Chemed Reports Fourth-Quarter 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Chemed (NYSE: CHE) reported its Q4 2024 financial results, showing mixed performance across its two main segments. Consolidated revenue increased 9.2% to $640.0 million, with GAAP EPS rising 2.0% to $6.02 and Adjusted EPS up 3.5% to $6.83.

VITAS Healthcare, their hospice care division, demonstrated strong growth with revenue increasing 17.4% to $411.0 million, driven by a 14.6% increase in Average Daily Census and a 3.5% rise in Medicare reimbursement rates. The segment completed an $85.0 million acquisition of Covenant Health's hospice assets in April 2024.

Roto-Rooter segment showed declining performance with revenue decreasing 2.9% to $229.0 million and Adjusted EBITDA falling 7.2% to $60.3 million. The company's 2025 guidance projects earnings per diluted share of $24.95 to $25.45, compared to $23.13 in 2024.

Positive

• VITAS revenue up 17.4% to $411.0M
• Average Daily Census increased 14.6%
• Consolidated revenue grew 9.2% to $640.0M
• Strategic acquisition of Covenant Health for $85.0M
• Strong cash position of $178.4M with no debt

Negative

• Roto-Rooter revenue declined 2.9%
• Roto-Rooter Adjusted EBITDA fell 7.2%
• VITAS gross margin decreased to 28.8% from 29.9%
• Roto-Rooter residential revenue down 2.0%
• Medicare Cap billing limitations expected at $9.5M in 2025

Insights

Financial Analyst

Chemed 's Q4 2024 results reveal a tale of two businesses with VITAS hospice delivering robust growth while Roto-Rooter faces continued challenges. Consolidated revenue increased 9.2% to $640 million, with adjusted EPS growing 3.5% to $6.83.

VITAS demonstrated impressive performance with revenue surging 17.4% to $411 million, driven by a 14.6% increase in Average Daily Census and 3.5% higher Medicare reimbursement rates. The Covenant Health acquisition contributed approximately $11-12 million in quarterly revenue since being acquired in April 2024. However, VITAS faces a structural challenge with the 3.5% Medicare reimbursement rate increase outpacing the 2.9% increase in per-admission Medicare Cap protection, creating a 60 basis point differential that's pressuring margins. This explains why four provider numbers already face $9.6 million in Medicare Cap billing limitations.

Roto-Rooter's performance deteriorated with revenue declining 2.9% to $229 million and adjusted EBITDA falling 7.2%. The divergence between service lines is notable - water restoration services grew (19.8% commercial, 2.8% residential) while plumbing declined 9.6% in both segments, suggesting consumers are deferring discretionary plumbing projects while addressing emergency water damage issues.

Chemed's 2025 guidance projects adjusted EPS of $24.95-$25.45, representing 7.9-10.0% growth, but with a back-half weighted trajectory. VITAS is expected to grow revenue 10.5-11.3% while Roto-Rooter aims for a modest 2.4-3.0% recovery.

The company's aggressive capital allocation continues with $212.8 million spent repurchasing shares at an average price of $548.13 in Q4 alone. With $178.4 million in cash, no debt, and $404.5 million in available credit, Chemed maintains significant financial flexibility despite the mixed operational performance.

Healthcare Industry Analyst

VITAS Healthcare delivered exceptional growth in Q4 2024, with revenue increasing 17.4% to $411 million and Average Daily Census (ADC) growing 14.6% to 22,179 patients. This robust census growth significantly outpacing the 3.5% admission growth indicates substantially longer patient lengths of stay, a positive trend for hospice economics but one that heightens Medicare Cap exposure.

The $85 million Covenant Health acquisition is proving accretive, contributing $11-12 million in quarterly revenue and approximately $2.1-2.3 million in net income. Chemed's integration approach in overlapping Florida markets demonstrates the consolidation advantages in hospice, where combining operations enhances referral relationships and improves operational leverage.

A critical industry-wide challenge is emerging in the Medicare Cap framework. The 60 basis point differential between VITAS' weighted average reimbursement increase (3.5%) and the Medicare Cap protection increase (2.9%) creates a structural compression of Cap cushions. This explains why four provider numbers now face $9.6 million in billing limitations despite strong operational performance. This dynamic will necessitate active patient mix management in 2025, particularly in Florida where the differential exceeds the 60 basis point average.

The 119 basis point negative impact from acuity mix shift reflects the industry trend toward earlier hospice admissions. While high acuity care generates $1,125.61 per patient day versus $182.94 for routine care, high acuity days declined to just 2.5% of total days. This shift improves length of stay but reduces average daily revenue.

VITAS' geographic expansion continues strategically with entry into Pasco County and a new certificate of need in Marion County, Florida. These developments, coupled with the 10.5-11.3% revenue growth guidance for 2025, position VITAS to capitalize on the growing demographic demand for hospice services while navigating the increasingly complex Medicare reimbursement landscape.

The 112 basis point EBITDA margin contraction to 22.5% (excluding Medicare Cap) and 2025 guidance of 18.4-18.9% reflect both the one-time 2023 vacation policy benefit and the ongoing challenges of balancing growth with Medicare Cap management.

