Chemed (CHE) 10-Q 2009 Q3 Quarterly report

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 September 30, 2009

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

Commission File Number: 1-8351

CHEMED CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	31-0791746
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

2600 Chemed Center, 255 E. Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio	45202
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip code)

(513) 762-6900

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Yes   X No

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

Yes No

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

Large accelerated filer   X Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company

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

Yes No   X

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

Class	Amount	Date
Capital Stock $1 Par Value	22,557,524 Shares	September 30, 2009

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CHEMED CORPORATION AND

SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Index

			Page No.
PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
	Item 1.  Financial Statements
		Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet -
		September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008	3
		Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Income -
		Three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008	4
		Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows -
		Nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008	5
		Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements	6
	Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		17
	Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		24
	Item 4.  Controls and Procedures		24
PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION
	Item 1.    Legal Proceedings		25
	Item 1A. Risk Factors		25
	Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of  Proceeds		25
	Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities		25
	Item 4.    Submission of Matter to a Vote of Security Holders		25
	Item 5.    Other Information		25
	Item 6.    Exhibits		25

    EX – 10.1

    EX – 10.2

    EX – 10.3

    EX – 10.4

    EX – 10.5

    EX – 31.1

    EX – 31.2

    EX – 31.3

    EX – 32.1

    EX – 32.2

    EX – 32.3

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PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.   Financial Statements
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
	September 30,			December 31,
	2009			2008
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	42,047		$	3,628
Accounts receivable less allowances of $12,352 (2008 - $10,320)		106,667			98,076
Inventories		8,071			7,569
Current deferred income taxes		16,648			15,392
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		8,579			11,268
Total current assets		182,012			135,933
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust		22,441			22,628
Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated
depreciation of $111,625 (2008 - $101,689)		73,918			76,962
Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated
amortization of $24,326 (2008 - $21,272)		58,853			61,303
Goodwill		450,130			448,721
Other assets		14,049			14,075
Total Assets	$	801,403		$	759,622
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	47,788		$	52,810
Current portion of long-term debt		70			10,169
Income taxes		8,022			2,181
Accrued insurance		34,955			35,994
Accrued compensation		41,383			40,741
Other current liabilities		12,992			12,180
Total current liabilities		145,210			154,075
Deferred income taxes		22,389			22,477
Long-term debt		150,431			158,210
Deferred compensation liabilities		21,962			22,417
Other liabilities		4,435			5,612
Total Liabilities		344,427			362,791
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Capital stock - authorized 80,000,000 shares $1 par; issued
29,762,595 shares (2008 - 29,514,877 shares)		29,763			29,515
Paid-in capital		327,918			313,516
Retained earnings		388,109			337,739
Treasury stock - 7,205,071 shares (2008 - 7,100,475 shares), at cost		(290,748	)		(285,977	)
Deferred compensation payable in Company stock		1,934			2,038
Total Stockholders' Equity		456,976			396,831
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	801,403		$	759,622
See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.

 

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CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)
	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2009			2008			2009			2008
Service revenues and sales	$	296,794		$	288,312		$	886,987		$	856,736
Cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation)		208,888			202,446			623,238			609,397
Selling, general and administrative expenses		48,148			44,022			143,521			133,070
Depreciation		5,361			5,441			16,024			16,249
Amortization		1,611			1,494			4,765			4,433
Other operating expense		-			-			3,989			-
Total costs and expenses		264,008			253,403			791,537			763,149
Income from operations		32,786			34,909			95,450			93,587
Interest expense		(2,853	)		(3,140	)		(8,839	)		(9,213	)
Other income/(expense)--net		1,733			(1,908	)		4,815			(2,211	)
Income before income taxes		31,666			29,861			91,426			82,163
Income taxes		(12,456	)		(12,910	)		(35,627	)		(33,081	)
Net income	$	19,210		$	16,951		$	55,799		$	49,082
Earnings Per Share
Net income	$	0.86		$	0.75		$	2.49		$	2.11
Average number of shares outstanding		22,461			22,503			22,425			23,285
Diluted Earnings Per Share
Net income	$	0.84		$	0.74		$	2.46		$	2.08
Average number of shares outstanding		22,744			22,818			22,679			23,620
Cash Dividends Per Share	$	0.12		$	0.06		$	0.24		$	0.18
See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.

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CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2009				2008
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income		$	55,799		$	49,082
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			20,789			20,682
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable			8,297			7,101
Stock option expense			6,699			5,084
Amortization of discount on convertible notes			4,921			4,920
Provision for deferred income taxes			(1,336	)		(3,945	)
Amortization of debt issuance costs			480			464
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding
amounts acquired in business combinations:
Decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable			(16,936	)		5,846
Increase in inventories			(499	)		(851	)
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets			1,406			2,804
Decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities			(4,584	)		(875	)
Increase/(decrease) in income taxes			8,657			(329	)
Increase in other assets			(103	)		(547	)
Increase/(decrease) in other liabilities			(1,632	)		674
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation			(1,519	)		(1,234	)
Other sources			108			654
Net cash provided by operating activities			80,547			89,530
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures			(14,471	)		(13,103	)
Business combinations, net of cash acquired			(1,859	)		(1,578	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment			1,519			200
Net proceeds/(uses) from the sale of discontinued operations			(558	)		8,980
Other uses			(392	)		(421	)
Net cash used by investing activities			(15,761	)		(5,922	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Repayment of long-term debt			(14,599	)		(7,595	)
Net decrease in revolving line of credit			(8,200	)		-
Dividends paid			(5,429	)		(4,352	)
Purchases of treasury stock			(1,684	)		(69,136	)
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation			1,519			1,234
Increase/(decrease) in cash overdraft payable			943			(1,913	)
Other sources/(uses)			1,083			(30	)
Net cash used by financing activities			(26,367	)		(81,792	)
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents			38,419			1,816
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			3,628			4,988
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	42,047		$	6,804
See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.

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CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements

1.     Basis of Presentation

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

We have prepared the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Chemed in accordance with Rule 10-01 of SEC Regulation S-X.  Consequently, we have omitted certain disclosures required under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements.  The December 31, 2008 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 present fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.  These financial statements are prepared on the same basis as and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.  Certain 2008 amounts have been restated to conform with current period presentation related to adoption of new accounting guidance for our convertible debt, as described in Note 5.

In June 2009, the FASB established the Accounting Standards Codification, “Codification”, which established the Codification as the single source of authoritative nongovernmental U.S. GAAP.  The Codification was effective for interim or annual financial periods ending after September 15, 2009.  We have adopted the Codification and all references in our financial statements to authoritative U.S. GAAP have been changed.

