CHEMED CORP
10-K, 1997-03-27
CHEMICALS & ALLIED PRODUCTS
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<PAGE>   1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                            -----------------------

                                    FORM 10-K

                ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF
[X]                   THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                                    
                  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996

                                       or

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

        For the Transition period from                 to 
                                       ---------------    --------------

                         Commission File Number: 1-8351

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

            DELAWARE                                            31-0791746
  (State or other jurisdiction of                            (I.R.S. Employer
  incorporation or organization)                         Identification Number)

    2600 Chemed Center, 255 East Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio  45202-4726
          (Address of principal executive offices)               (Zip Code)

                                 (513) 762-6900
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                                        Name of each exchange
          Title of each class                           on which registered
          -------------------                           -------------------
  Capital Stock - Par Value $1 Per Share                New York Stock Exchange

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

     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 period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No .

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. 

    The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant, based upon the closing price of said stock on the New York Stock
Exchange Composite Transaction Listing on March 19, 1997 ($36.37 per share),
was $356,412,720.

     At March 19, 1997, 10,032,289 shares of Chemed Corporation Capital Stock
(par value $1 per share) were outstanding.

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         DOCUMENT                                                  WHERE INCORPORATED
<S>                                                              <C>
1996 Annual Report to Stockholders (Specified Portions)            Parts I, II and IV
Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting                                 Part III
to be held May 19, 1997.
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   2


                               CHEMED CORPORATION

                          1996 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


                                                                                PAGE

                                     PART I
<S>                                                                             <C>
Item 1.  Business.............................................................    1
Item 2.  Properties...........................................................    5
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings....................................................    9
Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders..................    9
         Executive Officers of the Registrant.................................    9


                                     PART II

Item 5.  Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related
         Stockholder Matters..................................................   10
Item 6.  Selected Financial Data..............................................   10
Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
         Condition and Results of Operations..................................   10
Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data..........................   11
Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
         Accounting and Financial Disclosure..................................   11


                                    PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant....................  11
Item 11. Executive Compensation................................................  11
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
         Management............................................................  11
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions........................  11


                                     PART IV

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule and Reports
         on Form 8-K...........................................................  12
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   3



                                     PART I

ITEM 1.         BUSINESS

GENERAL

       Chemed Corporation was incorporated in Delaware in 1970 as a subsidiary
of W. R. Grace & Co. and succeeded to the business of W. R. Grace & Co.'s
Specialty Products Group as of April 30, 1971 and remained a subsidiary of W. R.
Grace & Co. until March 10, 1982. As used herein, "Company" refers to Chemed
Corporation, "Chemed" refers to Chemed Corporation and its subsidiaries and
"Grace" refers to W. R. Grace & Co. and its subsidiaries.

       On March 10, 1982, the Company transferred to Dearborn Chemical Company,
a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, the business and assets of the
Company's Dearborn Group, including the stock of certain subsidiaries within the
Dearborn Group, plus $185 million in cash, and Dearborn Chemical Company assumed
the Dearborn Group's liabilities. Thereafter, on March 10, 1982 the Company
transferred all of the stock of Dearborn Chemical Company to Grace in exchange
for 16,740,802 shares of the capital stock of the Company owned by Grace with
the result that Grace no longer has any ownership interest in the Company.

       On December 31, 1986, the Company completed the sale of substantially all
of the business and assets of Vestal Laboratories, Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary ("Vestal"). The Company received cash payments aggregating
approximately $67.4 million over the four-year period following the closing, the
substantial portion of which was received on December 31, 1986.

       On April 2, 1991, the Company completed the sale of DuBois Chemicals,
Inc. ("DuBois"), a wholly owned subsidiary, to the Diversey Corporation
("Diversey"), a subsidiary of The Molson Companies Ltd. Under the terms of the
sale, Diversey agreed to pay the Company net cash payments aggregating
$223,386,000, including deferred payments aggregating $32,432,000. As of
December 31, 1996, the Company had received cash payments totaling $221,738,000.

       On December 21, 1992, the Company acquired The Veratex Corporation and
related businesses ("Veratex Group") from Omnicare, Inc., a publicly traded
company in which Chemed currently maintains a 1 percent ownership interest. The
purchase price was $62,120,000 in cash paid at closing, plus a post-closing
payment of $1,514,000 (paid in April 1993) based on the net assets of Veratex.

       Effective January 1, 1994, the Company acquired all the capital stock of
Patient Care, Inc. ("Patient Care"), for cash payments aggregating $20,582,000,
including deferred payments with a present value of $6,582,000, plus 17,500
shares of the Company's Capital Stock. An additional cash payment of $1,000,000
was made on March 31, 1996 and another payment of $1,000,000 will be made on
March 31, 1997.

       In July 1995, the Company's Omnia Group (formerly Veratex Group)
completed the sale of the business and assets of its Veratex Retail division to
Henry Schein, Inc. ("HSI") for $10 million in cash plus a $4.1 million note
for which payment was received in December 1995.

       Effective September 17, 1996, the Company completed a merger of a
subsidiary of the Company, Chemed Acquisition Corp., and Roto-Rooter, Inc.
pursuant to a Tender Offer

                                        1

<PAGE>   4



commenced on August 8, 1996 to acquire any and all of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock of Roto-Rooter, Inc. for $41.00 per share in cash.

       During 1996, the Company conducted its business operations in four
segments: National Sanitary Supply Company ("National Sanitary Supply"),
Roto-Rooter Group ("Roto- Rooter"), Omnia Group ("Omnia") and Patient Care.


FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT INDUSTRY SEGMENTS

       The required segment and geographic data for the Company's continuing
operations (as described below) for the three years ended December 31, 1994,
1995 and 1996, are shown in the "Sales and Profit Statistics by Business
Segment" and the "Additional Segment Data" on pages 34, 35 and 38 of the 1996
Annual Report to Stockholders and are incorporated herein by reference.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS BY SEGMENT

       The information called for by this item is included within Note 1 of the
Notes to Financial Statements appearing on page 25 of the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

PRODUCT AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT

       Each segment of Chemed's business engages in a continuing program for the
development and marketing of new products. While new product and new market
development are important factors for the growth of each active segment of
Chemed's business, Chemed does not expect that any new product or marketing
effort, including those in the development stage, will require the investment of
a material amount of Chemed's assets.

RAW MATERIALS

       The principal raw materials needed for each active segment of Chemed's
United States manufacturing operations are purchased from United States sources.
No segment of Chemed experienced any material raw material shortages during
1996, although such shortages may occur in the future. Products manufactured and
sold by Chemed's active business segments generally may be reformulated to avoid
the adverse impact of a specific raw material shortage.

PATENTS, SERVICE MARKS AND LICENSES

       The Roto-Rooter(R) trademark and service mark have been used and
advertised since 1935 by Roto-Rooter Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Roto-Rooter, Inc., a 100 percent-owned subsidiary of the Company. The
Roto-Rooter(R) marks are among the most highly recognized trademarks and service
marks in the United States. Chemed considers the Roto-Rooter(R) marks to be a
valuable asset and a significant factor in the marketing of Roto-Rooter's
franchises, products and services and the products and services provided by its
franchisees.

INVENTORIES

       Chemed maintains local warehousing and delivery arrangements throughout
the United States to provide prompt delivery service to its customers.
Inventories on hand for each active segment are not considered high in relation
to industry standards for the

                                        2

<PAGE>   5



business involved. In general, terms and conditions of sale for each segment
follow usual and customary industry standards.

COMPETITION
                            NATIONAL SANITARY SUPPLY

       Chemed considers National Sanitary Supply (with its subsidiaries Century
Papers, Inc. and NSS Development) to be a leader in the janitorial maintenance
supply distribution market in the western, southwestern and midwestern United
States (Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan,
Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee,
Texas, Utah and Washington). This subsidiary markets a broad line of cleaning
chemicals, paper goods, plastic products, waste handling products and other
janitorial supplies to a wide range of customers. The market for sanitary
maintenance and paper supplies is highly competitive and entry is relatively
easy. Competition is, however, highly fragmented in most geographic markets. In
the United States, approximately 9,000 firms compete in the sanitary maintenance
supply distribution business on a local or regional basis. The principal
competitive factors in this market are the level of service provided; range of
products offered; speed, efficiency and reliability of delivery; and price.
There is a number of local janitorial supply companies that compete with
National Sanitary Supply in its market. The principal competitive factors in the
janitorial supply market in order of importance are breadth of product line,
prompt delivery and price. While remaining price competitive, National Sanitary
Supply maintains a product line that is generally broader than its competitors
and has earned an excellent reputation for prompt delivery and customer service.

       Federal, state and local governmental agencies accounted for
approximately 8 percent of National Sanitary Supply's total sales for 1996.
These sales are attributable to over 1,200 different agencies whose purchasing
decisions are made separately. While it is believed that the loss of the sales
to these agencies in the aggregate would be material, the decentralized
purchasing decisions make the loss of a significant number of such accounts at
any given time unlikely. Other than sales to the aforementioned entities, in
1996 no one customer accounted for more than 4 percent of net sales.

                                   ROTO-ROOTER

       All aspects of the sewer, drain, and pipe cleaning and appliance and
plumbing repair businesses are highly competitive. Competition is, however,
fragmented in most markets with local and regional firms providing the primary
competition. The principal methods of competition are advertising, range of
services provided, speed and quality of customer service, service guarantees,
and pricing.

       No individual customer or market group is critical to the total sales of
this segment.

                                      OMNIA

       In distributing medical and dental products, Omnia competes with
manufacturers and distributors of disposable paper, cotton and gauze products.
Omnia competes in this market on the basis of customer service, product quality
and price. At times, its pricing policy has been subject to considerable
competitive pressures, limiting the ability to implement price increases.

                                        3

<PAGE>   6



       Omnia has contracts with several customers, the loss of any one or more
of which could have a material adverse effect on this segment.

                                  PATIENT CARE

       The home healthcare services industry and, in particular, the nursing and
personal care segment is highly competitive. Patient Care competes with numerous
local, regional and national home healthcare services companies. Patient Care
competes on the basis of quality, cost-effectiveness and its ability to service
its referral base quickly throughout its regional markets.

       Patient Care has contracts with several customers, the loss of any one or
more of which could have a material adverse effect on this segment.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

       Chemed engages in a continuous program directed toward the development of
new products and processes, the improvement of existing products and processes,
and the development of new and different uses of existing products. The research
and development expenditures from continuing operations have not been nor are
they expected to be material.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

       Chemed's operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws
and regulations regarding the environmental aspects of the manufacture and
distribution of chemical products. Chemed, to the best of its knowledge, is
currently in compliance in all material respects with the environmental laws and
regulations affecting its operations. Such environmental laws, regulations and
enforcement proceedings have not required Chemed to make material increases in
or modifications to its capital expenditures and they have not had a material
adverse effect on sales or net income.

       In connection with the sale of DuBois to the Diversey Corporation, the
Company contractually assumed for a period of ten years the estimated liability
for potential environmental cleanup and related costs arising from the sale of
DuBois up to a maximum of $25,500,000. Based upon an updated assessment of the
Company's environmental-related liability by the Company's environmental
adviser, the Company has accrued a total of $10,835,000 for this potential
liability, of which $3,430,000 has been paid to Diversey Corporation through
December 31, 1996. Prior to the sale of DuBois, DuBois had been designated as a
Potentially Responsible Party ("PRP") at fourteen Superfund sites by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency ("USEPA"). With respect to all of these sites,
the Company has been unable to locate any records indicating it disposed of
waste of any kind at such sites. Nevertheless, it settled claims at five such
sites at minimal cost. In addition, because there was a number of other
financially responsible companies designated as PRPs relative to these sites,
management believes that it is unlikely that such actions will have a material
effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. With
respect to one of these sites, the Company's involvement is based on the
location of one of its manufacturing plants. Currently, the USEPA and the state
governmental agency are attempting to resolve jurisdictional issues, and action
against PRPs is not proceeding.

       Capital expenditures for the purposes of complying with environmental
laws and regulations during 1997 and 1998 with respect to continuing operations
are not expected

                                        4

<PAGE>   7



to be material in amount; there can be no assurance, however, that presently
unforeseen legislative or enforcement actions will not require additional
expenditures.

EMPLOYEES

       On December 31, 1996, Chemed had a total of 7,886 employees; 7,808 were
located in the United States and 78 were in Canada.


ITEM 2.         PROPERTIES

       Chemed has plants and offices in various locations in the United States
and Canada. The major facilities operated by Chemed are listed below by 
industry segment. All "owned" property is held in fee and is not subject to 
any major encumbrance. Except as otherwise shown, the leases have terms 
ranging from one year to ten years. Management does not foresee any difficulty 
in renewing or replacing the remainder of its current leases. Chemed considers 
all of its major operating properties to be maintained in good operating 
condition and to be generally adequate for present and anticipated needs.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    Location                           Type                                   Owned                       Leased
    --------                           ----                                   -----                       ------

                               ROTO-ROOTER GROUP

<S>                          <C>                                        <C>                          <C>           
Cincinnati, OH (1)            Office and service                           16,000 sq. ft.              23,000 sq. ft.
                              facilities         

West Des Moines, IA           Office, manufacturing and                    29,000 sq. ft.                     --
                              distribution center facilities

Northeastern                  Office and service facilities                32,000 sq. ft.              43,000 sq. ft.
U.S. Area (2)                       

Central U.S.                  Office and service facilities                17,000 sq. ft.              24,000 sq. ft.
Area (3)

Mid-Atlantic                  Office and service facilities                18,000 sq. ft.              23,000 sq. ft.
U.S. Area (4)                           

Midwestern U.S.               Office and service facilities                10,000 sq. ft.              25,000 sq. ft.
Area (5)

Southeastern U.S.             Office and service facilities                46,000 sq. ft.              80,000 sq. ft.
Area (6)

Western U.S.                  Office and service facilities                19,000 sq. ft.              43,000 sq. ft.
Area (7)

Canada (8)                    Office and service facilities                         --                 13,000 sq. ft.

                        NATIONAL SANITARY SUPPLY COMPANY


Los Angeles, CA               Office, manufacturing and                   145,000 sq. ft.              76,000 sq. ft.
                              distribution center


</TABLE>


                                        5

<PAGE>   8


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    Location                           Type                                   Owned                       Leased
    --------                           ----                                   -----                       ------
                 (NATIONAL SANITARY SUPPLY COMPANY - CONTINUED)
<S>                         <C>                                         <C>                           <C>

San Francisco,                Office and distribution                               --                 67,000 sq. ft.
CA (Area)                     center

Tempe, AZ                     Office and distribution                      69,000 sq. ft.                     --
                              center

Denver, CO                    Office and distribution                               --                 53,000 sq. ft.
                              center

Marion, IN                    Office and distribution                      30,000 sq. ft.                     --
                              center

Tupelo, MS                    Office and distribution                               --                 33,000 sq. ft.
                              center

St. Louis, MO                 Office and distribution                               --                 16,000 sq. ft.
                              center

Las Vegas, NV                 Office and distribution                      24,000 sq. ft.                     --
                              center

Albuquerque, NM               Office and distribution                               --                 21,000 sq. ft.
                              center

Fairfield, OH                 Office and distribution                               --                 38,000 sq. ft.
                              center

Toledo, OH                    Office and distribution                               --                 65,000 sq. ft.
                              center

Portland, OR                  Office and distribution                      56,000 sq. ft.                     --
                              center

Memphis, TN                   Office and distribution                               --                 66,000 sq. ft.
                              center

Amarillo, TX                  Office and distribution                               --                 28,000 sq. ft.
                              center

Beaumont, TX                  Office and distribution                               --                 14,000 sq. ft.
                              center

Corpus Christi,               Office and distribution                               --                 58,000 sq. ft.
TX                            center

Dallas, TX                    Office and distribution                      54,000 sq. ft.                     --
                              center

</TABLE>


                                        6

<PAGE>   9


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    Location                           Type                                   Owned                       Leased
    --------                           ----                                   -----                       ------
                 (NATIONAL SANITARY SUPPLY COMPANY - CONTINUED)
<S>                          <C>                                            <C>                        <C>            
El Paso, TX                   Office and distribution                      18,000 sq. ft.                     --
                              center

Houston, TX                   Office and distribution                               --                 102,000 sq. ft.
                              center

Laredo, TX                    Office and distribution                               --                  10,000 sq. ft.
                              center

McAllen, TX                   Office and distribution                               --                   9,000 sq. ft.
                              center

New Braunfels,                Office and distribution                               --                  54,000 sq. ft.
TX                            center

Oklahoma City, OK             Office and distribution                               --                  75,000 sq. ft.
                              center

Kansas City, MO               Office and distribution                               --                  25,000 sq. ft.
                              center

Salt Lake City,               Office and distribution                               --                  20,000 sq. ft.
UT                            center

Seattle, WA                   Office and distribution                               --                  15,000 sq. ft.
                              center

Western,                      Branch sales offices                          3,000 sq. ft.              187,000 sq. ft.
Midwestern and
Southwestern
U.S. (9)

                                                               OMNIA

Troy, MI (10)                 Office                                                --                  68,000 sq. ft.

Detroit, MI                   Manufacturing facility                       64,000 sq. ft.                     --

Lexington, KY                 Office and distribution                               --                 157,000 sq. ft.
                              center

Lakeland, FL                  Office, manufacturing and                             --                  76,000 sq. ft.
                              distribution center

Rialto, CA (11)               Office, manufacturing and                   132,000 sq. ft.                     --
                              distribution center

                                                           PATIENT CARE

New Jersey (12)               Office                                                --                   57,000 sq. ft.

