UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
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| ☒ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended, December 31, 2022
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| ☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
| For the fiscal year ended, December 31, 2017 |
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¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
| For the transition period from ______________ to _____________ |
Commission file number: 1-11961
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CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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| Delaware | | 76-0423828 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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Identification No.)
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3040 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 300 |
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3040 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 300, Houston, Texas | | Houston, Texas, 77056 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
(Address of principal executive offices)
(713) 332-8400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (713) 332-8400code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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(Title of each class)class | Trading Symbol | (Name of each exchange on which registered)registered |
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value $.01 Per Share | CSV | New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933. Yes ¨☐ No ý☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ¨☐ No ý☒
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 ý☒ No ¨☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý☒ No ¨☐
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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| Large accelerated filer | o☐ | Accelerated filer | x☒ |
| Non-accelerated filer | o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
☐ | Smaller reporting company | o |
| ☐ | | Emerging growth company | o☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o☐
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| Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. | ☒ |
| If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. | ☐ |
| Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). | ☐ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ¨☐ No ý☒
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 20172022 was approximately $413.2$519.5 million based on the closing price of $26.96$39.65 per share on the New York Stock Exchange.
The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, outstanding as of February 16, 201824, 2023 was 16,181,876.14,890,623.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
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PortionsCertain information required to be disclosed in Part III of this report is incorporated by reference from the registrant'sregistrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2018 annual meeting of stockholders,or an amendment to this report, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission withinSEC not later than 120 days after the end of December 31, 2017, are incorporated in Part III ofthe fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.report.
Table of Contents
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CAUTIONARY NOTE
Certain statements and information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Form 10-K”) may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical information, should be deemed to be forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “estimate,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “foresee,” “should,” “would,”“may”, “will”, “estimate”, “intend”, “believe”, “expect”, “seek”, “project”, “forecast”, “foresee”, “should”, “would”, “could” or, “plan”, “anticipate” and other similar words or expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding any projections of earnings, revenues, asset sales,revenue, cash flow, debt levels, capital allocation, death rates, market share growth, overhead, including field and corporate incentive compensation, or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; including, but not limited to, technology innovations, product development and organizational performance; any statements of the plans, timing and objectives of management for acquisition and divestiture activities; any statements of the plans, timing, expectations and objectives of management for future financing activities, including, but not limited to, capital allocation, cost and debt reductions, and the ability to obtain credit or financing; any statements regarding future economic and market conditions or performance; any statements of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing and are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on us. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we anticipate. All comments concerning our expectations for future revenuesrevenue and operating results are based on our forecasts for our existing operations and do not include the potential impact of any future acquisitions. Our forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those summarized below:
the•our ability to find and retain skilled personnel;
•the effects of our talent recruitment efforts, incentive and compensation plans and programs, including such effects on our Standards Operating Model and the Company’s operational and financial performance;
•our ability to execute our growth strategy;
•the execution of our Standards Operating, 4E leadershipLeadership and StandardStrategic Acquisition Models;
•the effects of competition;
•changes in the number of deaths in our markets;
•changes in consumer preferences;preferences and our ability to adapt to or meet those changes;
•our ability to generate preneed sales;sales, including implementing our cemetery portfolio sales strategy, product development and optimization plans;
•the investment performance of our funeral and cemetery trust funds;
•fluctuations in interest rates;
•the effects of inflation on our operational and financial performance, including the increased overall costs for our goods and services, the impact on customer preferences as a result of changes in discretionary income, and our ability, if at all, to mitigate such effects;
•our ability to obtain debt or equity financing on satisfactory terms to fund additional acquisitions, expansion projects, working capital requirements and the repayment or refinancing of indebtedness;
•our ability to meet the timing, objectives and expectations related to our capital allocation framework, including our forecasted rates of return, planned uses of free cash flow and future capital allocation, including share repurchases, potential strategic acquisitions, internal growth projects, dividend increases, or debt repayment plans;
•our ability to meet the projected financial and equity performance goals to our updated full year outlook, if at all;
•the timely and full payment of death benefits related to preneed funeral contracts funded through life insurance contracts;
•the financial condition of third-party insurance companies that fund our preneed funeral contracts;
•increased or unanticipated costs, such as merchandise, goods, insurance or taxes;taxes, and our ability to mitigate or minimize such costs, if at all;
recent •our level of indebtedness and the cash required to service our indebtedness;
•changes in federal income tax laws and regulations and the implementation and interpretation of these laws and regulations by the Internal Revenue Service;
•effects of the application of other applicable laws and regulations, including changes in such regulations or the interpretation thereof;
•the potential impact of epidemics and pandemics, including, for example, the COVID-19 coronavirus, including any new variants or sub-variants of COVID-19, on customer preferences and on our business;
•government, social, business and other actions that have been and will be taken in response to pandemics and epidemics, including potential responses to new variants of COVID-19, its variants and any sub-variants;
•effects and expense of litigation;
•consolidation of the funeral and cemetery industry;
•our ability to identify and consummate strategic acquisitions, if at all, and successfully integrate acquired businesses with our existing businesses, including expected performance and financial improvements related thereto;
•economic, financial and stock market fluctuations,
•interruptions or security lapses of our information technology, including any cybersecurity or ransomware incidents,
•acts of war or terrorists acts and the governmental or military response to such acts;
•our failure to maintain effective control over financial reporting; and
•other factors and uncertainties inherent in the funeral and cemetery industry.
For additional information regarding known material factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our projected results, please see Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors.
Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
GENERAL
Carriage Services, Inc. (“Carriage,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) was incorporated in the State of Delaware in December 1993 and is a leading provider of funeral and cemetery services and merchandise in the United States. We operate in two business segments: funeral home operations,Funeral Home Operations, which currently accountaccounts for approximately 78%70% of our total revenue, and cemetery operations,Cemetery Operations, which currently accountaccounts for approximately 22%30% of our total revenues.revenue.
At December 31, 2017,2022, we operated 178171 funeral homes in 2926 states and 32 cemeteries in 11 states. We compete with other publicly held and independent operators of funeral and cemetery companies and smaller, independent operators.companies. We believe we are a market leader in most of our markets.
Our funeral homes offer a complete range of high value personal services to meet a family’s funeral needs, including consultation, the removal and preparation of remains, the sale of caskets and related funeral merchandise, the use of funeral home facilities for visitation and remembrance services and transportation services. Our cemeteries provide interment rights (grave sites and mausoleum spaces) and related merchandise, such as markers and outer burial containers. We provide funeral and cemetery services and products on both an “atneed” (time of death) and “preneed” (planned prior to death) basis.
CURRENT YEAR DEVELOPMENTS
Acquisitions. During 2017, we acquired seven funeral home businesses. We acquired one funeral home business in Longmont, Colorado and one funeral home business in Loveland, Colorado in November 2017 and five funeral home businesses on Long Island, New York in December 2017. The pro forma impact of the acquisitions on prior periods is not presented as the impact is not material to our reported results. The results of the acquired businesses are included in our results of operations from the date of acquisition.
Construction of New Funeral Homes. During 2017, we completed the construction of and began operating two new funeral homes, one in Ohio and one in Pennsylvania.
Share Repurchase Program. On February 25, 2016, our Board approved a share repurchase program authorizing us to purchase up to an aggregate of $25.0 million of our common stock in accordance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). On October 25, 2017, our Board approved a $15.0 million increase in its authorization for repurchases of our common stock in addition to the $25.0 million approved on February 25, 2016, bringing the total authorized repurchase amount to $40.0 million, in accordance with the Exchange Act. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we repurchased 574,054 shares of common stock for a total cost of $14.0 million at an average cost of $24.35 per share pursuant to this share repurchase program. Based on all repurchases to the date of this Current Report on Form 10-K, we have $26.0 million available for repurchase under our approved program.
Dividends. October 25, 2017, our Board approved an increase in our quarterly dividend on our common stock from $0.050 to $0.075 per share, effective with respect to dividends payable on December 1, 2017 and later. For our 2017 fiscal year, we paid approximately $3.7 million in dividends.
Advisory Board Member. On February 14, 2018, the Board approved Mr. Greg Brudnicki, an individual with extensive experience in the funeral and cemetery industry, who is also a former owner of a funeral home business and current consultant to the Company, to serve as an advisor to the Board from time-to-time.
FUNERAL AND CEMETERY INDUSTRY
Funeral home and cemetery businesses provide products and services to families in three principal areas: (i) ceremony and tribute, generally in the form of a funeral or memorial service; (ii) disposition of remains, either through burial or cremation; and (iii) memorialization, generally through monuments, markers or inscriptions. Our funeral homes offer a complete range of services to meet a family’s funeral needs, including consultation, the removal and preparation of remains, the sale of caskets and related funeral merchandise, the use of funeral home facilities for visitation and memorial services and transportation services. Most of our funeral homes have a non-denominational chapel on the premises, which permits family visitation and services to take place at one location and thereby reduces transportation costs and inconvenience to the family.
Our cemeteries provide interment rights (primarily grave sites, lawn crypts, mausoleum spaces and niches), related cemetery merchandise (such as memorial markers, outer burial containers and monuments) and services (interments, inurnments and installation of cemetery merchandise).
We provide funeral and cemetery services and products on both an “atneed” (time of death) and “preneed” (planned prior to death) basis.
CURRENT YEAR DEVELOPMENTS
Executive Leadership Changes
On April 1, 2022, Rob Franch joined our executive leadership team as Chief Information Officer.
On September 26, 2022, Robbie Pape joined our executive leadership team as Senior Vice President and Regional Partner.
On September 27, 2022, C. Benjamin Brink informed the Company of his plans to resign from his position as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer effective January 2, 2023. Mr. Brink remained in his role through January 2, 2023 and will serve as a consultant for the Company through June 30, 2023. The planned resignation was not the result of any disagreement Mr. Brink had with the Company on any matter related to the Company's operations, policies, and practices, including any matters concerning the Company's controls or any financial or accounting-related matters or disclosures.
On January 2, 2023, following the resignation of Carl Benjamin Brink, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) from the Company, our Board of Directors (our “Board”) appointed Adeola Olaniyan, the Company’s Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Office, as the Company’s interim Principal Financial Officer until a permanent replacement is identified. In this interim role, Ms. Olaniyan will serve as both the Company’s Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer.
Board of Director Changes
On February 22, 2023, our Board elected Carlos R. Quezada, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, to serve as a Class II director, effective February 22, 2023, until the Company’s 2025 annual meeting of stockholders. The Board also appointed Mr. Quezada to serve as Vice Chairman of the Board. Mr. Quezada will serve as a non-independent member of the Board, and the Board does not expect to appoint Mr. Quezada to any of its standing committees. Following the appointment of Mr. Quezada, the Board is now comprised of six directors, including four independent directors.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Amendments
On February 22, 2023, our Board, on the recommendation of the Board’s Audit Committee, approved various amendments to the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”), which applies to all directors, officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. In addition to making certain technical and administrative updates, the amendments to the Code include, among other things, summarizing and clarifying the Company’s existing compliance
requirements and also identifies and expands upon certain policies, including those related to bribery and kickbacks, antitrust, political activity and improper influence on auditors. The approval of the amendments to the Code did not relate to or result in any waiver, whether explicit or implicit, of any provision of the prior version of the Code.
Acquisitions
On August 8, 2022, we acquired a business consisting of two funeral homes in Kissimmee, Florida for $6.3 million in cash. On October 25, 2022, we acquired a business consisting of three funeral homes, one cemetery and one cremation focused business in the Charlotte, North Carolina area for $25.0 million in cash.
Divestitures
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we sold real property for $3.3 million and four funeral homes for $1.5 million for a net gain of $0.7 million.
On January 31, 2023, we sold one funeral home and two cemeteries in Marshall, Texas for $0.8 million.
Credit Facility
On May 27 2022, we entered into a second amendment and commitment increase to the Credit Facility with the financial institutions party thereto, as lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent. Pursuant to the amendment, the revolving credit commitment was increased from $200.0 million to $250.0 million.
On December 9, 2022, we entered into a third amendment to the Credit Facility with the financial institutions party thereto, as lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent. The amendment provided, among other things, for an increase in the maximum Total Leverage Ratio and modifications to the permitted investments covenant, relating to the Company’s ability to make certain acquisitions.
For additional discussion about our Credit Facility, see Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Share Repurchase Program
On February 23, 2022, our Board authorized an increase in our share repurchase program to permit us to purchase up to an additional $75.0 million under our share repurchase program, in addition to amounts previously authorized. During the three months ended December 31, 2022, we did not repurchase any common shares. At December 31, 2022, our share repurchase program had $48.9 million authorized for repurchases.
Business Impacts of COVID-19
On March 11, 2020, COVID-19 was deemed a global pandemic and since then, the Company has continued to proactively monitor and assess the pandemic’s current and potential impact to the Company’s operations. Since that time, the Company’s senior leadership team has taken steps to assist our businesses throughout each phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, including updating our processes and procedures to comply with all regulatory mandates, along with keeping the health and safety of our employees and the families we serve our top priority. While we believe the country has begun to transition to a post-pandemic phase, we continue to monitor the situation and may make appropriate adjustments to our operations as necessary.
The overall macroeconomic impact from the pandemic to the deathcare industry may provide varying results as compared to other industries. Our industry’s revenues are impacted by various factors, including for example, fluctuations in the death rate, the number of funeral services performed, the average price for a service and the mix of traditional burial versus cremation contracts. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we continued to see the death rate normalize to pre-COVID-19 levels, which accelerated during the latter part of the year. Although deaths directly attributable from COVID-19 have now largely decreased to have minimal direct impact on the overall death rate, the overall death rate remains slightly higher than the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period. Regardless of these recent trends, our businesses have remained focused on being innovative and resourceful, providing families immediate service as part of the grieving process.
Within our financial reporting environment, we have considered the impact of COVID-19 on the assumptions and estimates used in preparing our consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial results for the year have been made, but are complicated by the continued uncertainty surrounding the normalization of the death rate and the scope, severity and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its ultimate impact. This includes the potential impacts of new variants of COVID-19, its sub-variants and any other new variants, and any resulting impacts from such variants. We do not believe we are particularly vulnerable to concentrations, with respect to geographic area, revenue for specific products or our relationships with our vendors. To date, we have not experienced any material supply chain impacts or disruptions from our vendors attributable to COVID-19 and we continue to receive reliable service.
We believe our access to capital, the cost of our capital, and the sources and uses of our cash should be relatively consistent in the near term. While the expected duration and potential future impacts of the pandemic are unknown, we have not currently experienced any material negative impacts to our liquidity position, access to capital, or cash flows as a result of COVID-19. For additional information related to our liquidity position, see Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital Resources.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we continued to see deaths directly attributable from COVID-19 largely decrease to have minimal impact on the overall death rate, which accelerated during the third and fourth quarter. However, the overall death rate remains slightly higher than the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period, and we are unable to predict or forecast the duration or variation of this increased death rate with any certainty. As a result, we experienced lower volumes, revenues, earnings and margins when compared to the fourth quarter of 2021, but overall financial performance remains at or above prior reporting periods during and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we expect these death rate fluctuation trends to continue, we will continue to assess these impacts, including the potential impacts of new variants of COVID-19, its sub-variants and any other new variants, and implement appropriate procedures, plans, strategy, and issue any disclosures that may be required, as the situation surrounding the pandemic and related regulatory mandates and restrictions, if any, evolves.
Inflationary Trends
Beginning in the second quarter of 2022, we began to experience modest cost increases and surcharges from our vendors and suppliers on merchandise and goods due to broader inflationary, raw material cost increases, and global supply chain impacts. This trend in modest cost increases continued during the fourth quarter of 2022, with the Company experiencing, for example, higher costs related to full-time hourly base rates, utilities, funeral supplies, merchandise costs and insurance. Although we have taken steps to mitigate these cost increases and we expect these impacts to continue throughout the current year, the ultimate scope and duration of these impacts are unknown at this time. More broadly, the U.S. economy continues to experience higher rates of inflation, which has impacted a wide variety of industries and sectors, with consumers facing rising prices. Such inflation may negatively impact consumers or discretionary spending, including the amount that consumers are able to spend on our services, although we have not experienced such 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 current year, we will continue to assess these impacts and take the appropriate steps, if necessary, to mitigate these cost increases, if possible.
OUR OPERATIONS
See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 21 for segment data related to our operations.
Funeral Home and Cemetery Operations
Our funeral home and cemetery operations are managed by a team of experienced industry and sales professionals with substantial leadership experience.
Given the high fixed-cost structure associated with funeral home operations, we believe the following are key factors affecting our profitability:
•our ability to establish and maintain market share positions supported by strong local heritage and relationships;
•our ability to effectively respond to the increasing trends towards cremation by bundling complimentary services and merchandise;
•our ability to successfully execute our Standards Operating Model;
•our ability to control salary, merchandise and other controllable costs;
•our ability to exercise pricing leverage related to our atneed business to increase average revenue per contract;
•demographic trends in terms of population growth and average age, which impact death rates and number of deaths; and
•our response to fluctuations in capital markets and interest rates, which affect investment earnings on trust funds and our securities portfolio within the trust funds, which would offset lower pricing power as preneed contracts mature.
Our cemetery operations are subject to many of the same profitability factors as our funeral home business, as well as the following key factors:
•size and success of our sales organization;
•local perceptions and heritage of our cemeteries;
•our ability to adapt to changes in the economy and consumer confidence; and
•our response to fluctuations in capital markets and interest rates, which affect investment earnings on trust funds, finance charges on installment contracts and our securities portfolio within the trust funds.
Personalization and pre-planning continue to be two important trends in the funeral and cemetery industry, inbut the United States is characterized bynational trend toward more cremations may be the following fundamental attributes (the industry statistics and information included inmost significant. While this Form 10-K are from reports compiled by Sundale Research based on information as of September 30, 2017 from the U.S. Department of Commerce).
Deaths and Death Trends
During 2017, the number of deaths in the United States increased by approximately 2.1% following a 1.2% and a 3.3% increase in 2016 and 2015, respectively. The rapidly growing and aging population is expected to result in an increase in the number of deaths in the future. The number of Americans age 55 to 64 totaled 41.2 million in 2016 and is expected to grow 1.9% to 45.3 million by 2021, making this the second fastest-growing age group. Americans 65 and older is the fastest-growing segment of the population with 48.2 million in 2016 and is expected to increase to 55.7 million in 2021, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 2.9%. Overall, from 2016 to 2021, the number of deaths in the United States is expected to increase by an average of 1.8% per year, reaching an estimated 3.0 million in 2021.
Burial and Cremation Trends
While the number of deaths is expected to increase over the next few years, the burial ratetrend is expected to continue, to decline. In 2017, the number of burials in the United States decreased by an estimated 0.8%, following declines of 1.7% and 0.3% in 2016 and 2015, respectively. The number of burials in the United States is estimated to fall by an average of 1.1% per year from 2016 through 2021, as the burial rate isother factors are expected to decrease by more than six percentage points during this time. In 2017, the burial rate was estimatedlead to be 48.5%rising industry revenue, including an increase in spending on additional or unique funeral and is estimated to fall to 43.3% in 2021. It is estimated that therecremation services. Shifting preferences will be approximately 1.30 million burials in 2021, declining from 1.36 million in 2017.
In 2017, the number of cremations in the United States increased by an estimated 5.0%, following increases of 4.3% and 7.4% in 2016 and 2015, respectively. Slower growth is expected through 2021, due in part to the sheer size of the market for cremations; however, shifting preferences willlikely continue to lead to a considerable rise in cremations. The numbercremations; as such, we are focused on educating and providing our cremation customers with additional services and products that are available. All of cremations inour funeral homes offer cremation products and services. While the United Statesaverage revenue for a cremation service is expected to grow bygenerally lower than that of an average traditional burial service, we have found that this revenue can be substantially enhanced by offering additional services and merchandise, including video tributes, flowers, burial garments and memorial items such as urns, keepsake jewelry and other items that hold a portion of 4.3% per year from 2016 through 2021. In 2021, it is estimated that there will be approximately 1.70 million cremations in the United States and a cremation rate of 56.7%.cremated remains.
Highly Fragmented Ownership
Our industry, after over 50 years of consolidation, remains highly fragmented, and succession planning issues for privately-owned funeral and cemetery businesses have become more difficult and complex than ever. We believe Carriage provides a unique consolidation and operating framework that offers a highly attractive succession planning solutionthe following are our key strengths for owners who want their legacy family business to remain operationally prosperous in their local communities. We also believe that our decentralized operating model will continue to attract the top entrepreneurial talent in our industry. Our focus is on partnering with the best of the remaining independent funeral home and cemetery owners in major strategic markets around the country where the potential for future revenue growth is the highest.operations:
The largestMarket Leader. We compete with other publicly held funeral and cemetery companies and smaller, independent operators and believe we are a market leader in termsmost of revenue, of bothour markets. We focus on markets that perform better than the industry average and are less subject to material economic and demographic changes.
High Performance, Decentralized, Partnership Culture. Our funeral homes and cemeteries in the United States are Service Corporation International (“SCI”), StoneMormanaged by entrepreneurially focused Managing Partners L.P. (“StoneMor”) and Carriage. We believe these three companies collectively represent approximately 20% ofwith extensive funeral and cemetery revenuesindustry experience, often within their local markets. They are responsible for day-to-day operations and for growing the business by hiring, training and developing highly motivated and productive local teams. Our businesses are supported by a broader team of High Performance leaders across multiple disciplines in our support center located in Houston, Texas. This promotes more cooperation and synergy between our funeral and cemetery operations and supports the United States. Independentgoal of market-share and volume growth in our most significant markets. We believe our decentralized and partnership culture is very attractive to owners of premier independent businesses alongthat fit our profile of suitable acquisition candidates.
Flexible Capital Structure and Strong Cash Flows. We believe our capital structure provides us with financial flexibility by allowing us to invest our cash in growth opportunities, such as business acquisitions and cemetery inventory projects. While we reassess our capital allocation strategy annually, we currently believe that our financial goals will best be achieved by continuing to improve the operational and financial performance of our existing portfolio of businesses while selectively investing our cash in growth opportunities that generate a return on invested capital in excess of our weighted average cost of capital. For additional information regarding our capital structure, see Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Strong Field-Level Gross Profit Margins. We believe we have strong field-level gross profit margins and this performance is a testament to the success of our business strategies. Our strong margins and the ability to control costs are important advantages in a business such as ours that is characterized by a high fixed-cost structure. We will continue to seek ways to improve our financial performance, and we believe that our Standards Operating Model will continue to yield long-term improvement in our financial results.
Integrated Information Systems. We have implemented information systems to support local business decisions and to monitor performance of our businesses compared to financial and performance standards. Additionally, we have innovative technological and digital tools that enhance our ability to serve our client families in a remote environment. To further enhance the services we provide to our client families, we have begun developing a multi-year strategy with a few privately-owned consolidators, representgreater focus on leveraging technology, specifically with customer facing opportunities. All of our funeral homes and cemeteries are connected to our support center located in Houston, Texas, which allows us to monitor and assess critical operating and financial data and analyze the remaining amountperformance of industry revenue, accountingindividual locations on a timely basis. Furthermore, our information system infrastructure provides senior management with a critical tool for an estimated 80% share of revenues.
Heritagemonitoring and Tradition
Funeral homeadhering to our established internal controls, which is critical given our decentralized model and cemetery businesses have traditionally been family-owned businesses that have built a local heritage and tradition through successive generations, providing a foundation for ongoing business opportunities from established client family relationships and related referrals. Given the sensitive nature of our business weoperations.
Proven Leadership Team. Our leadership team, headed by our founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Melvin C. Payne, is characterized by a dynamic culture that focuses on addressing changing market conditions and emerging trends in the funeral services industry. We believe that relationships fosteredour culture of emphasizing the 4E (Energy, Energize Others, Edge and Execution) leadership characteristics is critical and will provide an important advantage as the funeral and cemetery industry evolves. We are committed to continue operating an efficient organization and strengthening our corporate and local business leadership.
Preneed Programs
Funeral and cemetery arrangements sold prior to death occurring are referred to as preneed contracts. We market funeral and cemetery services and products on a preneed basis at the local level buildlevel. We operate under a decentralized preneed sales strategy whereby each business location customizes its preneed program to its local needs.
Preneed funeral or cemetery contracts enable families to establish, in advance, the type of service to be performed, the products to be used and the cost of such products and services. Preneed contracts permit families to eliminate the burden of making deathcare plans at the time of need and allow input from other family members before the death occurs. We guarantee the price and performance of the preneed contracts to the customer.
Approximately 15% of our funeral services performed are funded through preneed contracts, which are usually secured by placing the funds collected in trust for the benefit of the customer or by the purchase of a life insurance policy, the proceeds of which will pay for such services at the time of need. Insurance-funded contracts allow us to earn commission income to improve our near-term cash flow and offset a significant amount of the up-front costs associated with preneed sales. Trust funded contracts typically provide cash that is invested in various securities with the expectation that returns will exceed the growth factor in the communityinsurance contracts. The cash flow and earnings from insurance contracts are more stable, but are generally lower than traditional trust fund investments. In markets that depend on preneed sales for market share, we supplement the arrangements written by our local funeral directors with sales sourced by our own sales counselors and by third party sellers. We sold 9,563 and 9,111 preneed funeral contracts, net of cancellations, during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively. At December 31, 2022, we had a key driverbacklog of market share. While new entrants may enter100,861 preneed funeral contracts to be delivered in the future.
In addition to preneed funeral contracts, we also offer “pre-planned” funeral arrangements whereby a customer determines in advance substantially all of the details of a funeral service without any given market,financial commitment or other obligation on the part of the client until the actual time of need. Pre-planned funeral arrangements permit a family to avoid the burden of making deathcare plans at the time of need and resources requiredenable a funeral home to establish relationships with a client that may eventually lead to an atneed sale.
Approximately 50% of our cemetery operating revenue is derived from preneed property sales. Our preneed cemetery strategy is to build family heritage in our cemeteries by selling property and interment rights prior to death through full time, highly motivated and entrepreneurial local sales teams. Our goal is to build broader and deeper teams of sales leaders and counselors in our larger and more strategically located cemeteries, including the development of standardized sales systems across our portfolio of cemeteries, in order to focus on growth of our preneed property sales. For example, during 2022, we continued to grow our cemetery sales and marketing team to develop local heritage and tradition serveimplement our standardized sales system. Cemetery merchandise and services are often purchased in addition to cemetery property at the time of sale. The performance of these preneed cemetery contracts is secured by placing the funds collected in trust for the benefit of the customer, the proceeds of which will pay for such services at the time of need. General consumer confidence and discretionary income may have a significant impact on our preneed sales success rate. Cemetery revenue that originated from preneed contracts represented approximately 67% of our total cemetery revenue for both 2021 and 2022. At December 31, 2022, we had a backlog of 66,797 preneed cemetery contracts to be delivered in the future.
Trust Funds and Insurance Contracts
We have established a variety of trusts in connection with funeral home and cemetery operations as important barriersrequired under applicable state laws. Such trusts include (i) preneed funeral trusts; (ii) preneed cemetery merchandise and service trusts; and (iii) cemetery perpetual care trusts. These trusts are typically administered by independent financial institutions that we select. Investment management and advisory services are provided either by our wholly-owned registered investment advisory firm (“CSV RIA”) or by independent financial advisors. As of December 31, 2022, CSV RIA provided these services to entry.approximately 80% of our trust assets, for a fee based on the market value of trust assets. Under state trust laws, we are allowed to charge the trust a fee for advising on the investment of the trust assets and these fees are recognized as income in the period in which services are provided. The investment advisors establish an investment policy that provides guidance on asset allocation, investment requirements, investment manager selection and performance monitoring. The investment objectives are tailored to generate long-term investment returns without assuming undue risk, while ensuring the management of assets complies with applicable laws.
Preneed sales generally require deposits to a trust or purchase of a third-party insurance product. Trust fund income earned, along with the receipt and recognition of any insurance benefits, are not reflected in our revenue until the service is performed or the merchandise is delivered. Trust fund holdings and deferred revenue are reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, while our insurance funded contracts are not reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. In most states, we are not permitted to withdraw principal or investment income from such trusts until the service is performed. Additionally, in most states, regulations require a portion (generally 10%) of the sale amount of cemetery property and memorials to be placed in a
perpetual care trust. The income from these perpetual care trusts provides funds necessary to maintain cemetery property and memorials in perpetuity.
For additional information with respect to our trusts, see Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 7.
BUSINESS STRATEGYOUR OPERATIONS
See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 21 for segment data related to our operations.
Funeral Home and Cemetery Operations
Our business strategy is based onfuneral home and cemetery operations are managed by a team of experienced industry and sales professionals with substantial leadership experience.
Given the high fixed-cost structure associated with funeral home operations, we believe the following are key factors affecting our profitability:
•our ability to establish and maintain market share positions supported by strong local leadership with entrepreneurial principles that is focused on sustainable long term market share, revenue,heritage and profitability growth in each local business. We believe Carriage hasrelationships;
•our ability to effectively respond to the most innovative operating model in the funeralincreasing trends towards cremation by bundling complimentary services and cemetery industry, which we are ablemerchandise;
•our ability to achieve through a decentralized, high-performance culture operating framework linked with incentive compensation programs that attract top-quality industry talent to our organization.
Our Mission Statement states that “we are committed to being the most professional, ethical and highest quality funeral and cemetery service organization in our industry” and our Guiding Principles state our core values, which are comprised of:
Honesty, integrity and quality in all that we do;
Hard work, pride of accomplishment and shared success through employee ownership;
Belief in the power of people through individual initiative and teamwork;
Outstanding service and profitability go hand-in-hand; and
Growth of the Company is driven by decentralization and partnership.
Our five Guiding Principles collectively embody our Being The Best high-performance cultural, operating framework. Our operations and business strategy are built upon the execution of the following three models:
Standards Operating Model;
4E Leadership Model; and
Strategic Acquisition Model.
Standards Operating Model
Our Standards Operating Model is focused on growing local market share, people development, and the key operating and financial metrics that drive long-term, sustainable revenue growth and improved earning power of our portfolio of businesses by employing leadership and entrepreneurial principles that fit the nature of our high-value personal service business. Standards Achievement is the measure by which we judge the success of each business and incentivize our local managers and their teams. Our Standards Operating Model is not designed to produce maximum short-term earnings because we believe such performance is unsustainable and will ultimately stress the business, which very often leads to declining market share, revenues and earnings.
Important elements ofsuccessfully execute our Standards Operating Model include:Model;
•our ability to control salary, merchandise and other controllable costs;
•our ability to exercise pricing leverage related to our atneed business to increase average revenue per contract;
•demographic trends in terms of population growth and average age, which impact death rates and number of deaths; and
•our response to fluctuations in capital markets and interest rates, which affect investment earnings on trust funds and our securities portfolio within the trust funds, which would offset lower pricing power as preneed contracts mature.
Our cemetery operations are subject to many of the same profitability factors as our funeral home business, as well as the following key factors:
•size and success of our sales organization;
•local perceptions and heritage of our cemeteries;
Balanced Operating Model – We believe a decentralized structure works best5
•our ability to adapt to changes in the funeraleconomy and cemetery industry. Successful execution of consumer confidence; and
•our Standards Operating Model is highly dependentresponse to fluctuations in capital markets and interest rates, which affect investment earnings on strong local leadership, intelligent risk taking, entrepreneurial drivetrust funds, finance charges on installment contracts and corporate support aligned withour securities portfolio within the key drivers of a successful operation organized around three primary areas - market share, people and operating financial metrics.
trust funds.Incentives Aligned with Standards – Empowering local managers, who we call Managing Partners, to do the right things in their operations and local communities, and providing appropriate support with operating and financial practices, will enable long-term growth and sustainable profitability. Each Managing Partner participates in a variable bonus plan whereby he or she earns a percentage of his or her respective business’ earnings based upon the actual standards achieved as long as the performance exceeds our minimum standards. In 2012, we began a five year incentive plan, called “Good to Great,” which rewards Managing Partners with a bonus at the end of five years, equal to a ratio of four to six times their average annual bonus, if they are able to achieve an annual compound growth rate of 2% over a five year period. After each five year incentive plan is achieved and paid out, five year plan begins. To date, we have had two performance periods in which we have paid approximately $2.9 million to 15 Managing Partners who earned a bonus under this program. The current period commenced on January 1, 2017 and will end on December 31, 2021.
The Right Local Leadership – Successful execution of our operating model is highly dependent on strong local leadership as defined by our 4E Leadership Model, intelligent risk taking and entrepreneurial empowerment. A Managing Partner’s performance is judged according to achievement of the standards for that business.
4E Leadership Model
Our 4E Leadership Model requires strong local leadership in each business to grow an entrepreneurial, decentralized, high-value, personal service and sales business at sustainable profit margins. Our 4E Leadership Model is based upon principles established by Jack Welch during his tenure at General Electric, and is based upon 4E qualities essential to succeed in a high-performance culture: Energy to get the job done; the ability to Energize others; the Edge necessary to make difficult decisions; and the ability to Execute and produce results. To achieve a high level within our Standards in a business year after year, we require local Managing Partners that have the 4E Leadership skills to entrepreneurially grow the business by hiring, training and developing highly motivated and productive local teams.
Strategic Acquisition Model
Our Standards Operating Model led to the development of our Strategic Acquisition Model, which guides our acquisition strategy. We believe that both models, when executed effectively, will drive long-term, sustainable increases in market share, revenue, earnings and cash flow. We believe a primary driver of higher revenue and profits in the future will be the execution of our Strategic Acquisition Model using strategic ranking criteria to assess acquisition candidates. As we execute this strategy over time, we expect to acquire larger, higher margin strategic businesses.
We have learned that the long-term growth or decline of a local branded funeral and cemetery business is reflected by several criteria that correlate strongly with five to ten year performance in volumes (market share), revenues and sustainable field-level earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) margins (a non-GAAP measure). We use the following criteria, to name a few, to rank the strategic position of each potential acquisition:
cultural alignment;
volume and price trends;
size of business;
size of market;
competitive standing;
demographics;
strength of brand; and
barriers to entry.
The valuation of the acquisition candidate is then determined through the application of an appropriate after-tax cash return on investment that exceeds our cost of capital.
Our belief in our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles that define us and proper execution of the three models that define our strategy have given us the competitive advantage in any market in which we compete. We believe that we can execute our three models without proportionate incremental investment in our consolidation platform infrastructure and without additional fixed regional and corporate overhead. This gives us a competitive advantage that is evidenced by the sustained earning power of our portfolio as defined by our EBITDA margin.
Other elements of our overall business strategy include the following:
Enhancement of Funeral and Cremation Services.Personalization and pre-planning continue to be two of the most important trends in the funeral and cremation services and merchandisecemetery industry, but the movenational trend toward more cremations may be the most significant. While this trend is expected to continue, other factors are expected to lead to rising industry revenues,revenue, including an increase in spending on additional or unique funeral and cremation services.
The percentage of funeral services performed by our funeral homes for which cremation was chosen was 48.9% for the year ended December 31, 2015, 50.7% for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 51.4% for the year ended December 31, 2017. Shifting preferences will likely continue to lead to a considerable rise in cremations; as such, we are focused on educating and providing our cremation customers with additional services and products that are available. All of our funeral homes offer cremation products and services. While the average revenue for a cremation service is generally lower than that of an average traditional full-service funeral,burial service, we have found that these revenuesthis revenue can be substantially enhanced by our emphasis on offering additional services and merchandise, including counseling referrals, video tributes, flowers, burial garments and memorial items such as urns, keepsake jewelry and other items that hold a portion of the cremated remains.
We believe the following are our key strengths for our funeral home and cemetery operations:
Market Leader. We compete with other publicly held funeral and cemetery companies and smaller, independent operators and believe we are a market leader in most of our markets. We focus on markets that perform better than the industry average and are less subject to material economic and demographic changes.
High Performance, Decentralized, Partnership Culture. Our funeral homes and cemeteries are managed by entrepreneurially focused Managing Partners with extensive funeral and cemetery industry experience, often within their local markets. They are responsible for day-to-day operations and for growing the business by hiring, training and developing highly motivated and productive local teams. Our businesses are supported by a broader team of High Performance leaders across multiple disciplines in our support center located in Houston, Texas. This promotes more cooperation and synergy between our funeral and cemetery operations and supports the goal of market-share and volume growth in our most significant markets. We believe our decentralized and partnership culture is very attractive to owners of premier independent businesses that fit our profile of suitable acquisition candidates.
Flexible Capital Structure and Strong Cash Flows. We believe our capital structure provides us with financial flexibility by allowing us to invest our cash in growth opportunities, such as business acquisitions and cemetery inventory projects. While we reassess our capital allocation strategy annually, we currently believe that our financial goals will best be achieved by continuing to improve the operational and financial performance of our existing portfolio of businesses while selectively investing our cash in growth opportunities that generate a return on invested capital in excess of our weighted average cost of capital. For additional information regarding our capital structure, see Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Strong Field-Level Gross Profit Margins. We believe we have strong field-level gross profit margins and this performance is a testament to the success of our business strategies. Our strong margins and the ability to control costs are important advantages in a business such as ours that is characterized by a high fixed-cost structure. We will continue to seek ways to improve our financial performance, and we believe that our Standards Operating Model will continue to yield long-term improvement in our financial results.
Integrated Information Systems. We have implemented information systems to support local business decisions and to monitor performance of our businesses compared to financial and performance standards. Additionally, we have innovative technological and digital tools that enhance our ability to serve our client families in a remote environment. To further enhance the services we provide to our client families, we have begun developing a multi-year strategy with a greater focus on leveraging technology, specifically with customer facing opportunities. All of our funeral homes and cemeteries are connected to our support center located in Houston, Texas, which allows us to monitor and assess critical operating and financial data and analyze the performance of individual locations on a timely basis. Furthermore, our information system infrastructure provides senior management with a critical tool for monitoring and adhering to our established internal controls, which is critical given our decentralized model and the sensitive nature of our business operations.
Proven Leadership Team. Our leadership team, headed by our founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Melvin C. Payne, is characterized by a dynamic culture that focuses on addressing changing market conditions and emerging trends in the funeral services industry. We believe our culture of emphasizing the 4E (Energy, Energize Others, Edge and Execution) leadership characteristics is critical and will provide an important advantage as the funeral and cemetery industry evolves. We are committed to continue operating an efficient organization and strengthening our corporate and local business leadership.
Preneed Programs
Funeral Sales Program.and cemetery arrangements sold prior to death occurring are referred to as preneed contracts. We market funeral and cemetery services and products on a preneed basis at the local level. We operate under a local, decentralized preneed sales strategy whereby each business location customizes its preneed program to its local needs.
Preneed funeral or cemetery contracts enable families to establish, in advance, the type of service to be performed, the products to be used and the cost of such products and services. Preneed contracts permit families to eliminate the burden of making deathcare plans at the time of need and allow input from other family members before the death occurs. We guarantee the price and performance of the preneed contracts to the customer.
