Edgar Filing: APRIA HEALTHCARE GROUP INC

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)
[X]		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the period ended June 30, 2004

[ ]

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number: 1-14316

APRIA HEALTHCARE GROUP INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 26220 Enterprise Court, Lake Forest, CA (Address of principal executive offices)	33-0488566 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) 92630 (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number: (949) 639-2000

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 whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes X No

As of July 26, 2004, there were outstanding 49,972,113 shares of the Registrant's common stock, par value $.001, which is the only class of common stock of the Registrant (not including 7,940,259 shares held in treasury).

APRIA HEALTHCARE GROUP INC.

FORM 10-Q

For the period ended June 30, 2004


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.		Financial Statements (unaudited) • Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets • Condensed Consolidated Income Statements • Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows • Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Item 2.		Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 3.		Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 4.		Controls and Procedures


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.		Legal Proceedings

Item 2.		Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Item 4.		Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Item 6.		Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

SIGNATURES

EXHIBITS

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

APRIA HEALTHCARE GROUP INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)

	June 30,			December 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2004			2003

ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	58,006		$	160,553
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $40,781
and $38,531 at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively		213,736			196,413
Inventories, net		34,740			29,089
Deferred income taxes		27,990			27,108
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		14,031			16,172

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS		348,503			429,335

PATIENT SERVICE EQUIPMENT, less accumulated depreciation of $404,062
and $392,297 at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively		229,656			209,551
PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS, net		49,637			50,192
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES		1,558			1,690
GOODWILL		420,292			330,532
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, less accumulated amortization of $7,557 and $7,294 at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively		9,838			7,356
DEFERRED DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS, net		8,106			9,339
OTHER ASSETS		5,745			5,440

	$	1,073,335		$	1,043,435

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	$	64,556		$	56,735
Accrued payroll and related taxes and benefits		39,125			43,312
Accrued insurance		8,892			9,854
Income taxes payable		20,157			13,310
Other accrued liabilities		39,269			35,363
Current portion of long-term debt		31,177			31,522

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES		203,176			190,096

LONG-TERM DEBT, exclusive of current portion		454,348			469,241
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES		25,130			15,986
OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES		4,636			2,164
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note G)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $.001 par value: 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued		-			-
Common stock, $.001 par value: 150,000,000 shares authorized;
57,899,040 and 57,317,094 shares issued at June 30, 2004 and
December 31, 2003, respectively; 49,958,781 and 51,107,538
outstanding at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively		58			57
Additional paid-in capital		429,725			414,220
Treasury stock, at cost; 7,940,259 and 6,209,556 shares at June 30, 2004
and December 31, 2003, respectively		(207,465	)		(154,432	)
Retained earnings		163,939			107,033
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(212	)		(930	)

		386,045			365,948

	$	1,073,335		$	1,043,435

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

APRIA HEALTHCARE GROUP INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)	2004		2003		2004		2003

Net revenues	$	359,562	$	343,284	$	710,443	$	678,353
Costs and expenses:
Cost of net revenues:
Product and supply costs		64,625		59,844		129,843		121,310
Patient service equipment depreciation		30,352		28,489		59,867		55,584
Nursing services		216		192		441		407
Other		3,727		3,315		7,690		6,700

TOTAL COST OF NET REVENUES		98,920		91,840		197,841		184,001

Provision for doubtful accounts		12,811		12,915		26,280		25,716
Selling, distribution and administrative		194,537		187,515		381,877		368,487
Amortization of intangible assets		1,509		715		2,785		1,411

TOTAL COSTS AND EXPENSES		307,777		292,985		608,783		579,615

OPERATING INCOME		51,785		50,299		101,660		98,738
Interest expense, net		4,954		2,860		9,909		6,341

INCOME BEFORE TAXES		46,831		47,439		91,751		92,397
Income tax expense		17,772		18,027		34,845		35,159

NET INCOME	$	29,059	$	29,412	$	56,906	$	57,238



Basic net income per common share	$	0.58	$	0.54	$	1.14	$	1.04

Diluted net income per common share	$	0.57	$	0.53	$	1.12	$	1.03

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

APRIA HEALTHCARE GROUP INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)

	Six Months Ended June 30,

(dollars in thousands)	2004			2003

OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	56,906		$	57,238
Items included in net income not requiring (providing) cash:
Provision for doubtful accounts		26,280			25,716
Depreciation and amortization		73,261			67,405
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs		1,271			609
Deferred income taxes		10,128			10,402
Stock-based compensation and other		2,138			(183)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, exclusive of effects of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable		(42,804	)		(37,007	)
Inventories, net		(3,992	)		(1,650	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		2,925			1,512
Accounts payable, exclusive of outstanding checks		12,174			(2,388	)
Accrued payroll and related taxes and benefits		(4,187	)		(1,178	)
Income taxes payable		6,411			18,902
Accrued expenses		(2,713	)		(3,788	)

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES		137,798			135,590
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of patient service equipment and property,
equipment and improvements, exclusive of effects of acquisitions		(77,801	)		(81,072	)
Proceeds from disposition of assets		79			349
Cash paid for acquisitions, including payments of deferred consideration		(100,052	)		(42,522	)

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES		(177,774	)		(123,245	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities		-			15,700
Payments on revolving credit facilities		-			(15,700	)
Payments on term loans		(12,875	)		(6,437	)
Payments on other long-term debt		(3,892	)		(1,301	)
Outstanding checks included in accounts payable and other		(4,390	)		(4,206	)
Repurchases of common stock		(53,033	)		(7,046	)
Issuances of common stock		11,619			4,695

NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES		(62,571	)		(14,295	)

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		(102,547	)		(1,950	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		160,553			26,383

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	58,006		$	24,433

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

APRIA HEALTHCARE GROUP INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE A – CERTAIN SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation: The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Apria Healthcare Group Inc. (“Apria” or “the company”) and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the interim periods presented, have been reflected herein. The unaudited results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2003, included in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Certain amounts from prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

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

Revenue Recognition and Concentration of Credit Risk: Revenues are recognized on the date services and related products are provided to patients and are recorded at amounts expected to be received under reimbursement arrangements with third-party payors, including private insurers, prepaid health plans, Medicare and Medicaid. Approximately 37% of the company’s revenues are reimbursed under arrangements with Medicare and Medicaid. No other third-party payor group represents 10% or more of the company’s revenues. The majority of the company’s revenues are derived from fees charged for patient care under fee-for-service arrangements. Revenues derived from capitation arrangements represent less than 10% of total net revenues.

