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CARRIAGE SERVICES INC

For the period ended Sep 30, 2024. Filed Nov 1, 2024.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.

Sep 30, 2024 · Filed Nov 1, 2024

CSV$26.80-5.0%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-Q

Period ended 2024-06-30; filed 2024-08-02.

0001016281-24-000132

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

Current report: 10-Q

Period ended 2024-09-30; filed 2024-11-01.

0001016281-24-000170

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

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 137 previous paragraphs and 135 current paragraphs.

64 unchanged; 60 reworded; 8 added; 11 removed; 2 previous and 3 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 21 previous and 21 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Added paragraphs (8)

Current report

On July 31, 2024, the Company entered into a Credit Facility Amendment, to our Credit Facility, with the financial institutions party thereto, as lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent. The Credit Facility Amendment provided, among other things, for (i) the extension of the maturity date of the Credit Facility to July 31, 2029, provided that, if the Senior Notes (as defined in the Credit Facility) have a stated maturity date that is prior to July 31, 2029, then the maturity date shall instead be the date that is 91 days prior to the stated maturity date of the Senior Notes; (ii) the establishment of Term SOFR as a benchmark rate and the removal of BSBY from the Credit Facility, including conforming revisions to certain defined terms under the Credit Facility; (iii) the conversion of each existing BSBY Rate Loan (as defined in the Credit Facility prior to giving effect to the Credit Facility Amendment) to a Term SOFR Loan (as defined in the Credit Facility); (iv) modifications to the definitions of “Applicable Rate” and “Applicable Fee Rate” to change the applicable rates and pricing levels set forth in each pricing grid; (v) the removal of certain mandatory prepayments arising from the issuance of either Equity Interests or Debt (as both are defined by the Credit Facility); and (vi) modifications to the permitted investments covenant, relating to the Company’s ability to make certain acquisitions, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions therein.

Current report

We incurred $0.8 million in transactions costs related to the Credit Facility Amendment, which were capitalized and will be amortized over the remaining term of the related debt using the straight-line method.

Current report

Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased $5.2 million compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. We experienced an $8.1 million increase in gross profit and a $1.2 million decrease in interest expense, which was partially offset by a $2.9 million increase in income tax expense and a $0.9 million increase in general, administrative and other expenses.

Current report

Funeral home adjusted operating profit for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased $0.5 million when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to the increase in operating revenue, as well as a decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of revenue. The comparable operating profit margin increased 30 basis points to 37.7%. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased 0.4%, with the largest decrease in salaries and benefits expenses, while other operating expenses remained relatively flat. This reflects the continued progress we have made successfully executing on our cost management initiatives this quarter.

Current report

Cemetery adjusted operating profit increased $14.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to the increase in operating revenue, as well as a decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of revenue. The comparable operating profit margin increased 660 basis points to 47.1%. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased 6.7%, with the largest decreases in salaries and benefits expenses of 3.8%, merchandise costs of 0.8%, allowance for credit losses of 0.5% and promotional expense of 0.4%, which reflects the continued progress we have made successfully executing on our cost management initiatives this quarter.

Current report

Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs totaled $4.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $0.3 million compared to the same period in 2023, primarily driven by an increase in leadership and development

Current report

49 - expenses as we focus on the continued education of our teams to ensure the successful implementation of our various initiatives.
Removed paragraphs (11)

Previous report

On April 2, 2024, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company revised the Director Compensation Policy to provide that each independent director is entitled to a quarterly retainer of $37,500 payable in cash and/or unrestricted shares of our common stock at the end of each quarter. The chair of the Board, so long as he or she is an independent director, and the chair of our Audit Committee shall be entitled to an additional annual retainer of $20,000, the chair of our Compensation Committee is entitled to an additional annual retainer of $15,000, and the chair of our Corporate Governance Committee is entitled to an additional annual retainer of $10,000, which are payable in quarterly installments at the end of each quarter.

Previous report

On May 14, 2024, the Board elected Julie Sanders to serve as chair of the Board’s Corporate Governance Committee, effective on that date, which was a result of the previous announcement of Chad Fargason, the prior chair of the Corporate Governance Committee, being elected to serve as the Company’s Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, effective March 7, 2024.