Approximately 20%15% of our funeral services performed are funded through preneed contracts, which are usually secured by placing the funds collected in trust for the benefit of the customer or by the purchase of a life insurance policy, the proceeds of which will pay for such services at the time of need. Insurance-funded
contracts allow us to earn commission income to improve our near-term cash flow and offset a significant amount of the up-front costs associated with preneed sales. Trust funded contracts typically provide cash that is invested in various securities with the expectation that returns will exceed the growth factor in the insurance contracts. The cash flow and earnings from insurance contracts are more stable, but are generally lower than traditional trust fund investments. In markets that depend on preneed sales for market share, we supplement the arrangements written by our local funeral directors with sales sourced by our own sales counselors and by third party sellers. We sold 9,563 and 9,111 preneed funeral contracts, net of cancellations, during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively. At December 31, 2022, we had a backlog of 100,861 preneed funeral contracts to be delivered in the future.
Preneed Cemetery Sales Program.In addition to preneed funeral contracts, we also offer “pre-planned” funeral arrangements whereby a customer determines in advance substantially all of the details of a funeral service without any financial commitment or other obligation on the part of the client until the actual time of need. Pre-planned funeral arrangements permit a family to avoid the burden of making deathcare plans at the time of need and enable a funeral home to establish relationships with a client that may eventually lead to an atneed sale.
Approximately 50% of our cemetery operating revenue is derived from preneed property sales. Our preneed cemetery strategy is to build family heritage in our cemeteries by selling property and internmentinterment rights prior to death through full time, highly motivated and entrepreneurial local sales teams. Approximately 40% of our cemetery revenues are derived from preneed property sales. Our goal is to build broader and deeper teams of sales leaders and counselors in our larger and more strategically located cemeteries, including the development of standardized sales systems across our portfolio of cemeteries, in order to focus on growth of our preneed property sales. For example, during 2022, we continued to grow our cemetery sales and marketing team to develop and implement our standardized sales system. Cemetery merchandise and services are often purchased in addition to cemetery property at the time of sale. The performance of these preneed cemetery contracts is secured by placing the funds collected in trust for the benefit of the customer, the proceeds of which will pay for such services at the time of need. General consumer confidence and discretionary income may have a significant impact on our preneed sales success rate. Cemetery revenue that originated from preneed contracts represented approximately 67% of our total cemetery revenue for both 2021 and 2022. At December 31, 2022, we had a backlog of 66,797 preneed cemetery contracts to be delivered in the future.
OUR STRENGTHSTrust Funds and Insurance Contracts
Market Leader.We competehave established a variety of trusts in connection with other public funeral home and cemetery companiesoperations as required under applicable state laws. Such trusts include (i) preneed funeral trusts; (ii) preneed cemetery merchandise and smaller,service trusts; and (iii) cemetery perpetual care trusts. These trusts are typically administered by independent operatorsfinancial institutions that we select. Investment management and believe weadvisory services are a market leader in mostprovided either by our wholly-owned registered investment advisory firm (“CSV RIA”) or by independent financial advisors. As of December 31, 2022, CSV RIA provided these services to approximately 80% of our markets. We focus on markets that perform better than the industry average and are generally insulated from material economic and demographic changes.
High Performance, Decentralized, Partnership Culture. Our funeral homes and cemeteries are managed by Managing Partners with extensive funeral and cemetery industry experience, often within their local markets. Our Managing Partners have responsibilitytrust assets, for day-to-day operations, but are required to follow operating and financial standards based on our Standards Operating Model that are custom designed for each of our four business groupings which isa fee based on the size (numbermarket value of funerals)trust assets. Under state trust laws, we are allowed to charge the trust a fee for advising on the investment of the trust assets and averagethese fees are recognized as income in the period in which services are provided. The investment advisors establish an investment policy that provides guidance on asset allocation, investment requirements, investment manager selection and performance monitoring. The investment objectives are tailored to generate long-term investment returns without assuming undue risk, while ensuring the management of assets complies with applicable laws.
Preneed sales generally require deposits to a trust or purchase of a third-party insurance product. Trust fund income earned, along with the receipt and recognition of any insurance benefits, are not reflected in our revenue per funeral. This strategy allows each local businessuntil the service is performed or the merchandise is delivered. Trust fund holdings and deferred revenue are reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, while our insurance funded contracts are not reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. In most states, we are not permitted to withdraw principal or investment income from such trusts until the service is performed. Additionally, in most states, regulations require a portion (generally 10%) of the sale amount of cemetery property and memorials to be placed in a
perpetual care trust. The income from these perpetual care trusts provides funds necessary to maintain its unique identity within its local marketcemetery property and to capitalize on its reputation and heritage while our senior leadership provides support services from our corporate headquartersmemorials in Houston, Texas. We believe our culture is very attractive to owners of premier independent businesses that fit our profile of suitable acquisition candidates.perpetuity.
Flexible Capital Structure. We have no short-term debt maturity issues. We believe that our capital structure provides us with financial flexibility by allowing us to invest our cash flow in growth opportunities, such as business acquisitions and cemetery inventory projects. For additional information regardingwith respect to our capital structure, pleasetrusts, see Part II, Item 7, Management's Discussion8, Financial Statements and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital Resources.Supplementary Data, Note 7.
Stable Cash Flow. We have demonstrated the ability to generate strong and stable cash flow. Cash flow from operations for 2017 totaled $45.2 million, which was used primarily for the acquisition of seven funeral home businesses, capital expenditures and our working capital needs. We intend to use our cash flow to acquire funeral home and cemetery businesses and to fund internal growth projects, such as cemetery inventory development and funeral home expansion projects, and for payment of dividends. Our growth strategy is the primary way we expect to increase stockholder value. We may also use available cash flow to repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time. While we reassess our capital allocation strategy annually, we currently believe that our financial goals will best be achieved by continuing to improve the operating and financial performance of our existing portfolio of businesses while selectively investing our net cash flow in growth opportunities that generate a return on invested capital in excess of our weighted average cost of capital.
Strong Field-Level Gross Profit Margins. We believe that we have strong field-level gross profit margins and that this performance is a testament to the success of our business strategies. Our strong margins and the ability to control costs are important advantages in a business such as ours that is characterized by a high fixed-cost structure. We will continue to seek ways to improve our financial performance, and we believe that our Standards Operating Model will continue to yield long-term improvement in our financial results.
Integrated Information Systems. We have implemented information systems to support local business decisions and to monitor performance of our businesses compared to financial and performance standards. All of our funeral homes and cemeteries are connected to our Houston support home office, which allows us to monitor and assess critical operating and financial data and analyze the performance of individual locations on a timely basis. Furthermore, our information system infrastructure provides senior management with a critical tool for monitoring and adhering to our established internal controls, which is critical given our decentralized model and the sensitive nature of our business operations.
Proven Leadership Team. Our leadership team is comprised of ten members, which we refer to as our Operations and Strategic Growth Leadership Team (“OSGLT”), headed by our founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Melvin C. Payne and nine leaders of our support functions and is characterized by a dynamic culture that focuses on addressing changing market conditions and emerging trends in the funeral services industry. We believe our culture of emphasizing the 4Es (Energy, Energize Others, Edge and Execution) leadership characteristics is critical and will provide an important advantage as the funeral and cemetery industry evolves. We are committed to continue operating an efficient organization and strengthening our corporate and local business leadership. Our businesses are led by a Regional Partner who is a member of the OSGLT. This promotes more cooperation and synergy between our funeral and cemetery operations and supports the goal of market-share and volume growth in our most significant markets.
OUR OPERATIONS
We conduct our funeral and cemetery operations only in the United States. Our operations are reported in two segments: funeral home operations and cemetery operations. Information for each of our segments is presented below and in our financial statements set forth herein.
Funeral Home Operations
At December 31, 2017, we operated 178 funeral homes in 29 states. Funeral home revenues currently account for approximately 78% of our total revenues. The funeral home operations are managed by a team of experienced industry professionals and regional leadership with substantial management experience in our industry. See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 2021 for segment data related to our funeral home operations.
Funeral Home and Cemetery Operations
Our funeral homes offerhome and cemetery operations are managed by a complete rangeteam of services to meet a family’s funeral needs, including consultation, the removalexperienced industry and preparation of remains, the sale of caskets and related funeral merchandise, the use of funeral home facilities for visitation and remembrance services and transportation services. Most of our funeral homes have a non-denominational chapel on the premises, which permits family visitation and services to take place at one location and thereby reduces transportation costs and inconvenience to the family.sales professionals with substantial leadership experience.
Funeral homes are principally service businesses that provide burial and cremation services and sell related merchandise, such as caskets and urns. The sources and availability of caskets and urns are from a small number of national providers that have distribution centers near our businesses. We typically order and receive the merchandise within 24 hours. Given the high fixed-cost structure associated with funeral home operations, we believe the following are key factors affecting our profitability:
•our ability to establish and maintain market share positions supported by strong local heritage and relationships;
•our ability to effectively respond to the increasing trends towards cremation packagingby bundling complimentary services and merchandise;
•our ability to successfully execute our Standards Operating Model;
•our ability to control salary, merchandise and other controllable costs;
•our ability to exercise pricing leverage related to our atneed business to increase average revenuesrevenue per contract; and
•demographic trends in terms of population growth and average age, which impact death rates and number of deaths; and
•our response to fluctuations in capital markets and interest rates, which affect investment earnings on trust funds and our securities portfolio within the trust funds, which would offset lower pricing power as preneed contracts mature.
Cemetery Operations
At December 31, 2017, we operated 32 cemeteries in 11 states. Cemetery revenues currently account for approximately 22% of our total revenues. The cemetery operations are managed by a team of experienced industry and sales professionals and regional leadership with substantial management experience in our industry. See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 20 for segment data related to our cemetery operations.
Our cemetery products and services include interment services, the rights to interment in cemetery sites (primarily grave sites, mausoleum crypts and niches) and related cemetery merchandise, such as memorials and vaults. Cemetery operations generate revenues through sales of interment rights and memorials, installation fees, fees for interment and cremation memorialization products, finance charges from installment sales contracts and investment income from preneed cemetery merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts. Cemetery revenues generated from atneed services and merchandise sales generally are subject to many of the same key profitability factors as our funeral home business. Our cemetery operating results are affected bybusiness, as well as the following key factors:
•size and success of our sales organization;
•local perceptions and heritage of our cemeteries;
•our ability to adapt to changes in the economy and consumer confidence; and
•our response to fluctuations in capital markets and interest rates, which affect investment earnings on trust funds, finance charges on installment contracts and our securities portfolio within the trust funds.
Personalization and pre-planning continue to be two important trends in the funeral and cemetery industry, but the national trend toward more cremations may be the most significant. While this trend is expected to continue, other factors are expected to lead to rising industry revenue, including an increase in spending on additional or unique funeral and cremation services. Shifting preferences will likely continue to lead to a considerable rise in cremations; as such, we are focused on educating and providing our cremation customers with additional services and products that are available. All of our funeral homes offer cremation products and services. While the average revenue for a cremation service is generally lower than that of an average traditional burial service, we have found that this revenue can be substantially enhanced by offering additional services and merchandise, including video tributes, flowers, burial garments and memorial items such as urns, keepsake jewelry and other items that hold a portion of the cremated remains.
We believe the following are our key strengths for our funeral home and cemetery operations:
Market Leader. We compete with other publicly held funeral and cemetery companies and smaller, independent operators and believe we are a market leader in most of our markets. We focus on markets that perform better than the industry average and are less subject to material economic and demographic changes.
High Performance, Decentralized, Partnership Culture. Our funeral homes and cemeteries are managed by entrepreneurially focused Managing Partners with extensive funeral and cemetery industry experience, often within their local markets. They are responsible for day-to-day operations and for growing the business by hiring, training and developing highly motivated and productive local teams. Our businesses are supported by a broader team of High Performance leaders across multiple disciplines in our support center located in Houston, Texas. This promotes more cooperation and synergy between our funeral and cemetery operations and supports the goal of market-share and volume growth in our most significant markets. We believe our decentralized and partnership culture is very attractive to owners of premier independent businesses that fit our profile of suitable acquisition candidates.
Flexible Capital Structure and Strong Cash Flows. We believe our capital structure provides us with financial flexibility by allowing us to invest our cash in growth opportunities, such as business acquisitions and cemetery inventory projects. While we reassess our capital allocation strategy annually, we currently believe that our financial goals will best be achieved by continuing to improve the operational and financial performance of our existing portfolio of businesses while selectively investing our cash in growth opportunities that generate a return on invested capital in excess of our weighted average cost of capital. For additional information regarding our capital structure, see Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Strong Field-Level Gross Profit Margins. We believe we have strong field-level gross profit margins and this performance is a testament to the success of our business strategies. Our strong margins and the ability to control costs are important advantages in a business such as ours that is characterized by a high fixed-cost structure. We will continue to seek ways to improve our financial performance, and we believe that our Standards Operating Model will continue to yield long-term improvement in our financial results.
Integrated Information Systems. We have implemented information systems to support local business decisions and to monitor performance of our businesses compared to financial and performance standards. Additionally, we have innovative technological and digital tools that enhance our ability to serve our client families in a remote environment. To further enhance the services we provide to our client families, we have begun developing a multi-year strategy with a greater focus on leveraging technology, specifically with customer facing opportunities. All of our funeral homes and cemeteries are connected to our support center located in Houston, Texas, which allows us to monitor and assess critical operating and financial data and analyze the performance of individual locations on a timely basis. Furthermore, our information system infrastructure provides senior management with a critical tool for monitoring and adhering to our established internal controls, which is critical given our decentralized model and the sensitive nature of our business operations.
Proven Leadership Team. Our leadership team, headed by our founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Melvin C. Payne, is characterized by a dynamic culture that focuses on addressing changing market conditions and emerging trends in the funeral services industry. We believe our culture of emphasizing the 4E (Energy, Energize Others, Edge and Execution) leadership characteristics is critical and will provide an important advantage as the funeral and cemetery industry evolves. We are committed to continue operating an efficient organization and strengthening our corporate and local business leadership.
Preneed Programs
Funeral and cemetery arrangements sold prior to death occurring are referred to as preneed contracts. We market funeral and cemetery services and products on a preneed basis at the local level. We operate under a decentralized preneed sales strategy whereby each business location customizes its preneed program to its local needs.
Preneed funeral or cemetery contracts enable families to establish, in advance, the type of service to be performed, the products to be used and the cost of such products and services. Preneed contracts permit families to eliminate issuesthe burden of making deathcare plans at the time of need and allow input from other family members before the death occurs. We guarantee the price and performance of the preneed contracts to the customer.
PreneedApproximately 15% of our funeral services performed are funded through preneed contracts, which are usually paid on an installment basis. The performance of preneed funeral contracts is usually secured by placing the funds collected in trust for the benefit of the customer or by the customer's purchase of a life insurance policy, the proceeds of which will pay for such services at the time of need. These methodsInsurance-funded contracts allow us to earn commission income to improve our near-term cash flow and offset a significant amount of the up-front costs associated with preneed sales. Trust funded contracts typically provide cash that is invested in various securities with the expectation that returns will exceed the growth factor in the insurance contracts. The cash flow and earnings from insurance contracts are intended tomore stable, but are generally lower than traditional trust fund investments. In markets that depend on preneed sales for market share, we supplement the arrangements written by our local funeral directors with sales sourced by our own sales counselors and by third party sellers. We sold 9,563 and 9,111 preneed funeral contracts, covernet of cancellations, during the original contract priceyears ended December 31, 2021 and generally include an element2022, respectively. At December 31, 2022, we had a backlog of growth (earnings) designed to offset future inflationary cost increases. Revenue from100,861 preneed funeral contracts along with accumulated earnings, is not recognized untilto be delivered in the time the funeral service is performed. The accumulated earnings from the trust investments and insurance policies are intended to offset the inflation in funeral prices. Additionally, we generally earn a commission from the insurance company from the sale of insurance-funded policies reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements as Preneed funeral insurance commission within Revenues: Funeral. The commission income is recognized as revenue when the period of refund expires (generally one year), which helps us defray the costs we incur to originate the preneed contract (primarily commissions we pay to our sales counselors).future.
In addition to preneed funeral contracts, we also offer “pre-planned” funeral arrangements whereby a customer determines in advance substantially all of the details of a funeral service without any financial commitment or other obligation on the part of the client until the actual time of need. Pre-planned funeral arrangements permit a family to avoid issuesthe burden of making deathcare plans at the time of need and enable a funeral home to establish relationships with a client that may eventually lead to an atneed sale.
Preneed salesApproximately 50% of our cemetery operating revenue is derived from preneed property sales. Our preneed cemetery strategy is to build family heritage in our cemeteries by selling property and interment rights are usually financedprior to death through interest-bearing installmentfull time, highly motivated and entrepreneurial local sales contracts, generally with termsteams. Our goal is to build broader and deeper teams of up to five years with such earnings reflectedsales leaders and counselors in our Consolidated Financial Statements as Preneedlarger and more strategically located cemeteries, including the development of standardized sales systems across our portfolio of cemeteries, in order to focus on growth of our preneed property sales. For example, during 2022, we continued to grow our cemetery finance chargeswithin Revenues: Cemetery. In substantially all cases, we receive an initial down payment at the time the contract is signed. Preneed sales of cemetery interment rights are recorded as revenue when 10% of the contract amount relatedand marketing team to the interment right has been collected.develop and implement our standardized sales system. Cemetery merchandise and services may similarly be sold on an installment basis, but revenue is recorded when delivery has occurred. Allowances for bad debts and customer cancellations are recordedoften purchased in addition to cemetery property at the datetime of sale. The performance of these preneed cemetery contracts is secured by placing the funds collected in trust for the benefit of the customer, the proceeds of which will pay for such services at the time of need. General consumer confidence and discretionary income may have a significant impact on our preneed sales success rate. Cemetery revenue that the contract is executedoriginated from preneed contracts represented approximately 67% of our total cemetery revenue for both 2021 and periodically evaluated thereafter based upon historical experience.
We sold 7,639 and 7,444 preneed funeral contracts, net of cancellations, during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.2022. At December 31, 2017,2022, we had a backlog of 93,712 preneed funeral contracts and 63,52366,797 preneed cemetery contracts to be delivered in the future. Approximately 20% of our funeral contract volumes during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 originated through preneed contracts. Cemetery revenues that originated from preneed contracts represented approximately 65.0% of our total cemetery revenues for 2016 and 2017.
At December 31, 2017, we employed a staff of 208 advance-planning and family service representatives for the sale of preneed products and services. Our advance-planning and family service representatives primarily assist families in making atneed and preneed funeral, memorialization and cemetery arrangements through the selection and purchase of cemetery property, merchandise and services and ensuring that the expectations of our client families and their guests are exceeded.
Trust Funds and Insurance Contracts
We have established a variety of trusts in connection with funeral home and cemetery operations as required under applicable state laws. Such trusts include (i) preneed funeral trusts; (ii) preneed cemetery merchandise and service trusts; and (iii) cemetery perpetual care trusts. These trusts are typically administered by independent financial institutions selected by us.that we select. Investment management and advisory services are provided either by our wholly-owned registered investment advisory firm (“CSV RIA,RIA”) or by independent financial advisors. As of December 31, 2017,2022, CSV RIA provided these services to one institution, which has custody of approximately 80% of our trust assets, for a fee based on the market value of trust assets. Under state trust laws, we are allowed to charge the trust a fee for advising on the investment of the trust assets and these fees are recognized as income in the period in which services are provided. The investment advisors establish an investment policy that givesprovides guidance on asset allocation, investment requirements, investment manager selection and performance monitoring. The investment objectives are tailored to generate long-term investment returns without assuming undue risk, while ensuring the management of assets is in compliancecomplies with applicable laws.
Preneed funeral sales generally require deposits to a trust or purchase of a third-party insurance product. Trust fund income earned, along with the receipt and recognition of any insurance benefits, are deferrednot reflected in our revenue until the service is performed or the merchandise is delivered. Trust fund holdings and deferred revenue are reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheets,Sheet, while theour insurance funded contracts are not reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.Sheet. In most states, we are not permitted to withdraw principal or investment income from such trusts until the funeral service is performed. Some states, however, allow for the retention of a percentage (generally 10%) of the receipts to offset any administrative and selling expenses. The aggregate balance of our preneed funeral contracts heldAdditionally, in trust, insurance contracts and receivables from preneed trusts was approximately $477.5 million as of December 31, 2017.
We are generally required under applicable state laws to deposit a specified amount (which varies from state to state, generally 50% to 100% of the selling price) into a merchandise and service trust fund for preneed cemetery merchandise and services sales. The related trust fund income earned is recognized when the related merchandise and services are delivered. We are generally permitted to withdraw the trust principal and accrued income when the merchandise is actually delivered, when the service is provided or when the contract is canceled. However, certain states allow the withdrawal of income prior to delivery when the regulations identify excess earnings in the trusts. We did not withdraw any trust income in 2016 and 2017. Cemetery merchandise and service trust fund balances totaled approximately $73.9 million as of December 31, 2017.
In most states, regulations require a portion (generally 10%) of the sale amount of cemetery property and memorials to be placed in a
perpetual care trust. The income from these perpetual care trusts provides funds necessary to maintain cemetery property and memorials in perpetuity. This trust fund income is recognized, as earned and is reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements as Revenues: Cemetery. While we are entitled to withdraw the income from perpetual care trusts to provide for maintenance of cemetery property and memorials, we are restricted from withdrawing any of the principal balances of the trust fund. Perpetual care trust balances totaled approximately $50.2 million at December 31, 2017.
For additional information with respect to our trusts, see Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Notes 6, 8Note 7.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
Our business strategy is based on strong, local leadership with entrepreneurial principles that is focused on sustainable long-term market share, revenue, and 10.profitability growth in each local business. We believe Carriage has the most innovative operating model in the funeral and cemetery industry, which we are able to achieve through a decentralized, high-performance culture and operating framework linked with incentive compensation programs that attract top-quality industry talent to our organization. We also believe that Carriage provides a unique consolidation and operating framework that offers a highly attractive succession planning solution for independent funeral home owners who want their legacy family business to remain operationally prosperous in their local communities.
Our Mission Statement states that “we are committed to being the most professional, ethical and highest quality funeral and cemetery service organization in our industry” and our Guiding Principles state our core values, which are comprised of:
•Honesty, integrity and quality in all that we do;
•Hard work, pride of accomplishment and shared success through employee ownership;
•Belief in the power of people through individual initiative and teamwork;
•Outstanding service and profitability go hand-in-hand; and
•Growth of the Company is driven by decentralization and partnership.
Our five Guiding Principles collectively embody our Being The Best high-performance culture and operating framework.
Our operations and business strategy are built upon the execution of the following three models:
•Standards Operating Model;
•4E Leadership Model; and
•Strategic Acquisition Model.
Standards Operating Model
Our Standards Operating Model is focused on growing local market share, providing personalized high-value services to our client families and guests, and operating financial metrics that drive long-term, sustainable revenue growth and improved earning power of our portfolio of businesses by employing leadership and entrepreneurial principles that fit the nature of our high-value personal service business. Standards Achievement is the measure by which we judge the success of each business and incentivize our local managers and their teams. Our Standards Operating Model is not designed to produce maximum short-term earnings because we believe such performance is unsustainable and will ultimately stress the business, which very often leads to declining market share, revenue and earnings.
Important elements of our Standards Operating Model include:
•Balanced Operating Model – We believe a decentralized structure works best in the funeral and cemetery industry. Successful execution of our Standards Operating Model is highly dependent on strong local leadership, intelligent risk taking, entrepreneurial drive and corporate support aligned with the key drivers of a successful operation organized around three primary areas - market share, high-value services and operating financial metrics.
•Incentives Aligned with Standards – Empowering local managers, who we call Managing Partners, to do the right things in their operations and local communities, and providing appropriate support with operating and financial practices, will enable long-term growth and sustainable profitability. Each Managing Partner participates in a variable bonus plan whereby he or she earns a percentage of his or her respective business’ earnings based upon the actual standards achieved as long as the performance exceeds our minimum standards.
•The Right Local Leadership – Successful execution of our operating model is highly dependent on strong local leadership as defined by our 4E Leadership Model, intelligent risk taking and entrepreneurial empowerment. A Managing Partner’s performance is judged according to achievement of the standards for that business.
4E Leadership Model
Our 4E Leadership Model requires strong local leadership in each business to grow an entrepreneurial, decentralized, high-value, personal service and sales business at sustainable profit margins. Our 4E Leadership Model is based upon principles established by Jack Welch during his tenure at General Electric, and is based upon 4E qualities essential to succeed in a high-performance culture: Energy to get the job done; the ability to Energize others; the Edge necessary to make difficult decisions; and the ability to Execute and produce results. To achieve a high level within our Standards in a business year after year, we require our Managing Partners that have the 4E Leadership skills to entrepreneurially grow the business by hiring, training and developing highly motivated and productive local teams.
Strategic Acquisition Model
Our Standards Operating Model led to the development of our Strategic Acquisition Model, which guides our acquisition strategy. We believe that both models, when executed effectively, will drive long-term, sustainable increases in market share, revenue, earnings and cash flow. We believe a primary driver of higher revenue and profits in the future will be the execution of our Strategic Acquisition Model using strategic ranking criteria to assess acquisition candidates. As we execute this strategy over time, we expect to acquire larger, higher margin strategic businesses.
We have learned that the long-term growth or decline of a local branded funeral and cemetery business is reflected by several criteria that correlate strongly with five to ten year performance in volumes (market share), revenue and sustainable field-level earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) margins (a non-GAAP measure). We use criteria such as cultural alignment, volume and price trends, size of business, size of market, competitive standing, demographics, strength of brand and barriers to entry to evaluate the strategic position of potential acquisition candidates. Our financial valuation of the acquisition candidate is then determined through the application of an appropriate after-tax cash return on investment that exceeds our cost of capital.
Our belief in our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles and proper execution of the three models that define our strategy have given us a competitive advantage in every market where we compete. We believe that we can execute our three models without proportionate incremental investment in our consolidation platform infrastructure and without additional fixed regional and corporate overhead. This gives us a competitive advantage that is evidenced by the sustained earning power of our portfolio as defined by our EBITDA margin.
COMPETITION
The operating environment in the funeral and cemetery industry has been highly competitive. The largest publicly held operators, in terms of revenue, of both funeral homes and cemeteries with operations in the United States are Service Corporation International (“SCI”), Park Lawn Corporation (“Park Lawn”) and Carriage. We believe these three companies collectively represent approximately 20% of funeral and cemetery revenue in the United States. Independent businesses, along with a few privately-owned consolidators, represent the remaining amount of industry revenue, accounting for an estimated 80% share of revenue.
Our funeral home and cemetery operations face competition in the markets that they serve. Our primary competition in most of our markets is from local independent operators. We have observed new start-up competition in certain areas of the country, which may impact our profitability in certain markets. Market share for funeral homes and cemeteries is largely a function of reputation and heritage, although competitive pricing, professional service and attractive, well-maintained and conveniently located facilities are also important. Because of the importance of reputation and heritage, market share increases are usually gained over a long period of time. The sale of preneed funeral services and cemetery property has increasingly been used by many companies as a marketing tool to build market share.
There has been increasing competition from providers specializing in specific services, such as cremations, who offer minimal service and low-end pricing. We also face competition from companies that market products and related merchandise over the internet and non-traditional casket stores in certain markets. These competitors have been successful in capturing a portion of the low-end market and product sales.
SEASONALITY
Our business can be affected by seasonal fluctuations in the death rate.rate and may be further affected by epidemics and pandemics, like COVID-19. Generally, the number of deaths is higher during the winter months because the incidences of death from influenza and pneumonia are higher during this period than other periods of the year.
COMPETITION
The operating environment For example, we experienced fluctuations in the funeral and cemetery industry has been highly competitive. Publicly traded companies operating indeath rate due to COVID-19, with a result of increased deaths during the United States include SCI, StoneMor and Carriage. In addition, a number of smaller private consolidators have been active in acquiring and operating funeral homes and cemeteries.
Our funeral home and cemetery operations face competition in the markets that they serve. Our primary competition in most of our markets is from local independent operators. We have observed new start-up competition in certain areasduration of the country, which maypandemic. Although deaths directly attributable from COVID-19 have now largely decreased to have minimal direct impact our profitability in certain markets, becauseon the overall death rate,
the overall death rate remains higher than the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period. As a result, we are unable to predict or forecast the duration or variation of the high fixed cost nature of our funeral home operations. Market share for funeral homes and cemeteries is largely a function of reputation and heritage, although competitive pricing, professional service and attractive, well-maintained and conveniently located facilities are also important. Because of the importance of reputation and heritage, market share increases are usually gained over a long period of time. The sale of preneed funeral services and cemetery property has increasingly been used by many companies as a marketing tool to build market share.
There has been increasing competition from providers specializing in specific services, such as cremations, who offer minimal service and low-end pricing. We also face competition from companies that market products and related merchandise over the
internet and non-traditional casket stores in certain markets. These competitors have been successful in capturing a portion of the low-end market and product sales.this increased death rate with any certainty.
REGULATION
General. Our operations are subject to regulations, supervision and licensing under numerous federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, including extensive regulations concerning trust funds, preneed sales of funeral and cemetery products and services and various other aspects of our business. We believe that we comply in all material respects with the provisions of these laws, ordinances and regulations. Legislative bodies and regulatory agencies frequently propose new laws and regulations, some of which could have a material impact on our business. We cannot predict the impact of any future laws and regulations or changes to existing laws and regulations.
Federal Trade Commission. Our funeral home operations are comprehensively regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act and a trade regulation rule for the funeral industry promulgated thereunder referred to as the “Funeral Rule.” The Funeral Rule defines certain acts or practices as unfair or deceptive and contains certain requirements to prevent these acts or practices. The preventive measures require a funeral provider to give consumers accurate, itemized pricing information and various other disclosures about funeral goods and services and prohibit a funeral provider from: (i) misrepresenting legal, crematory and cemetery requirements; (ii) embalming for a fee without permission; (iii) requiring the purchase of a casket for direct cremation; (iv) requiring consumers to buy certain funeral goods or services as condition for furnishing other funeral goods or services; (v) misrepresenting state and local requirements for an outer burial container; and (vi) representing that funeral goods and services have preservative and protective value. Additionally, the Funeral Rule requires the disclosure of mark-ups, commissions, additional charges and rebates related to cash advance items. On October 20, 2022, the FTC announced that it was retaining the Funeral Rule and issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking concerning potential amendments to the Funeral Rule. These potential amendments include, among other things, whether and how funeral providers should be required to display or attribute their price information online and through electronic means. On December 21, 2022, the FTC voted to extend the public comment period to January 17, 2023 for its advanced notice of proposed rulemaking on potential amendments to the Funeral Rule. We cannot predict what changes, if any, may be made to the Funeral Rule or the impact of any such changes on our business.
State Trust Laws. We have established a variety of trusts in connection with funeral home and cemetery operations as required under applicable state laws. Such trusts include (i) preneed funeral trusts; (ii) preneed cemetery merchandise and service trusts; and (iii) cemetery perpetual care trusts. These trusts are typically administered by independent financial institutions which we select. Under state trust laws, our wholly owned registered investment advisor is allowed to charge the trust a fee for advising on the investment of the trust assets and these fees are recognized as income in the period in which services are provided. Preneed funeral sales generally require deposits to a trust or purchase of a third-party insurance product. In most states, we are not permitted to withdraw principal or investment income from such trusts until the funeral service is performed. Some states, however, allow for the retention of a percentage (generally 10%) of the receipts to offset any administrative and selling expenses. Additionally, we are generally required under applicable state laws to deposit a specified amount (which varies from state to state, generally 50% to 100% of the selling price) into a merchandise and service trust fund for preneed cemetery merchandise and services sales.
Environmental. Our operations are also subject to stringentcertain federal, regional, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection, including legal requirements governing air emissions, waste management and disposal and wastewater discharges. For instance, the federal Clean Air Act and analogous state laws, which restrict the emission of pollutants from many sources, including crematories, may require us to apply for and obtain air emissions permits, install costly emissions control equipment, and conduct monitoring and reporting tasks. Also, in the course of our operations, we store and use chemicals and other regulated substances as well as generate wastes that may subject us to strict liability under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and comparable state laws, which govern the treatment, storage, and disposal of nonhazardous and hazardous wastes, and the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, a remedial statute that imposes cleanup obligations on current and past owners or operators of facilities where hazardous substance releases occurred and anyone who transported or disposed or arranged for the transportation or disposal of hazardous substances released into the environment from such sites. In addition, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, also known as the federal Clean Water Act, and analogous state laws regulate discharges of pollutants to state and federal waters. Underground and abovegroundabove ground storage tanks that store chemicals and fuels for vehicle maintenance or general operations are located at certain of our facilities and any spills or releases from those facilities may cause us to incur remedial liabilities under the Clean Water Act or analogous state laws as well as potential liabilities for damages to properties or persons. Failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations could result in the assessment of sanctions, including administrative, civil, and criminal penalties, the imposition of investigatory, remedial and corrective action obligations, delays in permitting or performance of projects and the issuance of injunctions restricting or prohibiting some or all of our activities in affected areas. Moreover, accidental releases or spills may occur in the course of our operations, and we cannot assure you that we will not incur
significant costs and liabilities as a result of such releases or spills, including any third party claims for damages to property, natural resources or persons. Also, it is possible that implementation of stricter environmental laws and regulations or more stringent enforcement of existing environmental requirements could result in additional, currently unidentifiable costs or liabilities to us, such as requirements to purchase pollution control equipment or implement operational changes or improvements. While we believe we are in substantial compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations, we cannot assure that we will not incur substantial costs in the future.
Worker Health and Safety. We are subject to the requirements of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended (“OSHA”), and comparable state statutes whose purpose is to protect the health and safety of workers. In addition, the OSHA hazard communication standard, the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act and implementing regulations and similar state statutes and regulations require that we organize and/or disclose information about hazardous materials used or produced in our operations and that this information be provided to employees, state and local governmental authorities and citizens. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with all applicable laws and regulations relating to worker health and safety.
EMPLOYEESHUMAN CAPITAL
Our funeral homes and cemeteries are managed by entrepreneurially focused Managing Partners with extensive funeral and cemetery industry experience. They have responsibility for day-to-day operations and follow operating and financial metrics called “Standards” within our Standards Operating Model. Standards Achievement is the measure by which we judge the Managing Partner's performance and how we incentivize our Managing Partners and their teams. To achieve a high level within our Standards in a business year after year, we require local Managing Partners that have the 4E Leadership skills to entrepreneurially grow the business by hiring, training and developing highly motivated and productive local teams. See Part I, Item 1, Business Strategy for additional details about our Standards Operating Model and 4E Leadership Model. Additionally, we utilize short-term and long-term incentive performance programs to attract and retain talent in critical positions, ranging from sales counselors and sales managers to Houston support center leaders and employees.
As of December 31, 2017,2022, we and our subsidiaries employed 2,6592,553 employees, of whom 1,1451,174 were full-time and 1,5141,379 were part-time. All of our funeral directors and embalmers possess licenses required by applicable regulatory agencies. None of our employees are represented by unions.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and other reports, and any amendments to those reports, and information with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). You may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain additional information about the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, theThe SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us.
Our website address is www.carriageservices.com. Available on thisour website under “Investors – SEC Filings,” free of charge, are Carriage’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, proxy statements, current reports on Form 8-K, insider reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed on behalf of directors and officers and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.
Also posted on our website, and available in print upon request, are charters for our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance Committee. Copies of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the Corporate Governance Guidelines are also posted on our website under “Investors – Corporate Governance.” Within the time period required by the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange, we will post on our website any modifications to the charters and any waivers applicable to senior officers as defined in the applicable charters, as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Information contained on our website is not part of this Form 10-K.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS
Key Employees and Compensation
The success of our businesses is typically dependent upon one or a few key employees for success because of the localized and personal nature of our business.
Funeral home and cemetery businesses have built local heritage and tradition through successive generations, providing a foundation for ongoing business opportunities from established client family relationships and related referrals. We believe these relationships build trust in the community and are a key driver to market share. Our businesses, which tend to serve small local markets, usually have one or a few key employees that drive our relationships. Our ability to attract and retain Managing Partners, sales force and other personnel is an important factor in achieving future success. We can give no assurance that we can retain these employees or that these relationships will drive market share. Our inability to attract and maintain qualified and productive Managing Partners and sales force employees could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our “Good To Great” incentive program could result in significant future payments to our Managing Partners.
Our Good To Great incentive program rewards our Managing Partners for achieving an average net revenue compounded annual growth rate equal to at least 1% (the “Minimum Growth Rate”) over a five year performance period (the “Performance Period”) with respect to our funeral homes that they operate, which aligns our incentives with long-term value creation. Each Managing Partner that achieves the Minimum Growth Rate during the applicable Performance Period and remains continuously employed as a Managing Partner of the same business throughout the Performance Period will receive a one-time bonus, payable in a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, determined at our discretion. We believe this incentive program will result in improved field-level margins, market share and overall financial performance.
Our “Good To Great II” incentive program could result in the issuance of a significant number of shares of common
stock to certain critical employees.
Our Good To Great II incentive program rewards certain employees who are not Managing Partners in alignment with the incentive programs for our Managing Partners. Specifically, the Good To Great II incentive program is tied to the future performance of the Company and requires the Company’s share price to reach one of five predetermined Common Stock Price Averages (as defined by the program) through a performance period ending December 31, 2024 in order for the award to be earned by the participants of the program. While the program aligns our incentives with long-term value creation, there is a potential risk of dilution to our shareholders if we achieve the highest performance tier under the Good To Great II incentive program, which equals a Common Stock Price Average (as defined by the program) of $77.34 per share. At December 31, 2022, under such a scenario, a total of 995,873 shares of common stock would be awarded to participants under the program. We believe this incentive program will result in improved overall financial performance.
Strategic Business Execution and Performance
Improved performance in our funeral and cemetery segments is dependent upon successful execution of our Standards Operating Model.
We have implemented our Standards Operating Model to improve and better measure performance in our funeral and cemetery operations. We developed standards according to criteria, each with a different weighting, designed around market share, high-value services and operational and financial metrics. We also incentivize our Managing Partners by giving them the opportunity to earn a fixed percentage of the field-level earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization based upon the number and weighting of the standards achieved. Our expectation is that, over time, the Standards Operating Model will result in improving field-level margins, market share, customer satisfaction and overall financial performance, but there is no assurance that these goals will be met. Failure to successfully implement our Standards Operating Model in our funeral and cemetery operations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our ability to execute our growth strategy is highly dependent upon our ability to successfully identify suitable acquisition candidates and negotiate transactions on favorable terms.
Our growth strategy is the primary way we expect to increase stockholder value. There is no assurance that we will be able to continue to identify acquisition candidates that meet our criteria or that we will be able to reach terms with identified candidates for transactions that are acceptable to us, and even if we do, we may not be able to successfully complete the transaction or integrate the new business into our existing business. We intend to apply standards established under our Strategic Acquisition Model to evaluate acquisition candidates, and there is no assurance that we will continue to be successful in doing so or that we will find attractive candidates that satisfy these standards. Due in part to the presence of competitors who have been in certain markets longer than we have, such acquisitions or investments may be more difficult or expensive than we anticipate.