2.      Revenue Recognition

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

As of September 30, 2009, VITAS has approximately $12.1 million in unbilled revenue (December 31, 2008 - $13.9 million).  The unbilled revenue at VITAS relates to hospice programs currently undergoing focused medical reviews (“FMR”).  During FMR, surveyors working on behalf of the U.S. Federal government review certain patient files for compliance with Medicare regulations.  During the time the patient file is under review, we are unable to bill for care provided to those patients.  We make appropriate provisions to reduce our accounts receivable balance for potential denials of patient service revenue due to FMR activity.

The U.S. government revises hospice reimbursement rates on an annual basis using the Hospice Wage Index (HWI) and the Budget Neutrality Adjustment Factor (BNAF).  The HWI is used to adjust reimbursement rates to reflect local differences in wages.  The BNAF is an estimated inflation factor applied to the HWI.  In August 2008, the U.S. government announced a 25% reduction in the BNAF for its fiscal 2009 (October 2008 through September 2009) pursuant to a three year phase-out of the BNAF.  The February 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act mandated a one year delay in the BNAF phase-out.  As a result, included in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 results, is $1.95 million of revenue for the retroactive price increase related to services provided by VITAS in the fourth quarter of 2008.  Revenue for service provided in fiscal 2009 includes a reimbursement rate with the full BNAF increase.

We actively monitor each of our hospice programs, by provider number, as to their specific admission, discharge rate and median length of stay data in an attempt to determine whether they are likely to exceed the annual per-beneficiary Medicare cap (“Medicare cap”).  Should we determine that revenues for a program are likely to exceed the Medicare cap based on projected trends, we attempt to institute corrective action to influence the patient mix or to increase patient admissions.  However, should we project our corrective action will not prevent that program from exceeding its Medicare cap, we estimate the amount of revenue recognized during the period that will require repayment to the Federal government under the Medicare cap and record the amount as a reduction to patient revenue.  The Medicare cap measurement period is from September 29 through September 28 of the following year for admissions and from November 1 through October 31 of the following year for revenue.  For the three-month period ended September 30, 2009, we recorded $43,000 in Medicare cap liability related to a retroactive billing for 2006.  During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009, we reversed our estimated liability of $235,000 due to improved admission trends.  This relates to one program’s projected liability that was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009.  Finally, we paid $302,000 for a retroactive billing related to our discontinued Phoenix operation during the third quarter of 2009.  This amount was previously accrued and had no impact on our income statement.  No revenue reduction for Medicare cap liability was recorded for the three or nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008.

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3.      Segments

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

		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2009			2008			2009			2008
Service Revenues and Sales
VITAS		$	217,067		$	204,956		$	636,787		$	602,589
Roto-Rooter			79,727			83,356			250,200			254,147
	Total	$	296,794		$	288,312		$	886,987		$	856,736
After-tax Earnings
VITAS		$	18,267		$	17,561		$	52,794		$	45,180
Roto-Rooter			7,988			7,957			25,115			25,445
	Total		26,255			25,518			77,909			70,625
Corporate			(7,045	)		(8,567	)		(22,110	)		(21,543	)
	Net income	$	19,210		$	16,951		$	55,799		$	49,082

4.      Earnings per Share

Earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of shares of capital stock outstanding.  Earnings and diluted earnings per share for 2009 and 2008 are computed as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

For the Three Months Ended  September 30,	Net Income		Shares		Earnings per Share
2009
Earnings	$	19,210		22,461	$	0.86
Dilutive stock options		-		227
Nonvested stock awards		-		56
Diluted earnings	$	19,210		22,744	$	0.84
2008
Earnings	$	16,951		22,503	$	0.75
Dilutive stock options		-		287
Nonvested stock awards		-		28
Diluted earnings	$	16,951		22,818	$	0.74

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For the Nine Months Ended September 30,	Net Income		Shares		Earnings per Share
2009
Earnings	$	55,799		22,425	$	2.49
Dilutive stock options		-		212
Nonvested stock awards		-		42
Diluted earnings	$	55,799		22,679	$	2.46
2008
Earnings	$	49,082		23,285	$	2.11
Dilutive stock options		-		305
Nonvested stock awards		-		30
Diluted earnings	$	49,082		23,620	$	2.08

For the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009, 1,325,417 and 1,655,418, respectively, stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as their exercise prices were greater than the average market price for most of the period. For both the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008, 829,000 stock options were excluded, respectively, from the computation of diluted earnings per share.

Diluted earnings per share may be impacted in future periods as the result of the issuance of our 1.875% Senior Convertible Notes (the “Notes”) and related purchased call options and sold warrants.  Per FASB’s authoritative guidance on the effect of contingently convertible instruments on diluted earnings per share and convertible bonds with an issuer option to settle for cash upon conversion, we will not include any shares related to the Notes in our calculation of diluted earnings per share until our average stock price for a quarter exceeds the conversion price of $80.73.  We would then include in our diluted earnings per share calculation those shares issuable using the treasury stock method.  The amount of shares issuable is based upon the amount by which the average stock price for the quarter exceeds the conversion price.  The purchased call option does not impact the calculation of diluted earnings per share as it is always anti-dilutive. The sold warrants become dilutive when our average stock price for a quarter exceeds the strike price of the warrant.

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

	Shares		Total Treasury	Shares Due	Incremental
	Underlying 1.875%		Method	to the Company	Shares Issued/
Share	Convertible	Warrant	Incremental	under Notes	(Received) by the Company
Price	Notes	Shares	Shares (a)	Hedges	upon Conversion (b)
$             80.73	-	-	-	-	-
$             90.73	255,243	-	255,243	(273,061)	(17,818)
$           100.73	459,807	-	459,807	(491,905)	(32,098)
$           110.73	627,423	118,359	745,782	(671,222)	74,560
$           120.73	767,272	313,764	1,081,036	(820,833)	260,203
$           130.73	885,726	479,274	1,365,000	(947,556)	417,444
(a) Represents the number of incremental shares that must be included in the calculation of fully diluted shares under U.S. GAAP.
(b) Represents the number of incremental shares to be issued by the Company upon conversion of the Notes, assuming concurrent settlement of the note hedges and warrants.

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5.      Long-Term Debt

  We are in compliance with all debt covenants as of September 30, 2009.  We have issued $27.9 million in standby letters of credit as of September 30, 2009 for insurance purposes.  Issued letters of credit reduce our available credit under the revolving credit agreement.  As of September 30, 2009, we have approximately $147.1 million of unused lines of credit available and eligible to be drawn down under our revolving credit facility, excluding the expansion feature.

In May 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance for accounting for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion including partial cash settlement.  This guidance requires all convertible debentures classified as Instruments B or C to separately account for the debt and equity pieces of the instrument.   Convertible debentures classified as Instruments B may be settled in either stock or cash equivalent to the conversion value and convertible debentures classified as Instruments C must settle the accreted value of the obligation in cash and may satisfy the excess conversion value in either cash or stock.  At inception of the convertible instrument, cash flows related to the convertible instrument are to be discounted using a market rate of interest.  We adopted the provisions of the guidance on January 1, 2009 and applied the guidance retrospectively.  Upon adoption, the Notes had a discount of approximately $54.9 million.  Retained earnings as of January 1, 2008 decreased $2.3 million as a result of the cumulative effect of adoption.