Due to the nature of the industry and the reimbursement environment in which Apria operates, certain estimates are required to record net revenues and accounts receivable at their net realizable values. Inherent in these estimates is the risk that they will have to be revised or updated as additional information becomes available. Specifically, the complexity of many third-party billing arrangements and the uncertainty of reimbursement amounts for certain services from certain payors may result in adjustments to amounts originally recorded. Such adjustments are typically identified and recorded at the point of cash application, claim denial or account review.

Management performs periodic analyses to evaluate accounts receivable balances to ensure that recorded amounts reflect estimated net realizable value. Specifically, management considers historical realization data, accounts receivable aging trends, other operating trends and relevant business conditions. Also, focused reviews of certain large and/or problematic payors are performed. Due to continuing changes in the healthcare industry and with third-party reimbursement, it is possible that estimates could change in the near term, which could have an impact on operations and cash flows.

Accounts receivable are reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts which provides for those accounts from which payment is not expected to be received, although services were provided and revenue was earned.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In October 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF No. 02-17, which addresses issues raised in the interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, “Business Combinations” and SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and the identification and valuation of intangible assets. EITF No. 02-17 provides guidance on determining when, as a result of a business combination, a customer-related intangible asset exists that should be separately valued from goodwill. EITF No. 02-17 is effective for business combinations consummated and goodwill impairment tests performed after October 25, 2002. Adoption of this interpretation did not have a material effect on the company’s consolidated financial statements.

In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others,” an interpretation of SFAS Nos. 5, 57 and 107 and rescission of FIN No. 34, “Disclosure of Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” FIN No. 45 elaborates on the disclosure requirements for the interim and annual financial statements of the guarantor. It also requires that a guarantor recognize a liability at the inception of the guarantee for the fair value of the obligation undertaken. Apria was required to adopt the recognition provisions of FIN No. 45 beginning January 1, 2003, while the disclosure provisions became effective at December 31, 2002. Adoption of this interpretation did not have a material effect on the company’s consolidated financial statements.

FIN No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, was originally issued in January 2003 and subsequently revised in December 2003. FIN No. 46, as revised, requires a variable interest entity to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entity’s activities or is entitled to receive a majority of the entity’s residual returns or both. FIN No. 46 also requires certain disclosures about variable interest entities in which a company has a significant interest, regardless of whether consolidation is required. Application of FIN No. 46 is required for potential variable interest entities commonly referred to as special purpose entities for periods ending after December 15, 2003. Application of the provisions is required for all other variable interest entities by the end of the first reporting period that ends after March 15, 2004. Adoption of this interpretation did not have a material effect on the company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” The statement is generally effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. Adoption of this statement did not have a material effect on the company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. The statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. However, in November 2003, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 150-3, which indefinitely defers the effective date for certain provisions of the statement. Adoption of this statement did not have a material effect on the company’s consolidated financial statements.

Stock-based Compensation: The company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. Apria has adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.” For the six-month period ended June 30, 2004, net income reflects compensation expense for restricted stock awards and restricted stock purchase rights accounted for in accordance with APB No. 25. Had compensation expense for all of the company’s stock-based compensation awards been recognized based on the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, Apria’s net income and per share amounts would have been adjusted to the pro forma amounts indicated below.

	Three Months Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,

(in thousands, except per share data)	2004		2003			2004		2003

Net income as reported	$	29,059	$	29,412	$	56,906	$	57,238
Add: stock-based compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects		655		-		1,334		-
Deduct: total stock-based compensation expense determined for all awards under fair value-based method, net of related tax effects		2,961		2,059		5,367		4,102

Pro forma net income	$	26,753	$	27,353	$	52,873	$	53,136


Basic net income per share:
As reported	$	0.58	$	0.54	$	1.14	$	1.04
Pro forma	$	0.54	$	0.50	$	1.06	$	0.97

Diluted income per share:
As reported	$	0.57	$	0.53	$	1.12	$	1.03
Pro forma	$	0.53	$	0.49	$	1.04	$	0.96

For purposes of the pro forma disclosure, the fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in the six-month periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003: risk-free interest rates of 3.02% and 2.75%, respectively; dividend yield of 0% for all periods; expected lives of 4.83 and 4.34 years, respectively; and volatility of 47% and 58%, respectively.

NOTE B – BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Apria periodically makes acquisitions of complementary businesses in specific geographic markets. The results of operations of the acquired companies are included in the accompanying consolidated income statements from the dates of acquisition. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2004, cash paid for acquisitions was $100,052,000, which included deferred payments of $3,113,000 that were related to prior year acquisitions. At June 30, 2004, accrued consideration payable totaled $13,374,000 and is included on the consolidated balance sheet in other accrued liabilities.

During the six-month period ended June 30, 2004, Apria acquired 21 companies comprised largely of home respiratory therapy businesses. Pending receipt of additional valuation information, amounts preliminarily allocated to goodwill, other intangible assets and patient service equipment were $90,037,000, $5,266,000 and $9,546,000, respectively. This allocation is inclusive of amounts not yet paid.

The following supplemental unaudited pro forma information presents the combined operating results of Apria and the businesses that were acquired by Apria during the six-month period ended June 30, 2004, as if the acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented. The pro forma information is based on the historical financial statements of Apria and those of the acquired businesses. Amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that may have been obtained had the combinations been in effect at the beginning of the periods presented or that may be achieved in the future.

	Six Months Ended June 30,

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)	2004		2003

Net revenues	$	745,580	$	727,261
Net income	$	60,429	$	60,247

Basic net income per common share	$	1.21	$	1.10
Diluted net income per common share	$	1.19	$	1.09

NOTE C – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Apria accounts for intangible assets and goodwill under the initial recognition provisions of SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” and the financial accounting and reporting provisions of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are no longer amortized, but are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate that the possibility of impairment exists. If the carrying value of goodwill or an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized.

For the six months ended June 30, 2004, the net change in the carrying amount of goodwill of $89,760,000 is the result of business combinations. Substantially all of the goodwill recorded in conjunction with business combinations completed during the periods presented is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Intangible assets, all of which are subject to amortization, consist of the following:

(dollars in thousands)			June 30, 2004							December 31, 2003

	Average Life in Years		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value

Covenants not to compete		4.8	$	12,913	$	(5,271	)	$	7,642	$	11,244	$	(5,508	)	$	5,736
Tradename		2.0		2,619		(1,675	)		944		2,067		(938	)		1,129
Customer lists		0.6		1,863		(611	)		1,252		1,339		(848	)		491

			$	17,395	$	(7,557	)	$	9,838	$	14,650	$	(7,294	)	$	7,356

Amortization expense was $2,785,000 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2004. Estimated amortization expense for the current year and each of the next five fiscal years ending December 31, is presented below:

Year Ending December 31,			(dollars in thousands)

2004				$ 5,640
2005				2,666
2006				1,818
2007				1,382
2008				925
2009				192

NOTE D – LONG-TERM DEBT

At June 30, 2004, there were no borrowings under the $100,000,000 revolving credit facility, outstanding letters of credit totaled $3,855,000, credit available under the revolving facility was $96,145,000, and Apria was in compliance with all of the financial covenants required by the credit agreement. The final maturity date for the revolving credit facility is July 2006.