Improved performance inDivestitures could negatively impact our funeralbusiness and cemetery segments is dependent upon successful executionretained liabilities from businesses that we sell could adversely affect our financial results.
As part of our Standards Operating Model.
We have implementedgrowth strategy, we periodically review our Standards Operating Modelbusinesses which may no longer be aligned with our strategic business plan and long-term objectives and, as a result of these reviews of our businesses, we may pursue additional divestitures. From time to improve and better measure performancetime, we engage in discussions with third parties about potential divestitures of one or more of our funeral and cemetery operations. We developed standards according to criteria, each with a different weighting, designed around market share, people and operational and financial metrics. We also incentivize our location Managing Partners by giving them the opportunity to earn a fixed percentage of the field-level earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization based upon the number and weighting of the standards achieved. Our expectation isbusinesses that, over time, the Standards Operating Model willif fully consummated, could result in improving field-level margins, market share, customer satisfaction and overall financial performance, but there is no assurance that these goals will be met. Failure to successfully implement our Standards Operating Model in our funeral and cemetery operations could havethe divestiture of a material adverse effectamount of assets and contribution to our results of operations that have historically contributed to our results of operations. Divestitures pose risks and challenges that could negatively impact our business, including disputes with buyers or potential impairment charges. For example, when we decide to sell a business, we may be unable to do so on our terms and within our anticipated time-frame, and even after reaching a definitive agreement to sell a business, the sale may be subject to satisfaction of pre-closing conditions, which may not be satisfied, as well as regulatory and governmental approvals, which may prevent us from completing a transaction on acceptable terms. If we do not realize the expected benefits of any divestiture transaction, our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.flows could be materially adversely affected.
Competitive Marketplace
The funeral and cemetery industry is competitive.
The funeral and cemetery industry is characterized by a large number of locally-owned, independent operations in the United States and a large number of operations owned by publicly and privately-held funeral home and cemetery consolidators. To compete successfully, our funeral service locations and cemeteries must maintain good reputations and high professional standards, as well as offer attractive products and services at competitive prices. In addition, we must market ourselves in such a manner as to distinguish us from our competitors. We have historically experienced price competition from independent and publicly held funeral service and cemetery operators, monument dealers, casket retailers, low-cost providers, and other nontraditional providers of merchandise and services. If we are unable to successfully compete, our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
Marketing and sales activities by existing and new competitors could cause us to lose market share and lead to lower revenuesrevenue and margins.
We face competition in all of our markets. Most of our competitors are independently owned, and some are relatively recent market entrants. Some of the recent entrants are individuals who were formerly employed by us or by our competitors and have
relationships and name recognition within our markets. As a group, independent competitors tend to be aggressive in distinguishing themselves by their independent ownership, and they promote their independence through television, radio and print advertising, direct mailings and personal contact. Increasing pressures from new market entrants and continued advertising and marketing by competitors in local markets could cause us to lose market share and revenues. In addition,revenue. The types of services and the prices offered for such services by our competitors may change the types or mix of products or services offered. These changes may attract customers, causing us to lose market share and revenue as well as to incur costs in response to competition to vary the types or mix of products or services offered by us. Also, increased use of the internet by customers to research and/or purchase products and services could cause us to lose potential revenue.
Our “Good to Great” incentive program could result in significant future payments to our Managing Partners.
In January, 2012, in order to continue to align our Managing Partners’ incentives with the long-term interests of our stockholders, we implemented our “Good to Great” incentive program, which rewards our Managing Partners for achieving an average net revenue compounded annual growth rate equal to at least 2% (the “Minimum Growth Rate”) over a five-year performance period (the “Performance Period”) with respect to our funeral homes that they operate. To date, we have had two Performance Periods ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017. Each Managing Partner that achieves the Minimum Growth Rate during the applicable Performance Period and remains continuously employed as a Managing Partner of the same business throughout the Performance Period will receive a one-time bonus, payable in a combination of cash and shares our common stock, determined at our discretion. We believe this incentive program will result in improved field-level margins, market share and overall financial performance.
Price competition could also reduce our market share or cause us to reduce prices to retain or recapture market share, either of which could reduce revenuesrevenue and margins.
We have historically experienced price competition primarily from independent funeral home and cemetery operators, and from monument dealers, casket retailers, low-cost funeral providers and other non-traditional providers of services or products. New market entrants tend to attempt to build market share by offering lower cost alternatives. In the past, this price competition has resulted in our losing market share in some markets. In other markets, we have had to reduce prices or offer discounts thereby reducing profit margins in order to retain or recapture market share. Increased price competition in the future could further reduce revenues,revenue, profits and our preneed backlog.
Change in Preneed Sales
Our ability to generate preneed sales depends on a number of factors, including sales incentives and local and general economic conditions.
Significant declines in preneed sales would reduce our backlog and future revenue and could reduce our future market share. On the other hand, a significant increase in preneed sales can have a negative impact on cash flow as a result of commissions and other costs incurred initially without corresponding revenues.revenue.
As we have localized our preneed sales strategies, we are continuing to refine the mix of service and product offerings in both our funeral and cemetery segments, including changes in our sales commission and incentive structure. These changes could cause us to experience declines in preneed sales in the short-run.near term. In addition, economic conditions at the local or national level could cause declines in preneed sales either as a result of less discretionary income or lower consumer confidence. Declines in preneed cemetery property sales reduces current revenue, and declines in other preneed sales would reduce our backlog and future revenue and could reduce future market share.
Increased preneed sales could have a negative impact on our cash flows.
Preneed sales of funeral and cemetery products and services generally have an initial negative impact on our cash flows, as we are required in certain states to deposit a portion of the sales proceeds into trusts or escrow accounts and often incur other expenses at the time of sale. Furthermore, many preneed purchases are paid for in installments over a period of several years, further reducinglimiting our cash flows at the time of sale. Because preneed sales generally provide positive cash flows over the long term, we market the sale of such contracts at the local level. If our efforts to increase such sales are successful, however, our current cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.affected, in the near term.
Trust Fund and Life Insurance Contracts
Our funeral and cemetery trust funds own investments in equity securities, fixed income securities, and mutual funds, which are affected by market conditions that are beyond our control.
In connection with our backlog of preneed funeral and preneed cemetery merchandise and service contracts, funeral and cemetery trust funds own investments in equity securities, fixed income securities and mutual funds. Our returns on these investments are affected by financial market conditions that are beyond our control.
The following table summarizes our investment returns (realized and unrealized), excluding certain fees, on our trust funds for the years ended December 31, 2015, 20162020, 2021 and 2017:2022:
| | | | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 | | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Preneed funeral trust funds | (2.2 | )% | | 17.0 | % | | 11.5 | % | Preneed funeral trust funds | 13.5 | % | | 16.0 | % | | 1.0 | % |
| Preneed cemetery trust funds | (3.0 | )% | | 19.6 | % | | 13.1 | % | Preneed cemetery trust funds | 15.5 | % | | 19.3 | % | | 0.7 | % |
| Perpetual care trust funds | (3.3 | )% | | 19.2 | % | | 12.8 | % | Perpetual care trust funds | 16.8 | % | | 19.1 | % | | (0.2) | % |
Generally, earnings or gains and losses on our preneed funeral and cemetery trust investments are recognized, and we withdraw cash, when the underlying service is performed, merchandise is delivered, or upon contract cancellation. Our cemetery perpetual care trusts recognize earnings, and in certain states, capital gains and losses, and we withdraw cash when we incur qualifying cemetery maintenance costs. If the investments in our trust funds experience significant, recurring and sustained declines in subsequent years, there could be insufficient funds in the trusts to cover the costs of delivering services and merchandise or maintaining cemeteries in the future. We may be required to cover any such shortfall with cash flows from operations or other sources of cash, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. For more information related to our trust investments, see Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Notes 6 and 10.Note 7.
If the fair market value of these trusts, plus any other amount due to us upon delivery of the associated contracts, were to decline below the estimated costs to deliver the underlying products and services at maturity, we would record a charge to earnings to record a liability for the expected losses on the delivery of the associated contracts. For additional information, see Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.
Earnings from and principal of trust funds could be reduced by changes in financial markets and the mix of securities owned.
Earnings and investment gains and losses on trust funds are affected by financial market conditions and the specific fixed-income and equity securities that we choose to maintain in the funds. We may not choose the optimal mix for any particular market condition. Declines in earnings from perpetual care trust funds would cause a decline in current revenues,revenue, while declines in earnings from other trust funds could cause a decline in future cash flows and revenues.revenue.
We may be required to replenish our funeral and cemetery trust funds in order to meet minimum funding requirements, which would have a negative effect on our earnings and cash flow.
In certain states, we have withdrawn allowable distributable earnings including gains prior to the maturity or cancellation of the related contract. Additionally, someSome states have laws that either require replenishment of investment losses under certain circumstances or impose various restrictions on withdrawals of future earnings when trust fund values drop below certain prescribed amounts. In the event of realized losses or market declines, we may be required to deposit portions or all of these amounts into the respective trusts in some future period.
Increasing death benefits related to preneed funeral contracts funded through life insurance contracts may not cover future increases in the cost of providing a price-guaranteed funeral service.
We sell price-guaranteed preneed funeral contracts through various programs providing for future funeral services at prices prevailing when the agreements are signed. For preneed funeral contracts funded through life insurance contracts, we receive in cash a general agency commission from the third-party insurance company. Additionally, there is an increasing death benefit associated with the contract that may vary over the contract life. There is no guarantee that the increasing death benefit will cover future increases in the cost of providing a price-guaranteed funeral service, and any such excess cost could be materially adverse to our future cash flows, revenues,revenue, and operating margins.
The financial condition of third-party insurance companies that fund our preneed funeral contracts may impact our future revenues.revenue.
Where permitted by state law, our customers may arrange their preneed funeral contract by purchasing a life insurance policy from third-party insurance companies. The customer/policy holder assigns the policy benefits to our funeral home to pay for the preneed funeral contract at the time of need. If the financial condition of the third-party insurance companies were to deteriorate materially because of market conditions or otherwise, there could be an adverse effect on our ability to collect all or part of the proceeds of the life insurance policy, including the annual increase in the death benefit, when we fulfill the preneed contract at the time of need. Failure to collect such proceeds could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Tax Changes
IncreasedChanges in taxation, or unanticipated costs, suchthe interpretations of tax laws or regulations, as insurance or other taxes, maywell as the inherent difficulty in quantifying potential tax effects of business decisions could have a negative impactmaterial adverse effect on the results of our earnings andoperations, financial condition, or cash flow.flows.
We may experience material increases in certain costs, such as insurance or other taxes. Future cost increases are difficult to quantifymake judgments regarding the utilization of existing income tax credits and could materiallythe potential tax effects of various financial transactions and adversely affect our results of operations to estimate our obligations to taxing authorities. We are also subject to regular reviews, examinations, and audits by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and other taxing authorities with respect to our taxes. Uncertain tax positions may arise where tax laws or regulations may allow for alternative interpretations, where the timing of recognition of income is subject to judgement, or where the IRS or other taxing authorities issue subsequent guidance or take positions on audits that differ from our interpretations and assumptions. Our tax obligations include, for example, income, franchise, real estate, sales and use, and employment-related taxes and the judgments we make include reserves for potential adverse outcomes regarding our tax positions. Although we believe we have accurately estimated our tax obligations, uncertainty of interpretation by various tax authorities and the possibility that there are issues that have not been recognized by management could each result in additional tax obligations. For example, if a taxing authority disagrees with the positions we have taken, we could face additional tax liability, including interest and penalties. We believe that our tax obligations reflect the anticipated outcome of known uncertain tax positions in conformity with ASC Topic 740 Income Taxes. In addition, our effective tax rate could be adversely affected by changes in the mix of earnings in states with different statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax laws and regulations, or changes in our interpretations of tax laws. Changes in federal, state, or local tax laws, adverse tax audit results, or adverse tax rulings on positions taken could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations, financial condition, or cash flows.
New or revised tax laws or regulations could have a material effect on our financial results.statements
TheNew tax environmentlaws or regulations could be enacted at any time, and existing tax laws or regulations could be interpreted, amended, or applied in a manner that has a material effect on us, which we operate is evolving rapidly withcould materially impact our business and financial condition.
For example, on August 16, 2022, the recent enactmentInflation Reduction Act of sweeping corporate tax changes. The President2022 (the “IRA”) was signed into law which includes a tax legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”spending package that introduced several tax-related provisions, including a 15% corporate alternative minimum tax (“CAMT”) on December 22, 2017.corporations that have an average of $1 billion adjusted financial statement income over a consecutive three-year period and a 1% excise tax on certain corporate stock repurchases. The Tax Act, among other things, contains significant changes to corporate taxation, including: (1) a reductionimpact of these provisions will become effective for our Company beginning on January 1, 2023. We have reviewed and assessed the provisions of the corporate tax rate fromIRA, and we do not currently believe that the IRA will have a top marginal rate of 35%material impact on our business, operating results, and financial condition. We will continue to a flat rate of 21%; (2) a limitationevaluate the impact of the IRA, along with any other new or revised tax deduction for interest expense to 30%laws or regulations, as such information becomes available.
Litigation and Claims
Unfavorable results of adjusted earnings (except for certain small businesses); (3)litigation could have a limitation of the deduction for net operating losses to 80% of current year taxable income and elimination of net operating loss carrybacks; (4) immediate deductions for certain new investments (instead of deductions for depreciation expense over time); (5) limitations of certain executive compensation deductions; and (6) limitations or repeals of many business deductions and credits.The effect of the Tax Actmaterial adverse impact on us may also be affected by future regulations and interpretations of the IRS regarding the Tax Act. Additionally, we operate in many states andour financial statements.
We are subject to the tax lawsa variety of those states. We are unable to predict how we may be affected by changes, or lack of changes, to state tax laws that may be madeclaims and lawsuits in response to the Tax Act by the states in which we operate. Although the Tax Act had an overall positive impact on our earnings and cash flow for 2017 and, we believe it will have an overall beneficial impact on us for 2018, the longer term effect of the Tax Act on our business, cash flow, results of operations and financial condition is difficult to predict. Accordingly, the risk exists that the Tax Act, IRS regulations and interpretations of the Tax Act and changes in, or lack of changes in, state tax laws could materially and adversely affect our business cash flows, results of operations and financial condition.
Covenant restrictions under our debt instruments may limit our flexibility in operating and growing our business.
The terms of our Credit Agreement and the Convertible Notes may limit our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to, among other things: incur additional debt; pay dividends or make distributions or redeem or repurchase stock; make investments; grant liens; make capital expenditures; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into sale-leaseback transactions; sell assets; and acquire the assets of, or merge or consolidate with, other companies.
Our Credit Agreement also requires us to maintain certain financial ratios. Complying with these restrictive covenants and financial ratios, as well as those that may be contained in any future debt agreements, may limit our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs or to take advantage of other favorable business opportunities. Our ability to comply with these restrictive covenants and financial ratios will depend on our future performance, which may be affected by events beyond our control. Our failure to comply with any of these covenants or restrictions when they apply could result in a default under any future debt instrument, which could result in acceleration of the debt under that instrument and, in some cases, the acceleration of debt under other instruments that contain cross-default or cross-acceleration provisions. In the case of an event of default, or in the event of a cross-default or cross-acceleration, we may not have sufficient funds available to make the required payments under our debt instruments. If we are unable to repay amounts owed under the terms of our Credit Agreement, the lenders thereunder may be entitled to sell certain of our funeral assets to satisfy our obligations under the agreement.
Economic, financial and stock market fluctuations could affect future potential earnings and cash flows and could result in future goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived asset impairments.
In addition to an annual review, we assess the impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be greater than fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, a significant decline in the market value of our stock or debt values, significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results, and significant negative industry or economic trends. If these factors occur, we may have a triggering event, which could result in an impairment of our goodwill. Based on the results of our annual goodwill and intangible assets impairment test we performed as of August 31, 2016 and our annual review of long-lived assets as of December 31, 2017, we concluded that there was no impairment of our goodwill, intangible assets or other long-lived assets. However, if current economic conditions weaken causing deterioration in our operating revenues, operating margins and cash flows, we may have a triggering event that could result in a material impairment of our goodwill, intangible assets and/or long-lived assets.
We rely significantly on information technology and any failure, inadequacy, interruption or security lapse of that technology, including any cybersecurity incidents, could harm our ability to operate our business effectively.
In the ordinary course of our business. Adverse outcomes in potential litigation related to our business we receive certain personal information,may result in both physicalsignificant monetary damages or injunctive relief against us, as litigation and electronic formats, about our customers, their loved ones, our associates, and our vendors. We maintain substantial security measures and data backup systemsother claims are subject to protect, store, and prevent unauthorized access toinherent uncertainties. Any such information. Nevertheless, it is possibleadverse outcomes that computer hackers and others (through cyberattacks, which are rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly sophisticated, or by other means) might
defeat our security measuresmay arise in the future, and obtain the personal information of customers, their loved ones, our associates, and our vendors that we hold. If we fail to protect our own information, we could experience significant costs and expenses as well as damage to our reputation. Additionally, legislation relating to cyber security threats could impose additional requirementshave a material adverse impact on our operations.
Our ability to manage and maintain our internal reports effectively and integrationfinancial position, results of new business acquisitions depends significantly on our enterprise resource planning system and other information systems. Some of our information technology systems may experience interruptions, delays or cessations of service or produce errors in connection with ongoing systems implementation work. The failure of our systems to operate effectively or to integrate with other systems, or a breach in security or other unauthorized access of these systems, may also result in reduced efficiency of our operations, and could require significant capital investments to remediate any such failure, problem or breach and to comply with applicable regulations, all of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.cash flows.
RISKS RELATED TO THE FUNERAL AND CEMETERY INDUSTRY
Changes in Death Rates and Consumer Preferences
Declines in the number of deaths in our markets can cause a decrease in revenues.revenue. Changes in the number of deaths are not predictable from market to market or over the short term.
Declines in the number of deaths could cause atneed sales of funeral and cemetery services, property and merchandise to decline, which could decrease revenues.revenue. Although the United States Bureau of the Census estimates that the number of deaths in the United States will increase in the future, longer life spans could reduce the rate of deaths. In addition, changes in the number of deaths can vary among local markets and from quarter to quarter, and variations in the number of deaths in our markets or from quarter to quarter are not predictable. TheseFor example, we have seen the recent COVID-19 pandemic affect the death rate, with a result of increased deaths during the duration of the pandemic. Although deaths directly attributable from COVID-19 have now largely decreased to have minimal impact on the overall death rate, the overall death rate remains higher than the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period. As a result, we are unable to predict or forecast the duration or variation of this increased death rate with any certainty, including the potential impact of epidemics and pandemics on the death rate, including COVID-19 and any new variant or sub-variant. Any future variations of the death rate may cause our revenuesrevenue to fluctuate and our results of operations to lack predictability.
The increasing number of cremations in the United States could cause revenuesrevenue to decline because we could lose market share to firms specializing in cremations.cremations and because our average revenue for cremations is lower than that for traditional burials.
Our traditional cemetery and funeral service operations face competition from the increasing number of cremations in the United States. Industry studies indicate that the percentage of cremations has increased every year and this trend is expected to continue into the future. The trend toward cremation could cause cemeteries and traditional funeral homes to lose market share and revenuesrevenue to firms specializing in cremations. Additionally, our average revenue for cremations is lower than that for traditional burials. If we are unable to continue to expand our cremation memorialization products and services, and cremations remain or increase as a significant percentage of our services, our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
If we are not able to respond effectively to changing consumer preferences, our market share, revenuesrevenue and profitability could decrease.
Future market share, revenuesrevenue and profits will depend in part on our ability to anticipate, identify and respond to changing consumer preferences. In past years, we have implemented new product and service strategies based on results of customer surveys that we conduct on a continuous basis. However, we may not correctly anticipate or identify trends in consumer
preferences, or we may identify them later than our competitors do.competitors. In addition, any strategies we may implement to address these trends may prove incorrect or ineffective.
Because the funeral and cemetery businesses are high fixed-cost businesses, changes in revenue can have a disproportionately large effect on cash flow and profits.
Companies in the funeralFuneral home and cemetery business mustbusinesses incur many of the costs of operating and maintaining facilities, land and equipment regardless of the level of sales in any given period. For example, we must pay salaries, utilities, property taxes and maintenance costs on funeral homes and maintain the grounds of cemeteries regardless of the number of funeral services or interments performed. Because we cannot decrease these costs significantly or rapidly when we experience declines in sales, those declines in sales can cause margins, profits and cash flow to declinedecrease at a greater rate than the decline in revenues.revenue.
Regulatory Changes
Changes or increases in, or failure to comply with, regulations applicable to our business could increase costs or decrease cash flows.
The funeral and cemetery industry is subject to extensive and evolving regulation and licensing requirements under federal, state and local laws. For example, the funeral home industry is regulated by the FTC, which requires funeral homes to take actions designed to protect consumers. State laws impose licensing requirements and regulate preneed sales. As such, we are subject to state trust fund and preneed sales practice audits, which could result in audit adjustments as a result of non-compliance. In addition, we may assume the liability for any audit adjustments for our acquired businesses for periods under audit that were prior to our ownership of the business.business depending upon the obligations outlined in the agreement. These audit adjustments could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Embalming and cremation facilities are subject to stringent environmental and health regulations. Compliance with these regulations is burdensome, and we are always at risk of not complying with the regulations or facing costly and burdensome investigations from regulatory authorities.
In addition, from time to time, governments and agencies propose to amend or add regulations, which could increase costs or decrease cash flows. Several states and regulatory agencies have considered or are considering regulations that could require more liberal refund and cancellation policies for preneed sales of products and services, limit or eliminate our ability to use surety bonding, increase trust requirements and/or prohibit the common ownership of funeral homes and cemeteries in the same market. If adopted by the regulatory authorities of the jurisdictions in which we operate, these and other possible proposals could have a material adverse effect on us, our financial condition, our results of operations and our future prospects. For additional information regarding the regulation of the funeral and cemetery industry, see Part I, Item 1, Business, Regulation.
We are subject to environmental and worker health and safety laws and regulations that may expose us to significant costs and liabilities.
Our cemetery and funeral home operations are subject to stringentcertain federal, regional, state and local laws and regulations governing worker health and safety aspects of the operations, the release or disposal of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to environmental protection. These laws and regulations may restrict or impact our business in many ways, including requiring the acquisition of a permit before conducting regulated activities, restricting the types, quantities and concentration of substances that can be released into the environment, applying specific health and safety criteria addressing worker protection, and imposing substantial liabilities for any pollution resulting from our operations. We may be required to make significant capital and operating expenditures to comply with these laws and regulations and any failure to comply may result in the assessment of sanctions, including administrative, civil and criminal penalties, imposition of investigatory, remedial or corrective action obligations, delays in permitting or performance of projects and the issuance of injunctions restricting or prohibiting our activities. Failure to appropriately transport and dispose of generated wastes, used chemicals or other regulated substances, or any spills or other unauthorized releases of regulated substances in the course of our operations could expose us to material losses, expenditures and liabilities under applicable environmental laws and regulations, and result in neighboring landowners and other third parties filing claims for personal injury, property damage and natural resource damage allegedly caused by such non-compliant activities or spills or releases. Certain of these laws may impose strict, joint and several liabilities upon us for the remediation of contaminated property resulting from our or a predecessor owner's or operator's operations. We may not be able to recover some or any of these costs from insurance or contractual indemnifications. Moreover, changes in environmental laws, regulations and enforcement policies occur frequently, and any changes that result in more stringent or costly emissions control or waste handling, storage, transport, disposal or cleanup requirements could require us to make significant expenditures to attain and maintain compliance and may otherwise have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, competitive position or financial condition.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR CREDIT FACILITY AND FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Credit Facility and Debt Obligations
Covenant restrictions in our debt instruments may limit our flexibility to operate and grow our business, and if we are not able to comply with such covenants, our lenders could accelerate our indebtedness, proceed against certain collateral or exercise other remedies, which could have a material adverse impacteffect on us.
The covenants in our Credit Facility and the Indenture governing our Senior Notes contain a number of provisions that impose operating and financial restrictions which, subject to certain exceptions, limit our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to, among other things: incur additional indebtedness (including guarantees); pay dividends or make distributions or redeem or repurchase our common stock; make investments; grant liens on assets; make capital expenditures; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into sale-leaseback transactions; sell or dispose assets; and acquire the assets of, or merge or consolidate with, other companies.
We are required to comply with certain financial covenants in our Credit Facility. Complying with these financial covenants and other restrictive covenants, as well as those that may be contained in any future debt agreements, may limit our ability to finance our future operations or working capital needs or to take advantage of future business opportunities. Our ability to comply with these covenants will depend on our financial results.
From time to time, we are party to various claims and legal proceedings, including burial practices. When cemetery disputes occur, wefuture performance, which may be subjectedaffected by events beyond our control. Our failure to litigationcomply with any of these covenants or restrictions could result in a default under any future debt instrument, which could lead to an acceleration of the debt under that instrument and, liability for improper burial practices. In addition, since we acquired mostin some cases, the acceleration of our cemeteries through various acquisitions, we may be subject to litigation and liability based upon actionsdebt under other instruments that contain cross-default or events that occurred before we acquired or managed the cemeteries. Claims or litigation based upon our cemetery burial practicescross-acceleration provisions, each of which could have a material adverse effect on us. In the case of an event of default, or in the event of a cross-default or cross-acceleration, we may not have sufficient funds available to make the required payments under our debt instruments. If we are unable to repay amounts owed under the terms of our Credit Facility, the lenders thereunder may choose to exercise their remedies in respect of the collateral, including a foreclosure of their lien which results in a sale of certain of our funeral assets to satisfy our obligations under the Credit Facility.
Pursuant to the terms of our Credit Facility, we must comply with, amongst other things, a maximum Total Leverage Ratio covenant that is measured quarterly. If we are unable to comply with the maximum Total Leverage Ratio, we will be in immediate default under the Credit Facility. For example, although we have not currently experienced any material negative impacts to our liquidity position, access to capital, or cash flows as a result of our operations or from any macroeconomic conditions, any material difference from our projected future operational and financial performance may have a future impact on our business that could result in our inability to comply with this Total Leverage Ratio covenant and other covenants in our Credit Facility. There can be no assurance that the lenders will agree to amend the Credit Facility in the future to adjust or eliminate this covenant or whether the lenders may agree to waive any non-compliance with this financial covenant or any other covenant in the future.
Moreover, if we do not maintain compliance with our continuing obligations or any covenants, terms and conditions of the Credit Facility, we could be in default and required to repay outstanding borrowings on an accelerated basis, which could subject us to decreased liquidity and other negative impacts on our business, results of operations and financial condition. It may be difficult for us to find an alternative lending source under these circumstances. Without access to borrowings under the Credit Facility, our liquidity would be adversely affected and we would lack sufficient working capital to operate our business as presently conducted. Any disruption in access to credit could force us to take measures to conserve cash.
Our level of indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and prevent us from fulfilling our debt obligations.
Our indebtedness requires significant interest and principal payments. As of December 31, 2022, we had $594.7 million of total debt (excluding debt issuance costs, debt discounts and lease obligations), consisting of $4.0 million of acquisition debt (consisting of deferred purchase price and promissory notes payable to sellers of businesses we purchased), $400.0 million of our Senior Notes and $190.7 million of outstanding borrowings under our Credit Facility, with $57.0 million of availability under our Credit Facility after giving effect to $2.3 million of outstanding letters of credit.
Our and our subsidiaries’ level of indebtedness could have important consequences to us, including:
•continuing to require us and certain of our subsidiaries to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of our indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available for operations and any future business opportunities;
•limiting flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business or the industry in which we operate;
•placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less indebtedness;
•increasing our vulnerability to adverse general economic or industry conditions;
•making us and our subsidiaries more vulnerable to increases in interest rates, as borrowings under our Credit Facility are at variable rates; and
•limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general corporate requirements and increasing our cost of borrowing.
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future from operations, financings or asset sales. Our ability to generate cash is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. We may not generate sufficient funds to service our debt and meet our business needs, such as funding working capital or the expansion of our operations. If we are not able to repay or refinance our debt as it becomes due, we may be forced to take certain actions, including reducing spending on day-to-day operations, reducing future financing for working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes, selling assets or dedicating an unsustainable level of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness. In addition, our ability to withstand competitive pressures and to react to changes in our industry could be impaired. The lenders who hold our debt could also accelerate amounts due in the event that we default, which could potentially trigger a default or acceleration of the maturity of our other debt, including the notes.
Additionally, our leverage could put us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that are less leveraged. These competitors could have greater financial flexibility to pursue strategic acquisitions and secure additional financing for their operations. Our leverage could also impede our ability to withstand downturns in our industry or the economy in general.
Despite our current levels of indebtedness, we may still incur additional indebtedness. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with our indebtedness.
We may incur additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of our Credit Facility and the Indenture governing our Senior Notes will limit, but not prohibit, us from incurring additional indebtedness. Additional indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. These restrictions also do not prevent us or our subsidiaries from incurring obligations, such as trade payables, that do not constitute indebtedness as defined under our debt agreements. To the extent new debt is added to our current debt levels, the leverage risks associated with our indebtedness would increase.
GENERAL RISKS
Economic Conditions and Natural Disasters
We may be adversely affected by the effects of inflation.
Inflation has the potential to adversely affect our liquidity, business, financial condition and results of operations by increasing our overall cost structure or by reducing the amount of discretionary income consumers have available to spend on our services. The existence of inflation in the economy has resulted in, and may continue to result in, higher interest rates and capital costs, supply shortages, increased costs of labor, components, manufacturing and shipping, as well as weakening exchange rates and other similar effects. As a result of inflation, we have already experienced modest cost increases and surcharges from our vendors and suppliers on merchandise and goods and may continue to experience additional cost increases in the future, which could be of greater magnitude than those experienced to date. In addition, the impacts of inflation are also felt by consumers who face rising prices for a variety of goods and services, which could reduce the amount of discretionary spending that would otherwise be available to our client families and potential client families to spend on our services. Although we may take measures to mitigate the effects of inflation, if these measures are not effective, our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity could be materially adversely affected. Even if such measures are effective, there could be a difference between the timing of when these beneficial actions impact our results of operations and when the cost of inflation is incurred.
Unfavorable economic conditions, including those resulting from health and safety concerns, could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our business and operational results could be adversely affected by general conditions in the U.S. economy, including conditions that are outside of our control, such as the impact of health and safety concerns from epidemics and pandemics. For example, the initial U.S. and global economic and financial conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in extreme volatility and disruptions in the capital and credit markets. A severe or prolonged economic downturn from a pandemic or epidemic, like the COVID-19 pandemic and the related adverse economic and health consequences, could result in a variety of risks to our business, financial condition or results from operations, including weakened demand from our client families, decreased preneed sales, increased preneed installment contract defaults, increased cremation rates, reduced access to capital and credit markets or delays in obtaining client family payments. A weak or declining economy could also strain our supply partners. Additionally, our business relies heavily on our employees, including key employees due to the localized and personal
nature of our business, and adverse events such as health-related concerns, the inability to travel and other matters affecting the general work environment could harm our business. In the event of a major disruption caused by the outbreak of pandemic diseases, such as COVID-19 or any new variants, we may lose the services of a number of our key employees or experience system interruptions, which could lead to impacts to our regular business operations, inefficiencies and reputational harm. Due to the uncertainty around the ultimate impacts of any epidemic or pandemic, including COVID-19, to our business and operations, any related impact on our business and operational results cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Any of the foregoing could harm our business and we cannot anticipate all the ways in which future epidemics and pandemics, including the most recent COVID-19 pandemic and any future variants, would affect financial market conditions that could adversely impact our business.
Economic, financial and stock market fluctuations could affect future potential earnings and cash flows.flows and could result in future goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived asset impairments.
In addition to an annual review, we assess the impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be greater than fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, a significant decline in the market value of our stock or debt values, significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results, and significant negative industry or economic trends. If these factors occur, we may have a triggering event, which could result in an impairment of our goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets. | |
ITEM 1B. | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS. |
Based on the results of our annual goodwill and intangible assets impairment test we performed as of August 31, 2022 and our annual review of long-lived assets and leases at December 31, 2022, we concluded that there were no impairments of our goodwill, intangible assets or other long-lived assets and leases.
Significant weather events, natural disasters, or catastrophic events could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Over forty percent of the businesses we operate are located in California, Texas and Florida, areas where natural disasters are more prevalent, including, for example, hurricanes, wild fires, flooding, earthquakes, tornadoes and droughts. Significant weather events, natural disasters or catastrophic events in these states or other key areas where our operations are concentrated could disrupt our business through injury to our employees or client families, physical damage, closure or destruction of one or more of our locations, data centers or office facilities, or disrupt the delivery of goods or services by one or more of our vendors, any or all of which could adversely impact our operations or increase our costs, which would adversely affect our financial results.
Information Technology and Internal Controls
We rely significantly on information technology and any failure, inadequacy, interruption or security lapse of that technology, including any cybersecurity incidents could harm our ability to operate our business effectively.
In the ordinary course of our business, we receive certain personal information, in both physical and electronic formats, about our customers, their loved ones, our employees, and our vendors. We maintain security measures and data backup systems to protect, store, and prevent unauthorized access to such information, which we are continually assessing and updating, as necessary. For example, following our previously disclosed ransomware attack to our information technology system in January 2021, we have since implemented additional and enhanced security measures to our overall cyber-security posture to mitigate, to the extent possible, future cyberattacks and other similar threats. These measures include, for example, the addition of an advanced security operations center providing proactive threat protection, cloud-based firewall protection across all locations and endpoint protection. While we determined, based on our assessment of the information known to us, that the January 2021 ransomware incident did not have, nor do we expect it will have, a material impact on our business, operations or financial results, if we fail to protect our own information from any future breaches in data security, we could experience significant costs and expenses as well as damage to our reputation. Moreover, it is possible that computer hackers and others (through increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks or by other means) might circumvent our security measures in the future and obtain the personal information of customers, their loved ones, our employees or our vendors.
In addition, we maintain insurance coverage for various cybersecurity risks, which covered substantially all of the costs associated with our January 2021 ransomware attack, but it is possible that such insurance coverage may not fully insure all future costs or losses associated with other cybersecurity incidents. As the sophistication and frequency of attacks increase, our information technology security costs, including cybersecurity insurance, which are significant, may rise.
Additionally, legislation relating to cybersecurity threats could impose additional requirements on our operations. Various state governments, notably California, New York, Nevada and Virginia, have enacted or enhanced data privacy regulations, and other state governments are considering establishing similar or stronger protections. These regulations impose certain
obligations for securing, and potentially removing, specified personal information in our systems, and for apprising individuals of the information we have collected about them. We have incurred costs in an effort to comply with these data privacy risks and requirements, and our costs may increase significantly as risks become increasingly complex or if new or changing requirements are enacted, and based on how individuals exercise their rights. For example, in November 2020, California voters approved Proposition 24 (Consumer Personal Information Law and Agency Initiative), which went into effect as of January 1, 2023 and has increased the data privacy requirements for our business. Despite our efforts, any noncompliance could result in our incurring substantial penalties and reputational damage.
Our ability to manage and maintain our internal reports effectively and integration of new business acquisitions depends significantly on our enterprise resource planning system and other information systems. Some of our information technology systems may experience interruptions, delays or cessations of service or produce errors in connection with ongoing systems implementation work. The failure of our systems to operate effectively or to integrate with other systems, or a breach in security or other unauthorized access of these systems, may also result in reduced efficiency of our operations and could require significant capital investments to remediate any such failure, problem or breach and to comply with applicable regulations, all of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could adversely affect our results of operations, investor confidence, and our stock price.
The accuracy of our financial reporting depends on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements and may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations. If we do not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or implement controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of our financial statements, we could be unable to file accurate financial reports on a timely basis, and our results of operations, investor confidence, and stock price could be materially adversely affected.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
At December 31, 2017,2022, we operated 178171 funeral homes in 2926 states and 32 cemeteries in 11 states. We own the real estate and buildings for 155150 of our funeral homes and lease 2321 facilities. We own 2831 cemeteries and operate four cemeteriesone cemetery under a long-term contractscontract with municipalities and non-profit organizations,a municipality, which we refer to as a managed properties.property. We operate 1319 funeral homes in combination with cemeteries as these locations are physically located on the same property or in very close proximity and are under the same leadership.
The 32 cemeteries operated by usthat we operate have an inventorydeveloped cemetery property of unsold developed lots totaling approximately 144,000147,000 and 146,000143,000 units available-for-sale at December 31, 20162021 and 2017,2022, respectively. In addition, we own approximately 450500 acres that are available for future development or sale. We anticipate having a sufficient inventory of lots to maintain our property sales for the foreseeable future.
