Apria Healthcare Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2007 Financial Results



 * Fourth Quarter Earnings Per Share of $0.57 on Revenue Increase of
   15.7% to $452.7 Million

 * Full Year 2007 Earnings Per Share of $1.95, Up 12.7% Compared to
   $1.73 in 2006; 2007 Revenues of $1.632 Billion, Up 7.6% from $1.517
   Billion in 2006

LAKE FOREST, Calif., Feb. 6, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Apria Healthcare Group Inc. (NYSE:AHG), the nation's leading home healthcare company, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2007. The Company also provided revenue and earnings guidance for 2008 and made preliminary comments about 2009.

On December 3, 2007, the Company completed its acquisition of Coram, Inc. (Coram), strengthening the Company's infusion business and improving the breadth of its customer offerings and its future earnings capacity. Unless stated otherwise, the results reported in this press release reflect Coram's contribution, from the date of acquisition, to both the fourth quarter and full year 2007 consolidated results.

Fourth Quarter 2007

For the fourth quarter of 2007, revenues were $452.7 million, a 15.7% increase from revenues of $391.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. Excluding Coram, fourth quarter revenues were $410.6 million, a 4.9% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2006. In the fourth quarter of 2007, both respiratory therapy and infusion therapy experienced solid revenue growth compared to the fourth quarter of 2006. Respiratory therapy grew by 5.1%. Including the impact of the Coram acquisition, infusion therapy revenues grew by 66.9% during the fourth quarter of 2007. Excluding Coram, infusion therapy revenues increased 8.2% during the fourth quarter of 2007.

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2007 increased by 16.9% to $25.0 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, from $21.4 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2006. Excluding Coram, fourth quarter net income was $24.3 million, an increase of 13.6% over the fourth quarter of 2006. Fourth quarter 2007 net income per share on a diluted basis includes a one-time positive impact of $0.03 per diluted share, resulting from the reduction in tax liabilities due to the expiration of certain state statutes of limitations, and also includes $0.02 per diluted share reflecting the contribution from Coram's operations. It is important to note, however, that the majority of the integration related costs associated with Coram will be incurred during 2008 and beyond. Therefore, Coram's contribution during the fourth quarter of 2007 should not be used as a measure for 2008.

"Revenue grew in the second half of the year due to a heightened focus on sales force training, development and retention, as well as the expansion of the sales force," said Lawrence M. Higby, Chief Executive Officer. "Additionally, the cost-reduction initiatives we implemented during the year contributed to our strong financial results. Strategically, with the fourth quarter acquisition of Coram, we also positioned the Company for long-term success by diversifying our therapy and payor mix and significantly enhancing our position in the home infusion industry."

Gross margins were 64.2% in the fourth quarter of 2007 and 66.2% excluding Coram, compared to 65.6% in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Days sales outstanding (DSO) were 48 days at December 31, 2007, an improvement from 49 days at December 31, 2006. Excluding Coram, DSO were 44 at December 31, 2007. The provision for doubtful accounts as a percentage of revenues was 2.1% for the fourth quarter 2007, compared to 2.5% in the corresponding period in 2006. Excluding Coram, the provision for doubtful accounts as a percentage of revenues was 2.3% for the fourth quarter of 2007.

For the quarter, selling, distribution and administrative expenses were 51.9% of revenues, compared to 52.5% in the fourth quarter of 2006. Excluding Coram, selling, distribution and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues were 53.0% for the 2007 fourth quarter.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $80.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2007, representing an 8.0% increase over EBITDA of $74.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. Excluding Coram, EBITDA was $77.7 million, up 4.7% over the fourth quarter of 2006. EBITDA is presented as a supplemental performance measure and is not intended as an alternative to net income or any other measure calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Further, EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. A table reconciling EBITDA to net income is presented at the end of the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this release.

Full Year 2007

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, revenues grew 7.6% to $1.632 billion from $1.517 billion in the twelve months ended December 31, 2006. Excluding Coram, revenues for 2007 were $1.590 billion, a 4.8% increase over 2006. In 2007, respiratory therapy revenues grew by 5.3%. Including the Coram acquisition, infusion therapy revenues grew by 21.6% during 2007. Excluding Coram, infusion therapy revenues increased 6.3% during 2007.

Net income for 2007 was $86.0 million, or $1.95 per diluted share, versus $74.3 million, or $1.73 per diluted share, in 2006. These results include contributions from one-time positive tax benefits and the Coram acquisition. Excluding Coram, net income was $85.3 million, an increase of 14.9% over 2006.

Gross margins were 65.4% in the 2007 twelve-month period and 65.9% excluding Coram, compared to 65.6% in the 2006 twelve-month period.

The provision for doubtful accounts was 2.6% of revenues for both the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2006. Excluding Coram, the provision for doubtful accounts as a percentage of revenues was 2.7% for the 2007 period.

Selling, distribution and administrative expenses were 52.8% of revenues for 2007, compared to 53.0% for 2006. Excluding Coram, selling, distribution and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues were 53.1% for 2007.