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Chemed Corporation (Chemed) (NYSE: CHE), which operates VITAS Healthcare Corporation (VITAS), one of the nation’s largest providers of end-of-life care, and Roto-Rooter, the nation’s largest commercial and residential plumbing and drain cleaning services provider, reported financial results for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024, versus the comparable prior-year period.

Changes to Non-GAAP Metrics

Chemed uses certain non-GAAP metrics such as EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share, to provide additional context and perspective to reported operational results.

Chemed’s previously reported non-GAAP metrics during the four sequential quarters from September 30, 2022 through June 30, 2023 excluded the 12-month pandemic-related licensed healthcare professional retention bonus (Retention Program). Starting with the quarter-ended September 30, 2023, the Company no longer excludes the cost of the Retention Program when presenting non-GAAP operating metrics in current or prior periods.

For the twelve-months ended December 31, 2023, the pretax and after-tax Retention Program expense was $20.8 million and $15.8 million, respectively. There was no material impact on financial results for the twelve months-ended December 31, 2024, as a result of the Retention Program. There was no material financial impact on the fourth quarter of either 2024 or 2023 as a result of the Retention Program.

Results for Quarter Ended December 31, 2024

Consolidated operating results:

• Revenue increased 9.2% to $640.0 million
• GAAP Diluted Earnings-per-Share (EPS) of $6.02, an increase of 2.0%
• Adjusted Diluted EPS of $6.83, an increase of 3.5%

VITAS segment operating results:

• Net Patient Revenue of $411.0 million, an increase of 17.4%
• Average Daily Census (ADC) of 22,179, an increase of 14.6%
• Admissions of 16,427, an increase of 3.5%
• Net Income, excluding certain discrete items, of $70.0 million, an increase of 10.5%
• Adjusted EBITDA, excluding Medicare Cap, of $93.2 million, an increase of 11.8%
• Adjusted EBITDA margin, excluding Medicare Cap, of 22.5%, a decline of 112-basis points

Roto-Rooter segment operating results:

• Revenue of $229.0 million, a decrease of 2.9%
• Net Income, excluding certain discrete items, of $42.5 million, a decrease of 10.8%
• Adjusted EBITDA of $60.3 million, a decline of 7.2%
• Adjusted EBITDA margin of 26.3%, a decline of 120-basis points

VITAS

As previously announced, VITAS completed its acquisition of the hospice assets and an assisted living facility of Covenant Health and Community Services, Inc. (Covenant Health) on April 17, 2024 for $85.0 million in cash. Before presenting VITAS’ overall results, it is important to disclose the methodology used in determining the impact of Covenant Health’s acquisition on VITAS’ overall results. VITAS had significant operations in two of the three Florida locations we acquired from Covenant Health. Those locations require that we estimate the Covenant Health impact, as once the operations are integrated, there are not separate results. For instance, there are no VITAS-specific referral sources versus Covenant Health-specific referral sources in these locations. It is very likely that referral sources in the area have historically referred to both VITAS and Covenant Health. We have used historical operating trends in these locations to determine what is “legacy” VITAS activity. All activity above those historical operating trends have been attributed as the Covenant Health impact. We have included the specifically determined impact as it relates to new operating territories acquired. Based on the above, we discuss the range of impact that Covenant had on the overall VITAS operating metrics.

Covenant Health contributed approximately $11 million to $12 million of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2024. This revenue translated to net income of approximately $2.1 million to $2.3 million. Adjusted EBITDA in the quarter attributed to Covenant Health is between $2.8 million and $3.0 million.

VITAS net revenue was $411.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, which is an increase of 17.4% when compared to the prior-year period. This revenue increase is comprised primarily of a 14.6% increase in days-of-care and a geographically weighted average Medicare reimbursement rate increase of approximately 3.5%. Acuity mix shift negatively impacted revenue growth 119-basis points in the quarter when compared to the prior-year period’s revenue and level-of-care mix. The combination of Medicare Cap and other contra revenue changes increased revenue growth by approximately 44-basis points.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, VITAS accrued $2.4 million in Medicare Cap billing limitation, essentially flat with the fourth quarter of 2023.

Of VITAS’ 34 Medicare provider numbers, 25 provider numbers have a trailing 12-month Medicare Cap cushion of 10% or greater, five provider numbers have a cushion between 0% and 10%, and four provider numbers have a trailing 12-month Medicare Cap billing limitation totaling $9.6 million. As noted above, VITAS’ weighted average Medicare reimbursement rate increase during the quarter was 3.5%. The per-admission Medicare Cap protection for the period beginning October 1, 2024 increased 2.9%, which is the overall national average reimbursement rate increase. This 60-basis point average differential between the reimbursement rate increase and the Medicare Cap increase has reduced cushion in our programs for both the trailing 12-months and our projected fiscal year 2025. The actual basis point differential in certain of our programs, including the Florida program, exceeds the overall 60-basis point average.

Average revenue per patient per day in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $206.23 which is 244-basis points above the prior-year period. Reimbursement for routine home care and high acuity care averaged $182.94 and $1,125.61, respectively. During the quarter, high acuity days-of-care were 2.5% of total days of care, a decline of 22-basis points when compared to the prior-year quarter.