The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 2017,2022, regarding our properties used by the funeral home segment and by the cemetery segment identified by state:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Number of Funeral Homes | | Number of Cemeteries |
| State | | Owned | | Leased(1) | | Owned | | Managed |
| California | | 23 |
| | 5 |
| | 4 |
| | — |
|
| Colorado | | 2 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Connecticut | | 8 |
| | 2 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Florida | | 11 |
| | 5 |
| | 5 |
| | 3 |
|
| Georgia | | 4 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Idaho | | 5 |
| | 1 |
| | 3 |
| | — |
|
| Illinois | | 2 |
| | 1 |
| | 1 |
| | — |
|
| Kansas | | 2 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Kentucky | | 8 |
| | 1 |
| | 1 |
| | — |
|
| Louisiana | | 3 |
| | 1 |
| | 1 |
| | — |
|
| Maryland | | 1 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Massachusetts | | 12 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Michigan | | 2 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Montana | | 2 |
| | 1 |
| | 1 |
| | — |
|
| Nevada | | 2 |
| | — |
| | 2 |
| | 1 |
|
| New Jersey | | 4 |
| | 1 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| New Mexico | | 1 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| New York | | 6 |
| | 1 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| North Carolina | | 6 |
| | 1 |
| | 1 |
| | — |
|
| Ohio | | 5 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Oklahoma | | 6 |
| | — |
| | 2 |
| | — |
|
| Pennsylvania | | 2 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Rhode Island | | 4 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Tennessee | | 4 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Texas | | 21 |
| | 1 |
| | 7 |
| | — |
|
| Virginia | | 5 |
| | 1 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Washington | | 2 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| West Virginia | | 1 |
| | 1 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Wisconsin | | 1 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Total | | 155 |
| | 23 |
| | 28 |
| | 4 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Number of
Funeral Homes | | Number of
Cemeteries |
| State | | Owned | | Leased(1) | | Owned | | Managed |
| California | | 21 | | | 5 | | | 5 | | | — | |
| Connecticut | | 7 | | | 2 | | | — | | | — | |
| Florida | | 11 | | | 5 | | | 5 | | | — | |
| Georgia | | 3 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Idaho | | 4 | | | 1 | | | 3 | | | — | |
| Illinois | | 2 | | | — | | | 1 | | | — | |
| Kansas | | 2 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Kentucky | | 7 | | | 1 | | | — | | | — | |
| Louisiana | | 3 | | | 1 | | | 1 | | | — | |
| Massachusetts | | 7 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Michigan | | 2 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Montana | | 2 | | | 1 | | | 1 | | | — | |
| Nevada | | 2 | | | — | | | 2 | | | 1 | |
| New Jersey | | 1 | | | 1 | | | — | | | — | |
| New Mexico | | 1 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| New York | | 10 | | | 1 | | | — | | | — | |
| North Carolina | | 11 | | | 1 | | | 2 | | | — | |
| Ohio | | 5 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Oklahoma | | 5 | | | — | | | 2 | | | — | |
| Pennsylvania | | 2 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Rhode Island | | 4 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Tennessee | | 4 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Texas | | 23 | | | 1 | | | 8 | | | — | |
| Virginia | | 8 | | | 1 | | | 1 | | | — | |
| Washington | | 2 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Wisconsin | | 1 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Total | | 150 | | | 21 | | | 31 | | | 1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| (1) | | | | |
(1) | The leases, with respect to these funeral homes, generally have remaining terms ranging from one to tentwenty years, and generally, we have the right to renew past the initial terms and have a right of first refusal on any proposed sale of the property where these funeral homes are located. |
Our Houston support home officecenter occupies approximately 48,000 square feet of leased office space in Houston, Texas. At December 31, 2017,2022, we owned and operated 708791 vehicles.
| |
ITEM 3. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. |
We and our subsidiaries are parties to aThe following table sets forth the number of funeral homes and cemeteries owned and operated by us for the periods presented:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Funeral homes at beginning of period | 186 | | | 178 | | | 170 | |
| Acquisitions | 1 | | | — | | | 6 | |
| Divestitures | (8) | | | (2) | | | (4) | |
| Mergers of funeral homes | (1) | | | (6) | | | (1) | |
| Funeral homes at end of period | 178 | | | 170 | | | 171 | |
| | | | | |
| Cemeteries at beginning of period | 31 | | | 32 | | | 31 | |
| Acquisitions | 1 | | | — | | | 1 | |
| Divestitures | — | | | (1) | | | — | |
| Cemeteries at end of period | 32 | | | 31 | | | 32 | |
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
For more information regarding legal proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. While the outcome of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect these matters to have a material adverse effect on our financial statements. Information regarding litigation is set forth insee Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 15.16.
We self-insure against certain risks and carry insurance with coverage and coverage limits for risks in excess of the coverage amounts consistent with our assessment of risks in our business and of an acceptable level of financial exposure. Although there
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
can be no assurance that self-insurance reserves and insurance will be sufficient to mitigate all damages, claims or contingencies, we believe that the reserves and our insurance provide reasonable coverage for known asserted and unasserted claims. In the event we sustain a loss from a claim and the insurance carrier disputes coverage or coverage limits, we may record a charge in a different period than the recovery, if any, from the insurance carrier.
| |
ITEM 4. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES. |
Not applicable.
PART II
| |
ITEM 5. | MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES. |
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
MARKET INFORMATION
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CSV.” The following table presents the quarterly high and low sale prices as reported by the New York Stock Exchange:
|
| | | | | | | |
| 2017 | High | | Low |
| First Quarter | $ | 28.88 |
| | $ | 25.44 |
|
| Second Quarter | $ | 28.96 |
| | $ | 25.27 |
|
| Third Quarter | $ | 27.42 |
| | $ | 23.15 |
|
| Fourth Quarter | $ | 26.78 |
| | $ | 23.60 |
|
| | | | |
| 2016 | High | | Low |
| First Quarter | $ | 23.85 |
| | $ | 19.03 |
|
| Second Quarter | $ | 24.94 |
| | $ | 21.25 |
|
| Third Quarter | $ | 24.97 |
| | $ | 22.53 |
|
| Fourth Quarter | $ | 29.11 |
| | $ | 23.06 |
|
As ofAt February 16, 2018,24, 2023, there were 16,181,87614,890,623 shares of our common stock outstanding and the closing price as reported by the New York Stock Exchange was $27.64 per share.outstanding. The shares of common stock outstanding are held by approximately 400330 stockholders of record. Each share is entitled to one vote on matters requiring the vote of stockholders. We believe there are approximately 6,0005,200 beneficial owners of our common stock.
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
During the year ended December 31, 2017,2022, we did not have any sales of securities in transactions that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (as amended, the “Securities Act”) that have not been reported in a Form 8-K or Form 10-Q.
DIVIDENDS
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the payment of cash dividends on our common stock:
|
| | | | | | | |
| 2017 | Per Share | | Dollar Value |
| First Quarter | $ | 0.050 |
| | $ | 833,000 |
|
| Second Quarter | $ | 0.050 |
| | $ | 835,000 |
|
| Third Quarter | $ | 0.050 |
| | $ | 835,000 |
|
| Fourth Quarter | $ | 0.075 |
| | $ | 1,206,000 |
|
| | | | |
| 2016 | Per Share | | Dollar Value |
| First Quarter | $ | 0.025 |
| | $ | 415,000 |
|
| Second Quarter | $ | 0.025 |
| | $ | 415,000 |
|
| Third Quarter | $ | 0.050 |
| | $ | 831,000 |
|
| Fourth Quarter | $ | 0.050 |
| | $ | 830,000 |
|
While we intend to pay regular quarterly cash dividends for the foreseeable future, covenant restrictions under our Credit AgreementFacility and the Indenture governing our Senior Notes may limit our ability to pay dividends in the future.
EQUITY PLANS
For information regarding securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans, see Part III, Item 12, Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER
On February 25, 2016,Subject to market conditions, normal trading restrictions and satisfying certain financial covenants in our Credit Facility, and in the Indenture governing our Senior Notes, we may make purchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions under our Board approved aauthorized share repurchase program, authorizingin accordance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act.
On February 23, 2022, our Board authorized an increase in our share repurchase program to permit us to purchase up to an aggregate of $25.0additional $75.0 million ofunder our common stockshare repurchase program, in addition to amounts previously authorized and outstanding in accordance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). On October 25, 2017, our Board approved a $15.0 million increase in its authorization for repurchases of our common stock in addition, which totaled up to the $25.0 million approved on February 25, 2016, bringing the total authorized repurchase amount to $40.0$265.0 million in accordance with the Exchange Act.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we repurchased 574,054 shares of common stock for a total cost of $14.0 million at an average cost of $24.35 per share pursuant to this share repurchase program. authorizations.
Share repurchase activity is as follows (dollar value of shares repurchased in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | | |
Number of Shares Repurchased(1) | — | | | 2,906,983 | | | 695,496 | | | | |
| Average Price Paid Per Share | $ | — | | | $ | 49.01 | | | $ | 49.22 | | | | |
Dollar Value of Shares Repurchased(1) | $ | — | | | $ | 142,469 | | | $ | 34,234 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| (1) | These amounts may differ from the repurchases of common stock amounts in the consolidated statements of cash flows due to unsettled share repurchases at the end of a period. In December 2021, we repurchased 37,408 shares for $2.4 million, the settlement of which occurred in January 2022. |
Our shares were purchased in the open market. Purchases weremarket at times and in amounts as management determined appropriate based on factors such as market conditions, legal requirements and other business considerations. Shares purchased pursuant to the repurchase program are currently held as treasury shares.stock. At December 31, 2017, we had approximately $26.0 million available for repurchase under this share repurchase program.
On August 18, 2017, we purchased 100,000 shares of2022, our common stock from Melvin C. Payne, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The purchase of these shares was made pursuant to a privately negotiated transaction at a price of $23.85 per share for a total purchase price of $2.4 million. The purchase price we paid for these shares was the stock's trading price at the time of the transaction. This purchase was not a part of the share repurchase program approved by the Board on February 25, 2016. The repurchase of the shares held by Mr. Payne was approved in advance by our Board, with Mr. Payne abstaining.had $48.9 million authorized for additional repurchases.
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to repurchases of our common stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2017:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Period | | Total Number of Shares Purchased | | Average Price Paid Per Share | | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program | | Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program (1) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| October 1, 2017 - October 31, 2017 | | — |
| | $ | — |
| | — |
| | $ | 26,019,052 |
|
| November 1, 2017 - November 30, 2017 | | — |
| | $ | — |
| | — |
| | $ | 26,019,052 |
|
| December 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017 | | — |
| | $ | — |
| | — |
| | $ | 26,019,052 |
|
| Total for quarter ended December 31, 2017 | | — |
| | | | — |
| | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Period | | Total Number of Shares Purchased | | Average Price Paid Per Share | | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program | | Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program (1) |
| | | | | | | | |
| October 1, 2022 - October 31, 2022 | | — | | | $ | — | | | — | | | $ | 48,898,769 | |
| November 1, 2022 - November 30, 2022 | | — | | | $ | — | | | — | | | $ | 48,898,769 | |
| December 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022 | | — | | | $ | — | | | — | | | $ | 48,898,769 | |
| Total for quarter ended December 31, 2022 | | — | | | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| (1) | See the first paragraph under the caption “– Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer” for more information on our publicly announced share repurchase program. |
STOCKHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following line graph below compares the yearly change in cumulative total shareholder return over a 5-year total return provided to shareholdersperiod on our common stock relative to the cumulative total returns of the Russell 3000 Index (the “Russell 3000”), the Peer Group shown in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which consisted of SCI and a customizedStoneMor (the “2021 Peer Group”), and our new peer group consisting of twoSCI, Matthews International Corp. (“Matthews”) and Park Lawn (the “2022 Peer Group”).
We use a peer group index, as we believe there is no relevant published industry or line-of-business index that reflects the companies that includes SCIagainst which we compete in our industry. We removed Stonemor from our 2022 Peer Group and StoneMor.selected Matthews and Park Lawn to be added to our 2022 Peer Group as a result of StoneMor being delisted from the NYSE as of November 30, 2022. The returns of each member of the peer group2021 Peer Group and 2022 Peer Group are weighted according to each member’stheir respective stock market capitalization as of the beginning of each period measured.
The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common stock, the Russell 3000 Index, the 2021 Peer Group and the peer group2022 Peer Group was $100 on the last trading day of December 2012,2017, and that all dividends were reinvested. Performance data for Carriage, the Russell 3000 Index, the 2021 Peer Group and the peer group2022 Peer Group is provided as of the last trading day of each of our last five fiscal years. For the 2021 Peer Group, as a result of StoneMor’s delisting on November 30, 2022, the stock performance data as of December 31, 2022 reflects SCI’s total cumulative return only.
The following graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference.
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Carriage Services, Inc., the Russell 3000 Index and a Peer Group
|
| |
* | $100 invested on December 31, 2012 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. |
Fiscal year ending December 31. Peer Group includes SCI and StoneMor.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 12/12 | | 12/13 | | 12/14 | | 12/15 | | 12/16 | | 12/17 |
| Carriage Services, Inc. | $ | 100.00 |
| | $ | 165.43 |
| | $ | 178.39 |
| | $ | 206.07 |
| | $ | 246.43 |
| | $ | 223.17 |
|
| Russell 3000 | 100.00 |
| | 133.55 |
| | 150.29 |
| | 151.01 |
| | 170.19 |
| | 206.09 |
|
| Peer Group | 100.00 |
| | 133.43 |
| | 167.12 |
| | 193.64 |
| | 197.57 |
| | 280.49 |
|
The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
| |
ITEM 6. | SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA. |
The tableAmong Carriage, the Russell 3000 Index, the 2021 Peer Group and the 2022 Peer Group
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
OVERVIEW
Recent Trends
During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced an increase in volume that corresponded with the initial increase in COVID-related deaths. Beginning in the second quarter of 2022, we began to see deaths directly attributable from COVID-19 largely decrease to have minimal impact on the following page sets forth selected consolidatedoverall death rate, which accelerated during the third and fourth quarter of 2022. However, the overall death rate remains slightly higher than the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period, though we are unable to predict or forecast the duration or variation of this increased death rate with any certainty. As a result of the normalization of the death rate, during the latter half of 2022, we experienced lower volumes, revenues, earnings and margins when compared to the fourth quarter of 2021, but overall financial informationperformance remains at or above prior reporting periods during and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we expect these death rate fluctuation trends to continue, we will continue to assess these impacts, including the potential impacts of new variants of COVID-19, its sub-variants and any other new variants, and implement appropriate procedures, plans, strategy, and issue any disclosures that may be required, as the situation surrounding the pandemic and related regulatory mandates and restrictions, if any, evolves.
Historically cremation trends have increased year over year and while that continued to be the case in 2022 and we expect will continue to be the case moving forward, we view this as an opportunity to put greater focus on educating our client families on available cremation memorialization options.
Beginning in the second quarter of 2022, we began to experience modest cost increases and surcharges from our vendors and suppliers on merchandise and goods due to broader inflationary, raw material cost increases, and global supply chain impacts. This trend in modest cost increases continued during the fourth quarter of 2022, with the Company experiencing, for usexample, higher costs related to full-time hourly base rates, utilities, funeral supplies, merchandise costs and insurance. Although we have taken steps to mitigate these cost increases and we expect these impacts to continue throughout the current year, the ultimate scope and duration of these impacts are unknown at this time. More broadly, the U.S. economy continues to experience higher rates of inflation, which has impacted a wide variety of industries and sectors, with consumers facing rising prices. Such inflation may negatively impact consumers or discretionary spending, including the amount that consumers are able to spend on our services, although we have not experienced such impacts to date and our industry has been derived fromlargely resilient to similar adverse economic and market environments in the audited Consolidated Financial Statements ofpast. Although we expect these trends to continue throughout the Company as ofcurrent year, we will continue to assess these impacts and for each oftake the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. These historical results are not indicative of our future performance.
You should read this historical financial data together with “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in this Form 10-K and our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Selected Consolidated Financial Information
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, |
| | 2013 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 |
| | (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) |
| INCOME STATEMENT DATA: | |
| Revenues: | | | | | | | |
| Funeral | $ | 163,082 |
| | $ | 173,735 |
| | $ | 185,818 |
| | $ | 189,401 |
| | $ | 200,886 |
|
| Cemetery | 49,992 |
| | 52,389 |
| | 56,684 |
| | 58,799 |
| | 57,253 |
|
| Total revenues | 213,074 |
| | 226,124 |
| | 242,502 |
| | 248,200 |
| | 258,139 |
|
| Gross profit: | | | | | | | | | |
| Funeral | 48,874 |
| | 54,102 |
| | 59,434 |
| | 61,620 |
| | 61,369 |
|
| Cemetery | 15,411 |
| | 15,906 |
| | 18,074 |
| | 18,030 |
| | 15,430 |
|
| Total gross profit | 64,285 |
| | 70,008 |
| | 77,508 |
| | 79,650 |
| | 76,799 |
|
| Corporate costs and expenses | 27,379 |
| | 30,293 |
| | 28,860 |
| | 29,446 |
| | 27,858 |
|
| Operating income | 36,906 |
| | 39,715 |
| | 48,648 |
| | 50,204 |
| | 48,941 |
|
| Interest expense | (12,622 | ) | | (10,308 | ) | | (10,559 | ) | | (11,738 | ) | | (12,948 | ) |
| Accretion of discount on convertible subordinated notes | — |
| | (2,452 | ) | | (3,454 | ) | | (3,870 | ) | | (4,329 | ) |
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt and other costs | — |
| | (1,042 | ) | | — |
| | (567 | ) | | — |
|
| Loss on redemption of convertible junior subordinated debentures | — |
| | (3,779 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Other, net | 81 |
| | 567 |
| | (45 | ) | | (1,788 | ) | | 1,118 |
|
| Income before income taxes | 24,365 |
| | 22,701 |
| | 34,590 |
| | 32,241 |
| | 32,782 |
|
| Net (provision) benefit for income taxes | (9,245 | ) | | (7,255 | ) | | (13,737 | ) | | (12,660 | ) | | 4,411 |
|
| Net income from continuing operations | 15,120 |
| | 15,446 |
| | 20,853 |
| | 19,581 |
| | 37,193 |
|
| Income from discontinued operations | 4,176 |
| | 392 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Preferred stock dividend | 4 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Net income attributable to common shareholders | $ | 19,292 |
| | $ | 15,838 |
| | $ | 20,853 |
| | $ | 19,581 |
| | $ | 37,193 |
|
| Earnings per share | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic: | | | | | | | | | |
| Continuing operations | $ | 0.83 |
| | $ | 0.84 |
| | $ | 1.16 |
| | $ | 1.18 |
| | $ | 2.25 |
|
| Discontinued operations | 0.23 |
| | 0.02 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 1.06 |
| | $ | 0.86 |
| | $ | 1.16 |
| | $ | 1.18 |
| | $ | 2.25 |
|
| Diluted: | | | | | | | | | |
| Continuing operations | $ | 0.82 |
| | $ | 0.83 |
| | $ | 1.12 |
| | $ | 1.12 |
| | $ | 2.09 |
|
| Discontinued operations | 0.18 |
| | 0.02 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.00 |
| | $ | 0.85 |
| | $ | 1.12 |
| | $ | 1.12 |
| | $ | 2.09 |
|
| Dividends declared per share | $ | 0.100 |
| | $ | 0.100 |
| | $ | 0.100 |
| | $ | 0.150 |
| | $ | 0.225 |
|
| Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding: | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | 17,826 |
| | 18,108 |
| | 17,791 |
| | 16,515 |
| | 16,438 |
|
| Diluted | 22,393 |
| | 18,257 |
| | 18,317 |
| | 17,460 |
| | 17,715 |
|
| OPERATING AND FINANCIAL DATA: | | | | | | | | | |
| Funeral homes at end of period | 161 |
| | 164 |
| | 167 |
| | 170 |
| | 178 |
|
| Cemeteries at end of period | 32 |
| | 32 |
| | 32 |
| | 32 |
| | 32 |
|
| Funeral services performed | 29,854 |
| | 31,402 |
| | 32,627 |
| | 33,160 |
| | 34,894 |
|
| Preneed funeral contracts sold | 8,125 |
| | 6,940 |
| | 7,797 |
| | 7,639 |
| | 7,444 |
|
| Backlog of preneed funeral contracts | 80,714 |
| | 82,842 |
| | 84,353 |
| | 91,402 |
| | 93,712 |
|
| Backlog of preneed cemetery contracts | 63,453 |
| | 63,322 |
| | 63,178 |
| | 63,254 |
| | 63,523 |
|
| Average revenue per funeral contract | $ | 5,365 |
| | $ | 5,453 |
| | $ | 5,621 |
| | $ | 5,642 |
| | $ | 5,705 |
|
| Cremation rate | 46.9 | % | | 47.3 | % | | 48.9 | % | | 50.7 | % | | 51.4 | % |
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | 11,635 |
| | $ | 11,923 |
| | $ | 13,780 |
| | $ | 15,421 |
| | $ | 15,979 |
|
| BALANCE SHEET DATA: | | | | | | | | | |
| Total assets | $ | 746,599 |
| | $ | 827,528 |
| | $ | 833,139 |
| | $ | 885,069 |
| | $ | 921,533 |
|
| Long-term debt, net of current maturities | 142,542 |
| | 152,387 |
| | 195,009 |
| | 204,404 |
| | 212,154 |
|
| Convertible junior subordinated debenture | 89,770 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Convertible subordinated notes | — |
| | 114,542 |
| | 115,227 |
| | 119,596 |
| | 124,441 |
|
| Stockholders’ equity | 155,973 |
| | 179,875 |
| | 157,594 |
| | 175,734 |
| | 197,656 |
|
| |
ITEM 7. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. |
OVERVIEWappropriate steps, if necessary, to mitigate these cost increases, if possible.
General
We operate in two business segments: funeral home operations,Funeral Home Operations, which accountcurrently accounts for approximately 78%70% of our revenues,revenue, and cemetery operations,Cemetery Operations, which accountcurrently accounts for approximately 22%30% of our revenues.revenue. Our funeral homes offer a complete range of high value personal services to meet a family’s funeral needs, including consultation, the removal and preparation of remains, the sale of caskets and related funeral merchandise, the use of funeral home facilities for visitation and remembrance services and transportation services. Our cemeteries provide interment rights (grave sites and mausoleum spaces) and related merchandise, such as markers and outer burial containers. We provide funeral and cemetery services and products on both an “atneed” (time of death) and “preneed” (planned prior to death) basis.
At December 31, 2017,2022, we operated 178171 funeral homes in 2926 states and 32 cemeteries in 11 states within the United States. For additional discussion about our overall business strategy, see Part I, Item 1, Business – Business Strategy.
Funeral Home Operations
Factors affecting our funeral operating results include: demographic trends relating to population growth and average age, which impact death rates and number of deaths; establishing and maintaining leading market share positions supported by strong local heritage and relationships; effectively responding to increasing cremation trends by selling complementary services and merchandise; controlling salary and merchandise costs; and exercising pricing leverage related to our atneed business to increase average revenue per contract. In simple terms, volume and price are the two variables that affect funeral revenues.revenue. The average revenue per contract is influenced by the mix of traditional and cremation services because our average cremation service revenue is approximately one-third of the average revenue earned from a traditional burial service. Funeral homes have a relatively fixed cost structure.
Our funeral contract volumes, including contracts from acquisitions, have increased from 29,854 in 2013 to 34,894 in 2017, a compound annual increase of 4.0%. Our funeral operating revenue, excluding financial revenue, has increased from $153.9 million in 2013 to $192.4 million in 2017, a compound annual increase of 5.7%. The increases are primarily a result of businesses we have acquired in the last five years and our ability to increase the average revenue per funeral through expanded service offerings and packages. Additional funeral revenue from preneed commissions and preneed funeral trust earnings has decreased from $9.2 million in 2013 to $8.5 million in 2017. We experienced a 5.2% increase in volumes in comparing the year ended December 31, 2017 to the year ended December 31, 2016 and the average revenue per contract for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased 1.1% compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.
Cemetery Operations
CemeteryFactors affecting our cemetery operating results are affected byinclude: the size and success of our sales organization. Approximately 65.0%organization; local perceptions and heritage of our total cemetery revenues relatedcemeteries; our ability to preneed sales of interment rights and related merchandise and services for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. We believe thatadapt to changes in the economy and consumer confidence affect the amount of preneed cemetery operating revenues. Our cemetery financial performance from 2013 through 2017 was characterized by increasing levels of operating revenuesconfidence; and field-level cemetery profit margins. Cemetery operating revenue, excluding financial revenue, increased from $40.5 millionour response to fluctuations in 2013 to $48.2 million in 2017, a compound annual increase of 4.5% and decreased 1.4% over 2016. Additional cemetery revenue from preneed finance charges and trust earnings has decreased from $9.5 million in 2013 to $9.0 million in 2017, a compound annual decrease of 1.3%. Changes in the capital markets and interest rates, which affect this component of our cemetery revenues.
Financial Revenue
Income recognized from the investments in the preneed funeralinvestment earnings on trust funds, the cemetery merchandise and services trust funds and the perpetual care trust funds decreased $0.9 million, or 6.0% for the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to 2016, as a result of fewer preneed contract maturities and lower average revenue per preneed contract. For the five year period ended December 31, 2017, the performance of the funds, which includes realized income and unrealized appreciation, resulted in a 58.6% return. Investment income realized in the perpetual care trust funds (except for capital gains) is recognized as income when earned in the portfolio. Investment income realized in the preneed funeral trust funds and the cemetery merchandise and services trust funds is allocated to the individual preneed contracts and deferred from revenue until the time that the services and merchandise are delivered to the customer.
OVERVIEW OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an on-going basis, we evaluate estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, realization of accounts receivable, inventories, goodwill, other intangible assets, property and equipment and deferred tax assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience, third party data and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these considerations form the basis for making judgments about the amount and timing of revenues and expenses, the carrying value of assets and the recorded amounts of liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates and such estimates may change if the underlying conditions or assumptions change. Historical performance should not be viewed as indicative of future performance because there can be no assurance the margins, operating income and net earnings, as a percentage of revenues, will be consistent from year to year.
“Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (“MD&A”) is based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements presented herewith, which have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Our critical accounting policies are more fully described in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 1. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Revenues from Funeral and Cemetery Operations
We record the revenue from sales of funeral and cemetery merchandise and services when the merchandise is delivered or the service is performed. Cemetery interment rights are recorded as revenue in accordance with the accounting provisions for real estate sales. This method provides for the recognition of revenue in the period in which the customer’s cumulative payments exceed 10% of the interment right contract price. Interment right costs, which include real property and other costs related to cemetery development, are expensed using the specific identification method in the period in which the sale of the interment right is recognized as revenue. Sales taxes collected are recognized on a net basis in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Allowances for bad debts and customer cancellations are provided at the date that the sale is recognized as revenue and are based on our historical experience. We also monitor changes in delinquency rates and provide additional bad debt and cancellation reserves when warranted.
When preneed sales of funeral services and merchandise are funded through third-party insurance policies, we earn a commission on the sale of the policies. Insurance commissions are recognized as revenues at the point at which the commission is no longer subject to refund, which is typically one year after the policy is issued. Preneed selling costs consist of sales commissions that we pay our sales counselors and other direct related costs of originating preneed sales contracts. These costs are expensed when incurred
Preneed Contracts
We sell interment rights, merchandise and services prior to the time of need, which is referred to as preneed. In many instances the customer pays for the preneed contract over a period of time. Cash proceeds from preneed sales less amounts that we may retain under state regulations are deposited to a trust or used to purchase a third-party insurance policy. The principal and accumulated earnings of the trusts are generally withdrawn at maturity (death) or cancellation. The cumulative trust income earned and the increases in insurance benefits on the insurance products are deferred until the service is performed. The customer receivables and amounts deposited in trusts that we control are primarily included in the non-current asset section of our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The preneed funeral contracts to be funded at maturity by third party insurance policies are not recorded as assets or liabilities of the Company.
In the opinion of management, the proceeds from the trust funds and the insurance policies at the time the preneed contracts mature will exceed the estimated future costs to perform services and provide products under such arrangements. The types of securities in which the trusts may invest are regulated by state agencies.
Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Trust Funds
Our preneed and perpetual care trust funds are reported in accordance with the principles of consolidating Variable Interest Entities (“VIE’s”). In the case of preneed trusts, the customers are the legal beneficiaries. In the case of perpetual care trusts, we do not have a right to access the corpus in the perpetual care trusts. We have recognized financial interests of third parties in the trust funds in our financial statements as Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus. The investments of such trust funds are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair market value; therefore, the unrealized gains and losses, as well as accumulated and undistributed income and realized gains and losses are recorded to Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our future obligations to deliver merchandise and services are reported at estimated settlement amounts. Preneed funeral and cemetery trust investments
are reduced by the trust investment earnings that we have been allowed to withdraw in certain states prior to maturity. These earnings, along with preneed contract collections not required to be placed in trust, are recorded in Deferred preneed funeral revenue and Deferred preneed cemetery revenue until the service is performed or the merchandise is delivered.
In accordance with respective state laws, we are required to deposit a specified amount into perpetual and memorial care trust funds for each interment right and certain memorials sold. Income from the trust funds is distributed to us and used to provide for the care and maintenance of the cemeteries and mausoleums. Such trust fund income is recognized as revenue when realized by the trust and distributable to us. We are restricted from withdrawing any of the principal balances of these funds.
An enterprise is required to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest(s) give it a controlling financial interest in a VIE. This analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Our analysis continues to support our position as the primary beneficiary in the majority of our funeral and cemetery trust funds.
Trust management fees are earned by us for investment management and advisory services that are provided by our wholly-owned registered investment advisor (“CSV RIA”). As of December 31, 2017, CSV RIA provided these services to one institution, which has custody of approximately 80% of our trust assets, for a fee based on the market value of trust assets. Under state trust laws, we are allowed to charge the trust a fee for advising on the investment of the trust assets and these fees are recognized as income in the period in which services are provided.
We determine whether or not the assets in the preneed trusts have an other-than-temporary impairment on a security-by-security basis. This assessment is made based upon a number of criteria including the length of time a security has been in a loss position, changes in market conditions and concerns related to the specific issuer. If a loss is considered to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the security is adjusted downward to its fair market value. Any reduction in the cost basis of the investment due to an other-than-temporary impairment is likewise recorded as a reduction to Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. There will be no impact on earnings unless and until such time that the investment is withdrawn from the trust in accordance with state regulations at an amount that is less than its original basis.
See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Notes 6 and 10 for additional related disclosures.
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment subject to depreciation and amortization, are reviewed for impairment at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable in accordance with the Property, Plant and Equipment topic of the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360. This guidance requires that long-lived assets to be held and used are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value. We assess long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be greater than the fair value. We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment when a funeral home or cemetery business has negative earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for four consecutive years and if there has been a decline in EBITDA in that same period. We review our long-lived assets deemed held-for-sale to the point of recoverability. Assets to be disposed of and assets not expected to provide any future service potential are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less estimated cost to sell. If we determine that the carrying value is not recoverable from the proceeds of the sale, we record an impairment at that time. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, no impairments were identified on our long-lived assets.
See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 1 for additional information.
Business Combinations
Tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at fair value and goodwill is recognized for any difference between the price of the acquisition and fair value. We recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at the fair value as of that date. Acquisition related costs are recognized separately from the acquisition and are expensed as incurred. We customarily estimate related transaction costs known at closing. To the extent that information not available to us at the closing date subsequently becomes available during the allocation period, we may adjust goodwill, intangible assets, assets or liabilities associated with the acquisition.
During 2017, we acquired seven funeral home businesses. We acquired one funeral home business in Longmont, Colorado and one funeral home business in Loveland, Colorado in November 2017 and five funeral home businesses on Long Island, New York in December 2017. The pro forma impact of the acquisitions on prior periods is not presented as the impact is not material to our reported results. The results of the acquired businesses are included in our results of operations from the date of acquisition.
See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 3 for additional information.
Goodwill
The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of funeral home businesses acquired is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill has primarily been recorded in connection with the acquisition of funeral home businesses. Effective January 1, 2017, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”), Intangibles (Topic 350): Goodwill and Other. The guidance simplifies subsequent measurement of goodwill and eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test, which should reduce the cost and complexity of evaluating goodwill for impairment. An entity no longer will determine goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Instead, impairment is defined as the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, up to the total amount of goodwill.
Goodwill has an indefinite life and is not subject to amortization. As such, we test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis. Our intent is to perform a quantitative impairment test at least once every three years unless certain indicators or events suggest otherwise and perform a qualitative assessment during the remaining two years.
Our quantitative goodwill impairment test involves estimates and management judgment. In the quantitative analysis, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, the goodwill of that reporting unit is not considered impaired. We determine fair value for each reporting unit using both an income approach, weighted 90%, and a market approach, weighted 10%. Our methodology for determining an income-based fair value is based on discounting projected future cash flows. The projected future cash flows include assumptions concerning future operating performance and economic conditions that may differ from actual future cash flows discounted at a weighted average cost of capital for the Company based on market participant assumptions. Our methodology for determining a market approach fair value utilizes the guideline public company method, in which we rely on market multiples of comparable companies operating in the same industry as the individual reporting units. In accordance with the guidance, if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount an impairment charge is recorded in an amount equal to the difference.
For our 2017 annual impairment test, we performed a qualitative assessment, using information as of August 31, 2017. Under current guidance, we are permitted to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. We determined that there were no factors that would indicate the need to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test and concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units is greater than their carrying value and thus there was no impairment to goodwill.
For our 2016 annual impairment test, we performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test and concluded that the fair value of our reporting units was greater than their carrying value and thus there was no impairment to goodwill.
In addition to our annual review, we assess the impairment of goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit may be greater than fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant adverse changes in the business climate which may be indicated by a decline in our market capitalization or decline in operating results.
No impairments were recorded to our goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017. No such events or changes occurred between the testing date and year end to trigger a subsequent impairment review.
See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 4 for additional information.
Intangible Assets
Our intangible assets include tradenames resulting from acquisitions and are included in Intangible and other non-current assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our tradenames are considered to have an indefinite life and are not subject to amortization. As such, we test our intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis. Our intent is to perform a quantitative impairment test at least once every three years unless certain indicators or events suggest otherwise and perform a qualitative assessment during the remaining two years.
Our quantitative intangible asset impairment test involves estimates and management judgment. Our quantitative analysis is performed using the relief from royalty method, which measures the tradenames by determining the value of the royalties that the Company is relieved from paying due to its ownership of the asset. We determine the fair value of the asset by discounting the cash flows that represent a savings in lieu of paying a royalty fee for use of the tradename. The discounted cash flow valuation uses projections of future cash flows and includes assumptions concerning future operating performance and economic conditions that may differ from actual future cash flows and the determination and application of an appropriate royalty rate and discount rate. To estimate the royalty rates for the individual tradename, we mainly rely on the profit split method, but also consider the comparable third-party license agreements and the return on asset method. A scorecard is used to assess the relative strength of the individual tradename to further adjust the royalty rates selected under the profit-split method for qualitative factors. In accordance with the guidance, if the fair value of the tradename is less than its carrying amount an impairment charge is recorded in an amount equal to the difference.
For our 2017 annual impairment test, we performed a qualitative assessment, using information as of August 31, 2017. Under current guidance, we are permitted to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than not that the fair value of the tradename is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. We determined that there were no factors that would indicate the need to perform a quantitative impairment test and concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our intangible assets is greater than its carrying value and thus there was no impairment to our intangible assets.
For our 2016 annual impairment test, we performed a quantitative impairment test as of August 31, 2016 using the relief from royalty method for each location that had a tradename balance at August 31, 2016 and concluded that there was no impairment to our intangible assets.
In addition to our annual review, we assess the impairment of intangible assets whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the intangible asset may be greater than the fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results and significant negative industry or economic trends. During 2016, we recorded an impairment to tradenames of $145,000 related to a funeral home business held for sale as the carrying value exceeded fair value. No other impairments were recorded to our intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 12 for additional information.
Divested and Discontinued Operations
Effective January 1, 2015, we adopted the FASB's guidance for reporting discontinued operations, which amended the definition of “discontinued operations” to include only disposals or held-for-sale classifications for components or groups of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that either has or will have a major effect on an entity's operations or financial results. Examples of a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results include a disposal of a major geographical area, line of business, equity method of investment or other parts of an entity. The new guidance also requires the disclosure of pre-tax income of disposals that do not qualify as discontinued operations.
We did not sell any of our funeral home or cemetery businesses in 2015. During 2016, we sold a funeral home business in Tennessee for $1.35 million. During 2017, we sold a funeral home business in Kentucky for $0.6 million. The businesses sold during 2016 and 2017 do not meet the definition of discontinued operations under the FASB guidance. As such, the operating results of these businesses, as well as the gain or loss on the sale are included within net income on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We continually review locations to optimize the sustainable earning power and return on our invested capital. These reviews could entail selling certain non-strategic businesses.
See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Notes 5 for additional information.
Fair Value Measurements
We measure the available-for-sale securities held by our funeral merchandise and service, cemetery merchandise and service, and cemetery perpetual care trusts at fair value on a recurring basis in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the ASC. This guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The guidance establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:
• Level 1 — inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
• Level 2 — inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; and
• Level 3 — inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
We disclose the extent to which fair value is used to measure financial assets and liabilities, the inputs utilized in calculating valuation measurements, and the effect of the measurement of significant unobservable inputs on earnings, or changes in net assets, as of the measurement date. The fair value disclosures of transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 and the gross presentation of purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the Level 3 reconciliation of the three-tier fair value hierarchy are also presented in Notes 6 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. We currently do not have any assets that have fair values determined by Level 3 inputs and no liabilities measured at fair value. We have not elected to measure any additional financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value.
To determine the fair value of assets and liabilities in an environment where the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased, the exit price is used as the fair value measurement. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we did not incur significant decreases in the volume or level of activity of any asset or liability. We consider an impairment of debt and equity securities other-than-temporary unless (a) we have the ability and intent to hold an investment and (b) evidence indicating the cost of the investment is recoverable before we are more likely than not required to sell the investment. If an impairment is indicated, then an adjustment is made to reduce the carrying amount to fair value which is recorded as a reduction to either Deferred preneed cemetery receipts held in trust, Deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust or Care trusts’ corpus on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the years ended December 31, 2016, we recorded an impairment charge of $2.3 million for other-than-temporary declines in fair value related to unrealized losses on certain investments. We did not record any impairments during the year ended December 31, 2017.
In the ordinary course of business, we are typically exposed to a variety of market risks. Currently, these are primarily related to changes in fair market values related to outstanding debts and changes in the values of securities associated with the preneed and perpetual care trusts. Management is actively involved in monitoring exposure to market risk and developing and utilizing risk management techniques when appropriate and when available for a reasonable price.
See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 11 for additional information.
Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs
Effective January 1, 2016, we adopted the FASB’s new guidance on simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. The guidance requires that entities that have historically presented debt issuance costs as an asset, related to a recognized debt liability, will be required to present those costs as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the related debt liability. This presentation resulted in debt issuance costs being presented in the same way debt discounts have historically been addressed. Debt issuance costs of $3.6 million and $2.7 million have been presented as a deduction from the carrying value of the related liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The amounts related to our Credit Facility were $1.3 million and $1.0 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The amounts related to our Convertible Notes were $2.3 million and $1.7 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Notes 13 and 14 for additional information.
Income Taxes
We and our subsidiaries file a consolidated U. S. federal income tax return, separate income tax returns in 16 states in which we operate and combined or unitary income tax returns in 13 states in which we operate. We record deferred taxes for temporary differences between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities. Effective January 1, 2016, we adopted the FASB’s guidance requiring that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as non-current in a classified statement of financial position.
We record a valuation allowance to reflect the estimated amount of deferred tax assets for which realization is uncertain. Management reviews the valuation allowance at the end of each quarter and makes adjustments if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the tax benefits will be realized.
We analyze tax benefits for uncertain tax positions and how they are to be recognized, measured, and derecognized in the financial statements; provide certain disclosures of uncertain tax matters; and specify how reserves for uncertain tax positions should be classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
On May 10, 2017, we filed amended federal returns for the tax years ending December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, which generated significant refunds. As a result, on July 18, 2017, we received notification that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) selected our tax years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 for a limited scope examination to verify the refunds due. The examinations are expected to conclude during 2018.
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Tax Act”). The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that will affect 2017, including but not limited to bonus depreciation changes that will allow for full expensing of qualified property placed in service on or after September 27, 2017.
The Tax Act also establishes new tax laws that will affect 2018, including but not limited to (1) a reduction of the corporate tax rate from a top marginal rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21%; (2) a limitation of the tax deduction for interest expense to 30% of adjusted earnings (except for certain small businesses); (3) a limitation of the deduction for net operating losses to 80% of current year taxable income and elimination of net operating loss carrybacks; (4) immediate deductions for certain new investments (instead of deductions for depreciation expense over time); (5) limitations of certain executive compensation deductions; and (6) limitations or repeals of many business deductions and credits.
The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 118, which provides guidance on accounting for the effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects is incomplete but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provision estimate in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act.