Previous report

On June 6, 2024, L. Kian Granmayeh informed the Company that he would resign from his position as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) effective July 1, 2024 and will serve as a consultant for the Company for six months thereafter. Mr. Granmayeh’s resignation was not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company's operations, policies, or practices, including any matters concerning the Company’s controls or any financial or accounting-related matters or disclosures.

Previous report

In connection with Mr. Granmayeh’s resignation, the Company’s Board appointed Kathryn Shanley, the Company’s Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) as the Company’s interim Principal Financial Officer, effective June 6, 2024, until a permanent replacement is identified. No new compensatory arrangements were entered into with Ms. Shanley in connection with her appointment as the Company’s interim Principal Financial Officer.

Previous report

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, we recorded a $5.0 million contingent liability to reflect our agreement to pay our financial advisor in connection with the review of strategic alternatives.

Previous report

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2024 decreased $3.9 million compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. We experienced a $12.0 million increase in gross profit, which was more than offset by a $14.5 million increase in general, administrative and other expenses, primarily composed of one-time costs related to executive severance payments and our agreement to pay our financial advisor in connection with the Company's previously concluded review of strategic alternatives, as well as a $1.4 million increase in loss on divestitures.

Previous report

Funeral home adjusted operating profit for the three months ended June 30, 2024 increased $1.8 million when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of revenue. The comparable operating profit margin increased 340 basis points to 39.5%. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased 3.4%, with the largest decreases in salaries and benefits expenses of 1.8%, other expenses of 0.6% related to a legal settlement we

Previous report

45 - received in the second quarter, other funeral costs of 0.4% and promotional expenses of 0.3%, which reflects the continued progress we have made successfully executing on our cost management initiatives this quarter.

Previous report

Cemetery adjusted operating profit increased $7.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023, primarily due to the increase in operating revenue, as well as a decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of revenue. The comparable operating profit margin increased 430 basis points to 46.5%. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased 4.3%, with the largest decreases in salaries and benefits expenses of 3.4%, merchandise costs of 0.6%, and facilities and grounds expenses of 0.4%, which reflects the continued progress we have made successfully executing on our cost management initiatives this quarter.
Reworded paragraphs (60)

Previous wording

We operate in two business segments: Funeral Home operations, which currently accounts for approximately 65% of our total revenue, and Cemetery operations, which currently accounts for approximately 35% of our total revenue. At June 30, 2024, we operated 164 funeral homes in 26 states and 31 cemeteries in 11 states. We compete with other publicly held, privately held and independent operators of funeral and cemetery companies.

Current wording

We operate in two business segments: Funeral Home operations, which currently accounts for approximately 65% of our total revenue, and Cemetery operations, which currently accounts for approximately 35% of our total revenue. At September 30, 2024, we operated 162 funeral homes in 26 states and 31 cemeteries in 11 states. We compete with other publicly held, privately held and independent operators of funeral and cemetery companies.

Previous wording

On July 31, 2024, we entered into a fourth amendment (the “Credit Facility Amendment”) to the Credit Facility. See Note 18 – Subsequent Events for more information on the Credit Facility Amendment. As amended by the Credit Facility Amendment, the final maturity of the Credit Facility will occur on July 31, 2029, provided, that if the Senior Notes (as defined in the Credit Facility) have a stated maturity prior to July 31, 2029, then the maturity date will instead be the date that is 91 days prior to the stated maturity date.

Current wording

On July 31, 2024, the Company entered into a fourth amendment, (the “Credit Facility Amendment”), to our senior secured revolving credit facility (as amended, the “Credit Facility”), with the financial institutions party thereto, as lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent. The Credit Facility Amendment provided, among other things, for (i) the extension of the maturity date of the Credit Facility to July 31, 2029, provided that, if the Senior Notes (as defined in the Credit Facility) have a stated maturity date that is prior to July 31, 2029, then the maturity date shall instead be the date that is 91 days prior to the stated maturity date of the Senior Notes; (ii) the establishment of Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as a benchmark rate and the removal of BSBY from the Credit Facility, including conforming revisions to certain defined terms under the Credit Facility; (iii) the conversion of each existing BSBY Rate Loan (as defined in the Credit Facility prior to giving effect to the Credit Facility Amendment) to a Term SOFR Loan (as defined in the Credit Facility); (iv) modifications to the definitions of “Applicable Rate” and “Applicable Fee Rate” to change the applicable rates and pricing levels set forth in each pricing grid; (v) the removal of certain mandatory prepayments arising from the issuance of either Equity Interests or Debt (as both are defined by the Credit Facility); and (vi) modifications to the permitted investments covenant, relating to the Company’s ability to make certain acquisitions, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions therein.