Connecticut (13)              Office                                                --                    9,000 sq. ft.

</TABLE>

                                        7

<PAGE>   10



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    Location                           Type                                   Owned                       Leased
    --------                           ----                                   -----                       ------
                                                    (PATIENT CARE - CONTINUED)

<S>                       <C>                                               <C>                      <C>

New York (11)                 Office                                                --                 43,000 sq. ft.

Louisville, KY                Office                                                --                  6,000 sq. ft.


                                                             CORPORATE
CORPORATE (15)
- --------------
Cincinnati, OH                Corporate offices and                                 --                 48,000 sq. ft.
                              related facilities
<FN>
- ----------

(1)  Excludes 6,000 square feet that formerly housed a service facility. This 
     location is now leased to an outside third party.

(2)  Comprising locations in Stoughton and Woburn, Massachusetts; Stratford and
     Bloomfield, Connecticut; West Seneca, West Hempstead, Staten Island,
     Rochester, Farmingdale and Hawthorne, New York; and Cranston, Rhode Island.

(3)  Comprising locations in Atlanta and Decatur, Georgia; Birmingham, Alabama;
     Little Rock, Arkansas; Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; Charlotte, North
     Carolina; and St. Louis, Missouri. 

(4)  Comprising locations in Pennsauken and North Brunswick, New Jersey;
     Levittown, Pennsylvania; Fairfax, Virginia; Newark, Delaware; and 
     Baltimore and Jessup, Maryland.

(5)  Comprising locations in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio; Newnan, Georgia; and 
     Wilmerding, Pennsylvania.

(6)  Comprising locations in Jacksonville, Longwood, Pompano Beach, Miami, Fort
     Myers, St. Petersburg, Boca Raton, Dayton Beach, and Orlando, Florida;
     Raleigh, North Carolina; and Virginia Beach, Virginia.

(7)  Comprising locations in Houston and San Antonio, Texas; Addison, 
     Schaumburg and Posen, Illinois; Commerce City, Colorado; Honolulu, Hawaii; 
     Minneapolis, Minnesota; Tacoma, Washington; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; 
     and Fresno, California. 

(8)  Comprising locations in Delta, British Columbia; Boucherville, Quebec; and 
     Winnipeg, Manitoba.

(9)  Comprising facilities in Anaheim, Bakersfield, Baldwin Park, Chatsworth,
     Chico, Colton, Fresno, Grover Beach, Palm Springs, Sacramento, San Diego,
     Santa Barbara and Santa Rosa, California; Tucson and Yuma, Arizona;
     Farmington, Gallup and Santa Fe, New Mexico; St. George, Utah; Bend,
     Eugene, Pendleton and Salem, Oregon; Eagle, Fort Collins, Grand Junction
     and Colorado Springs, Colorado; Dayton, Ohio; Austin, Bryan, Freeport, Fort
     Worth, Lubbock, Lufkin, Tyler and Victoria, Texas; Columbus, Mississippi;
     Baton Rouge, Lake Charles and Lafayette, Louisiana; Indianapolis and Fort
     Wayne, Indiana; and Ann Arbor and Detroit, Michigan.


</TABLE>


                                        8

<PAGE>   11
(10)  Excludes 28,000 square feet of office space that housed the Veratex
      Retail operation which was sold in July 1995. The lease on these 
      facilities expires in 1997. Approximately 4,000 square feet of this
      space have been sublet to an outside third party and the remainder is
      vacant as of December 31, 1996.

(11)  Excludes 36,000 square feet of office, manufacturing and warehouse 
      facilities in Pomona, California that are leased to an outside third 
      party.

(12)  Comprising locations in Princeton, Ridgewood, Montclair, Orange, 
      Providence, Westfield and West Orange, New Jersey.

(13)  Comprising locations in Greenwich, Madison and Newington, Connecticut.

(14)  Comprising locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Bronx and Staten
      Island, New York.

(15)  Excludes 92,000 square feet in current Cincinnati, Ohio office
      facilities that are sublet to outside parties - portions of this space
      may revert to the Company beginning in the year 2000. Includes 38,000
      square feet leased for the Company's corporate office facilities.


ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

         None.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

         None.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       Name        Age                           Office                                            First Elected
       ----        ---                           ------                                            -------------
<S>                <C>              <C>                                                        <C>
Edward L. Hutton   77                Chairman and Chief Executive Officer                        November 3, 1993 (1)
Kevin J. McNamara  43                President                                                   August 2, 1994 (2)
Paul C. Voet       50                Executive Vice President                                    May 20, 1991 (3)
Timothy S. O'Toole 41                Executive Vice President and                                May 18, 1992 (4)
                                       Treasurer
Sandra E. Laney    53                Senior Vice President and Chief                             November 3, 1993 (5)
                                       Administrative Officer
Arthur V. Tucker,  47                Vice President and Controller                               May 20, 1991 (6)
Jr.
<FN>

(1)      Mr. E. L. Hutton is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the
         Company and has held these positions since November 1993. Previously,
         from April 1970 to November 1993, Mr. E. L. Hutton held the positions
         of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. E. L.
         Hutton is the father of Mr. T. C. Hutton, a director and a Vice
         President of the Company.

(2)      Mr. K. J. McNamara is President of the Company and has held this
         position since August 1994. Previously, he served as an Executive Vice
         President, Secretary and General Counsel of the Company, since November
         1993, August 1986 and August 1986, respectively. He previously held the
         position of Vice President of the Company, from August 1986 to May
         1992.

(3)      Mr. P. C. Voet is an Executive Vice President of the Company and has
         held this position since May 1991. From May 1988 to November 1993, he
         served the Company as Vice Chairman. Mr. Voet is President and Chief
         Executive Officer of National Sanitary Supply.

(4)      Mr. T. S. O'Toole is an Executive Vice President and the Treasurer of
         the Company and has held these positions since May 1992 and February
         1989, respectively. Mr. O'Toole is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
         of Patient Care, Inc. and has held these positions since April 1995.

(5)      Ms. S. E. Laney is Senior Vice President and the Chief Administrative
         Officer of the Company and has held these positions since November 1993
         and May 1991, respectively. Previously, from May 1984 to November 1993,
         she held the position of Vice President of the Company.
</TABLE>


                                        9

<PAGE>   12



(6)      Mr. A. V. Tucker, Jr. is a Vice President and Controller of the Company
         and has held these positions since February 1989. From May 1983 to
         February 1989, he held the position of Assistant Controller of the
         Company.

       Each executive officer holds office until the annual election at the next
annual organizational meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company which is
scheduled to be held on May 19, 1997.


                                     PART II

ITEM 5.        MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED 
               STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

       The Company's Capital Stock (par value $1 per share) is traded on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol CHE. The range of the high and low sale
prices on the New York Stock Exchange and dividends paid per share for each
quarter of 1995 and 1996 are set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        Closing
                                                        -------               Dividends Paid
                                               High                 Low          Per Share
                1996                           ----                 ---       --------------
                ----
<S>                                           <C>                  <C>           <C> 
                First Quarter                 $40-1/8               $36-7/8        $.52
                Second Quarter                 39                    35-7/8         .52
                Third Quarter                  39-1/8                35-1/2         .52
                Fourth Quarter                 39                    35-1/8         .52

                1995
                ----

                First Quarter                 $33-7/8               $31-1/4        $.51
                Second Quarter                 35-7/8                30-3/4         .51
                Third Quarter                  36-1/2                33-1/2         .52
                Fourth Quarter                 40-1/8                34-5/8         .52
</TABLE>


       Future dividends are necessarily dependent upon the Company's earnings
and financial condition, compliance with certain debt covenants and other
factors not presently determinable.

       As of March 19, 1997, there were approximately 5,633 stockholders of
record of the Company's Capital Stock. This number only includes stockholders of
record and does not include stockholders with shares beneficially held for them
in nominee name or within clearinghouse positions of brokers, banks or other
institutions.

ITEM 6.        SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

       The information called for by this Item for the five years ended December
31, 1996 is set forth on pages 36 and 37 of the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 7.        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
               RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

       The information called for by this Item is set forth on pages 40 through
43 of the 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders and is incorporated herein by
reference.

                                       10

<PAGE>   13



ITEM 8.        FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

       The consolidated financial statements, together with the report thereon
of Price Waterhouse dated February 4, 1997, appearing on pages 19 through 35 and
38 of the 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, along with the Supplementary Data
(Unaudited Summary of Quarterly Results) appearing on page 39, are incorporated
herein by reference.

ITEM 9.        CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
               FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

       None.
                                    PART III

ITEM 10.       DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

       The directors of the Company are:
<S>                      <C>
Edward L. Hutton            Walter L. Krebs         
James A. Cunningham         Sandra E. Laney         
James H. Devlin             Kevin J. McNamara       
Charles H. Erhart, Jr.      John M. Mount           
Joel F. Gemunder            Timothy S. O'Toole      
Lawrence J. Gillis          D. Walter Robbins, Jr.  
Patrick P. Grace            Paul C. Voet            
Thomas C. Hutton            George J. Walsh III     
</TABLE>

       Except for information relating to Mr. Cunningham, the additional
information required under this Item with respect to the directors and executive
officers is set forth in the Company's 1997 Proxy Statement and in Part I hereof
under the caption "Executive Officers of the Registrant" and is incorporated
herein by reference. Mr. Cunningham, who is 52 years old, is a Senior Chemical
Adviser with Schroder Wertheim & Co. Incorporated, New York, New York (an
investment banking, asset management and securities firm) and has held this
position since March 1992. Previously, he was Managing Director of Furman Selz
Incorporated, New York, New York (an institutional investment company) and held
this position from October 1990 to March 1992. Mr. Cunningham is a director of
National Sanitary Supply Company.

ITEM 11.       EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

       Information required under this Item is set forth in the Company's 1997
Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12.       SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

       Information required under this Item is set forth in the Company's 1997
Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13.       CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

       Information required under this Item is set forth in the Company's 1997
Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.


                                       11

<PAGE>   14



                                     PART IV

ITEM 14.       EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

EXHIBITS

    3.1        Certificate of Incorporation of Chemed Corporation.*

    3.2        By-Laws of Chemed Corporation.*

   10.1        Agreement and Plan of Merger among Diversey U.S. Holdings, 
               Inc., D. C. Acquisition Inc., Chemed Corporation and DuBois
               Chemicals, Inc., dated as of February 25, 1991.*

   10.2        Stock Purchase Agreement between Omnicare, Inc. and Chemed 
               Corporation, dated as of August 5, 1992.*

   10.4        1981 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended through May 20, 1991.*,**

   10.5        1983 Incentive Stock Option Plan, as amended through May 20, 
               1991.*,**

   10.6        1986 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended through May 20, 1991.*,**

   10.7        1988 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended through May 20, 1991.*,**

   10.8        1993 Stock Incentive Plan.*,**

   10.9        Excess Benefits Plan, as amended effective November 1, 1985.*,**

   10.10       Non-Employee Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan.*,**

   10.11       Directors Emeriti Plan.*,**

   10.12       Employment Contracts with Executives.*,**

   10.13       Amendment No. 8 to Employment Contracts with Executives.**

   10.14       1995 Stock Incentive Plan.*,**

   10.15       Split Dollar Agreement with Executives.*,**

   10.16       Split Dollar Agreement with Edward L. Hutton.*,**

   10.17       Split Dollar Agreement with Paul C. Voet.*,**

   10.18       Amendment No. 7 to Employment Agreement with Edward L. 
               Hutton.**

   11.         Statement re:  Computation of Earnings Per Common Share.

   13.         1996 Annual Report to Stockholders.

   21.         Subsidiaries of Chemed Corporation.


                                       12

<PAGE>   15



   23.    Consent of Independent Accountants.

   24.    Powers of Attorney.

   27.    Financial Data Schedule +


*      This exhibit is being filed by means of incorporation by reference (see
       Index to Exhibits on page E-1). Each other exhibit is being filed with
       this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

**     Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

+   Not filed herewith.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

    See Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule on page
S-1.

REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

               A Form 8-K was filed October 2, 1996 announcing Chemed
Corporation's acquisition of all the outstanding shares of Common Stock of
Roto-Rooter, Inc. for $41.00 per share in cash.

                                       13

<PAGE>   16



                                   SIGNATURES

       Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
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

March 27, 1997               By /s/ Edward L. Hutton
                                --------------------
                                Edward L. Hutton
                                Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

       Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    Signature                                Title                                                               Date
    ---------                                -----                                                               ----
<S>                                <C>                             <C>                     <C>          <C>
/s/ Edward L. Hutton                   Chairman and Chief                                   ---- 
- ------------------------               Executive Officer and a                                   
Edward L. Hutton                       Director (Principal                                       
                                       Executive Officer)                                        
                                                                                                 
                                                                                                 
/s/ Timothy S. O'Toole                 Executive Vice President                                  
- ------------------------               and Treasurer and a                                       
Timothy S. O'Toole                     Director                                                  
                                       (Principal Financial                                      
                                       Officer)                                                  
                                                                                                 
/s/ Arthur V.Tucker, Jr.               Vice President and                                                   March 27, 1997
- -----------------------                Controller                                                
Arthur V. Tucker, Jr.                  (Principal Accounting                                     
                                       Officer)                                                  
                                                                           ----                  
James A. Cunningham*                   Walter L. Krebs*                                          
James H. Devlin*                       Sandra E. Laney*                                         
Charles H. Erhart, Jr.*                Kevin J. McNamara*                                       
Joel F. Gemunder                       John M. Mount*                           --Directors     
Lawrence J. Gillis*                    D. Walter Robbins, Jr.*                                  
Patrick P. Grace*                      Paul C. Voet*                                            
Thomas C. Hutton*                      George J. Walsh III*                ----             ----
<FN>
- ----------

*      Naomi C. Dallob by signing her name hereto signs this document on behalf
       of each of the persons indicated above pursuant to powers of attorney
       duly executed by such persons and filed with the Securities and Exchange
       Commission.

   March 27, 1997                                          /s/ Naomi C. Dallob
- ---------------------                                   -----------------------
       Date                                             Naomi C. Dallob
                                                        (Attorney-in-Fact)
</TABLE>

                                       14

<PAGE>   17




                   CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

                               1994, 1995 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CHEMED CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL                       PAGE(S)
  STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
<S>                                                                <C>
    Report of Independent Accountants............................... 19*
    Statement of Accounting Policies.................................20*
    Consolidated Statement of Income.................................21*
    Consolidated Balance Sheet.......................................22*
    Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.............................23*
    Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity........24*
    Notes to Financial Statements....................................25-33*
    Sales and Profit Statistics by Business Segment..................34-35*
    Additional Segment Data..........................................38*
    Report of Independent Accountants on Financial Statement
      Schedule.......................................................S-2
    Schedule II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.................S-3



<FN>


* Indicates page numbers in Chemed Corporation 1996 Annual Report to
  Stockholders.
</TABLE>
- ----------------

    The consolidated financial statements of Chemed Corporation listed above,
appearing in the 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, are incorporated herein by
reference. The Financial Statement Schedule should be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements listed above. Schedules not included have
been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is
shown in the financial statements or notes thereto as listed above.

                                       S-1

<PAGE>   18



                      REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ON
                          FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE


To the Board of Directors
of Chemed Corporation

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our report
dated February 4, 1997 appearing on page 19 of the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of Chemed Corporation (which report and consolidated financial
statements are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K)
also included an audit of the Financial Statement Schedule listed in Item 14 of
this Form 10-K. In our opinion, the Financial Statement Schedule presents
fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in
conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.





/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
- ------------------------
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP

Cincinnati, Ohio
February 4, 1997

                                       S-2

<PAGE>   19



                                                                     SCHEDULE II


                   CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
                      VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (a)
                                 (in thousands)
                                     Dr/(Cr)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Additions
                                                -----------------------------------
                                                (Charged)                Applicable
                                                Credited     (Charged)        to
                                  Balance at    to Costs     Credited     Companies                  Balance
                                  Beginning        and       to Other     Acquired      Deductions    at End
Description                       of Period     Expenses     Accounts     in Period         (b)      of Period
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                              <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>      
Allowances for doubtful
accounts (c) -

  For the year 1996.........     $ (3,519)     $(1,511)     $  (78)      $   ( 16)     $  2,199     $ (2,925)
                                 =========     ========     =======      =========     ========     =========

  For the year 1995.........     $ (2,974)     $(2,443)     $  (72)      $   -         $  1,970     $ (3,519)
                                 =========     ========     =======      =========     ========     =========

  For the year 1994.........     $ (2,391)     $(1,774)     $   -        $   (218)     $  1,409     $ (2,974)
                                 =========     ========     =======      =========     ========     =========

Allowances for doubtful
accounts - notes
receivable (d) -

  For the year 1996.........     $   (247)     $     8      $     78     $   -         $     41     $   (120)
                                 =========     ========     ========     =========     ========     =========

  For the year 1995.........     $   (267)     $   (64)     $     72     $   -         $     12     $   (247)
                                 =========     ========     ========     =========     ========     =========

  For the year 1994.........     $   (493)     $   (81)     $   -        $   -         $    307     $   (267)
                                 =========     ========     ========     =========     ========     =========
</TABLE>



                                       S-3

<PAGE>   20



(a)        Amounts are presented on a continuing operations basis.

(b)        Deductions include accounts considered uncollectible or written off,
           payments, companies divested, etc.

