UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

    Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2017

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

Commission File Number: 1-8351

CHEMED CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes
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
Accelerated
filer
Non-accelerated
filer
Smaller reporting
company
                 
  Emerging growth company            
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended the extended transition period for complying with a new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13 (a) of the Exchange Act 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Yes
No

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
 
16,082,181 Shares
 
March 31, 2017


-1-


CHEMED CORPORATION AND
SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES



Index

     
Page No.
PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION:  
  Item 1.  Financial Statements  
   
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets -
 
   
March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016
3
       
   
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income -
 
   
Three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
4
       
   
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
 
   
Three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
5
       
   
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
6
       
  Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
14
       
  Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
25
       
  Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
25
       
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
26
       
  Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities
26
       
  Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures
26
       
  Item 5.    Other Information
26
       
  Item 6.    Exhibits
27
   
EX – 31.1
 
   
EX – 31.2
 
   
EX – 31.3
 
   
EX – 32.1
 
   
EX – 32.2
 
   
EX – 32.3
 
   
EX – 101.INS
 
   
EX – 101.SCH
 
   
EX – 101.CAL
 
   
EX – 101.DEF
 
   
EX – 101.LAB
 
   
EX – 101.PRE
 
 
-2-


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Financial Statements
 
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
             
             
             
   
March 31, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
47,049
   
$
15,310
 
Accounts receivable less allowances of $15,908 (2016 - $14,236)
   
109,726
     
132,021
 
Inventories
   
5,433
     
5,755
 
Prepaid income taxes
   
1,663
     
3,709
 
Prepaid expenses
   
12,102
     
13,105
 
Total current assets
   
175,973
     
169,900
 
Investments of deferred compensation plans
   
56,596
     
54,389
 
Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $216,423 (2016 - $211,290)
   
119,394
     
121,302
 
Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization of $32,794 (2016 - $33,225)
   
54,976
     
55,065
 
Goodwill
   
472,391
     
472,366
 
Other assets
   
6,901
     
7,037
 
Total Assets
 
$
886,231
   
$
880,059
 
                 
LIABILITIES
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
 
$
29,341
   
$
39,586
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
9,375
     
8,750
 
Income taxes
   
12,614
     
-
 
Accrued insurance
   
54,150
     
47,960
 
Accrued compensation
   
37,382
     
53,979
 
Accrued legal
   
2,471
     
1,805
 
Other current liabilities
   
19,050
     
19,752
 
Total current liabilities
   
164,383
     
171,832
 
Deferred income taxes
   
11,875
     
14,291
 
Long-term debt
   
137,500
     
100,000
 
Deferred compensation liabilities
   
56,024
     
54,288
 
Other liabilities
   
15,805
     
15,549
 
Total Liabilities
   
385,587
     
355,960
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
               
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Capital stock - authorized 80,000,000 shares $1 par; issued 34,404,220 shares (2016 - 34,270,104 shares)
   
34,404
     
34,270
 
Paid-in capital
   
651,269
     
639,703
 
Retained earnings
   
983,742
     
958,149
 
Treasury stock - 18,407,027 shares (2016 - 18,083,527)
   
(1,170,933
)
   
(1,110,536
)
Deferred compensation payable in Company stock
   
2,162
     
2,513
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
   
500,644
     
524,099
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
$
886,231
   
$
880,059
 
                 
   
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
 
-3-

 
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
             
             
             
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
Service revenues and sales
 
$
405,864
   
$
390,389
 
Cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation)
   
285,140
     
278,435
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
69,458
     
59,045
 
Depreciation
   
8,893
     
8,424
 
Amortization
   
46
     
92
 
Other operating expenses
   
873
     
-
 
Total costs and expenses
   
364,410
     
345,996
 
Income from operations
   
41,454
     
44,393
 
Interest expense
   
(995
)
   
(842
)
Other income/(expense) - net
   
2,463
     
(2,924
)
Income before income taxes
   
42,922
     
40,627
 
Income taxes
   
(13,078
)
   
(15,787
)
Net income
 
$
29,844
   
$
24,840
 
                 
Earnings Per Share
               
Net income
 
$
1.84
   
$
1.49
 
Average number of shares outstanding
   
16,219
     
16,720
 
                 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
               
Net income
 
$
1.78
   
$
1.45
 
Average number of shares outstanding
   
16,801
     
17,170
 
                 
Cash Dividends Per Share
 
$
0.26
   
$
0.24
 
                 
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
 
-4-

 
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(in thousands)
 
       
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
           
Net income
 
$
29,844
   
$
24,840
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
               
by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
8,939
     
8,516
 
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable
   
4,249
     
4,242
 
Stock option expense
   
3,001
     
2,563
 
Benefit for deferred income taxes
   
(2,415
)
   
(4,202
)
Noncash long-term incentive compensation
   
827
     
(305
)
Amortization of restricted stock awards
   
336
     
539
 
Amortization of debt issuance costs
   
129
     
130
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable
   
17,972
     
(41,050
)
Decrease in inventories
   
322
     
212
 
Decrease in prepaid expenses
   
1,003
     
546
 
Decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities
   
(10,766
)
   
(7,567
)
Increase in income taxes
   
14,655
     
19,448
 
Increase/(decrease) in other assets
   
(2,140
)
   
410
 
Increase/(decrease) in other liabilities
   
1,992
     
(140
)
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation
   
-
     
(900
)
Other sources/(uses)
   
838
     
(59
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
68,786
     
7,223
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
               
Capital expenditures
   
(9,020
)
   
(11,473
)
Other sources/(uses)
   
(70
)
   
153
 
Net cash used by investing activities
   
(9,090
)
   
(11,320
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
               
Proceeds from revolving line of credit
   
116,000
     
59,000
 
Payments on revolving line of credit
   
(76,000
)
   
(3,500
)
Purchases of treasury stock
   
(54,262
)
   
(52,460
)
Change in cash overdrafts payable
   
(8,607
)
   
7,061
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
5,635
     
2,887
 
Capital stock surrendered to pay taxes on stock-based compensation
   
(4,744
)
   
(4,020
)
Dividends paid
   
(4,251
)
   
(4,081
)
Payments on other long-term debt
   
(1,875
)
   
(1,875
)
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation
   
-
     
900
 
Other sources
   
147
     
693
 
Net cash (used)/provided by financing activities
   
(27,957
)
   
4,605
 
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
31,739
     
508
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
   
15,310
     
14,727
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
47,049
   
$
15,235
 
                 
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
 
-5-


CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

1.   Basis of Presentation

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

We have prepared the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Chemed in accordance with Rule 10-01 of SEC Regulation S-X.  Consequently, we have omitted certain disclosures required under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. The December 31, 2016 balance sheet data were derived from audited financial statements but do not include all disclosures required by GAAP.  However, in our opinion, the financial statements presented herein contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to state fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.  These financial statements are prepared on the same basis as and should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

EARNINGS PER SHARE
In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2016-09 - Compensation – Stock Compensation” which is part of the FASB’s Simplification Initiative.  The object of this initiative is to identify, evaluate, and improve areas of GAAP. The areas of simplification in this initiative involve several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows.  The guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016.  We adopted the applicable provisions of ASU 2016-09 on a prospective basis.  The impact of this ASU on our financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 was to decrease our income tax expense by $3.7 million as the result of excess tax benefits on stock based compensation being recorded on the statements of income. The decrease in income tax expense reduced our effective tax rate to 30.5% in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to 38.9% in the first quarter of 2016.  This, combined with the required change in diluted share count, resulted in an increase to basic earnings per share by $0.23 and an increase to diluted earnings per share by $0.22.

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 shipped.  VITAS recognizes revenue at the estimated realizable amount due from third-party payers.  Medicare payments are subject to certain limitations, as described below.