Hedging Activities: Apria utilizes interest rate swap agreements to moderate its exposure to interest rate fluctuations on its underlying variable rate long-term debt. Apria does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. Apria has four interest rate swap agreements with a total notional amount of $100,000,000 that fix an equivalent amount of its variable rate debt at rates ranging from 2.43% to 3.42% (before applicable margin). The terms of the swap agreements range from two to four years. The swap agreements are being accounted for as cash flow hedges under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” Accordingly, the difference between the interest received and interest paid is reflected as an adjustment to interest expense. For the six-month periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, Apria paid net settlement amounts of $857,000 and $1,042,000, respectively. At June 30, 2004, the aggregate fair value of the swap agreements was a liability of $341,000 and is reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet in other accrued liabilities. Unrealized gains and losses on the fair value of the swap agreements are reflected, net of taxes, in other comprehensive loss (See Note E – “Stockholders’ Equity”). Apria’s exposure to credit loss under the swap agreements is limited to the interest rate spread in the event of counterparty non-performance.

NOTE E – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the six months ended June 30, 2004, changes to stockholders’ equity are comprised of the following amounts:

(dollars in thousands)

Net income	$	56,906
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options		11,619
Tax benefit related to the exercise of stock options		1,734
Compensatory stock options and awards granted		2,153
Other comprehensive gain, net of taxes		718
Repurchases of common stock		(53,033	)

	$	20,097

For the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, net income and comprehensive income differed by unrealized gains (losses) related to interest rate swap agreements, net of taxes, in the amount of $718,000 and $(479,000), respectively.

On January 16, 2004, Apria prepaid $50,000,000 to repurchase 1,730,703 shares of its common stock at a strike price of $28.89 through an accelerated share repurchase program. The related contract, which had a scheduled settlement date of June 16, 2004, provided for cash or net share settlement at Apria’s election. The repurchase of the shares required by the contract was completed on April 28, 2004 and the share price differential was settled in cash on June 7, 2004 for a total cost of $53,033,000. Subject to market conditions, the company plans to repurchase additional shares worth up to $47,000,000 during the second half of 2004.

All repurchased shares are being held in treasury.

NOTE F – INCOME TAXES

Income taxes for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 have been provided at the effective tax rates expected to be applicable for the respective year.

At June 30, 2004, Apria had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $12,123,000, the utilization of which is limited to $5,017,000 per year under Internal Revenue Code section 382. Apria expects to utilize $5,017,000 of these net operating loss carryforwards in 2004. The remaining portion of the federal net operating loss carryforwards will expire unused at the end of 2004. The company also has various state net operating loss carryforwards. Apria utilized its remaining alternative minimum tax credit carryforward of $6,149,000 in 2003.

NOTE G – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

As previously reported, since mid-1998 Apria has been the subject of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Los Angeles and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The investigation concerns the documentation supporting Apria’s billing for services provided to patients whose healthcare costs are paid by Medicare and other federal programs. Apria is cooperating with the government and has responded to various document requests and subpoenas.

Apria has been informed that the investigation is the result of civil qui tam litigation filed on behalf of the government against Apria. The complaints in the litigation are under seal, however, and the government has not informed Apria of either the identities of the plaintiffs, the court or courts where the proceedings are pending, the date or dates instituted or the factual bases alleged to underlie the proceedings. To date, the U.S. Attorney’s office has not informed Apria of any decision to intervene in the qui tam actions; however, it could reach a decision with respect to intervention at any time.

Government representatives and counsel for the plaintiffs in the qui tam actions asserted in July 2001 that, by a process of extrapolation from a sample of 300 patient files to all of Apria’s billings to the federal government during the three-and-one-half year sample period, Apria could be liable to the government under the False Claims Act for more than $9 billion, consisting of extrapolated overpayment liability, treble damages and penalties of up to $10,000 for each allegedly false claim derived from the extrapolation.

Apria has acknowledged that there may be errors and omissions in supporting documentation affecting a portion of its billings. However, it considers the assertions and amounts described in the preceding paragraph to be unsupported both legally and factually and believes that most of the alleged documentation errors and omissions should not give rise to any liability, for overpayment refunds or otherwise. Accordingly, Apria believes that the claims asserted are unwarranted and that it is in a position to assert numerous meritorious defenses.

Apria has been exchanging information and having discussions with government representatives in an attempt to explore whether it will be possible to resolve this matter on a basis that would be considered fair and reasonable by all parties. Apria cannot provide any assurances as to the outcome of these discussions, however, or as to the outcome of the qui tam litigation in the absence of a settlement. Management cannot estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may result from these proceedings and, therefore, has not recorded any related accruals.

If a judge, jury or administrative agency were to determine that false claims were submitted to federal healthcare programs or that there were significant overpayments by the government, Apria could face civil and administrative claims for refunds, sanctions and penalties for amounts that would be highly material to its business, results of operations and financial condition, including the exclusion of Apria from participation in federal healthcare programs.

Apria is also engaged in the defense of certain claims and lawsuits arising out of the ordinary course and conduct of its business, the outcomes of which are not determinable at this time. Apria has insurance policies covering such potential losses where such coverage is cost effective. In the opinion of management, any liability that might be incurred by Apria upon the resolution of these claims and lawsuits will not, in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on Apria’s results of operations or financial condition.

NOTE H – PER SHARE AMOUNTS

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted per share amounts:

	Three Months Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,

(in thousands, except per share data)	2004		2003			2004		2003

Numerator:
Net income	$	29,059	$	29,412	$	56,906	$	57,238
Numerator for basic and diluted per share amounts -
income available to common stockholders	$	29,059	$	29,412	$	56,906	$	57,238

Denominator:
Denominator for basic per share
amounts - weighted average shares		49,908		54,942		49,901		54,937

Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options -
dilutive potential common shares		767		511		857		486

Denominator for diluted per share amounts -
adjusted weighted average shares		50,675		55,453		50,758		55,423


Basic net income per common share	$	0.58	$	0.54	$	1.14	$	1.04

Diluted net income per common share	$	0.57	$	0.53	$	1.12	$	1.03


Employee stock options excluded from the
computation of diluted per share amounts:

Shares for which exercise price exceeds
average market price of common stock		885		2,060		880		2,280

Average exercise price per share that exceeds
average market price of common stock	$	30.40	$	25.37	$	30.40	$	25.20