(c)        Classified in consolidated balance sheet as a reduction of accounts
           receivable.

(d)        Classified in consolidated balance sheet as a reduction of other 
           assets.


                                       S-4

<PAGE>   21

                                   INDEX TO EXHIBITS




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Page Number
                                                                                    or
                                                                        Incorporation by Reference
                                                                    ------------------------------------
Exhibit                                                             File No. and               Previous
Number                                                              Filing Date              Exhibit No.
- ------                                                              -----------              -----------
<S>            <C>                                                <C>                         <C>

 3.1            Certificate of Incorporation of                     Form S-3                     4.1
                Chemed Corporation                                  Reg. No. 33-44177
                                                                    11/26/91

 3.2             By-Laws of Chemed Corporation                      Form 10-K                    2
                                                                    3/28/89

10.1             Agreement and Plan of Merger                       Form 8-K                     1
                 among Diversey U.S. Holdings,                      3/11/91
                 Inc., D.C. Acquisition Inc.,
                 Chemed Corporation and DuBois
                 Chemicals, Inc., dated as of
                 February 25, 1991

10.2             Stock Purchase Agreement between                   Form 10-K                    5
                 Omnicare, Inc. and Chemed                          3/25/93
                 Corporation dated as of August 5,
                 1992

10.4             1981 Stock Incentive Plan, as                      Form 10- K                   7
                 amended through May 20, 1991                       3/27/92

10.5             1983 Incentive Stock Option Plan,                  Form 10-K                    8
                 as amended through May 20, 1991                    3/27/92

10.6             1986 Stock Incentive Plan, as                      Form 10-K                    9
                 amended through May 20, 1991                       3/27/92

10.7             1988 Stock Incentive Plan, as                      Form 10-K                    10
                 amended through May 20, 1991                       3/27/92

10.8             1993 Stock Incentive Plan                          Form 10-K                    10.8
                                                                    3/29/94

10.9             Excess Benefits Plan, as amended                   Form 10-Q                    10.10
                 effective November 1, 1985                         11/12/85

10.10            Non-Employee Directors' Deferred                   Form 10-K                    10.11
                 Compensation Plan                                  3/24/88

10.11            Directors Emeriti Plan                             Form 10-Q                    10.12
                                                                    5/12/88

</TABLE>




                                        1


<PAGE>   22

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Page Number
                                                                                    or
                                                                        Incorporation by Reference
                                                                    ------------------------------------
Exhibit                                                             File No. and               Previous
Number                                                              Filing Date              Exhibit No.
- ------                                                              -----------              -----------
<S>            <C>                                                <C>                         <C>
10.12            Employee Contracts with                            Form 10-K                    10.13
                 Executives                                         3/28/89

10.13            Amendment No. 8 to Employment                         *                         
                 Contracts with Executives

10.14            1995 Stock Incentive Plan                          Form 10-K                    10.15
                                                                    3/28/96

10.15            Split Dollar Agreements                            Form 10-K                    10.16
                                                                    3/28/96

10.16            Split Dollar Agreement with                        Form 10-K                    10.17
                 Edward L. Hutton                                   3/28/96

10.17            Split Dollar Agreement with                        Form 10-K                    10.18
                 Paul C. Voet                                       3/28/96

10.18            Amendment No. 7 to Employment                         *
                 Agreement with Edward L. Hutton                     

11               Statement re:  Computation of                         *
                 Earnings Per Common Share

13               1996 Annual Report to Stockholders                    *

21               Subsidiaries of Chemed Corporation                    *

23               Consent of Independent Accountants                    *

24               Powers of Attorney                                    *

27               Financial Data Schedule                               *

- --------------

* Filed herewith.

+ Not filed herewith.
</TABLE>

                                                         2



<PAGE>   1
                                  EXHIBIT 10.13

                                 AMENDMENT NO. 8
                             TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

                AGREEMENT dated as of May 20, 1996 between ________________
("Employee") and Chemed Corporation (the "Company").

                WHEREAS, Employee and the Company have entered into an
Employment Agreement dated as of May 2, 1988 and amended May 15, 1989, May 21,
1990, May 20, 1991, May 18, 1992, May 17, 1993, May 16, 1994 and May 15, 1995
("Employment Agreement"); and

                WHEREAS, Employee and the Company desire to further amend the
Employment Agreement in certain respects.

                NOW, THEREFORE, Employee and the Company mutually agree that the
Employment Agreement shall be amended, effective as of May 20, 1996, as follows:

        A.      The date, amended as of May 15, 1995, set forth in Section 1.2
                of the Employment Agreement, is hereby deleted and the date of
                May 3, 2001 is hereby substituted therefor.

        B.      The base salary amount set forth in the first sentence of
                Section 2.1 of the Employment Agreement is hereby deleted and
                the base salary amount of $________ per annum is hereby
                substituted.

        C.      The amount of unrestricted stock award recognized in lieu of
                incentive compensation in 1995 is $____________.

        D.      Section 3.4(b)(iii) is hereby amended to read as follows:
                Section 3.4(b)(iii) The fair market value of all shares of
                Chemed Corporation capital stock and its subsidiaries' common
                stock subject to stock awards granted to Employee under one or
                more stock incentive plans of Chemed Corporation or of any of
                its subsidiaries which have vesting during the 12 months prior
                to the Employee's


<PAGE>   2



                termination, such fair market value to be determined as of the
                date of vesting of any such shares. Such monthly severance
                payments shall be made for a period equal to the balance of the
                term of employment provided in Section 1.2. 

       Except as specifically amended in this Amendment No. 8 to Employment
Agreement, the Employment Agreement, as amended, shall continue in full force
and effect in accordance with its terms, conditions and provisions.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this
amendatory agreement as of the date first above written.

                                    EMPLOYEE

                                   ---------------------


                                   CHEMED CORPORATION

                                   ---------------------
                                   Kevin J. McNamara
                                   President


<PAGE>   3



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                            SCHEDULE TO EXHIBIT 10.13

                                  Minimum                           Current
                                   Annual         Current (a)      Expiration
                                Base Salary       Stock Award       Date of
Name and Position                and Bonus       Compensation      Agreement
- -----------------                ---------       ------------      ---------

<S>                             <C>                <C>              <C> <C> 
Kevin J. McNamara                270,180,00         25,680.24       5/3/2001
President                        179,467.00

Paul C. Voet                     285,344.00             -0-         5/3/2001
Executive Vice President         135,210.00

Timothy S. O'Toole               161,666.80         32,263.22       5/3/2001
Executive Vice President          70,447.00
and Treasurer

Sandra E. Laney                  162,583.48         24,215.94       5/3/2001
Senior Vice President and        174,033.00
Chief Administrative Officer

Arthur V. Tucker                  107,250.08         8,044.89       5/3/2001
Vice President and Controller     48,123.00

- ---------------

(a)      Amount of unrestricted stock award recognized in lieu of incentive
         compensation in 1995.
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   1
                                 EXHIBIT 10.18

                                AMENDMENT NO. 7
                            TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

                  AGREEMENT dated as of May 20, 1996 between Edward L.  Hutton
("Employee") and Chemed Corporation (the "Company").

                  WHEREAS, Employee and the Company have entered into an
Employment Agreement dated as of May 2, 1988 and amended May 15, 1989, May 21,
1990, May 20, 1991, May 18, 1992, May 17, 1993 and May 16, 1994 ("Employment
Agreement"); and

                  WHEREAS, Employee and the Company desire to further amend the
Employment Agreement in certain respects.

                  NOW, THEREFORE, Employee and the Company mutually agree that
the Employment Agreement shall be amended, effective as of May 20, 1996, as
follows:

                  A.       The amount of unrestricted stock award recognized in
                           lieu of incentive compensation in 1995 is
                           $370,076.50.

                  B.       The base salary amount set forth in the first
                           sentence of Section 2.1 of the Employment Agreement
                           is hereby deleted and the base salary amount of
                           $550,000 per annum is hereby substituted.

                  C.       Section 3.4(b)(iii) is hereby amended to read as
                           follows:  ss.3.4(b)(iii)  The fair market value of
                           all shares of Chemed Corporation capital stock and
                           its subsidiaries' common stock subject to stock
                           awards granted to Employee under one or more stock
                           incentive plans of Chemed Corporation or of any of

                                        1


<PAGE>   2


                           its subsidiaries which have vested during the 12
                           months prior to the Employee's termination, such
                           fair market value to be determined as of the date of
                           vesting of any such shares. Such monthly severance
                           payments shall be made for a period equal to the
                           balance of the term of employment provided in
                           ss.1.2.

                  Except as specifically amended in this Amendment No. 7 to
Employment Agreement, the Employment Agreement, as amended, shall continue in
full force and effect in accordance with its terms, conditions and provisions.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this
amendatory agreement as of the date first above written.

                                   EMPLOYEE

                                   --------------------- 
                                   Edward L. Hutton


                                   CHEMED CORPORATION

                                   --------------------- 
                                   Kevin J. McNamara
                                   President

                                        2



<PAGE>   1
                                   EXHIBIT 11

                   CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

               COMPUTATIONS OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE AS SHOWN
                          IN ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

                      (in thousands except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                           1994
                                                              --------------------------
                                                              Income from
                                                              Continuing
                                                              Operations     Net Income
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>            <C>    
Computation of Earnings per Common and Common Equivalent
Share:  (a)
Reported income ........................................        $14,532        $43,922
                                                                =======        =======
Average number of shares used to compute
  earnings per common share ............................          9,856          9,856
Effect of unexercised stock options ....................             59             59
                                                                -------        -------
Average number of shares used to compute  earnings per         
common and common equivalent share .....................        $ 9,915        $ 9,915  
                                                                =======        =======  

Earnings per common and common         
  equivalent share .....................................        $  1.47        $  4.43
                                                                =======        =======
                                                                
Computation of Earnings per Common Share Assuming Full
Dilution:  (a)
Reported income ........................................        $14,532        $43,922 
                                                                =======        ======= 
Average number of shares used to compute                        
  earnings per common share ............................          9,856          9,856
Effect of unexercised stock options ....................             68             68
                                                                -------        -------

Average number of shares used to compute                                              
  earnings per common share assuming full dilution .....          9,924          9,924
                                                                =======        =======
Earnings per share assuming full dilution ..............        $  1.46        $  4.43
                                                                =======        =======
<FN>

(a)     This calculation is submitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item
        601(b)(11) although not required by APB Opinion No. 15 because it
        results in dilution of less than 3 percent.
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   2



                                   EXHIBIT 11

                                   (Continued)

                   CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

               COMPUTATIONS OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE AS SHOWN
                          IN ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
                      (in thousands except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1995
                                                              --------------------------
                                                              Income from
                                                              Continuing
                                                              Operations     Net Income
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>            <C>    
Computation of Earnings per Common and Common Equivalent
Share:  (a)
Reported income ........................................        $20,439        $23,182
                                                                =======        =======

Average number of shares used to compute
  earnings per common share ............................          9,861          9,861
Effect of unexercised stock options ....................             50             50
                                                                -------        -------
Average number of shares used to compute  earnings per
common and common equivalent share .....................        $ 9,911        $ 9,911
                                                                =======        =======
Earnings per common and common
  equivalent share .....................................        $  2.06        $  2.34
                                                                =======        =======


Computation of Earnings per Common Share Assuming Full
Dilution:  (a)
Reported income ........................................        $20,439        $23,182
                                                                =======        =======
Average number of shares used to compute
  earnings per common share ............................          9,861          9,861
Effect of unexercised stock options ....................             83             83
                                                                -------        -------
Average number of shares used to compute
  earnings per common share assuming full dilution .....          9,944          9,944
                                                                =======        =======
Earnings per share assuming full dilution ..............        $  2.06        $  2.33
                                                                =======        =======
- ---------------

(a)     This calculation is submitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item
        601(b)(11) although not required by APB Opinion No. 15 because it
        results in dilution of less than 3 percent.
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   3



                                   EXHIBIT 11
                                   (Continued)

                   CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
               COMPUTATIONS OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE AS SHOWN
                          IN ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
                      (in thousands except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                         1996
                                                              --------------------------
                                                              Income from
                                                              Continuing
                                                              Operations     Net Income
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>            <C>    
Computation of Earnings per Common and Common Equivalent
Share:  (a)
Reported income ........................................        $31,728        $32,328
                                                                =======        =======
Average number of shares used to compute
  earnings per common share ............................          9,836          9,836
Effect of unexercised stock options ....................             59             59
                                                                -------        -------
Average number of shares used to compute  earnings per
common and common equivalent share .....................          9,895          9,895
                                                                =======        =======
Earnings per common and common
  equivalent share .....................................        $  3.21        $  3.27
                                                                =======        =======


Computation of Earnings per Common Share Assuming Full
Dilution:  (a)

Reported income ........................................        $31,728        $32,328
                                                                =======        =======
Average number of shares used to compute
  earnings per common share ............................          9,836          9,836
Effect of unexercised stock options ....................             60             60
                                                                -------        -------
Average number of shares used to compute
  earnings per common share assuming full dilution .....          9,896          9,896
                                                                =======        =======
Earnings per share assuming full dilution ..............        $  3.21        $  3.27
                                                                =======        =======
</TABLE>

- --------------

(a)     This calculation is submitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item
        601(b)(11) although not required by APB Opinion No. 15 because it
        results in dilution of less than 3 percent.







<PAGE>   1
FINANCIAL REVIEW


CONTENTS

20    STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

21    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

22    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

23    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

24    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES
      IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

25    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

34    SALES AND PROFIT STATISTICS
      BY BUSINESS SEGMENT

36    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

38    ADDITIONAL SEGMENT DATA

39    UNAUDITED SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS

40    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
      OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF 
      OPERATIONS


[PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP LOGO]                                 



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Chemed Corporation

   In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements appearing on pages 20
through 35 and on page 38 of this report present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Chemed Corporation and its subsidiaries
("the Company") at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management;
our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the
audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.


/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP

Cincinnati, Ohio
February 4, 1997



                                      19
<PAGE>   2



STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES



CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
   The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Chemed
Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
transactions have been eliminated.

CASH EQUIVALENTS
   Cash equivalents comprise short-term, highly liquid investments that have
been purchased within three months of their date of maturity.

MARKETABLE SECURITIES AND OTHER 
INVESTMENTS
   Marketable securities and other investments are recorded at their estimated
fair values. In calculating realized gains and losses on the sales of
investments, the specific-identification method is used to determine the cost of
investments sold.

INVENTORIES
   Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. For determining the
value of inventories, the average-cost method is used by the National Sanitary
Supply segment, and the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method is used by the
Roto-Rooter and Omnia segments.

DEPRECIATION AND PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT
   Depreciation of properties and equipment is computed using the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Expenditures for
maintenance, repairs, renewals and betterments that do not materially prolong
the useful lives of the assets are expensed as incurred. The cost of property
retired or sold and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the
accounts, and the resulting gain or loss is reflected currently in income.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS
   Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets arise from purchase business
combinations and are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives of the assets, but not in excess of 40 years.
   The lives of the Company's gross intangible assets at December 31, 1996, are
(in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>             <C>                     <C>    
                 1 - 10 years           $ 3,101
                11 - 20 years             2,370
                21 - 30 years             4,931
                31 - 40 years           223,095
</TABLE>

   The Company periodically makes an estimation and valuation of the future
benefits of its intangible assets based on key financial indicators. If the
projected undiscounted cash flows of a major business unit indicate that
goodwill or identifiable intangible assets have been impaired, a write-down to
fair value is made.

REVENUE RECOGNITION
   Revenues received under prepaid contractual service agreements are recognized
on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract. All other sales and
service revenues are recognized when the products are delivered or the services
are provided.

COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
   Earnings per common share are computed using the weighted average number of
shares of capital stock outstanding and exclude the dilutive effect of
outstanding stock options, as it is not material.

PENSIONS AND RETIREMENT PLANS
   The Company's major pension and retirement plans and other similar employee
benefit plans are defined contribution plans. Contributions are based on
employees' compensation and are funded currently.

EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS
   Contributions to the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plans ("ESOPs") are
based on established debt repayment schedules. Shares are allocated to
participants based on the principal and interest payments made during the
period. The Company's policy is to record its ESOP expense by applying the
transition rule under the level-principal amortization concept.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
   The Company has elected to continue using Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, to account for stock-based
compensation plans.

ESTIMATES
   The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

RECLASSIFICATIONS
   Certain amounts in the 1995 and 1994 financial statements have been
reclassified to conform with the 1996 presentation.

