UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): May 4, 2004 ROTO-ROOTER INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 1-8351 31-0791746 (State or other (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer jurisdiction of Identification incorporation) Number) 2600 Chemed Center, 255 East 5th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (513) 762-6900 Page 1 of 2 Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits c) Exhibits (99.1) Registrant's press release dated May 4, 2004. Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition On May 4, 2004, Roto-Rooter, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2004. A copy of the release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated by reference herein. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. ROTO-ROOTER INC. Dated: May 4, 2004 By: /s/ Arthur V. Tucker, Jr. ------------ -------------------------- Arthur V. Tucker, Jr. Vice President and Controller Page 2 of 2