Cautionary statement for purposes of the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Apria’s business is subject to a number of risks which are partly or entirely beyond the company’s control. The company has described certain of those risks in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2004. This report may be used for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as a readily available document containing meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements the company may make from time to time. Key factors that may have an impact on Apria include the following:

•		trends and developments affecting the collectibility of accounts receivable;
•		government legislative and budget developments that could continue to affect reimbursement levels;
•		the ongoing government investigation regarding patients covered by Medicare and other federal programs;
•		the effectiveness of the Apria's operating systems and controls;
•		healthcare reform and the effect of federal and state healthcare regulations;
•		pricing pressures from large payors;
•		the successful implementation of the company's acquisition strategy and integration of acquired businesses; and
•		other factors described in Apria's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

In addition, the military and national security activities in which the United States is currently engaged, have and could continue to have significant impacts on the economy and government spending priorities. The effects of any further such developments, including but not limited to a prolonged occupation in Iraq, pose significant risks and uncertainties to Apria's business. Among other things, deficit spending by the government as the result of adverse developments in the economy and the costs of the military and national security activities could lead to increased pressure to reduce government expenditures for other purposes, including government-funded programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT ’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS

Apria operates in the home healthcare segment of the healthcare industry and provides services in the home respiratory therapy, home infusion therapy and home medical equipment areas. In all three lines, Apria provides patients with a variety of clinical services and related products and supplies, most of which are prescribed by a physician as part of a care plan. Apria provides these services to patients in the home throughout the United States through approximately 455 branch locations.

Critical Accounting Policies. Apria’s management considers the accounting policies that govern revenue recognition and the determination of the net realizable value of accounts receivable to be the most critical in relation to the company’s consolidated financial statements. These policies require management’s most complex and subjective judgments. Additionally, the accounting policies related to goodwill and long-lived assets require significant judgment. These policies are presented in detail in Apria’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 – “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In October 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF No. 02-17, which addresses issues raised in the interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, “Business Combinations” and SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and the identification and valuation of intangible assets. EITF No. 02-17 provides guidance on determining when, as a result of a business combination, a customer-related intangible asset exists that should be separately valued from goodwill. EITF No. 02-17 is effective for business combinations consummated and goodwill impairment tests performed after October 25, 2002. Adoption of this interpretation did not have a material effect on the company’s consolidated financial statements.

Results of Operations

Net Revenues. Net revenues were $359.6 million in the second quarter of 2004, compared to $343.3 million for the corresponding period in 2003, representing an increase of 4.7%. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2004, net revenues were $710.4 million, also up 4.7% from last year. The revenue growth was affected by the Medicare reimbursement reduction for respiratory medications, effective January 1, 2004, and a decline in revenues as Apria transitioned out of the Gentiva CareCentrix Inc. contract, which management chose not to renew for 2004. The effects of the Medicare reductions were $3.7 million and $7.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively. Additionally, the effects of the Gentiva contract reductions were $13.9 million and $19.1 million for the three and six-month periods, respectively. Further, Apria is experiencing increased pricing pressure from its managed care customers as these organizations seek to lower costs by obtaining more favorable pricing from providers such as Apria. Managed care organizations are also evaluating alternative delivery models for certain products and services which include those provided by Apria. This may result in Apria providing reduced levels of certain products and services in the future, with a corresponding reduction in revenue.

Despite the adverse effects noted above, revenue growth resulted from volume increases and the acquisition of complementary businesses. Apria’s acquisition strategy generally results in the rapid integration of acquired businesses into existing operating locations. This limits Apria’s ability to separately track the amount of revenue generated by an acquired business. Estimating the net revenue contribution from acquisitions therefore requires certain assumptions. Based on its analysis, Apria estimates that approximately $32 million of the net revenue growth between the six-month periods in 2003 and 2004 was derived from acquisitions.

The following table sets forth a summary of net revenues by service line:

	Three Months Ended June 30,										Six Months Ended June 30,

	2004					2003					2004					2003

(dollars in thousands)	$		%			$		%			$		%			$		%

Respiratory therapy	$	246,691		68.6	%	$	231,054		67.3	%	$	489,077		68.8	%	$	455,268		67.1	%
Infusion therapy		60,424		16.8	%		61,031		17.8	%		119,112		16.8	%		119,834		17.7	%
Home medical equipment/other		52,447		14.6	%		51,199		14.9	%		102,254		14.4	%		103,251		15.2	%

Total net revenues	$	359,562		100.0	%	$	343,284		100.0	%	$	710,443		100.0	%	$	678,353		100.0	%

Respiratory Therapy. Respiratory therapy revenues are derived primarily from the provision of oxygen systems, home ventilators, sleep apnea equipment, nebulizers, respiratory medications and related services. The respiratory therapy service line increased by 6.8% in the second quarter of 2004 and 7.4% year-to-date, as compared to the corresponding periods in 2003. This growth was primarily driven by volume increases and acquisitions of respiratory therapy businesses. The Medicare reimbursement reduction for respiratory medications caused a decline of 1.6% in the revenue growth rate for the first six months of 2004. The growth in this service line was also reduced by the non-renewal of the Gentiva contract, which represented 3.5% of prior year respiratory revenues.

Infusion Therapy. The infusion therapy service line involves the administration of a drug or nutrient directly into the body intravenously through a needle or catheter. Infusion therapy services also include administering enteral nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal tract through a feeding tube. Infusion therapy revenues decreased slightly in the second quarter and six-month period of 2004, when compared to the same periods in 2003. The decline can be attributed to the fact that Apria has stopped accepting new Medicaid patients for certain drugs in certain states where reimbursement rates have been reduced. Growth in the enteral nutrition line continues as the related revenues increased by 6.4% and 7.3% in the second quarter and six-month period of 2004, respectively, when compared to the same periods last year. The non-renewal of the Gentiva contract had only a negligible impact on infusion therapy. See “Medicare and Medicaid.”

Home Medical Equipment/Other. Home medical equipment/other revenues are derived from the provision of patient safety items, ambulatory and patient room equipment. Home medical equipment/other revenues increased by 2.4% in the second quarter of 2004 versus the second quarter of 2003, but declined by 1.0% when comparing the six-month periods. Management’s focus of its sales efforts and acquisition strategy on the higher-margin respiratory therapy line has affected the growth in home medical equipment/other. The non-renewal of the Gentiva contract resulted in a reduction that equaled 2.6% of prior year home medical equipment/other revenues. Rehabilitation revenue growth in 2004 has been considerably lower than in 2003, largely as a result of action taken by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) that required previously-qualified orders for power mobility devices to be re-screened against stricter qualification standards. This process resulted in the delay and cancellation of many orders in the first half of 2004, particularly in the first quarter. The rehabilitation product business has in the past been a strong contributor to the growth in the home medical equipment/other line. Further, diabetic supplies, historically a very small percentage of the home medical equipment line, grew significantly in the second quarter of 2004. This growth is directly attributable to the recent acquisition of a company that entered the diabetic supply market just prior to being acquired.