The fourth quarter 2024 gross margin, excluding Medicare Cap, was 28.8%. This compares to the prior year quarter’s gross margin of 29.9%, excluding Medicare Cap. The fourth quarter 2023 gross margin was positively impacted by 135-basis points due to a one-time change in their vacation roll-over policy. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $25.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $22.0 million in the prior-year quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA, excluding Medicare Cap, totaled $93.2 million in the quarter, an increase of 11.8% when compared to the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA margin in the quarter, excluding Medicare Cap, was 22.5%, which is 112-basis points below the prior-year period due mainly to the one-time vacation adjustment in 2023.

Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which impacted the panhandle of Florida and other parts of the southeastern United States in late September and early October, did not result in any significant property loss or damage to VITAS. However, as with other similar events, we did experience a slowdown in admission activity while health systems prepared for the hurricane and then dealt with the aftermath. We estimate that admissions were negatively impacted during the fourth quarter by approximately 150-175 patients.

In October 2024, VITAS admitted its first patient in Pasco County, Florida. Additionally, in December 2024, VITAS was awarded a certificate of need in Marion County, Florida.

Roto-Rooter

Roto-Rooter generated quarterly revenue of $229.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, a decrease of 2.9%, when compared to the prior-year quarter.

Roto-Rooter branch commercial revenue in the quarter totaled $54.3 million, an increase of 0.4% from the prior-year period. This aggregate commercial revenue change consisted of drain cleaning revenue increasing 0.2%, plumbing declining 9.6%, excavation increasing 7.6%, and water restoration increasing 19.8%.

Roto-Rooter branch residential revenue in the quarter totaled $160.5 million, a decrease of 2.0%, over the prior-year period. This aggregate residential revenue change consisted of drain cleaning declining 2.8%, plumbing declining 9.6%, excavation declining 1.9%, and water restoration increasing 2.8%.

Roto-Rooter’s fourth quarter 2024 gross margin was 51.3%. This compares to the prior year quarter’s gross margin of 52.9%. Roto-Rooter’s selling, general and administrative expenses were $57.2 million in the quarter, which is a decrease of 4.1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. The decline in selling, general and administrative expenses was caused mainly by lower internet marketing costs in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2024 totaled $60.3 million, a decrease of 7.2% when compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. The Adjusted EBITDA margin in the quarter was 26.3% which represents a 120-basis point decline from the fourth quarter of 2023.

Chemed Consolidated

As of December 31, 2024, Chemed had total cash and cash equivalents of $178.4 million and no current or long-term debt.

In June 2022, Chemed entered into a five-year $550 million Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement). This Credit Agreement consisted of a $100 million amortizable term loan and a $450 million revolving credit facility. The interest rate on this Credit Agreement has a floating rate that is currently SOFR plus 100-basis points. There is approximately $404.5 million of undrawn borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement after excluding $45.5 million for Letters of Credit.

During the quarter, the Company repurchased 388,235 shares of Chemed stock for $212.8 million which equates to a cost per share of $548.13. As of December 31, 2024, there was approximately $255.3 million of remaining share repurchase authorization under its plan.

Guidance for 2025

VITAS 2025 revenue, prior to Medicare Cap, is estimated to increase 10.5% to 11.3% when compared to 2024. ADC is estimated to increase 8.5% to 9.0%. Full year adjusted EBITDA margin, prior to Medicare Cap, is estimated to be 18.4% to 18.9%. Medicare Cap billing limitations are estimated to be $9.5 million in calendar year 2025.

Roto-Rooter is forecasted to achieve full-year 2025 revenue growth of 2.4% to 3.0%. Roto-Rooter’s adjusted EBITDA margin for 2025 is expected to be 25.7% to 26.3%.

Based upon the above, full-year 2025 earnings per diluted share, excluding: non-cash expense for stock options, tax benefits from stock option exercises, costs related to litigation, and other discrete items, is estimated to be in the range of $24.95 to $25.45. This compares to full-year 2024 adjusted earnings per diluted share of $23.13.

The 2025 earnings trajectory is weighted towards the second half of the year. Roto-Rooter’s revenue and associated income is expected to accelerate during the year, as Roto-Rooter management’s business improvement initiatives continue to build momentum. Additionally, the first quarter of 2024 was Roto-Rooter’s strongest quarter making for difficult comparisons at the beginning of the year. VITAS’ revenue growth and EBITDA margin, prior to Medicare Cap in the second and third quarters, will be adversely impacted by the initiatives required to moderate the impact of the Medicare Cap rate differential discussed above. The impact to the first quarter for VITAS will be mostly offset by the results of the Covenant acquisition which occurred in April 2024.

The 2025 guidance assumes an effective corporate tax rate on adjusted earnings of 24.0% and a diluted share count of 14.8 million shares.

Conference Call

As previously disclosed, Chemed will host a conference call and webcast at 10 a.m., ET, on Thursday February 27, 2025, to discuss the company's quarterly results and to provide an update on its business. Participants may access a live webcast of the conference call through the investor relations section of Chemed’s website, Investor Relations Home | Chemed Corporation or the hosting website https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/pxs2dghv/.

Participants may also register via teleconference at:
https://register.vevent.com/register/BIa60a1e9fbd7b47dab63b5406c1e907a2.