We actively monitor each of our hospice programs, by provider number, as to their specific admission, discharge rate and median length of stay data in an attempt to determine whether they are likely to exceed the annual per-beneficiary Medicare cap (“Medicare cap”).  Should we determine that revenues for a program are likely to exceed the Medicare cap based on projected trends, we attempt to institute corrective action to influence the patient mix or to increase patient admissions.  However, should we project our corrective action will not prevent that program from exceeding its Medicare cap, we estimate the amount of revenue recognized during the period that will require repayment to the Federal government under the Medicare cap and record the amount as a reduction to patient revenue.

In 2013, the U.S. government implemented automatic budget reductions of 2.0% for all government payees, including hospice benefits paid under the Medicare program.  In 2015, CMS determined that the Medicare cap should be calculated “as if” sequestration did not occur.  As a result of this decision, VITAS has received notification from our third party intermediary that an additional $2.1 million is owed for Medicare cap in three programs arising during the 2013, 2014 and 2015 measurement periods.  The amounts were automatically deducted from our semi-monthly PIP payments.  We do not believe that CMS is authorized under the sequestration authority or the statutory methodology for establishing the Medicare cap to demand the $2.1 million under their “as if” methodology.  We have not recorded a reserve as of March 31, 2017 for $1.9 million of the potential exposure.  We have appealed CMS’s methodology change with the appropriate regulatory appeal board.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, no Medicare cap was recorded.

-6-

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

 
 
March 31,  
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
Beginning balance January 1,
 
$
235
   
$
1,165
 
Payments
   
-
     
(618
)
Ending balance March 31,
 
$
235
   
$
547
 

Vitas provides charity care, in certain circumstances, to patients without charge when management of the hospice program determines, at the time services are performed, that the patient cannot afford payment.  There is no revenue or associated accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated financial statements related to charity care.  The cost of charity care is calculated by taking the ratio of charity care days to total days of care and multiplying by total cost of care.  The cost of charity care is as follows (in thousands):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2017
   
2016
 
 
$
1,937
   
$
1,806
 


3.   Segments

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

   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
Service Revenues and Sales
           
VITAS
 
$
282,316
   
$
277,528
 
Roto-Rooter
   
123,548
     
112,861
 
Total
 
$
405,864
   
$
390,389
 
                 
After-tax Earnings
               
VITAS
 
$
20,597
   
$
19,087
 
Roto-Rooter
   
14,624
     
13,020
 
Total
   
35,221
     
32,107
 
Corporate
   
(5,377
)
   
(7,267
)
Net income
 
$
29,844
   
$
24,840
 

We report corporate administrative expenses and unallocated investing and financing income and expense not directly related to either segment as “Corporate”.
 
-7-

 
4.  Earnings per Share

Earnings per share (“EPS”) are computed using the weighted average number of shares of capital stock outstanding.  Earnings and diluted earnings per share are computed as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
 
   
Net Income
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Income
   
Shares
   
Earnings
per Share
 
2017
                 
Earnings
 
$
29,844
     
16,219
   
$
1.84
 
Dilutive stock options
   
-
     
490
         
Nonvested stock awards
   
-
     
92
         
Diluted earnings
 
$
29,844
     
16,801
   
$
1.78
 
                         
2016
                       
Earnings
 
$
24,840
     
16,720
   
$
1.49
 
Dilutive stock options
   
-
     
305
         
Nonvested stock awards
   
-
     
145
         
Diluted earnings
 
$
24,840
     
17,170
   
$
1.45
 
 
For the three month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, 402,000 and 421,000 stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have been anti-dilutive.

5.   Long-Term Debt

On June 30, 2014, we replaced our existing credit agreement with the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“2014 Credit Agreement”).  Terms of the 2014 Credit Agreement consist of a five-year, $350 million revolving credit facility and a $100 million term loan.  The 2014 Credit Agreement has a floating interest rate that is generally LIBOR plus a tiered additional rate which varies based on our current leverage ratio.  The interest rate is LIBOR plus 113 basis points as of March 31, 2017.

The debt outstanding as of March 31, 2017 consists of the following:

Revolver
 
$
65,000
 
Term loan
   
81,875
 
Total
   
146,875
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
(9,375
)
Long-term debt
 
$
137,500
 
 
Scheduled principal payments of the term loan are as follows:
 
2017
 
$
6,875
 
2018
   
10,000
 
2019
   
65,000
 
   
$
81,875
 

The 2014 Credit Agreement contains the following quarterly financial covenants:

Description
 
Requirement
     
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated  Adj. EBITDA)
 
< 3.50 to 1.00
     
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges)
 
> 1.50 to 1.00
     
Annual Operating Lease Commitment
 
< $50.0 million
 
-8-

 
We are in compliance with all debt covenants as of March 31, 2017. We have issued $38.7 million in standby letters of credit as of March 31, 2017 mainly for insurance purposes.  Issued letters of credit reduce our available credit under the 2014 Credit Agreement.  As of March 31, 2017, we have approximately $246.3 million of unused lines of credit available and eligible to be drawn down under our revolving credit facility.

6.   Other Operating Expenses
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company recorded $873,000 in expenses related to the closure of three Alabama programs at Vitas.  The expenses mainly include employee severance and the write-off of leasehold improvements for one in-patient unit.

7.   Other Income/(Expense) – Net

Other income/(expense) -- net comprises the following (in thousands):
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
Market value adjustment on assets held in
             
deferred compensation trust
 
$
2,615
   
$
(2,987
)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
   
(236
)
   
(33
)
Interest income
   
85
     
97
 
Other - net
   
(1
)
   
(1
)
Total other income/(expense) - net
 
$
2,463
   
$
(2,924
)

8.   Stock-Based Compensation Plans

On February 17, 2017, the Compensation/Incentive Committee of the Board of Directors (“CIC”) granted 7,304 Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) contingent upon the achievement of certain total shareholders return (“TSR”) targets as compared to the TSR of a group of peer companies for the three-year period ending December 31, 2019, the date at which such awards vest.  The cumulative compensation cost of the TSR-based PSU award to be recorded over the three year service period is $1.7 million.

On February 17, 2017, the CIC also granted 7,304 PSUs contingent upon the achievement of certain earnings per share (“EPS”) targets for the three-year period ending December 31, 2019.  At the end of each reporting period, the Company estimates the number of shares that it believes will ultimately be earned and records that expense over the service period of the award.  We currently estimate the cumulative compensation cost of the EPS-based PSUs to be recorded over the three year service period is $1.3 million.

9.   Independent Contractor Operations

The Roto-Rooter segment sublicenses with 69 independent contractors to operate certain plumbing repair, excavation, water restoration and drain cleaning businesses in lesser-populated areas of the United States and Canada.  We had notes receivable from our independent contractors as of March 31, 2017 totaling $1.5 million (December 31, 2016 - $1.7 million).  In most cases these loans are fully or partially secured by equipment owned by the contractor.  The interest rates on the loans range from 0% to 7% per annum and the remaining terms of the loans range from 2.5 months to 5.4 years at March 31, 2017.  We recorded the following from our independent contractors (in thousands):
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,    
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
Revenues
 