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

	September 30, 2009			December 31, 2008
Principal amount of convertible debentures	$	186,956		$	186,956
Unamortized debt discount		(36,525	)		(41,446	)
Carrying amount of convertible debentures	$	150,431		$	145,510
Additional paid in capital (net of tax)	$	31,310		$	31,310

The following amounts comprise interest expense included in our consolidated income statement (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2009		2008		2009		2008
Cash interest expense	$	1,014	$	1,319	$	3,438	$	3,829
Non-cash amortization of debt discount		1,668		1,668		4,921		4,920
Amortization of debt costs		171		153		480		464
Total interest expense	$	2,853	$	3,140	$	8,839	$	9,213

The unamortized debt discount will be amortized using the effective interest method over the remaining life of the Notes.  The effective rate on the Notes after adoption of the standard is approximately 6.875%.  The gain on extinguishment of debt recognized in 2008 upon our repurchase of a portion of the Notes decreased by approximately $802,000 upon adoption, due to a portion of the extinguishment being attributed to the equity component of our Notes.

6.      Other Operating Expenses

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009 we recorded pretax expenses of $4.0 million related to the costs of a contested proxy solicitation.

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7.      Other Income/ (Expense) -- Net

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

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2009			2008			2009			2008
Market value gains/(losses) on assets held in
deferred compensation trust	$	1,789		$	(1,944	)	$	3,374		$	(2,625	)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment		(159	)		(147	)		(213	)		(260	)
Interest income		86			159			375			602
Gain on settlement of company owned life insurance		-			-			1,211			-
Other - net		17			24			68			72
Total other income	$	1,733		$	(1,908	)	$	4,815		$	(2,211	)

8.      Other Current Liabilities

Other current liabilities as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consist of the following (in thousands):

	2009		2008
Accrued legal settlements	$	312	$	410
Accrued divestiture expenses		849		837
Accrued Medicare cap estimate		241		735
Other		11,590		10,198
Total other current liabilities	$	12,992	$	12,180

 9.      Stock-Based Compensation Plans

On February 19, 2009, the Compensation/Incentive Committee of the Board of Directors (“CIC”) approved a grant of 53,199 shares of restricted stock to certain key employees.  The restricted shares cliff vest four years from the date of issuance.  The cumulative compensation expense related to the restricted stock award is $2.3 million and will be recognized ratably over the four-year vesting period.  We assumed no forfeitures in determining the cumulative compensation expense of the grant.

On February 19, 2009, the CIC approved a grant of 508,600 stock options to certain employees.  The stock options vest ratably over three years from the date of issuance.  The cumulative compensation expense related to the stock option grant is $7.1 million and will be recognized over the three-year vesting period.  We used the Black-Scholes option valuation method to determine the cumulative compensation expense of the grant.

On May 29, 2009, the Compensation/Incentive Committee (“CIC”) approved a new stock-price target portion of the Company’s Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”), which covers our officers and key employees.  The new stock price hurdles are as follows:

Stock Price	Shares to be
Hurdle	Issued
$   54.00	22,500
$   58.00	33,750
$   62.00	33,750
Total	90,000

The stock price hurdles must be achieved during 30 trading days out of any 60 trading day period between May 29, 2009 and February 28, 2012.

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10.    Loans Receivable from Independent Contractors

The Roto-Rooter segment sublicenses with sixty-three independent contractors to operate certain plumbing repair and drain cleaning businesses in lesser-populated areas of the United States and Canada.  We had notes receivable from our independent contractors as of September 30, 2009 totaling $1.6 million (December 31, 2008 - -$1.6 million).  In most cases these loans are fully or partially secured by equipment owned by the contractor.  The interest rates on the loans range from zero to 8% per annum and the remaining terms of the loans range from two months to 5 years at September 30, 2009.  During the three months ended September 30, 2009, we recorded revenues of $5.3 million (2008 - $5.3 million) and pretax profits of $2.4 million (2008 - $2.5 million) from our independent contractors.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recorded revenues of $16.0 million (2008 - $16.5 million) and pretax profits of $7.1 million (2008 - $7.6 million) from our independent contractors

We have adopted the provisions of the FASB’s authoritative guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities relative to our contractual relationships with the independent contractors.  The guidance requires the primary beneficiary of a Variable Interest Entity ("VIE") to consolidate the accounts of the VIE.  We have evaluated our relationships with our independent contractors based upon the guidance provided by the FASB and have concluded that some of the contractors who have loans payable to us may be VIE’s.  We believe consolidation, if required, of the accounts of any VIE’s for which we might be the primary beneficiary would not materially impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

11.    Pension and Retirement Plans

All of the Company’s plans that provide retirement and similar benefits are defined contribution plans.  Expenses for the Company’s pension and profit-sharing plans, excess benefit plans and other similar plans were $4.3 million and $838,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Expenses for the Company’s pension and profit-sharing plans, excess benefit plans and other similar plans were $11.3 million and $6.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

12.    Litigation

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

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

13.    Regulatory Matters

In April 2005, the Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) for the Department of Health and Human Services served VITAS with civil subpoenas relating to VITAS’ alleged failure to appropriately bill Medicare and Medicaid for hospice services.  As part of this investigation, the OIG selected medical records for 320 past and current patients from VITAS’ three largest programs for review.  It also sought policies and procedures dating back to 1998 covering admissions, certifications, recertifications and discharges.  During the third quarter of 2005 and again in May 2006, the OIG requested additional information from us.  The Court dismissed a related qui tam complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida with prejudice in July 2007.  The plaintiffs appealed this dismissal, which the Court of Appeals affirmed.  The government continues to investigate the complaint’s allegations.  In March 2009, we received a letter from the government reiterating the basis of their investigation.

In May 2009, VITAS received an administrative subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice requesting VITAS deliver to the OIG documents, patient records, and policy and procedure manuals for headquarters and its Texas programs concerning hospice services provided for the period January 1, 2003 to the date of the letter.  In August 2009, the OIG selected medical records for 59 past and current patients from a Texas program for review. Based on the early stage of the investigation and the limited information we have at this time, we cannot predict the outcome of this investigation.  We believe that we are in material compliance with Medicare and Medicaid rules and regulations applicable to hospice providers.

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We are unable to predict the outcome of these matters or the impact, if any, that the investigation may have on our business, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources.  Regardless of outcome, responding to the subpoenas can adversely affect us through defense costs, diversion of our time and related publicity.