Revenue Recognition and Certain Concentrations. Revenues are recognized on the date services and related products are provided to patients and are recorded at amounts estimated to be received under reimbursement arrangements with third-party payors, including private insurers, prepaid health plans, Medicare and Medicaid. Due to the nature of the industry and the reimbursement environment in which Apria operates, certain estimates are required to record net revenues and accounts receivable at their net realizable values. Inherent in these estimates is the risk that they will have to be revised or updated as additional information becomes available, which could have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In 2004, approximately 37% of Apria’s revenues are being reimbursed under arrangements with Medicare and Medicaid. No other third-party payor represents 10% or more of the company’s revenues. The majority of the company’s revenues are derived from fees charged for patient care under fee-for-service arrangements. Revenues derived from capitation arrangements represent less than 10% of total net revenues for all periods presented.

Medicare and Medicaid. In December 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 became law. The Act includes a number of provisions that are affecting Medicare Part B reimbursement policies for items and services provided by Apria, the most significant of which are:

•		Reimbursement reductions for five durable medical equipment categories. Reductions begin in 2005 based on the median price paid for such items on behalf of beneficiaries of federal employee health plans. Also, a freeze on annual payment increases for durable medical equipment has been instituted from 2004 through 2008.
•		Reimbursement reduction for inhalation drugs. The previous reimbursement rate of 95% of the average wholesale price has been reduced to 80% of the average wholesale price, effective January 1, 2004. Beginning in January 2005, reimbursement for these drugs will be further reduced through a shift to average sales price ("ASP"), as defined by the Act, plus 6%.
•		Establishment of a competitive acquisition program under which Medicare would require that suppliers wishing to provide certain items to beneficiaries submit bids to Medicare. Such a program for as yet unspecified durable medical equipment items and services is to be transitioned into (i) 10 of the largest metropolitan statistical areas in 2007; (ii) 80 of the largest metropolitan statistical areas in 2009; and (iii) additional areas after 2009.

Apria’s management estimates that the revision to inhalation drug reimbursement in 2004 will result in a revenue reduction from 2003 levels of approximately $14 million. And, based on its initial interpretation of the Act, management previously estimated that the combined impact to revenues in 2005 from the inhalation drug and durable medical equipment reimbursement reductions would be approximately $86 million. However, as regulators work through the implementation and timing issues with industry representatives, it is apparent there is the potential for significant variations to what was originally anticipated, making the ultimate outcome less clear. Therefore, management is currently unable to update its preliminary estimate of the impact of the inhalation drug and durable medical equipment reductions with any degree of accuracy or reliability. In addition, the impact of the competitive acquisition program scheduled to commence in 2007 cannot be estimated at this time.

On July 27, 2004, CMS issued its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning the proposed physician fee schedule for 2005. The fee schedule includes the projected ASP for certain of the respiratory medications that Apria provides most commonly. CMS has acknowledged that the ASP, along with the 6% add-on payment, is not sufficient to cover shipping, handling, compounding and other pharmacy activities and indicated that patient access may be adversely affected. Consequently, CMS is proposing to establish a separate dispensing fee. CMS is seeking cost data in order to establish an appropriate fee level, but they further indicated that such a fee must be set in the context of potential cost savings for providers that are expected to result from other provisions in the proposed rule. The proposal includes a switch to a 90-day delivery schedule, as opposed to the current 30-day requirement, and reduced administrative/documentation requirements.

As the regulators address the remaining open issues, Apria management is reviewing its current business model with respect to respiratory medications and will consider modifications to respond to the lower reimbursement level and possible changes to the administrative requirements. Should the amount ultimately determined by CMS for the dispensing fee be insufficient to cover non-drug costs, Apria will begin transitioning out of this product line, for Medicare patients only, in the fourth quarter of 2004. The company has developed a contingency plan that includes a proper notice period for existing Medicare patients and physician referral sources.

The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 contained several provisions that affected Apria’s Medicare reimbursement levels. Subsequent legislation—the Medicare Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 and the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000—mitigated some of the effects of the original legislation. The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 addressed some of the issues pending from the earlier legislation. However, still pending from the 1997 legislation is streamlined authority granted to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, to increase or reduce the reimbursement for home medical equipment, including oxygen, by up to 15% each year under an inherent reasonableness authority. In December 2002, CMS issued an interim final rule that establishes a process by which such adjustments may be made. The rule applies to all Medicare Part B services except those paid under a physician fee schedule, a prospective payment system, or a competitive acquisition program. As of this date, neither CMS nor the durable medical equipment regional carriers have used the expedited authority.

Some states have already adopted, or are contemplating adopting, alternative pricing methodologies for certain drugs and biologicals under the Medicaid program. In at least 20 states, these changes have reduced the level of reimbursement received by Apria without a corresponding offset or increase to compensate for the service costs incurred. In several of those states, Apria has elected to stop accepting new Medicaid patient referrals for the affected drugs. Apria is continuing to provide services to patients already on service, and for those who receive other Medicaid-covered respiratory, home medical equipment or infusion therapies, if the reimbursement levels for those services remain adequate.

Contractual Arrangements with Hospitals. Last year, CMS officials initiated actions to revoke the Medicare supplier numbers of a variety of durable medical equipment suppliers, including a number of Apria’s current hospital customers. Under contractual arrangements, Apria provides home healthcare products and services to hospitals on a wholesale basis to service the hospitals’ discharged patients. Apria bills the hospitals for all such products and services and the hospitals, in turn, bill patients and third party payors, including Medicare. In order for a hospital to bill Medicare for these home healthcare products and services, it must have a Medicare supplier number.

In its revocation notices to Apria’s hospital customers, CMS asserted that these contractual arrangements do not comply with certain Medicare regulations promulgating “supplier standards,” adherence to which is required as a condition of having a supplier number. The primary areas of alleged noncompliance cited by CMS appear to be based on the government’s view that the supplier standards require a supplier to perform directly through its own employees some types of services that the hospitals have contracted to have Apria perform.