Once registration is completed, participants will be provided with a dial-in number containing a personalized conference code to access the call. All participants are instructed to dial-in 15 minutes prior to the start time.

A taped replay of the conference call will be available beginning approximately two hours after the call's conclusion. You may access the replay via webcast through the investor relations section of Chemed’s website.

Chemed operates in the healthcare field through its VITAS Healthcare Corporation subsidiary. VITAS provides daily hospice services to patients with severe, life-limiting illnesses. This type of care is focused on making the terminally ill patient's final days as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

Chemed operates in the residential and commercial plumbing and drain cleaning industry under the brand name Roto-Rooter. Roto-Rooter provides plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services through company-owned branches, independent contractors and franchisees in the United States and Canada. Roto-Rooter also has licensed master franchisees in the republics of Indonesia and Singapore, and the Philippines.

This press release contains information about Chemed’s EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Diluted EPS, which are not measures derived in accordance with GAAP and which exclude components that are important to understanding Chemed’s financial performance. In reporting its operating results, Chemed provides EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Diluted EPS measures to help investors and others evaluate the Company’s operating results, compare its operating performance with that of similar companies that have different capital structures and evaluate its ability to meet its future debt service, capital expenditures and working capital requirements. Chemed’s management similarly uses EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Diluted EPS to assist it in evaluating the performance of the Company across fiscal periods and in assessing how its performance compares to its peer companies. These measures also help Chemed’s management to estimate the resources required to meet Chemed’s future financial obligations and expenditures. Chemed’s EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Diluted EPS should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. We calculated Adjusted EBITDA Margin by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by service revenue and sales. A reconciliation of Chemed’s net income to its EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Diluted EPS is presented in the tables following the text of this press release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release and the accompanying tables 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. Chemed does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve various risks and uncertainties, which could cause Chemed's actual results to differ from those expressed in such forward-looking statements.

These risks and uncertainties arise from, among other things, possible changes in regulations governing the hospice care or plumbing and drain cleaning industries; periodic changes in reimbursement levels and procedures under Medicare and Medicaid programs; difficulties predicting patient length of stay and estimating potential Medicare reimbursement obligations; challenges inherent in Chemed's growth strategy; the current shortage of qualified nurses, other healthcare professionals and licensed plumbing and drain cleaning technicians; Chemed’s dependence on patient referral sources; and other factors detailed under the caption "Description of Business by Segment" or "Risk Factors" in Chemed’s most recent report on form 10-Q or 10-K and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements and there are no assurances that the matters contained in such statements will be achieved.

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)(unaudited)
		Three Months Ended December 31,								For the Years Ended December 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Service revenues and sales		$	639,993			$	585,912			$	2,431,287				2,264,417
Cost of services provided and goods sold			405,875				358,346				1,576,939				1,465,602
Selling, general and administrative expenses (aa)			104,251				100,436				424,360				395,120
Depreciation			13,263				13,024				52,864				50,802
Amortization			2,568				2,515				10,185				10,063
Other operating expense			158				197				446				2,261
Total costs and expenses			526,115				474,518				2,064,794				1,923,848
Income from operations			113,878				111,394				366,493				340,569
Interest expense			(499	)			(342	)			(1,780	)			(3,108	)
Other income--net (bb)			6,744				4,541				34,752				12,906
Income before income taxes			120,123				115,593				399,465				350,367
Income taxes			(29,804	)			(25,540	)			(97,466	)			(77,858	)
Net income		$	90,319			$	90,053			$	301,999			$	272,509
Earnings Per Share
Net income		$	6.08			$	5.96			$	20.10			$	18.11
Average number of shares outstanding			14,853				15,099				15,024				15,050
Diluted Earnings Per Share
Net income		$	6.02			$	5.90			$	19.89			$	17.93
Average number of shares outstanding			14,992				15,270				15,186				15,200
(aa) Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses comprise (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended December 31,								For the Years Ended December 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
SG&A expenses before long-term incentive compensation and the impact of market value adjustments related to deferred compensation plans		$	96,358			$	95,601			$	384,069			$	377,027
Long-term incentive compensation			4,354				3,872				20,152				11,689
Market value adjustments related to deferred compensation trusts			3,539				963				20,139				6,404
Total SG&A expenses		$	104,251			$	100,436			$	424,360			$	395,120
(bb) Other income--net comprises (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended December 31,								For the Years Ended December 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Market value adjustments related to deferred compensation trusts		$	3,539			$	963			$	20,139			$	6,404
Interest income			3,205				3,408				14,610				6,270
Other			-				170				3				232
Total other income--net		$	6,744			$	4,541			$	34,752			$	12,906