                                      20
<PAGE>   3


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except per share data)
For the Years Ended December 31,                                                 1996              1995              1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                           <C>               <C>               <C>      
CONTINUING OPERATIONS                                                
         Sales......................................................          $ 399,776         $ 444,301         $ 415,807
         Service revenues...........................................            284,041           254,864           229,220
                                                                              ---------         ---------         ---------
            Total sales and service revenues........................            683,817           699,165           645,027
                                                                              ---------         ---------         ---------
         Cost of goods sold.........................................            271,885           306,345           284,973
         Cost of services provided..................................            171,397           157,461           142,696
         Selling and marketing expenses.............................             99,038            99,162            96,144
         General and administrative expenses........................             98,155            91,416            81,417
         Depreciation...............................................             11,960            11,819            10,686
         Nonrecurring expenses (Note 3).............................                 --               538             1,705
                                                                              ---------         ---------         ---------
            Total costs and expenses................................            652,435           666,741           617,621
                                                                              ---------         ---------         ---------
         Income from operations.....................................             31,382            32,424            27,406
         Interest expense...........................................             (8,950)           (8,466)           (8,807)
         Other income--net (Note 5).................................             34,953            17,001            11,175
                                                                              ---------         ---------         ---------
            Income before income taxes and minority interest........             57,385            40,959            29,774
         Income taxes (Note 6)......................................            (21,866)          (15,614)          (10,954)
         Minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries (Notes 1 and 2)           (3,791)           (4,906)           (4,288)
                                                                              ---------         ---------         ---------
         Income from continuing operations..........................             31,728            20,439            14,532
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Note 4)....................................                600             2,743            29,390
                                                                              ---------         ---------         ---------
NET INCOME..........................................................          $  32,328         $  23,182         $  43,922
                                                                              =========         =========         =========
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
         Income from continuing operations..........................          $    3.23         $    2.07         $    1.47
                                                                              =========         =========         =========
         Net income.................................................          $    3.29         $    2.35         $    4.46
                                                                              =========         =========         =========
         Average number of shares outstanding.......................              9,836             9,861             9,856
                                                                              =========         =========         =========
</TABLE>

The Statement of Accounting Policies and the accompanying Notes to Financial
Statements are integral parts of this statement.

                                      21
<PAGE>   4

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
December 31,                                                                                     1996               1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                                         <C>               <C>      
ASSETS
            Current assets
               Cash and cash equivalents (Note 7) ..................................        $  11,935         $  19,187
               Marketable securities (Note 7) ......................................               --            10,094
               Accounts receivable less allowances of $2,925 (1995--$3,519) ........           77,622            87,177
               Inventories (Note 8) ................................................           52,388            58,251
               Statutory deposits ..................................................           19,962            18,943
               Other current assets (Notes 6 and 15) ...............................           30,452            25,785
                                                                                            ---------         ---------
                  Total current assets .............................................          192,359           219,437

            Other investments (Note 15) ............................................           62,098            90,176
            Properties and equipment, at cost less accumulated depreciation (Note 9)           83,259            77,131
            Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization of $3,977
                 (1995--$2,886)                                                                17,295            18,140
            Goodwill less accumulated amortization of $25,292 (1995--$20,978) ......          186,933           119,486
            Other assets ...........................................................           17,406             7,498
                                                                                            ---------         ---------
                        Total Assets ...............................................        $ 559,350         $ 531,868
                                                                                            =========         =========
LIABILITIES
            Current liabilities
               Accounts payable ....................................................        $  25,747         $  28,411
               Bank notes and loans payable (Note 10) ..............................            5,000            25,000
               Current portion of long-term debt (Note 11) .........................           12,550             7,089
               Income taxes (Note 6) ...............................................            5,209            11,965
               Deferred contract revenue ...........................................           24,735            23,512
               Other current liabilities (Note 12) .................................           51,307            49,027
                                                                                            ---------         ---------
                  Total current liabilities ........................................          124,548           145,004

            Deferred income taxes (Note 6) .........................................            6,650            15,819
            Long-term debt (Note 11) ...............................................          158,168            85,368
            Other liabilities (Note 12) ............................................           41,273            36,030
            Minority interest (Notes 1 and 2) ......................................           10,820            40,990
                                                                                            ---------         ---------
                        Total Liabilities ..........................................          341,459           323,211
                                                                                            ---------         ---------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
            Capital stock--authorized 15,000,000 shares $1 par;
               issued 12,767,565 shares (1995--12,598,418 shares) ..................           12,768            12,598
            Paid-in capital ........................................................          150,296           145,290
            Retained earnings ......................................................          139,262           127,141
            Treasury stock--2,815,655 shares (1995--2,748,192 shares), at cost .....          (82,943)          (79,996)
            Unearned compensation--ESOPs (Note 13) .................................          (27,554)          (33,355)
            Unrealized appreciation on investments (Note 15) .......................           26,062            36,979
                                                                                            ---------         ---------
                        Total Stockholders' Equity .................................          217,891           208,657
                                                                                            ---------         ---------
            Commitments and contingencies (Notes 12 and 14)
                        Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity .................        $ 559,350         $ 531,868
                                                                                            =========         =========
</TABLE>

The Statement of Accounting Policies and the accompanying Notes to Financial
Statements are integral parts of this statement.

                                      22
<PAGE>   5

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS


CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)
For the Years Ended December 31,                                                         1996             1995              1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                                  <C>              <C>              <C>     
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
         Net income .........................................................        $ 32,328         $ 23,182         $ 43,922
         Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
            provided by operations:
               Gains on sales of investments (Note 5) .......................         (28,166)          (9,078)          (5,471)
               Depreciation and amortization ................................          18,847           18,205           15,807
               Minority interest in earnings
                  of subsidiaries (Notes 1 and 2) ...........................           3,791            4,906            4,288
               Provision for deferred income taxes (Note 6) .................          (2,152)            (846)           1,101
               Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable ..............           1,503            2,507            1,855
               Discontinued operations (Note 4) .............................            (600)          (2,743)         (29,390)
               Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding amounts
                  acquired in business combinations:
                     Decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable .............           8,010           (6,660)         (13,300)
                     Increase in statutory reserve requirements .............          (1,019)          (4,535)          (1,232)
                     Decrease/(increase) in inventories and
                        other current assets ................................           5,831           (2,237)          (6,610)
                     Increase in accounts payable, deferred contract
                        revenue and other current liabilities ...............             660            1,113           11,679
                     Decrease in income taxes (Note 6) ......................          (2,199)          (2,160)            (426)
               Other--net ...................................................          (1,069)          (2,818)           1,149
                                                                                     --------         --------         --------
               Net cash provided by operating activities ....................          35,765           18,836           23,372
                                                                                     --------         --------         --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
         Purchase of Roto-Rooter minority interest ..........................         (96,247)              --               --
         Proceeds from sales of investments (Notes 5 and 15) ................          42,501           32,437            9,196
         Capital expenditures ...............................................         (19,026)         (15,413)         (18,400)
         Business combinations, net of cash acquired (Note 2) ...............          (9,933)         (11,928)         (18,383)
         Net proceeds from sale of discontinued operations (Note 4) .........          (2,140)           2,401           49,496
         Purchases of investments ...........................................              (8)          (1,948)         (29,788)
         Net proceeds from sale of divested operations (Note 4) .............              --           14,046               --
         Other--net .........................................................             469              228            2,449
                                                                                     --------         --------         --------
               Net cash provided/(used) by investing activities .............         (84,384)          19,823           (5,430)
                                                                                     --------         --------         --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
         Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt (Note 11) .................          85,000               --           10,000
         Dividends paid .....................................................         (20,440)         (20,319)         (20,114)
         Decrease in bank notes and loans payable (Note 10) .................         (20,000)              --               --
         Purchases of treasury stock ........................................          (3,653)          (2,966)            (771)
         Repayment of long-term debt (Note 11) ..............................          (1,288)          (1,252)         (18,232)
         Issuance of capital stock (Note 16) ................................             533              868              786
         Other--net .........................................................           1,215             (525)             496
                                                                                     --------         --------         --------
               Net cash provided/(used) by financing activities .............          41,367          (24,194)         (27,835)
                                                                                     --------         --------         --------
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ............................          (7,252)          14,465           (9,893)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ..............................          19,187            4,722           14,615
                                                                                     --------         --------         --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year ....................................        $ 11,935         $ 19,187         $  4,722
                                                                                     ========         ========         ========
</TABLE>

The Statement of Accounting Policies and the accompanying Notes to Financial
Statements are integral parts of this statement.

                                      23
<PAGE>   6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except per share data)
                                                                                                        Unrealized
                                                                                            Unearned     Appreci-
                                                                              Treasury      Compen-      ation on
                                        Capital     Paid-in     Retained       Stock--      sation--     Invest-
                                          Stock     Capital     Earnings       at Cost       ESOPs       ments        Total
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<S>                                    <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>      
Balance, December 31, 1993 ........    $12,088    $ 132,095     $  99,851     $(63,914)    $(42,969)    $     --     $ 137,151
Net income ........................         --           --        43,922           --           --           --        43,922
Dividends paid ($2.04 per share) ..         --           --       (20,114)          --           --           --       (20,114)
Increase in unrealized appreciation
   on investments (Note 15) .......         --           --            --           --           --       20,941        20,941
Stock awards and exercise
   of stock options (Note 16) .....        263        7,329            --       (6,545)          --           --         1,047
Purchases of treasury stock .......         --           --            --         (771)          --           --          (771)
Decrease in unearned compensation
  --ESOPs (Note 13) ...............         --           --            --           --        4,483           --         4,483
Other .............................         18         (691)          334           --           --           --          (339)
                                       -------    ---------     ---------     --------     --------     --------     ---------
      Balance, December 31, 1994 ..     12,369      138,733       123,993      (71,230)     (38,486)      20,941       186,320
Net income ........................         --           --        23,182           --           --           --        23,182
Dividends paid ($2.06 per share) ..         --           --       (20,319)          --           --           --       (20,319)
Increase in unrealized appreciation
   on investments (Note 15) .......         --           --            --           --           --       16,038        16,038
Decrease in unearned compensation
  --ESOPs (Note 13) ...............         --           --            --           --        5,131           --         5,131
Purchases of treasury stock .......         --           --            --       (2,966)          --           --        (2,966)
Stock awards and exercise
   of stock options (Note 16) .....        229        6,972            --       (5,800)          --           --         1,401
Other .............................         --         (415)          285           --           --           --          (130)
                                       -------    ---------     ---------     --------     --------     --------     ---------
      BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995 ..     12,598      145,290       127,141      (79,996)     (33,355)      36,979       208,657
NET INCOME ........................         --           --        32,328           --           --           --        32,328
DIVIDENDS PAID ($2.08 PER SHARE) ..         --           --       (20,440)          --           --           --       (20,440)
DECREASE IN UNREALIZED
   APPRECIATION ON INVESTMENTS
   (NOTE 15) ......................         --           --            --           --           --      (10,917)      (10,917)
DECREASE IN UNEARNED
   COMPENSATION--ESOPS (NOTE 13) ..         --           --            --           --        5,801           --         5,801
RECLASSIFICATION OF EMPLOYEE
   BENEFIT TRUST ASSETS (NOTE 13) .         --           --            --        5,085           --           --         5,085
PURCHASES OF TREASURY STOCK .......         --           --            --       (3,653)          --           --        (3,653)
STOCK AWARDS AND EXERCISE
   OF STOCK OPTIONS (NOTE 16) .....        170        5,382            --       (4,379)          --           --         1,173
OTHER .............................         --         (376)          233           --           --           --          (143)
                                       -------    ---------     ---------     --------     --------     --------     ---------
      BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996 ..    $12,768    $ 150,296     $ 139,262     $(82,943)    $(27,554)    $ 26,062     $ 217,891
                                       =======    =========     =========     ========     ========     ========     =========
</TABLE>

The Statement of Accounting Policies and the accompanying Notes to Financial
Statements are integral parts of this statement.


                                      24
<PAGE>   7

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. SEGMENTS AND NATURE
   OF THE BUSINESS
   Chemed is a diversified public corporation with strategic positions in
plumbing, drain cleaning, and residential appliance and air-conditioning repair
(Roto-Rooter); sanitary-maintenance-product distribution services (National
Sanitary Supply); home healthcare services (Patient Care); and medical and
dental disposable-product supply and supportive services for the primary, acute
and long-term care markets (Omnia). Relative contributions to operating profit
are 50%, 26%, 15% and 9%, respectively. The business segments are defined as
follows:
   -The Roto-Rooter segment includes the combined operations of the Roto-Rooter
Group ("Roto-Rooter"), a group of 100%-owned businesses, which provide repair
and maintenance services to residential and commercial accounts. Such services
include sewer, drain and pipe cleaning, plumbing services and appliance repair
and maintenance and are delivered through both company-owned and franchised
locations. Roto-Rooter also manufactures and sells certain products and
equipment used to provide such services.
   -The National Sanitary Supply segment includes the consolidated operations
of National Sanitary Supply Company ("National Sanitary Supply"), an 83%-owned
subsidiary, which sells and distributes sanitary maintenance and paper supplies
including cleaners, floor finishes, hand soaps, paper towels and tissues,
cleaning equipment, packaging supplies, business paper and general maintenance
products used by commercial, institutional and industrial businesses.
   -The Patient Care segment includes the consolidated operations of the
100%-owned businesses comprising the Company's Patient Care Group ("Patient
Care"), which offers complete, professional home-healthcare services primarily
in the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut area. Services provided to patients at
home include skilled nursing; home health aid; physical, speech, respiratory and
occupational therapies; medical social work; nutrition; and other specialized
services.
   -The Omnia segment includes the combined operations of the 100%-owned
businesses comprising the Company's Omnia Group ("Omnia"), which manufactures
medical and dental supplies and distributes them to dealers throughout the
United States. Products include disposable paper, cotton and gauze proprietary
items and various other dental and medical supplies.
   Substantially all of the Company's sales and service revenues from continuing
operations are generated from business within the United States. The Company's
risk of significant credit loss is not concentrated due to the diversity of the
Company's customer base and the broad geographic areas the Company serves.
Nevertheless, management establishes policies regarding the extension of credit
and compliance therewith.
   Financial data by business segment are shown on pages 34, 35 and 38 of this
annual report. The segment data for 1996, 1995 and 1994 are an integral part of
these financial statements.

2. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
   Effective September 1, 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding
shares of Roto-Rooter Inc. it did not already own (approximately 2,261,000
shares) for $41 per share in cash. As a result, the Company's ownership interest
in Roto-Rooter increased from 58% to 100%. The aggregate estimated purchase
price of $102,100,000, including acquisition-related expenses, represents a
premium of $67,900,000 (goodwill) over the fair value of the net assets
acquired.
   Also during 1996, seven business combinations were completed within the
Roto-Rooter, National Sanitary Supply and Patient Care segments for aggregate
purchase prices of $9,933,000 in cash. The results of operations of these
businesses were not material in relation to the Company's results of operations
in either 1996 or 1995.
   During the second quarter of 1995, Omnia acquired the business and assets of
the medical division of Central States Diversified Inc. ("CSDM") for $7,650,000
in cash. CSDM manufactures and distributes disposable paper products marketed
under the Pro-Tex-Mor brand.
   Also during 1995, five business combinations were completed in the
Roto-Rooter segment for aggregate purchase prices of $2,490,000 in cash.
   Effective January 1, 1994, Chemed acquired all of the capital stock of
Patient Care Inc. for cash payments aggregating $20,582,000, including deferred
payments with a present value of $6,271,000, plus 17,500 shares of Chemed
Capital Stock. In December 1995, the Company recorded an additional $2,000,000
arising from contingent consideration associated with the purchase transaction.
This additional purchase price was recorded as goodwill. Half of this amount was
paid in March 1996 and half is payable in March 1997.
   Also during 1994, five business combinations were completed within the
Roto-Rooter and National Sanitary Supply segments for aggregate purchase prices
of $1,795,000 in cash.
   The results of business combinations completed in 1995 and 1994 were not
material to the Company's results of operations in either 1995 or 1994.

                                      25
<PAGE>   8

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   The following data present the unaudited pro forma consolidated results of
the Company, assuming the 42% minority interest in Roto-Rooter had been acquired
on January 1 of each period presented (in thousands, except per share data):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                         For the Years Ended
                                            December 31,
                                          ------------------
                                          1996        1995
                                         --------   --------
<S>                                       <C>        <C>    
Income from continuing operations         $31,781    $19,475
Net income                                 32,381     22,218
Earnings per share:
   Income from
      continuing operations                  3.23       1.97
   Net income                                3.29       2.26
</TABLE>

   The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets 
acquired in business combinations is classified as goodwill. A summary of net
assets acquired in business combinations, all of which have been recorded under
purchase accounting rules, follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        December 31,
                                      -----------------------------------------
                                         1996             1995             1994
                                      ----------    ----------       ----------
<S>                                   <C>             <C>              <C>     
Working capital                       $ 4,367         $ (1,238)        $  8,646
Properties and
   equipment                              246              621              451
Identifiable intangible
   assets                                 246              969               --
Goodwill                                4,220            9,607           22,051
Deferred income taxes                    (716)            (762)           3,649
Long-term debt                           (350)            (316)          (7,492)
Other assets and
   liabilities--net                     1,934            5,150             (507)
                                      -------         --------         --------
      Total net assets                  9,947           14,031           26,798
Less--cash and
    cash equivalents
    acquired                              (14)            (103)            (182)
   -capital stock
    issued                                 --               --             (500)
   -present value
    of deferred
    payments                               --           (2,000)          (7,733)
                                      -------         --------         --------
      Net cash used                   $ 9,933         $ 11,928         $ 18,383
                                      =======         ========         ========
</TABLE>



3. NONRECURRING EXPENSES
   Nonrecurring expenses amounting to $538,000 pretax ($355,000 aftertax;
$208,000, or $.02 per share, after minority interest) were incurred by
Roto-Rooter in the third quarter of 1995 as a result of discussions related to
Chemed's proposal to acquire the 42% minority interest in Roto-Rooter common
stock. The discussions were terminated in August 1995.
   In the third quarter of 1994, nonrecurring expenses of $1,705,000 ($1,107,000
aftertax, or $.12 per share) were recorded as the result of reducing staff at
various locations and refocusing marketing efforts within the Omnia segment.


