CHEMED CORP
For the period ended Sep 30, 2024. Filed Nov 1, 2024.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Sep 30, 2024 · Filed Nov 1, 2024
CHE$528.05-1.1%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-06-30; filed 2024-07-26.
0001562762-24-000183
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-09-30; filed 2024-11-01.
0001562762-24-000248
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 75 previous paragraphs and 73 current paragraphs.
33 unchanged; 33 reworded; 6 added; 9 removed; 0 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 24 previous and 24 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (6)
Current report
Hurricane Helene, which impacted the panhandle of Florida and other parts of the southeastern United States in late September, did not result in any significant property loss or damage to VITAS. However, as with other similar events, we did experience a slowdown in admission activity while health systems prepared for the hurricane and then dealt with the aftermath. We estimate that admissions were negatively impacted during the quarter by approximately 60-100 patients. We also believe that the Florida admission impact will be more significant in the fourth quarter with the combination of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Current report
The increase in service revenues at VITAS is comprised primarily of a 15.5% 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 140-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 64-basis.
Current report
During the third quarter of 2023, the Company recognized a tax benefit from realignment of its state and local corporate tax structure based on the location of operating resources and profitability by business segment. This benefit includes a reduction in current state and local tax expense and a one time benefit of $4.2 million in reduction of deferred tax liabilities reflecting the lower tax rates.
Current report
After-tax Corporate expenses for thethird quarter of 2024 decreased 20.5% when compared to thethird quarter in 2023 due primarily to the tax benefit from the realignment of state and local corporate tax structure change recognized in September 2023, and market gains and interest income from excess cash invested in money market funds.
Current report
During the third quarter of 2023, the Company recognized a tax benefit from realignment of its state and local corporate tax structure based on the location of operating resources and profitability by business segment. This benefit includes a reduction in current state and local tax expense and a one time benefit of $4.2 million in reduction of deferred tax liabilities reflecting the lower tax rates.
Current report
After-tax Corporate expenses for thefirst nine monthsof 2024 decreased by 1.4% compared to thefirst nine monthsin 2023 primarily due to the tax benefit from the realignment of state and local corporate tax structure change recognized in September 2023.
Removed paragraphs (9)
Previous report
Revenue and net income from other acquisitions made in 2024 and 2023 are not material.
Previous report
The pandemic resulted in a significant shortage of licensed healthcare workers industry wide. VITAS was not 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 have continued 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 continued employment for a one-year period from their hire date. A total of $39.5 million has been accrued since the start of the program. Payments totaling $36.5 million have been made from July 2023 to June 2024. The remaining accrued amount will be paid in the third quarter of 2024. There was no material impact on the financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. See page 38 for additional VITAS operating metrics.
Previous report
Starting September 30, 2023, Chemed no longer excluded the cost of the Retention Bonus Program when presenting non-GAAP operating metrics in current or prior periods.
Previous report
VITAS 2024 revenue, prior to Medicare Cap, is estimated to increase 16.0% to 17.0% when compared to 2023. ADC is estimated to increase 13.0% to 14.0%. Full year adjusted EBITDA margin, prior to Medicare Cap, is estimated to be 19.0% to 19.5%. We are currently estimating $8.5 million in Medicare Cap billing limitations in calendar 2024. The cost of the Retention Bonus Program negatively impacted VITAS’ 2023 full adjusted EBITDA by 159 basis points.
Previous report
Covenant Health is estimated to contribute approximately $30.0 million to $32.0 million of revenue to VITAS’ full year revenue. This translates into adjusted net income attributable to Covenant Health of $5.5 million to $6.0 million and adjusted EBITDA of $8.0 million to $8.5 million.
Previous report
Roto-Rooter is forecasted to have a 4.0% to 5.0% revenue decline in 2024 compared to 2023. Roto-Rooter’s adjusted EBITDA margin for 2024 is expected to be 26.5% to 27.0%.