Apria believes its arrangements with hospitals have been consistent with all applicable regulations and that CMS’ proposed revocation of the hospitals’ supplier numbers was and remains inappropriate. Nevertheless, Apria engaged CMS in discussions regarding the application of the supplier standards to Apria’s arrangements with hospitals, which resulted in further clarification and guidance from CMS as to the terms of permissible arrangements. Based on this further guidance and corresponding modifications to Apria’s arrangements, CMS has approved the continued participation of most of the hospitals whose supplier numbers had been subject to revocation notices. (Some of Apria’s hospital customers chose to surrender their supplier numbers and exit the durable medical equipment business in lieu of entering into the revised arrangements.) Apria continues to implement these revisions to its arrangements with hospital customers, including those that had not received revocation notices, and does not currently anticipate the need for further discussions with CMS on this subject. The potential decrease in Apria’s future revenues, if any, from these alternative arrangements and terminations is uncertain at this time.

Gross Profit. Gross margins were 72.5% and 73.2% for the second quarters of 2004 and 2003, respectively. For the six-month periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, the margins were 72.2% and 72.9%, respectively. The declines are primarily due to the Medicare reimbursement reduction, the effects of the non-renewal of the Gentiva contract, and managed care revenue pricing pressures. The effect of these factors has been mitigated by reduced product pricing negotiated from the company’s suppliers.

Provision for Doubtful Accounts. The provision for doubtful accounts results from management’s estimate of the net realizable value of accounts receivable after considering actual write-offs of specific receivables. The provision was 3.6% of net revenues for the second quarter of 2004 and 3.8% for the same period last year. For the year-to-date periods of 2004 and 2003, the provision was 3.7% and 3.8%, respectively. The improvement in 2004 can be partially attributed to an increase in recoveries of previously written off accounts. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources – Accounts Receivable.”

Selling, Distribution and Administrative. Selling, distribution and administrative expenses are comprised of expenses incurred in direct support of operations and those associated with administrative functions. Expenses incurred by the operating locations include salaries and other expenses in the following functional areas: selling, distribution, clinical, intake, reimbursement, warehousing and repair. Many of these operating costs are directly variable with revenue patterns. Certain expenses, such as facility lease and fuel costs, are very sensitive to market-driven price fluctuations. Administrative expenses include overhead costs incurred by the operating locations and corporate support functions. These expenses do not vary as closely with revenue growth as do the operating costs. Selling, distribution and administrative expenses, expressed as percentages of net revenues, were 54.1% in the second quarter of 2004, down from 54.6% in the second quarter of 2003. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2004, selling, distribution and administrative expenses were 53.8% compared to 54.3% for the same period last year. The decrease resulted from controls placed on labor expenses and management’s focus on productivity. Management has developed an additional set of productivity initiatives aimed at further reducing costs in anticipation of the 2005 Medicare reimbursement reductions, which are currently in the process of being implemented.

Amortization of Intangible Assets. For the quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2004, amortization expense was $1.5 million and $2.8 million, respectively. This compares to $715,000 and $1.4 million for the corresponding periods in the prior year. The increase is due to the continued and increased acquisition activity and the valuation of certain customer relationships acquired in business combinations. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources – Business Combinations.”

Interest Expense. Interest expense was $5.0 million for the second quarter of 2004, up from $2.9 million in the second quarter of 2003. For the year-to-date periods in 2004 and 2003, interest expense was $9.9 million and $6.3 million, respectively. The increases are due to interest incurred on the $250 million convertible notes issued in August 2003. The interest increases were partially offset by interest reductions resulting from a decrease in borrowings under the credit agreement as the company makes its scheduled payments and by the expiration of two interest rate swap agreements that had fixed interest at higher rates on a portion of Apria’s debt. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources – Long-term Debt.”

Income Taxes. Income taxes for the six-month period ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 have been provided at the effective tax rates expected to be applicable for the respective year.

At June 30, 2004, Apria had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $12.1 million, the utilization of which is limited to $5.0 million per year under Internal Revenue Code section 382. Apria expects to utilize $5.0 million of these net operating loss carryforwards in 2004. The remaining portion of the federal net operating loss carryforwards will expire unused at the end of 2004. The company also has various state net operating loss carryforwards. Apria utilized its remaining alternative minimum tax credit carryforward of $6.1 million in 2003.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Apria’s principal source of liquidity is its operating cash flow, which is supplemented by a $100 million revolving credit facility. Apria’s ability to generate operating cash flows in excess of its operating needs has afforded it the ability, among other things, to pursue its acquisition strategy and fund patient service equipment expenditures to support revenue growth. Management believes that its operating cash flow and revolving credit line will continue to be sufficient to fund its operations and growth strategies. However, sustaining current cash flow levels is dependent on many factors, some of which are not within Apria’s control, such as government reimbursement levels and the financial health of its payors.

Cash Flow. Cash provided by operating activities was $137.8 million in the first six months of 2004 compared with $135.6 million in the corresponding period in 2003. Operating cash flow growth between the periods was reduced by a number of factors, the most significant of which was a $12.5 million increase in income tax payments. Apria will continue to make significant income tax payments as the company has utilized the majority of its net operating loss carryforwards. Also, the aforementioned Medicare reimbursement reduction for respiratory mediations and a larger accounts receivable increase in 2004 served to reduce the operating cash flow improvement between the six-month periods. Fluctuations in the timing of accruals and related payments were favorable when comparing the two six-month periods and helped to offset the increased outflows noted above.

Cash used in investing activities increased to $177.8 million for the first six months of 2004 compared to $123.2 million during the same period last year. The increase reflects the significantly higher acquisition activity in 2004. Patient service equipment expenditures deceased in 2004 when compared to 2003 due to an increased focus on improved utilization of such equipment.

Cash used in financing activities was $62.6 million during the first six months of 2004 compared to $14.3 million for the first six months of 2003. The main reason for the increase is due to the common stock repurchase of $53.0 million that was effected through an accelerated share repurchase program. See “Treasury Stock.”

Contractual Cash Obligations. The following table summarizes Apria’s long term cash payment obligations to which the company is contractually bound. The years presented below represent 12-month rolling periods ending June 30.

(dollars in millions)	Year 1		Year 2		Year 3		Year 4		Year 5		Year 6+		Totals

Term loans	$	28	$	29	$	9	$	124	$	41	$	-	$	231
Revolving loan/swingline		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Convertible senior notes		-		-		-		-		-		250		250
Capital lease obligations		3		1		-		-		-		-		4
Operating leases		62		54		39		23		11		15		204
Deferred acquisition payments		13		-		-		-		-		-		13

Total contractual cash obligations	$	106	$	84	$	48	$	147	$	52	$	265	$	702


The holders of the convertible senior notes will first have the option to require Apria to repurchase all or a portion of their notes in September 2008.

Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable before allowance for doubtful accounts increased to $254.5 million at June 30, 2004 from $234.9 million at December 31, 2003, which is primarily due to the increase in revenues. Days sales outstanding (calculated as of each period end by dividing accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts, by the 90-day rolling average of net revenues) were 53 at June 30, 2004, 52 at June 30, 2003 and 50 at December 31, 2003.