$
11,025
   
$
9,858
 
Pretax profits
   
6,689
     
6,155
 
 
-9-

 
10.   Retirement Plans

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

Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
$
6,157
   
$
526
 
 
11.  Legal and Regulatory Matters

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

Regulatory Matters and Litigation

On May 2, 2013, the government filed a False Claims Act complaint against the Company and certain of its hospice-related subsidiaries in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, United States v. VITAS Hospice Services, LLC, et al., No. 4:13-cv-00449-BCW (the “2013 Action”).  Prior to that date, the Company received various qui tam lawsuits and subpoenas from the U.S. Department of Justice and OIG that have been previously disclosed.  The 2013 Action alleges that, since at least 2002, VITAS, and since 2004, the Company, submitted or caused the submission of false claims to the Medicare program by (a) billing Medicare for continuous home care services when the patients were not eligible, the services were not provided, or the medical care was inappropriate, and (b) billing Medicare for patients who were not eligible for the Medicare hospice benefit because they did not have a life expectancy of six months or less if their illnesses ran their normal course.  This complaint seeks treble damages, statutory penalties, and the costs of the action, plus interest.  The defendants filed a motion to dismiss on September 24, 2013.  On September 30, 2014, the Court denied the motion, except to the extent that claims were filed before July 24, 2002. On November 13, 2014, the government filed a Second Amended Complaint.  The Second Amended Complaint changed and supplemented some of the allegations, but did not otherwise expand the causes of action or the nature of the relief sought against VITAS.  VITAS filed its Answer to the Second Amended Complaint on August 11, 2015.  This case is in the discovery phase. The Company is not able to reasonably estimate the probability of loss or range of loss at this time. For additional procedural history of this litigation, please refer to our prior quarterly and annual filings. The net costs incurred related to U.S. v. Vitas and related regulatory matters were $2.2 million and $2.3 million for March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 The Company and certain current and former directors and officers are defendants in a case captioned In re Chemed Corp. Shareholder and Derivative Litigation, No. 13 Civ. 1854 (LPS) (CJB) (D. Del.), which was consolidated on February 2, 2015 and is covered by the Company’s commercial insurance.

On February 2, 2015, the Court appointed KBC Asset Management NV the sole lead plaintiff and its counsel, the sole lead and liaison counsel. On March 3, 2015, Lead Plaintiff KBC designated its Complaint as the operative complaint in the consolidated proceedings and defendants renewed a previously filed motion to dismiss those claims and allegations.  The consolidated Complaint named fourteen individual defendants, together with the Company as nominal defendant.  The Complaint alleges a claim for breach of fiduciary duty against the individual defendants for allegedly permitting the Company to submit false claims to the U.S. government.  The Complaint seeks (a) a declaration that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the Company; (b) an order requiring those defendants to pay compensatory damages, restitution and exemplary damages, in unspecified amounts, to the Company; (c) an order directing the Company to implement new policies and procedures; and (d) costs and disbursements incurred in bringing the action, including attorneys’ fees.  On May 12, 2016, the court issued a Memorandum Order granting Chemed’s motion to dismiss, and  dismissing Lead Plaintiff KBC’s Complaint without prejudice to KBC’s opportunity to file within 30 days of the date of the court’s Order (June 13, 2016) an amended Complaint addressing the deficiencies in its duty of loyalty claim.  Lead Plaintiff KBC did not file an amended Complaint within the time specified by the court.
 
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However, on June 13, 2016, counsel for Chemed shareholder Michael Kvint filed a letter with the court requesting a two-week extension to file a motion to substitute Mr. Kvint as Lead Plaintiff, in place of Lead Plaintiff KBC and to file an amended Complaint.  Alternatively, counsel for Mr. Kvint requested that any dismissal of the action be with prejudice to KBC only.  On June 14, 2016, Chemed filed a reply letter with the court, reserving its rights to oppose any motion filed by Mr. Kvint and, if warranted, to oppose any other actions taken by Mr. Kvint to proceed with the action (including by filing an untimely amended Complaint).  On June 21, 2016, the court entered an Oral Order providing Mr. Kvint until June 30, 2016 to file a Motion to Substitute and Motion for Leave to File an Amended Complaint.  On that date, Mr. Kvint filed, under seal, a Motion to Substitute Plaintiff and File Amended Complaint, and attached a Proposed Amended Complaint.    Mr. Kvint’s motion was fully briefed by the parties.  The Court heard oral argument on Mr. Kvint’s motion on January 24, 2017.  On January 25, 2017, Magistrate Judge Burke entered an Order requesting additional letter briefing on issues arising from Mr. Kvint’s motion.  Pursuant to that Order, the parties have each submitted opening and reply letter briefing.  Magistrate Judge Burke has not yet issued a recommendation or report on Mr. Kvint’s motion.  For additional procedural history of this litigation, please refer to our prior quarterly and annual filings.

Jordan Seper, (“Seper”) a Registered Nurse at VITAS' Inland Empire program from May 12, 2014 to March 21, 2015, filed a lawsuit in San Francisco Superior Court on September 26, 2016.  She alleged VITAS Healthcare Corp of CA (“VITAS CA”) (1) failed to provide minimum wage for all hours worked; (2) failed to provide overtime for all hours worked; (3) failed to provide a second meal period; (4) failed to provide rest breaks; (5) failed to indemnify for necessary expenditures; (6) failed to timely pay wages due at time of separation; and (7) engaged in unfair business practices.  Seper seeks a state-wide class action of current and former non-exempt employees employed with VITAS in California within the four years preceding the filing of the lawsuit.  She seeks court determination that this action may be maintained as a class action for the entire California class and subclasses, designation as class representative, declaratory relief, injunctive relief, damages (including wages for regular or overtime hours allegedly worked but not paid, premium payments for missed meal or rest periods, and unreimbursed expenses), all applicable penalties associated with each claim, pre and post-judgment interest, and attorneys' fees and costs.  Seper served VITAS CA with the lawsuit,  Jordan A. Seper on behalf of herself and others similarly situated v. VITAS Healthcare Corporation of California, a Delaware corporation; VITAS Healthcare Corp of CA, a business entity unknown; and DOES 1 to 100, inclusive; Los Angeles Superior Court Case Number BC 642857 on October 13, 2016.

On November 14, 2016, the Parties filed a Stipulation to transfer the venue of the lawsuit from San Francisco to Los Angeles.  The Los Angeles Superior Court accepted transfer of the case on December 6, 2016.  On December 16, 2016, VITAS CA filed its Answer and served written discovery on Seper.

 Jiwan Chhina ("Chhina"), hired by VITAS as a Home Health Aide on February 5, 2002, is currently a Licensed Vocational Nurse for VITAS' San Diego program.  On September 27, 2016, Chhina filed a lawsuit in San Diego Superior Court, alleging (1) failure to pay minimum wage for all hours worked; (2) failure to provide overtime for all hours worked; (3) failure to pay wages for all hours at the regular rate; (4) failure to provide meal periods; (5) failure to provide rest breaks; (6) failure to provide complete and accurate wage statements; (7) failure to pay for all reimbursement expenses; (8) unfair business practices; and (9) violation of the California Private Attorneys General Act.  Chhina seeks to pursue these claims in the form of a state-wide class action of current and former non-exempt employees employed with VITAS in California within the four years preceding the filing of the lawsuit.  He seeks court determination that this action may be maintained as a class action for the entire California class and subclasses, designation as class representative, declaratory relief, injunctive relief, damages (including wages for regular or overtime hours allegedly worked but not paid, premium payments for missed meal or rest periods, and unreimbursed expenses), all applicable penalties associated with each claim, pre-judgment interest, and attorneys' fees and costs.  Chhina served VITAS CA with the lawsuit, Jiwann Chhina v. VITAS Health Services of California, Inc., a California corporation; VITAS Healthcare Corporation of California, a Delaware corporation; VITAS Healthcare Corporation of California, a Delaware corporation dba VITAS Healthcare, Inc.; and DOES 1 to 100, inclusive; San Diego Superior Court Case Number 37-2015-00033978-CU-OE-CTL on November 3, 2016.  On December 1, 2016, VITAS filed its Answer and served written discovery on Chhina.

The Company is not able to reasonably estimate the probability of loss or range of loss for either of these lawsuits at this time.