14.    Related Party Agreement

VITAS has two pharmacy services agreements ("Agreements") with Omnicare, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“OCR”) whereby OCR provides specified pharmacy services for VITAS and its hospice patients in geographical areas served by both VITAS and OCR.  The Agreements renew automatically for one-year terms.  Either party may cancel the Agreements at the end of any term by giving written notice at least 90 days prior to the end of said term.  VITAS made purchases from OCR of $8.5 million and $8.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  VITAS made purchases of $24.6 million and $24.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  VITAS has accounts payable to OCR of $417,000 at September 30, 2009.

 Mr. Joel F. Gemunder, President and Chief Executive Officer of OCR and Ms. Andrea Lindell are directors of both OCR and the Company. Mr. Kevin J. McNamara, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, is a director emeritus of OCR.  We believe that the terms of these agreements are no less favorable to VITAS than we could negotiate with an unrelated party.

15.    Cash Overdrafts Payable

Included in accounts payable at September 30, 2009 is cash overdrafts payable of $9.8 million (December 31, 2008 - - $8.8 million).

16.    Financial Instruments

On January 1, 2008, we partially adopted the provisions of the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements.  This statement defines a hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs in fair value measurements.  Level 1 measurements are measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.  Level 2 measurements use significant other observable inputs.  Level 3 measurements are measurements using significant unobservable inputs which require a company to develop its own assumptions.  In recording the fair value of assets and liabilities, companies must use the most reliable measurement available.  There was no impact on our financial position or results of operations upon partial adoption of this authoritative guidance.

On January 1, 2009, the deferral period granted relative to the fair value measurement of our goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets expired.  There was no impact on our financial position or results of operations as a result of the expiration of the deferral.

The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of

September 30, 2009 (in thousands):

			Fair Value Measure
	Carrying Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Mutual fund investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	$	22,441	$	22,441	$	-	$	-
Long-term debt		150,501		153,916		-		-

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

17.    Subsequent Events

In May 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on subsequent events which established general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or available to be issued.  It requires the disclosure of the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated as well as the basis for that date. The guidance was effective prospectively for interim or annual financial periods ending after June 15, 2009.  We have evaluated all subsequent events through October 30, 2009, the date of this filing, and determined there are no material recognized or unrecognized subsequent events.

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18.    Recent Accounting Statements

In June 2009, the FASB issued additional guidance related to the consolidation of variable interest entities, which makes significant changes to the model for determining who should consolidate an entity and also addresses how often this assessment should be performed. The determination of who should consolidate a variable interest entity will be based on both quantitative and qualitative factors relating to control, as well as risks and benefits of ownership.  This guidance is effective in 2010 for calendar-year companies and is to be adopted through a cumulative-effect adjustment.  We are currently evaluating the impact of adoption of these provisions on our existing accounting methods.

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19.  Guarantor Subsidiaries
Our 1.875% Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured, jointly and severally liable basis by certain of our 100% owned subsidiaries. The following unaudited, condensed, consolidating financial data presents the composition of the parent company (Chemed), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 for the balance sheet, the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 for the income statement and the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 for the statement of cash flows (dollars in thousands):
As of September 30, 2009				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			Consolidated
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	39,411		$	(1,176	)	$	3,812		$	-		$	42,047
Accounts receivable, less allowances		671			105,442			554			-			106,667
Intercompany receivables		-			85,970			-			(85,970	)		-
Inventories		-			7,378			693			-			8,071
Current deferred income taxes		(1,303	)		17,831			120			-			16,648
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		936			7,514			129			-			8,579
Total current assets		39,715			222,959			5,308			(85,970	)		182,012
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust		-			-			22,441			-			22,441
Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation		10,041			61,782			2,095			-			73,918
Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization		-			58,853			-			-			58,853
Goodwill		-			445,771			4,359			-			450,130
Other assets		11,247			2,462			340			-			14,049
Investments in subsidiaries		628,285			15,311			-			(643,596	)		-
Total assets	$	689,288		$	807,138		$	34,543		$	(729,566	)	$	801,403
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	$	(2,786	)	$	50,259		$	315		$	-		$	47,788
Intercompany payables		83,982			-			1,988			(85,970	)		-
Current portion of long-term debt		-			70			-			-			70
Income taxes		773			6,057			1,192			-			8,022
Accrued insurance		491			34,464			-			-			34,955
Accrued salaries and wages		2,882			38,095			406			-			41,383
Other current liabilities		2,619			10,224			149			-			12,992
Total current liabilities		87,961			139,169			4,050			(85,970	)		145,210
Deferred income taxes		(9,039	)		37,951			(6,523	)		-			22,389
Long-term debt		150,431			-			-			-			150,431
Deferred compensation liabilities		-			-			21,962			-			21,962
Other liabilities		2,959			1,476			-			-			4,435
Stockholders' equity		456,976			628,542			15,054			(643,596	)		456,976
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	689,288		$	807,138		$	34,543		$	(729,566	)	$	801,403
As of December 31, 2008				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			Consolidated
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	65		$	202		$	3,361		$	-		$	3,628
Accounts receivable, less allowances		1,261			96,112			703			-			98,076
Intercompany receivables		-			37,105			-			(37,105	)		-
Inventories		-			7,021			548			-			7,569
Current deferred income taxes		(229	)		15,511			110			-			15,392
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		2,296			7,982			990			-			11,268
Total current assets		3,393			163,933			5,712			(37,105	)		135,933
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust		-			-			22,628			-			22,628
Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation		11,665			63,179			2,118			-			76,962
Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization		-			61,303			-			-			61,303
Goodwill		-			444,433			4,288			-			448,721
Other assets		11,312			2,455			308			-			14,075
Investments in subsidiaries		568,038			11,196			-			(579,234	)		-
Total assets	$	594,408		$	746,499		$	35,054		$	(616,339	)	$	759,622
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	$	(1,688	)	$	54,175		$	323		$	-		$	52,810
Intercompany payables		29,513			-			7,592			(37,105	)		-
Current portion of long-term debt		10,000			169			-			-			10,169
Income taxes		(1,940	)		3,909			212			-			2,181
Accrued insurance		1,425			34,569			-			-			35,994
Accrued salaries and wages		3,817			36,523			401			-			40,741
Other current liabilities		2,022			8,979			1,179			-			12,180
Total current liabilities		43,149			138,324			9,707			(37,105	)		154,075
Deferred income taxes		(7,801	)		38,310			(8,032	)		-			22,477
Long-term debt		158,210			-			-			-			158,210
Deferred compensation liabilities		-			-			22,417			-			22,417
Other liabilities		4,019			1,593			-			-			5,612
Stockholders' equity		396,831			568,272			10,962			(579,234	)		396,831
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	594,408		$	746,499		$	35,054		$	(616,339	)	$	759,622