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)(unaudited)
		December 31,
		2024				2023
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	178,350			$	263,958
Accounts receivable less allowances			171,163				181,511
Inventories			8,193				12,004
Prepaid income taxes			11,068				13,166
Prepaid expenses			25,974				30,204
Total current assets			394,748				500,843
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust			130,960				106,126
Properties and equipment, at cost less accumulated depreciation			200,837				203,840
Lease right of use asset			127,323				126,387
Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization			92,206				90,264
Goodwill			666,744				585,017
Other assets			55,757				55,618
Total Assets		$	1,668,575			$	1,668,095
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Accounts payable		$	44,146			$	64,034
Accrued insurance			56,703				58,568
Accrued income taxes			7,593				6,858
Accrued compensation			92,073				88,381
Short-term lease liability			42,306				38,635
Other current liabilities			42,874				55,574
Total current liabilities			285,695				312,050
Deferred income taxes			25,945				30,321
Deferred compensation liabilities			126,035				104,069
Long-term lease liability			98,538				100,776
Other liabilities			13,369				13,003
Total Liabilities			549,582				560,219
Stockholders' Equity
Capital stock			37,422				37,184
Paid-in capital			1,484,176				1,341,273
Retained earnings			2,721,832				2,446,925
Treasury stock, at cost			(3,126,660	)			(2,719,588	)
Deferred compensation payable in Company stock			2,223				2,082
Total Stockholders' Equity			1,118,993				1,107,876
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity		$	1,668,575			$	1,668,095

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)(unaudited)
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2024				2023
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income		$	301,999			$	272,509
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			63,049				60,865
Stock option expense			32,033				30,082
Noncash long-term incentive compensation			18,794				9,267
Litigation settlements			(5,750	)			2,050
Benefit for deferred income taxes			(4,138	)			(8,027	)
Noncash directors' compensation			1,282				1,444
Amortization of debt issuance costs			321				580
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding amounts acquired in business combinations:
Decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable			10,678				(41,488	)
Decrease/(increase) in inventories			3,831				(1,732	)
Decrease in prepaid expenses			4,237				87
Decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities			(9,279	)			(9,348	)
Change in current income taxes			2,182				11,748
Net change in lease assets and liabilities			(674	)			(1,424	)
Increase in other assets			(25,591	)			(9,952	)
Increase in other liabilities			22,749				12,802
Other sources			1,774				836
Net cash provided by operating activities			417,497				330,299
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Business combinations, net of cash acquired			(97,400	)			(3,994	)
Capital expenditures			(49,531	)			(56,854	)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets			3,315				640
Other uses			(295	)			(434	)
Net cash used by investing activities			(143,911	)			(60,642	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Purchases of treasury stock			(361,389	)			(67,697	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			56,517				102,192
Dividends paid			(27,092	)			(23,502	)
Change in cash overdrafts payable			(15,749	)			15,749
Capital stock surrendered to pay taxes on stock-based compensation			(9,457	)			(9,557	)
Payments on long-term debt			-				(97,500	)
Other (uses)/sources			(2,024	)			490
Net cash used by financing activities			(359,194	)			(79,825	)
(Decrease)/increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents			(85,608	)			189,832
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			263,958				74,126
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	178,350			$	263,958

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024 AND 2023
(in thousands)(unaudited)
														Chemed
		VITAS				Roto-Rooter				Corporate				Consolidated
2024 (a)
Service revenues and sales		$	411,008			$	228,985			$	-			$	639,993
Cost of services provided and goods sold			294,456				111,419				-				405,875
Selling, general and administrative expenses			25,597				57,168				21,486				104,251
Depreciation			5,074				8,177				12				13,263
Amortization			26				2,542				-				2,568
Other operating expense			18				140				-				158
Total costs and expenses			325,171				179,446				21,498				526,115
Income/(loss) from operations			85,837				49,539				(21,498	)			113,878
Interest expense			(33	)			(81	)			(385	)			(499	)
Intercompany interest income/(expense)			5,114				3,759				(8,873	)			-
Other income—net			90				5				6,649				6,744
Income/(loss) before income taxes			91,008				53,222				(24,107	)			120,123
Income taxes			(20,897	)			(12,500	)			3,593				(29,804	)
Net income/(loss)		$	70,111			$	40,722			$	(20,514	)		$	90,319
2023 (b)
Service revenues and sales		$	349,998			$	235,914			$	-			$	585,912
Cost of services provided and goods sold			247,151				111,195				-				358,346
Selling, general and administrative expenses			22,048				59,621				18,767				100,436
Depreciation			5,052				7,959				13				13,024
Amortization			26				2,489				-				2,515
Other operating expense			4				193				-				197
Total costs and expenses			274,281				181,457				18,780				474,518
Income/(loss) from operations			75,717				54,457				(18,780	)			111,394
Interest expense			(26	)			(55	)			(261	)			(342	)
Intercompany interest income/(expense)			5,008				3,265				(8,273	)			-
Other income—net			201				29				4,311				4,541
Income/(loss) before income taxes			80,900				57,696				(23,003	)			115,593
Income taxes			(17,613	)			(11,809	)			3,882				(25,540	)
Net income/(loss)		$	63,287			$	45,887			$	(19,121	)		$	90,053
The "Footnotes to Financial Statements" are integral parts of this financial information.
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024 AND 2023
(in thousands)(unaudited)
														Chemed
		VITAS				Roto-Rooter				Corporate				Consolidated
2024 (a)
Service revenues and sales		$	1,530,978			$	900,309			$	-			$	2,431,287
Cost of services provided and goods sold			1,146,803				430,136				-				1,576,939
Selling, general and administrative expenses			99,564				232,852				91,944				424,360
Depreciation			20,362				32,452				50				52,864
Amortization			105				10,080				-				10,185
Other operating expense			178				268				-				446
Total costs and expenses			1,267,012				705,788				91,994				2,064,794
Income/(loss) from operations			263,966				194,521				(91,994	)			366,493
Interest expense			(171	)			(431	)			(1,178	)			(1,780	)
Intercompany interest income/(expense)			20,211				14,397				(34,608	)			-
Other income—net			227				69				34,456				34,752
Income/(loss) before income taxes			284,233				208,556				(93,324	)			399,465
Income taxes			(67,414	)			(48,510	)			18,458				(97,466	)
Net income/(loss)		$	216,819			$	160,046			$	(74,866	)		$	301,999
2023 (b)
Service revenues and sales		$	1,315,065			$	949,352			$	-			$	2,264,417
Cost of services provided and goods sold			1,017,623				447,979				-				1,465,602
Selling, general and administrative expenses			93,296				231,587				70,237				395,120
Depreciation			19,959				30,790				53				50,802
Amortization			104				9,959				-				10,063
Other operating expense/(income)			(12	)			2,273				-				2,261
Total costs and expenses			1,130,970				722,588				70,290				1,923,848
Income/(loss) from operations			184,095				226,764				(70,290	)			340,569
Interest expense			(180	)			(442	)			(2,486	)			(3,108	)
Intercompany interest income/(expense)			19,400				11,918				(31,318	)			-
Other income—net			1,309				126				11,471				12,906
Income/(loss) before income taxes			204,624				238,366				(92,623	)			350,367
Income taxes			(46,115	)			(50,125	)			18,382				(77,858	)
Net income/(loss)		$	158,509			$	188,241			$	(74,241	)		$	272,509
The "Footnotes to Financial Statements" are integral parts of this financial information.