Previous wording

During the second quarter of 2024, we continued to experience a stabilization of inflationary costs from our vendors and suppliers for merchandise and goods, particularly as it relates to utilities, funeral supplies and merchandise costs, with costs remaining flat when compared to the same period during 2023. Although we continue to experience higher variable interest rates under our Credit Facility, we anticipate lower borrowing costs as we continue prioritizing paying down our outstanding debt throughout the year. While we are encouraged by the stabilization of inflationary costs that we have experienced thus far in 2024, we are unable to forecast with any certainty whether inflationary costs will continue to moderate in future periods, as the ultimate scope and duration of these impacts remain unknown at this time. More broadly, the U.S. economy continues to experience the impact of several years of higher rates of inflation, which has impacted a wide variety of industries and sectors,

Current wording

During the third quarter of 2024, we continued to experience a stabilization of inflationary costs from our vendors and suppliers for merchandise and goods, particularly as it relates to utilities, funeral supplies and merchandise costs, with costs remaining flat when compared to the same period during 2023. Also, during the third quarter, after giving effect to the Credit Facility Amendment, we experienced lower variable interest rates under our Credit Facility, which resulted in lower borrowing costs during the quarter compared to the prior year. We expect this trend to continue as we remain focused on paying down our outstanding debt throughout the year.

Previous wording

37 - with consumers facing rising prices. Such inflation may negatively impact consumer discretionary spending, including the amount that consumers are able to spend on our services, although we have not experienced any material impacts to date and our industry has been largely resilient to similar adverse economic and market environments in the past. Although we expect these trends to continue throughout the year, we will assess these impacts and take the appropriate steps, if necessary, to mitigate any changes in consumer preferences or additional cost increases, if possible.

Current wording

While we are encouraged by the stabilization of inflationary costs that we have experienced thus far in 2024, we are unable to forecast with any certainty whether inflationary costs will continue to moderate in future periods, as the ultimate scope and duration of these impacts remain unknown at this time. More broadly, the U.S. economy continues to experience the impact of several years of higher rates of inflation, which has impacted a wide variety of industries and sectors, with consumers facing rising prices. Such inflation may negatively impact consumer discretionary spending, including the amount that consumers are able to spend on our services, although we have not experienced any material impacts to date and our industry has been largely resilient to similar adverse economic and market environments in the past. Although we expect these trends to continue throughout the year, we will assess these impacts and take the appropriate steps, if necessary, to mitigate any changes in consumer preferences or additional cost increases, if possible.

Previous wording

During the second quarter of 2024, we continued to experience lower volumes as compared to prior years due to fluctuations in the death rate, although overall financial performance remains at or above prior reporting periods. Although we expect fluctuations in the death rate to continue, we are unable to predict or forecast the duration or variation of the death rate with any certainty. Regardless of these fluctuations in the death rate, we continue to focus on expanding market share, cost management and executing on our strategic operational plans.

Current wording

During the third quarter of 2024, we continued to experience lower volumes as compared to prior years due to fluctuations in the death rate, although overall financial performance remains at or above prior reporting periods. Although we expect fluctuations in the death rate to continue, we are unable to predict or forecast the duration or variation of the death rate with any

Previous wording

Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are internally generated cash flows from operating activities and availability under our Credit Facility (defined below).

Current wording

Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are internally generated cash flows from operating activities and availability under our Credit Facility.

Previous wording

We generate cash in our operations primarily from atneed sales and delivery of preneed sales. We also generate cash from earnings on our cemetery perpetual care trusts. Based on our recent operating results, current cash position and anticipated future cash flows, we do not anticipate any significant liquidity constraints in the foreseeable future. We have the ability to draw on our Credit Facility, subject to its customary terms and conditions.