Our analysis of the impact of the Tax Act is complete. The Tax Act reduces the corporate tax rate to 21% and as a result we have recorded a decrease in our net deferred tax liability and a corresponding discrete tax benefit item of $17.2 million. In addition to the rate reduction, approximately $2.9 million of qualifying assets placed in service on or after September 27, 2017 have been fully expensed as of December 31, 2017.
We do not have any unrecognized tax benefits recorded as of December 31, 2017 and we do not anticipate a material change in our unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months.
See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 16 for additional information.
Stock Plans and Stock-Based Compensation
We have stock-based employee and director compensation plans under which we grant stock, restricted stock, stock options and performance awards. We also have an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”). We recognize compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the stock-based awards expected to vest or to be purchased over the requisite service period.
Fair value is determined on the date of the grant. The fair value of restricted stock is determined using the stock price on the grant date. The fair value of options or awards containing options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The fair value of the performance awards related to market performance is determined using a Monte-Carlo simulation pricing model. The fair value of the performance awards related to internal performance metrics is determined using the stock price on the grant date. The fair value of the ESPP is determined based on the discount element offered to employees and the embedded option element, which is determined using an option calculation model.
Effective January 1, 2017, we adopted the FASB’s ASU, Compensation: (Topic 718): Stock Compensation. The guidance simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows.
The guidance requires that previously unrecognized excess tax benefits should be recognized on a modified retrospective basis. Entities are required to record a deferred tax asset for previously unrecognized excess tax benefits outstanding as of the beginning of the annual period of adoption, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. At January 1, 2017, we performed an analysis for unrecognized excess tax benefits and deficiencies and determined that there were no adjustments to retained earnings, as there are no unrecognized excess tax benefits.
The guidance also requires that all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies (including tax benefits of dividends on share-based payment awards) should be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement on a prospective basis. The tax effects of exercised or vested awards should be treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the excess tax deficiency related to share-based payments was approximately $94,000, recorded within Tax adjustment related to certain discrete items on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, excess tax benefits or deficiencies related to share-based payments are now included in operating cash flows rather than financing cash flows.
The guidance also allows for a one-time accounting policy election to either account for forfeitures as they occur or continue to estimate forfeitures as required by current guidance. The Company has elected to continue estimating forfeitures under the current guidance.
The guidance also requires that the presentation of employee taxes paid when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes should be classified as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows and applied retrospectively. This resulted in $1.6 million, $0.6 million, and $0.5 million of employee taxes paid from withheld shares being presented as financing activities on our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Prior to January 1, 2017, these amounts were presented as operating activities on our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
We adopted all of the provisions of this amendment in accordance with the transition requirements and it did not have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 17 for additional information.
Computation of Earnings per Common Share
Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive common equivalent shares consist of stock options and our Convertible Notes.
Share-based awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are recognized as participating securities and included in the computation of both basic and diluted earnings per share. Our grants of restricted stock awards to our employees and directors are considered participating securities, and we have prepared our earnings per share calculations attributable to common stockholders to exclude outstanding unvested restricted stock awards, using the two-class method, in both the basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding calculation.
The fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, and the corresponding calculation of fully diluted earnings per share, included approximately 0.3 million, 0.5 million and 0.9 million shares that would have been issued upon the conversion of our convertible subordinated notes as a result of the application of the if-converted method prescribed by the FASB ASC 260.
The calculations for basic and diluted earnings per share for the three years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 are presented in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 19.
Correction of Immaterial Error
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we corrected an immaterial error related to 2013. The adjustment related to the correction of the deferred tax liability for the difference in book and tax basis of certain assets. The error had the impact of understating the deferred tax liability and overstating net income in 2013. Management evaluated the effect of the adjustment on previously issued interim and annual consolidated financial statements in accordance with the SEC's SAB No. 99 and SAB 108 and concluded that it was immaterial to the interim and annual periods. As a result, in accordance with SAB No. 108, we corrected our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 1, 2015.
The effect of this adjustment on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2016 | | December 31, 2017 |
| | | % Change |
| Increase in Deferred tax liability | $ | 2,255 |
| 5.6 | % | | 7.8 | % |
| Increase in Total liabilities | $ | 2,255 |
| 0.3 | % | | 0.3 | % |
| Decrease in Retained earnings | $ | 2,255 |
| 9.8 | % | | 3.7 | % |
| Decrease in Total stockholders' equity | $ | 2,255 |
| 1.3 | % | | 1.1 | % |
This adjustment had no impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations or Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for any periods presented.
Related Party Transactions
Management evaluated reportable events and transactions that occurred between us and related persons during the year ended December 31, 2017.
See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 24 for additional information.
Subsequent Events
We have evaluated events and transactions during the period subsequent to December 31, 2017 through the date the financial statements were issued for potential recognition or disclosure in the accompanying financial statements covered by this report.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS, ACCOUNTING CHANGES AND OTHER REGULATIONS
Revenue Recognition
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). FASB ASC Topic 606 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements under Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the ASC. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Under the new guidance, an entity is required to perform the following five steps: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.
The new guidance will significantly enhance comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets. Additionally, the guidance requires improved disclosures as to the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. On July 9, 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date by one year to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. We will adopt the provisions of this ASU for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach, which recognizes the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to retained earnings at the date of initial application.
Currently, our sales of cemetery interment rights are recorded as revenue in accordance with the retail land sales provisions for accounting for sales of real estate. This method provides for the recognition of revenue in the period in which the customer’s cumulative payments exceed 10% of the contract price related to the interment right. We have analyzed the impact on our contract portfolio by reviewing our revenue streams and our current policies and procedures to identify potential differences that would result from applying the requirements of the new standard to our contracts and we do not expect the new accounting standard to significantly impact our current accounting for the cemetery interment rights. We do not expect the adoption of this accounting standard to materially affect our accounting for other revenue streams.
We expect the adoption of this new accounting standard to affect our accounting for the selling costs related to preneed cemetery merchandise and services and preneed funeral trust contracts. Currently, these costs are charged to operations using the specific identification method in the period incurred. Under the new accounting standard, we will capitalize and amortize these costs over the average preneed maturity period for our preneed cemetery merchandise and services contracts and preneed funeral trust contracts.
The selling costs related to the sales of cemetery interment rights, which include real property and other costs related to cemetery development activities, will continue to be charged to operations using the specific identification method in the period in which the sale of the cemetery interment right is recognized as revenue. The selling costs related to preneed funeral insurance contracts will continue to be charged to operations using the specific identification method in the period incurred.
Additionally, we believe the amounts due from customers for undelivered performance obligations on preneed contracts represent contract assets, which are required to be netted with Deferred preneed funeral revenue and Deferred preneed cemetery revenue, instead of Preneed receivables on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We are adopting this standard using the modified retrospective method, which recognizes the cumulative effect of applying the standard at the date of initial application, with no restatement of the comparative periods presented. Based on our assessments, we do not expect the change to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. We have modified our financial systems to provide accounting under the new guidance.
Stock-Based Compensation
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU, Compensation: (Topic 718): Stock Compensation - Scope of Modification Accounting. The amendments provide guidance about which changes to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. An entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value, vesting conditions and classification of the modified award are the same as the original award immediately before the award is modified. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted for all entities. The amendments should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. Our adoption of this ASU for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018 is not expected to have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Business Combinations
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This ASU applies to all entities that must determine whether they have acquired or sold a business. The amendments in this ASU clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including the interim periods within those periods, with earlier application permitted. Our adoption of this ASU for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018 is not expected to have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Cash Flows
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This ASU applies to all entities that are required to present a statement of cash flows under Topic 230. The amendments provide guidance on eight specific cash flow issues and includes clarification on how these items should be classified in the statement of cash flows and is designed to help eliminate diversity in practice as to where items are classified in the cash flow statement.
In November 2016, the FASB issued additional guidance on this topic that requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted for all entities. Our adoption of this ASU for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018 is not expected to have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Financial Instruments
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The amendments in this ASU address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments and apply to all entities that hold financial assets or owe financial liabilities. The amendments in this ASU also simplify the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring assessment for impairment qualitatively at each reporting period. That impairment assessment is similar to the qualitative assessment for long-lived assets, goodwill, and indefinite-lived intangible assets. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. Our adoption of this ASU for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018 is not expected to have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This ASU applies to all entities holding financial assets and net investment in leases that are not accounted for at fair value through net income. The main objective of the ASU is to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. This amendment replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in the current standard with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted for all entities. We plan to adopt the provisions of this ASU for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2020 and are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this new accounting standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU, Leases (Topic 842). This ASU addresses certain aspects of recognition, presentation, and disclosure of leases and applies to all entities that enter into a lease, with some specified scope exemptions. The amendments in this ASU aim to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted for all entities. Both lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach, which recognizes the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to retained earnings at the date of initial application. We plan to adopt the provisions of this ASU for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2019 and are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this new accounting standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
SELECTED INCOME AND OPERATIONAL DATA
The following table sets forth certain income statement data expressed as a percentage of net revenues for the periods presented:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2015 |
| | 2016 |
| | 2017 |
|
| Total gross profit | 32.0 | % | | 32.1 | % | | 29.8 | % |
| General and administrative expenses | 11.9 | % | | 11.9 | % | | 10.8 | % |
| Operating income | 20.1 | % | | 20.2 | % | | 19.0 | % |
| Interest expense | 4.4 | % | | 4.7 | % | | 5.0 | % |
The following table sets forth the number of funeral homes and cemeteries owned and operated by us for the periods presented:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2015 |
| | 2016 |
| | 2017 |
|
| Funeral homes at beginning of period | 164 |
| | 167 |
| | 170 |
|
| Acquisitions | 2 |
| | 6 |
| | 7 |
|
| Constructed funeral homes | 3 |
| | — |
| | 2 |
|
| Divestitures | — |
| | (1 | ) | | (1 | ) |
| Mergers and relocation of funeral homes | (2 | ) | | (2 | ) | | — |
|
| Funeral homes at end of period | 167 |
| | 170 |
| | 178 |
|
| | | | | | |
| Cemeteries at beginning of period | 32 |
| | 32 |
| | 32 |
|
| Acquisitions | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Divestitures | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Cemeteries at end of period | 32 |
| | 32 |
| | 32 |
|
REPORTING AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
We also present our financial performance in our “Operating and Financial Trend Report” (“Trend Report”) as reported in our earnings release for the year ending December 31, 2017 dated February 14, 2018 and discussed in the corresponding earnings conference call. This Trend Report is used as a supplemental financial measurement statement by management and investors to compare our current financial performance with our previous results and with the performance of other companies. We do not intend for this information to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other measures of performance prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Trend Report is a non-GAAP statement that also provides insight into underlying trends in our business.
Historically, the dynamic nature of the evolutionary process of building our culture, especially since launching the Good To Great Journey in the beginning of 2012, has led to a large number of charges such as severance and retirement, consulting and other activities, which are not core to our operations and as such, have been added back to GAAP earnings as “Special Items”. The Special Items are important to add back because of the transformational nature of major changes over the last several years within our OSGLT.
Accordingly, these non-GAAP Special Items will be comprised of only those charges materially outside the normal course of business. The number of these Special Items were minimal in 2016 and should continue to be minimal thereafter, which should result in major shrinkage of “the gap” between our GAAP and non-GAAP reported performance.
Below is a reconciliation of Net Income (a GAAP measure) to Adjusted Net Income (a non-GAAP measure) for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands).
|
| | | | | | | |
| | 2016 |
| | 2017 |
|
| Net Income | $ | 19,581 |
| | $ | 37,193 |
|
Special Items, net of tax except for items noted by**(1) | | | |
| Acquisition and Divestiture Expenses | 456 |
| | — |
|
| Severance and Retirement Costs | 2,587 |
| | — |
|
| Consulting Fees | 323 |
| | — |
|
| Accretion of Discount on Convertible Subordinated Notes** | 3,870 |
| | 4,329 |
|
| Loss on Extinguishment of Debt | 369 |
| | — |
|
| Net Loss on Sale of Assets | 1,152 |
| | — |
|
| Natural Disaster Costs | — |
| | 403 |
|
| Tax Adjustment Related to Certain Discrete Items** | — |
| | (17,176 | ) |
Adjusted Net Income(2) | $ | 28,338 |
| | $ | 24,749 |
|
|
| | | | |
| | | | |
(1) | Special Items are defined as charges or credits included in our GAAP financial statements that can vary from period to period and are not reflective of costs incurred in the ordinary course of our operations. Special Items are taxed at the federal statutory rate of 35 percent for both the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, except for the accretion of the discount on the Convertible Notes as this is a non-tax deductible item. |
(2) | Adjusted Net Income is defined as net income plus adjustments for Special Items and other expenses or gains that we believe do not directly reflect our core operations and may not be indicative of our normal business operations. |
Below is a reconciliation of Gross profit (a GAAP measure) to Operating profit (a non-GAAP measure) for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | |
| | 2016 |
| | 2017 |
|
| Gross profit | $ | 79,650 |
| | $ | 76,799 |
|
| | | | |
| Field depreciation and amortization | 13,919 |
| | 14,374 |
|
| Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs | 10,844 |
| | 13,339 |
|
| Operating profit | $ | 104,413 |
| | $ | 104,512 |
|
|
| | | | |
| | | | |
(1) | Operating Profit is defined as Gross Profit less Field depreciation and amortization and Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs. |
Below is a breakdown of Operating profit (a non-GAAP measure) by Segment for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | |
| | 2016 |
| | 2017 |
|
| Funeral Home Segment | $ | 79,183 |
| | $ | 81,981 |
|
| Cemetery Segment | 25,230 |
| | 22,531 |
|
| Operating profit | $ | 104,413 |
| | $ | 104,512 |
|
Further discussion of Operating profit for our Funeral Home and Cemetery Segments is presented herein under “– Results of Operations.”
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016
Financial Highlights
Total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $258.1 million and $248.2 million, respectively, which represents an increase of approximately $9.9 million, or 4.0%. Funeral revenue increased $11.5 million to $200.9 million, while cemetery revenue decreased $1.5 million to $57.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. For the year comparatives, we experienced a 5.2% increase in total funeral contracts and an increase in the average revenue per funeral contract of 1.1%. In addition, while we experienced a decrease of 8.5% in the number of preneed interment rights (property) sold, the average price per interment right sold increased 3.8%. Further discussion of revenue for our funeral home and cemetery segments on a same store and acquired basis is presented herein under “– Results of Operations.”
Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2017 decreased $2.9 million, or 3.6%, to $76.8 million from $79.7 million primarily due to a decline in preneed cemetery revenue, higher insurance costs and higher costs as a percentage of revenue in the six businesses we acquired in 2016. As these acquired businesses transition into our Standards Operating Model, we expect to see their gross profit margins rise towards those on a same store basis.
Further discussion of the components of Gross profit, excluding Field depreciation and amortization and Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs is presented herein under “– Results of Operations” within our funeral home and cemetery segments. Further discussion of Field depreciation and amortization and Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs are presented herein under “– Other Financial Statement Items.”
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $17.6 million to $37.2 million, equal to $2.09 per diluted share, compared to net income of $19.6 million, equal to $1.12 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2016, primarily due to a $17.2 million discrete tax benefit recorded due to the re-measurement of our deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the impact of the recent tax law change. Further discussion of general, administrative and other expenses, home office depreciation and amortization expense, interest expense, income taxes and other components of income and expenses are presented herein under “– Other Financial Statement Items.”
Results of Operations
The following is a discussion of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. The term “same store” or “existing operations” refers to funeral homes and cemeteries acquired prior to January 1, 2013 and owned and operated for the entirety of each period being presented. Funeral homes and cemeteries purchased after December 31, 2012 are referred to as “acquired.” This classification of acquisitions has been important to management and investors in monitoring the results of these businesses and to gauge the leveraging performance contribution that a selective acquisition program can have on total company performance. Depreciation and amortization and regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs are not included in operating profit.
Funeral Home Segment. The following table sets forth certain information regarding our revenues and operating profit from our funeral home operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, | | Change |
| | 2016 |
| | 2017 |
| | Amount | | Percent |
| Revenues: | | | | | | | |
| Same store operating revenue | $ | 155,710 |
| | $ | 158,106 |
| | $ | 2,396 |
| | 1.5 | % |
| Acquired operating revenue | 24,914 |
| | 34,294 |
| | 9,380 |
| | 37.6 | % |
| Preneed funeral insurance commissions | 1,429 |
| | 1,254 |
| | (175 | ) | | (12.2 | )% |
| Preneed funeral trust earnings | 7,348 |
| | 7,232 |
| | (116 | ) | | (1.6 | )% |
| Total | $ | 189,401 |
| | $ | 200,886 |
| | $ | 11,485 |
| | 6.1 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
| Operating profit: | | | | | | | |
| Same store operating profit | $ | 60,823 |
| | $ | 60,864 |
| | $ | 41 |
| | 0.1 | % |
| Acquired operating profit | 10,419 |
| | 13,565 |
| | 3,146 |
| | 30.2 | % |
| Preneed funeral insurance commissions | 682 |
| | 436 |
| | (246 | ) | | (36.1 | )% |
| Preneed funeral trust earnings | 7,259 |
| | 7,116 |
| | (143 | ) | | (2.0 | )% |
| Total | $ | 79,183 |
| | $ | 81,981 |
| | $ | 2,798 |
| | 3.5 | % |
Funeral home same store operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $2.4 million, or 1.5%, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase was primarily due to a 1.1% increase in same store contract volumes to 29,587 and a 0.5% increase in the average revenue per contract to $5,344. The average revenue per contract excludes the impact of preneed funeral trust earnings (separately reflected in Revenues above) recognized at the time that we provide the services pursuant to the preneed contract. Including preneed funeral trust earnings, the average revenue per contract increased 0.4% to $5,535 for the year ended December 31, 2017. The average revenue per burial contract increased 1.0% to $8,886, while the number of burial contracts decreased 1.2% to 11,914. The number of cremation contracts increased 3.1% to 15,536 and the average revenue per cremation contract increased 1.4% to $3,376.
The burial rate for our same store businesses decreased 90 basis points to 40.3%, while the cremation rate increased 100 basis points to 52.5% for the year ended December 31, 2017 when compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The average revenue for “other” contracts, which are charges for merchandise and services for which we do not perform a funeral service and which made up 7.2% of the total number of contracts for the year ended December 31, 2017, increased 9.2% to $2,549.
Same store operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2017 remained flat at $60.9 million when compared to the year ended December 31, 2016, despite the increase in operating revenues. Same store operating margin decreased 60 basis points to 38.5% for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. This is primarily the result of our focus on hiring additional managing partners to increase market share and grow revenue in our same store businesses. In 2017, we began a process of de-clustering business in certain markets by adding managing partners to a business that may have been grouped with two or more businesses led by a single managing partner. While this results in shorter-term higher salaries and benefits, we believe that having the right managing partners in these businesses will increase market share and grow same store revenue. Same store salaries and benefits for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $1.4 million when compared to same period in 2016. Additionally, general liability and other insurance related expenses increased $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 over the same period in 2016.
Funeral home acquired operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $9.4 million, or 37.6%, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The funeral home acquired portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2017, includes six businesses acquired during the second half of 2016, not fully present in the year ended December 31, 2016. Additionally, we acquired seven businesses in the fourth quarter of 2017. We experienced a 36.6% increase in acquired contract volume to 5,307 and an average revenue per contract increase of 0.8% to $6,462. The average revenue per contract excludes the impact of preneed funeral trust earnings (separately reflected in Revenues above) recognized at the time that we provide the services pursuant to the preneed contract. Including funeral trust earnings, the average revenue per contract increased 0.4% to $6,654 for the year ended December 31, 2017. The average revenue per burial contract decreased 0.5% to $9,619, while the number of traditional burial contracts increased 35.3% to 2,467. The number of cremation contracts increased 37.7% to 2,391, and the average revenue per cremation contract increased 2.8% to $4,345. Our 2016 and 2017 acquired businesses accounted for approximately 90% of the total increase in acquired revenue and volume for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Acquired operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $3.1 million, or 30.2%, from the year ended December 31, 2016, primarily due to the six businesses acquired during 2016, not fully present in the year ended December 31, 2016. Although revenue increased, operating profit margin decreased 220 basis points to 39.6% for the year ending December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. The decrease is primarily due to the businesses acquired in 2016, as salaries and benefits for newly acquired businesses are generally higher as a percentage of revenue than same store businesses. As these acquired businesses become fully integrated into our Being the Best Standards Operating Model, we expect to see their operating profit margins rise.
The two categories of financial revenue consist of preneed funeral insurance commission revenue and preneed funeral trust earnings on matured preneed contracts. Preneed funeral insurance commission revenue decreased by approximately $0.2 million, or 12.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. Preneed funeral commission revenue is deferred for one year after the preneed funeral contracts are sold. The number of preneed insurance contracts sold for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased 3.2% and the face value of the insurance products that earned commissions decreased 15.9% compared to the contracts sold during the same period of the prior year. Preneed funeral trust earnings decreased by approximately $0.1 million, or 1.6%, in the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease is comprised of a 3.0% decrease in earnings from the maturity of preneed contracts, offset by a 20.7% increase in earnings from trust management fees.
Operating profit for the two categories of financial revenue, on a combined basis, decreased 4.9% in the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 due to the decrease in preneed funeral trust earnings and preneed funeral insurance commission revenue, along with an increase in commission and preneed selling expenses.
Cemetery Segment. The following table sets forth certain information regarding our revenues and operating profit from our cemetery operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, | | Change |
| | 2016 |
| | 2017 |
| | Amount | | Percent |
| Revenues: | | | | | | | |
| Same store operating revenue | $ | 45,893 |
| | $ | 45,044 |
| | $ | (849 | ) | | (1.8 | )% |
| Acquired operating revenue | 3,054 |
| | 3,194 |
| | 140 |
| | 4.6 | % |
| Preneed cemetery trust earnings | 8,004 |
| | 7,193 |
| | (811 | ) | | (10.1 | )% |
| Preneed cemetery finance charges | 1,848 |
| | 1,822 |
| | (26 | ) | | (1.4 | )% |
| Total | $ | 58,799 |
| | $ | 57,253 |
| | $ | (1,546 | ) | | (2.6 | )% |
| | | | | | | | |
| Operating Profit: | | | | | | | |
| Same store operating profit | $ | 14,613 |
| | $ | 12,864 |
| | $ | (1,749 | ) | | (12.0 | )% |
| Acquired operating profit | 1,054 |
| | 1,039 |
| | (15 | ) | | (1.4 | )% |
| Preneed cemetery trust earnings | 7,715 |
| | 6,806 |
| | (909 | ) | | (11.8 | )% |
| Preneed cemetery finance charges | 1,848 |
| | 1,822 |
| | (26 | ) | | (1.4 | )% |
| Total | $ | 25,230 |
| | $ | 22,531 |
| | $ | (2,699 | ) | | (10.7 | )% |
Cemetery same store operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 decreased $0.8 million, or 1.8%, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. Approximately 55% of our same store operating revenues were related to preneed sales of interment rights and related merchandise and services for the year ended December 31, 2017. Preneed revenue decreased $2.2 million, or 8.0%, as we experienced a 9.0% decrease in the number of preneed interment rights sold to 6,436 in the year ended December 31, 2017 from the same period in 2016. The decrease was primarily a result of the attrition of key sales personnel at certain businesses during the period. In addition, preneed sales were negatively impacted in our Texas and Florida businesses due to the hurricanes affecting those areas in the third quarter of 2017, as well as the absence of approximately $0.5 million of large cemetery property sales we had in 2016. Same store atneed revenue, which represents approximately 45% of our same store operating revenues, increased $1.5 million, or 8.1%, due primarily to a 10.1% increase in the average sale per contract to $1,504.
Cemetery same store operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2017 decreased $1.7 million, or 12.0% from the same period in 2016. As a percentage of revenue, cemetery operating profit decreased to 28.6% in the year ended December 31, 2017 from 31.8% in the same period in 2016. The decrease in operating profit was primarily a result of the decrease in revenue, combined with significant increases in certain expenses, including $0.3 million of facilities and grounds expenses, $0.3 million of salaries and benefits and $0.3 million of general liability and other insurance related expenses.
Cemetery acquired operating profit margin decreased to 32.5% for the year ended December 31, 2017 from 34.5% in the same period in 2016, despite a $0.1 million or 4.6% increase in Cemetery acquired revenue, as we experienced increases in salaries and benefits and bad debt expense.
The two categories of financial revenue consist of trust earnings and finance charges on preneed receivables. Total trust earnings decreased $0.8 million or 10.1%, primarily due to decreased interest revenue and capital gains from our perpetual care trust in the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. Financial revenue earned from finance charges on the preneed contracts remained flat at $1.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016.
Other Financial Statement Items
Depreciation and Amortization Costs. Depreciation and Amortization costs for the field and home office totaled $16.0 million for year the ended December 31, 2017, an increase of $0.6 million, or 3.6%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. These increases were primarily attributable to additional depreciation expense from assets acquired in our recent acquisitions, as well as from our newly constructed funeral homes which began operating in the 2017.
Regional and Unallocated Funeral and Cemetery Costs. Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs consist of salaries and benefits for regional management, field incentive compensation and other related costs for field infrastructure. Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs totaled $13.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of $2.5 million, or 23.0%, primarily due to a $1.2 million increase in field incentive compensation, a $0.6 million increase in natural disaster related costs, a $0.5 million increase in other general administrative costs and $0.2 million increase in salaries and benefits.
On Friday, August 25, 2017 and Sunday, September 10, 2017, hurricanes Harvey and Irma struck Texas and Florida, respectively. Thirteen of our funeral homes and six of our cemeteries were impacted by either or both property damage and business interruption. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we have spent approximately $0.9 million for employee assistance and property repair costs, of which we have recognized approximately $0.6 million in expenses and received approximately $0.3 million in insurance proceeds.
General, Administrative and Other. General, administrative and other expenses totaled $26.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, a decrease of $1.7 million, or 6.1%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease was attributable to a $3.5 million decrease in retirement expenses primarily related to the retirement of two former executives during 2016, a $0.7 million decrease in acquisition costs, offset by a $1.1 million increase in salaries and benefits for leadership investments in our Houston support home office, a $0.7 million increase in public company, regulatory and legal costs related to tax planning, filing our current shelf registration statement and adopting a new long-term incentive plan, a $0.4 million increase in other general administrative costs and a $0.3 million increase in incentive and equity compensation.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $12.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $11.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $1.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2017, interest expense increased by approximately $0.8 million related to our term note and revolving credit facility and by approximately $0.4 million related to our deferred purchase obligations for our 2016 acquisitions. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the weighted average interest rate increased 0.4% compared to the same period in 2016.
Accretion of Discount on Convertible Subordinated Notes. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we recognized accretion of the discount on our convertible subordinated notes of $4.3 million compared to $3.9 million for the same period in 2016. Accretion is calculated using the effective interest method based on a stated interest rate of 6.75% and will increase each year through to maturity.
Other, net. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we recognized a net gain of $1.1 million on the following transactions: (i) $0.9 million gain on the sale of land and (ii) $0.2 million gain on the sale of a funeral home business and other assets.
Income taxes. Our income tax benefit was approximately $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to our income tax provision of $12.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Our tax rate, before discrete items was 40.0% and 39.7% for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. We recorded a $17.2 million discrete tax benefit due to the re-measurement of our deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the impact of the recent tax law change that was enacted on December 22, 2017. At December 31, 2017, no uncertain tax positions were identified.
See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 16 for additional information regarding our income taxes.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015
Financial Highlights
Total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $248.2 million and $242.5 million, respectively, which represents an increase of approximately $5.7 million, or 2.3%. For the year comparatives, we experienced a 1.6% increase in total funeralinstallment contracts and a slight increase in the average revenue per funeral contract of 0.4%. In addition, while we experienced a decrease of 6.3% in the number of preneed interment rights (property) sold, the average price per interment right sold increased 5.7%. Further discussion of revenue for our funeral home and cemetery segments as well as the contract mix is presented herein under “– Results of Operations.”
Operating income increased $1.6 million, or 3.2%, due primarily to better cost management in our same store funeral home operations, increases in funeral acquisition revenues as well as increases in preneed property revenue in our cemetery operations. Further discussion of operating income is presented herein under “– Results of Operations”securities portfolio within our funeral home and cemetery segments.
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased $1.3 million to $19.6 million, equal to $1.12 per diluted share, compared to net income of $20.8 million, equal to $1.12 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2015. Further discussion of depreciation and amortization expense, general and administrative costs, interest expense, income taxes and other components of income and expenses are presented herein under “– Other Financial Statement Items.”
The following is a discussion of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. The term “same store” or “existing operations” refers to funeral homes and cemeteries acquired prior to January 1, 2012 and owned and operated for the entirety of each period being presented. Funeral homes and cemeteries purchased after December 31, 2011 are referred to as “acquired.” This classification of acquisitions has been important to management and investors in monitoring the results of these businesses and to gauge the leveraging performance contribution that a selective acquisition program can have on total company performance. Depreciation and amortization and regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs are not included in operating profit.
Results of Operations
Funeral Home Segment. The following table sets forth certain information regarding our revenues and operating profit from funeral home continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, | | Change |
| | 2015 |
| | 2016 |
| | Amount | | Percent |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
| Revenues: | | | | | | | |
| Same store operating revenue | $ | 142,690 |
| | $ | 140,459 |
| | $ | (2,231 | ) | | (1.6 | )% |
| Acquired operating revenue | 33,678 |
| | 40,165 |
| | 6,487 |
| | 19.3 | % |
| Preneed funeral insurance commissions | 1,484 |
| | 1,429 |
| | (55 | ) | | (3.7 | )% |
| Preneed funeral trust earnings | 7,966 |
| | 7,348 |
| | (618 | ) | | (7.8 | )% |
| Revenues from continuing operations | $ | 185,818 |
| | $ | 189,401 |
| | $ | 3,583 |
| | 1.9 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
| Operating profit: | | | | | | | |
| Same store operating profit | $ | 54,620 |
| | $ | 54,706 |
| | $ | 86 |
| | 0.2 | % |
| Acquired operating profit | 13,693 |
| | 16,536 |
| | 2,843 |
| | 20.8 | % |
| Preneed funeral insurance commissions | 454 |
| | 682 |
| | 228 |
| | 50.2 | % |
| Preneed funeral trust earnings | 7,885 |
| | 7,259 |
| | (626 | ) | | (7.9 | )% |
| Gross profit from continuing operations | $ | 76,652 |
| | $ | 79,183 |
| | $ | 2,531 |
| | 3.3 | % |
Funeral home same store operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased $2.2 million, or 1.6%, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. This decrease was primarily due to a 1.9% decrease in same store contract volume to 26,636, while the average revenue per contract remained flat at $5,273. The average revenue per contract excludes the impact of preneed funeral trust earnings (separately reflected in Revenue above) recognized at the time that we provide the services pursuant to the preneed contract. Including preneed funeral trust earnings, the average revenue per contract remained flat at $5,471 for the year ended December 31, 2016. The average revenue per burial contract increased 1.8% to $8,819, while the number of traditional burial contracts decreased 5.6% to 10,875. The number of cremation contracts increased 1.3% to 13,801, and the average revenue per cremation contract increased 1.0% to $3,274. The burial rate decreased 170 basis points to 40.8% and the cremation rate increased 160 basis points to 51.8% for the year ended December 31, 2016 when compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The average revenue for “other” contracts, which are charges for merchandise and services for which we do not perform a funeral service and which make up approximately 7.4% of the total number of contracts for the year ended December 31, 2016, increased 3.1% to $2,371.
Same store operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased $0.1 million, or 0.2%, from the year ended December 31, 2015, despite the decrease in operating revenues. This is primarily the result of better management of expenses, which decreased $1.5 million or 2.1% when compared to the same period in 2015. Those expenses with significant decreases include facilities and grounds expenses, which decreased by $0.9 million, general liability and other insurance expenses, which decreased by $0.4 million, and salaries and benefits expense, which decreased by $0.2 million.
Funeral home acquired revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased $6.5 million, or 19.3%, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, as we experienced a 19.1% increase in the acquired contract volume to 6,524, while the average revenue per contract increased 0.2% to $6,157. The average revenue per contract excludes the impact of preneed funeral trust earnings (separately reflected in Revenue above) recognized at the time that we provide the services pursuant to the preneed contract. Including funeral trust earnings, the average revenue per contract remained flat at $6,342 for the year ended December 31, 2016. The average revenue per burial contract increased 3.4% to $9,258, and the number of traditional burial contracts increased 10.5% to $3,012. The number of cremation contracts increased 28.3% to 3,003, and the average revenue per cremation contract increased 4.0% to $4,110. The 2016 funeral home acquired portfolio includes six businesses acquired during 2016 not present in
2015. These businesses increased revenue by $3.0 million and contract volume by 500 contracts in the year ended December 31, 2016.
Acquired operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased $2.8 million, or 20.8%, from the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase is a result of an increase in revenues, offset by a $2.9 million or 18.4% increase in expenses. The operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2016 includes $1.1 million related to the 2016 funeral home acquired portfolio. The most significant change was in salaries and benefits (the largest controllable expense), which increased $1.8 million, general and administrative expenses increased $0.7 million, facilities and grounds expenses increased $0.2 million and general liability and other insurance expenses increased $0.2 million. Expenses as a percentage of revenue however, remained flat for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.
The two categories of financial revenue consist of preneed funeral insurance commission revenue and preneed funeral trust earnings on matured preneed contracts. Preneed funeral insurance commission revenue decreased by approximately $0.1 million, or 3.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. Preneed funeral commission revenue is deferred for one year after the preneed funeral contracts are sold. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we sold less preneed funeral contracts for which we earn a commission than in the same period of the previous year. Preneed funeral trust earnings decreased by approximately $0.6 million, or 7.8%, in the year ended December 31, 2016. Preneed funeral trust earnings include trust management fees charged by our wholly-owned registered investment advisor based on the fair market value of the trust assets. Operating profit for the two categories of financial revenue, on a combined basis, decreased 4.8% in the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 due primarily to the decrease in preneed funeral trust revenue.funds.
Cemetery Segment. The following table sets forth certain information regarding our revenues and operating profit from the cemetery continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, | | Change |
| | 2015 |
| | 2016 |
| | Amount | | Percent |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
| Revenues: | | | | | | | |
| Same store operating revenue | $ | 43,336 |
| | $ | 45,441 |
| | $ | 2,105 |
| | 4.9 | % |
| Acquired operating revenue | 3,321 |
| | 3,506 |
| | 185 |
| | 5.6 | % |
| Cemetery trust earnings | 8,440 |
| | 8,004 |
| | (436 | ) | | (5.2 | )% |
| Preneed cemetery finance charges | 1,587 |
| | 1,848 |
| | 261 |
| | 16.4 | % |
| Revenues from continuing operations | $ | 56,684 |
| | $ | 58,799 |
| | $ | 2,115 |
| | 3.7 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
| Operating Profit: | | | | | | | |
| Same store operating profit | $ | 14,045 |
| | $ | 14,499 |
| | $ | 454 |
| | 3.2 | % |
| Acquired operating profit | 1,088 |
| | 1,168 |
| | 80 |
| | 7.4 | % |
| Cemetery trust earnings | 8,167 |
| | 7,715 |
| | (452 | ) | | (5.5 | )% |
| Preneed cemetery finance charges | 1,587 |
| | 1,848 |
| | 261 |
| | 16.4 | % |
| Gross profit from continuing operations | $ | 24,887 |
| | $ | 25,230 |
| | $ | 343 |
| | 1.4 | % |
Cemetery same store operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased $2.1 million, or 4.9%, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. Approximately 60% of our same store operating revenues were related to preneed sales of interment rights (property) and related merchandise and services for the year ending December 31, 2016. Preneed property revenue increased $1.5 million, or 6.8% as we experienced a 6.1% increase in the average price per interment to $3,169, while the number of preneed interment rights sold decreased 7.3% to 7,035 in the year ending December 31, 2016 from the same period in 2015. The increase in the average price per interment was a result of sales of higher-valued interments at gardens constructed in recent years at several of our same store locations. Same store atneed revenue, which represents approximately 40% of our same store operating revenues, increased 4.3%, primarily due to a 2.5% increase in the number of contracts to 13,322 and a 1.9% increase in the average sales per contract to $1,369.
Cemetery same store operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased $0.5 million, or 3.2%. As a percentage of same store revenue, cemetery same store operating profit decreased to 31.9% in the year ended December 31, 2016 from 32.4% in the same period in 2015. The increase in operating profit was primarily a result of the increase in revenue, offset by $1.5 million or 6.1% increase in operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared with the same period in 2015. Those expenses with significant increases include $0.7 million of promotional expenses, $0.4 million of bad debt expense, $0.3 million of salaries and benefits and $0.1 million of general and administrative expenses.
Cemetery acquired revenue and operating profit increased in the year ended December 31, 2016 primarily due to a 3.8% increase in preneed property revenue, as operating costs slightly increased by $0.1 million compared with the same period in 2015. Cemetery acquired operating profit margin increased 55 basis points to 33.31% for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.
The two categories of financial revenue consist of trust earnings and finance charges on preneed receivables. Trust earnings also include trust management fees charged by our wholly-owned registered investment advisor based on the fair market value of the trust assets. Total trust earnings decreased 5.2% primarily due to a $0.5 million decrease in merchandise and service trust income in the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. Financial revenue earned from finance charges on the preneed contracts increased 16.4% in the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015, primarily as a result of our increased collection efforts.
Other Financial Statement Items
Depreciation and Amortization Costs. Depreciation and Amortization costs for the field and home office totaled $15.4 million for year the ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $1.6 million, or 11.9%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. These increases were primarily attributable to additional depreciation expense from assets acquired in our recent acquisitions, as well as from our newly constructed funeral homes which began operating in the latter half of 2015.
Regional and Unallocated Funeral and Cemetery Costs. Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs consist of salaries and benefits for regional management, field incentive compensation and other related costs for field infrastructure. Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs decreased $1.2 million, or 9.6%, primarily due to a $1.1 million decrease in field incentive compensation, a $0.2 million decrease in salaries and benefits and a $0.1 million decrease in other administrative expenses, offset by $0.2 million increase in severance costs.
General, Administrative and Other. General, administrative and other expenses totaled $27.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $0.8 million, or 3.1%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was partially attributable to the retirement of two former executives as we incurred $3.5 million in severance costs, which was offset by a $1.2 million decrease in non-cash stock compensation expense and a $0.7 decrease in salaries and benefits related to their retirement.
In addition, we incurred a $0.5 million increase in acquisition and divestiture expenses, offset by other changes which include a $0.4 million decrease in salaries and benefits, a $0.4 million decrease in non-cash stock compensation expense, a $0.3 million decrease in severance costs and a $0.2 million decrease in other general and administrative expense.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $11.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $10.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $1.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2016, interest expense related to our term note and revolving credit facility increased by approximately $1.1 million, as a result of a higher principal balance and higher interest rate during the current period. Interest expense related to deferred purchase price increased by approximately $0.2 million, as a result of our 2016 acquisitions. These increases were offset by a $0.1 million decrease in the amortization of debt issuance costs related to the credit facility compared to the same period in 2015.