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATING SUMMARIES OF EBITDA
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024 AND 2023
(in thousands)(unaudited)
														Chemed
		VITAS				Roto-Rooter				Corporate				Consolidated
2024
Net income/(loss)		$	70,111			$	40,722			$	(20,514	)		$	90,319
Add/(deduct):
Interest expense			33				81				385				499
Income taxes			20,897				12,500				(3,593	)			29,804
Depreciation			5,074				8,177				12				13,263
Amortization			26				2,542				-				2,568
EBITDA			96,141				64,022				(23,710	)			136,453
Add/(deduct):
Intercompany interest expense/(income)			(5,114	)			(3,759	)			8,873				-
Interest income			(89	)			(5	)			(3,111	)			(3,205	)
Stock option expense			-				-				8,100				8,100
Long-term incentive compensation			-				-				4,354				4,354
Acquisition expense			(203	)			(3	)			-				(206	)
Adjusted EBITDA		$	90,735			$	60,255			$	(5,494	)		$	145,496
2023
Net income/(loss)		$	63,287			$	45,887			$	(19,121	)		$	90,053
Add/(deduct):
Interest expense			26				55				261				342
Income taxes			17,613				11,809				(3,882	)			25,540
Depreciation			5,052				7,959				13				13,024
Amortization			26				2,489				-				2,515
EBITDA			86,004				68,199				(22,729	)			131,474
Add/(deduct):
Intercompany interest expense/(income)			(5,008	)			(3,265	)			8,273				-
Interest income			(31	)			(29	)			(3,348	)			(3,408	)
Stock option expense			-				-				7,706				7,706
Long-term incentive compensation			-				-				3,872				3,872
Adjusted EBITDA		$	80,965			$	64,905			$	(6,226	)		$	139,644
The "Footnotes to Financial Statements" are integral parts of this financial information.
CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATING SUMMARIES OF EBITDA
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024 AND 2023
(in thousands)(unaudited)
														Chemed
		VITAS				Roto-Rooter				Corporate				Consolidated
2024
Net income/(loss)		$	216,819			$	160,046			$	(74,866	)		$	301,999
Add/(deduct):
Interest expense			171				431				1,178				1,780
Income taxes			67,414				48,510				(18,458	)			97,466
Depreciation			20,362				32,452				50				52,864
Amortization			105				10,080				-				10,185
EBITDA			304,871				251,519				(92,096	)			464,294
Add/(deduct):
Intercompany interest expense/(income)			(20,211	)			(14,397	)			34,608				-
Interest income			(224	)			(69	)			(14,317	)			(14,610	)
Stock option expense			-				-				32,033				32,033
Long-term incentive compensation			-				-				14,815				14,815
Severance arrangement			-				-				5,337				5,337
Acquisition expense			1,099				34				-				1,133
Adjusted EBITDA		$	285,535			$	237,087			$	(19,620	)		$	503,002
2023
Net income/(loss)		$	158,509			$	188,241			$	(74,241	)		$	272,509
Add/(deduct):
Interest expense			180				442				2,486				3,108
Income taxes			46,115				50,125				(18,382	)			77,858
Depreciation			19,959				30,790				53				50,802
Amortization			104				9,959				-				10,063
EBITDA			224,867				279,557				(90,084	)			414,340
Add/(deduct):
Intercompany interest expense/(income)			(19,400	)			(11,918	)			31,318				-
Interest income			(1,078	)			(125	)			(5,067	)			(6,270	)
Stock option expense			-				-				30,082				30,082
Long-term incentive compensation			-				-				11,689				11,689
Litigation settlements			-				2,056				-				2,056
Adjusted EBITDA		$	204,389			$	269,570			$	(22,062	)		$	451,897
The "Footnotes to Financial Statements" are integral parts of this financial information.