Current wording

We generate cash in our operations primarily from atneed sales and delivery of preneed sales. We also generate cash from earnings on our cemetery perpetual care trusts. Based on our recent operating results, current cash position and anticipated future cash flows, we do not anticipate any significant liquidity constraints in the foreseeable future. We have the ability to draw on our Credit Facility, as needed, subject to its customary terms and conditions.

Previous wording

Our plan is to remain focused on executing our strategic objectives and growth strategy. This includes prioritizing our capital allocation for debt repayments, the payment of dividends and debt obligations and internal growth capital expenditures, which we expect to fund using cash on hand and borrowings under our Credit Facility, along with general corporate purposes, as allowed under our Credit Facility. We believe that our existing and anticipated cash resources, including, as needed, additional borrowings or other financings that we may be able to obtain, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated working capital requirements, capital expenditures, scheduled debt payments, commitments and dividends for the next 12 months, as well as our long-term financial obligations.

Current wording

Our plan is to remain focused on executing our strategic objectives and growth strategy. This includes prioritizing our capital allocation for debt repayments, the payment of dividends and debt obligations, internal growth capital expenditures, and general corporate purposes, as allowed under our Credit Facility. We expect to fund these payments using cash on hand and borrowings under our Credit Facility. We believe that our existing and anticipated cash resources, including, as needed, additional borrowings or other financings that we may be able to obtain, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated working capital requirements, capital expenditures, scheduled debt payments, commitments and dividends for the next 12 months, as well as our long-term financial obligations.

Previous wording

Our cash balance has remained consistent throughout the year as we began the year and ended the second quarter with $1.5 million in cash. At June 30, 2024, we had borrowings of $155.0 million outstanding on our Credit Facility compared to $179.1 million at December 31, 2023.

Current wording

We began 2023 with $1.5 million in cash and ended the third quarter with $1.3 million in cash. At September 30, 2024, we had borrowings of $140.0 million outstanding on our Credit Facility compared to $179.1 million at December 31, 2023.

Previous wording

For the six months ended June 30, 2024, cash provided by operating activities was $21.9 million compared to $39.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease of $17.3 million is primarily due to the following non-recurring events, which occurred during the first six months of 2023: i) an $8.6 million withdrawal of realized capital gains and earnings from our preneed funeral and cemetery trust investments; and ii) receipt of a $6.0 million incentive payment from a vendor for entering into a strategic partnership agreement to market and sell prearranged funeral services in the future.

Current wording

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, cash provided by operating activities was $42.7 million compared to $61.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease of $19.1 million is primarily due to the following non-recurring events, which occurred during the first nine months of 2023: i) an $8.6 million withdrawal of realized capital

Previous wording

Our financing activities resulted in a net cash outflow of $26.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to a net cash inflow of $10.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $36.8 million.

Current wording

Our investing activities resulted in a net cash inflow of $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to a net cash outflow of $53.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase of $54.1 million is due to the activity described below.

Previous wording

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we sold six funeral homes and one cemetery for an aggregate of $10.9 million. Additionally, we sold real property for $0.3 million.

Current wording

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we sold six funeral homes and one cemetery for an aggregate of $10.9 million. Additionally, we sold real property for $1.1 million.

Previous wording

During the six months ended June 30, 2023, we acquired a business consisting of three funeral homes, two cemeteries and one cremation focused business for $44.0 million. In addition, we sold one funeral home and two cemeteries for $0.8 million

Current wording

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we acquired a business consisting of three funeral homes, two cemeteries and one cremation focused business for $44.0 million. In addition, we sold two funeral homes and two cemeteries for $1.1 million and real property for $1.2 million.

Previous wording

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we received proceeds of $0.3 million from our property insurance policy for the reimbursement of renovation costs for certain of our funeral businesses damaged by Hurricane Ian that occurred during the third quarter of 2022.

Current wording

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we received proceeds of $0.4 million from our property insurance policy for the reimbursement of renovation costs for certain of our funeral businesses damaged by Hurricane Ian that occurred during the third quarter of 2022.