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For the three months ended September 30, 2009				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			Consolidated
Continuing Operations
Net sales and service revenues	$	-		$	291,121		$	5,673		$	-		$	296,794
Cost of services provided and goods sold		-			205,940			2,948			-			208,888
Selling, general and administrative expenses		5,295			39,994			2,859			-			48,148
Depreciation		166			5,016			179			-			5,361
Amortization		588			1,023			-			-			1,611
Total costs and expenses		6,049			251,973			5,986			-			264,008
Income/ (loss) from operations		(6,049	)		39,148			(313	)		-			32,786
Interest expense		(2,759	)		(94	)		-			-			(2,853	)
Other income - net		1,188			(1,271	)		1,816			-			1,733
Income/ (loss) before income taxes		(7,620	)		37,783			1,503			-			31,666
Income tax (provision)/ benefit		2,452			(14,317	)		(591	)		-			(12,456	)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries		24,378			903			-			(25,281	)		-
Net income	$	19,210		$	24,369		$	912		$	(25,281	)	$	19,210
For the three months ended September 30, 2008				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			Consolidated
Continuing Operations
Net sales and service revenues	$	-		$	282,103		$	6,209		$	-		$	288,312
Cost of services provided and goods sold		-			199,308			3,138			-			202,446
Selling, general and administrative expenses		5,015			39,725			(718	)		-			44,022
Depreciation		130			5,122			189			-			5,441
Amortization		487			1,007			-			-			1,494
Total costs and expenses		5,632			245,162			2,609			-			253,403
Income/ (loss) from operations		(5,632	)		36,941			3,600			-			34,909
Interest expense		(3,050	)		(89	)		(1	)		-			(3,140	)
Other (expense)/income - net		1,151			(1,138	)		(1,921	)		-			(1,908	)
Income/ (loss) before income taxes		(7,531	)		35,714			1,678			-			29,861
Income tax (provision)/ benefit		2,024			(13,533	)		(1,401	)		-			(12,910	)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries		22,458			581			-			(23,039	)		-
Net income	$	16,951		$	22,762		$	277		$	(23,039	)	$	16,951
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			Consolidated
Continuing Operations
Net sales and service revenues	$	-		$	869,642		$	17,345		$	-		$	886,987
Cost of services provided and goods sold		-			614,385			8,853			-			623,238
Selling, general and administrative expenses		16,026			120,509			6,986			-			143,521
Depreciation		465			15,039			520			-			16,024
Amortization		1,715			3,050			-			-			4,765
Other operating expense		3,989			-			-			-			3,989
Total costs and expenses		22,195			752,983			16,359			-			791,537
Income/ (loss) from operations		(22,195	)		116,659			986			-			95,450
Interest expense		(8,286	)		(559	)		6			-			(8,839	)
Other (expense)/income - net		1,678			(1,510	)		4,647			-			4,815
Income/ (loss) before income taxes		(28,803	)		114,590			5,639			-			91,426
Income tax (provision)/ benefit		9,870			(43,533	)		(1,964	)		-			(35,627	)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries		74,732			3,803			-			(78,535	)		-
Net income	$	55,799		$	74,860		$	3,675		$	(78,535	)	$	55,799
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			Consolidated
Continuing Operations
Net sales and service revenues	$	-		$	837,938		$	18,798		$	-		$	856,736
Cost of services provided and goods sold		-			600,110			9,287			-			609,397
Selling, general and administrative expenses		13,544			118,255			1,271			-			133,070
Depreciation		372			15,355			522			-			16,249
Amortization		1,409			3,024			-			-			4,433
Total costs and expenses		15,325			736,744			11,080			-			763,149
Income/ (loss) from operations		(15,325	)		101,194			7,718			-			93,587
Interest expense		(8,880	)		(331	)		(2	)		-			(9,213	)
Other (expense)/income - net		4,025			(3,683	)		(2,553	)		-			(2,211	)
Income/ (loss) before income taxes		(20,180	)		97,180			5,163			-			82,163
Income tax (provision)/ benefit		6,499			(36,492	)		(3,088	)		-			(33,081	)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries		62,763			2,582			-			(65,345	)		-
Net income	$	49,082		$	63,270		$	2,075		$	(65,345	)	$	49,082

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For the nine months ended September 30, 2009				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Consolidated
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Net cash (used)/provided by operating activities	$	(2,579	)	$	77,254		$	5,872		$	80,547
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures		(44	)		(14,007	)		(420	)		(14,471	)
Business combinations, net of cash acquired		-			(1,859	)		-			(1,859	)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment		1,286			233			-			1,519
Net payments on sale of discontinued operations		(256	)		(302	)		-			(558	)
Other sources and uses - net		(202	)		(374	)		184			(392	)
Net cash provided/ (used) by investing activities		784			(16,309	)		(236	)		(15,761	)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Change in cash overdrafts payable		(602	)		1,545			-			943
Change in intercompany accounts		69,635			(64,031	)		(5,604	)		-
Dividends paid to shareholders		(5,429	)		-			-			(5,429	)
Purchases of treasury stock		(1,684	)		-			-			(1,684	)
Realized excess tax benefit on share based compensation		1,519			-			-			1,519
Net decrease in  revolving credit facility		(8,200	)		-			-			(8,200	)
Repayment of long-term debt		(14,500	)		(99	)		-			(14,599	)
Other sources and uses - net		402			262			419			1,083
Net cash provided/(used) by financing activities		41,141			(62,323	)		(5,185	)		(26,367	)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		39,346			(1,378	)		451			38,419
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		65			202			3,361			3,628
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	39,411		$	(1,176	)	$	3,812		$	42,047
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Consolidated
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Net cash (used)/provided by operating activities	$	(6,959	)	$	94,811		$	1,678		$	89,530
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures		(429	)		(11,685	)		(989	)		(13,103	)
Business combinations, net of cash acquired		-			(1,578	)		-			(1,578	)
Net proceeds from sale of discontinued operations		8,980			-			-			8,980
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment		10			162			28			200
Other sources and uses - net		(495	)		84			(10	)		(421	)
Net cash provided/ (used) by investing activities		8,066			(13,017	)		(971	)		(5,922	)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Change in cash overdrafts payable		(629	)		(1,284	)		-			(1,913	)
Change in intercompany accounts		79,010			(79,144	)		134			-
Dividends paid to shareholders		(4,352	)		-			-			(4,352	)
Purchases of treasury stock		(69,136	)		-			-			(69,136	)
Realized excess tax benefit on share based compensation		1,234			-			-			1,234
Repayment of long-term debt		(7,500	)		(95	)		-			(7,595	)
Other sources and uses - net		267			221			(518	)		(30	)
Net cash provided/(used) by financing activities		(1,106	)		(80,302	)		(384	)		(81,792	)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		1			1,492			323			1,816
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		3,877			(1,584	)		2,695			4,988
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	3,878		$	(92	)	$	3,018		$	6,804

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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 team of doctors, nurses, home health aides, social workers, clergy and volunteers, VITAS provides direct medical services to patients, as well as spiritual and emotional counseling to both patients and their families.  Roto-Rooter’s services are focused on providing plumbing and drain cleaning services to both residential and commercial customers.  Through its network of company-owned branches, independent contractors and franchisees, Roto-Rooter offers plumbing and drain cleaning service to over 90% of the U.S. population.