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

12.   Concentration of Risk

During the quarter VITAS had pharmacy services agreements with one service provider to provide specified pharmacy services for VITAS and its hospice patients.  VITAS made purchases from this provider of $8.9 million for the first quarter of 2017.  Vitas made purchases from two providers of $8.9 million for the first quarter of 2016.   Purchases from these providers were approximately 90% of all pharmacy services used by VITAS during each quarter presented.
 
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13.   Cash Overdrafts and Cash Equivalents

There are no cash overdrafts payable included in accounts payable at March 31, 2017 (December 31, 2016 - $8.6 million).

From time to time throughout the year, we invest excess cash in money market funds with major commercial banks. We closely monitor the creditworthiness of the institutions with which we invest our overnight funds.  We had $30,000 in cash equivalents as of March 31, 2017.  There was $72,000 in cash equivalents as of December 31, 2016.

14.   Financial Instruments

FASB’s authoritative guidance on fair value measurements defines a hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs in fair value measurements.  Level 1 measurements are measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.  Level 2 measurements use significant other observable inputs.  Level 3 measurements are measurements using significant unobservable inputs which require a company to develop its own assumptions.  In recording the fair value of assets and liabilities, companies must use the most reliable measurement available.  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.
 
The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of March 31, 2017 (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
 
$
56,596
   
$
56,596
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Long-term debt
   
146,875
     
-
     
146,875
     
-
 

The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of December 31, 2016 (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
 
$
54,389
   
$
54,389
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Long-term debt
   
108,750
     
-
     
108,750
     
-
 

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.  As further described in Footnote 5, our outstanding long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt have floating interest rates that are reset at short-term intervals, generally 30 or 60 days.  The interest rate we pay also includes an additional amount based on our current leverage ratio.  As such, we believe our borrowings reflect significant nonperformance risks, mainly credit risk.  Based on these factors, we believe the fair value of our long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt approximate the carrying value.

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15.   Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions

We repurchased the following capital stock for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
               
Total cost of repurchased shares (in thousands):
 
$
54,262
   
$
52,460
 
Shares repurchased
   
300,000
     
400,000
 
Weighted average price per share
 
$
180.87
   
$
131.15
 

In March 2017, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $100.0 million for stock repurchase under Chemed’s existing share repurchase program. We currently have $95.9 million of authorization remaining under this share repurchase plan.



16.   Recent Accounting Statements

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers” which provides additional guidance to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue.  The standard and subsequent amendments are intended to develop a common revenue standard for removing inconsistencies and weaknesses, improve comparability, provide more useful information to users through improved disclosure requirements, and simplify the preparation of financial statements. This guidance and subsequent amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017.    We are in the process of analyzing various contractual arrangements with customers at each subsidiary.  We believe that it is likely, as a result of adopting the ASU that certain expenses currently included in bad debt expense will be shown as contractual allowances (i.e. net revenue).  We currently do not have an estimate of the magnitude of this potential impact.  We anticipate a modified retrospective adoption of the ASU.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2016-02 – Leases” which introduces a lessee model that brings most leases on to the balance sheets and updates lessor accounting  to align with changes in the lessee model and the revenue recognition standard.   The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018.  We are currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on our financial statements, existing lease recognition policies and disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2016-15 – Cash Flow Classification” which amends guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows.  The primary purpose of ASU 2016-15 is to reduce diversity in practice related to eight specific cash flow issues.  The guidance in this ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017.    We have analyzed the impact of ASU 2016-15 on our statement of cash flows and do not expect it to have a material effect.

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2017-4 – Intangibles – Goodwill and Other”.  To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the FASB eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test.  The guidance in the ASU is effective for the Company in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019.  Early adoption is permitted.  We anticipate adoption of this standard will have no impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
17.   Goodwill

Shown below is movement in Goodwill (in thousands):
 
   
Vitas
   
Roto-Rooter
   
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
$
328,301
   
$
144,065
   
$
472,366
 
Foreign currency adjustments
   
-
     
25
     
25
 
Balance at March 31, 2017
 
$
328,301
   
$
144,090
   
$
472,391
 

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

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

The following is a summary of the key operating results (in thousands except per share amounts):
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
Service revenues and sales
 
$
405,864
   
$
390,389
 
Net income
 
$
29,844
   
$
24,840
 
Diluted EPS
 
$
1.78
   
$
1.45
 
Adjusted net income
 
$
30,495
   
$
27,754
 
Adjusted diluted EPS
 
$
1.82
   
$
1.62
 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
59,818
   
$
54,480
 
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of revenue
   
14.7
%
   
14.0
%

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

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the increase in consolidated service revenues and sales was driven by a 9.5% increase at Roto-Rooter and a 1.7% increase at VITAS.  The increase in service revenues at Roto-Rooter was driven by an increase in all major service lines.  The increase in service revenues at VITAS was primarily a result of Medicare reimbursement rates increasing 1.6%, a 3.6% increase in average daily census, offset by acuity mix shift which negatively impacted revenue 2.4% and the 1.1% negative impact from having one less day in the quarter when compared to the prior year period.  Consolidated net income increased 20.1% mainly due to increased revenue and gross profit margin at both VITAS and Roto-Rooter combined with a lower effective tax rate as a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09.  Diluted EPS increased 22.8% as a result of the increase in net income as well as a lower number of shares outstanding.  Adjusted EBITDA as a percent of revenue increased 70 basis points when compared to the prior year quarter mainly as a result of the increase in net income.  See page 24 for additional VITAS operating metrics.

VITAS expects its full-year 2017 revenue growth, prior to Medicare cap, to be in the range of 4.0% to 5.0%.  Admissions and Average Daily Census in 2017 is estimated to expand approximately 3.0% to 4.0%.  Adjusted EBITDA margin, prior to Medicare cap, is estimated to be 14.5% to 15.0%.  This guidance includes $3.75 million for Medicare cap billing limitations. Roto-Rooter expects full-year 2017 revenue growth of 3.0% to 4.0%.  The revenue estimate is a based upon increased job pricing of approximately 2.0% and continued growth in water restoration services.  Adjusted EBITDA margin for 2017 is estimated in the range of 21.5% to 22.0%.  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, 2016 to March 31, 2017 include the following:
 
A $22.3 million decrease in accounts receivable due mainly to timing of Medicare and Medicaid payments.
We received a $41.7 million Medicare payment on March 31, 2017.
A $10.2 million decrease in accounts payable due to timing of payments.
A $12.6 million increase in income taxes payable due to timing of payments.
A $6.2 million increase in accrued insurance primarily due to the change in stop loss receivable for the quarter.
A $16.6 million decrease in accrued compensation due to the payments of cash bonuses accrued in 2016.
A $38.1 million increase in long-term debt due to borrowings on our revolving line of credit mainly to fund stock repurchases.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $61.6 million mainly as a result of a decrease in accounts receivable (causing an increase in cash) due to the timing of payments.  We received a $41.7 million Medicare payment on March 31, 2017. Significant changes in our accounts receivable balances are typically driven mainly by the timing of payments received from the Federal government at our VITAS subsidiary.  We typically receive a payment in excess of $40.0 million from the Federal government from hospice services every other Friday.  The timing of period end will have a significant impact on the accounts receivable at VITAS.  These changes generally normalize over a two year period, as cash flow variations in one year are offset in the following year.

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

We have issued $38.7 million in standby letters of credit as of March 31, 2017, mainly for insurance purposes.  Issued letters of credit reduce our available credit under the revolving credit agreement.  As of March 31, 2017, we have approximately $246.3 million of unused lines of credit available and eligible to be drawn down under our revolving credit facility. Management believes its liquidity and sources of capital are satisfactory for the Company’s needs in the foreseeable future.