Previous wording

During the six months ended June 30, 2023, we received proceeds of $1.1 million from our property insurance policy for the reimbursement of renovation costs for certain of our funeral businesses damaged by Hurricane Ian that occurred during the third quarter of 2022 and a fire that occurred during the first quarter of 2023.

Current wording

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we received proceeds of $1.4 million from our property insurance policy for the reimbursement of renovation costs for certain of our funeral businesses damaged by Hurricane Ian that occurred during the third quarter of 2022 and a fire that occurred during the first quarter of 2023.

Previous wording

For the six months ended June 30, 2024, our capital expenditures (comprised of growth and maintenance spend) totaled $7.1 million compared to $9.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $1.9 million.

Current wording

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, our capital expenditures (comprised of growth and maintenance spend) totaled $11.7 million compared to $13.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, a decrease of $1.4 million.

Previous wording

Our investing activities resulted in a net cash inflow of $4.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to a net cash outflow of $49.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $54.3 million.

Current wording

Our financing activities resulted in a net cash outflow of $43.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to a net cash outflow of $8.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, an increase of $35.7 million.

Previous wording

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we had net payments on our Credit Facility, acquisition debt and finance leases of $24.4 million and paid dividends of $3.4 million.

Current wording

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we had net payments on our Credit Facility, acquisition debt and finance leases of $39.6 million and we paid $5.1 million in dividends.

Previous wording

During the six months ended June 30, 2023, we had net borrowings on our Credit Facility, acquisition debt and finance leases of $13.0 million, offset by $3.3 million of dividends paid.

Current wording

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we had net payments on our Credit Facility, acquisition debt and finance leases of $3.9 million and we paid $5.0 million in dividends.

Previous wording

We did not repurchase any shares during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. At June 30, 2024, our share repurchase program had $48.9 million authorized for repurchases.

Current wording

We did not repurchase any shares during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. At September 30, 2024, our share repurchase program had $48.9 million authorized for repurchases.

Previous wording

At June 30, 2024, our senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) was comprised of: (i) a $250.0 million revolving credit facility, including a $15.0 million subfacility for letters of credit and a $10.0 million swingline, and (ii) an accordion or incremental option allowing for future increases in the facility size by an additional amount of up to $75.0 million in the aggregate in the form of increased revolving commitments or incremental term loans.

Current wording

At September 30, 2024, our Credit Facility was comprised of: (i) a $250.0 million revolving credit facility, including a $15.0 million subfacility for letters of credit and a $10.0 million swingline, and (ii) an accordion or incremental option allowing for future increases in the facility size by an additional amount of up to $75.0 million in the aggregate in the form of increased revolving commitments or incremental term loans.

Previous wording

In addition, the Credit Facility also contains customary negative covenants, including, but not limited to, covenants that restrict (subject to certain exceptions) the ability of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors to incur indebtedness, grant liens, make investments, engage in mergers and acquisitions, pay dividends and make other restricted payments, and certain financial maintenance covenants. At June 30, 2024, we were subject to the following financial covenants under our Credit Facility: (A) a Total Leverage Ratio not to exceed 5.50 to 1.00 and (B) a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of not less than 1.20 to 1.00 as of the end of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters. These financial maintenance covenants are calculated for the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. We were in compliance with all of the covenants contained in our Credit Facility at June 30, 2024.

Current wording

In addition, the Credit Facility also contains customary negative covenants, including, but not limited to, covenants that restrict (subject to certain exceptions) the ability of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors to incur indebtedness, grant liens, make investments, engage in mergers and acquisitions, pay dividends and make other restricted payments, and certain financial maintenance covenants. At September 30, 2024, we were subject to the following financial covenants under our Credit Facility: (A) a Total Leverage Ratio not to exceed 5.25 to 1.00 and (B) a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of not less than 1.20 to 1.00 as of the end of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters. These financial maintenance covenants are calculated for the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. We were in compliance with all of the covenants contained in our Credit Facility at September 30, 2024.

Previous wording

At June 30, 2024, we had outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility of $155.0 million. We also had one letter of credit for $2.6 million under the Credit Facility. The letter of credit will expire on November 25, 2024 and is expected to automatically renew annually and secures our obligations under our various self-insured policies. At June 30, 2024, we had $92.4 million of availability under the Credit Facility.