Evaluation of Net Realizable Value. Management performs various analyses to evaluate accounts receivable balances to ensure that recorded amounts reflect estimated net realizable value. Management applies specified percentages to the accounts receivable aging to estimate the amount that will ultimately be uncollectible and therefore should be reserved. The percentages are increased as the accounts age; accounts aged in excess of 360 days are reserved at 100%. Management establishes and monitors these percentages through analyses of historical realization data, accounts receivable aging trends, other operating trends, the extent of contracted business and business combinations. Also considered are relevant business conditions, such as governmental and managed care payor claims processing procedures and system changes. If indicated by such analyses, management may periodically adjust the uncollectible estimate and corresponding percentages. Further, focused reviews of certain large and/or problematic payors are performed to determine if their respective reserve levels are appropriate.

Unbilled Receivables. Included in accounts receivable are earned but unbilled receivables of $38.2 million and $33.9 million at June 30, 2004 and at December 31, 2003, respectively. Delays, ranging from a day up to several weeks, between the date of service and billing can occur due to delays in obtaining certain required payor-specific documentation from internal and external sources. Earned but unbilled receivables are aged from date of service and are considered in Apria’s analysis of historical performance and collectibility. The increase in 2004, from the end of 2003, is largely due to acquisitions effected during the first half of 2004. The time-consuming processes of converting patient files onto Apria’s systems and obtaining provider numbers from government payors routinely delay billing of the newly acquired business.

Inventories and Patient Service Equipment. Inventories consist primarily of pharmaceuticals and disposable articles used in conjunction with patient service equipment. Patient service equipment consists of respiratory and home medical equipment that is provided to in-home patients for the course of their care plan and subsequently returned to Apria for reuse. Continued revenue growth is directly dependent on Apria’s ability to fund its inventory and patient service equipment requirements. The increases in both accounts between December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004 reflect purchases to support the increased business levels and additions of patient items recorded in conjunction with the acquisitions that closed in the first half of 2004.

Long-Term Debt. At June 30, 2004, total borrowings under Apria’s credit agreement were $231.2 million, outstanding letters of credit totaled $3.9 million and credit available under the revolving facility was $96.1 million. The company continues to be in compliance with all of the financial covenants required by the credit agreement.

Hedging Activities. Apria is exposed to interest rate fluctuations on its underlying variable rate long-term debt. Apria’s policy for managing interest rate risk is to evaluate and monitor all available relevant information, including but not limited to, the structure of its interest-bearing assets and liabilities, historical interest rate trends and interest rate forecasts published by major financial institutions. The tools Apria may utilize to moderate its exposure to fluctuations in the relevant interest rate indices include, but are not limited to: (i) strategic determination of repricing periods and related principal amounts, and (ii) derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swap agreements, caps or collars. Apria does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.

Apria has four interest rate swap agreements to fix its variable rate debt. The terms of such agreements, which were executed in December 2002, are as follows: two two-year agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $50 million and a fixed rate of 2.43%; a three-year agreement with a notional amount of $25 million and a fixed rate of 3.04%; and a four-year agreement with a notional amount of $25 million and a fixed rate of 3.42%. Apria also had two swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $100 million and a fixed rate of 2.58% that expired on March 31, 2003. All rates are stated before application of the interest margins specified in the credit agreement.

The swap agreements are being accounted for as cash flow hedges under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative and Hedging Activities.” Accordingly, the difference between the interest received and interest paid is reflected as an adjustment to interest expense. During the first six months of 2004 and 2003, Apria paid net settlement amounts of $857,000 and $1,042,000, respectively. Unrealized gains and losses on the fair value of the swap agreements are reflected, net of taxes, in other comprehensive income. At June 30, 2004, the aggregate fair value of the swap agreements was a liability of $341,000 million. Apria does not anticipate losses due to counterparty nonperformance as its counterparties to the various swap agreements are nationally-recognized financial institutions with strong credit ratings.

Treasury Stock. On January 16, 2004, Apria prepaid $50 million to repurchase 1,730,703 shares of its common stock at a strike price of $28.89 through an accelerated share repurchase program. The related contract, which had a scheduled settlement date of June 16, 2004, provided for cash or net share settlement at Apria’s election. The repurchase of the shares required by the contract was completed on April 28, 2004 and the share price differential was settled in cash on June 7, 2004 for a total cost of $53 million. Subject to market conditions, the company plans to repurchase additional shares worth up to $4.7 million during the second half of 2004.

All repurchased shares are being held in treasury.

Business Combinations. Pursuant to one of its primary growth strategies, Apria periodically acquires complementary businesses in specific geographic markets. The results of operations of the acquired companies are included in the accompanying consolidated income statements from the dates of acquisition. Covenants not to compete, typically effected in these transactions, are being amortized over the life of the respective agreements.

The aggregate consideration for acquisitions that closed during the first six months of 2004 was $109.3 million. Pending receipt of additional valuation information, the preliminary allocation of this amount includes $90.0 million to goodwill, $5.3 million to other intangible assets and $9.5 million to patient service equipment. Cash paid for acquisitions, which includes amounts deferred from prior year acquisitions, totaled $100.1 million and $42.5 million in the first six months of 2004 and 2003, respectively.

The success of Apria’s acquisition strategy is directly dependent on Apria’s ability to maintain and/or generate sufficient liquidity to fund such acquisitions and on the company’s ability to integrate the acquired operations successfully.

HIPAA. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 is comprised of a number of components. Pursuant to the administrative simplification section of HIPAA, HHS has issued multiple sets of regulations, each with its own compliance date. Regulations under HIPAA that may have a material effect on Apria govern the following:

•		privacy of individually identifiable health information - compliance date: April 14, 2003 - Apria was materially compliant by this date;
•		standard electronic transaction and code sets - compliance date: October 16, 2003 - Apria was materially compliant by this date;
•		electronic security of individually identifiable health information - compliance date: April 21, 2005 - Apria expects to be able to be materially compliant with these regulations by the compliance date;
•		standards for unique national health identifier for healthcare providers for use in connection with standard transactions – compliance date: May 23, 2007 – Apria expects to be able to materially comply with these regulations by the compliance date; and
•		the first installment of an interim enforcement rule, when issued in full, will address both substantive and procedural requirements for the imposition of civil monetary penalties.

The standard electronic transaction and code sets regulations standardize how health claims and eligibility information is collected, recorded and processed. The standard electronic transaction and code sets regulations also mandate that standardized codes be used for electronic billing purposes by all payors in the United States, including both government and private health plans. Historically, certain billing codes used in the homecare industry have varied by state Medicaid program and certain health plans. Under HIPAA, authority for approving, modifying, adding or deleting codes lies solely with the Health Care Procedure Coding System (“HCPCS”) panel, operating under the auspices of CMS, and such codes are to be used not only by Medicare payors, but by state Medicaid programs and private managed care payors as well. The panel reviews requests for new codes primarily on an annual basis, with a new code application deadline of April 1 each year.