EBITDA was $293.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, compared to $285.7 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2006. Excluding Coram, EBITDA for 2007 was $290.9 million.

Liquidity and Capital

Free cash flow for 2007 was $165.2 million compared to $155.3 million for 2006. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, total capital expenditures were 7.9% of revenues and 8.1% excluding Coram, compared to 8.3% of revenues in the twelve months ended December 31, 2006.

Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities minus capital expenditures and does not include acquisitions or financing activities. It is presented as a supplemental performance measure and is not intended as an alternative to any other cash flow measure calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Further, free cash flow may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. A table reconciling free cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities is presented at the end of the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this release.

During the quarter, the Company's outstanding balance on its $500 million revolving credit line had a net increase of $319 million. The increase in borrowings is primarily related to the acquisition of Coram. As of December 31, 2007, the outstanding balance was $424 million.

2008 Guidance & 2009 Outlook

Based upon recent performance and a strong start to the integration process, Management now expects the acquisition of Coram to be neutral to earnings in 2008. Including the impact of anticipated Medicare reimbursement reductions and the impact of Coram from the date of acquisition, Management estimates that 2008 revenue growth will be in the range of 33% to 35%. On a pro forma basis, reflecting Coram's full year 2007 results, Management estimates that the Company's combined revenues should grow 4.5% to 5.5% in 2008 compared to 2007. Net income per diluted share for 2008 is estimated to be between $2.04 and $2.14, and free cash flow is anticipated to be in the $95 million to $105 million range. The decrease in projected free cash flow, compared to 2007 results, is related to planned investments in home transfill oxygen systems and in organization-wide information technology infrastructure that is designed to enable improvements in service, productivity and access to information. In addition, free cash flow will be impacted by expenditures related to the integration of Coram, as well as a potential cash tax payment related to an anticipated modification to our capital structure. The guidance for 2008 earnings also reflects costs associated with the investments noted above.

While uncertainties surrounding government reimbursement make it difficult to provide guidance for 2009, the Company expects that the combined impacts of the Coram acquisition, organic revenue growth and cost-saving initiatives will mitigate a portion of the anticipated effect of expanded competitive bidding and the implementation of the Deficit Reduction Act.

Other

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and reconciliations for the three months and year ended December 31, 2006 have been updated to reflect the restatement adjustments, which we do not believe to be material, that were previously disclosed in our Form 8-K filed on January 3, 2008. We also disclosed in the January 3, 2008 Form 8-K that we would be consulting with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) staff regarding the appropriate manner of reporting this restatement in our filings with the SEC. We recently were informed by the SEC that they will not object to the corrections being included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Apria provides home infusion therapy, home respiratory therapy and home medical equipment through approximately 550 locations serving patients in all 50 states. With over $2.1 billion in annualized revenues, it is the nation's leading home healthcare company.

This release may contain statements regarding anticipated future developments that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Results may differ materially as a result of the risk factors included in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other factors over which the Company has no control.


                      APRIA HEALTHCARE GROUP INC.
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                              (unaudited)

                                             December 31,  December 31,
 (dollars in thousands)                          2007          2006
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             (unaudited)      (As
                                                           Restated)(1)
          ASSETS

 CURRENT ASSETS:
 Cash and cash equivalents                    $   28,451    $   14,657
 Accounts receivable, net of allowance
  for doubtful accounts                          284,141       211,097
 Inventories, net                                 52,079        40,681
 Other current assets                             92,664        64,642
                                              ----------    ----------
   TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                          457,335       331,077

 PATIENT SERVICE EQUIPMENT, NET                  200,180       212,068
 PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT & IMPROVEMENTS, NET         102,827        52,975
 OTHER ASSETS, NET                               837,460       558,516
                                              ----------    ----------
   TOTAL ASSETS                               $1,597,802    $1,154,636
                                              ==========    ==========


   LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     $  293,600    $  198,256
 Current portion of long-term debt               254,252         2,145
                                              ----------    ----------
   TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                     547,852       200,401

 LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current portion          433,031       485,000
 OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES                   104,894        69,542
                                              ----------    ----------

   TOTAL LIABILITIES                           1,085,777       754,943

 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                            512,025       399,693
                                              ----------    ----------
   TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
    STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                      $1,597,802    $1,154,636
                                              ==========    ==========


 (1) Amounts for 2006 reflect the restatement adjustments previously
     disclosed in our Form 8-K filed January 3, 2008. Such corrections
     will be included in our Form 10-K for the year ended
     December 31, 2007.