Current wording

At September 30, 2024, we had outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility of $140.0 million. We also had one letter of credit for $2.6 million under the Credit Facility. The letter of credit will expire on November 25, 2024 and is expected to automatically renew annually and secures our obligations under our various self-insured policies. At September 30, 2024, we had $107.4 million of availability under the Credit Facility.

Previous wording

Prior to our entry into the Credit Facility Amendment, outstanding borrowings under our Credit Facility bore interest at a prime rate or the Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield Index (“BSBY”) rate, plus an applicable margin based on our leverage ratio. At June 30, 2024, the prime rate margin was equivalent to 2.125% and the BSBY rate margin was 3.125%. The weighted average interest rate on our Credit Facility was 8.7% and 8.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and 8.8% and 8.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Credit Facility Amendment provided, among other things, for the establishment of the Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as a benchmark rate and the removal of BSBY from the Credit Facility.

Current wording

At September 30, 2024, our outstanding borrowings under our Credit Facility bore interest at a prime rate or the SOFR rate, plus an applicable margin based on our leverage ratio. At September 30, 2024, the prime rate margin was equivalent to 1.50% and the SOFR term margin was 2.60%. The weighted average interest rate on our Credit Facility was 8.5% and 9.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and 8.7% and 8.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Previous wording

Our lease obligations consist of operating and finance leases. We lease certain office facilities, certain funeral homes, vehicles and equipment under operating leases with original terms ranging from one to twenty years. Many leases include one or more options to renew, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to forty years. In addition, we lease certain other funeral homes, vehicles and equipment under finance leases with original terms ranging from three and a half to forty years. At June 30, 2024, operating and finance lease obligations were $34.3 million, with $5.5 million payable within 12 months.

Current wording

Our lease obligations consist of operating and finance leases. We lease certain office facilities, certain funeral homes, vehicles and equipment under operating leases with original terms ranging from one to twenty years. Many leases include one or more options to renew, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to forty years. In addition, we lease certain other funeral homes, vehicles and equipment under finance leases with original terms ranging from three and a half to forty years. At September 30, 2024, operating and finance lease obligations were $35.9 million, with $5.5 million payable within 12 months.

Previous wording

Acquisition debt consists of deferred purchase price and promissory notes payable to sellers. A majority of the deferred purchase price and notes bear no interest and are discounted at imputed interest rates ranging from 6.5% to 7.3%. Original maturities range from nine to twenty years. At June 30, 2024, acquisition debt obligations were $9.0 million, with $0.9 million payable within 12 months.

Current wording

Acquisition debt consists of deferred purchase price and promissory notes payable to sellers. A majority of the deferred purchase price and notes bear no interest and are discounted at imputed interest rates ranging from 6.5% to 7.3%. Original maturities range from nine to twenty years. At September 30, 2024, acquisition debt obligations were $8.9 million, with $0.9 million payable within 12 months.

Previous wording

The debt discount and the debt issuance costs are being amortized using the effective interest method over the remaining term of approximately 59 months of the Senior Notes. The effective interest rate on the unamortized debt discount and the unamortized debt issuance costs for the Senior Notes for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 was 4.42% and 4.30%, respectively.

Current wording

The debt discount and the debt issuance costs are being amortized using the effective interest method over the remaining term of approximately 56 months of the Senior Notes. The effective interest rates on the unamortized debt discount and the unamortized debt issuance costs for the Senior Notes for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were 4.42% and 4.30%, respectively.

Previous wording

At June 30, 2024, the fair value of the Senior Notes, which are Level 2 measurements, was $357.0 million.

Current wording

At September 30, 2024, the fair value of the Senior Notes, which are Level 2 measurements, was $371.4 million.

Previous wording

Revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2024 increased $4.6 million compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023. We experienced a 23.2% increase in the number of preneed interment rights (property) sold and a 12.8% increase in the average price per interment right sold. Additionally, we experienced a 6.6% decrease in funeral contract volume, which was partially offset by a 4.0% increase in the average revenue per funeral contract. The increase in cemetery revenue highlights the effectiveness of our preneed cemetery sales growth plan, as we continue to focus on executing our strategic goals. Furthermore, despite the funeral contract volume decline due to the COVID-19 related pull forward effect, we continue to increase our average revenue per funeral contract through the successful execution of our enhanced pricing strategy.

