Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - VITAS net revenue was $407.4 million in Q1 2025, an increase of 15.1% compared to the prior year period, driven by an 11.9% increase in days of care and a 3.2% increase in Medicare reimbursement rates [18][19] - Adjusted EBITDA for VITAS, excluding Medicare cap, totaled $70.3 million, reflecting a 15.9% increase, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 17.2%, up 13 basis points from the prior year [20][28] - Roto Rooter generated total revenue growth of 1.8% in Q1 2025, with gross branch revenue increasing by 3.1% [13][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - VITAS admissions totaled 18,139, a 7.3% improvement compared to Q1 2024, with an average daily census of 22,244, up 13.1% year-over-year [8][30] - Roto Rooter branch residential revenue increased by 1.7% to $167.2 million, while branch commercial revenue rose by 7.3% to $57.7 million [22][23] - Revenue from independent contractors declined by 6.4% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hospital-based admissions represented 49% of overall admissions for VITAS, the highest level since the pandemic, with a 12% increase compared to Q1 2024 [36] - The average length of stay for VITAS patients increased to 118.7 days, compared to 103.9 days in Q1 2024 [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - VITAS is focusing on increasing hospital-based admissions to manage Medicare cap exposure, which is expected to provide a cushion for revenue growth [10][34] - Roto Rooter is refining its excavation pricing model to balance revenue growth and EBITDA margin, responding to feedback from its commercial sales force [26][28] - The company is expanding its operating scope in Florida, with new locations in Pasco and Marion counties expected to drive future growth [16][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in VITAS's ability to maintain above-average growth through organic means and accretive acquisitions in 2025 and beyond [39] - The company acknowledged that the growth path seen in 2023 and 2024 may not be sustainable due to Medicare cap constraints, suggesting a more moderate growth trajectory moving forward [53] Other Important Information - The Covington Health acquisition positively impacted revenue, adjusted net income, and EBITDA by 3 to 4% [20] - Cash flow dynamics were affected by the timing of accounts receivable, particularly related to a $48 million refund and a $57 million PIP payment [56][58] Q&A Session Summary Question: Long-term cap management strategy - Management discussed the importance of managing Medicare cap cushion and the impact of hospital admissions on revenue and length of stay [42][44] Question: Cash flow dynamics and working capital - Management clarified that the increase in accounts receivable was due to timing issues rather than cash flow collection problems [54][60]

Chemed (CHE) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 24, 2025 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Holley Schmidt - Assistant ControllerKevin McNamara - President and CEOMichael Witzeman - VP, CFO and ControllerNicholas Westfall - Executive Vice PresidentBen Hendrix - Vice President Operator Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Chemed Corporation First Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen only mode. After the speakers' presentation, there wil ...