Apria Healthcare Group, Costa Mesa, Calif., reported net earnings of $14.1 million, or 26 cents a share, for the fiscal 2000 second quarter ended June 30, compared with pro forma net earnings of $10.3 million, or 19 cents a share, for the same quarter last year.

The company posted its seventh consecutive profitable quarter and the seventh consecutive quarter-over-quarter increase in revenue, pretax earnings and EBITDA. Chief executive officer Philip Carter also noted that net days sales outstanding declined to 53 days for the quarter, the seventh consecutive quarter in which it has been 56 days or less.

Matria Healthcare, Marietta Ga., recorded net earnings of $2.6 million, or 7 cents a share, for the fiscal 2000 second quarter ended June 30, compared with pro forma net earnings of $1.5 million, or 4 cents a share, for the same quarter last year.

Donald Millard, Matria's president and chief executive officer, attributed the increase to a 25 percent increase in operating earnings before a restructuring charge. He said that over the last year the company has generated EBITDA of $46.5 million, or $1.14 per share, and during the last quarter paid down an additional $8 million of debt. It also reduced its bank debt from $105 million to $66 million over the last 18 months.

Interwest Home Medical, Salt Lake City, announced record earnings for the fiscal 2000 third quarter ended June 30. Net income for the quarter hit $799,000, a 103 percent increase compared with the $393,000 earned in the same quarter a year ago. Quarterly earnings rose from 10 cents a share to 19 cents a share.

"The results of the quarter clearly reflect the successful integration of recent acquisitions and the benefits of our continued focus on our core respiratory/oxygen business despite pressure from significant increases in fuel and interest costs," said James Robinson, president and chief executive officer. "We expect to continue the respiratory business focus and cost-control measures and will continue to target strategic acquisition opportunities."