In mid-October 2003, the panel posted the revised HCPCS list for 2004 on its web site. The panel approved very few new codes. The results of applications submitted in April 2004 are expected in the fall of 2004. The absence of new codes for certain higher-cost respiratory products and services could have an impact on gross profit margins, since the panel only allows one code per certain equipment category, regardless of the actual equipment provided to the patients per a physician’s prescription and/or patient preference. The absence of standardized codes for products or services provided by Apria also may preclude the company from submitting electronic billings to certain payors. Such an outcome would require submitting paper claims, which could ultimately result in delays and difficulties in collecting these claims.

Apria faces potential criminal or civil sanctions if it does not comply with existing or new laws and regulations related to patient health information, use of standard transaction and code sets and use of standard identifiers. New health information standards, whether implemented pursuant to HIPAA or otherwise, could have a significant effect on the manner in which Apria handles healthcare related data and communicates with payors.

Federal Investigation. As previously reported, since mid-1998 Apria has been the subject of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Los Angeles and HHS. The investigation concerns the documentation supporting Apria’s billing for services provided to patients whose healthcare costs are paid by Medicare and other federal programs. Apria is cooperating with the government and has responded to various document requests and subpoenas.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Apria is not a party to off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. However, from time to time the company enters into certain types of contracts that contingently require the company to indemnify parties against third-party claims. The contracts primarily relate to: (i) certain asset purchase agreements, under which the company may provide customary indemnification to the seller of the business being acquired; (ii) certain real estate leases, under which the company may be required to indemnify property owners for environmental and other liabilities, and other claims arising from the company’s use of the applicable premises; and (iii) certain agreements with the company’s officers, directors and employees, under which the company may be required to indemnify such persons for liabilities arising out of their employment relationship.

The terms of such obligations vary by contract and in most instances a specific or maximum dollar amount is not explicitly stated therein. Generally, amounts under these contracts cannot be reasonably estimated until a specific claim is asserted. Consequently, no liabilities have been recorded for these obligations on the company’s balance sheets for any of the periods presented.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Apria is exposed to interest rate fluctuations on its underlying variable rate long-term debt. Apria utilizes interest rate swap agreements to moderate such exposure. Apria does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.

At June 30, 2004, Apria’s term loan borrowings totaled $231.2 million. The bank credit agreement governing the term loans provides interest rate options based on the following indices: Federal Funds Rate, Prime Rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate. All such interest rate options are subject to the application of an interest margin as specified in the bank credit agreement. At June 30, 2004, all of Apria’s outstanding term debt was tied to LIBOR.

At June 30, 2004, Apria had four interest rate swap agreements with a total notional amount of $100 million to pay fixed rates ranging from 2.43% to 3.42% (before application of interest margin). The terms of these agreements range from two to four years. Also, Apria had two interest rate swap agreements with a total notional amount of $100 million to pay a fixed rate of 2.58% (before application of interest margin) that expired March 31, 2003.

Based on the term debt outstanding and the swap agreements in place at June 30, 2004, a 100 basis point change in the applicable interest rates would increase or decrease Apria’s annual cash flow and pretax earnings by approximately $1.3 million. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Long-term Debt – Hedging Activities.”

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the company’s management, including the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the company that is required to be included in the company’s periodic Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

During the period covered by this report, there have been no changes to the company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

As previously reported, since mid-1998 Apria has been the subject of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Los Angeles and HHS. The investigation concerns the documentation supporting Apria’s billing for services provided to patients whose healthcare costs are paid by Medicare and other federal programs. Apria is cooperating with the government and has responded to various document requests and subpoenas.

ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES, USE OF PROCEEDS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF
EQUITY SECURITIES

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Period

April 1 through 30, 2004	126,803	$30.16	126,803	$46,967,082
May 1 through 31, 2004	-	-	-	$46,967,082
June 1 through 30, 2004	-	-	-	$46,967,082

Total	126,803	$30.16	126,803

In October 2003, Apria announced that its Board of Directors authorized up to $100 million worth of common stock repurchases through December 31, 2004. On January 16, 2004, Apria prepaid $50 million to repurchase 1,730,703 shares of its common stock through an accelerated share repurchase program. The related contract, which had a scheduled settlement date of June 16, 2004, provided for cash or net share settlement at Apria’s election. During the first quarter of 2004, 1,603,900 shares had been purchased on the open market. The repurchase of the remaining 126,803 shares required by the contract was effected in April 2004. The share price differential was settled in cash in June 2004. The total cost of the shares repurchased under the accelerated share repurchase program was $53 million, thereby leaving $47 million remaining under the original Board authorization.

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


	(a) (b) (c)	Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the company on April 21, 2004. Directors reelected at the Annual Meeting for a term of one year: Vicente Anido, Jr. I.T. Corley David L. Goldsmith Lawrence M. Higby Richard H. Koppes Philip R. Lochner, Jr. Jeri L. Lose Beverly Benedict Thomas Ralh V. Whitworth Matters Voted Upon at Annual Meeting: Election of Directors
		As of April 21, 2004, the company's Board of Directors consisted of nine members who will serve for one year or until the election and qualification of their successors. The results of the stockholder voting were as follows:

		FOR	WITHHOLD/ ABSTENTIONS	BROKER NON-VOTES
	Vicente Anido, Jr. I.T. Corley David L. Goldsmith Lawrence M. Higby Richard H. Koppes Philip R. Lochner, Jr. Jeri L. Lose Beverly Benedict Thomas Ralph V. Whitworth	46,741,040 46,523,680 43,711,150 48,141,664 46,519,205 45,117,581 46,519,205 46,741,040 46,741,040	1,432,403 1,649,763 4,462,293 31,779 1,654,238 3,055,862 1,654,238 1,432,403 1,432,403	- - - - - - - - -

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K


(a)	Exhibits:
	Exhibit Number 10.1	Reference Executive Severance Agreement dated April 23, 2004, between Registrant and Amin I. Khalifa.
	10.2	Executive Severance Agreement dated April 23, 2004, between Registrant and John J. McDowell.
	10.3	Executive Severance Agreement dated April 23, 2004, between Registrant and Daniel J. Starck.
	31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
	31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
	32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
	32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
(b)	Reports on Form 8-K: Apria furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K on April 22, 2004 pursuant to Items 7 and 12 to report the issuance of a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.


	APRIA HEALTHCARE GROUP INC. Registrant
August 6, 2004	/s/ AMIN I. KHALIFA Amin I. Khalifa Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)