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED NET INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)(unaudited)
		Three Months Ended December 31,								For the Years Ended December 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Net income as reported		$	90,319			$	90,053			$	301,999			$	272,509
Add/(deduct) pre-tax cost of:
Stock option expense			8,100				7,706				32,033				30,082
Long-term incentive compensation			4,354				3,872				14,815				11,689
Amortization of reacquired franchise rights			2,352				2,352				9,408				9,408
Severance arrangement			-				-				5,337				-
Acquisition expense			(206	)			-				1,133				-
Litigation settlement			-				-				-				2,056
Add/(deduct) tax impacts:
Tax impact of the above pre-tax adjustments (1)			(2,333	)			(2,216	)			(9,095	)			(8,658	)
Tax impact of deferred tax rate change			-				-				-				(4,241	)
Excess tax benefits on stock compensation			(133	)			(954	)			(4,442	)			(4,330	)
Adjusted net income		$	102,453			$	100,813			$	351,188			$	308,515
Diluted Earnings Per Share As Reported
Net income		$	6.02			$	5.90			$	19.89			$	17.93
Average number of shares outstanding			14,992				15,270				15,186				15,200
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share
Adjusted net income		$	6.83			$	6.60			$	23.13			$	20.30
Average number of shares outstanding			14,992				15,270				15,186				15,200
(1) The tax impact of pre-tax adjustments was calculated using the effective tax rate of the operating unit for which each adjustment is associated.
The "Footnotes to Financial Statements" are integral parts of this financial information.

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
OPERATING STATISTICS FOR VITAS SEGMENT
(unaudited)
		Three Months Ended December 31,								For the Years Ended December 31,
OPERATING STATISTICS		2024				2023				2024				2023
Net revenue ($000) (c)
Homecare		$	358,507			$	303,883			$	1,326,488			$	1,136,437
Inpatient			31,307				28,107				120,604				112,419
Continuous care			25,451				22,620				99,746				85,674
Other			5,556				3,844				19,455				13,582
Subtotal		$	420,821			$	358,454			$	1,566,293			$	1,348,112
Room and board, net			(3,867	)			(2,535	)			(13,304	)			(10,851	)
Contractual allowances			(3,521	)			(3,546	)			(13,597	)			(14,196	)
Medicare cap allowance			(2,425	)			(2,375	)			(8,414	)			(8,000	)
Net Revenue		$	411,008			$	349,998			$	1,530,978			$	1,315,065
Net revenue as a percent of total before Medicare cap allowance
Homecare			85.2	%			84.8	%			84.7	%			84.3	%
Inpatient			7.4				7.8				7.7				8.3
Continuous care			6.0				6.3				6.4				6.4
Other			1.4				1.1				1.2				1.0
Subtotal			100.0				100.0				100.0				100.0
Room and board, net			(0.9	)			(0.7	)			(0.8	)			(0.8	)
Contractual allowances			(0.8	)			(1.0	)			(0.9	)			(1.1	)
Medicare cap allowance			(0.6	)			(0.7	)			(0.5	)			(0.6	)
Net Revenue			97.7	%			97.6	%			97.8	%			97.5	%
Days of care
Homecare			1,656,206				1,439,494				6,277,961				5,457,963
Nursing home			322,713				285,616				1,230,726				1,118,728
Respite			11,155				7,394				37,961				26,605
Subtotal routine homecare and respite			1,990,074				1,732,504				7,546,648				6,603,296
Inpatient			27,235				24,918				106,299				101,905
Continuous care			23,189				23,001				95,524				88,631
Total			2,040,498				1,780,423				7,748,471				6,793,832
Number of days in relevant time period			92				92				366				365
Average daily census ("ADC") (days)
Homecare			18,002				15,646				17,153				14,953
Nursing home			3,508				3,105				3,363				3,065
Respite			121				80				104				73
Subtotal routine homecare and respite			21,631				18,831				20,620				18,091
Inpatient			296				271				290				279
Continuous care			252				250				261				243
Total			22,179				19,352				21,171				18,613
Total Admissions			16,427				15,867				67,447				63,431
Total Discharges			16,333				15,705				64,618				61,242
Average length of stay (days)			105.5				105.9				103.0				102.2
Median length of stay (days)			18.0				17.0				17.0				16.0
ADC by major diagnosis
Cerebro			44.2	%			42.8	%			44.0	%			42.5	%
Neurological			12.9				13.7				13.2				15.3
Cancer			9.9				10.3				10.0				10.5
Cardio			16.2				16.2				16.2				16.1
Respiratory			6.9				7.0				7.1				7.1
Other			9.9				10.0				9.5				8.5
Total			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%
Admissions by major diagnosis
Cerebro			28.0	%			26.5	%			27.8	%			26.4	%
Neurological			7.0				8.3				7.6				9.4
Cancer			25.9				25.9				25.3				26.0
Cardio			15.3				15.4				15.6				16.0
Respiratory			9.8				10.1				9.9				10.1
Other			14.0				13.8				13.8				12.1
Total			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%
Estimated uncollectible accounts as a percent of revenues			0.9	%			1.0	%			0.9	%			1.1	%
Accounts receivable --
Days of revenue outstanding-excluding unapplied Medicare payments			40.0				37.8				n.a.				n.a.
Days of revenue outstanding-including unapplied Medicare payments			28.5				36.0				n.a.				n.a.
The "Footnotes to Financial Statements" are integral parts of this financial information.

