent advances and deposits	2,205	2,139
Deferred debt costs	1,191	1,197
Other	2,071	1,663
Total other assets	$ 56,176	$ 55,618

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Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Medicare cap	$ 6,097	$ 8,901
Healthcare worker retention bonus	8,855	13,245
Accrued advertising	3,700	4,641
All other	21,447	22,401
Total other current liabilities	$ 40,099	$ 49,188
Percentage of individual amounts of total current liabilities	5.00%

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Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024
Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Period in which the interest rate will reset	30 days
Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Period in which the interest rate will reset	60 days

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Financial Instruments (Carrying Value, Fair Value And Hierarchy Of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	$ 117,649	$ 106,126
Cash equivalents	303,875	257,343
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	117,649	106,126
Cash equivalents	$ 303,875	$ 257,343

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Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2024	Nov. 30, 2023	Nov. 30, 2021	May 31, 2021
Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program, amount authorized		$ 300.0	$ 600.0	$ 600.0
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	$ 281.7

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Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions (Schedule Of Repurchased Capital Stock) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions [Abstract]
Total cost of repurchased shares | $	$ 32,344
Shares repurchased | shares	50,000
Weighted average price per share | $ / shares	$ 646.87

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Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) - Roto-Rooter [Member] $ in Millions	Mar. 27, 2024 USD ($) item	Mar. 11, 2024 USD ($) item
Franchise, New Jersey [Member]
Asset Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of completed business combinations | item		1
Acquisition, in cash | $		$ 5.8
Franchise, Texas [Member]
Asset Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of completed business combinations | item	1
Acquisition, in cash | $	$ 1.5

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Acquisitions (Schedule Of Movement In Goodwill) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024 USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 585,017
Business combinations	6,550
Foreign currency adjustments	(48)
Ending balance	591,519
VITAS [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	334,063
Ending balance	334,063
Roto-Rooter [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	250,954
Business combinations	6,550
Foreign currency adjustments	(48)
Ending balance	$ 257,456

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Subsequent Event (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 17, 2024 USD ($)
Hospice and Covenant Care [Member] | VITAS [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Total purchase price	$ 85.0