Accretion of Discount on Convertible Subordinated Notes. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we recognized accretion of the discount on our convertible subordinated notes of $3.9 million compared to $3.5 million for the same period in 2015. Accretion is calculated using the effective interest method based on a stated interest rate of 6.75% and will increase each year through to maturity.
Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt. In February 2016, we entered into the Seventh Amendment (as defined below under Debt Obligations) to our Credit Facility. As a result, we recognized a loss of $0.6 million to write-off the related unamortized debt issuance costs during the year ended December 31, 2016.
Other, net. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we recognized a net loss of $1.8 million on the following transactions: (i) $1.8 million loss on the sale of land; (ii) $0.1 million loss related to an impairment of tradenames for a funeral home business sold during the year ended December 31, 2016; offset by, (iii) $0.1 million gain on the sale of a funeral home business and other assets.
Income taxes. Our income tax provision was approximately $12.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $13.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Our effective tax rate was 39.7% and 39.3% for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. During 2016, the re-measurement of the tax liability for unrecognized tax benefits arising from the finalization of our IRS and California Franchise Tax Board exams, resulted in a $0.8 million reduction to our liability related to uncertain tax positions. At December 31, 2016, no uncertain tax positions were identified. See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 16 for additional information regarding our income taxes.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Overview
Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are internally generated cash flows from operating activities and availability under our Credit Facility.Facility (defined below).
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. However, if our capital expenditures or acquisition plans change, we may need to access the capital markets or seek further borrowing capacity from our lenders to obtain additional funding.funding and we may not be able to obtain such funding on terms and conditions that are acceptable to us. Further, to the extent operating cash flow or access to and cost of financing sources are materially different than expected, future liquidity may be adversely affected. Please read Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” inRisk Factors.
For 2023, our Annual Reportplan is to remain focused on Form 10-Kintegrating our recently acquired businesses, along with closing and integrating one pending acquisition, and prioritizing our capital allocation for debt repayments, the year ended December 31, 2017.
We intendpayment of dividends and debt obligations and internal growth capital expenditures, which we expect to usefund using cash on hand and borrowings under our Credit Facility, primarily to acquire funeral homealong with general corporate purposes and cemetery businesses and for internal growth projects, suchstrategic acquisitions, as cemetery inventory development and funeral home expansion projects, and for payment of dividends. From time to time we may also use available cash to repurchase shares ofallowed under our common stock in open market or privately negotiated transactions.We have the ability to draw on our revolving credit facility, subject to customary terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement.Facility. We believe that our existing and anticipated cash balances, future cash flows from operations andresources, including, as needed, additional borrowings under our Credit Facility described aboveor 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 dividends and acquisitionsdividends for the foreseeable future.next 12 months, as well as our long-term financial obligations.
Cash Flows
We began 20172022 with $3.3$1.1 million in cash and other liquid investments and ended the year with $1.0$1.2 million in cash. At December 31, 2017,2022, we had borrowings of $92.0$190.7 million outstanding on our revolving credit facilityCredit Facility compared to $67.7$155.4 million outstanding as of December 31, 2016.2021 and $47.2 million as of December 31, 2020.
The following table sets forth the elements of cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 (in millions)thousands):
|
| | | | | | | |
| | 2016 | | 2017 |
| Cash at beginning of year | $ | 0.5 |
| | $ | 3.3 |
|
| Cash flow from operating activities | 50.0 |
| | 45.2 |
|
| Acquisitions and land for new construction | (26.6 | ) | | (28.8 | ) |
| Purchase of land and buildings previously leased | (6.3 | ) | | — |
|
| Net proceeds from the sale of businesses and other assets | 4.4 |
| | 5.7 |
|
| Growth capital expenditures | (9.4 | ) | | (8.0 | ) |
| Maintenance capital expenditures | (7.4 | ) | | (8.4 | ) |
| Net borrowings on our revolving credit facility, term loan and long-term debt obligations | 1.1 |
| | 11.1 |
|
| Dividends paid on common stock | (2.5 | ) | | (3.7 | ) |
| Taxes paid on restricted stock vestings and exercises of non-qualified options | (0.6 | ) | | (0.5 | ) |
| Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan contributions | 0.9 |
| | 1.5 |
|
| Purchase of treasury stock | — |
| | (16.4 | ) |
| Payment of loan origination costs related to the credit facility | (0.7 | ) | | — |
|
| Other financing costs | (0.1 | ) | | — |
|
| Cash at end of year | $ | 3.3 |
| | $ | 1.0 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Cash at beginning of year | $ | 716 | | | $ | 889 | | | $ | 1,148 | |
| | | | | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 82,915 | | | 84,246 | | | 61,024 | |
| | | | | |
| Acquisition of businesses and real estate | (28,011) | | | (3,285) | | | (33,876) | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Proceeds from divestiture and sale of other assets | 8,541 | | | 7,875 | | | 5,027 | |
| Proceeds from insurance reimbursements | 248 | | | 7,758 | | | 2,440 | |
| Capital expenditures | (15,198) | | | (24,883) | | | (26,081) | |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (34,420) | | | (12,535) | | | (52,490) | |
| | | | | |
| Net borrowings (payments) on our Credit Facility, acquisition debt and finance lease obligations | (38,345) | | | 106,869 | | | 34,418 | |
| Payment to redeem the 6.625% senior notes due 2026 | — | | | (400,000) | | | — | |
| Payment of call premium related to the 6.625% senior notes due 2026 | — | | | (19,876) | | | — | |
| Proceeds from the issuance of the 4.25% senior notes due 2029 | — | | | 395,500 | | | — | |
| Payment of debt issuance costs for the Credit Facility and 4.25% senior notes due 2029 | (78) | | | (2,197) | | | (922) | |
| Conversions and maturity of the Convertible Notes | (4,563) | | | (3,980) | | | — | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Net proceeds from employee equity plans | 881 | | | (3) | | | 1,418 | |
| Dividends paid on common stock | (6,048) | | | (7,264) | | | (6,763) | |
| Purchase of treasury stock | — | | | (140,040) | | | (36,663) | |
| Other financing costs | (169) | | | (461) | | | — | |
| Net cash used in financing activities | (48,322) | | | (71,452) | | | (8,512) | |
| | | | | |
| Cash at end of year | $ | 889 | | | $ | 1,148 | | | $ | 1,170 | |
Operating Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2017,2022, cash provided by operating activities was $45.2$61.0 million compared to cash provided by operating activities of $50.0$84.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, a2021 and $82.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The decrease of $4.8$23.2 million due primarilyfor the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the declinesame period in preneed cemetery revenue and acquired funeral home operating profit in 2017 and2021 was primarily due to the unfavorable working capital changes in accrued liabilities, which include, the timingwere partially offset by favorable changes in income tax receivables. The increase of payments for income taxes, payments for accrued severance$1.3 million for the retirement of a former executiveyear ended December 31, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 was primarily due to unfavorable working capital changes in income tax receivables, accounts payable and our Good To Great incentive compensation plan during the first quarter of 2017.
accrued liabilities.
Investing Activities
Our investing activities resulted in a net cash outflow of approximately $39.5$52.5 million for the year endedDecember 31, 20172022 compared to a net cash outflow of approximately $45.3$12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, a decrease of $5.8 million.2021 and $34.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Acquisition and Divestiture Activity
During the year ended December 31, 2017,2022, we acquired sevena business consisting of two funeral home businesses, twohomes in ColoradoKissimmee, Florida for $6.3 million in cash and fivea business consisting of three funeral homes, one cemetery and one cremation focused business in New Yorkthe Charlotte, North Carolina area for the purchase price of $27.5$25.0 million in cash. In addition, we sold four funeral homes for $1.5 million, sold real property for $3.3 million and purchased real property for $2.6 million. We also purchased real estatereceived proceeds of $2.4 million from our property insurance policy for the reimbursement of renovation costs for our funeral home parking lot expansion projects for approximately $1.3 million.and cemetery businesses that were damaged by Hurricane Ida.
During the year ended December 31, 2016,2021, we sold two funeral homes and one cemetery for $2.5 million, sold real property for $5.2 million and purchased real property for $3.3 million. We also received proceeds of $7.8 million from our
property insurance policy for the reimbursement of renovation costs for our funeral and cemetery businesses that were damaged by Hurricane Ida.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we acquired sixone funeral home businesses, twoand cemetery combination business in Houston, Texas, one in Madera,Lafayette, California one in Brookfield, Wisconsin, one in Burlington, North Carolina and one in Graham, North Carolina for the aggregate purchase price of approximately $32.8 million. The purchase price for the businesses consisted of approximately (i) $23.9$33.0 million paid in cash, of which $5.0 million was deposited in escrow in 2019 and $28.0 million was paid at closing and (ii) $8.9 million, the net present value of future deferred payments totaling $13.5 million.We also purchased land and buildings at fourin 2020. In addition, we sold eight funeral homes that were previously leased for approximately $6.3$8.4 million as well as purchasing landand we sold real property for future development of $2.6$0.1 million.
Capital Expenditures
For the year ended December 31, 2017,2022, our capital expenditures (comprising of growth and maintenance spend) totaled $16.4$26.1 million compared to $16.8$24.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, a decrease of $0.4 million. 2021, and $15.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The following tables present our growth and maintenance capital expenditures (in millions)thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Growth | | | | | |
| Cemetery development | $ | 4,705 | | | $ | 5,845 | | | $ | 7,679 | |
Renovations at certain businesses(1) | 953 | | | 4,541 | | | 5,048 | |
| Crematory projects | 46 | | | 495 | | | 788 | |
| Other | 732 | | | 687 | | | 782 | |
| Total Growth | $ | 6,436 | | | $ | 11,568 | | | $ | 14,297 | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| | 2016 | | 2017 |
| Growth | | | |
| Cemetery development | $ | 4.0 |
| | $ | 3.7 |
|
| Construction for new funeral facilities | 3.1 |
| | 3.1 |
|
| Renovations at certain businesses | 2.3 |
| | 1.2 |
|
| Total Growth | $ | 9.4 |
| | $ | 8.0 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| (1) | During the year ended December 31, 2022, we spent $2.4 million for renovations on two businesses that were affected by Hurricane Ida, all of which was reimbursed by our property insurance. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we spent $1.6 million for renovations on four businesses that were affected by Hurricane Ida, all of which was reimbursed by our property insurance. |
| | | | | | | | | | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2016 | | 2017 | | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Maintenance | | | | Maintenance | | | | | |
| General equipment and furniture | | General equipment and furniture | $ | 3,536 | | | $ | 7,027 | | | $ | 4,834 | |
| Facility repairs and improvements | $ | 2.4 |
| | $ | 2.2 |
| Facility repairs and improvements | 2,053 | | | 2,543 | | | 3,207 | |
| General equipment and furniture | 2.1 |
| | 2.0 |
| |
| Vehicles | 1.5 |
| | 1.9 |
| Vehicles | 1,493 | | | 2,329 | | | 2,062 | |
| Paving roads and parking lots | 0.7 |
| | 1.3 |
| Paving roads and parking lots | 731 | | | 1,186 | | | 1,157 | |
| Information technology infrastructure improvements | 0.7 |
| | 1.0 |
| Information technology infrastructure improvements | 949 | | | 230 | | | 524 | |
| Total Maintenance | $ | 7.4 |
| | $ | 8.4 |
| Total Maintenance | $ | 8,762 | | | $ | 13,315 | | | $ | 11,784 | |
Financing Activities
Our financing activities resulted in a net cash outflow of $8.1$8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 20172022 compared to a net cash outflow of $2.0$71.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. For2021 and a net cash outflow of $48.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, we had net borrowings on our revolving credit facility and term loan of approximately $11.1 million. We purchased treasury stock for approximately $16.4 million and paid approximately $3.7 million in dividends on our common stock.2020.
For the year ended December 31, 2016,2022, we had net borrowings on our revolving credit facilityCredit Facility, acquisition debt and term loanfinance leases of approximately $1.1$34.4 million, offset by the following payments: i) $36.7 million for the purchase of treasury stock; ii) $6.8 million in dividends; and iii) $0.9 million for debt issuance and transactions costs related to our Credit Facility.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, we had net borrowings on our Credit Facility, acquisition debt and finance leases of $106.9 million, offset by the following payments: i) $19.9 million for the call premium to redeem our 6.625% senior notes due 2026; ii) $140.0 million for the purchase of treasury stock; iii) $2.2 million for debt issuance and transactions costs related to our 4.25% senior notes due 2029 and Credit Facility; iv) $4.0 million for the conversions and maturity of our 2.75% convertible subordinated notes; and v) $7.3 million in dividends.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, we had net payments on our Credit Facility, acquisition debt and finance leases of $38.3 million. WeIn addition, we paid approximately $2.5$6.0 million in dividends on our common stock and paid transactions costs$4.6 million for the repurchase of approximately $0.7 million related to the Seventh Amendmenta portion of our Credit Facility.2.75% convertible subordinated notes.
Dividends
On October 25, 2017, our Board approved an increase in our quarterly dividend on our common stock from $0.050 to $0.075 per share, effective with respect to dividends payable on December 1, 2017 and later.
For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, ourOur Board declared the following dividends payable on the dates below (in millions,thousands, except per share amounts):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2022 | Per Share | | Dollar Value |
| March 1st | $ | 0.1125 | | | $ | 1,725 | |
| June 1st | $ | 0.1125 | | | $ | 1,730 | |
| September 1st | $ | 0.1125 | | | $ | 1,653 | |
| December 1st | $ | 0.1125 | | | $ | 1,655 | |
| | | |
| 2021 | Per Share | | Dollar Value |
| March 1st | $ | 0.1000 | | | $ | 1,799 | |
| June 1st | $ | 0.1000 | | | $ | 1,808 | |
| September 1st | $ | 0.1000 | | | $ | 1,783 | |
| December 1st | $ | 0.1125 | | | $ | 1,873 | |
| | | |
| 2020 | Per Share | | Dollar Value |
| March 1st | $ | 0.0750 | | | $ | 1,339 | |
| June 1st | $ | 0.0750 | | | $ | 1,343 | |
| September 1st | $ | 0.0875 | | | $ | 1,569 | |
| December 1st | $ | 0.1000 | | | $ | 1,797 | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| 2017 | Per Share | | Dollar Value |
| March 1st | $ | 0.050 |
| | $ | 0.8 |
|
| June 1st | $ | 0.050 |
| | $ | 0.8 |
|
| September 1st | $ | 0.050 |
| | $ | 0.8 |
|
| December 1st | $ | 0.075 |
| | $ | 1.2 |
|
| | | | |
| 2016 | Per Share | | Dollar Value |
| March 1st | $ | 0.025 |
| | $ | 0.4 |
|
| June 1st | $ | 0.025 |
| | $ | 0.4 |
|
| September 1st | $ | 0.050 |
| | $ | 0.8 |
|
| December 1st | $ | 0.050 |
| | $ | 0.8 |
|
Share Repurchase
On February 25, 2016,Subject to market conditions, normal trading restrictions and satisfying certain financial covenants in our Credit Facility, and in the Indenture governing our Senior Notes, we may make purchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions under our Board approved aauthorized share repurchase program, authorizing us to purchase up to an aggregate of $25.0 million of our common stock in accordance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act, of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
On October 25, 2017,February 23, 2022, our Board approved a $15.0 millionauthorized an increase in its authorization for repurchases of our common stockshare repurchase program to permit us to purchase up to an additional $75.0 million under our share repurchase program, in addition to the $25.0 million approved on February 25, 2016, bringing the totalamounts previously authorized repurchase amount to $40.0 million,and outstanding in accordance with Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we repurchased 574,054 shares of common stock for a total cost of $14.0Act, which totaled up to $265.0 million at an average cost of $24.35 per share pursuant to thisin share repurchase program. authorizations.
Share repurchase activity is as follows (dollar value of shares repurchased in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | | |
Number of Shares Repurchased(1) | — | | | 2,906,983 | | | 695,496 | | | | |
| Average Price Paid Per Share | $ | — | | | $ | 49.01 | | | $ | 49.22 | | | | |
Dollar Value of Shares Repurchased(1) | $ | — | | | $ | 142,469 | | | $ | 34,234 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| (1) | These amounts may differ from the repurchases of common stock amounts in the consolidated statements of cash flows due to unsettled share repurchases at the end of a period. In December 2021, we repurchased 37,408 shares for $2.4 million, the settlement of which occurred in January 2022. |
Our shares were purchased in the open market. Purchases weremarket at times and in amounts as management determined appropriate based on factors such as market conditions, legal requirements and other business considerations. Shares purchased pursuant to the repurchase program are currently held as treasury shares.stock. At December 31, 2017, we had approximately $26.0 million available for repurchase under this share repurchase program.
On August 18, 2017, we purchased 100,000 shares of2022, our common stock from Melvin C. Payne, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The purchase of these shares was made pursuant to a privately negotiated transaction at a price of $23.85 per share for a total purchase price of $2.4 million. The purchase price for these shares was the stock's trading price at the time of the transaction. This purchase was not a part of the share repurchase program approved by the Board on February 25, 2016. The repurchase of the shares held by Mr. Payne was approved in advance by our Board, with Mr. Payne abstaining. See Note 24 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included hereinhad $48.9 million authorized for additional information on our related party transactions.repurchases.
We did not purchase any shares of our common stock during 2016. During 2015, we purchased 1,927,665 shares of our common stock for a total cost of $45.0 million, at an average cost of $23.34 per share under a previous share repurchase program.Credit Facility, Lease Obligations and Acquisition Debt
Debt Obligations
The outstanding principal balance of our long-term debt and capital lease obligations totaled $236.7is as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Credit Facility | $ | 155,400 | | | $ | 190,700 | |
| Finance leases | 5,532 | | | 5,157 | |
| Operating leases | 20,433 | | | 19,518 | |
| Acquisition debt | 4,500 | | | 3,993 | |
| Total | $ | 185,865 | | | $ | 219,368 | |
Credit Facility
At December 31, 2022, our senior secured revolving credit facility (as previously amended, including the Second Credit Facility Amendment and Third Credit Facility Amendment, the “Credit Facility”) was comprised of: (i) a $250.0 million senior secured 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.
On May 27, 2022, we entered into a second amendment and commitment increase (the “Second 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 Second Credit Facility Amendment provided, among other things, for (i) an increase to the Revolving Credit Commitments (as defined in the Credit Facility) from $200.0 million to $250.0 million in the aggregate; (ii) 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; (iii) the establishment of the BSBY as a benchmark rate and the removal of LIBOR; (iv) an increase in the maximum Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) to 5.25 to 1.00; and (v) modifications to the restricted payments covenant to allow us to make additional stock repurchases, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions therein. We incurred $0.3 million in transactions costs related to the Second Credit Facility Amendment, which were capitalized and will be amortized over the remaining term of the related debt using the straight-line method.
On December 9, 2022, we entered into a third amendment (the “Third 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 Third Credit Facility Amendment provides, among other things, for (i) 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; (ii) an increase in the maximum Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) covenant as follows: a Total Leverage Ratio not to exceed (a) 6.00 to 1.00 from the effective date of the Third Credit Facility Amendment through the quarter ended June 30, 2023, (b) 5.75 to 1.00 for the quarters ended September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2023, (c) 5.50 to 1.00 for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024, (d) 5.25 to 1.00 for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and (e) 5.00 and 1.00 for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 and each quarter ended thereafter; (iii) modifications to the permitted investments covenant, relating to the Company’s ability to make certain acquisitions, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions therein; (iv) modifications to the restricted payments covenant related to the Company’s ability to make stock repurchases, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions therein; and (v) a modification to the Total Leverage Ratio level which constitutes a Real Property Collateral Trigger Event (as defined in the Credit Facility). The final maturity of the Credit Facility will occur on May 13, 2026.
Prior to the execution of the Third Credit Facility Amendment, we recognized a loss on the write-off of $0.2 million in unamortized debt issuance costs, which was recorded in Loss on extinguishment of debt. We also incurred $0.6 million in transactions costs related to the execution of the Third Credit Facility Amendment, which were capitalized and will be amortized over the remaining term of the related debt using the straight-line method.
Our obligations under the Credit Facility are unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the same subsidiaries which guarantee the Senior Notes (as defined below) and certain of our subsequently acquired or organized domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the “Subsidiary Guarantors”).
The Credit Facility contains customary affirmative covenants, including, but not limited to, covenants with respect to the use of proceeds, payment of taxes and other obligations, continuation of the Company’s business and the maintenance of existing rights and privileges, the maintenance of property and insurance, amongst others.
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, and pay dividends and other restricted payments, and certain financial maintenance covenants. At December 31, 2022, we were subject to the following financial covenants under our Credit Facility: (A) a Total Leverage Ratio not to exceed 6.00 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 December 31, 2017 and consisted2022.
At December 31, 2022, we had outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility of $127.5 million under our term loan, $92.0 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility and $17.2 million in acquisition indebtedness and capital lease obligations.$190.7 million. We havealso had one letter of credit issued on November 30, 2017 and outstandingfor $2.3 million under the Credit Facility for approximately $2.0 million, which bears interest at 2.125% andFacility. The letter of credit will expire on November 27, 2018.
2023 and is expected to automatically renew annually and secures our obligations under our various self-insured policies. At December 31, 2017,2022, we had a $300$57.0 million secured bank credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. as Administrative Agent comprised of a $150 million revolving credit facility and a $150 million term loan. Theavailability under the Credit Facility.
Outstanding borrowings under our Credit Facility contains an accordion provision to borrow up to an additional $75 million in revolving loans, subject to certain conditions. The Credit Facility matures on February 9, 2021 and is collateralized by all personal property and funeral home real property in certain states. Under the Credit Agreement, outstanding borrowings bear interest at either a prime rate or a LIBORBSBY rate, plus an applicable margin based upon the Company'son our leverage ratio. As ofAt December 31, 2017,2022, the prime rate margin was equivalent to 1.550%2.375% and the LIBORBSBY rate margin
was 2.125%3.375%. The weighted average interest rate on theour Credit Facility was 3.8% and 4.0% for the yearyears ended December 31, 2017 was 3.2%.
On February 9, 2016, we entered into a seventh amendment (the “Seventh Amendment”) to our Credit Facility. The Seventh Amendment resulted in, among other things, (i) reducing our LIBOR based variable interest rate 37.5 basis points, (ii) extending
the maturity so that the Credit Agreement will mature at the earlier of (a) any date that is 91 days prior to the maturity of any subordinated debt (including the $143.75 million in principal amount of the Convertible Notes, as defined in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein) or (b) February 9, 2021 (iii) increasing and funding the term loan so that $150 million was outstanding upon the effectiveness of the Seventh Amendment, (iv) reducing the size of the revolver to $150 million, (v) increasing the accordion to $75 million and (vi) updating the amortization payments for the term loan facility so that the borrowings under the term loan facility are subject to amortization payments of (a) $2.81 million at the end of each fiscal quarter beginning with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2016 through the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2017, (b) $3.75 million at the end of each fiscal quarter beginning with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2018 through the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2020 and (c) $4.69 million at the end of each fiscal quarter beginning with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2020 through the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2020. In connection with the Seventh Amendment, we recognized a loss of $0.6 million to write-off the related unamortized debt issuance costs.2022, respectively.
We have no material assets or operations independent of the Subsidiary Guarantors, as all of our subsidiaries. All assets and operations are held and conducted by subsidiaries, each of which have fully and unconditionally guaranteed our obligations under the Credit Agreement.Subsidiary Guarantors. Additionally, we do not currently have any significant restrictions on our ability to receive dividends or loans from any subsidiary guarantorSubsidiary Guarantors.
The interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs related to our Credit Facility are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Credit Facility interest expense | $ | 3,738 | | | $ | 1,820 | | | $ | 7,105 | |
| Credit Facility amortization of debt issuance costs | 482 | | | 380 | | | 412 | |
The interest payments on our remaining borrowings under the Credit Agreement.Facility will be determined based on the average outstanding balance of our borrowings and the prevailing interest rate during that time. See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail of our debt and interest payments.
Lease Obligations
Our lease obligations consist of operating and finance leases. We were in compliancelease certain office facilities, certain funeral homes 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 covenants contained inleases for up to forty years. We lease certain funeral homes under finance leases with original terms ranging from ten to forty years.
The lease cost related to our Credit Agreementoperating leases and short-term leases and depreciation expense and interest expense related to our finance leases are as offollows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Years Ended December 31, |
| | | | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Operating lease cost | | | | $ | 3,795 | | | $ | 3,762 | | | $ | 3,375 | |
| Short-term lease cost | | | | 185 | | | 193 | | | 329 | |
| Variable lease cost | | | | 39 | | | 160 | | | 324 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Finance lease cost: | | | | | | | | |
| Depreciation of leased assets | | | | $ | 439 | | | $ | 438 | | | $ | 438 | |
| Interest on lease liabilities | | | | 496 | | | 471 | | | 442 | |
At December 31, 20162022, non-cancelable operating and 2017. finance lease obligations were $36.4 million, with $4.7 million payable within 12 months. See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 15 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail of our lease payments.
Acquisition Debt
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 7.3% to 10.0%. Original maturities typically range from five to twenty years.
The Credit Agreement contains key ratios that we must comply with including a requirementimputed interest expense related to maintain a leverage ratio of no more than 3.50 to 1.00 and a covenant to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of no less than 1.20 to 1.00. As ofour acquisition debt is as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Acquisition debt imputed interest expense | $ | 489 | | | $ | 364 | | | $ | 311 | |
At December 31, 2017, the leverage ratio was 3.152022, acquisition debt obligations were $5.7 million, with $0.8 million payable within 12 months. See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 12 to 1.00 and the fixed charge coverage ratio was 2.14 to 1.00.our Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail of our debt payments.
Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2021
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we converted $2.4 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2.75% convertible subordinated notes due 2021 (the “Convertible Notes”) held by certain holders for $3.8 million in cash and recorded $1.4 million for the reacquisition of the equity component. The Convertible Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act,matured on March 15, 2021, at which time all Convertible Notes outstanding, $0.2 million in aggregate principal amount, were paid in full in cash at par value. Therefore, no Convertible Notes remain outstanding at December 31, 2021 and were offered only2022.
The interest expense and accretion of debt discount and debt issuance costs related to “qualified institutional buyers” in compliance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act. Theour Convertible Notes are governedas follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Convertible Notes interest expense | $ | 149 | | | $ | 18 | | | $ | — | |
| Convertible Notes accretion of debt discount | 216 | | | 20 | | | — | |
| Convertible Notes amortization of debt issuance costs | 20 | | | 1 | | | — | |
The effective interest rate on the unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs for the year ended December 31, 2021 was 3.1%.
Senior Notes
At December 31, 2022, we had $400.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.25% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Senior Notes”) and related guarantees by the Subsidiary Guarantors, which were issued in a private offering under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act.
The Senior Notes were issued under an indenture, dated as of March 19, 2014 betweenMay 13, 2021 (the “Indenture”), among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee, and us (the “Indenture”trustee (“Collateral Trustee”). The ConvertibleSenior Notes are general unsecured, senior obligations and will be subordinated inare fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis, jointly and severally by each of the right of payment to all of our existingSubsidiary Guarantors. The Senior Notes mature on May 15, 2029, unless earlier redeemed or purchased and future senior indebtedness and equal in right of payment with our other existing and future subordinated indebtedness. The Convertible Notes bear interest at 2.75%4.25% per year. Interest on the Convertible Notes began to accrue on March 19, 2014 andyear, which is payable semi-annually in arrears on MarchMay 15 and SeptemberNovember 15 of each year.year, beginning on November 15, 2021.
The initial conversion rateWe may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at the redemption price of 102.13% on or after May 15, 2024, 101.06% on or after May 15, 2025 and 100% on or after May 15, 2026, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. At any time before May 15, 2024, we may also redeem all or part of the ConvertibleSenior Notes was 44.3169 sharesat the redemption prices described in the Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but excluding) the date of our common stock per $1,000redemption. In addition, before May 15, 2024, we may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the ConvertibleSenior Notes equivalentoutstanding using an amount of cash equal to an initial conversionthe net proceeds of certain equity offerings, at a price of approximately $22.56 per share104.25% of common stock. The conversion rate is subjectthe principal amount of the Senior Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to adjustment upon(but excluding) the date of redemption; provided that (1) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes (including any additional Senior Notes) outstanding under the Indenture remain outstanding immediately after the occurrence of certain events, as described in the Indenture. During the year ended December 31, 2017, an adjustment to the conversion ratesuch redemption (unless all Senior Notes are redeemed concurrently), and (2) each such redemption must occur within 180 days of the Convertible Notes was triggered when our Board increased the dividends declared per common share from $0.05 per share to $0.075 per share. At December 31, 2017, the adjusted conversion ratedate of the Convertible Notes is 44.6266 sharesconsummation of our common stock per $1,000 principal amountany such equity offering.
If a “change of Convertible Notes, equivalent to an adjusted conversion price of approximately $22.41 per share of common stock.
The Convertible Notes mature on March 15, 2021, unless earlier converted or purchased by us. The conversion optioncontrol” occurs, holders of the Convertible Notes is not an embedded derivative. Holders of the Convertible Notes may convert their Convertible Notes at their option at any time prior to December 15, 2020, if certain conditions are met. We may not redeem the Convertible Notes prior to maturity. However, in the event of a fundamental change (as defined in the Indenture), subject to certain conditions, a holder of the ConvertibleSenior Notes will have the option to require us to purchase for cash all or a portion of its Convertibletheir Senior Notes for cash. The fundamental changeat a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, if we make certain asset sales and do not reinvest the proceeds thereof or use such proceeds to repay certain debt, we will be required to use the proceeds of such asset sales to make an offer to purchase the Senior Notes at a price will equal to 100% of the principal amount of the ConvertibleSenior Notes, to be purchased, plus any accrued and unpaid interest upinterest.
The Indenture contains restrictive covenants limiting our ability and our Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture) to, but excluding,among other things, incur additional indebtedness or issue certain preferred shares, create liens on certain assets to secure debt, pay dividends or make other equity distributions, purchase or redeem capital stock, make certain investments, sell assets, agree to certain restrictions on the fundamental change purchase date.ability of Restricted Subsidiaries to make payments to us, consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all assets, or engage in transactions with affiliates. The Indenture also contains customary events of default.
At December 31, 2017, the carrying amount of the equity component was approximately $18.0 million. At December 31, 2017, the principal amount of the liability component was $143.75 millionThe debt discount and the net carrying amount was $126.2 million. The unamortized discount of $17.6 million as of December 31, 2017 isdebt issuance costs are being amortized using the effective interest method over the remaining term of approximately 38 months.
Interest expense77 months of the Senior Notes. The effective interest rate on the Convertibleunamortized debt discount and the unamortized debt issuance costs for the Senior Notes included contractual coupon interest expense of $4.0 million for both the years ended December 31, 20162021 and 2017. Accretion2022 was 4.42% and 4.30%, respectively.
The fair value of the discount on the ConvertibleSenior Notes, which are Level 2 measurements, was approximately $3.9$322.3 million and $4.3 million for the years endedat December 31, 20162022.
The interest expense and 2017, respectively. Amortizationamortization of debt discount, debt premium and debt issuance costs related to our ConvertibleSenior Notes was approximately $0.5 million for both the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017. The effective interest rate on the unamortized discount and the debt issuance costs for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 was 6.75% and 2.75%, respectively.are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Senior Notes interest expense | $ | 26,500 | | | $ | 21,767 | | | $ | 16,980 | |
| Senior Notes amortization of debt discount | 528 | | | 504 | | | 493 | |
| Senior Notes amortization of debt premium | 221 | | | 85 | | | — | |
| Senior Notes amortization of debt issuance costs | 280 | | | 195 | | | 140 | |
We may from time to time seek to retire or purchase our Convertible Notes through cash purchases and/or exchanges for equity securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we did not repurchase any Convertible Notes.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The following table summarizes the knownhave future interest payments required for the debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheet asoutstanding balance of December 31, 2017. Where appropriate we have indicated the footnote in$108.3 million, with $17.0 million payable within 12 months. See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, NotesNote 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements where additional information is available.for further detail of our debt and interest payments.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Payments Due By Period (in millions) |
| Financial Note Reference | | Total | | 2018 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | After 5 Years |
| Long-term debt obligations | 13 | | $ | 230.0 |
| | $ | 16.9 |
| | $ | 16.9 |
| | $ | 19.1 |
| | $ | 172.7 |
| | $ | 0.5 |
| | $ | 3.9 |
|
Interest obligation on long-term debt (a) | | | 27.8 |
| | 8.7 |
| | 8.1 |
| | 7.3 |
| | 1.6 |
| | 0.3 |
| | 1.8 |
|
| Capital lease obligations, including interest | 15 | | 11.8 |
| | 0.8 |
| | 0.8 |
| | 0.8 |
| | 0.8 |
| | 0.8 |
| | 7.8 |
|
Convertible subordinated notes (b) | 14 | | 143.8 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 143.8 |
| | — |
|
| Interest on convertible subordinated notes | 14 | | 12.7 |
| | 4.0 |
| | 4.0 |
| | 3.9 |
| | 0.8 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Operating lease obligations | 15 | | 12.1 |
| | 3.4 |
| | 3.1 |
| | 2.5 |
| | 2.2 |
| | 0.3 |
| | 0.6 |
|
| Total contractual obligations | | | $ | 438.2 |
| | $ | 33.8 |
| | $ | 32.9 |
| | $ | 33.6 |
| | $ | 178.1 |
| | $ | 145.7 |
| | $ | 14.1 |
|
|
| | |
| | |
(a) | Based on interest rates in effect at December 31, 2017. |
(b) | Matures in 2021. |
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The following table summarizesAt December 31, 2022, our off-balance sheet arrangements were as of December 31, 2017. Where appropriate, we have indicated the footnote in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements where additional information is available.follows:
Non-compete agreements - We have various non-compete agreements with former owners and employees of businesses we have acquired. These agreements are generally for one to ten years and provide for periodic payments over the term of the agreements. We have future payments on our non-compete agreements of $8.0 million, with $2.5 million payable within 12 months.
Consulting agreements - We have various consulting agreements with former owners of businesses we have acquired. Payments for such agreements are generally not made in advance. These agreements are generally for one to tenfive years and provide for bi-weekly or monthly payments. We have future payments on our consulting agreements of $2.2 million, with $0.9 million payable within 12 months.
Employment agreements - We have employment agreements with certain of our executive officers and senior leadership.officers. These agreements are generally for three to foursix years and provide for participation in various incentive compensation arrangements. These agreements generally renew automatically renew on an annual basis after their initial term has expired.expired, with the exception of our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, which does not renew after the current term expiring in February 2028. We have future payments on our employment agreements of $15.1 million, with $4.8 million payable within 12 months.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Payments Due By Period (in millions) |
| Financial Note Reference | | Total | | 2018 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | After
5 Years |
| Non-compete agreements | 15 | | $ | 8.0 |
| | $ | 1.7 |
| | $ | 1.6 |
| | $ | 1.3 |
| | $ | 1.2 |
| | $ | 0.8 |
| | $ | 1.4 |
|
| Consulting agreements | 15 | | 2.4 |
| | 0.9 |
| | 0.6 |
| | 0.5 |
| | 0.3 |
| | 0.1 |
| | — |
|
Employment agreements (a) | 15 | | 4.3 |
| | 2.0 |
| | 1.0 |
| | 1.0 |
| | 0.3 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Total contractual cash obligations | | | $ | 14.7 |
| | $ | 4.6 |
| | $ | 3.2 |
| | $ | 2.8 |
| | $ | 1.8 |
| | $ | 0.9 |
| | $ | 1.4 |
|
|
| | |
| | |
(a) | Melvin C. Payne, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, has an employment agreement that renews for one additional year on each anniversary of the effective date, such that at any given time between three and four years remain in the term of the agreement. |
Letter of credit - We have one letter of credit for $2.3 million under the Credit Facility, which secures our obligations under our various self-insurance policies in the event we are unable to meet the self-insurance portion of our claim payment obligations. As we already have reserves recorded for our self-insurance claims costs, these do not represent additional liabilities. The letter of credit will expire on November 27, 2023 and is expected to automatically renew annually.The obligations related to our off-balance sheet arrangements are significant to our future liquidity; however, although we can provide no assurances, we anticipate that these obligations will be funded from cash provided from our operating activities. If we are not able to meet these obligations with cash provided by our operating activities, we may be required to access the capital markets or draw down on our revolving credit facility,Credit Facility, both of which may be more difficult to access. See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Notes 12 and 16 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail of our letter of credit and off-balance sheet agreements, respectively.
SEASONALITY
Our business can be affected by seasonal fluctuationsFINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Below are our financial highlights (in thousands except for volumes and averages):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Revenue | $ | 329,448 | | | $ | 375,886 | | | $ | 370,174 | |
| Funeral contracts | 47,190 | | | 49,249 | | | 47,498 | |
| Average revenue per funeral contract | $ | 5,145 | | | $ | 5,360 | | | $ | 5,493 | |
| Preneed interment rights (property) sold | 9,503 | | | 11,408 | | | 10,878 | |
| Average price per interment right sold | $ | 4,033 | | | $ | 4,718 | | | $ | 4,576 | |
| Gross profit | $ | 105,923 | | | $ | 129,516 | | | $ | 119,226 | |
| Net income | $ | 16,090 | | | $ | 33,159 | | | $ | 41,381 | |
Revenue in the death rate. Generally,2022 decreased $5.7 million compared to 2021, as we experienced a 3.6% decrease in funeral contract volume, a 4.6% decrease in the number of preneed interment rights (property) sold and a 3.0% decrease in the average price per interment right sold, which were slightly offset by a 2.5% increase in average revenue per funeral contract. The decrease in funeral contract volume and the number of interment rights sold correspond to the decline in COVID-19 related cases in 2022 compared to 2021, as deaths directly attributable from COVID-19 have now largely decreased to have minimal impact on the overall death rate.
Revenue in 2021 increased $46.4 million compared to 2020, as we experienced a 20.0% increase in the number of preneed interment rights (property) sold, as well as a 17.0% increase in the average price per interment right sold, primarily due to (1) our sales personnel being less impacted by social distancing restrictions that were in place in 2020 due to COVID-19; (2) the full integration of the cemetery acquisitions made in the fourth quarter of 2019 and first quarter of 2020; and (3) the execution of our innovative cemetery sales strategy of building high performance sales teams and standardized sales systems across our portfolio of cemeteries.
We also experienced a 4.4% increase in total funeral contracts and a 4.2% increase in the average revenue per funeral contract for 2021 compared to 2020. We believe the increase in volume during 2021 is due not only to COVID-19 deaths, but is also the result of our ability to adapt to the continued changing consumer environment with new and innovative ways to serve families. We believe the increase in the average revenue per contract is a further reflection of our ability to creatively serve our families, as the number of contracts for which we provided services in 2021 began to return to pre-COVID-19 levels. Further discussion of Revenue for our funeral home and cemetery segments is presented under “Results of Operations.”