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
FOOTNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024 AND 2023
(unaudited)
(a)	Included in the results of operations for 2024 are the following significant credits/(charges) which may not be indicative of ongoing operations
	(in thousands):
			Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
			VITAS				Roto-Rooter				Corporate				Consolidated
	Stock option expense		$	-			$	-			$	(8,100	)		$	(8,100	)
	Long-term incentive compensation			-				-				(4,354	)			(4,354	)
	Amortization of reacquired franchise agreements			-				(2,352	)			-				(2,352	)
	Acquisition expense			203				3				-				206
	Pretax impact on earnings			203				(2,349	)			(12,454	)			(14,600	)
	Excess tax benefits on stock compensation			-				-				133				133
	Income tax benefit on the above			(50	)			547				1,836				2,333
	After-tax impact on earnings		$	153			$	(1,802	)		$	(10,485	)		$	(12,134	)
			For the Years Ended December 31, 2024
			VITAS				Roto-Rooter				Corporate				Consolidated
	Stock option expense		$	-			$	-			$	(32,033	)		$	(32,033	)
	Long-term incentive compensation			-				-				(14,815	)			(14,815	)
	Amortization of reacquired franchise agreements			-				(9,408	)			-				(9,408	)
	Severance arrangement			-				-				(5,337	)			(5,337	)
	Acquisition expense			(1,099	)			(34	)			-				(1,133	)
	Pretax impact on earnings			(1,099	)			(9,442	)			(52,185	)			(62,726	)
	Excess tax benefits on stock compensation			-				-				4,442				4,442
	Income tax benefit on the above			267				2,200				6,628				9,095
	After-tax impact on earnings		$	(832	)		$	(7,242	)		$	(41,115	)		$	(49,189	)
(b)	Included in the results of operations for 2023 are the following significant credits/(charges) which may not be indicative of ongoing operations
	(in thousands):
			Three Months Ended December 31, 2023
			VITAS				Roto-Rooter				Corporate				Consolidated
	Stock option expense		$	-			$	-			$	(7,706	)		$	(7,706	)
	Long-term incentive compensation			-				-				(3,872	)			(3,872	)
	Amortization of reacquired franchise agreements			-				(2,352	)			-				(2,352	)
	Pretax impact on earnings			-				(2,352	)			(11,578	)			(13,930	)
	Excess tax benefits on stock compensation			-				-				954				954
	Income tax benefit on the above			-				548				1,668				2,216
	After-tax impact on earnings		$	-			$	(1,804	)		$	(8,956	)		$	(10,760	)
			For the Years Ended December 31, 2023
			VITAS				Roto-Rooter				Corporate				Consolidated
	Stock option expense		$	-			$	-			$	(30,082	)		$	(30,082	)
	Long-term incentive compensation			-				-				(11,689	)			(11,689	)
	Amortization of reacquired franchise agreements			-				(9,408	)			-				(9,408	)
	Litigation settlements			-				(2,056	)			-				(2,056	)
	Pretax impact on earnings			-				(11,464	)			(41,771	)			(53,235	)
	Excess tax benefits on stock compensation			-				-				4,330				4,330
	Tax impact of deferred tax rate change			1,772				3,559				(1,090	)			4,241
	Income tax benefit on the above			-				2,671				5,987				8,658
	After-tax impact on earnings		$	1,772			$	(5,234	)		$	(32,544	)		$	(36,006	)
(c)	VITAS has 12 large (greater than 450 ADC), 22 medium (greater than 200 but less than 450 ADC) and 22 small (less than 200 ADC) hospice programs. Of Vitas' 34 Medicare provider numbers, for the trailing 12 months, 25 provider numbers have a Medicare cap cushion of greater than 10%, five provider numbers have a Medicare cap cushion between 0% and 10%, and four provider numbers have a Medicare cap liability.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250226582395/en/

Michael D. Witzeman

(513) 762-6714

Source: Chemed Corporation

FAQ

What was Chemed's (CHE) revenue growth in Q4 2024?

Chemed's consolidated revenue grew 9.2% to $640.0 million in Q4 2024.

How much did VITAS Healthcare's revenue increase in Q4 2024?

VITAS Healthcare's revenue increased 17.4% to $411.0 million in Q4 2024.

What was the impact of Covenant Health acquisition on VITAS in Q4 2024?

Covenant Health contributed $11-12 million in revenue and $2.1-2.3 million in net income to VITAS in Q4 2024.

What is Chemed's (CHE) earnings guidance for 2025?

Chemed expects adjusted earnings per diluted share of $24.95 to $25.45 for 2025, compared to $23.13 in 2024.