Previous report
The increase in service revenues at VITAS is comprised primarily of a 14.4% increase in days-of-care and a geographically weighted average Medicare reimbursement rate increase of approximately 2.5%. Acuity mix shift negatively impacted revenue growth by 110-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 90-basis.
Previous report
After-tax Corporate expenses for thesecond quarter of 2024 increased 10.3% when compared to thesecond quarter in 2023 due primarily to a $2.1 million increase in stock-based compensation.
Previous report
After-tax Corporate expenses for thefirst six monthsof 2024 increased 9.2% when compared to thefirst six monthsin 2023 due primarily to a $3.9 million increase in stock-based compensation and $5.3 million in severance expense.
Reworded paragraphs (33)
Previous wording
For the three months ended June 30, 2024, the increase in consolidated service revenues and sales was driven by a 16.7% increase at VITAS offset by a 5.0% decrease at Roto-Rooter. The increase in service revenues at VITAS is comprised primarily of a 14.4% increase in days-of-care and a geographically weighted average Medicare reimbursement rate increase of approximately 2.5%. Acuity mix shift negatively impacted revenue growth by 110-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 90-basis points. The decrease in service revenues at Roto-Rooter was driven by a decrease in all significant service lines.
Current wording
For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the increase in consolidated service revenues and sales was driven by a 17.3% increase at VITAS offset by a 6.9% decrease at Roto-Rooter. The increase in service revenues at VITAS is comprised primarily of a 15.5% 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 140-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 64-basis points. The decrease in service revenues at Roto-Rooter was driven by a decrease in all service lines.
Previous wording
For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the increase in consolidated service revenues and sales was driven by a 15.4% increase at VITAS offset by a 5.4% decrease at Roto-Rooter. The increase in service revenues at VITAS is comprised primarily of a 13.0% 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 90-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 70-basis points. The decrease in service revenues at Roto-Rooter was driven by a decrease in all service lines.
Current wording
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the increase in consolidated service revenues and sales was driven by a 16.1% increase at VITAS offset by a 5.9% decrease at Roto-Rooter. The increase in service revenues at VITAS is comprised primarily of a 13.9% 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 110-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 70-basis points. The decrease in service revenues at Roto-Rooter was driven by a decrease in all service lines.
Previous wording
The pro forma revenue and earnings for the Company for the three and six months ended June 30, as if the Covenant acquisition made in 2024 was completed on January 1, 2023 are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
Current wording
The pro forma revenue and earnings for the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, as if the Covenant acquisition made in 2024 was completed on January 1, 2023 are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
Previous wording
Based on the above, full-year 2024 earnings per diluted share, excluding non-cash expense for stock options, tax benefits from stock option exercises, costs related to litigation and other discrete items, is estimated to be in the range of $23.55 to $23.80. This guidance assumes an effective corporate tax rate on adjusted earnings of 24.3% and a diluted share count of 15.25 million shares. Chemed’s previously issued 2024 guidance range was $23.30 to $23.70. Chemed’s 2023 reported adjusted earnings per diluted share was $20.30.
Current wording
VITAS continues to perform as anticipated, and we reiterate the metrics for VITAS as presented in our second quarter 2024 press release. Roto-Rooter’s revenue and resulting adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income was softer than anticipated during the third quarter of 2024. As a result of these factors, full-year 2024 earnings per diluted share, excluding non-cash expense for stock options, tax benefits from stock option exercises, costs related to litigation and other discrete items, is estimated to be in the range of $23.00 to $23.15. This range represents a 13.3% to 14.0% increase from Chemed’s reported adjusted earnings per diluted share of $20.30. This guidance assumes an effective corporate tax rate on adjusted earnings of 24.3% and a diluted share count of 15.22 million shares.
Previous wording
A $14.7 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.
Current wording
A $20.5 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.
Previous wording
A $5.9 million increase in lease right of use asset due to lease renewals. This resulted in a similar increase in the lease liability accounts.
Current wording
A $7.7 million increase in lease right of use asset due to lease renewals. This resulted in a similar increase in the lease liability accounts.