4. DISCONTINUED AND DIVESTED OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
   On November 30, 1994, the Company sold 6,280,000 shares (adjusted for
Omnicare's two-for-one stock split in June 1996) of the capital stock of
Omnicare Inc. ("Omnicare"), a publicly traded affiliate in which Chemed
previously had maintained an equity interest. Also, during the first six months
of 1994, the Company sold a total of 959,600 shares of Omnicare stock. As a
result, the Company recorded gains aggregating $23,358,000 (net of income taxes
of $20,248,000) during 1994. These gains and the equity earnings in Omnicare
prior to December 1, 1994, are classified as discontinued operations. At
December 31, 1994, the Company held 2,888,000 shares, or 6%, of the Omnicare
capital stock. The Company currently holds shares representing less than 1% of
the Omnicare capital stock outstanding at December 31, 1996.
   As a result of settling various issues and periodically reevaluating the
adequacy of the Company's accruals for tax and other liabilities relative to the
sale of DuBois Chemicals Inc. ("DuBois") in April 1991, the Company recorded
favorable adjustments to discontinued operations in 1996, 1995 and 1994.
   Discontinued operations, as shown on the accompanying consolidated statement
of income, comprise the following (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                   For the Years Ended
                                      December 31,
                       --------------------------------------
                               1996       1995        1994
                           ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                         <C>          <C>          <C>    
Adjustments to the
   tax provision on
   the gain on the
   sale of DuBois              $  823     $ 2,743     $ 3,236
Gains on sales of
   Omnicare stock                  --          --      23,358
Equity earnings in
   Omnicare prior to
   December 1, 1994                --          --       2,225
Adjustment to the
   expense accruals
   related to the gain
   on the sale of DuBois         (223)         --         571
                           ----------  ----------  ----------
      Total discontinued
         operations         $     600    $  2,743     $29,390
                           ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>



                                      26
<PAGE>   9

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DIVESTED OPERATIONS

   During the third quarter of 1995, The Omnia Group completed the sale of the
business and assets of its Veratex Retail division to Henry Schein Inc. for
$14,046,000 in cash. This sale resulted in an immaterial gain which was recorded
in 1995.


5. OTHER INCOME--NET
      Other income--net comprises the following (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                   For the Years Ended
                                      December 31,
                       --------------------------------------
                               1996       1995        1994
                           ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                           <C>         <C>         <C>    
Gain on sales of
   investments                $28,166    $  9,078    $  5,471
Interest income                 3,191       4,203       2,739
Dividend income                 3,110       3,190       3,057
Other--net                        486         530         (92)
                           ----------  ----------  ----------
      Total other income
         -net                 $34,953     $17,001     $11,175
                           ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>



6. INCOME TAXES
      The provision for income taxes comprises the following (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                   For the Years Ended
                                      December 31,
                       --------------------------------------
                               1996       1995        1994
                           ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                           <C>         <C>         <C>    
CONTINUING OPERATIONS:
   Current
      U.S. federal            $21,055     $14,272     $ 7,517
      U.S. state and local      2,963       2,188       2,336
   Deferred U.S. federal       (2,152)       (846)      1,101
                           ----------  ----------  ----------
         Total                $21,866     $15,614     $10,954
                           ==========  ==========  ==========

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
   Current
      U.S. federal            $ 1,000     $ 2,461     $19,820
      U.S. state and local     (1,247)     (4,156)     (2,850)
   Deferred U.S. federal         (691)     (1,048)       (323)
                           ----------  ----------  ----------
         Total                $  (938)    $(2,743)    $16,647
                           ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>

      A summary of the significant temporary differences
   that give rise to deferred income tax assets/(liabilities) follows 
   (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                            December 31,
                                         -------------------
                                            1996      1995
                                         --------   --------
<S>                                      <C>        <C>     
Accruals related to
   discontinued operations               $  7,123   $  6,544
Accrued insurance expense                   6,423      5,803
Deferred compensation                       3,512      1,187
Severance payments                          2,674        285
Employee benefit accruals                   1,544      1,457
Bad debt allowances                         1,015      1,235
Other                                       4,086      4,625
                                         --------   --------
      Gross deferred income
         tax assets                        26,377     21,136
                                         --------   --------
Market valuation of investments           (14,034)   (19,050)
Accelerated tax depreciation               (6,639)    (6,440)
Cash to accrual adjustments                (1,305)    (1,209)
Investment basis difference                (1,132)    (1,691)
Other                                      (1,673)    (2,576)
                                         --------   --------
      Gross deferred income
         tax liabilities                  (24,783)   (30,966)
                                         --------   --------
      Net deferred income
         tax assets/(liabilities)        $  1,594    $(9,830)
                                         ========   ========
</TABLE>

   Based on the Company's history of prior operating earnings and its
expectations for future growth, management has determined that the operating
income of the Company will, more likely than not, be sufficient to ensure the
full realization of the gross deferred income tax assets.
   Included in other current assets at December 31, 1996, are deferred income
tax assets of $8,244,000 (December 31, 1995--$5,989,000).
   The difference between the effective tax rate for continuing operations and
the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate is explained as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                      For the Years Ended
                                         December 31,
                                ----------------------------
                                  1996      1995      1994
                                ------    ------     ------
<S>                               <C>       <C>       <C>  
Statutory U.S. federal
   income tax rate                35.0%     35.0%     35.0%
State and local income taxes,
   less federal income tax
   benefit                         3.2       3.6       5.2
Nondeductible amortization
   of goodwill                     2.1       2.6       3.1
Domestic dividend exclusion       (1.2)     (1.7)     (2.3)
Tax benefit on dividends
   paid to ESOPs                  (1.2)     (1.6)     (2.1)
Other--net                          .2        .2      (2.1)
                                ------    ------     ------
      Effective tax rate          38.1%     38.1%     36.8%
                                ======    ======     ======
</TABLE>


                                      27
<PAGE>   10

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   The total amount of income taxes paid during the year ended December 31, 
1996, was $26,513,000 (1995--$18,253,000;  1994--$28,533,000).


7. CASH EQUIVALENTS AND
   MARKETABLE SECURITIES
   Included in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 1996, are cash
equivalents in the amount of $11,122,000 (1995--$8,804,000). The cash
equivalents at both dates consist of investments in various money market funds
and repurchase agreements yielding interest at a weighted average rate of 5.2%
in 1996 and 5.4% in 1995.
   From time to time throughout the year, the Company invests its excess cash in
repurchase agreements directly with major commercial banks. The collateral is
not physically held by the Company, but the term of such repurchase agreements
is less than 10 days. Investments of significant amounts are spread among a
number of banks, and the amounts invested in each bank are varied constantly.
   Included in marketable securities at December 31, 1995, was a U.S. Treasury
Note with a value of $9,994,000 yielding 7.2%, which matured in 1996.


8. INVENTORIES
     A summary of inventories follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                            December 31,
                                          ------------------
                                          1996        1995
                                         --------   --------
<S>                                      <C>        <C>     
Raw materials                            $  6,515   $  7,921
Finished goods and general
   merchandise                             45,873     50,330
                                         --------   --------
      Total inventories                   $52,388    $58,251
                                         ========   ========
</TABLE>


9. PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT
   A summary of properties and equipment follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                           December 31,
                                       ---------------------
                                        1996         1995
                                     ----------   ----------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>       
Land                                 $    8,039   $    8,035
Buildings                                31,273       29,567
Furniture and fixtures                   31,212       26,301
Machinery and equipment                  35,573       30,900
Transportation equipment                 26,915       24,198
Projects under construction               6,900        5,204
                                     ----------   ----------
      Total properties
         and equipment                  139,912      124,205
Less accumulated depreciation           (56,653)     (47,074)
                                     ----------   ----------
      Net properties
         and equipment                $  83,259    $  77,131
                                     ==========   ==========
</TABLE>


10. BANK NOTES AND LOANS PAYABLE

   At December 31, 1996, the Company had $5,000,000 of borrowings outstanding
under an uncommitted line of credit with Sanwa Bank Ltd. At December 31, 1995,
the Company had $25,000,000 of borrowings outstanding under a credit agreement
with Bank of America. In addition, the Company had approximately $27,298,000 of
unused lines of credit with various banks at December 31, 1996.
   The Company's short-term borrowings provide temporary capital for operations.
Borrowings under the credit agreement were subject to maintaining certain
financial covenants, with which the Company complied. There are no restrictions
on any cash balances maintained at the banks. The weighted average interest rate
on short-term borrowings at December 31, 1996, was 6.2% (December 31,
1995--6.1%).


11. LONG-TERM DEBT
   A summary of the Company's long-term debt follows (in thousands):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                           December 31,
                                       ---------------------
                                        1996         1995
                                     ----------   ----------
<S>                                    <C>         <C>         
Revolving Credit:
   6.00%, due 2001                     $ 85,000    $      --
Senior Notes:
   8.15%, due 2000 - 2004                50,000       50,000
   10.67%, due 1996 - 2003                7,000        8,000
Employee Stock Ownership
   Plans Loan Guarantees:
      6.83% (1995--6.80%),
      due 1996 - 2000                    27,554       33,355
Other                                     1,164        1,102
                                     ----------   ----------
   Subtotal                             170,718       92,457
Less current portion                    (12,550)      (7,089)
                                     ----------   ----------
      Long-term debt, less
         current portion               $158,168    $  85,368
                                     ==========   ==========
</TABLE>


REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
   In June 1996, the Company entered into an amended revolving credit agreement
with Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association to borrow up to
$85,000,000 at any time during the five-year period ending June 20, 2001. Unpaid
principal is due on June 20, 2001. The interest rate is based on various
stipulated market rates of interest.

SENIOR NOTES
   On December 22, 1992, the Company borrowed $50,000,000 from several insurance
companies. Principal is repayable in five annual installments of $10,000,000
beginning on December 15, 2000, and bears interest at the rate of 8.15% per
annum. Interest is payable on June 15 and December 15 of each year.

                                      28
<PAGE>   11

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   On November 10, 1988, the Company borrowed $31,000,000 from a consortium of 
insurance companies. Of this amount, $21,000,000 was due and paid on November
1, 1993, and annual installments of $1,000,000 were due and paid on November 1,
1994, 1995 and 1996. The remaining $7,000,000 bears interest at the rate of
10.67% with annual principal payments of $1,000,000 due on November 1, 1997
through 2003. Interest is payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year.

EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS
("ESOPS") LOAN GUARANTEES
   The Company has guaranteed ESOP loans made by various institutional lenders.
Payments by the ESOPs, including both principal and interest, are to be made in
quarterly installments over the next four years, the final payments being due on
June 30, 2000. The loans, secured in part by the unallocated shares of the
Company's capital stock held by the ESOP trusts, currently bear interest at an
average annual rate of 6.83% (1995--6.80%). Such rates are subject to
adjustments for changes in interest rates of specified U.S. Treasury
obligations, U.S. federal statutory income tax rates and certain federal tax law
changes.
   The market value of the unallocated shares of the Company's capital stock
held by the ESOPs at December 31, 1996, based on that day's closing price of
$36.50 was $21,849,000 as compared with aggregate loan guarantees of
$27,554,000.

OTHER
   Other long-term debt has arisen from the assumption of loans in connection
with various acquisitions. Interest rates range from 5% to 9%, and the
obligations are due on various dates through 2009.
   The following is a schedule by year of required long-term debt payments as of
December 31, 1996 (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                       <C>      
      1997                                  $ 12,550
      1998                                    10,653
      1999                                     6,522
      2000                                    12,500
      2001                                    96,157
      After 2001                              32,336
                                         -----------
         Total long-term debt               $170,718
                                         ===========
</TABLE>

   The various loan agreements contain certain covenants which could restrict
the amount of cash dividend payments, treasury stock purchases and certain other
transactions of the Company. Under the most restrictive of these covenants, the
Company is limited to incurring additional debt of $77,537,000, cannot permit
its net worth to fall below $164,673,000 and is limited to incurring additional
annual net rentals under operating leases with terms of three years or more
aggregating $7,703,000. Also, the Company must maintain an interest coverage
ratio (defined as the ratio of earnings before interest and taxes to interest
expense) of at least 3.0. At December 31, 1996, the Company's interest coverage
ratio was 4.3.
  The total amount of interest paid during the year ended December 31, 1996,
was $10,705,000 (1995--$7,972,000; 1994--$8,562,000).


12. OTHER LIABILITIES
   At December 31, 1996, other current liabilities included accrued insurance
liabilities of $19,395,000 and accrued wages of $7,249,000 (1995--$19,470,000
and $6,258,000, respectively).
   Included in other liabilities at December 31, 1996, is an accrual of
$7,405,000 for the Company's estimated liability for potential environmental
cleanup and related costs arising from the sale of DuBois. The Company is
contingently liable for additional DuBois-related environmental cleanup and
related costs up to a maximum of $14,665,000. On the basis of a continuing
evaluation of the Company's potential liability by the Company's environmental
adviser, management believes that it is not probable this additional liability
will be paid. Accordingly, no provision for this contingent liability has been
recorded. Although it is not presently possible to reliably project the timing
of payments related to the Company's potential liability for environmental
costs, management believes that any adjustments to its recorded liability will
not materially adversely affect its financial position or results of operations.

13. PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLANS
   Retirement obligations under various plans cover substantially all full-time
employees who meet age and/or service eligibility requirements. The major plans
providing retirement benefits to the Company's employees are defined
contribution plans.
   The Company has established two ESOPs which purchased a total of $56,000,000
of the Company's capital stock. Substantially all Chemed headquarters and Omnia
employees and substantially all employees of National Sanitary Supply, not
covered by collective bargaining agreements, are participants in the ESOPs.
Eligible employees of Roto-Rooter and Patient Care are covered by other defined
contribution plans.

                                      29
<PAGE>   12

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Expenses charged to continuing operations for the Company's pension and 
profit-sharing plans, ESOPs, excess benefit plans and other similar plans 
comprise the following (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                    For the Years Ended
                                       December 31,
                           ----------------------------------
                               1996        1995        1994
                           ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                            <C>        <C>         <C>   
ESOPs:
   Interest expense            $  824      $1,217      $1,322
   Compensation cost            2,807       2,782       2,476
Pension, profit-sharing
   and other similar plans      4,112       3,391       2,518
                               ------      ------      ------
      Total                    $7,743      $7,390      $6,316
                               ======      ======      ======
Dividends on ESOP shares
   used for debt service       $2,676      $2,758      $2,820
                               ======      ======      ======
</TABLE>

   At December 31, 1996, there were 668,471 allocated shares (December 31,
1995--555,687 shares) and 598,611 unallocated shares (December 31, 1995--757,437
shares) in the ESOP trusts.
   The Company has a directors' deferred compensation plan and an excess benefit
plan for key employees whose participation in the ESOPs is limited by ERISA
rules. Accrued benefits are payable in shares of the Company's stock. The value
of these benefits is invested in shares of the Company's stock, which are held
by grantor trusts. The trusts' assets are included in other assets at December
31, 1996, and the corresponding liability is included in other liabilities.
Prior to November 1996, the trusts' investments in Company shares were included
in treasury stock, since securities laws made it impractical to pay out these
benefits in shares of stock. At December 31, 1996, these trusts held 145,453
shares of the Company's stock (December 31, 1995--115,534 shares).