The following is a summary of the key operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2009		2008		2009		2008
Consolidated service revenues and sales	$	296,794	$	288,312	$	886,987	$	856,736
Consolidated net income	$	19,210	$	16,951	$	55,799	$	49,082
Diluted EPS	$	0.84	$	0.74	$	2.46	$	2.08

For the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the increase in consolidated service revenues and sales was driven by a 6% increase at VITAS while Roto-Rooter revenues decreased by 4%.  The increase in service revenues at VITAS was a result of increased admissions of 3.1%, the October 1, 2008 Medicare reimbursement rate increase of approximately 3.5%, partially offset by a 1.2% increase in the number of discharged patients.  The remaining difference is related to the timing within the quarter of admissions and discharges as well as a mix shift to higher acuity days of care. Roto-Rooter was driven by an 8% decrease in job count offset by an approximate 5% price and mix shift increase. The Roto-Rooter changes include the impact of acquisitions in 2008 and 2009, offset by the conversion of one company-owned branch to an independent contractor in 2009.  The impact of these transactions is not material.  Consolidated net income increased mainly as a result of the increase in revenues.  Diluted EPS increased as the result of increased earnings.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the increase in consolidated service revenues and sales was driven by a 6% increase in service revenues at VITAS while Roto-Rooter revenues decreased approximately 2%.  The increase in service revenues at VITAS was driven by a 0.5% increase in ADC, the October 1, 2008 Medicare reimbursement rate increase of approximately 3.5%, a reversal of Medicare cap billing limitations recorded in previous periods, an $1.95 million increase related to the retroactive price increase for services in the fourth quarter of 2008 and a mix shift to higher acuity days of care.  ADC was flat between periods.  Roto-Rooter was driven by an 8% decrease in job count offset by an approximate 7% price and mix shift increase.  The Roto-Rooter changes include the impact of acquisitions in 2008 and 2009, offset by the conversion of one company-owned branch to an independent contractor in 2009.  Consolidated net income increased mainly as a result of the increase in revenues.  Diluted EPS increased as the result of increased earnings and a reduction in the average shares outstanding due to our stock repurchase program.

VITAS expects to achieve full-year 2009 revenue growth, prior to Medicare cap, of 5.7% to 6.2%.  Admissions are estimated to be in the range of 98% to 100% of total 2008 admissions.  Medicare contractual billing limitations are estimated at $1.25 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.  Roto-Rooter expects full-year 2009 revenue to range from 98% to 101% of 2008 full year revenue.  This expected revenue growth is a result of increased pricing of 5.0% and a favorable mix shift to higher revenue jobs, partially offset by a job count decline estimated at 7.0% to 8.0%.  We anticipate that our operating income and cash flows will be sufficient to operate our businesses and meet any commitments for the foreseeable future.

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Financial Condition

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Material changes in the balance sheet accounts from December 31, 2008 to September 30, 2009 include the following:

•           A $8.6 million increase in accounts receivable which results primarily from a $10.3 million increase at VITAS resulting from Medicare related administrative delays in processing payments at certain of our programs offset by a decrease at Roto-Rooter  related to a decrease in days sales outstanding.

•           A $17.9 million decrease in long-term debt which results primarily from an $8.2 million net reduction in our revolving line of credit and a $14.6 million payment on our term loan, offset by $4.9 million amortization of bond discount.

 Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $9.0 million due primarily to the increase in accounts receivable, partially offset by the increase in net income and current tax liabilities.

We have issued $27.9 million in standby letters of credit as of September 30, 2009, for insurance purposes.  Issued letters of credit reduce our available credit under the revolving credit agreement.  As of September 30, 2009, we have approximately $147.1 million of unused lines of credit available and eligible to be drawn down under our revolving credit facility, excluding the expansion feature. Management believes its liquidity and sources of capital are satisfactory for the Company’s needs in the foreseeable future.

Commitments and Contingencies

Collectively, the terms of our credit agreements require us to meet various financial covenants, to be tested quarterly.  In connection therewith, we are in compliance with all financial and other debt covenants as of September 30, 2009 and anticipate remaining in compliance throughout 2009.

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

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

In April 2005, the Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) for the Department of Health and Human Services served VITAS with civil subpoenas relating to VITAS’ alleged failure to appropriately bill Medicare and Medicaid for hospice services.  As part of this investigation, the OIG selected medical records for 320 past and current patients from VITAS’ three largest programs for review.  It also sought policies and procedures dating back to 1998 covering admissions, certifications, recertifications and discharges.  During the third quarter of 2005 and again in May 2006, the OIG requested additional information from us.  The Court dismissed a related qui tam complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida with prejudice in July 2007.  The plaintiffs appealed this dismissal, which the Court of Appeals affirmed.  The government continues to investigate the complaint’s allegations.  In March 2009, we received a letter from the government reiterating the basis of their investigation.

In May 2009, VITAS received an administrative subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice requesting VITAS deliver to the OIG documents, patient records, and policy and procedure manuals for headquarters and its Texas programs concerning hospice services provided for the period January 1, 2003 to the date of the letter.  In August 2009, the OIG selected medical records for 59 past and current patients from a Texas program for review.  Based on the early stage of the investigation and the limited information we have at this time, we cannot predict the outcome of this investigation.  We believe that we are in material compliance with Medicare and Medicaid rules and regulations applicable to hospice providers.

We are unable to predict the outcome of these matters or the impact, if any, that the investigation may have on our business, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources.  Regardless of outcome, responding to the subpoenas can adversely affect us through defense costs, diversion of our time and related publicity.

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Results of Operations

Three months ended September 30, 2009 versus  2008 - Consolidated Results

Our service revenues and sales for the third quarter of 2009 increased 2.9% versus services and sales revenues for the third quarter of 2008.  Of this increase, $12.1 million was attributable to VITAS offset by a $3.6 million decrease at Roto-Rooter.  The following chart shows the components of those changes (dollar amounts in thousands):

			Increase/(Decrease)
			Amount			Percent
VITAS
	Routine homecare		$	7,347			4.9%
	Continuous care			4,905			15.8%
	General inpatient			(98	)		-0.4%
	Medicare cap			(43	)		-
Roto-Rooter
	Plumbing			(721	)		-2.0%
	Drain cleaning			(2,865	)		-8.3%
	Other			(43	)		-0.4%
		Total	$	8,482			2.9%

The increase in VITAS’ revenues for the third quarter of 2009 versus the third quarter of 2008 was a result of increased admissions of 3.1%, the October 1, 2008 Medicare reimbursement rate increase of approximately 3.5%, partially offset by a 1.2% increase in the number of discharged patients.  The remaining difference is related to the timing within the quarter of admissions and discharges as well as a mix shift to higher acuity days of care.  In excess of 90% of VITAS’ service revenues for the period were from Medicare and Medicaid.