Previous wording
A $6.8 million increase in identifiable intangible assets due primarily to the Covenant acquisition at VITAS.
Current wording
A $4.5 million increase in identifiable intangible assets due primarily to the Covenant acquisition at VITAS.
Previous wording
A $77.1 million increase in goodwill due primarily to the Covenant acquisition at VITAS.
Current wording
A $81.8 million increase in goodwill due primarily to the Covenant acquisition at VITAS.
Previous wording
A $21.0 million decrease in accounts payable due to timing of payments.
Current wording
A $19.1 million decrease in accounts payable due to timing of payments.
Previous wording
A $6.9 million decrease in income taxes payable due to timing of payments.
Current wording
A $3.5 million decrease in income taxes payable due to timing of payments.
Previous wording
A $10.0 million decline in accrued compensation due primarily to the payment of 2023 bonuses in the first quarter of 2024.
Current wording
A $15.2 million decline in accrued compensation due primarily to the payment of 2023 bonuses in the first quarter of 2024.
Previous wording
A $16.3 million decrease in other current liabilities due to payments of legal settlements at VITAS and Roto-Rooter, payments of the Retention Bonus Program implemented at VITAS and a decrease in the Medicare Cap liability at VITAS.
Current wording
A $15.1 million decrease in other current liabilities due to payments of legal settlements at VITAS and Roto-Rooter, payments of the Retention Bonus Program implemented at VITAS and a decrease in the Medicare Cap liability at VITAS.
Previous wording
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $30.7 million from June 30, 2023 to June 30, 2024. The main drivers are an increase in earnings of $28.4 million and a $9.2 million increase in non-cash incentive compensation offset by a decrease of $7.5 million in litigation settlements due to payments of settlements at VITAS and Roto-Rooter, a decline of $12.6 million in current income taxes, a decrease in accounts payable of $28.1 million and a decrease of $22.5 million in accounts receivable.
Current wording
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $30.8 million from September 30, 2023 to September 30, 2024. The main driver is an increase in earnings of $29.2 million.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
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 $50.0 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.
Previous wording
Our service revenues and sales for the second quarter of 2024 increased 7.6% versus services and sales revenues for the second quarter of 2023. Of this increase, a $53.7 million increase was attributable to VITAS, offset by an $11.6 million decrease at Roto-Rooter. The following chart shows the components of revenue by operating segment (in thousands):
Current wording
Our service revenues and sales for the third quarter of 2024 increased 7.4% versus services and sales revenues for the third quarter of 2023. Of this increase, a $57.7 million increase was attributable to VITAS, offset by a $16.0 million decrease at Roto-Rooter. The following chart shows the components of revenue by operating segment (in thousands):
Previous wording
The decrease in drain cleaning revenues for the second quarter of 2024 versus 2023 is attributable to a 2.4% increase in price and service mix offset by a 6.5% decrease in job count. The decrease in plumbing revenues for the second quarter of 2024 versus 2023
Current wording
The decrease in drain cleaning revenues for the third quarter of 2024 versus 2023 is attributable to a 3.6% increase in price and service mix offset by an 8.9% decrease in job count. The decrease in plumbing revenues for the third quarter of 2024 versus 2023 is
Previous wording
-25- is attributable to a 0.2% increase in price and service mix shift offset by a 5.7% decrease in job count. Excavation and water restoration jobs are generally sold as a result of initial calls from customers regarding drain cleaning issues.
Current wording
-25- attributable to a 1.8% decrease in price and service mix shift and a 9.7% decrease in job count. Excavation and water restoration jobs are generally sold as a result of initial calls from customers regarding drain cleaning issues.
Previous wording
The consolidated gross margin was 34.6% in the second quarter of 2024 as compared with 32.4% in the second quarter of 2023. On a segment basis, VITAS’ gross margin was 23.8% in the second quarter of 2024 as compared with 18.0%, in the second 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 expense recorded in the second quarter of 2023 related to the VITAS Retention Bonus Program was $12.8 million. The Roto-Rooter segment’s gross margin was 52.9% for the second quarter of 2024 as compared with 52.3% in the second quarter of 2023.