14. LEASE ARRANGEMENTS
   The Company, as lessee, has operating leases which cover its corporate office
headquarters; various plant, warehouse and office facilities; office equipment;
and plant and transportation equipment. The remaining terms of these leases
range from one year to 10 years, and in most cases, management expects that
these leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases in the normal course of
business. All major plants and warehouses and substantially all equipment are
owned by the Company.
   The following is a summary of future minimum rental payments and sublease
rentals to be received under operating leases that have initial or remaining
noncancelable terms in excess of one year at December 31, 1996 (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                  <C>    
      1997                                           $12,491
      1998                                             9,586
      1999                                             7,692
      2000                                             6,850
      2001                                             5,870
      After 2001                                      18,113
                                                   ---------
         TOTAL MINIMUM RENTAL PAYMENTS                60,602
      LESS MINIMUM SUBLEASE RENTALS                   (8,940)
                                                   ---------
         NET MINIMUM RENTAL PAYMENTS                 $51,662
                                                   =========
</TABLE>

     Total rental expense incurred under operating leases follows (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   For the Years Ended
                                      December 31,
                           ----------------------------------
                               1996       1995        1994
                           ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                         <C>         <C>         <C>    
Total rental payments         $14,988     $13,353     $12,451
Less sublease rentals          (3,915)     (3,591)     (3,446)
                           ----------  ----------  ----------
      Net rental expense      $11,073    $  9,762     $ 9,005
                           ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>


                                      30
<PAGE>   13

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

   The following methods and assumptions are used in estimating the fair value
of each class of the Company's financial instruments:
   -For cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, statutory deposits and
accounts payable, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value
because of the liquidity and short-term nature of these instruments.
   -For marketable securities, carrying value and fair value are based upon
quoted market prices. 
   -For other investments and other assets, fair value is based upon quoted
market prices for these or similar securities, if available. Included in other
investments is the Company's investment in privately held Vitas Healthcare
Corporation ("Vitas"), which provides noncurative care to chronically ill
patients. The market value of Vitas Common Stock Purchase Warrants at December
31, 1995, was based on the difference between Chemed's exercise price and an
appraisal of the value of the underlying common stock. Since it is not
practicable to obtain an updated appraisal, it has been assumed that the market
value of the Vitas warrants is equal to book value at December 31, 1996
($1,500,000). The value of the Vitas 9% Cumulative Preferred Stock is based on
the present value of the mandatory redemption payments, using an interest rate
of 15.0% (1995--8.2%), rates which management believes are reasonable in view of
risk factors attendant to the investment.
   -The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is estimated by discounting
the future cash outlays associated with each debt instrument using interest
rates currently available to the Company for debt issues with similar terms and
remaining maturities.
   The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as
follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                    DECEMBER 31, 1996             December 31, 1995
                                                 ----------------------        ----------------------
                                                  CARRYING       FAIR          Carrying       Fair
                                                   AMOUNT        VALUE          Amount        Value
                                                 -----------  -----------     -----------  -----------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>             <C>           <C>     
      Other investments(a) .................      $  78,541    $  78,541       $  98,438     $101,668
      Note receivable(b) ...................             --           --           5,864        5,909
      Long-term debt .......................        170,718      172,225          92,457       94,992
<FN>
      ----------------
      (a) Amounts for 1996 include $16,443,000 representing the current portion of Vitas preferred
          stock, which is recorded in other current assets on the balance sheet (1995--$8,262,000).
      (b) The note receivable is included in other current assets.
</TABLE>

   The Company has classified its investments in equity securities and certain
debt securities as either trading or available-for-sale. The trading category
includes those investments which are held principally for the purpose of selling
them in the near term. All other investments are classified in the
available-for-sale category. Investments included in cash equivalents are
considered to be trading securities and all other investments are considered to
be available-for-sale.
   Disclosures regarding the Company's investments which are classified as
available-for-sale are summarized below (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        December 31,
                                                                  ----------------------
                                                                      1996        1995
                                                                   ---------- ----------
<S>                                                                 <C>         <C>     
        Aggregate fair value:
           Obligations of the U.S. Treasury .....................   $      --   $  9,994
           Equity securities ....................................      78,541     98,438
        Gross unrealized holding gains:
           Obligations of the U.S. Treasury .....................          --         20
           Equity securities ....................................      41,422     56,010
        Gross unrealized holding losses of equity securities ....       1,326         --
        Amortized cost:
           Obligations of the U.S. Treasury .....................          --      9,974
           Equity securities ....................................      38,445     42,428
</TABLE>


                                      31
<PAGE>   14

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   The chart below summarizes information with respect to available-for-sale
securities sold during the period (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               For the Years Ended
                                                                  December 31,
                                                         -------------------------------
                                                          1996        1995        1994
                                                         --------   ---------  ---------
      <S>                                                <C>         <C>       <C>     
               Proceeds from sale ..................      $42,501     $32,437   $  9,196
               Gross realized gains ................       28,188       9,088      5,589
               Gross realized losses ...............          (22)        (10)        (2)
</TABLE>

   Included in marketable securities at December 31, 1995, is a Treasury Note
with a fair value of $9,994,000, which matured in January 1996. Included in
other investments is the noncurrent portion of the Company's investment in Vitas
mandatorily redeemable preferred stock with a fair value of $9,150,000 at
December 31, 1996 (December 31, 1995--$19,236,000).

16. STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS
   The Company has seven Stock Incentive Plans under which 2,650,000 shares of
Chemed Capital Stock are issued to key employees pursuant to the grant of stock
awards and/or options to purchase such shares. All options granted under these
plans provide for a purchase price equal to the market value of the stock at the
date of grant. The latest plan, covering 500,000 shares, was adopted in May
1995.
   Under the plan adopted in 1983, both nonstatutory and incentive stock options
have been granted. Incentive stock options granted under the 1983 plan become
exercisable in full six months following the date of the grant; nonstatutory
options granted under the 1983 plan become exercisable in four annual
installments commencing six months after the date of grant.
   The other plans are not qualified, restricted or incentive stock option plans
under the Internal Revenue Code. Additional options may not be granted under the
plans adopted in 1978, 1981, 1983 and 1986 covering a total of 1,400,000 shares,
but a number of options granted under those plans remains outstanding. Options
granted under the 1988, 1993 and 1995 plans become exercisable six months
following the date of grant in either three or four equal annual installments.
   Data relating to the Company's stock issued to employees follow:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  1996                 1995                 1994
                                            -----------------    -----------------    -----------------
                                            NUMBER               Number                Number
                                              OF      AVERAGE      of      Average       of      Average
                                            SHARES     PRICE     Shares     Price      Shares     Price
                                           --------  --------   --------  --------    --------  --------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>     <C>          <C>     <C>          <C>   
        Stock Options:
           Outstanding at January 1 ...     627,666     $31.05   553,472    $29.38  628,967      $27.04
           Granted ....................     180,900      38.74   291,650     32.57  260,650       32.13 
           Exercised ..................    (148,903)     28.61  (208,668)    28.77 (247,845)      26.17 
           Forfeited ..................     (14,888)     33.96    (7,738)    30.81  (87,300)      29.92 
           Expired ....................        (750)     36.38    (1,050)    31.81   (1,000)      28.94 
                                           --------             --------            --------            
           Outstanding at December 31 .     644,025      33.70   627,666     31.05  553,472       29.38 
                                           ========             ========            ========            
           Exercisable at December 31 .     320,467      32.34   325,385     30.03  280,193       28.32 
                                           ========             ========            ========            
        Stock awards issued ...........      20,791      39.63    20,538     33.55   15,946       30.94 
                                           ========             ========            ========            
</TABLE>

   The weighted average contractual life of options outstanding at December 31,
1996, was 8.1 years. The range of exercise prices for these options was from
$21.94 to $38.75. At December 31, 1996, there were 114,923 shares available for
granting of stock options and awards.

                                      32
<PAGE>   15

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total compensation cost recognized for stock awards, including awards granted
by two of the Company's subsidiaries, National Sanitary Supply (83% owned) and
Roto-Rooter Inc. (58% owned prior to September 1996), was $1,561,000 in 1996
(1995--$1,316,000; 1994--$1,032,000). The shares of capital stock were issued to
key employees and directors at no cost and generally are restricted as to the
transfer of ownership. Restrictions covering between 20% and 33% of each
holder's shares lapse annually.
   Summarized below are the pro forma results of operations of Chemed assuming
the provisions of the fair-value-based method of valuing stock options,
described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation, had been applied to options granted in 1995 and 1996
by the Company and by National Sanitary Supply (in thousands, except per share
data):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     For the Years Ended
                                                                        December 31,
                                                                   ---------------------
                                                                      1996        1995
                                                                   ---------- ----------
<S>                                                                   <C>        <C>    
       Net income:
          As reported .......................................         $32,328    $23,182
          Pro forma .........................................          31,689     22,798
       Primary earnings per share:
          As reported .......................................            3.29       2.35
          Pro forma .........................................            3.22       2.31
       Per share average fair value of options granted:
          The Company .......................................            6.93       5.31
          National Sanitary Supply ..........................            4.82       4.95
</TABLE>

In view of the fact that the fair value method of accounting is applied to
option grants issued only during 1995 and 1996, the above pro forma data do not
reflect the full impact of applying such fair value method to Chemed's stock
options.
   The fair values of employee stock options were estimated using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model and following key assumptions:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                      For the Years Ended
                                                         December 31,
                                                    ---------------------
                                                       1996        1995
                                                    ---------- ----------
<S>                                                  <C>        <C> 
         The Company:
            Average risk-free interest rate ......        6.5%       7.1%
            Expected volatility ..................       22.3       22.5

         National Sanitary Supply:
            Average risk-free interest rate ......        5.9        6.9
            Expected volatility ..................       42.5       42.5
</TABLE>

For both the Company's and National Sanitary Supply's options, it has been
assumed that the options have an expected life of six years. For the Company's
options, it was assumed that the annual dividend was increased $.04 per share
per year every other year beginning in 1997. For National Sanitary Supply
options, it was assumed that the dividend was increased $.02 per share per year
every year. These assumptions should not be construed to be an indication of
future dividend amounts to be paid by the Company or by National Sanitary
Supply. 

                                      33
<PAGE>   16

SALES AND PROFIT STATISTICS BY BUSINESS SEGMENT(a)

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except percentages and footnote data)
                                                             % OF    % of
                                                            TOTAL   Total
                                                             1996    1987          1996         1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                          <C>      <C>      <C>          <C>     
SALES AND SERVICE REVENUES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS(b)
                     Roto-Rooter .......................      29%      37%     $201,648     $179,722
                     National Sanitary Supply ..........      45       63       310,125      340,913
                     Patient Care ......................      15       --        99,565       90,727
                     Omnia .............................      11       --        72,479       87,803
                                                             ---      ---      --------     --------
                        Total ..........................     100%     100%     $683,817     $699,165
                                                             ===      ===      ========     ========
OPERATING PROFIT FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS(c)
                     Roto-Rooter .......................      50%      55%     $ 19,115     $ 15,908(e)
                     National Sanitary Supply ..........      26       45         9,988       11,847
                     Patient Care ......................      15       --         5,632        4,989
                     Omnia .............................       9       --         3,226        5,957
                                                             ---      ---      --------     --------
                        Total ..........................     100%     100%     $ 37,961     $ 38,701
                                                             ===      ===      ========     ========

<FN>
(a) The data are presented on a continuing operations basis, thus excluding DuBois Chemicals Inc.,
    sold in April 1991. The data for 1996, 1995 and 1994 are covered by the report of independent
    accountants.

(b) Intersegment sales are not material. Total sales by segment consist of sales and services to
    unaffiliated companies. The Company does not derive 10% or more of its sales and service
    revenues from any one customer.

(c) Operating profit is total sales and service revenues less operating expenses and includes 100%
    of all consolidated operations. In computing operating profit, none of the following items has
    been added or deducted: general corporate expenses, interest expense, and other income--net.

</TABLE>


                                      34
<PAGE>   17

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




        1994            1993            1992            1991             1990            1989            1988            1987
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<S>                 <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>
    $171,930        $136,428(d)     $104,688       $  84,774(d)     $  75,230       $  66,842       $  62,255       $  55,233
     308,280         296,865         288,731         267,508          265,424         262,351         179,191(d)       92,618
      69,064              --              --              --               --              --              --              --
      95,753          91,800           7,543              --               --              --              --              --
   ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------        ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
    $645,027        $525,093        $400,962        $352,282         $340,654        $329,193        $241,446        $147,851
   =========       =========       =========       =========        =========       =========       =========       =========

   $  15,967       $  14,371(d)    $  11,253      $    8,499(d)    $    8,049      $    7,762      $    8,267      $    7,573
      10,291           9,093           9,171           8,504           10,165          10,762           8,507(d)        6,157
       2,790              --              --              --               --              --              --              --
       5,415(f)        5,660             607              --               --              --              --              --
   ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------        ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
   $  34,463       $  29,124       $  21,031       $  17,003        $  18,214       $  18,524       $  16,774       $  13,730
   =========       =========       =========       =========        =========       =========       =========       =========
</TABLE>


<TABLE>

(d) The following significant business combinations, all in the United States, have been accounted for as purchase transactions:
<CAPTION>

                                                                                   Amounts Reported
                                                                                   in Year Acquired
                                                                        ----------------------------------
                               Business                  Effective Date           Sales and      Operating
         Name                  Segment                   of Acquisition    Service Revenues         Profit
         ------------    --------------------       --------------------   -----------------    ----------
<S>                            <C>                          <C>                 <C>               <C>   
         Service America
           Network Inc.        Roto-Rooter                    July 1993         $18,576,000       $784,000
         Service America
           Systems Inc.        Roto-Rooter                  August 1991           5,557,000        773,000
         Century Papers Inc.   National Sanitary Supply       July 1988          71,650,000            --*

<FN>
         *Operations were integrated into existing operations and amount is not determinable.

(e) Amount includes nonrecurring charges of $538,000 incurred as a result of discussions related to Chemed's proposal to
    acquire the 42% minority interest in Roto-Rooter.

(f) Amount includes nonrecurring charges of $648,000 related to the cost of staff reductions and refocusing marketing
    efforts.

</TABLE>

                                      35
<PAGE>   18

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except per share data, employee numbers,
ratios and percentages)
                                                                          1996          1995          1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                   <C>           <C>           <C>     
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
            Continuing operations
               Total sales and service revenues .................     $683,817      $699,165      $645,027
               Gross profit .....................................      240,535       235,359       217,358
               Depreciation .....................................       11,960        11,819        10,686
               Income from operations ...........................       31,382        32,424        27,406
               Income from continuing operations ................       31,728        20,439        14,532
            Discontinued operations(a) ..........................          600         2,743        29,390
            Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles           --            --            --
            Net income ..........................................       32,328        23,182        43,922
            Earnings per common share:
               Assuming full dilution--
                  Income from continuing operations(b) ..........         3.23          2.07          1.47
                  Net income ....................................         3.29          2.35          4.46
               Primary--
                  Income from continuing operations(b) ..........         3.23          2.07          1.47
                  Net income ....................................         3.29          2.35          4.46
            Average number of shares outstanding:
               Assuming full dilution ...........................        9,836         9,861         9,856
               Primary ..........................................        9,836         9,861         9,856
            Cash dividends per share ............................     $   2.08      $   2.06      $   2.04

FINANCIAL POSITION--YEAR-END
            Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities ....     $ 11,935      $ 29,281      $ 24,239
            Working capital .....................................       67,811        74,433        55,061
            Properties and equipment, at cost less accumulated
               depreciation .....................................       83,259        77,131        77,116
            Total assets ........................................      559,350       531,868       505,483
            Long-term debt ......................................      158,168        85,368        92,133
            Stockholders' equity ................................      217,891       208,657       186,320
            Book value per share:
               Assuming full dilution ...........................        21.89         21.18         18.89
               Primary ..........................................        21.89         21.18         18.89

OTHER STATISTICS--CONTINUING OPERATIONS
            Net cash provided/(used) by continuing operations ...     $ 35,765      $ 18,836      $ 23,372
            Capital expenditures ................................       19,026        15,413        18,400
            Number of employees .................................        7,886         7,335         6,602
            Number of sales and service representatives .........        4,976         4,500         3,919
            Dividend payout ratio(c) ............................         63.2%         87.7%         45.7%
            Debt to total capital ratio:
               Total debt basis .................................         43.4          32.0          35.7
               Senior debt basis ................................         43.4          32.0          35.7
            Return on average equity(c) .........................         16.5          11.9          28.4
            Return on average total capital employed(c) .........         11.6           9.3          16.4
            Current ratio .......................................         1.54          1.51          1.39
                                                                      
<FN>
(a) Discontinued operations data include Omnicare Inc., discontinued in 1994; accrual adjustments from 1992 through 1996
    related to the gain on the sale of DuBois Chemicals Inc. ("DuBois"); DuBois, sold in April 1991; and adjustments to
    accruals in 1991 and 1988 related to operations discontinued in 1986.

(b) Earnings per share assuming full dilution from continuing operations for years prior to 1989 are greater than the
    corresponding primary amounts due to the antidilutive impact of the convertible debt on earnings per common share
    from continuing operations.
</TABLE>

                                      36
<PAGE>   19

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1993          1992          1991          1990          1989          1988            1987
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



<C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>      
$525,093      $400,962      $352,282      $340,654      $329,193      $241,446      $ 147,851
 175,900       138,517       123,077       118,235       110,618        87,071         65,577
   8,817         6,348         5,899         5,413         4,811         3,738          3,049
  23,163        15,180         9,500        11,147        11,281         9,529          7,636
  14,843        12,506         9,858         3,616         2,908           416            632
   2,986         3,145        43,109        12,938        23,274        22,972         19,730
   1,651            --            --            --            --           732             --
  19,480        15,651        52,967        16,554        26,182        24,120         20,362


    1.52          1.28           .98           .35           .29           .29            .35
    1.99          1.60          5.27          1.60          2.61          2.47           2.15

    1.52          1.28           .98           .35           .29           .04            .07
    1.99          1.60          5.27          1.60          2.61          2.60           2.28

   9,778         9,803        10,059        10,371        10,042        10,879         11,006
   9,778         9,803        10,059        10,371        10,042         9,280          8,939
$   2.01      $   2.00      $   1.97      $   1.96      $   1.84      $   1.72      $    1.60


$ 15,815      $ 47,704      $ 83,044      $    775      $  5,346      $  4,033      $   4,387
  30,741        62,452        82,675        14,377        28,236        24,740         10,064

  70,758        62,872        44,391        36,802        38,574        36,335         25,034
 430,253       404,944       364,335       277,169       285,600       276,276        218,314
  98,059       103,778        77,928        82,151        85,834        90,405         46,504
 137,151       133,511       139,407       109,504       119,121       109,276        111,754

   14.00         13.68         14.08         10.75         11.61         13.19          14.69
   14.00         13.68         14.08         10.75         11.61         11.65          12.71


$ 17,715      $ 15,563      $ 19,572      $ 13,505      $  9,333      $  7,589      $  (6,335)
  13,851         8,232        11,416         7,128         7,723        10,259          5,597
   4,834         3,856         3,325         2,965         2,851         2,633          1,796
   2,552         1,790         1,665         1,409         1,356         1,223            967
   101.0%        125.0%         37.4%        122.5%         70.5%         66.2%          70.2%

    43.2          44.3          34.5          42.4          40.3          43.5           29.3
    43.2          44.3          34.5          42.4          34.9          29.2            3.8
    14.3          11.6          42.5          13.8          22.3          20.6           17.0
     9.7           8.7          24.4           9.8          14.0          14.9           13.5
    1.24          1.60          1.98          1.27          1.61          1.55           1.32

<FN>
(c) These computations are based on the net income and, with respect to return
    on average capital employed, various related adjustments.
</TABLE>

                                      37
<PAGE>   20

ADDITIONAL SEGMENT DATA(a)

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)
For the Years Ended December 31,                                            1996           1995           1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                    <C>            <C>            <C>      
IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS
            Roto-Rooter                                                $ 208,345      $ 134,891      $ 127,602
            National Sanitary Supply                                     111,445        121,427        122,175
            Patient Care                                                  47,494         46,211         38,857
            Omnia                                                         78,682         83,697         84,682
                                                                       ---------      ---------      ---------
               Total identifiable assets                                 445,966        386,226        373,316
            Corporate assets(b)                                          113,384        145,642        132,167
                                                                       ---------      ---------      ---------
                  Total assets                                         $ 559,350      $ 531,868      $ 505,483
                                                                       =========      =========      =========
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
            Roto-Rooter                                                $   6,920      $   5,544      $   6,214
            National Sanitary Supply                                       3,996          3,393          6,715
            Patient Care                                                   2,484          2,608          2,541
            Omnia                                                          4,042          2,801          2,079
                                                                       ---------      ---------      ---------
               Subtotal                                                   17,442         14,346         17,549
            Corporate assets                                               1,584          1,067            851
                                                                       ---------      ---------      ---------
                  Total capital expenditures                           $  19,026      $  15,413      $  18,400
                                                                       =========      =========      =========
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION(c)
            Roto-Rooter                                                $   8,832      $   7,646      $   7,227
            National Sanitary Supply                                       4,859          4,848          4,525
            Patient Care                                                   1,609          1,463            718
            Omnia                                                          2,210          2,727          2,643
                                                                       ---------      ---------      ---------
               Subtotal                                                   17,510         16,684         15,113
            Corporate assets                                               1,337          1,521            694
                                                                       ---------      ---------      ---------
                  Total depreciation and amortization                  $  18,847      $  18,205      $  15,807
                                                                       =========      =========      =========
RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT TO INCOME
   BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST
            Total operating profit                                     $  37,961      $  38,701      $  34,463
            Interest expense                                              (8,950)        (8,466)        (8,807)
            Investment income, net of corporate expenses(d)               28,374         10,724          4,118
                                                                       ---------      ---------      ---------
                  Income before income taxes and minority interest     $  57,385      $  40,959      $  29,774
                                                                       =========      =========      =========

<FN>
(a) The Additional Segment Data are covered by the report of independent accountants.