                      APRIA HEALTHCARE GROUP INC.
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                              (unaudited)

 (dollars in          Three Months Ended              Year Ended
  thousands,            December 31,                 December 31,
  except per      ------------------------    ------------------------
  share data)        2007          2006          2007          2006
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   (As                         (As
                               Restated)(1)                Restated)(1)
 Respiratory
  therapy         $  279,546    $  266,058    $1,087,126    $1,032,651
 Infusion
  therapy            119,714        71,740       334,182       274,723
 Home medical
  equipment/other     53,452        53,522       210,493       209,317
                  ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
   NET REVENUES      452,712       391,320     1,631,801     1,516,691

   GROSS PROFIT      290,856       256,895     1,066,809       995,111

 Provision for
  doubtful
  accounts             9,587         9,650        43,138        38,723
 Selling,
  distribution and
  administrative
  expenses           235,062       205,585       862,062       804,285
 Amortization of
  intangible
  assets                 750         1,056         3,079         5,080
                  ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
   OPERATING
    INCOME            45,457        40,604       158,530       147,023
 Interest
  expense, net         5,436         6,298        20,493        29,463
                  ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
   INCOME BEFORE
    TAXES             40,021        34,306       138,037       117,560
 Income tax
  expense             15,003        12,913        51,998        43,297
                  ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
   NET INCOME     $   25,018    $   21,393    $   86,039    $   74,263
                  ==========    ==========    ==========    ==========

 Income per
  common share -
  assuming
  dilution        $     0.57    $     0.50    $     1.95    $     1.73
                  ==========    ==========    ==========    ==========
 Weighted average
  number of
  common shares
  outstanding         44,177        43,212        44,140        42,935


 (1) Amounts for 2006 reflect the restatement adjustments previously
     disclosed in our Form 8-K filed January 3, 2008. Such corrections
     will be included in our Form 10-K for the year ended
     December 31, 2007.


                     APRIA HEALTHCARE GROUP INC.
           CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (unaudited)

                                                     Year Ended
                                                    December 31,
                                              ------------------------
 (dollars in thousands)                          2007          2006
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               (As
                                                           Restated)(1)
 OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 Net income                                   $   86,039    $   74,263
 Items included in net income not requiring
  cash:
   Provision for doubtful accounts                43,138        38,723
   Depreciation and amortization                 134,724       138,643
   Deferred income taxes, share-based
    compensation and other                        12,940        31,745
 Changes in operating assets and liabilities      17,165        (2,460)
                                              ----------    ----------
     NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING
      ACTIVITIES                                 294,006       280,914
                                              ----------    ----------


 INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 Purchases of patient service equipment
  and property, equipment and improvements      (128,759)     (125,628)
 Proceeds from disposition of assets                 102           778
 Cash (paid) for acquisitions, including
  payments of deferred consideration            (354,578)       (8,082)
                                              ----------    ----------
     NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES      (483,235)     (132,932)
                                              ----------    ----------


 FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 Net proceeds (payments) of debt                 185,736      (162,030)
 Issuances of common stock                        17,521         8,245
 Other                                              (234)       (2,844)
                                              ----------    ----------
     NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
      FINANCING ACTIVITIES                       203,023      (156,629)
                                              ----------    ----------

 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
  EQUIVALENTS                                     13,794        (8,647)
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
  period                                          14,657        23,304
                                              ----------    ----------
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD   $   28,451    $   14,657
                                              ==========    ==========


 (1) Amounts for 2006 reflect the restatement adjustments previously
     disclosed in our Form 8-K filed January 3, 2008. Such corrections
     will be included in our Form 10-K for the year ended
     December 31, 2007.


                      APRIA HEALTHCARE GROUP INC.
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT
                            RECONCILIATIONS
                              (unaudited)

                           Three Months Ended           Year Ended
                              December 31,              December 31,
                      ----------------------------  ------------------
 (dollars in
  thousands)            2007      2007      2006      2007      2006
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                     (Excluding             (As                 (As
                       Coram)            Restated)            Restated)
                                            (1)                 (1)
 Reconciliation -
  EBITDA:
   Reported net
    income            $ 24,305  $ 25,018  $ 21,393  $ 86,039  $ 74,263
   Add back:
    Interest expense,
    net                  5,415     5,436     6,298    20,493    29,463
   Add back:
    Income tax expense  14,545    15,003    12,913    51,998    43,297
   Add back:
    Depreciation        32,822    33,860    32,510   131,645   133,563
   Add back:
    Amortization of
    intangible assets      587       750     1,056     3,079     5,080
                      --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
 EBITDA               $ 77,674  $ 80,067  $ 74,170  $293,254  $285,666
                      ========  ========  ========  ========  ========

 Reconciliation -
  Free Cash Flow:
   Net cash
    provided by
    operating
    activities                  $ 94,720  $ 89,299  $294,006  $280,914
   Less: Purchases
    of patient
    service
    equipment and
    property,
    equipment and
    improvements                 (45,328)  (34,911) (128,759) (125,628)
                                --------  --------  --------  --------
 Free cash flow                 $ 49,292  $ 54,388  $165,247  $155,286
                                ========  ========  ========  ========


 (1) Amounts for 2006 reflect the restatement adjustments previously
     disclosed in our Form 8-K filed January 3, 2008. Such corrections
     will be included in our Form 10-K for the year ended
     December 31, 2007.


            

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