Gross profit in 2022 decreased $10.3 million compared to 2021, due to the decrease in revenue, as well as increases in operating expenses, in both our funeral and cemetery segments. These increases are partially due to higher costs from inflationary impacts concentrated in our full-time hourly base rates, utilities, funeral supplies, and merchandise costs.
Gross profit in 2021 increased $23.6 million compared to 2020, primarily due to the increase in revenue from both our funeral home and cemetery segments, as well as decreases in funeral home and cemetery operating expenses as a percent of operating revenue primarily in salaries and benefits expense as we increased revenue without adding extra personnel. Further discussion of the components of Gross profit for our funeral home and cemetery segments, is presented under “Results of Operations.”
Net income in 2022 increased $8.2 million compared to 2021, primarily due to the following: (1) a $23.6 million loss on extinguishment of debt in 2021; (2) a $3.5 million gain on insurance reimbursements in 2022; offset by (3) the decrease in gross profit of $10.3 million; (4) a $4.7 million increase in tax expense; (5) a $2.3 million increase in general and administrative expenses; and (6) a $1.4 million decrease in net loss on divestitures, disposals and impairments charges.
Net income in 2021 increased $17.1 million compared to 2020, primarily due to the following: (1) the increase in gross profit of $23.6 million; (2) a $20.8 million decrease in net loss on divestitures, disposals and impairments charges, and (3) a $7.1 million decrease in interest expense; offset by (4) a $23.8 million loss on extinguishment of debt; (5) an $8.1 million increase in general and administrative expenses, and (6) a $2.6 million increase in tax expense.
Further discussion of General, administrative and other expenses, Net loss on divestitures, disposals and impairment charges, Interest expense, Income taxes and other components of income and expenses are presented under “Other Financial Statement Items.”
REPORTING AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
We also present our financial performance in our “Condensed Operating and Financial Trend Report” (“Trend Report”) as reported in our earnings release for the year ending December 31, 2022, dated February 23, 2022, and discussed in the corresponding earnings conference call. This Trend Report is used as a supplemental financial statement by management and investors to compare our current financial performance with our previous results and with the performance of other companies. We do not intend for this information to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other measures of performance prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Trend Report is a non-GAAP statement that also provides insight into underlying trends in our business.
Below is a reconciliation of Net income, a GAAP measure to Adjusted net income, a non-GAAP measure, (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Net income | $ | 16,090 | | | $ | 33,159 | | | $ | 41,381 | |
Special items(1) | | | | | |
| Acquisition expenses | (11) | | | — | | | — | |
Severance and separation costs(2) | 563 | | | 1,575 | | | 1,431 | |
| Performance awards cancellation and exchange | 288 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | |
Accretion of discount on Convertible Notes(1) | 216 | | | 20 | | | — | |
Loss on extinguishment of debt(3) | — | | | 23,807 | | | 190 | |
| Net (gain) loss on divestitures | 6,864 | | | (856) | | | (543) | |
| Impairment of goodwill, intangibles and PPE | 14,952 | | | 500 | | | 2,358 | |
Litigation reserve(4) | 270 | | | 1,050 | | | 200 | |
| | | | | |
Net gain on insurance reimbursements(5) | — | | | — | | | (3,471) | |
Disaster recovery and pandemic costs(6) | 1,627 | | | 2,157 | | | 168 | |
Other special items(7) | 410 | | | 2,354 | | | — | |
Change in uncertain tax reserves and other(1) | — | | | — | | | (533) | |
Tax adjustment related to certain discrete items(1) | 400 | | | — | | | — | |
| Sum of special items | $ | 25,579 | | | $ | 30,607 | | | $ | (200) | |
Tax effect on special items(1) | 7,986 | | | 8,503 | | | 95 | |
Adjusted net income(8) | $ | 33,683 | | | $ | 55,263 | | | $ | 41,086 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| (1) | Special items are defined as charges or credits included in our GAAP financial statements that can vary from period to period and are not reflective of costs incurred in the ordinary course of our operations. Special items are taxed at the operating tax rate for the period except for the Accretion of the discount on Convertible Notes, the Change in uncertain tax reserves and other and the Tax adjustment related to certain discrete items, as these items are not tax effected. |
| (2) | Costs related to the departure of certain key members of leadership. |
| (3) | Loss on the redemption of our 6.625% senior notes due 2026 in 2021 and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the Credit Facility in 2022. |
| (4) | Costs related to litigation matters. |
| (5) | Net gain recognized on insurance reimbursements for property damage caused by Hurricane Ida that occurred during the third quarter of 2021. |
| (6) | Relates to health and safety expenses, including personal protective equipment (“PPE”) due to COVID-19. We purchased more PPE during 2020 and 2021 compared to 2022. |
| (7) | Relates to the write-off of certain fixed assets and interest paid on our 6.625% senior notes due 2026 for the two-week period during which our Senior Notes were issued prior to the redemption of our 6.625% senior notes due 2026. |
| (8) | Adjusted net income is defined as Net income plus adjustments for Special items and other expenses or gains that we believe do not directly reflect our core operations and may not be indicative of our normal business operations. |
Below is a reconciliation of Gross profit (a GAAP financial measure) to Operating profit (a non-GAAP financial measure) (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Gross profit | $ | 105,923 | | | $ | 129,516 | | | $ | 119,226 | |
| | | | | |
| Cemetery property amortization | 4,956 | | | 6,670 | | | 5,859 | |
| Field depreciation expense | 13,006 | | | 12,609 | | | 13,316 | |
| Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs | 18,057 | | | 25,846 | | | 22,960 | |
Operating profit(1) | $ | 141,942 | | | $ | 174,641 | | | $ | 161,361 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| (1) | Operating profit is defined as Gross profit plus Cemetery property amortization, Field depreciation expense and Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs. |
Our operations are reported in two business segments: Funeral Home and Cemetery. Below is a breakdown of Operating profit (a non-GAAP financial measure) by Segment (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Funeral Home | $ | 104,998 | | | $ | 119,007 | | | $ | 111,471 | |
| Cemetery | 36,944 | | | 55,634 | | | 49,890 | |
| Operating profit | $ | 141,942 | | | $ | 174,641 | | | $ | 161,361 | |
| | | | | |
Operating profit margin(1) | 43.1% | | 46.5% | | 43.6% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| (1) | Operating profit margin is defined as Operating profit as a percentage of Revenue. |
Further discussion of Operating profit for our funeral home and cemetery segments is presented under “Results of Operations.”
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021
Results of Operations
The following is a discussion of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021.
We previously classified our funeral homes and cemeteries as “same store” or “acquired” in our results of operations discussion in our quarterly and annual filings prior to December 31, 2022. Same store generally referred to funeral homes and cemeteries acquired at least five years before the reporting period being presented, while acquired generally referred to funeral homes and cemeteries acquired within the preceding five years of the reporting period being presented, both of which excluded certain funeral homes and cemeteries that we intended to divest.
In an effort to simplify the discussion of our results of operations, provide meaningful metrics to investors to compare our results to previous periods and provide more insight into the underlying long-term performance trends in our business, we have combined both the same store and acquired categories and now refer to this combination as “operating”. The term “operating” in the Funeral Home and Cemetery Segment simply refers to all our funeral homes and cemeteries owned and operated in the current reporting period, excluding certain funeral home and cemetery businesses that we have divested or intend to divest in the near future.
The term “divested” when discussed in the Funeral Home Segment, refers to four funeral homes we sold and one funeral home we merged with another business we own in an existing market during the winteryear ended December 31, 2022 and two funeral homes we sold and six funeral homes we merged with other businesses we own in existing markets during the year ended December 31, 2021. The term “divested” when discussed in the Cemetery Segment, refers to one cemetery we sold during the year ended December 31, 2021.
“Planned divested” refers to the funeral home and cemetery businesses that we intend to divest.
“Ancillary” in the Funeral Home Segment represents our flower shop, pet cremation business and online cremation business.
Cemetery property amortization, Field depreciation expense and Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs, are not included in Operating profit, a non-GAAP financial measure. Adding back these items will result in Gross profit, a GAAP financial measure.
Funeral Home Segment
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our Revenue and Operating profit for our funeral home operations (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, | | |
| | 2021 | | 2022 | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Revenue: | | | | | | | |
| Operating | $ | 252,926 | | | $ | 251,396 | | | | | |
| Divested/planned divested | 3,179 | | | 1,560 | | | | | |
| Ancillary | 4,437 | | | 4,193 | | | | | |
| Other | 9,545 | | | 9,754 | | | | | |
| Total | $ | 270,087 | | | $ | 266,903 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Operating Profit: | | | | | | | |
| Operating | $ | 109,204 | | | $ | 101,951 | | | | | |
| Divested/planned divested | 300 | | | 53 | | | | | |
| Ancillary | 1,006 | | | 841 | | | | | |
| Other | 8,497 | | | 8,626 | | | | | |
| Total | $ | 119,007 | | | $ | 111,471 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| The following measures reflect the significant metrics over this comparative period: | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Contract volume | 49,249 | | | 47,498 | | | | | |
| Average revenue per contract, excluding preneed funeral trust earnings | $ | 5,200 | | | $ | 5,326 | | | | | |
| Average revenue per contract, including preneed funeral trust earnings | $ | 5,360 | | | $ | 5,493 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Cremation rate | 56.7% | | 57.7% | | | | |
Funeral home operating revenue decreased $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in operating revenue is primarily driven by a 3.6% decrease in contract volume, which was partially offset by a 2.4% increase in the average revenue per contract excluding preneed interest. The contract volume decrease is primarily a result of the significant decline in COVID-19 related cases in 2022 as compared to 2021, as deaths directly attributable from COVID-19 have now largely decreased to have minimal impact on the overall death rate. The increase in average revenue per contract for 2022 reflects increases of 2.0% and 0.8% in cremations and burials with services, respectively. These increases are primarily due to a combination of price increases and our continued focus on educating families on the many products and service options that are available with burials and cremations.
Funeral home operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2022 decreased $7.3 million when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to an increase in operating expenses as a percentage of revenue. The comparable operating profit margin decreased 260 basis points to 40.6%. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue increased 2.6% with the largest increase in salaries and benefits expenses of 0.9%, general and administrative expenses of 0.4%, facilities and grounds expenses of 0.3% and transportation costs of 0.2%. The increase in operating expenses is partially due to higher costs from inflationary impacts concentrated in our full-time hourly base rates, utilities and funeral supplies.
Ancillary revenue, which represents revenue from our flower shop, pet cremation and online cremation businesses and Ancillary operating profit both decreased $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021.
Other revenue, which consists of preneed funeral insurance commissions and preneed funeral trust and insurance increased $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase is primarily due to a 3.2% and 1.4% increase in number of contracts that matured to atneed and the earnings on those preneed contracts, respectively, for 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, as revenue recognition is driven by preneed contracts
maturing to atneed. Other operating profit increased $0.2 million for the same comparative period, primarily due to the increase in revenue.
Cemetery Segment
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our Revenue and Operating profit for our cemetery operations (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, | | |
| | 2021 | | 2022 | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Revenue: | | | | | | | |
| Operating | $ | 91,330 | | | $ | 90,033 | | | | | |
| Divested/planned divested | 858 | | | 252 | | | | | |
| Other | 13,611 | | | 12,986 | | | | | |
| Total | $ | 105,799 | | | $ | 103,271 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Operating Profit: | | | | | | | |
| Operating | $ | 42,158 | | | $ | 37,509 | | | | | |
| Divested/planned divested | 365 | | | (47) | | | | | |
| Other | 13,111 | | | 12,428 | | | | | |
| Total | $ | 55,634 | | | $ | 49,890 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| The following measures reflect the significant metrics over this comparative period: | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Preneed revenue as a percentage of operating revenue | 63% | | 62% | | | | |
| Preneed revenue (in thousands) | $ | 57,886 | | | $ | 56,099 | | | | | |
| Atneed revenue (in thousands) | $ | 34,302 | | | $ | 34,186 | | | | | |
| Number of preneed interment rights sold | 11,408 | | | 10,878 | | | | | |
| Average price per interment right sold | $ | 4,718 | | | $ | 4,576 | | | | | |
Cemetery operating revenue decreased $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, as we experienced a 4.6% decline in the number of preneed interment rights sold, as well as a 3.0% decline in the average price per preneed interment right sold. The decline in the number of preneed interment rights sold is partially due to turnover we experienced at certain cemeteries in our preneed sales organization, as we continue to focus on recruiting the right sales leadership teams. The decrease in the average price per preneed internment right sold is primarily due to a decline of higher-end property sales at certain cemeteries during 2022 compared to 2021. Cemetery atneed revenue, which represents 38% of our total operating revenue, remained flat for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the prior year.
Cemetery operating profit decreased $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to an increase in operating expenses as a percentage of revenue. The comparable operating profit margin decreased 450 basis points to 41.7%. Operating expenses as a percent of operating revenue increased 4.5%, which was primarily comprised of an increase in facilities and grounds expenses of 1.0%, an increase in the allowance for credit losses of 0.8%, due to a change in estimate in the second quarter of 2021, which resulted in lower credit loss expense in the prior period, and an increase in merchandise costs of 0.6%. The increase in operating expenses is partially due to higher costs from inflationary impacts concentrated in our utilities and merchandise costs.
Other revenue, which consists of preneed cemetery trust revenue and preneed cemetery finance charges decreased $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in realized capital gains from our perpetual care trust fund. Other operating profit decreased $0.5 million for the same comparative period, primarily due to the decrease in revenue.
Cemetery property amortization. Cemetery property amortization totaled $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $0.8 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to the decrease in property sold across our cemetery portfolio.
Field depreciation. Depreciation expense for our field businesses totaled $13.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $0.7 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to depreciation from computer and hardware equipment added in the last twelve months, as well as from assets added as a result of our 2022 acquisitions.
Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs. Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs consist of salaries and benefits for regional management, field incentive compensation and other related costs for field infrastructure. Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs totaled $23.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $2.9 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to the following: (1) a $3.1 million decrease in cash incentives and equity compensation; (2) a $1.4 million decrease in health and safety expenses related to COVID-19; (3) a $0.2 million decrease in salary and benefits expenses; offset by (4) a $1.1 million increase in incentive award trips and annual managing partner meetings, which were postponed in the prior year due to COVID-19; and (5) a $0.8 million increase in other general administrative costs.
Other Financial Statement Items
General, administrative and other. General, administrative and other expenses totaled $36.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $2.9 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to the following: (1) a $3.2 million increase in salary and benefits expenses, which includes talent additions to our recently developed marketing department, as well as a Chief Information Officer; (2) a $2.0 million increase in other general administrative costs, which includes higher online marketing and advertising costs and software license fees for new technology; offset by (3) a $1.4 million decrease in cash incentives and equity compensation; (4) a $1.3 million decrease in insurance claims expense, which includes a one-time $1.0 million payment for residual insurance claims in 2021; (5) a $0.6 million decrease in separation expense related to the departure of certain key members of leadership; and (6) a $0.2 million decrease in divestiture expenses.
Net loss on divestitures, disposals and impairment charges. The components of Net loss on divestitures, disposals and impairment charges are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Years Ended December 31, |
| | | | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| | | | | | | |
| Impairments related to assets held for sale | | | | | $ | 500 | | | $ | 2,358 | |
| Net gain on divestitures and real property | | | | | (856) | | | (543) | |
| Net loss on disposals of fixed assets | | | | | 1,022 | | | 214 | |
| Total | | | | | $ | 666 | | | $ | 2,029 | |
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized impairments of $1.0 million related to property, plant and equipment, $0.9 million related to cemetery property and $0.4 million related to goodwill for assets held for sale. In addition, we divested four funeral homes and sold real property for a net gain of $0.7 million, of which $0.2 million was recorded in Other, net. We also disposed of damaged and obsolete property, plant and equipment that had a carrying value of $0.2 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized an impairment of $0.5 million related to property, plant and equipment assets held for sale. In addition, we sold two funeral homes and one cemetery and sold real property for a net gain of $0.9 million. We also disposed of damaged and obsolete property, plant and equipment that had a carrying value of $1.0 million.
Interest expense. Interest expense related to its respective debt arrangement is as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Years Ended December 31, |
| | | | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Senior Notes | | | | | $ | 22,381 | | | $ | 17,614 | |
| Credit Facility | | | | | 2,200 | | | 7,517 | |
| Finance leases | | | | | 471 | | | 442 | |
| Acquisition debt | | | | | 364 | | | 311 | |
| Convertible Notes | | | | | 19 | | | — | |
| Other | | | | | 10 | | | 11 | |
| Total | | | | | $ | 25,445 | | | $ | 25,895 | |
Gain on insurance reimbursements. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded a gain on the reimbursements received from insurance for property damaged by Hurricane Ida that occurred during the third quarter of 2021.
Income taxes. Our income tax provision was $15.8 million and $11.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and our operating tax rate before discrete items was 28.4% and 27.8% for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
We recorded a net discrete tax benefit of $0.4 million and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The net discrete tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2022, includes benefit related to equity compensation and other adjustments including return to provision analysis and state legislative changes. Our effective tax rate was 27.6% and 25.2% for years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
At December 31, 2022, our unrecognized tax benefit reserve for uncertain tax positions primarily relates to the uncertainty of receiving audit protection for revenue recognition of cemetery property for the benefit derived from carrying back losses to tax years with a higher effective tax rate than the current 21.0% rate. Our unrecognized tax benefit reserve for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $3.3 million and $3.8 million, respectively.
See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Notes 1 and 17 for additional information regarding income taxes.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Understanding our accounting policies and the extent to which our management uses judgment, assumptions and estimates in applying these policies is integral to understanding our Consolidated Financial Statements. Our critical accounting policies are more fully described in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 1.
We have identified the following accounting policies as those that require significant judgments, assumptions and estimates and that have a significant impact on our financial condition and results of operations. These policies are considered critical because they may result in fluctuations in our reported results from period to period due to the significant judgments, estimates and assumptions about complex and inherently uncertain matters and because the incidencesuse of death from influenza and pneumonia are higher during this period than other periods of the year.
INFLATION
Inflation has not haddifferent judgments, assumptions or estimates could have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations overoperations. Actual results may differ from these estimates and such estimates may change if the last three fiscal years.underlying conditions or assumptions change. Historical performance should not be viewed as indicative of future performance because there can be no assurance the margins, operating income and net earnings, as a percentage of revenue, will be consistent from period to period. We evaluate our critical accounting estimates and judgments required by our policies on an ongoing basis and update them as appropriate based on changing conditions.
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ITEM 7A. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK. |
Our quantitative goodwill impairment test involves estimates and management judgment. In the quantitative analysis, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. We determine fair value for each reporting unit using both an income approach, weighted 90%, and a market approach, weighted 10%. Our methodology for determining an income-based fair value is based on discounting projected future cash flows. The discounted cash flow valuation uses projections of future cash flows and includes assumptions concerning future operating performance and economic conditions that may differ from actual future cash flows. Our methodology for determining a market approach fair value utilizes the guideline public company method, in which we rely on market multiples of comparable companies operating in the same industry as the individual reporting units. In accordance with the guidance, if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount an impairment charge is recorded in an amount equal to the difference.
See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 4 for additional information related to goodwill.
Business Combinations
Determining the fair value of identifiable assets, particularly intangibles and liabilities acquired also requires management to make estimates, which are based on all available information and in some cases assumptions with respect to the timing and amount of future revenues and expenses associated with an asset. To the extent that information not available to us at the closing date subsequently becomes available during the allocation period, we may adjust goodwill, intangible assets, assets or liabilities associated with the acquisition.
When we acquire a cemetery, we utilize an internal and external approach to determine the fair value of the cemetery property. From an external perspective, we obtain an accredited appraisal to provide reasonable assurance for property existence, property availability (unrestricted) for development, property lines, available spaces to sell, identifiable obstacles or easements and general valuation inclusive of known variables in that market. From an internal perspective, we conduct a detailed analysis of the acquired cemetery property using other cemeteries in our portfolio as a benchmark. This provides the added benefit of relevant data that is not available to third party appraisers. Through this thorough internal process, the Company is able to identify viable costs of property based on historical experience, particular markets and demographics, reasonable margins, practical retail prices and park infrastructure and condition.
See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 3 for additional information related to business combinations.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS, ACCOUNTING CHANGES AND OTHER REGULATIONS
For discussion of recent accounting pronouncements and accounting changes, see Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 2.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
In the ordinary course of business, we are typically exposed to a variety of market risks. Currently, these are primarily related to interest rate risk and changes in the values of securities associated with the preneed and perpetual care trusts. Management is actively involved in monitoring exposure to market risk and developing and utilizing appropriate risk management techniques when appropriate and when available forat a reasonable price. We are not exposed to any other significant market risks.risks other than those related to COVID-19 and inflation which are described in more detail in Part 1, Item 1A, Risk Factors in this Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
The following quantitative and qualitative information is provided about financial instruments to which we are a party at December 31, 20172022 and from which we may incur future gains or losses from changes in market conditions. We do not enter into derivative or other financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.
Hypothetical changes in interest rates and the values of securities associated with the preneed and perpetual care trusts chosen for the following estimated sensitivity analysis are considered to be reasonable near-term changes generally based on consideration of past fluctuations for each risk category. However, since it is not possible to accurately predict future changes in interest rates, these hypothetical changes may not necessarily be an indicator of probable future fluctuations.
The following information about our market-sensitive financial instruments constitutes a “forward-looking statement.”
In connection with our preneed funeral operations and preneed cemetery merchandise and service sales, the related funeral and cemetery trust funds own investments in equity and debt securities and mutual funds, which are sensitive to current market prices. Cost and market values of such investments as ofat December 31, 20172022 are presented in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Notes 6, 8 and 10.Note 7. The sensitivity of the fixed income securities is such that a 0.25% change in interest rates causes an approximate 1.51%1.11% change in the value of the fixed income securities.
We monitor current and forecasted interest rate risk in the ordinary course of business and seek to maintain optimal financial flexibility, quality and solvency. As of December 31, 2017,2022, we had outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility of $92.0 million under our $150.0 million revolving credit facility and $127.5 million outstanding on our term loan.$190.7 million. Any further borrowings or voluntary prepayments against the revolving credit facilityCredit Facility or any change in the floating rate would cause a change in interest expense. We have the option to pay interest under our Credit Facility at either the prime rate or the LIBORBSBY rate, plus a margin.an applicable margin based on our leverage ratio. At December 31, 2017,2022, the prime rate margin was equivalent to 1.550%2.375% and the LIBORBSBY rate margin was 2.125%3.375%. Assuming the outstanding balance remains unchanged, a change of 100 basis points in our borrowing rate would result in a change in income before taxes of $2.2$1.9 million. We have not entered into interest rate hedging arrangements in the past. Management continually evaluates the cost and potential benefits of interest rate hedging arrangements.
Our ConvertibleSenior Notes bear interest at the fixed annual rate of 2.75%4.25%. The ConvertibleWe may redeem the Senior Notes, do not contain a call feature.in whole or in part, at the redemption price of 102.13% on or after May 15, 2024, 101.06% on or after May 15, 2025 and 100% on or after May 15, 2026, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. At any time before May 15, 2024, we may also redeem all or part of the Senior Notes at the redemption prices described in the Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but excluding) the date of redemption. At December 31, 2017,2022, the costcarrying value of the ConvertibleSenior Notes on our Consolidated Balance SheetsSheet was approximately $126.2$395.2 million and the fair value of the ConvertibleSenior Notes was approximately $180.3$322.3 million based on the last traded or broker quoted price as reported by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.FINRA. Increases in market interest rates may cause the value of the ConvertibleSenior Notes to decrease, but such changes will not affect our interest costs.
The remainder of our long-term debt and leases consist of non-interest bearing notes and fixed rate instruments that do not trade in a market and do not have a quoted market value. Any increase in market interest rates causes the fair value of those liabilities to decrease, but such changes will not affect our interest costs.
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ITEM 8. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA. |
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Carriage Services, Inc.:
Opinion on the financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Carriage Services, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20162022 and 2017 and2021, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders'stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017,2022, and the related notes and financial statement schedule included under Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20162022 and 2017,2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017,2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2022, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-IntegratedControl—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated February 21, 2018March 1, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion.
Basis for opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical audit matters
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2014.
Houston,Dallas, Texas
February 21, 2018March 1, 2023
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Carriage Services, Inc.:
Opinion on internal control over financial reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Carriage Services, Inc., (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017,2022, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-IntegratedControl—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2022, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-IntegratedControl—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017,2022, and our report dated February 21, 2018March 1, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Houston,Dallas, Texas
February 21, 2018March 1, 2023
CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSSHEET
(in thousands, except share data) | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, |
| | 2021 | | 2022 |
| ASSETS | | | |
| Current assets: | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,148 | | | $ | 1,170 | |
| Accounts receivable, net | 25,314 | | | 24,458 | |
| Inventories | 7,346 | | | 7,613 | |
| Prepaid and other current assets | 6,404 | | | 4,733 | |
| Total current assets | 40,212 | | | 37,974 | |
| Preneed cemetery trust investments | 100,903 | | | 95,065 | |
| Preneed funeral trust investments | 113,658 | | | 104,553 | |
| Preneed cemetery receivables, net | 23,150 | | | 26,672 | |
| Receivables from preneed funeral trusts, net | 19,009 | | | 19,976 | |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 269,367 | | | 278,106 | |
| Cemetery property, net | 100,701 | | | 104,170 | |
| Goodwill | 391,972 | | | 410,137 | |
| Intangible and other non-current assets, net | 29,378 | | | 32,930 | |
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 17,881 | | | 17,060 | |
| Cemetery perpetual care trust investments | 72,400 | | | 66,307 | |
| Total assets | $ | 1,178,631 | | | $ | 1,192,950 | |
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | |
| Current liabilities: | | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| Current portion of debt and lease obligations | $ | 2,809 | | | $ | 3,172 | |
| Accounts payable | 14,205 | | | 11,675 | |
| Accrued and other liabilities | 43,773 | | | 30,621 | |
| Total current liabilities | 60,787 | | | 45,468 | |
| Acquisition debt, net of current portion | 3,979 | | | 3,438 | |
| Credit facility | 153,857 | | | 188,836 | |
| | | |
| Senior notes | 394,610 | | | 395,243 | |
| Obligations under finance leases, net of current portion | 5,157 | | | 4,743 | |
| Obligations under operating leases, net of current portion | 18,520 | | | 17,315 | |
| Deferred preneed cemetery revenue | 50,202 | | | 51,746 | |
| Deferred preneed funeral revenue | 30,584 | | | 32,029 | |
| Deferred tax liability | 45,784 | | | 48,820 | |
| Other long-term liabilities | 1,419 | | | 3,065 | |
| Deferred preneed cemetery receipts held in trust | 100,903 | | | 95,065 | |
| Deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust | 113,658 | | | 104,553 | |
| Care trusts’ corpus | 71,156 | | | 65,495 | |
| Total liabilities | 1,050,616 | | | 1,055,816 | |
| Commitments and contingencies: | | | |
| Stockholders’ equity: | | | |
| Common stock, $0.01 par value; 80,000,000 shares authorized and 26,264,245 and 26,359,876 shares issued, respectively and 15,331,923 and 14,732,058 shares outstanding, respectively | 263 | | | 264 | |
| Additional paid-in capital | 236,809 | | | 238,780 | |
| Retained earnings | 135,462 | | | 176,843 | |
| Treasury stock, at cost; 10,932,322 and 11,627,818 shares, respectively | (244,519) | | | (278,753) | |
| Total stockholders’ equity | 128,015 | | | 137,134 | |
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 1,178,631 | | | $ | 1,192,950 | |
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
|
| | | | | | | |
| | December 31, |
| | 2016 | | 2017 |
| ASSETS | | | |
| Current assets: | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 3,286 |
| | $ | 952 |
|
| Accounts receivable, net of allowance for bad debts of $746 in 2016 and $835 in 2017 | 18,860 |
| | 19,655 |
|
| Inventories | 6,147 |
| | 6,519 |
|
| Prepaid expenses | 2,640 |
| | 2,028 |
|
| Other current assets | 2,034 |
| | 986 |
|
| Total current assets | 32,967 |
| | 30,140 |
|
| Preneed cemetery trust investments | 69,696 |
| | 73,853 |
|
| Preneed funeral trust investments | 89,240 |
| | 90,682 |
|
| Preneed receivables, net of allowance for bad debts of $2,166 in 2016 and $2,278 in 2017 | 30,383 |
| | 31,644 |
|
| Receivables from preneed trusts | 14,218 |
| | 15,287 |
|
| Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $110,509 in 2016 and $115,776 in 2017 | 235,113 |
| | 247,294 |
|
| Cemetery property, net of accumulated amortization of $34,194 in 2016 and $37,543 in 2017 | 76,119 |
| | 76,331 |
|
| Goodwill | 275,487 |
| | 287,956 |
|
| Intangible and other non-current assets | 14,957 |
| | 18,117 |
|
| Cemetery perpetual care trust investments | 46,889 |
| | 50,229 |
|
| Total assets | $ | 885,069 |
| | $ | 921,533 |
|
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | |
| Current liabilities: | | | |
| Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations | $ | 13,267 |
| | $ | 17,251 |
|
| Accounts payable | 10,198 |
| | 6,547 |
|
| Other liabilities | 717 |
| | 1,361 |
|
| Accrued liabilities | 20,091 |
| | 17,559 |
|
| Total current liabilities | 44,273 |
| | 42,718 |
|
| Long-term debt, net of current portion | 137,862 |
| | 121,034 |
|
| Revolving credit facility | 66,542 |
| | 91,120 |
|
| Convertible subordinated notes due 2021 | 119,596 |
| | 124,441 |
|
| Obligations under capital leases, net of current portion | 2,630 |
| | 6,361 |
|
| Deferred preneed cemetery revenue | 54,631 |
| | 54,690 |
|
| Deferred preneed funeral revenue | 33,198 |
| | 34,585 |
|
| Deferred tax liability | 42,810 |
| | 31,159 |
|
| Other long-term liabilities | 2,567 |
| | 3,378 |
|
| Deferred preneed cemetery receipts held in trust | 69,696 |
| | 73,853 |
|
| Deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust | 89,240 |
| | 90,682 |
|
| Care trusts’ corpus | 46,290 |
| | 49,856 |
|
| Total liabilities | 709,335 |
| | 723,877 |
|
| Commitments and contingencies: |
|
| |
|
|
| Stockholders’ equity: | | | |
| Common stock, $.01 par value; 80,000,000 shares authorized; 22,490,855 and 22,622,242 issued as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively | 225 |
| | 226 |
|
| Additional paid-in capital | 215,064 |
| | 216,158 |
|
| Retained earnings | 20,711 |
| | 57,904 |
|
| Treasury stock, at cost; 5,849,316 and 6,523,370 shares at December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively | (60,266 | ) | | (76,632 | ) |
| Total stockholders’ equity | 175,734 |
| | 197,656 |
|
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 885,069 |
| | $ | 921,533 |
|
CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Revenue: | | | | | |
| Service revenue | $ | 164,984 | | | $ | 180,572 | | | $ | 181,271 | |
| Property and merchandise revenue | 139,630 | | | 167,721 | | | 161,970 | |
| Other revenue | 24,834 | | | 27,593 | | | 26,933 | |
| 329,448 | | | 375,886 | | | 370,174 | |
| Field costs and expenses: | | | | | |
| Cost of service | 79,634 | | | 82,395 | | | 87,322 | |
| Cost of merchandise | 103,064 | | | 113,871 | | | 116,453 | |
| Cemetery property amortization | 4,956 | | | 6,670 | | | 5,859 | |
| Field depreciation expense | 13,006 | | | 12,609 | | | 13,316 | |
| Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs | 18,057 | | | 25,846 | | | 22,960 | |
| Other expenses | 4,808 | | | 4,979 | | | 5,038 | |
| 223,525 | | | 246,370 | | | 250,948 | |
| Gross profit | 105,923 | | | 129,516 | | | 119,226 | |
| Corporate costs and expenses: | | | | | |
| General, administrative and other | 27,254 | | | 35,190 | | | 37,471 | |
| | | | | |
| Net loss on divestitures, disposals and impairment charges | 21,442 | | | 666 | | | 2,029 | |
| Operating income | 57,227 | | | 93,660 | | | 79,726 | |
| | | | | |
| Interest expense | (32,515) | | | (25,445) | | | (25,895) | |
| Accretion of discount on convertible notes | (216) | | | (20) | | | — | |
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | (6) | | | (23,807) | | | (190) | |
| Gain on insurance reimbursements | — | | | — | | | 3,471 | |
| Other, net | 152 | | | (84) | | | 82 | |
| Income before income taxes | 24,642 | | | 44,304 | | | 57,194 | |
| Expense for income taxes | (7,985) | | | (12,316) | | | (16,243) | |
| Tax adjustment related to discrete items | (567) | | | 1,171 | | | 430 | |
| Total expense for income taxes | (8,552) | | | (11,145) | | | (15,813) | |
| Net income | $ | 16,090 | | | $ | 33,159 | | | $ | 41,381 | |
| | | | | |
| Basic earnings per common share: | $ | 0.90 | | | $ | 1.90 | | | $ | 2.78 | |
| Diluted earnings per common share: | $ | 0.89 | | | $ | 1.81 | | | $ | 2.63 | |
| | | | | |
| Dividends declared per common share: | $ | 0.3375 | | | $ | 0.4125 | | | $ | 0.4500 | |
| Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding: | | | | | |
| Basic | 17,872 | | | 17,409 | | | 14,857 | |
| Diluted | 18,077 | | | 18,266 | | | 15,710 | |
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Shares
Outstanding | | Common
Stock | | Additional
Paid-in
Capital | | Retained
Earnings | | Treasury
Stock | | Total |
| Balance – December 31, 2019 | 17,855 | | | $ | 259 | | | $ | 242,147 | | | $ | 86,213 | | | $ | (102,050) | | | $ | 226,569 | |
| Net Income – 2020 | — | | | — | | | — | | | 16,090 | | | — | | | 16,090 | |
| Issuance of common stock from employee stock purchase plan | 72 | | | 1 | | | 1,201 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,202 | |
| Issuance of common stock to directors and board advisor | 31 | | | — | | | 653 | | | — | | | — | | | 653 | |
| Issuance of restricted common stock | 10 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Exercise of stock options | 20 | | | — | | | (70) | | | — | | | — | | | (70) | |
| Cancellation and surrender of restricted common stock | (11) | | | — | | | (250) | | | — | | | — | | | (250) | |
| Stock-based compensation expense | — | | | — | | | 2,717 | | | — | | | — | | | 2,717 | |
| Dividends on common stock | — | | | — | | | (6,048) | | | — | | | — | | | (6,048) | |
| Convertible notes repurchase | — | | | — | | | (828) | | | — | | | — | | | (828) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Other | 18 | | | — | | | 467 | | | — | | | — | | | 467 | |
| Balance – December 31, 2020 | 17,995 | | | $ | 260 | | | $ | 239,989 | | | $ | 102,303 | | | $ | (102,050) | | | $ | 240,502 | |
| Net Income – 2021 | — | | | — | | | — | | | 33,159 | | | — | | | 33,159 | |
| Issuance of common stock from employee stock purchase plan | 62 | | | 1 | | | 1,629 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,630 | |
| Issuance of common stock to directors and board advisor | 15 | | | — | | | 642 | | | — | | | — | | | 642 | |
| Exercise of stock options | 169 | | | 2 | | | (1,259) | | | — | | | — | | | (1,257) | |
| Issuance of restricted common stock | 9 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Cancellation and surrender of restricted common stock | (11) | | | — | | | (375) | | | — | | | — | | | (375) | |
| Stock-based compensation expense | — | | | — | | | 4,871 | | | — | | | — | | | 4,871 | |
| Dividends on common stock | — | | | — | | | (7,264) | | | — | | | — | | | (7,264) | |
| Convertible notes conversions | — | | | — | | | (1,424) | | | — | | | — | | | (1,424) | |
| Treasury stock acquired | (2,907) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (142,469) | | | (142,469) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance – December 31, 2021 | 15,332 | | | $ | 263 | | | $ | 236,809 | | | $ | 135,462 | | | $ | (244,519) | | | $ | 128,015 | |
| Net Income – 2022 | — | | | — | | | — | | | 41,381 | | | — | | | 41,381 | |
| Issuance of common stock from employee stock purchase plan | 52 | | | 1 | | | 1,685 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,686 | |
| Issuance of common stock to directors and board advisor | 12 | | | — | | | 435 | | | — | | | — | | | 435 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Exercise of stock options | 10 | | | — | | | (63) | | | — | | | — | | | (63) | |
| Cancellation and surrender of restricted common stock | (6) | | | — | | | (205) | | | — | | | — | | | (205) | |
| Stock-based compensation expense | — | | | — | | | 5,524 | | | — | | | — | | | 5,524 | |
| Dividends on common stock | — | | | — | | | (6,763) | | | — | | | — | | | (6,763) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Treasury stock acquired | (695) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (34,234) | | | (34,234) | |
| Other | 27 | | | — | | | 1,358 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,358 | |
| Balance – December 31, 2022 | 14,732 | | | $ | 264 | | | $ | 238,780 | | | $ | 176,843 | | | $ | (278,753) | | | $ | 137,134 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONSCASH FLOWS
(in thousands, except per share data)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 |
| Revenues: | | | | | |
| Funeral | $ | 185,818 |
| | $ | 189,401 |
| | $ | 200,886 |
|
| Cemetery | 56,684 |
| | 58,799 |
| | 57,253 |
|
| | 242,502 |
| | 248,200 |
| | 258,139 |
|
| Field costs and expenses: | | | | | |
| Funeral | 109,166 |
| | 110,218 |
| | 118,905 |
|
| Cemetery | 31,797 |
| | 33,569 |
| | 34,722 |
|
| Depreciation and amortization | 12,034 |
| | 13,919 |
| | 14,374 |
|
| Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs | 11,997 |
| | 10,844 |
| | 13,339 |
|
| | 164,994 |
| | 168,550 |
| | 181,340 |
|
| Gross profit | 77,508 |
| | 79,650 |
| | 76,799 |
|
| Corporate costs and expenses: | | | | | |
| General, administrative and other | 27,114 |
| | 27,944 |
| | 26,253 |
|
| Home office depreciation and amortization | 1,746 |
| | 1,502 |
| | 1,605 |
|
| | 28,860 |
| | 29,446 |
| | 27,858 |
|
| Operating income | 48,648 |
| | 50,204 |
| | 48,941 |
|
| Interest expense | (10,559 | ) | | (11,738 | ) | | (12,948 | ) |
| Accretion of discount on convertible subordinated notes | (3,454 | ) | | (3,870 | ) | | (4,329 | ) |
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | — |
| | (567 | ) | | — |
|
| Other, net | (45 | ) | | (1,788 | ) | | 1,118 |
|
| Income before income taxes | 34,590 |
| | 32,241 |
| | 32,782 |
|
| Provision for income taxes | (13,737 | ) | | (12,682 | ) | | (13,100 | ) |
| Tax adjustment related to certain discrete items | — |
| | 22 |
| | 17,511 |
|
| Total (provision) benefit for income taxes | $ | (13,737 | ) | | $ | (12,660 | ) | | $ | 4,411 |
|
| Net income | $ | 20,853 |
| | $ | 19,581 |
| | $ | 37,193 |
|
| | | | | | |
| Basic earnings per common share | $ | 1.16 |
| | $ | 1.18 |
| | $ | 2.25 |
|
| Diluted earnings per common share | $ | 1.12 |
| | $ | 1.12 |
| | $ | 2.09 |
|
| | | | | | |
| Dividends declared per share | $ | 0.10 |
| | $ | 0.15 |
| | $ | 0.225 |
|
| Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding: | | | | | |
| Basic | 17,791 |
| | 16,515 |
| | 16,438 |
|
| Diluted | 18,313 |
| | 17,460 |
| | 17,715 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | |
| Net income | $ | 16,090 | | | $ | 33,159 | | | $ | 41,381 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 19,389 | | | 20,520 | | | 19,799 | |
| Provision for credit losses | 2,318 | | | 1,783 | | | 2,818 | |
| Stock-based compensation expense | 3,370 | | | 5,513 | | | 5,959 | |
| Deferred income tax expense (benefit) | 4,597 | | | (692) | | | 3,036 | |
| Amortization of intangibles | 1,299 | | | 1,285 | | | 1,286 | |
| Amortization of debt issuance costs | 782 | | | 576 | | | 552 | |
| Amortization and accretion of debt | 523 | | | 439 | | | 493 | |
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | 6 | | | 23,807 | | | 190 | |
| Net loss on divestitures, disposals and impairment charges | 21,693 | | | 847 | | | 2,029 | |
| Gain on insurance reimbursements | (97) | | | — | | | (3,471) | |
| Other | 19 | | | — | | | (155) | |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities that provided (used) cash: | | | | | |
| Accounts and preneed receivables | (4,279) | | | (4,090) | | | (5,358) | |
| Inventories, prepaid and other current assets | 3,516 | | | (4,449) | | | 2,295 | |
| Intangible and other non-current assets | (1,015) | | | (1,181) | | | (1,917) | |
| Preneed funeral and cemetery trust investments | (5,043) | | | (31,349) | | | (17,679) | |
| Accounts payable | 2,702 | | | 522 | | | (101) | |
| Accrued and other liabilities | 10,784 | | | 3,485 | | | (9,120) | |
| Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery revenue | 528 | | | 5,010 | | | 1,302 | |
| Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust | 5,733 | | | 29,061 | | | 17,685 | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 82,915 | | | 84,246 | | | 61,024 | |
| | | | | |
| Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | |
| Acquisitions of businesses and real estate | (28,011) | | | (3,285) | | | (33,876) | |
| Proceeds from divestitures and sale of other assets | 8,541 | | | 7,875 | | | 5,027 | |
| Proceeds from insurance reimbursements | 248 | | | 7,758 | | | 2,440 | |
| Capital expenditures | (15,198) | | | (24,883) | | | (26,081) | |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (34,420) | | | (12,535) | | | (52,490) | |
| | | | | |
| Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | |
| Borrowings from the credit facility | 109,500 | | | 266,168 | | | 155,400 | |
| Payments against the credit facility | (146,100) | | | (157,968) | | | (120,100) | |
| Payment to redeem the 6.625% senior notes due 2026 | — | | | (400,000) | | | — | |