The decrease in the plumbing revenues for the third quarter of 2009 versus 2008 is attributable to a 9.8% increase in the average price per job and a 9.4% decrease in the number of jobs performed.  The average price per job for plumbing is attributable to an increase in the number of jobs requiring excavation work.  Drain cleaning revenues for the third quarter of 2009 versus 2008 reflect a 7.9% decline in the number of jobs, while the average price per job increased 0.1%.  The decrease in other revenues is attributable primarily to lower sales of drain cleaning products.

The consolidated gross margin was 29.6% in the third quarter of 2009 as compared with 29.8% in the third quarter of 2008.  On a segment basis, VITAS’ gross margin was 23.4% in the third quarter of 2009 and 23.6% in the third quarter of 2008.  The Roto-Rooter segment’s gross margin was 46.4% in the third quarter of 2009 and 45.1% in the third quarter of 2008.  The increase in Roto-Rooter’s gross margin was primarily the result of a $646,000 decrease in health insurance expense over the prior year quarter, lower fuel costs due to lower gas prices and fewer technicians in training which improves the overall efficiency of our workforce.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) for the third quarter of 2009 were $48.1 million, an increase of $4.1 million (9.4%) versus the third quarter of 2008.  The increase is primarily related to the impact of stock market gains which increase the liabilities of deferred compensation plans held in trust and an increase in stock-based compensation expense over the comparable prior-year period.   Other income increased $3.6 million in the third quarter of 2008 to $1.7 million in the third quarter of 2009 due to the gain in the investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust which offsets the related expense in SG&A.

Our effective income tax rate decreased from 43.2% in the third quarter of 2008 to 39.3% in the third quarter of 2009.  This decrease is due to the impact of non-deductible market losses on investments in our deferred compensation benefit trusts that occurred during the third quarter of 2008 but did not recur during the third quarter of 2009.

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

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2009			2008
VITAS
Costs associated with the OIG investigations	$	(213	)	$	(1	)
Corporate
Stock option expense		(1,401	)		(1,334	)
Noncash interest expense related to change in accounting
for conversion feature of the convertible notes		(1,006	)		(997	)
Impact of non-deductible losses and non-taxable gains on
investments held in deferred compensation trusts		-			(1,237	)
Total	$	(2,620	)	$	(3,569	)

Three months ended September 30, 2009 versus 2008 - Segment Results

The change in after-tax earnings for the third quarter of 2009 versus the third quarter of 2008 is due to (in thousands):

	Net Income
	Increase/(Decrease)
	Amount		Percent
VITAS	$	706		4.0%
Roto-Rooter		31		0.4%
Corporate		1,522		17.8%
	$	2,259		13.3%

Nine months ended September 30, 2009 versus 2008 - Consolidated Results

Our service revenues and sales for the first nine months of 2009 increased 3.5% versus services and sales revenues for the first nine months of 2008.  Of this increase, $34.2 million was attributable to VITAS offset by a $3.9 million decrease at Roto-Rooter.  The following chart shows the components of those changes (dollar amounts in thousands):

			Increase/(Decrease)
			Amount			Percent
VITAS
	Routine homecare		$	20,085			4.6%
	Continuous care			13,662			14.8%
	General inpatient			(1,691	)		-2.3%
	Medicare cap			192			-
	BNAF adjustment			1,950			-
Roto-Rooter
	Plumbing			4,052			3.8%
	Drain cleaning			(7,370	)		-6.7%
	Other			(629	)		-1.7%
		Total	$	30,251			3.5%

The increase in VITAS’ service revenues for the first nine months of 2009 versus the first nine months of 2008 is primarily the result of the 2008 Medicare reimbursement rate increase of approximately 3.5%, a $1.95 million increase for the BNAF related to the fourth quarter of 2008, a net reversal of Medicare cap reserves of $192,000, as well as favorable mix shift to higher acuity days of care and an ADC increase of 0.5% compared with the prior year period.  The increase in ADC is a result of a 0.4% increase in routine homecare, an increase of 8.4% in continuous care and a 5.4% decrease in general inpatient.  In excess of 90% of VITAS’ service revenues for the period were from Medicare and Medicaid.

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The increase in the plumbing revenues for the first nine months of 2009 versus 2008 is attributable to a 14.6% increase in the average price per job offset by an 8.9% decrease in the number of jobs performed. The average price per job for plumbing is attributable to an increase in the number of jobs requiring excavation work. Drain cleaning revenues for the first nine months of 2009 versus 2008 reflect a 7.4% decline in the number of jobs offset by a 0.9% increase in the average price per job.  The decrease in other revenues is attributable primarily to lower sales of drain cleaning products and decreased revenue from independent contractor operations.

The consolidated gross margin was 29.7% for the first nine months of 2009 as compared with 28.9% for the first nine months of 2008.  On a segment basis, VITAS’ gross margin was 23.4% for the first nine months of 2009 and 21.8% for the first nine months of 2008.  VITAS’ gross margin increased as the result of the $1.95 million BNAF adjustment related to fourth quarter of 2008, the net reversal of $192,000 in the Medicare cap accrual and refinements to scheduled field labor. The Roto-Rooter segment’s gross margin was 45.9% for the first nine months of 2009 and 45.6% for the first nine months of 2008.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) for the first nine months of 2009 were $143.5 million, an increase of $10.5 million (7.9%) versus the first nine months of 2008.  The increase is due mainly to the impact of stock market gains which increase the liabilities of deferred compensation plans held in trust, an increase in stock-based compensation expense over the comparable period of 2008 as well as an increase in bad debt expense at VITAS.  The expense associated with the increase in the liabilities of deferred compensation plans held in trust is essentially offset with gains recognized in other income/(expense).   Also included in the first nine months of 2009 is a $1.6 million increase in stock option expense.

Other operating expenses for the first nine months of 2009 of $4.0 million are related to the expenses of a contested proxy solicitation.

 Other income/(expense) increased from an expense of $2.2 million for the first nine months of 2008 to income of $4.8 million for the first nine months of  2009 due to the gain in the investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust.

Our effective income tax rate decreased from 40.3% for the first nine months of 2008 to 39.0% for the first nine months of 2009.