Current wording

Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased $10.2 million compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. We experienced a 26.1% increase in the number of preneed interment rights (property) sold and a 4.4% increase in the average price per interment right sold. Additionally, we experienced a 3.1% decrease in funeral contract volume, which was offset by a 3.1% increase in the average revenue per funeral contract. The increase in cemetery revenue highlights the effectiveness of our preneed cemetery sales growth plan, as we continue to focus on executing our strategic goals. Furthermore, despite the funeral contract volume decline impacted by the COVID-19 related pull forward effect, we continue to increase our average revenue per funeral contract through the successful execution of our enhanced pricing strategy.

Previous wording

Gross profit for the three months ended June 30, 2024 increased $5.8 million compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023, primarily due to the increase in revenue from our cemetery segment, as well as increases in gross profit margins from both segments, as we continue to successfully execute on our cost management initiatives.

Current wording

Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased $8.1 million compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to the increase in revenue from our cemetery segment, as well as increases in gross profit margins from both segments, as we continue to successfully execute on our cost management initiatives.

Previous wording

Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2024 increased $12.6 million compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. We experienced a 29.2% increase in the number of preneed interment rights (property) sold and a 10.3% increase in the average price per interment right sold. Additionally, we experienced a 4.5% decrease in funeral contract volume, which was partially offset by a 4.0% increase in the average revenue per funeral contract. The increase in cemetery revenue highlights the effectiveness of our preneed cemetery sales growth plan, as we continue to focus on executing our strategic goals. Furthermore, despite the funeral contract volume decline due to the COVID-19 related pull forward effect, we continue to increase our average revenue per funeral contract through the successful execution of our enhanced pricing strategy.

Current wording

Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $22.8 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. We experienced a 28.2% increase in the number of preneed interment rights (property) sold and an 8.4% increase in the average price per interment right sold. Additionally, we experienced a 4.1% decrease in funeral contract volume, which was partially offset by a 3.7% increase in the average revenue per funeral contract. The increase in cemetery revenue highlights the effectiveness of our preneed cemetery sales growth plan, as we continue to focus on executing our strategic goals. Furthermore, despite the funeral contract volume decline impacted by the COVID-19 related pull forward effect, we continue to increase our average revenue per funeral contract through the successful execution of our enhanced pricing strategy.

Previous wording

Gross profit for the six months ended June 30, 2024 increased $12.0 million compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023, primarily due to the increase in revenue from our cemetery segment, as well as increases in gross profit margins from both segments, as we continue to successfully execute on our cost management initiatives.

Current wording

Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $20.1 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to the increase in revenue from our cemetery segment, as well as increases in gross profit margins from both segments, as we continue to successfully execute on our cost management initiatives.

Previous wording

Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2024 decreased $2.0 million compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023. We experienced a $5.8 million increase in gross profit and a $1.1 million decrease in interest expense, which was more than offset by an $8.4 million increase in general, administrative and other expenses, primarily composed of one-time costs related to executive severance payments and our agreement to pay our financial advisor in connection with the Company's previously concluded review of strategic alternatives.

Current wording

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $1.3 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. We experienced a $20.1 million increase in gross profit and a $2.1 million decrease in interest expense, which was partially offset by a $15.4 million increase in general, administrative and other expenses, primarily composed of one-time costs related to executive severance payments and our agreement to pay our financial advisor in connection with the Company's previously concluded review of strategic alternatives and a $3.9 million increase in income tax expense.

Previous wording

The following is a discussion of our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.

Current wording

The following is a discussion of our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.

Previous wording

The term “divested” when discussed in the funeral home segment refers to six funeral homes we sold and one funeral home we merged with another business we own in an existing market during the six months ended June 30, 2024, and one funeral home we sold and one funeral home we merged with another business we own in an existing market during the six months ended June 30, 2023.