Commitments and Contingencies
Collectively, the terms of our credit agreements require us to meet various financial covenants, to be tested quarterly.  We are in compliance with all financial and other debt covenants as of March 31, 2017 and anticipate remaining in compliance throughout the foreseeable future.

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

On May 2, 2013, the government filed a False Claims Act complaint against the Company and certain of its hospice-related subsidiaries in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, United States v. VITAS Hospice Services, LLC, et al., No. 4:13-cv-00449-BCW (the “2013 Action”).  Prior to that date, the Company received various qui tam lawsuits and subpoenas from the U.S. Department of Justice and OIG that have been previously disclosed.  The 2013 Action alleges that, since at least 2002, VITAS, and since 2004, the Company, submitted or caused the submission of false claims to the Medicare program by (a) billing Medicare for continuous home care services when the patients were not eligible, the services were not provided, or the medical care was inappropriate, and (b) billing Medicare for patients who were not eligible for the Medicare hospice benefit because they did not have a life expectancy of six months or less if their illnesses ran their normal course.  This complaint seeks treble damages, statutory penalties, and the costs of the action, plus interest.  The defendants filed a motion to dismiss on September 24, 2013.  On September 30, 2014, the Court denied the motion, except to the extent that claims were filed before July 24, 2002. On November 13, 2014, the government filed a Second Amended Complaint.  The Second Amended Complaint changed and supplemented some of the allegations, but did not otherwise expand the causes of action or the nature of the relief sought against VITAS.  VITAS filed its Answer to the Second Amended Complaint on August 11, 2015.  This case is in the discovery phase. The Company is not able to reasonably estimate the probability of loss or range of loss at this time. For additional procedural history of this litigation, please refer to our prior quarterly and annual filings. The net costs incurred related to U.S. v. Vitas and related regulatory matters were $2.2 million and $2.3 million for March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The Company and certain current and former directors and officers are defendants in a case captioned In re Chemed Corp. Shareholder and Derivative Litigation, No. 13 Civ. 1854 (LPS) (CJB) (D. Del.), which was consolidated on February 2, 2015 and is covered by the Company’s commercial insurance.
 
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On February 2, 2015, the Court appointed KBC Asset Management NV the sole lead plaintiff and its counsel, the sole lead and liaison counsel. On March 3, 2015, Lead Plaintiff KBC designated its Complaint as the operative complaint in the consolidated proceedings and defendants renewed a previously filed motion to dismiss those claims and allegations.  The consolidated Complaint named fourteen individual defendants, together with the Company as nominal defendant.  The Complaint alleges a claim for breach of fiduciary duty against the individual defendants for allegedly permitting the Company to submit false claims to the U.S. government.  The Complaint seeks (a) a declaration that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the Company; (b) an order requiring those defendants to pay compensatory damages, restitution and exemplary damages, in unspecified amounts, to the Company; (c) an order directing the Company to implement new policies and procedures; and (d) costs and disbursements incurred in bringing the action, including attorneys’ fees.  On May 12, 2016, the court issued a Memorandum Order granting Chemed’s motion to dismiss, and  dismissing Lead Plaintiff KBC’s Complaint without prejudice to KBC’s opportunity to file within 30 days of the date of the court’s Order (June 13, 2016) an amended Complaint addressing the deficiencies in its duty of loyalty claim.  Lead Plaintiff KBC did not file an amended Complaint within the time specified by the court.

However, on June 13, 2016, counsel for Chemed shareholder Michael Kvint filed a letter with the court requesting a two-week extension to file a motion to substitute Mr. Kvint as Lead Plaintiff, in place of Lead Plaintiff KBC and to file an amended Complaint.  Alternatively, counsel for Mr. Kvint requested that any dismissal of the action be with prejudice to KBC only.  On June 14, 2016, Chemed filed a reply letter with the court, reserving its rights to oppose any motion filed by Mr. Kvint and, if warranted, to oppose any other actions taken by Mr. Kvint to proceed with the action (including by filing an untimely amended Complaint).  On June 21, 2016, the court entered an Oral Order providing Mr. Kvint until June 30, 2016 to file a Motion to Substitute and Motion for Leave to File an Amended Complaint.  On that date, Mr. Kvint filed, under seal, a Motion to Substitute Plaintiff and File Amended Complaint, and attached a Proposed Amended Complaint.    Mr. Kvint’s motion was fully briefed by the parties.  The Court heard oral argument on Mr. Kvint’s motion on January 24, 2017.  On January 25, 2017, Magistrate Judge Burke entered an Order requesting additional letter briefing on issues arising from Mr. Kvint’s motion.  Pursuant to that Order, the parties have each submitted opening and reply letter briefing.  Magistrate Judge Burke has not yet issued a recommendation or report on Mr. Kvint’s motion.  For additional procedural history of this litigation, please refer to our prior quarterly and annual filings.

Jordan Seper, (“Seper”) a Registered Nurse at VITAS' Inland Empire program from May 12, 2014 to March 21, 2015, filed a lawsuit in San Francisco Superior Court on September 26, 2016.  She alleged VITAS Healthcare Corp of CA (“VITAS CA”) (1) failed to provide minimum wage for all hours worked; (2) failed to provide overtime for all hours worked; (3) failed to provide a second meal period; (4) failed to provide rest breaks; (5) failed to indemnify for necessary expenditures; (6) failed to timely pay wages due at time of separation; and (7) engaged in unfair business practices.  Seper seeks a state-wide class action of current and former non-exempt employees employed with VITAS in California within the four years preceding the filing of the lawsuit.  She seeks court determination that this action may be maintained as a class action for the entire California class and subclasses, designation as class representative, declaratory relief, injunctive relief, damages (including wages for regular or overtime hours allegedly worked but not paid, premium payments for missed meal or rest periods, and unreimbursed expenses), all applicable penalties associated with each claim, pre and post-judgment interest, and attorneys' fees and costs.  Seper served VITAS CA with the lawsuit,  Jordan A. Seper on behalf of herself and others similarly situated v. VITAS Healthcare Corporation of California, a Delaware corporation; VITAS Healthcare Corp of CA, a business entity unknown; and DOES 1 to 100, inclusive; Los Angeles Superior Court Case Number BC 642857 on October 13, 2016.

On November 14, 2016, the Parties filed a Stipulation to transfer the venue of the lawsuit from San Francisco to Los Angeles.  The Los Angeles Superior Court accepted transfer of the case on December 6, 2016.  On December 16, 2016, VITAS CA filed its Answer and served written discovery on Seper.

Jiwan Chhina ("Chhina"), hired by VITAS as a Home Health Aide on February 5, 2002, is currently a Licensed Vocational Nurse for VITAS' San Diego program.  On September 27, 2016, Chhina filed a lawsuit in San Diego Superior Court, alleging (1) failure to pay minimum wage for all hours worked; (2) failure to provide overtime for all hours worked; (3) failure to pay wages for all hours at the regular rate; (4) failure to provide meal periods; (5) failure to provide rest breaks; (6) failure to provide complete and accurate wage statements; (7) failure to pay for all reimbursement expenses; (8) unfair business practices; and (9) violation of the California Private Attorneys General Act.  Chhina seeks to pursue these claims in the form of a state-wide class action of current and former non-exempt employees employed with VITAS in California within the four years preceding the filing of the lawsuit.  He seeks court determination that this action may be maintained as a class action for the entire California class and subclasses, designation as class representative, declaratory relief, injunctive relief, damages (including wages for regular or overtime hours allegedly worked but not paid, premium payments for missed meal or rest periods, and unreimbursed expenses), all applicable penalties associated with each claim, pre-judgment interest, and attorneys' fees and costs.  Chhina served VITAS CA with the lawsuit, Jiwann Chhina v. VITAS Health Services of California, Inc., a California corporation; VITAS Healthcare Corporation of California, a Delaware corporation; VITAS Healthcare Corporation of California, a Delaware corporation dba VITAS Healthcare, Inc.; and DOES 1 to 100, inclusive; San Diego Superior Court Case Number 37-2015-00033978-CU-OE-CTL on November 3, 2016.  On December 1, 2016, VITAS filed its Answer and served written discovery on Chhina.
 