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

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2009			2008
VITAS
Costs associated with the OIG investigations	$	(274	)	$	(27	)
Income tax credit related to prior years		-			322
Roto-Rooter
Unreserved prior year's insurance claims		-			(358	)
Corporate
Costs related to contested proxy solicitation		(2,525	)		-
Stock option expense		(4,237	)		(3,228	)
Noncash interest expense related to change in accounting
for conversion feature of the convertible notes		(2,961	)		(2,936	)
Impact of non-deductible losses and non-taxable gains on
investments held in deferred compensation trusts		756			(1,237	)
Total	$	(9,241	)	$	(7,464	)

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Nine months ended September 30, 2009 versus 2008 - Segment Results

The change in after-tax earnings for the first nine months of 2009 versus the first nine months of 2008 is due to (in thousands):

	Net Income
	Increase/(Decrease)
	Amount			Percent
VITAS	$	7,614			16.9%
Roto-Rooter		(330	)		-1.3%
Corporate		(567	)		-2.6%
	$	6,717			13.7%

The following chart updates historical unaudited financial and operating data of VITAS (dollars in thousands, except dollars per patient day):

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	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
OPERATING STATISTICS	2009			2008			2009			2008
Net revenue
Homecare	$	157,079		$	149,732		$	456,160		$	436,075
Inpatient		24,057			24,155			72,806			74,497
Continuous care		35,974			31,069			105,679			92,017
Total before Medicare cap allowance and 2008 BNAF	$	217,110		$	204,956		$	634,645		$	602,589
Estimated BNAF		-			-			1,950			-
Medicare cap allowance		(43	)		-			192			-
Total	$	217,067		$	204,956		$	636,787		$	602,589
Net revenue as a percent of total
before Medicare cap allowance
Homecare		72.3	%		73.0	%		71.8	%		72.4	%
Inpatient		11.1			11.8			11.5			12.3
Continuous care		16.6			15.2			16.7			15.3
Total before Medicare cap allowance and 2008 BNAF		100.0			100.0			100.0			100.0
Estimated BNAF		-			-			0.3			-
Medicare cap allowance		-			-			-			-
Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.3	%		100.0	%
Average daily census (days)
Homecare		7,835			7,534			7,661			7,346
Nursing home		3,316			3,570			3,291			3,562
Routine homecare		11,151			11,104			10,952			10,908
Inpatient		404			410			406			429
Continuous care		562			519			565			521
Total		12,117			12,033			11,923			11,858
Total Admissions		13,735			13,317			41,743			42,485
Total Discharges		13,441			13,279			41,064			41,992
Average length of stay (days)		78.0			74.1			75.0			72.9
Median length of stay (days)		14.0			15.0			14.0			14.0
ADC by major diagnosis
Neurological		33.1	%		32.5	%		33.0	%		32.5	%
Cancer		19.1			19.9			19.2			19.9
Cardio		12.2			12.8			12.2			12.9
Respiratory		6.2			6.5			6.5			6.7
Other		29.4			28.3			29.1			28.0
Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%
Admissions by major diagnosis
Neurological		17.8	%		18.2	%		17.9	%		18.4	%
Cancer		36.8			37.6			35.6			35.6
Cardio		11.1			11.3			11.8			11.8
Respiratory		6.8			7.0			7.5			7.8
Other		27.5			25.9			27.2			26.4
Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%
Direct patient care margins
Routine homecare		51.7	%		52.4	%		51.8	%		51.2	%
Inpatient		12.8			16.6			15.7			17.9
Continuous care		20.6			18.0			20.3			17.4
Homecare margin drivers (dollars per patient day)
Labor costs	$	52.56		$	48.59		$	52.40		$	50.16
Drug costs		7.59			7.85			7.65			7.70
Home medical equipment		7.03			6.28			6.85			6.22
Medical supplies		2.48			2.17			2.37			2.35
Inpatient margin drivers (dollars per patient day)
Labor costs	$	294.24		$	262.98		$	282.74		$	263.71
Continuous care margin drivers (dollars per patient day)
Labor costs	$	530.88		$	512.04		$	524.84		$	511.81
Bad debt expense as a percent of revenues		1.1	%		1.0	%		1.1			1.0	%
Accounts receivable --
days of revenue outstanding- excluding unapplied Medicare payments		52.8			46.9		N.A.			N.A.
days of revenue outstanding- including unapplied Medicare payments		37.0			30.4		N.A.			N.A.
VITAS has 4 large (greater than 450 ADC), 19 medium (greater than 200 but less than 450 ADC) and 21 small (less than 200 ADC) hospice programs. There are three continuing programs as of September 30, 2009, with Medicare cap cushion of less than 10% for the 2009 Medicare cap period.
Direct patient care margins exclude indirect patient care and administrative costs, as well as Medicare cap billing limitation.

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Recent Accounting Statements

In June 2009, the FASB issued additional authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of variable interest entities, which makes significant changes to the model for determining who should consolidate an entity and also addresses how often this assessment should be performed. The determination of who should consolidate a variable interest entity will be based on both quantitative and qualitative factors relating to control, as well as risks and benefits of ownership.  This guidance is effective in 2010 for calendar-year companies and is to be adopted through a cumulative-effect adjustment.  We are currently evaluating the impact of adoption of these provisions on our existing accounting methods.

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

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

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Our primary market risk exposure relates to interest rate risk exposure through variable interest rate borrowings.  At September 30, 2009, we had no variable rate debt outstanding.  At September 30, 2009, the fair value of the Notes approximates $153.8 million which have a face value of $187.0 million.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

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

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PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.                      Legal Proceedings

For information regarding the Company’s legal proceedings, see note 12, Litigation, and note 13, Regulatory Matters, under Part I, Item I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

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

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

None

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None

Item 5.    Other Information

None

Item 6.    Exhibits

Exhibit No.	Description
10.1	First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated July 9, 2009 - Kevin J. McNamara.
10.2	First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated July 9, 2009 - David P. Williams.
10.3	First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated July 9, 2009 - Timothy S. O'Toole.
10.4	Chemed Corporation Senior Executive Severance Policy As Amended July 9, 2009.
10.5	Chemed Corporation Change In Control Severance Plan As Amended July 9, 2009.
31.1	Certification by Kevin J. McNamara pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act of 1934.
31.2	Certification by David P. Williams pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Exchange  Act of 1934.
31.3	Certification by Arthur V. Tucker, Jr. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act of 1934.
32.1	Certification by Kevin J. McNamara pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification by David P. Williams pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.3	Certification by Arthur V. Tucker, Jr. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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SIGNATURES

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

			Chemed Corporation
			(Registrant)
Dated:	October 30, 2009	By:	Kevin J. McNamara
			Kevin J. McNamara
			(President and Chief Executive Officer)
Dated:	October 30, 2009	By:	David P. Williams
			David P. Williams
			(Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer)
Dated:	October 30, 2009	By:	Arthur V. Tucker, Jr.
			Arthur V. Tucker, Jr.
			(Vice President and Controller)

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