(b) Corporate assets consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, properties and equipment and
    other investments.

(c) Depreciation and amortization include amortization of identifiable intangible assets, goodwill and other assets.

(d) Amounts are not allocable to segments and are included in various categories in the Consolidated Statement of
    Income.
</TABLE>

                                      38
<PAGE>   21

UNAUDITED SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except per share data)
                                                 First          Second           Third          Fourth           Total
1996                                           Quarter         Quarter         Quarter         Quarter            Year
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                          <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>      
  CONTINUING OPERATIONS
     TOTAL SALES AND SERVICE REVENUES .      $ 167,461       $ 170,471       $ 173,715       $ 172,170       $ 683,817
                                             =========       =========       =========       =========       =========
     GROSS PROFIT .....................      $  57,758       $  60,095       $  60,378       $  62,304       $ 240,535
                                             =========       =========       =========       =========       =========
     INCOME FROM OPERATIONS ...........      $   7,011       $   8,030       $   8,696       $   7,645       $  31,382
     INTEREST EXPENSE .................         (1,931)         (1,900)         (2,241)         (2,878)         (8,950)
     OTHER INCOME--NET ................         16,298           5,181           1,633          11,841          34,953
                                             ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
        INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
           AND MINORITY INTEREST ......         21,378          11,311           8,088          16,608          57,385
     INCOME TAXES .....................         (7,974)         (4,237)         (3,200)         (6,455)        (21,866)
     MINORITY INTEREST IN EARNINGS
        OF SUBSIDIARIES ...............         (1,207)         (1,386)         (1,024)           (174)         (3,791)
                                             ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
     INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS          12,197           5,688           3,864           9,979          31,728
  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS .............             --              --             600              --             600
                                             ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
  NET INCOME ..........................      $  12,197       $   5,688       $   4,464       $   9,979       $  32,328
                                             =========       =========       =========       =========       =========
  EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
     INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS       $    1.24       $     .58       $     .39       $    1.01       $    3.23
                                             =========       =========       =========       =========       =========
     NET INCOME .......................      $    1.24       $     .58       $     .46       $    1.01       $    3.29
                                             =========       =========       =========       =========       =========
     AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING        9,867           9,837           9,790           9,850           9,836
                                             =========       =========       =========       =========       =========

1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Continuing Operations
     Total sales and service revenues .      $ 169,858       $ 177,344       $ 177,554       $ 174,409       $ 699,165
                                             =========       =========       =========       =========       =========
     Gross profit .....................      $  57,092       $  59,302       $  59,223       $  59,742       $ 235,359
                                             =========       =========       =========       =========       =========
     Income from operations ...........      $   6,696       $   7,851       $   8,681       $   9,196       $  32,424
     Interest expense .................         (2,103)         (2,119)         (2,117)         (2,127)         (8,466)
     Other income--net ................          5,649           4,727           4,775           1,850          17,001
                                             ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
        Income before income taxes
           and minority interest ......         10,242          10,459          11,339           8,919          40,959
     Income taxes .....................         (3,814)         (4,027)         (4,379)         (3,394)        (15,614)
     Minority interest in earnings
        of subsidiaries ...............         (1,043)         (1,127)         (1,252)         (1,484)         (4,906)
                                             ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
     Income from continuing operations           5,385           5,305           5,708           4,041          20,439
  Discontinued Operations .............            901              --           1,842              --           2,743
                                             ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
  Net Income ..........................      $   6,286       $   5,305       $   7,550       $   4,041       $  23,182
                                             =========       =========       =========       =========       =========
  Earnings Per Common Share
     Income from continuing operations       $     .55       $     .54       $     .58       $     .41       $    2.07
                                             =========       =========       =========       =========       =========
     Net income .......................      $     .64       $     .54       $     .77       $     .41       $    2.35
                                             =========       =========       =========       =========       =========
     Average number of shares outstanding        9,863           9,869           9,866           9,848           9,861
                                             =========       =========       =========       =========       =========
</TABLE>


                                    39
<PAGE>   22

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL CONDITION

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
   Significant factors affecting the Company's consolidated cash flows during
1996 and financial position at December 31, 1996, include the following:
   -The Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Roto-Rooter Inc. that
it did not already own, using approximately $96.2 million of cash;
   -The Company increased its borrowings by $63.7 million to finance, in part,
the acquisition of the Roto-Rooter minority interest;
   -Proceeds from sales of investments aggregated $42.5 million; 
   -Cash generated by operations totaled $35.8 million; and
   -Purchase business combinations completed in 1996 required cash outlays
aggregating $9.9 million.
   As a result of the foregoing, the ratio of total debt to total capital
increased from 32% at December 31, 1995, to 43% at the end of 1996. Excluding
the debt guarantees of the Employee Stock Ownership Plans ("ESOPs"), the total
debt to total capital ratios were 35% and 23%, respectively, at December 31,
1996 and 1995. The Company's current ratio at December 31, 1996, remained at
1.5, the same as at December 31, 1995.
   The Company had $27.3 million of unused lines of short-term credit with
various banks at December 31, 1996.

CASH FLOW
   The Company's cash flows for 1996 and 1995 are summarized as follows (in
millions):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                         For the Years Ended
                                            December 31,
                                         -------------------
                                            1996        1995
                                         -------     -------
<S>                                      <C>         <C>    
Proceeds from sale of investments        $  42.5     $  32.4
Cash from operations                        35.8        18.8
Cash dividends                             (20.4)      (20.3)
Capital expenditures                       (19.0)      (15.4)
                                         -------     -------
   Cash excess after capital
      requirements and dividends            38.9        15.5
Purchase of Roto-Rooter
   minority interest                       (96.2)         --
Net change in long- and short-term
   debt (excluding ESOP guarantees)         63.7        (1.3)
Business combinations                       (9.9)      (11.9)
Proceeds from sale
   of divested operations                     --        16.4
Other--net                                  (3.8)       (4.2)
                                         -------     -------
   Increase/(decrease) in cash
      and cash equivalents               $  (7.3)    $  14.5
                                         =======     =======
</TABLE>


   For 1996, cash generated by operations, combined with the proceeds from the
sales of investments, aggregated $78.3 million as compared with aggregate cash
dividends and capital expenditures of $39.4 million. The excess cash after
capital expenditures and dividends ($38.9 million), coupled with proceeds from
increased borrowings ($63.7 million), provided funding for the purchase of the
Roto-Rooter minority interest and other business combinations.
   The increased level of cash generated by operations in 1996 was attributable,
in part, to lower balances of accounts receivable and inventories resulting from
the loss of a major customer in the National Sanitary Supply segment. Based on
recent cash and earnings projections, it is expected that cash flow from
operations will continue to be supplemented by sales of investments in 1997 (and
to a lesser extent in later years) to fund the dividend and ordinary capital
expenditure requirements of the Company's operations. Management views the
Company's investment portfolio as a potential source of cash during the interim
period in which the Company's dividend exceeds its core earnings from continuing
operations (i.e., excluding gains on sales of investments). Unrealized aftertax
gains on the Company's available-for-sale investments amounted to $26.0 million
at December 31, 1996 ($37.0 million at December 31, 1995).
   In February 1997, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of
$.52 per share of capital stock, payable in March 1997 (the same rate paid in
each of the prior six quarters). The dividend rate is set each quarter with a
long-term perspective, taking into consideration the Company's financial
position, earnings and cash flow, as well as interest rates, market conditions
and other economic factors.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
   The Company's lease for corporate and general office facilities covers the
period from April 1991 to April 2006. As a part of the 1991 sale of the
Company's former DuBois Chemicals Inc. subsidiary ("DuBois") to Diversey
Corporation ("Diversey"), a portion of this space was subleased to DuBois for
varying terms expiring in the years 1998 through 2004. At December 31, 1996, the
Company had net lease commitments aggregating $51.7 million.
   In connection with the sale of DuBois, the Company provided allowances and
reserves relating to several long-term costs associated with DuBois, including
income tax matters, lease commitments and environmental costs. In the aggregate,
the Company believes these allowances and reserves are adequate as of December
31, 1996.
                                      40
<PAGE>   23


CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Based on an updated assessment of Chemed's environmental-related liability 
under the DuBois sale agreement, Chemed's adviser has estimated Chemed's
liability to be $10.8 million. Accordingly, at December 31, 1996, the Company is
contingently liable for additional cleanup and related costs up to a maximum of
$14.7 million, for which no provision has been recorded. Through December 31,
1996, the Company has reimbursed Diversey $3.4 million for environmental and
related costs of DuBois.
   The Company's various loan agreements and guarantees of indebtedness contain
certain restrictive covenants; however, management believes that such covenants
will not adversely affect the operations of the Company. Under the most
restrictive of these covenants at December 31, 1996, the Company would be
limited to incurring additional debt totaling $77.5 million and could not permit
its net worth to fall below $164.7 million (versus a balance of $217.9 million
at December 31, 1996). Also, the Company must maintain an interest coverage
ratio of 3.0, and the Company is limited to incurring net rentals under
operating leases with terms of three years or more aggregating $16.3 million. At
December 31, 1996, the Company's interest coverage ratio was 4.3, and rentals
under operating leases with terms of three or more years totaled $8.6 million
for 1996.
   Since 1991, the Company has carried an investment in the mandatorily
redeemable preferred stock ($27 million par value) of Vitas Healthcare
Corporation ("Vitas"), a privately held provider of hospice services to the
terminally ill. Vitas is currently encountering reduced liquidity and is
exploring long-term financing alternatives to increase its liquidity. Vitas'
debt covenants did not permit the payment of the preferred dividend ($1,215,000)
due to Chemed on January 15, 1997. Also, in December 1996, Vitas and the Company
agreed to reschedule to June 1997 the mandatory redemption of preferred stock
due in December 1996 ($8,262,000).
   Vitas is in the process of restructuring its operations and financial
position. On the basis of information currently available, management believes
its investment in Vitas is fully recoverable and that no permanent impairment
exists.
   It is management's opinion that the Company has no long-range commitments
that would have a significant impact on its liquidity, financial condition or
the results of its operations. Due to the nature of the environmental
liabilities, it is not possible to forecast the timing of the cash payments for
these potential liabilities. Based on the Company's available credit lines,
sources of borrowing and liquid investments, management believes its sources of
capital and liquidity are satisfactory for the Company's needs for the
foreseeable future.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
   Set forth below by business segment are the growth in sales and service
revenues and operating profit margin:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                Percent Increase/(Decrease)
                               in Sales and Service Revenues
                               -----------------------------
                                     1996             1995
                                 vs. 1995         vs. 1994
                               ----------       ----------
<S>                                <C>               <C>
Roto-Rooter                            12%               5%
National Sanitary Supply               (9)              11
Patient Care                           10               31
Omnia                                 (17)              (8)
         Total                         (2)               8

<CAPTION>

                                     Operating Profit
                                   as a Percent of Sales
                                   and Service Revenues
                                    (Operating Margin)
                               -----------------------------
                                 1996      1995       1994
                                -----      -----     -----
<S>                            <C>        <C>       <C> 
Roto-Rooter                      9.5%       8.9%      9.3%
National Sanitary Supply         3.2        3.5       3.3
Patient Care                     5.7        5.5       4.0
Omnia                            4.5        6.8       5.7
         Total                   5.6        5.5       5.3
</TABLE>


1996 VERSUS 1995
   The Roto-Rooter segment recorded sales and service revenues of $201,648,000
during 1996, an increase of 12% versus revenues of $179,722,000 in 1995. This
growth was attributable primarily to revenue increases of 20% and 12%,
respectively, in Roto-Rooter's plumbing and sewer and drain cleaning businesses
for the 1996 period. Plumbing and sewer and drain cleaning revenues account for
26% and 32%, respectively, of this segment's total revenues. Roto-Rooter's
operating margin increased from 8.9% in 1995 to 9.5% in 1996, partially as the
result of $538,000 of nonrecurring expenses recorded in 1995. Improved
profitability of the service contract business in 1996 also contributed to this
increase in operating margin.
   The National Sanitary Supply segment recorded sales of $310,125,000 during
1996, a decline of 9% versus sales of $340,913,000 in 1995. Also, National
Sanitary Supply's operating margin declined from 3.5% during 1995 to 3.2% during
1996. The sales and margin declines primarily resulted from the loss of a large
fast-food customer during the first quarter of 1996.
   Revenues of the Patient Care segment increased
10% from $90,727,000 in 1995 to $99,565,000 in 1996, largely as a result of
continued geographic expansion. In addition, the operating margin of this
segment increased from 5.5% during 1995 to 5.7% during 1996.

                                      41
<PAGE>   24

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   The Omnia segment recorded sales of $72,479,000 during 1996, a decline of 17%
versus sales of $87,803,000 recorded in 1995. Excluding sales of Omnia's retail
division (sold in July 1995), this segment's sales for 1996 increased 7% as
compared with sales for 1995. The operating margin of this segment declined from
6.8% during 1995 to 4.5% during 1996, due primarily to rapid reductions in paper
prices in mid-1996.
   Income from operations declined from $32,424,000 in 1995 to $31,382,000 in
1996, primarily as a result of operating profit declines in the Omnia and
National Sanitary Supply segments, partially offset by operating profit
increases in the Roto-Rooter and Patient Care segments.
   Interest expense for 1996 totaled $8,950,000, an increase of $484,000 versus
expense of $8,466,000 recorded in 1995. This increase was attributable to
additional debt incurred to finance the purchase of the Roto-Rooter minority
interest in 1996.
   Other income increased from $17,001,000 in 1995 to $34,953,000 in 1996,
primarily as a result of larger gains on the sales of investments recorded in
1996.
   The Company's effective income tax rate was 38.1% in both 1996 and 1995.
   Minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries declined from $4,906,000 in
1995 to $3,791,000 in 1996, largely as the result of the purchase of the
Roto-Rooter minority interest in 1996.
   Income from continuing operations increased 55% from $20,439,000 ($2.07 per
share) in 1995 to $31,728,000 ($3.23 per share) in 1996. Excluding realized
investment gains ($17,731,000 in 1996 and $5,882,000 in 1995) and nonrecurring
charges ($208,000 in 1995), income from continuing operations declined 5% from
$14,765,000 ($1.50 per share) in 1995 to $13,997,000 ($1.42 per share) in 1996.
   Net income increased from $23,182,000 ($2.35 per share) in 1995 to
$32,328,000 ($3.29 per share) in 1996. Net income included adjustments to the
accruals related to operations discontinued in 1991 of $600,000 ($.06 per share)
in 1996 and $2,743,000 ($.28 per share) in 1995.

