Chemed Corporation (NYSE: CHE) reported Q2 EPS of $4.41, $0.66 better than the analyst estimate of $3.75. Revenue for the quarter came in at $502 million versus the consensus estimate of $522.89 million.

GUIDANCE:

Chemed Corporation sees FY2020 EPS of $16.20-$16.40, versus the consensus of $16.13.

• Historically, Chemed earnings guidance has been developed using previous years’ key operating metrics which are then modeled and projected out for the calendar year. Critical within these projections is the understanding of traditional patterned correlations among key operating metrics. Once we complete this phase of our projected operating results, we would then modify the projections for the timing of price increases, changes in commission structure, wages, marketing programs and a variety of continuous improvement initiatives that our business segments plan on executing over the coming year. This modeling exercise also takes into consideration anticipated industry and macro-economic issues outside of management’s control but are somewhat predictable in terms of timing and impact on our business segments’ operating results.
• The 2020 pandemic has made accurate modeling and providing meaningful earnings guidance for Chemed exceptionally challenging. Federal, state and local government authorities are forced to make swift decisions within our healthcare system, labor pools and general economy. These governmental decisions have the potential for an immediate and material impact on VITAS and Roto-Rooter operating results.
• Over the past four months, Chemed has been able to successfully navigate within this rapidly changing environment and produce operating results that we believe provide us with the ability to provide guidance for the remainder of the calendar year. However, this guidance should be taken with the recognition the pandemic will continue to materially disrupt all aspects of our healthcare system and general economy to such an extent that future rules, regulations and government mandates could materially impact our ability to achieve this guidance.
• Revenue growth for VITAS in 2020, prior to Medicare Cap, is estimated to be in the range of 5% to 7%. Average Daily Census in 2020 is estimated to expand approximately 2% to 4%. Full-year Adjusted EBITDA margin, prior to Medicare Cap, is estimated to be 19% to 20%. We are currently estimating $17 million for Medicare Cap billing limitations for calendar year 2020. We also anticipate the $80.2 million of CARES Act funds formulaically calculated by the federal government based upon our 2019 Medicare fee-for-service revenue will be adequate to cover increased costs specifically related to operating our healthcare unit during the pandemic as well as any incremental Medicare Cap billing limitations triggered from declines in Medicare admissions. Chemed’s full year adjusted earnings per share guidance eliminates any financial benefit from the CARES Act funds that relate to lost revenue. We anticipate returning any unused CARES Act funds to the federal government at the end of the pandemic measurement period.
• Roto-Rooter is forecasted to achieve full-year 2020 revenue growth of 9% to 10%. Roto-Rooter’s Adjusted EBITDA margin for 2020 is estimated to be in the range of 23% to 25%.
• Based upon the above, full-year 2020 adjusted earnings per diluted share, excluding non-cash expense for stock options, tax benefits from stock options, costs related to litigation, and other discrete items, is estimated to be in the range of $16.20 to $16.40. This 2020 guidance assumes an effective corporate tax rate of 25.2%. Chemed’s 2019 reported adjusted earnings per diluted share was $13.96.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Chemed Corporation (CHE) click here.