Current wording
The consolidated gross margin was 34.6% in the third quarter of 2024 as compared with 35.8% in the third quarter of 2023. On a segment basis, VITAS’ gross margin was 24.6% in the third quarter of 2024 as compared with 24.0%, in the third quarter of 2023. The increase in gross margin at VITAS is mostly the result of increased revenues. The Roto-Rooter segment’s gross margin was 52.9% for the third quarter of 2024 and the third quarter of 2023.
Previous wording
SG&A expenses before long-term incentive compensation and the impact of market value adjustments related to deferred compensation trusts for thesecond quarter of 2024 were up 4.7% when compared tosecond quarter of 2023 due mainly to normal salary increases and an increase in variable selling expenses.
Current wording
SG&A expenses before long-term incentive compensation and the impact of market value adjustments related to deferred compensation trusts for thethird quarter of 2024 were up 1.6% when compared tothird quarter of 2023 due mainly to normal salary increases and an increase in variable selling expenses, primarily increased marketing expense at Roto-Rooter.
Previous wording
Net income/(loss) for thesecond quarter of 2024 versus thesecond quarter of 2023 by segment (in thousands):
Current wording
Net income/(loss) for thethird quarter of 2024 versus thethird quarter of 2023 by segment (in thousands):
Previous wording
After-tax earnings as a percent of revenue at VITAS in thesecond quarter of 2024 was 13.1% as compared to 8.1% in thesecond 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.
Current wording
After-tax earnings as a percent of revenue at VITAS in thethird quarter of 2024 was 13.7% as compared to 13.3% in thethird quarter of 2023. VITAS’ after-tax earnings increased primarily due to increased revenues.
Previous wording
Roto-Rooter’s net income was negatively impacted in thesecond quarter of 2024 compared to thesecond quarter of 2023 primarily due to declining revenue. After-tax earnings as a percent of revenue at Roto-Rooter in thesecond quarter of 2024 was 18.3%, as compared to 19.0% in thesecond quarter of 2023.
Current wording
Roto-Rooter’s net income was negatively impacted in thethird quarter of 2024 compared to thethird quarter of 2023 primarily due to declining revenue and higher SG&A related to enhanced marketing efforts. After-tax earnings as a percent of revenue at Roto-Rooter in thethird quarter of 2024 was 17.7%, as compared to 21.8% in thethird quarter of 2023.
Previous wording
Six months ended June 30, 2024 versus 2023 - Consolidated Results
Current wording
Nine months ended September 30, 2024 versus 2023 - Consolidated Results
Previous wording
Our service revenues and sales for the first six months of 2024 increased 6.4% versus services and sales revenues for the first six months of 2023. Of this increase, a $97.2 million increase was attributable to VITAS, offset by a $26.1 million decrease at Roto-Rooter. The following chart shows the components of revenue by operating segment (in thousands):
Current wording
Our service revenues and sales for the first nine months of 2024 increased 6.7% versus services and sales revenues for the first nine months of 2023. Of this increase, a $154.9 million increase was attributable to VITAS, offset by a $42.1 million decrease at Roto-Rooter. The following chart shows the components of revenue by operating segment (in thousands):
Previous wording
Days of care at VITAS during the six months ended June 30 were as follows:
Current wording
Days of care at VITAS during the nine months ended September 30 were as follows:
Previous wording
The increase in service revenues at VITAS is comprised primarily of a 13.0% 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 90-basis points 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 70-basis points.
Current wording
The increase in service revenues at VITAS is comprised primarily of a 13.9% 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 110-basis points 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 70-basis points.
Previous wording
The decrease in drain cleaning revenues for the first six months of 2024 versus 2023 is attributable to a 2.1% increase in price and service mix offset by a 7.9% decrease in job count. The decrease in plumbing revenues for the first six months of 2024 versus 2023 is attributable to a 1.0% decrease in price and service mix shift and by a 4.1% decrease in job count. Excavation and water restoration jobs are generally sold as a result of initial calls from customers regarding drain cleaning issues.