Current wording

The term “divested” when discussed in the funeral home segment refers to six funeral homes we sold and three funeral homes we merged with other businesses we own in existing markets during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and two funeral homes we sold and one funeral home we merged with another business we own in an existing market during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Previous wording

The term “divested” when discussed in the cemetery segment refers to one cemetery we sold during the six months ended June 30, 2024, and two cemeteries we sold during the six months ended June 30, 2023.

Current wording

The term “divested” when discussed in the cemetery segment refers to one cemetery we sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and two cemeteries we sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Previous wording

Funeral home operating revenue decreased $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in operating revenue is primarily driven by a 6.6% decrease in contract volume, offset by a 4.0% increase in the average revenue per contract excluding preneed interest. Despite the funeral contract volume decline due to the COVID-19 related pull forward effect, we continue to increase our average revenue per funeral contract through the successful execution of our enhanced pricing strategy.

Current wording

Funeral home operating revenue increased $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in operating revenue is primarily driven by a 3.1% increase in the average revenue per contract excluding preneed interest, offset by a 3.1% decrease in contract volume. Despite the funeral contract volume decline impacted by the COVID-19 related pull forward effect, we continue to increase our average revenue per funeral contract through the successful execution of our enhanced pricing strategy.

Previous wording

Ancillary revenue, which represents revenue from our flower shop, monument business, pet cremation business and online cremation businesses, decreased $0.2 million, while ancillary adjusted operating profit increased $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in ancillary revenue is primarily due to a decision to cease the operations of a cremation business at our Bakersfield, CA business, which did not contribute materially to adjusted operating profit.

Current wording

Ancillary revenue, which represents revenue from our flower shop, monument business, pet cremation business and online cremation businesses, decreased $0.1 million, while ancillary adjusted operating profit remained flat for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in ancillary revenue is primarily due to a decision to cease the operations of a cremation focused business at our Bakersfield, CA business, which did not contribute materially to adjusted operating profit.

Previous wording

Other revenue and other adjusted operating profit, which consists of preneed funeral insurance commissions and earnings from delivered preneed funeral trust and insurance contracts, increased $1.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. These increases are primarily due to our continued focus on growth of our preneed funeral sales through our strategic partnership with a national insurance provider that began during the second quarter of 2023. As a result, we have experienced a 5.4% increase in preneed insurance contracts sold during the second quarter of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

Current wording

Other revenue and other adjusted operating profit, which consists of preneed funeral insurance commissions and earnings from delivered preneed funeral trust and insurance contracts, increased $1.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. These increases are primarily due to an increase of $1.3 million in our general agency commission income earned on the sale of preneed insurance policies in the third quarter of 2024. compared to the same period in 2023. This is primarily due to our continued focus on growth of our preneed funeral sales through our strategic partnership with a national insurance provider that began during the second quarter of 2023.

Previous wording

Funeral home operating revenue increased $0.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase in operating revenue is primarily driven by a 4.0% increase in the average revenue per contract excluding preneed interest, which was partially offset by a 4.5% decrease in contract volume. Despite the funeral contract volume decline due to the COVID-19 related pull forward effect, we continue to increase our average revenue per funeral contract through the successful execution of our enhanced pricing strategy, which was the primary driver in funeral revenue growth this year.

Current wording

Funeral home operating revenue increased $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in operating revenue is primarily driven by a 3.7% increase in the average revenue per contract excluding preneed interest, which was partially offset by a 4.1% decrease in contract volume. Despite the funeral contract volume decline impacted by the COVID-19 related pull forward effect, we continue to increase our average revenue per funeral contract through the successful execution of our enhanced pricing strategy, which was the primary driver in funeral revenue growth this year.

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Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

38 - certainty. Regardless of these fluctuations in the death rate, we continue to focus on expanding market share, cost management and executing on our strategic operational plans.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

39 - gains and earnings from our preneed funeral and cemetery trust investments; and ii) the receipt of a $6.0 million incentive payment from a vendor for entering into a strategic partnership agreement to market and sell prearranged funeral services in the future.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recorded a $0.4 million and $0.3 million gain, respectively, net of insurance proceeds, for damages from Hurricane Ian, which occurred during the third quarter of 2022.
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Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

and real property for $1.2 million.

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

46 - to a decision to cease the operations of a cremation business at our Bakersfield, CA business, which did not contribute materially to adjusted operating profit.