VITAS generated revenue growth of 18.8% over the prior-year...

VITAS generated revenue growth of 18.8% over the prior-year period and 5.4% sequentially. Gross margins were 22.9% in the fourth quarter of 2005, a decrease of 60 basis points when compared to the prior-year quarter. The fourth-quarter 2005 gross margin includes $1.6 million in start-up losses, which is $0.1 million higher than the $1.5 million in losses from programs classified as new starts in the prior-year period. Central support costs for VITAS, which are classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidating Statement of Income, totaled $14.1 million, including $0.1 million in OIG legal expenses. Excluding the OIG expenses, central support costs increased 7.8% when compared to the prior-year quarter and increased 2.5% sequentially.