Current wording
The decrease in drain cleaning revenues for the first nine months of 2024 versus 2023 is attributable to a 2.6% increase in price and service mix offset by an 8.2% decrease in job count. The decrease in plumbing revenues for the first nine months of 2024 versus 2023 is attributable to a 1.2% decrease in price and service mix shift and by a 6.0% decrease in job count. Excavation and water restoration jobs are generally sold as a result of initial calls from customers regarding drain cleaning issues.
Previous wording
The consolidated gross margin was 34.6% in thefirst six months of 2024 as compared with 33.1% in thefirst six months of 2023. On a segment basis, VITAS’ gross margin was 23.5% in thefirst six months of 2024 as compared with 18.2%, in thefirst six months 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 expense recorded in the first six months of 2023 related to the VITAS Retention Bonus Program was $23.8 million. The Roto-Rooter segment’s gross margin was 52.4% for thefirst six months of 2024 as compared with 52.7% in thefirst six months of 2023. This decline was mainly the result of declining revenue.
Current wording
The consolidated gross margin was 34.6% in thefirst nine months of 2024 as compared with 34.0% in thefirst nine months of 2023. On a segment basis, VITAS’ gross margin was 23.9% in thefirst nine months of 2024 as compared with 20.2%, in thefirst nine months 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 expense recorded in the first nine months of 2023 related to the VITAS Retention Bonus Program was $23.8 million. The Roto-Rooter segment’s gross margin was 52.5% for thefirst nine months of 2024 as compared with 52.8% in thefirst nine months of 2023.
Previous wording
SG&A expenses before long-term incentive compensation and the impact of market value adjustments related to deferred compensation trusts for thefirst six monthsof 2024 were up 2.5% when compared to thefirst six months of 2023 due mainly to normal salary increases and an increase in variable selling expenses.
Current wording
SG&A expenses before long-term incentive compensation and the impact of market value adjustments related to deferred compensation trusts for thefirst nine monthsof 2024 were up 2.2% when compared to thefirst nine months of 2023 due mainly to normal salary increases and an increase in variable selling expenses, primarily increased marketing expense at Roto-Rooter.
Previous wording
Six months ended June 30, 2024 versus 2023 - Segment Results
Current wording
Nine months ended September 30, 2024 versus 2023 - Segment Results
Previous wording
Net income/(loss) for the first six months of 2024 versus thefirstsix months of 2023 by segment (in thousands):
Current wording
Net income/(loss) for the first nine months of 2024 versus thefirst nine months of 2023 by segment (in thousands):
Previous wording
After-tax earnings as a percent of revenue at VITAS in thefirst six monthsof 2024 was 12.8% as compared to 8.1% in thefirst six monthsof 2023. VITAS’ after-tax earnings increased primarily due to increased revenues and the expiration of the licensed healthcare worker Retention Bonus Program in 2023.
Current wording
After-tax earnings as a percent of revenue at VITAS in thefirst nine monthsof 2024 was 13.1% as compared to 9.9% in thefirst nine monthsof 2023. VITAS’ after-tax earnings increased primarily due to increased revenues and the expiration of the licensed healthcare worker Retention Bonus Program in 2023.
Previous wording
Roto-Rooter’s net income was negatively impacted in thefirst six monthsof 2024 compared to thefirst six monthsof 2023 primarily due to declining revenue. After-tax earnings as a percent of revenue at Roto-Rooter in thefirst six months of 2024 was 17.8%, as compared to 19.1% in the first six months of 2023.
Current wording
Roto-Rooter’s net income was negatively impacted in thefirst nine monthsof 2024 compared to thefirst nine monthsof 2023 primarily due to declining revenue and higher SG&A related to enhanced marketing efforts. After-tax earnings as a percent of revenue at Roto-Rooter in thefirst nine months of 2024 was 17.8%, as compared to 20.0% in the first nine months of 2023.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Our effective tax rate reconciliation is as follows (in thousands):