1995 VERSUS 1994
   Sales and service revenues of the Roto-Rooter segment for 1995 totaled
$179,722,000, an increase of 5% over the $171,930,000 of revenues recorded for
1994. Plumbing revenues increased 17% to $43,209,000 and drain cleaning revenues
increased 10% to $58,149,000 in 1995 versus revenues recorded in 1994. Service
contract revenues increased .3% to $50,241,000 in 1995, when compared with
revenues recorded in 1994. Excluding the revenues of Service America Systems
Inc.'s ("Service America") maintenance and management subsidiary, which was sold
effective March 31, 1995, Roto-Rooter's revenues for 1995 were 8% greater than
revenues recorded in 1994. The operating margin of the Roto-Rooter segment
declined from 9.3% in 1994 to 8.9% in 1995, largely as a result of $538,000 of
nonrecurring costs incurred by Roto-Rooter in evaluating Chemed's proposal to
acquire the 42% minority interest in Roto-Rooter (the proposal was withdrawn in
August 1995). In addition, Roto-Rooter's operating margin was unfavorably
impacted by declining margins of Service America, as a result of a
higher-than-expected number of service calls in 1995.
   Sales of the National Sanitary Supply segment increased 11% from $308,280,000
for 1994 to $340,913,000 for 1995. Most locations throughout the United States
experienced sales volume increases resulting from enhanced sales and marketing
efforts such as a full-line product catalog and promotional programs. A
substantial portion of the sales growth was achieved through improved product
pricing. The operating margin of this segment improved to 3.5% during 1995 from
3.3% during 1994, largely as a result of continued tight expense control during
1995.
   Revenues of the Patient Care segment increased 31% from $69,064,000 in 1994
to $90,727,000 in 1995. This is primarily attributable to internal growth
resulting from Patient Care's expanded training programs in 1995. As a result of
the significant revenue growth, Patient Care was able to leverage its fixed
costs and improve its operating margin from 4.0% in 1994 to 5.5% in 1995.

                                      42
<PAGE>   25

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Sales of the Omnia segment declined from $95,753,000 in 1994 to $87,803,000
in 1995, primarily as a result of the sale of the Veratex Retail division in
July 1995. Excluding the sales of the retail division and of the medical
division of Central States Diversified ("CSDM") (acquired in May 1995), the
sales of Omnia for 1995 increased 8% over sales for 1994. The operating margin
of this segment increased from 5.7% in 1994 to 6.8% in 1995. Excluding $648,000
of nonrecurring severance and marketing costs in 1994, the operating margin
would have been 6.3%. The 1995 operating margin was also favorably impacted by
the CSDM acquisition and the higher profit margins of Omnia's core wholesale and
manufacturing business.
   Income from operations increased from $27,406,000 in 1994 to $32,424,000 in
1995, primarily as a result of increases in operating profit by all segments. In
addition, the income-from-operations comparison for 1995 versus 1994 was aided
by a lower level of nonrecurring expenses in 1995 as compared with such expenses
in 1994 ($538,000 versus $1,705,000, respectively).
   Other income increased from $11,175,000 in 1994 to $17,001,000 in 1995,
primarily as a result of larger gains on the sales of investments during 1995 as
compared with gains recorded in 1994. In addition, increased interest income for
1995, due primarily to higher cash and marketable securities balances,
contributed to this growth.
   The effective tax rate for 1995 was 38.1% as compared with 36.8% for 1994.
The increase was attributable to lower favorable tax adjustments and ESOP
dividend tax credits (as a percentage of pretax income) in 1995.
   Chemed's income from continuing operations increased 41% from $14,532,000
($1.47 per share) to $20,439,000 ($2.07 per share) in 1995 as a result of 18%
growth in income from operations, coupled with larger gains from the sales of
investments in 1995 as compared with 1994. Excluding nonrecurring expenses
($208,000 in 1995 and $1,107,000 in 1994) and realized investment gains
($5,882,000 in 1995 and $3,377,000 in 1994), income from continuing operations
increased 20% from $12,262,000 ($1.24 per share) in 1994 to $14,765,000 ($1.50
per share) in 1995.
   Net income for 1995 included discontinued operations of $2,743,000 ($.28 per
share) from favorable adjustments to the tax accruals related to the sale of
DuBois in 1991. Net income for 1994 included discontinued operations of
$29,390,000 ($2.99 per share), largely from the Company's equity investment in
Omnicare, which was discontinued in November 1994.

ACCOUNTING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
REMEDIATION LIABILITIES
   In October 1996, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position No. 96-1
("SOP 96-1"), Environmental Remediation Liabilities. SOP 96-1 is effective for
financial statements covering fiscal years commencing after December 31, 1996.
Since the Company's accounting policy for recording environmental liabilities
substantially complies with SOP 96-1, the adoption of this statement is not
expected to materially impact the Company's statement of financial position or
results of operations.


                                      43
<PAGE>   26

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

OFFICERS
EDWARD L. HUTTON
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

KEVIN J. MCNAMARA
President

TIMOTHY S. O'TOOLE
Executive Vice President & Treasurer

PAUL C. VOET
Executive Vice President
            
SANDRA E. LANEY
Senior Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer

ARTHUR V. TUCKER, JR.
Vice President & Controller

NAOMI C. DALLOB
Vice President & Secretary

JAMES H. DEVLIN
Vice President

LAWRENCE J. GILLIS
Vice President

THOMAS C. HUTTON
Vice President

D. MICHAEL LANEY
Vice President

DAVID J. LOHBECK
Vice President

DAVID G. SPARKS
Vice President

JANELLE M. JESSIE
Assistant Vice President

ANTHONY D. VAMVAS III
Assistant Vice President

PAULA W. KITTNER
Assistant Treasurer

MARK W. STEPHENS
Assistant Treasurer

MARIANNE LAMEY
Assistant Controller

LAURA A. VOLKER
Assistant Controller

JOYCE A. LAWRENCE
Assistant Secretary

DIRECTORS
EDWARD L. HUTTON
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
of Chemed Corporation

KEVIN J. MCNAMARA
President of Chemed Corporation
                 
JAMES A. CUNNINGHAM
Senior Chemical Adviser, Schroder Wertheim
& Company Inc.

JAMES H. DEVLIN
Vice President of Chemed Corporation; Chairman
& Chief Executive Officer of The Omnia Group

CHARLES H. ERHART, JR.
Former President of W.R. Grace & Co. (retired)

JOEL F. GEMUNDER
President of Omnicare Inc.

LAWRENCE J. GILLIS
Vice President of Chemed Corporation;
President of the Roto-Rooter Group

PATRICK P. GRACE
Consultant and investment adviser

THOMAS C. HUTTON
Vice President of Chemed Corporation

WALTER L. KREBS
Director--Financial Services of DiverseyLever Inc. 
(Specialty Chemicals, Detroit, Mich.) (retired)
               
SANDRA E. LANEY
Senior Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer
of Chemed Corporation

JOHN M. MOUNT
Principal, Lynch-Mount Associates
(Management Consulting, Cincinnati, Ohio)

TIMOTHY S. O'TOOLE
Executive Vice President & Treasurer
of Chemed Corporation; Chairman
& Chief Executive Officer of Patient Care Inc.

D. WALTER ROBBINS, JR.
Consultant and former Vice Chairman
of W.R. Grace & Co. (retired)

PAUL C. VOET
Executive Vice President of Chemed Corporation; 
President & Chief Executive Officer
of National Sanitary Supply Company

GEORGE J. WALSH III
Corporate & Real Estate Partner, Gould & Wilkie
(Law Firm, New York, N.Y.)

DIRECTORS EMERITI
NEAL GILLIATT
LEON LEVY
HERMAN B. WELLS

<PAGE>   1
                                   EXHIBIT 21
                       SUBSIDIARIES OF CHEMED CORPORATION

         The following is a list of subsidiaries of the Company as of December 
31, 1996. Other subsidiaries which have been omitted from the list would not,
when considered in the aggregate, constitute a significant subsidiary. Each of
the companies is incorporated under the laws of the state following its name.
The percentage given for each company represents the percentage of voting
securities of such company owned by the Company or, where indicated,
subsidiaries of the Company as at December 31, 1996.

         All of the majority owned companies listed below are included in the 
consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 1996.

         Century Papers, Inc. (Texas, 100% by National Sanitary Supply
         Company)
         Elder Care Solutions, Inc. (Kentucky, 100% by Patient Care, Inc.)
         Jet Resource, Inc. (Delaware, 100%)
         National Home Care, Inc. (New York, 100% by Patient Care, Inc.)
         National Sanitary Supply Company (Delaware, 84%)
         National Sanitary Supply Development, Inc. (Delaware, 100% by
         National Sanitary Supply Company)
         Nurotoco of Massachusetts, Inc. (Massachusetts, 100% by Roto-Rooter
         Services Company)
         Nurotoco of New Jersey, Inc. (Delaware, 80% by Roto-Rooter Services
         Company)
         OCR Holding Company (Nevada, 100%)
         Omnia I, Inc. (Delaware, 100% by OCR Holding Company)
         The Omnia Corporation (Delaware, 100% by OCR Holding Company)
         OnCall Craftsmen, Inc. (Ohio, 100% by Roto-Rooter Services Company)
         Patient Care, Inc. (Delaware, 100% by Chemed Corporation)
         Patient Care Medical Services, Inc. (New Jersey, 100% by Patient
         Care, Inc.)
         Roto-Rooter Corporation (Iowa, 100% by Roto-Rooter, Inc.)
         Roto-Rooter Development Company (Delaware, 100% by Roto-Rooter
         Corporation)
         Roto-Rooter, Inc. (Delaware, 100% by Chemed Corporation)
         Roto-Rooter Management Company (Delaware, 100% by Roto-Rooter, Inc.)
         Roto-Rooter Services Company (Iowa, 100% by Roto-Rooter, Inc.)
         RR Plumbing Services Corporation (New York, 49% by Roto-Rooter
         Services Company; included within the consolidated financial
         statements as a consolidated subsidiary)
         Service America Network, Inc. (Florida, 100% by Service America
         Systems, Inc.)
         Service America Systems, Inc. (Florida, 70% by Roto-Rooter, Inc. and
         30% by Chemed)
         Tidi Products, Inc. (Delaware, 100% by OCR Holding Company)
         Unidisco, Inc. (Delaware, 100% by OCR Holding Company)



<PAGE>   1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 23

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                       ----------------------------------

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 33-28594, 33-9549, 2-87202, 2-80712, 33-65244 and
33-61063) of Chemed Corporation of our report dated February 4, 1997 appearing
on page 19 of the 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders which is incorporated in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also consent to the incorporation by
reference of our report on the Financial Statement Schedule, which appears on
page S-2 of this Form 10-K.

PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP

Cincinnati, Ohio
March 27, 1997


<PAGE>   1
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


     The undersigned director of CHEMED CORPORATION ("Company") hereby appoints 
EDWARD L. HUTTON, KEVIN J. MCNAMARA and NAOMI C. DALLOB as his true and lawful 
attorneys-in-fact for the purpose of signing the Company's Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and all amendments thereto, to 
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of such 
attorneys-in-fact is appointed with full power to act without the other.


Dated: March 10, 1997


                                               /s/ JAMES A. CUNNINGHAM
                                               -----------------------
                                                   James A. Cunningham
<PAGE>   2
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


     The undersigned director of CHEMED CORPORATION ("Company") hereby appoints 
EDWARD L. HUTTON, KEVIN J. MCNAMARA and NAOMI C. DALLOB as his true and lawful 
attorneys-in-fact for the purpose of signing the Company's Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and all amendments thereto, to 
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of such 
attorneys-in-fact is appointed with full power to act without the other.


Dated: March 10, 1997


                                               /s/ JAMES H. DEVLIN    
                                               -------------------    
                                                   James H. Devlin     
<PAGE>   3
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


     The undersigned director of CHEMED CORPORATION ("Company") hereby appoints 
EDWARD L. HUTTON, KEVIN J. MCNAMARA and NAOMI C. DALLOB as his true and lawful 
attorneys-in-fact for the purpose of signing the Company's Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and all amendments thereto, to 
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of such 
attorneys-in-fact is appointed with full power to act without the other.


Dated: March 5, 1997


                                               /s/ CHARLES H. ERHART, JR.
                                               --------------------------
                                                   Charles H. Erhart, Jr.
<PAGE>   4
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


     The undersigned director of CHEMED CORPORATION ("Company") hereby appoints 
EDWARD L. HUTTON, KEVIN J. MCNAMARA and NAOMI C. DALLOB as his true and lawful 
attorneys-in-fact for the purpose of signing the Company's Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and all amendments thereto, to 
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of such 
attorneys-in-fact is appointed with full power to act without the other.


Dated: March 3, 1997


                                               /s/ LAWRENCE J. GILLIS 
                                               ---------------------- 
                                                   Lawrence J. Gillis 
<PAGE>   5
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


     The undersigned director of CHEMED CORPORATION ("Company") hereby appoints 
EDWARD L. HUTTON, KEVIN J. MCNAMARA and NAOMI C. DALLOB as his true and lawful 
attorneys-in-fact for the purpose of signing the Company's Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and all amendments thereto, to 
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of such 
attorneys-in-fact is appointed with full power to act without the other.


Dated: March 17, 1997


                                               /s/ PATRICK P. GRACE   
                                               --------------------   
                                                   Patrick P. Grace   
<PAGE>   6
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


     The undersigned director of CHEMED CORPORATION ("Company") hereby appoints 
EDWARD L. HUTTON, KEVIN J. MCNAMARA and NAOMI C. DALLOB as his true and lawful 
attorneys-in-fact for the purpose of signing the Company's Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and all amendments thereto, to 
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of such 
attorneys-in-fact is appointed with full power to act without the other.


Dated: March 4, 1997


                                               /s/ THOMAS C. HUTTON   
                                               --------------------   
                                                   Thomas C. Hutton   
<PAGE>   7
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


     The undersigned director of CHEMED CORPORATION ("Company") hereby appoints 
EDWARD L. HUTTON, KEVIN J. MCNAMARA and NAOMI C. DALLOB as his true and lawful 
attorneys-in-fact for the purpose of signing the Company's Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and all amendments thereto, to 
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of such 
attorneys-in-fact is appointed with full power to act without the other.


Dated: March 7, 1997


                                               /s/ WALTER L. KREBS    
                                               -------------------    
                                                   Walter L. Krebs    
<PAGE>   8
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


     The undersigned director of CHEMED CORPORATION ("Company") hereby appoints 
EDWARD L. HUTTON, KEVIN J. MCNAMARA and NAOMI C. DALLOB as his true and lawful 
attorneys-in-fact for the purpose of signing the Company's Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and all amendments thereto, to 
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of such 
attorneys-in-fact is appointed with full power to act without the other.


Dated: March 3, 1997


                                               /s/ SANDRA E. LANEY    
                                               -------------------    
                                                   Sandra E. Laney   
<PAGE>   9
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


     The undersigned director of CHEMED CORPORATION ("Company") hereby appoints 
EDWARD L. HUTTON, KEVIN J. MCNAMARA and NAOMI C. DALLOB as his true and lawful 
attorneys-in-fact for the purpose of signing the Company's Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and all amendments thereto, to 
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of such 
attorneys-in-fact is appointed with full power to act without the other.


Dated: March 7, 1997


                                               /s/ KEVIN J. MCNAMARA  
                                               ---------------------  
                                                   Kevin J. McNamara  
<PAGE>   10
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


     The undersigned director of CHEMED CORPORATION ("Company") hereby appoints 
EDWARD L. HUTTON, KEVIN J. MCNAMARA and NAOMI C. DALLOB as his true and lawful 
attorneys-in-fact for the purpose of signing the Company's Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and all amendments thereto, to 
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of such 
attorneys-in-fact is appointed with full power to act without the other.


Dated: March 7, 1997


                                               /s/ JOHN M. MOUNT      
                                               -----------------      
                                                   John M. Mount       
<PAGE>   11
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


     The undersigned director of CHEMED CORPORATION ("Company") hereby appoints 
EDWARD L. HUTTON, KEVIN J. MCNAMARA and NAOMI C. DALLOB as his true and lawful 
attorneys-in-fact for the purpose of signing the Company's Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and all amendments thereto, to 
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of such 
attorneys-in-fact is appointed with full power to act without the other.


Dated: March 5, 1997


                                               /s/ D. WALTER ROBBINS, JR.
                                               --------------------------
                                                   D. Walter Robbins, Jr.
<PAGE>   12
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


     The undersigned director of CHEMED CORPORATION ("Company") hereby appoints 
EDWARD L. HUTTON, KEVIN J. MCNAMARA and NAOMI C. DALLOB as his true and lawful 
attorneys-in-fact for the purpose of signing the Company's Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and all amendments thereto, to 
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of such 
attorneys-in-fact is appointed with full power to act without the other.


Dated: March 3, 1997


                                               /s/ PAUL C. VOET       
                                               ----------------       
                                                   Paul C. Voet       
<PAGE>   13
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


     The undersigned director of CHEMED CORPORATION ("Company") hereby appoints 
EDWARD L. HUTTON, KEVIN J. MCNAMARA and NAOMI C. DALLOB as his true and lawful 
attorneys-in-fact for the purpose of signing the Company's Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and all amendments thereto, to 
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of such 
attorneys-in-fact is appointed with full power to act without the other.


Dated: March 10, 1997


                                               /s/ GEORGE J. WALSH III
                                               -----------------------
                                                   George J. Walsh III

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FORM 10-K
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 FOR CHEMED CORPORATION AND IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000019584
<NAME> CHEMED CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                          11,935
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   80,547
<ALLOWANCES>                                   (2,925)
<INVENTORY>                                     52,388
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               192,359
<PP&E>                                         139,912
<DEPRECIATION>                                (56,653)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 559,350
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          124,548
<BONDS>                                        158,168
<COMMON>                                        12,768
                                0
                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                     205,123
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   559,350
<SALES>                                        399,776
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               683,817
<CGS>                                          271,885
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  443,282
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 1,503
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               8,950
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 57,385
<INCOME-TAX>                                    21,866
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             31,728
<DISCONTINUED>                                     600
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    32,328
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     3.29
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     3.29
        

</TABLE>


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