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The Company is not able to reasonably estimate the probability of loss or range of loss for either of these lawsuits at this time.

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

Results of Operations
Three months ended March 31, 2017 versus 2016 - Consolidated Results
Our service revenues and sales for the first quarter of 2017 increased 4.0% versus services and sales revenues for the first quarter of 2016.  Of this increase, a $4.8 million increase was attributable to VITAS and $10.7 million increase was attributable to Roto-Rooter.  The following chart shows the components of those changes (in thousands):
 
   
Increase/(Decrease)
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
VITAS
           
Routine homecare
 
$
10,686
     
5.0
 
Continuous care
   
(4,304
)
   
(11.6
)
General inpatient
   
(1,594
)
   
(6.2
)
Roto-Rooter
               
Plumbing
   
3,122
     
6.4
 
Drain cleaning
   
412
     
1.1
 
Water restoration
   
5,625
     
45.1
 
Contractor operations
   
1,167
     
11.8
 
Other
   
361
     
6.9
 
Total
 
$
15,475
     
4.0
 
 
The increase in VITAS’ revenues for the first quarter of 2017 versus the first quarter of 2016 was comprised of an average net Medicare reimbursement rate increasing approximately 1.6%, a 2.5% increase in days of care offset by acuity mix shift which negatively impacted revenue 2.4% as well as the 1.1% negative impact from having one less day in the quarter when compared to the prior year period.

Days of care during the quarter ended March 31 were as follows:
 
   
Days of Care
   
Increase/(Decrease)
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
Percent
 
                   
Routine homecare
   
1,380,548
     
1,335,617
     
3.4
 
Continuous care
   
45,417
     
50,970
     
(10.9
)
General inpatient
   
33,985
     
38,249
     
(11.1
)
Total days of care
   
1,459,950
     
1,424,836
     
2.5
 

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

The increase in plumbing revenues for the first quarter of 2017 versus 2016 is attributable to an 8.3% increase in price and service mix shift offset by a 1.9% decrease in job count.  Drain cleaning revenues for the first quarter of 2017 versus 2016 reflect a 6.1% increase in price and service mix shift offset by a 5.0% decrease in job count.  Water restoration for the first quarter of 2017 versus 2016 increased 45.1% as a result of continued expansion of this service offering in all Roto-Rooter locations.  Contractor operations increased 11.8% mainly due to their expansion into water restoration and other Roto-Rooter revenue increased 6.9%.
 
-17-

 
The consolidated gross margin was 29.7% in the first quarter of 2017 as compared with 28.7% in the first quarter of 2016.  On a segment basis, VITAS’ gross margin was 21.5% in the first quarter of 2017 as compared with 21.0%, in the first quarter of 2016.  The Roto-Rooter segment’s gross margin was 48.6% for the first quarter of 2017 compared with 47.6% in the first quarter of 2016.

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

   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
SG&A expenses before market value adjustments of deferred compensation
           
plans, long-term incentive compensation, and OIG investigation expenses
 
$
63,732
   
$
59,937
 
Long-term incentive compensation
   
961
     
(241
)
Expenses related to OIG investigation
   
2,150
     
2,336
 
Impact of market value adjustments related to assets held in deferred
               
compensation trusts
   
2,615
     
(2,987
)
Total SG&A expenses
 
$
69,458
   
$
59,045
 

SG&A expenses before long-term incentive compensation, expenses related to OIG investigation and the impact of market value adjustments related to assets held in deferred compensation trusts for the first quarter of 2017 were up 6.3% when compared to the first quarter of 2016. This increase was mainly a result of the increase in variable expenses caused by increased revenue as well as normal salary increases in 2017.
 
Other operating expenses increased $873,000 in the first quarter of 2017 related to the closure of the programs in one state at Vitas.  The expenses mainly include employee severance and the write-off of leasehold improvements for one in-patient unit. There were no other operating expenses in the first quarter of 2016.

Other income/(expense) - net comprise (in thousands):
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
Market value adjustment on assets held in
           
deferred compensation trusts
 
$
2,615
   
$
(2,987
)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
   
(236
)
   
(33
)
Interest income
   
85
     
97
 
Other
   
(1
)
   
(1
)
Total other income/(expense) - net
 
$
2,463
   
$
(2,924
)

Our effective income tax rate was 30.5% in the first quarter of 2017 compared to 38.9% during the first quarter of 2016.  The change in the effective income tax rate is a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09 – Compensation – Stock Compensation which requires that the excess tax benefits from stock based compensation now be recorded in the income tax provision on the statements of income.
 
-18-

 
Net income for both periods included the following after-tax items/adjustments that (reduced) or increased after-tax earnings (in thousands):
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
VITAS
           
Expenses related to OIG investigation
 
$
(1,328
)
 
$
(1,443
)
Program closure expenses
   
(513
)
   
-
 
Corporate
               
Excess tax benefits on stock compensation
   
3,695
     
-
 
Stock option expense
   
(1,897
)
   
(1,621
)
Long-term incentive compensation
   
(608
)
   
152
 
Expenses related to securities litigation
   
-
     
(2
)
Total
 
$
(651
)
 
$
(2,914
)

Three months ended March 31, 2017 versus 2016 - Segment Results

The change in after-tax earnings for the first quarter of 2017 versus the first quarter of 2016 is due to (in thousands):

   
Increase/(Decrease)
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
VITAS
 
$
1,510
     
7.9
 
Roto-Rooter
   
1,604
     
12.3
 
Corporate
   
1,890
     
26.0
 
   
$
5,004
     
20.1
 

VITAS’ after-tax earnings were positively impacted in 2017 compared to 2016 by a $4.8 million increase in revenue, offset by a $2.4 million increase in cost of services provided and goods sold.  After-tax earnings as a percent of revenue in the first quarter of 2017 were 7.3%, an increase of 0.4% over the first quarter of 2016.

Roto-Rooter’s after-tax earnings were positively impacted in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily by a $5.6 million revenue increase in Roto-Rooter’s water restoration line of business, a $3.1 million increase in plumbing revenue and a $2.0 million increase in all other revenue types.  After-tax earnings as a percent of revenue at Roto-Rooter in 2017 were 11.8% as compared to 11.5% in 2016.

The improvement at Corporate is due mainly to the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-09 which positively impacted the Company’s tax provision by approximately $3.7 million.
 
-19-

 
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017
 
(in thousands)(unaudited)
 
                   
               
 
Chemed
 
   
VITAS
 
 
Roto-Rooter
 
 
Corporate
 
 
Consolidated
 
2017 (a)
                       
Service revenues and sales
 
$
282,316
   
$
123,548
   
$
-
   
$
405,864
 
Cost of services provided and goods sold
   
221,678
     
63,462
     
-
     
285,140
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
24,294
     
33,460
     
11,704
     
69,458
 
Depreciation
   
4,778
     
3,984
     
131
     
8,893
 
Amortization
   
14
     
32
     
-
     
46
 
Other operating expenses
   
873
     
-
     
-
     
873
 
Total costs and expenses
   
251,637
     
100,938
     
11,835
     
364,410
 
Income/(loss) from operations
   
30,679
     
22,610
     
(11,835
)
   
41,454
 
Interest expense
   
(55
)
   
(99
)
   
(841
)
   
(995
)
Intercompany interest income/(expense)
   
2,702
     
1,310
     
(4,012
)
   
-
 
Other income/(expense)—net
   
(80
)
   
(72
)
   
2,615
     
2,463
 
Income/(expense) before income taxes
   
33,246
     
23,749
     
(14,073
)
   
42,922
 
Income taxes
   
(12,649
)
   
(9,125
)
   
8,696
     
(13,078
)
Net income/(loss)
 
$
20,597
   
$
14,624
   
$
(5,377
)
 
$
29,844
 
                                 
(a) The following amounts are included in net income (in thousands):
 
                         
 
Chemed
 
   
VITAS
 
 
Roto-Rooter
 
 
Corporate
 
 
Consolidated
 
Pretax benefit/(cost):
                               
Stock option expense
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(3,001
)
 
$
(3,001
)
Long-term incentive compensation
   
-
     
-
     
(961
)
   
(961
)
Program closure expenses
   
(873
)
   
-
     
-
     
(873
)
Expenses related to OIG investigation
   
(2,150
)
   
-
     
-
     
(2,150
)
Total
 
$
(3,023
)
 
$
-
   
$
(3,962
)
 
$
(6,985
)
                                 
                         
 
Chemed
 
   
VITAS
 
 
Roto-Rooter
 
 
Corporate
 
 
Consolidated
 
After-tax benefit/(cost):
                               
Stock option expense
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(1,897
)
 
$
(1,897
)
Long-term incentive compensation
   
-
     
-
     
(608
)
   
(608
)
Excess tax benefits on stock compensation
   
-
     
-
     
3,695
     
3,695
 
Program closure expenses
   
(513
)
   
-
     
-
     
(513
)
Expenses related to OIG investigation
   
(1,328
)
   
-
     
-
     
(1,328
)
Total
 
$
(1,841
)
 
$
-
   
$
1,190
   
$
(651
)
 
-20-

 
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016
 
(in thousands)(unaudited)
 
                   
               
 
Chemed
 
   
VITAS
 
 
Roto-Rooter
 
 
Corporate
 
 
Consolidated
 
2016 (a)
                       
Service revenues and sales
 
$
277,528
   
$
112,861
   
$
-
   
$
390,389
 
Cost of services provided and goods sold
   
219,266
     
59,169
     
-
     
278,435
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
24,783
     
29,807
     
4,455
     
59,045
 
Depreciation
   
4,781
     
3,501
     
142
     
8,424
 
Amortization
   
14
     
78
     
-
     
92
 
Total costs and expenses
   
248,844
     
92,555
     
4,597
     
345,996
 
Income/(loss) from operations
   
28,684
     
20,306
     
(4,597
)
   
44,393
 
Interest expense
   
(59
)
   
(93
)
   
(690
)
   
(842
)
Intercompany interest income/(expense)
   
2,103
     
948
     
(3,051
)
   
-
 
Other income/(expense)—net
   
41
     
23
     
(2,988
)
   
(2,924
)
Income/(expense) before income taxes
   
30,769
     
21,184
     
(11,326
)
   
40,627
 
Income taxes
   
(11,682
)
   
(8,164
)
   
4,059
     
(15,787
)
Net income/(loss)
 
$
19,087
   
$
13,020
   
$
(7,267
)
 
$
24,840
 
                                 
(a) The following amounts are included in net income (in thousands):
 
                         
 
Chemed
 
   
VITAS
 
 
Roto-Rooter
 
 
Corporate
 
 
Consolidated
 
Pretax benefit/(cost):
                               
Stock option expense
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(2,563
)
 
$
(2,563
)
Long-term incentive compensation
   
-
     
-
     
241
     
241
 
Expenses related to securities litigation
   
-
     
-
     
(3
)
   
(3
)
Expenses related to OIG investigation
   
(2,336
)
   
-
     
-
     
(2,336
)
Total
 
$
(2,336
)
 
$
-
   
$
(2,325
)
 
$
(4,661
)
                                 
                         
 
Chemed
 
   
VITAS
 
 
Roto-Rooter
 
 
Corporate
 
 
Consolidated
 
After-tax benefit/(cost):
                               
Stock option expense
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(1,621
)
 
$
(1,621
)
Long-term incentive compensation
   
-
     
-
     
152
     
152
 
Expenses related to securities litigation
   
-
     
-
     
(2
)
   
(2
)
Expenses related to OIG investigation
   
(1,443
)
   
-
     
-
     
(1,443
)
Total
 
$
(1,443
)
 
$
-
   
$
(1,471
)
 
$
(2,914
)
 
-21-

 
Unaudited Consolidating Summary and Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA
 
                         
Chemed Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
       
(in thousands)
                 
 
Chemed
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2017
 
VITAS
 
 
Roto-Rooter
 
 
Corporate
 
 
Consolidated
 
                         
Net income/(loss)
 
$
20,597
   
$
14,624
   
$
(5,377
)
 
$
29,844
 
Add/(deduct):
                               
Interest expense
   
55
     
99
     
841
     
995
 
Income taxes
   
12,649
     
9,125
     
(8,696
)
   
13,078
 
Depreciation
   
4,778
     
3,984
     
131
     
8,893
 
Amortization
   
14
     
32
     
-
     
46
 
EBITDA
   
38,093
     
27,864
     
(13,101
)
   
52,856
 
Add/(deduct):
                               
Intercompany interest expense/(income)
   
(2,702
)
   
(1,310
)
   
4,012
     
-
 
Interest income
   
(70
)
   
(15
)
   
-
     
(85
)
Program closure expenses
   
873
     
-
     
-
     
873
 
Expenses related to OIG investigation
   
2,150
     
-
     
-
     
2,150
 
Amortization of stock awards
   
78
     
70
     
188
     
336
 
Advertising cost adjustment
   
-
     
(274
)
   
-
     
(274
)
Stock option expense
   
-
     
-
     
3,001
     
3,001
 
Long-term incentive compensation
   
-
     
-
     
961
     
961
 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
38,422
   
$
26,335
   
$
(4,939
)
 
$
59,818
 
                                 
                         
 
Chemed
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2016
 
VITAS
 
 
Roto-Rooter
 
 
Corporate
 
 
Consolidated
 
                                 
Net income/(loss)
 
$
19,087
   
$
13,020
   
$
(7,267
)
 
$
24,840
 
Add/(deduct):
                               
Interest expense
   
59
     
93
     
690
     
842
 
Income taxes
   
11,682
     
8,164
     
(4,059
)
   
15,787
 
Depreciation
   
4,781
     
3,501
     
142
     
8,424
 
Amortization
   
14
     
78
     
-
     
92
 
EBITDA
   
35,623
     
24,856
     
(10,494
)
   
49,985
 
Add/(deduct):
                               
Intercompany interest expense/(income)
   
(2,103
)
   
(948
)
   
3,051
     
-
 
Interest income
   
(79
)
   
(17
)
   
(1
)
   
(97
)
Expenses related to OIG investigation
   
2,336
     
-
     
-
     
2,336
 
Amortization of stock awards
   
131
     
81
     
327
     
539
 
Expenses related to securities litigation
   
-
     
-
     
3
     
3
 
Advertising cost adjustment
   
-
     
(608
)
   
-
     
(608
)
Stock option expense
   
-
     
-
     
2,563
     
2,563
 
Long-term incentive compensation
   
-
     
-
     
(241
)
   
(241
)
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
35,908
   
$
23,364
   
$
(4,792
)
 
$
54,480
 

-22-

 
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED NET INCOME
 
(in thousands, except per share data)(unaudited)
 
             
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
Net income as reported
 
$
29,844
   
$
24,840
 
                 
Add/(deduct) after-tax cost of:
               
Excess tax benefits on stock compensation
   
(3,695
)
   
-
 
Stock option expense
   
1,897
     
1,621
 
Expenses of OIG investigation
   
1,328
     
1,443
 
Long-term incentive compensation
   
608
     
(152
)
Program closure expenses
   
513
     
-
 
Expenses related to securities settlements
   
-
     
2
 
Adjusted net income
 
$
30,495
   
$
27,754
 
                 
Diluted Earnings Per Share As Reported
               
Net income
 
$
1.78
   
$
1.45
 
Average number of shares outstanding
   
16,801
     
17,170
 
                 
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share
               
Adjusted net income
 
$
1.82
   
$
1.62
 
Adjusted average number of shares outstanding
   
16,801
     
17,170
 

-23-

 
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
OPERATING STATISTICS FOR VITAS SEGMENT
 
(unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
OPERATING STATISTICS
 
2017
   
2016
 
Net revenue ($000)
           
Homecare
 
$
225,536
   
$
214,850
 
Inpatient
   
23,923
     
25,517
 
Continuous care
   
32,857
     
37,161
 
Total
 
$
282,316
   
$
277,528
 
Net revenue as a percent of total before Medicare cap allowances
               
Homecare
   
79.9
%
   
77.4
%
Inpatient
   
8.5
     
9.2
 
Continuous care
   
11.6
     
13.4
 
Total
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
Average daily census (days)
               
Homecare
   
12,287
     
11,681
 
Nursing home
   
3,052
     
2,991
 
Routine homecare
   
15,339
     
14,672
 
Inpatient
   
378
     
421
 
Continuous care
   
505
     
560
 
Total
   
16,222
     
15,653
 
Total Admissions
   
17,563
     
16,868
 
Total Discharges
   
17,213
     
16,743
 
Average length of stay (days)
   
88.7
     
83.7
 
Median length of stay (days)
   
15.0
     
15.0
 
ADC by major diagnosis
               
Cerebro
   
19.7
%
   
22.1
%
Neurological
   
34.4
     
31.2
 
Cancer
   
15.1
     
15.3
 
Cardio
   
16.6
     
17.3
 
Respiratory
   
7.9
     
7.9
 
Other
   
6.3
     
6.2
 
Total
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
Admissions by major diagnosis
               
Cerebro
   
10.9
     
11.3
%
Neurological
   
22.1
     
20.9
 
Cancer
   
29.5
     
30.5
 
Cardio
   
15.1
     
15.5
 
Respiratory
   
11.7
     
10.9
 
Other
   
10.7
     
10.9
 
Total
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
Direct patient care margins
               
Routine homecare
   
51.3
%
   
52.1
%
Inpatient
   
5.9
     
5.7
 
Continuous care
   
15.6
     
15.1
 
Homecare margin drivers (dollars per patient day)
               
Labor costs
 
$
58.64
   
$
56.72
 
Combined drug, HME and medical supplies
   
15.14
     
15.46
 
Inpatient margin drivers (dollars per patient day)
               
Labor costs
 
$
369.99
   
$
338.73
 
Continuous care margin drivers (dollars per patient day)
               
Labor costs
 
$
590.73
   
$
599.38
 
Bad debt expense as a percent of revenues
   
1.2
%
   
1.3
%
Accounts receivable -- Days of revenue outstanding- excluding unapplied Medicare payments
   
35.9
     
38.3
 
Accounts receivable -- Days of revenue outstanding- including unapplied Medicare payments
   
24.9
     
36.8
 

-24-

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

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

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
The Company’s primary market risk exposure relates to interest rate risk exposure through its variable interest line of credit.  At March 31, 2017, the Company had $146.9 million of variable rate debt outstanding.  For each $10 million dollars borrowed under the credit facility, an increase or decrease of 100 basis points (1% point), increases or decreases the Company’s annual interest expense by $100,000.

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

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
 
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision of our President and Chief Executive Officer and with the participation of the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and the Vice President and Controller, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Vice President and Controller have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.  There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

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

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
-25-

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

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

The following table shows the activity related to our share repurchase program for the first three months of 2017:
 
   
Total Number
   
Weighted Average
   
Cumulative Shares
   
Dollar Amount
 
   
of Shares
   
Price Paid Per
   
Repurchased Under
   
Remaining Under
 
   
Repurchased
   
Share
   
the Program
   
The Program
 
                         
February 2011 Program
                       
January 1 through January 31, 2017
   
-
   
$
-
     
7,315,718
   
$
50,173,009
 
February 1 through February 28, 2017
   
104,358
     
178.39
     
7,420,076
     
31,556,555
 
March 1 through March 31, 2017
   
195,642
     
182.20
     
7,615,718
   
$
95,910,768
 
                                 
First Quarter Total
   
300,000
   
$
180.87
                 
 
On March 13, 2017 our Board of Directors authorized an additional $100 million under the February 2011 Repurchase Program.
 
Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

None

Item 5.  Other Information

-26-

 
Item 6.  Exhibits

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
31.1
 
Certification by Kevin J. McNamara pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act of 1934.
     
31.2
 
Certification by David P. Williams pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Exchange  Act of 1934.
     
31.3
 
Certification by Arthur V. Tucker, Jr. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act of 1934.
     
32.1
 
Certification by Kevin J. McNamara pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.2
 
Certification by David P. Williams pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.3
 
Certification by Arthur V. Tucker, Jr. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
     
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
     
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
     
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
     
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
         
Chemed Corporation
         
(Registrant)
           
           
 
Dated:
April 28, 2017
 
By:
/s/ Kevin J. McNamara
         
Kevin J. McNamara
         
(President and Chief Executive Officer)
           
           
 
Dated:
April 28, 2017
 
By:
/s/ David P. Williams
         
David P. Williams
         
(Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer)
           
           
 
Dated:
April 28, 2017
 
By:
/s/ Michael D. Witzeman
         
Michael D. Witzeman
         
(Vice President and Controller)
 
-27-

EXHIBIT 31.1


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

I, Kevin J. McNamara, certify that:

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

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

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

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

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

b)  designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

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

d)  disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter  (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors or persons performing the equivalent function:
 
a)  all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

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



Date:             April 28, 2017 /s/ Kevin J. McNamara
    Kevin J. McNamara
    (President and Chief
   
Executive Officer)
 
E-1
 
EXHIBIT 31.2


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

I, David P. Williams, certify that:

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

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

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

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

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

b)  designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

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

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

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

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

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



Date:             April 28, 2017 /s/ David P. Williams
    David P. Williams
    (Executive Vice President
    and Chief Financial Officer)
 
E-2

EXHIBIT 31.3


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

I, Arthur V. Tucker, Jr., certify that:

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

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

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

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

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

b)  designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,

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

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

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

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

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



Date:             April 28, 2017 /s/ Michael D. Witzeman
    Michael D. Witzeman
    (Vice President and
   
Controller)
 
E-3

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION BY KEVIN J. MCNAMARA
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002.


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

1)
the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2017 (“Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

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



Dated:             April 28, 2017 /s/ Kevin J. McNamara
    Kevin J. McNamara 
    (President and Chief 
   
Executive Officer) 
 
E-4
 

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION BY DAVID P. WILLIAMS
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002.


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

1)
the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2017 (“Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

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



Dated:             April 28, 2017 /s/ David P. Williams
    David P. Williams
    (Executive Vice President
    and Chief Financial Officer)
 
E-5


EXHIBIT 32.3

CERTIFICATION BY ARTHUR V. TUCKER, JR.
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002.


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

1)
the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2017 (“Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

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



Dated:             April 28, 2017 /s/ Michael D. Witzeman
    Michael D. Witzeman
   
(Vice President and
    Controller)
 
E-6