| Payment of call premium for the redemption of the 6.625% senior notes due 2026 | — | | | (19,876) | | | — | |
| Proceeds from the issuance of the 4.25% senior notes due 2029 | — | | | 395,500 | | | — | |
| Payment of debt issuance costs for the credit facility and 4.25% senior notes due 2029 | (78) | | | (2,197) | | | (922) | |
| Conversions and maturity of the convertible notes | (4,563) | | | (3,980) | | | — | |
| Payments on acquisition debt and obligations under finance leases | (1,745) | | | (1,331) | | | (882) | |
| Payments on contingent consideration recorded at acquisition date | (169) | | | (461) | | | — | |
| Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan contributions | 1,229 | | | 2,644 | | | 1,745 | |
| Taxes paid on restricted stock vestings and exercise of stock options | (348) | | | (2,647) | | | (327) | |
| Dividends paid on common stock | (6,048) | | | (7,264) | | | (6,763) | |
| Purchase of treasury stock | — | | | (140,040) | | | (36,663) | |
| Net cash used in financing activities | (48,322) | | | (71,452) | | | (8,512) | |
| | | | | |
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 173 | | | 259 | | | 22 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 716 | | | 889 | | | 1,148 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $ | 889 | | | $ | 1,148 | | | $ | 1,170 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Shares Outstanding | | Common Stock | | Additional Paid-in Capital | | Retained Earnings (Deficit) | | Treasury Stock | | Total |
| Balance – December 31, 2014 | 18,512 |
| | $ | 224 |
| | $ | 212,386 |
| | $ | (17,468 | ) | | $ | (15,267 | ) | | $ | 179,875 |
|
| Adjustment to correct immaterial error | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (2,255 | ) | | — |
| | (2,255 | ) |
| Net Income – 2015 | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 20,853 |
| | — |
| | 20,853 |
|
| Issuance of common stock | 53 |
| | 1 |
| | 981 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 982 |
|
| Exercise of stock options | 43 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Issuance of restricted common stock | 43 |
| | 1 |
| | 50 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 51 |
|
| Cancellation and retirement of restricted common stock and stock options | (75 | ) | | (1 | ) | | (1,607 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (1,608 | ) |
| Stock-based compensation expense | — |
| | — |
| | 4,195 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 4,195 |
|
| Dividends on common stock | — |
| | — |
| | (1,819 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (1,819 | ) |
| Treasury Stock acquired | (1,928 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (44,999 | ) | | (44,999 | ) |
| Excess tax benefit on equity compensation | — |
| | — |
| | 64 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 64 |
|
| Balance – December 31, 2015 | 16,648 |
| | $ | 225 |
| | $ | 214,250 |
| | $ | 1,130 |
| | $ | (60,266 | ) | | $ | 155,339 |
|
| Net Income – 2016 | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 19,581 |
| | — |
| | 19,581 |
|
| Issuance of common stock | 45 |
| | — |
| | 872 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 872 |
|
| Exercise of stock options | 48 |
| | 1 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1 |
|
| Issuance of restricted common stock | 18 |
| | — |
| | 12 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 12 |
|
| Cancellation and retirement of restricted common stock and stock options | (118 | ) | | (1 | ) | | (888 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (889 | ) |
| Stock-based compensation expense | — |
| | — |
| | 3,526 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 3,526 |
|
| Dividends on common stock | — |
| | — |
| | (2,492 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (2,492 | ) |
| Excess tax benefit on equity compensation | — |
| | — |
| | (216 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (216 | ) |
| Balance – December 31, 2016 | 16,641 |
| | $ | 225 |
| | $ | 215,064 |
| | $ | 20,711 |
| | $ | (60,266 | ) | | $ | 175,734 |
|
| Net Income – 2017 | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 37,193 |
| | — |
| | 37,193 |
|
| Issuance of common stock | 68 |
| | 1 |
| | 1,637 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,638 |
|
| Exercise of stock options | 61 |
| | — |
| | 514 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 514 |
|
| Issuance of restricted common stock | 27 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Cancellation and retirement of restricted common stock and stock options | (25 | ) | | — |
| | (551 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (551 | ) |
| Stock-based compensation expense | — |
| | — |
| | 3,203 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 3,203 |
|
| Dividends on common stock | — |
| | — |
| | (3,709 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (3,709 | ) |
| Treasury Stock acquired | (674 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (16,366 | ) | | (16,366 | ) |
| Balance – December 31, 2017 | 16,098 |
| | $ | 226 |
| | $ | 216,158 |
| | $ | 57,904 |
| | $ | (76,632 | ) | | $ | 197,656 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 |
| Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | |
| Net income | $ | 20,853 |
| | $ | 19,581 |
| | $ | 37,193 |
|
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 13,780 |
| | 15,421 |
| | 15,979 |
|
| Provision for losses on accounts receivable | 1,679 |
| | 2,098 |
| | 2,198 |
|
| Stock-based compensation expense | 4,444 |
| | 3,229 |
| | 3,162 |
|
| Deferred income tax expense (benefit) | 3,035 |
| | 4,855 |
| | (11,651 | ) |
| Amortization of deferred financing costs | 921 |
| | 824 |
| | 820 |
|
| Accretion of discount on convertible subordinated notes | 3,454 |
| | 3,870 |
| | 4,329 |
|
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | — |
| | 567 |
| | — |
|
| Net (gain) loss on sale of businesses and disposal of other assets | (49 | ) | | 2,077 |
| | (710 | ) |
| Impairment of intangible assets | — |
| | 145 |
| | — |
|
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities that provided (required) cash: | | | | | |
| Accounts and preneed receivables | (2,310 | ) | | (5,162 | ) | | (4,254 | ) |
| Inventories and other current assets | 2,582 |
| | 1,995 |
| | 1,446 |
|
| Intangible and other non-current assets | 150 |
| | (1,155 | ) | | 149 |
|
| Preneed funeral and cemetery trust investments | 25,543 |
| | (14,528 | ) | | (10,008 | ) |
| Accounts payable | 1,445 |
| | 2,112 |
| | (3,649 | ) |
| Accrued and other liabilities | 2,091 |
| | 780 |
| | (385 | ) |
| Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery revenue | 329 |
| | (640 | ) | | 1,446 |
|
| Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust | (26,461 | ) | | 13,966 |
| | 9,165 |
|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 51,486 |
| | 50,035 |
| | 45,230 |
|
| | | | | | |
| Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | |
| Acquisitions and land for new construction | (9,725 | ) | | (26,556 | ) | | (28,799 | ) |
| Purchase of land and buildings previously leased | (6,080 | ) | | (6,258 | ) | | — |
|
| Net proceeds from sale of businesses and other assets | 65 |
| | 4,385 |
| | 5,731 |
|
| Capital expenditures | (29,744 | ) | | (16,846 | ) | | (16,395 | ) |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (45,484 | ) | | (45,275 | ) | | (39,463 | ) |
| | | | | | |
| Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | |
| Borrowings from the revolving credit facility | 103,600 |
| | 71,200 |
| | 106,900 |
|
| Payments against the revolving credit facility | (51,500 | ) | | (96,100 | ) | | (82,600 | ) |
| Borrowings from the term loan | 1,562 |
| | 39,063 |
| | — |
|
| Payments against the term loan | (10,937 | ) | | (11,250 | ) | | (11,250 | ) |
| Payments on long-term debt and obligations under capital leases | (1,014 | ) | | (1,789 | ) | | (1,962 | ) |
| Payments on contingent consideration recorded at acquisition date | — |
| | — |
| | (101 | ) |
| Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan contributions | 758 |
| | 870 |
| | 1,496 |
|
| Taxes paid on restricted stock vestings and exercises of non-qualified options | (1,582 | ) | | (578 | ) | | (509 | ) |
| Dividends paid on common stock | (1,819 | ) | | (2,492 | ) | | (3,709 | ) |
| Purchase of treasury stock | (44,999 | ) | | — |
| | (16,366 | ) |
| Payment of loan origination costs related to the credit facility | (13 | ) | | (717 | ) | | — |
|
| Excess tax benefit (deficiency) of equity compensation | 64 |
| | (216 | ) | | — |
|
| Net cash used in financing activities | (5,880 | ) | | (2,009 | ) | | (8,101 | ) |
| | | | | | |
| Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | 122 |
| | 2,751 |
| | (2,334 | ) |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 413 |
| | 535 |
| | 3,286 |
|
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $ | 535 |
| | $ | 3,286 |
| | $ | 952 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company
Carriage Services, Inc. (“Carriage,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a leading provider of funeral and cemetery services and merchandise in the United States. At December 31, 2017, we operated 178 funeral homes in 29 states and 32 cemeteries in 11 states.
Our operations are reported in two business segments: Funeral Home Operations, which currently accounts for approximately 70% of our revenue and Cemetery Operations. Operations, which currently accounts for approximately 30% of our revenue. At December 31, 2022, we operated 171 funeral homes in 26 states and 32 cemeteries in 11 states.
Our funeral homes offer a complete rangehome operations are principally service businesses that generate revenue from sales of high value personalburial and cremation services to meet a family's funeral needs, includingand related merchandise, such as caskets and urns. Funeral services include consultation, the removal and preparation of remains, the sale of caskets and related funeral merchandise, the use of funeral home facilities for visitation and remembrancememorial services and transportation services. Our cemeteries provide interment rights (grave sites and mausoleum spaces) and related merchandise, such as markers and outer burial containers. We provide funeral and cemetery services and products on both an “atneed” (time of death) and “preneed” (planned prior to death) basis.
Our cemetery operations generate revenue primarily through sales of cemetery interment rights (primarily grave sites, lawn crypts, mausoleum spaces and niches), related cemetery merchandise (such as memorial markers, outer burial containers and monuments) and services (interments, inurnments and installation of cemetery merchandise). We provide cemetery services and products on both an atneed and preneed basis.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period financial statement presentation with no effect on our previously reported results of operations, consolidated financial position, or cash flows.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenuesrevenue and expenses. On an on-goingongoing basis, we evaluate our critical estimates and judgments, includingwhich include those related to revenue recognition, realizationthe impairment of accounts receivable, goodwill intangible assets, property and equipment and deferred tax assets and liabilities. We basethe fair value measurements used in business combinations. These policies are considered critical because they may result in fluctuations in our reported results from period to period due to the significant judgments, estimates on historical experience, third party data and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable underabout complex and inherently uncertain matters and because the circumstances. Theuse of different judgments, assumptions or estimates could have a material impact on our financial condition or results of these considerations form the basis for making judgments about the amount and timing of revenues and expenses, the carrying value of assets and the recorded amounts of liabilities.operations. Actual results may differ from these estimates and such estimates may change if the underlying conditions or assumptions change. Historical performance should not be viewed as indicative of future performance asbecause there can be no assurance that our resultsthe margins, operating income and net earnings, as a percentage of operationsrevenue, will be consistent from period to period
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Funeral and Cemetery Receivables
Our funeral receivables are recorded in Accounts receivable, net and primarily consist of amounts due for funeral services already performed.
Atneed cemetery receivables and preneed cemetery receivables with payments expected to be received within one year from the balance sheet date are also recorded in Accounts receivable, net. Preneed cemetery receivables with payments expected to year.be received beyond one year from the balance sheet date are recorded in Preneed cemetery receivables, net. Our cemetery receivables generally consist of preneed sales of cemetery interment rights and related products and services, which are typically financed through interest-bearing installment sales contracts, generally with terms of up to five years, with such interest income reflected as Other revenue. In substantially all cases, we receive an initial down payment at the time the contract is signed.
For our funeral and atneed cemetery receivables, we have a collections policy where statements are sent to the customer at 30 days past due. Past due notification letters are sent at 45 days and continue until payment is received or the contract is placed with a third-party collections agency. For our preneed cemetery receivables, we have a collections policy where past due notification letters are sent to the customer beginning at 15 days past due and periodically thereafter until payment is received or the contract is cancelled.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Our allowance for credit losses reflects our best estimate of expected credit losses over the term of both our funeral and cemetery receivables. Our policy is to write off receivables when we have determined they will no longer be collectible. Write-offs are applied as a reduction to the allowance for credit losses and any recoveries of previous write-offs are netted against bad debt expense in the period recovered.
We determine our allowance for credit losses by using a loss-rate methodology, in which we assess our historical write-off of receivables against our total receivables over several years. From this historical loss-rate approach, we also consider the current and forecasted economic conditions expected to be in place over the life of our receivables. These estimates are impacted by a number of factors, including changes in the economy, demographics and competition in our local communities. We monitor our ongoing credit exposure through an active review of our customers’ receivables balance against contract terms and due dates. Our activities include timely performance of our accounts receivable reconciliations, assessment of our aging of receivables, dispute resolution and payment confirmation. We monitor any change in our historical write-off of receivables utilized in our loss-rate methodology and assess forecasted changes in market conditions within our credit reserve.
See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our funeral and cemetery receivables.
Inventory
Inventory consists primarily of caskets, outer burial containers and cemetery monuments and markers and is recorded at the lower of its cost basis (determined by the specific identification method) or net realizable value.
Funeral and Cemetery Operations
We record the revenue from sales of funeral and cemetery merchandise and services when the merchandise Inventory is delivered or the service is performed. Cemetery interment rights are recorded as revenue in accordance with the accounting provisions for real estate sales. This method provides for the recognition of revenue in the period in which the customer’s cumulative payments exceed 10% of the interment right contract price. Interment right costs, which include real property and other costs related to cemetery development, are expensedrelieved using the specific identification method in the period in which the salefulfillment of the interment right is recognized as revenue. We recorded amortization expense for cemetery property of approximately $3.4 million, $3.9 million and $3.3 million for 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Sales taxes collected are recognized on a net basis in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Allowances for bad debts and customer cancellations are provided at the date that the sale is recognized as revenue and are basedperformance obligations on our historical experience. We also monitor changes in delinquency rates and provide additional bad debt and cancellation reserves when warranted.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
When preneed sales of funeral services and merchandise are funded through third-party insurance policies, we earn a commission on the sale of the policies. Insurance commissions are recognized as revenues at the point at which the commission is no longer subject to refund, which is typically one year after the policy is issued. Preneed selling costs consist of sales commissions that we pay our sales counselors and other direct related costs of originating preneed sales contracts. These costs are expensed when incurred.
Accounts receivable was comprised of the following at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2016 | | December 31, 2017 |
| Funeral receivables, net of allowance for bad debt of $189 and $213, respectively | $ | 8,664 |
| | $ | 9,061 |
|
| Cemetery receivables, net of allowance for bad debt of $557 and $622, respectively | 9,862 |
| | 10,331 |
|
| Other receivables | 334 |
| | 263 |
|
| Accounts receivable, net | $ | 18,860 |
| | $ | 19,655 |
|
Non-current preneed receivables represent payments expected to be received beyond one year from the balance sheet date. Preneed receivables were comprised of the following at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2016 | | December 31, 2017 |
| Funeral receivables, net of allowance for bad debt of $862 and $882, respectively | $ | 7,761 |
| | $ | 7,934 |
|
| Cemetery receivables, net of allowance for bad debt of $1,304 and $1,396, respectively | 22,622 |
| | 23,710 |
|
| Preneed receivable, net | $ | 30,383 |
| | $ | 31,644 |
|
Bad debt expense totaled approximately $1.7 million, $2.1 million and $2.2 million for 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
Preneed Contracts
We sell interment rights, merchandise and services prior to the time of need, which is referred to as preneed. In many instances the customer pays for the preneed contract over a period of time. Cash proceeds from preneed sales less amounts that we may retain under state regulations are deposited to a trust or used to purchase a third-party insurance policy. The principal and accumulated earnings of the trusts are generally withdrawn at maturity (death) or cancellation. The cumulative trust income earned and the increases in insurance benefits on the insurance products are deferred until the service is performed. The customer receivables and amounts deposited in trusts that we control are primarily included in the non-current asset section of our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The preneed funeral contracts to be funded at maturity by third party insurance policies are not recorded as assets or liabilities of the Company. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein for further information regarding estimated revenues associated with preneed funeral contracts funded by third party insurance policies.
In the opinion of management, the proceeds from the trust funds and the insurance policies at the time the preneed contracts mature will exceed the estimated future costs to perform services and provide products under such arrangements. The types of securities in which the trusts may invest are regulated by state agencies.
Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Trust Funds
Our preneed and perpetual care trust funds are reported in accordance with the principles of consolidating Variable Interest Entities (“VIE’s”). In the case of preneed trusts, the customers are the legal beneficiaries. In the case of perpetual care trusts, we do not have a right to access the corpus in the perpetual care trusts. We have recognized financial interests of third parties in the trust funds in our financial statements as Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus. The investments of such trust funds are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair market value; therefore, the unrealized gains and losses, as well as accumulated and undistributed income and realized gains and losses are recorded to Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our future obligations to deliver merchandise and services are reported at estimated settlement amounts. Preneed funeral and cemetery trust investments are reduced by the trust investment earnings that we have been allowed to withdraw in certain states prior to maturity. These earnings, along with preneed contract collections not required to be placed in trust, are recorded in Deferred preneed funeral revenue and Deferred preneed cemetery revenue until the service is performed or the merchandise is delivered.
In accordance with respective state laws, we are required to deposit a specified amount into perpetual and memorial care trust funds for each interment right and certain memorials sold. Income from the trust funds is distributed to us and used to provide for the care and maintenance of the cemeteries and mausoleums. Such trust fund income is recognized as revenue when realized by the trust and distributable to us. We are restricted from withdrawing any of the principal balances of these funds.
An enterprise is required to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest(s) give it a controlling financial interest in a VIE. This analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both the power to
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Our analysis continues to support our position as the primary beneficiary in the majority of our funeral and cemetery trust funds.
Trust management fees are earned by us for investment management and advisory services that are provided by our wholly-owned registered investment advisor (“CSV RIA”). As of December 31, 2017, CSV RIA provided these services to one institution, which has custody of approximately 80% of our trust assets, for a fee based on the market value of trust assets. Under state trust laws, we are allowed to charge the trust a fee for advising on the investment of the trust assets and these fees are recognized as income in the period in which services are provided.
We determine whether or not the assets in the preneed trusts have an other-than-temporary impairment on a security-by-security basis. This assessment is made based upon a number of criteria including the length of time a security has been in a loss position, changes in market conditions and concerns related to the specific issuer. If a loss is considered to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the security is adjusted downward to its fair market value. Any reduction in the cost basis of the investment due to an other-than-temporary impairment is likewise recorded as a reduction to Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. There will be no impact on earnings unless and until such time that the investment is withdrawn from the trust in accordance with state regulations at an amount that is less than its original basis.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) are stated at cost. The costs of ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred, while renewals and major replacements that extend the useful economic life of the asset are capitalized. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) is computed based on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives of the assets:
|
| |
| Years |
Buildings and improvements | 15 to 40 |
Furniture and fixtures | 5 to 10 |
Machinery and equipment | 3 to 15 |
Automobiles | 5 to 70
|
Property, plant and equipment was comprised of the following at December 31, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2016 | | December 31, 2017 |
| Land | $ | 73,744 |
| | $ | 74,981 |
|
| Buildings and improvements | 195,214 |
| | 211,934 |
|
| Furniture, equipment and automobiles | 76,664 |
| | 76,155 |
|
| Property, plant and equipment, at cost | 345,622 |
| | 363,070 |
|
| Less: accumulated depreciation | (110,509 | ) | | (115,776 | ) |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | $ | 235,113 |
| | $ | 247,294 |
|
Depreciation expense was approximately $10.4 million, $11.5 million and $12.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. During 2017, we acquired real estate for approximately $1.3 million for funeral home expansion projects. In addition, we acquired approximately $12.2 million of property, plant and equipment in connection with the seven funeral home businesses we acquired during 2017, as further discussed in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
During 2016, we acquired real estate for approximately $2.7 million for funeral home expansion projects and we purchased land and buildings at four funeral homes that were previously leased for approximately $6.3 million. In addition, we acquired approximately $16.0 million of property, plant and equipment in connection with the six funeral home businesses we acquired during 2016.
Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment subject to depreciation and amortization, are reviewed for impairment at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable in accordance with the Property, Plant and Equipment topic of the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360. This guidance requires that long-lived assets to be held and used are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value. We assess long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be greater than the fair value. We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment when a funeral home or cemetery business has negative
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for four consecutive years and if there has been a decline in EBITDA in that same period. We review our long-lived assets deemed held-for-sale to the point of recoverability. Assets to be disposed of and assets not expected to provide any future service potential are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less estimated cost to sell. If we determine that the carrying value is not recoverable from the proceeds of the sale, we record an impairment at that time. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, no impairments were identified on our long-lived assets.
Business Combinations
Tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at fair value and goodwill is recognized for any difference between the price of the acquisition and fair value. We recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at the fair value as of that date. Acquisition related costs are recognized separately from the acquisition and are expensed as incurred. We customarily estimate related transaction costs known at closing. To the extent that information not available to us at the closing date subsequently becomes available during the allocation period, we may adjust goodwill, intangible assets, assets or liabilities associated with the acquisition.
During 2017,the year ended December 31, 2022, we acquired seven funeral home businesses. We acquired one funeral homea business in Longmont, ColoradoKissimmee, Florida consisting of two funeral homes for $6.3 million and a business in the Charlotte, North Carolina area consisting of three funeral homes, one cemetery and one funeral homecremation focused business in Loveland, Colorado in November 2017 and five funeral home businesses on Long Island, New York in December 2017.
During 2016, we acquired six funeral home businesses.for $25.0 million. We acquired two funeral homedid not acquire any businesses in Houston, Texas2021.
The pro forma impact of the acquisitions on prior periods is not presented as the impact is not material to our reported results. The results of the acquired businesses are included in May 2016, one funeral home business in Madera, California in September 2016, one funeral home business in Brookfield, Wisconsin in November 2016 and two funeral home businesses in Burlington, North Carolina and Graham, North Carolina in November 2016.our results of operations from the date of acquisition.
See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein for furtheradditional information concerningrelated to acquisitions.
Divested Operations
Prior to divesting a funeral home or cemetery, we first determine whether the sale of the net assets and activities (together referred to as a “set”) qualifies as a business. First, we perform a screen test to determine if the set is not a business. The principle of the screen is that if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets sold resides in a single asset or group of similar assets, the set is not a business. If the screen is not met, we perform an assessment to determine if the set is a business by evaluating whether the set has both inputs and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. When both inputs and a substantive process are present then the set is determined to be a business and we consider the accounting treatment of goodwill for that set (see discussion of Goodwill below). Goodwill is only allocated to the sale if the set is considered to be a business.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we sold four funeral homes for $1.5 million and merged one funeral home with another business we own in an existing market. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we sold two funeral homes and one cemetery for $2.5 million and we merged six funeral homes with other businesses we own in existing markets. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we sold eight funeral homes for $8.4 million.
See Notes 4 and 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to divestitures.
Held for Sale
At December 31, 2022, we had $0.8 million of assets classified as held for sale on our Consolidated Balance Sheet related to one funeral home and two cemeteries that we divested on January 31, 2023, described in Note 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The carrying value of these acquisitions.assets held for sale exceeded the fair value and in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), we recognized impairments of $1.0 million related to property, plant and
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
equipment, $0.9 million related to cemetery property and $0.4 million related to goodwill, which were recorded in Net loss on divestitures, disposals and impairment charges on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Goodwill
The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of funeral home businesses and cemeteries acquired is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill has primarily been recorded in connection with the acquisition of funeral home businesses. Effective January 1, 2017, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”), Intangibles (Topic 350): Goodwill and Other. The guidance simplifies subsequent measurement of goodwill and eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test, which should reduce the cost and complexity of evaluating goodwill for impairment. An entity no longer will determine goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Instead, impairment is defined as the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, up to the total amount of goodwill.
Goodwill has an indefinite life and is not subject to amortization. As such, we test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis. basis as of August 31st each year. Under current guidance, we are permitted to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test.
Our intent is to perform a quantitative impairment test at least once every three years unless certain indicators or events suggest otherwise and perform a qualitative assessment during the remaining two years. We conducted qualitative assessments in 2020 and 2021 and performed a quantitative assessment in 2022. In addition to our annual test, we assess the impairment of goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit may be greater than fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant negative industry or economic trends and significant adverse changes in the business climate, which may be indicated by a decline in our market capitalization or decline in operating results.
Our quantitative goodwill impairment test involves estimates and management judgment. In the quantitative analysis, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, the goodwill of that reporting unit is not considered impaired. We determine fair value for each reporting unit using both an income approach, weighted 90%, and a market approach, weighted 10%. Our methodology for determining an income-based fair value is based on discounting projected future cash flows. The projected future cash flows include assumptions concerning future operating performance and economic conditions that may differ from actual future cash flows discounted at aour weighted average cost of capital for the Company based on market participant assumptions. Our methodology for determining a market approach fair value utilizes the guideline public company method, in which we rely on market multiples of comparable companies operating in the same industry as the individual reporting units. In accordance with the guidance, if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount an impairment charge is recorded in an amount equal to the difference.
For our 20172022, 2021 and 2020 annual impairment test, wetests performed a qualitative assessment, using information as of August 31 2017. Under current guidance,each year, we are permittedconcluded that there was no impairment to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than not thatgoodwill as the fair value of our reporting units was greater than the carrying value.
During 2020, as a result of economic conditions caused by COVID-19, we performed a quantitative assessment of our goodwill at March 31, 2020, and recorded an impairment to goodwill of $13.6 million, as the carrying amount of our funeral homes in the Eastern Region Reporting Unit exceeded the fair value.
Goodwill is only allocated to a divestiture if the set is considered to be a business. When we divest a portion of a reporting unit that constitutes a business in accordance with GAAP, we allocate goodwill associated with that business to be included in the gain or loss on divestiture. The goodwill allocated is less than its carrying amount asbased on the relative fair value of the business being divested and the portion of the reporting unit that will be retained. Additionally, after each divestiture, we will test the goodwill remaining in the portion of the reporting unit to be retained for impairment using a basis for determining whether it is necessary to performqualitative assessment unless we deem a quantitative goodwill impairment test. We determined that there were no factors that would indicate the needassessment to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test and concluded that it is more likely than not thatbe appropriate to ensure the fair value of our reporting units is greater than their carrying valuevalue.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we allocated $0.9 million of goodwill related to the sale of two funeral homes for a loss recorded in Net loss on divestitures, disposals and thus there was no impairment to goodwill.charges on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
For our 2016 annual impairment test,the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, after each divestiture, we performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test and concluded that it was more-likely-than not that the fair value of our reporting units was greater than their carrying value and thus there was no impairment to goodwill.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In addition to our annual review, we assess the impairment of goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit may be greater than fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant adverse changes in the business climate which may be indicated by a decline in our market capitalization or decline in operating results.
No impairments were recorded to our goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017. No such events or changes occurred between the testing date and year end to trigger a subsequent impairment review.
See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein for additional information related to our goodwill.
Intangible Assets
Our intangible assets include tradenames resulting from acquisitions and are included in Intangible and other non-current assets, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.Sheet. Our tradenames are considered to have an indefinite life and are not subject to amortization. As such, we test our intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis. basis as of August 31st each year. Under current guidance, we are permitted to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than not that the fair value of the tradename is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test.
Our intent is to perform a quantitative impairment test at least once every three years unless certain indicators or events suggest otherwise and perform a qualitative assessment during the remaining two years. We conducted qualitative assessments in 2020 and 2021 and performed a quantitative
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
assessment in 2022. In addition to our intangible assets annual test, we assess the impairment of intangible assets whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the intangible asset may be greater than the fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results and significant negative industry or economic trends.
Our quantitative intangible asset impairment test involves estimates and management judgment. Our quantitative analysis is performed using the relief from royalty method, which measures the tradenames by determining the value of the royalties that the Company iswe are relieved from paying due to itsour ownership of the asset. We determine the fair value of the asset by discounting the cash flows that represent a savings in lieu of paying a royalty fee for use of the tradename. The discounted cash flow valuation uses projections of future cash flows and includes assumptions concerning future operating performance and economic conditions that may differ from actual future cash flows and the determination and application of an appropriate royalty rate and discount rate. To estimate the royalty rates for the individual tradename, we mainly rely on the profit split method, but also consider the comparable third-party license agreements and the return on asset method. A scorecard is used to assess the relative strength of the individual tradename to further adjust the royalty rates selected under the profit-split method for qualitative factors. In accordance with the guidance, if the fair value of the tradename is less than its carrying amount, then an impairment charge is recorded in an amount equal to the difference.
For our 20172022, 2021 and 2020 annual impairment test, wetests performed a qualitative assessment, using information as of August 31 2017. Under current guidance,each year, we are permittedconcluded there that was no impairment to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than not that the fair value of the tradename is less than its carrying amountour intangible assets as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. We determined that there were no factors that would indicate the need to perform a quantitative impairment test and concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our intangible assets iswas greater than itsthe carrying value and thus there was no impairment to our intangible assets.value.
For our 2016 annual impairment test,During 2020, as a result of economic conditions caused by COVID-19, we performed a quantitative impairment test asassessment of Augustour tradenames at March 31, 2016 using the relief from royalty method for each location that had a tradename balance at August 31, 20162020 and concluded that there was no impairment to our intangible assets.
In addition to our annual review, we assess the impairment of intangible assets whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the intangible asset may be greater than the fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results and significant negative industry or economic trends. During 2016, we recorded an impairment to tradenames for certain of $145,000 related to aour funeral home business held for salehomes of $1.1 million, as the carrying valueamount of these tradenames exceeded the fair value. No other impairments were recorded to our intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
See Note 1211 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information on ourrelated to intangible assets.
DivestedPreneed and Discontinued OperationsPerpetual Care Trust Funds
Effective January 1, 2015,Preneed sales generally require deposits to a trust or purchase of a third-party insurance product. We have established a variety of trusts in connection with funeral home and cemetery operations as required under applicable state laws. Such trusts include (i) preneed funeral trusts; (ii) preneed cemetery merchandise and service trusts; and (iii) cemetery perpetual care trusts.
Our preneed and perpetual care trust funds are reported in accordance with the principles of consolidating Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In the case of preneed trusts, the customers are the legal beneficiaries. In the case of perpetual care trusts, we adopteddo not have a right to access the FASB'scorpus in the perpetual care trusts.
Our trust fund assets are reflected in our financial statements as Preneed cemetery trust investments, Preneed funeral trust investments and Cemetery perpetual care trust investments. We have recognized financial interests of third parties in the trust funds in our financial statements as Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus.
The fair value of our trust fund assets are accounted for as Collateralized Financing Entities (“CFEs”) in ASC Topic 810. The accounting guidance for reporting discontinued operations, which amendedCFEs allows companies to elect to measure both the definitionfinancial assets and financial liabilities using the more observable of “discontinued operations”the fair value of the financial assets or fair value of the financial liabilities. Pursuant to include only disposals or held-for-sale classificationsthis guidance, we have determined the fair value of the financial assets of the trusts are more observable and we first measure those financial assets at fair value. Our fair value of the financial liabilities mirror the fair value of the financial assets, in accordance with the ASC. Any changes in fair value are recognized in earnings.
In accordance with respective state laws, we are required to deposit a specified amount into perpetual and memorial care trust funds for components or groupseach interment right and certain memorials sold. Income from the trust funds is distributed to us and used to provide for the care and maintenance of componentsthe cemeteries and mausoleums. Trust fund income is recognized as revenue when realized by the trust and distributable to us. We are restricted from withdrawing any of the principal balances of these funds.
An enterprise is required to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest(s) give it a controlling financial interest in a VIE. This analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that represent a strategic shiftcould potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that either has or will have a major effect on an entity's operations or financial results. Examples of a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results include a disposal of a major geographical area, line of business, equity method of investment or other parts of an entity. The new guidance also requirescould potentially be significant to the disclosure of pre-tax income of disposals that do not qualifyVIE. Our analysis continues to support our position as discontinued operations.
We did not sell anythe primary beneficiary in the majority of our funeral home orand cemetery businessestrust funds.
Our preneed funeral and preneed cemetery merchandise and service trusts are reflected in 2015. During 2016, we sold a funeral home business in Tennesseeour financial statements net of an allowance for $1.35 million. During 2017, we sold a funeral home business in Kentucky for $0.6 million. The businesses sold during 2016 and 2017 do not meet the definition of discontinued operations under the FASB guidance. As such, the operating results of these businesses, as well as the gain or loss on the sale are included within net incomecontract cancellations. We determine this allowance based on our five-year historical experience of contract cancellations. On an ongoing basis, we monitor our historical trend and adjust our allowance accordingly.
See Notes 7 and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of Operations.
for additional information related to preneed and perpetual care trust funds.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Deferred Revenue
We continually review locationshave preneed funeral trust fund assets in trusts that are controlled and operated by third parties in which we do not have a controlling financial interest (less than 50%) in the trust assets. We account for these investments at cost, reflected in our financial statements as Receivables from preneed funeral trusts, net, with a corresponding amount recognized as Deferred preneed funeral revenue.
Under certain state regulations, we are allowed to optimize the sustainable earning powerretain certain amounts not required to be deposited to a trust or used to purchase a third-party insurance policy. These amounts we retain represent future revenue that are not held in trust accounts and return on our invested capital. These reviews could entail selling certain non-strategic businesses.
See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein for additional information concerning our divested businesses.are recorded in Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery revenue. Future revenue that are held in trust accounts are included in Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust discussed above.
Fair Value Measurements
We measure the available-for-sale securities held by our funeral merchandise and service, cemetery merchandise and service, and cemetery perpetual care trusts at fair value on a recurring basis in accordance with the Fair Value MeasurementsASC Topic of the ASC.820. This guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The guidance establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:
• Level 1 — inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
• Level 2 — inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; and
• Level 3 — inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
We disclose the extent to which fair value is used to measure financial assets and liabilities, the inputs utilized in calculating valuation measurements, and the effect of the measurement of significant unobservable inputs on earnings, or changes in net assets, as of the measurement date. The fair value disclosures of transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 and the gross presentation of purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the Level 3 reconciliation of the three-tier fair value hierarchy are also presented in Notes 6 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. We currently do not have any assets that have fair values determined by Level 3 inputs and no liabilities measured at fair value. We have not elected to measure any additional financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value.
To determine the fair value of assets and liabilities in an environment where the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased, the exit price is used as the fair value measurement. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we did not incur significant decreases in the volume or level of activity of any asset or liability. We consider an impairment of debt and equity securities other-than-temporary unless (a) we have the ability and intent to hold an investment and (b) evidence indicating the cost of the investment is recoverable before we are more likely than not required to sell the investment. If an impairment is indicated, then an adjustment is made to reduce the carrying amount to fair value which is recorded as a reduction to either Deferred preneed cemetery receipts held in trust, Deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust or Care trusts’ corpus on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the years ended December 31, 2016, we recorded an impairment charge of $2.3 million for other-than-temporary declines in fair value related to unrealized losses on certain investments. We did not record any impairments during the year ended December 31, 2017.
In the ordinary course of business, we are typically exposed to a variety of market risks. Currently, these are primarily related to changes in fair market values related to outstanding debts and changes in the values of securities associated with the preneed and perpetual care trusts. Management is actively involved in monitoring exposure to market risk and developing and utilizing risk management techniques when appropriate and when available for a reasonable price.
See Notes 6,7 and 10 and 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein for additional required disclosures concerningrelated to the fair value measurement of our financial assets and liabilities.
Presentation of Debt Issuance CostsCapitalized Commissions on Preneed Contracts
Effective January 1, 2016, we adopted the FASB’s new guidance on simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. The guidance requires that entities that have historically presented debt issuanceWe capitalize sales commissions and other direct selling costs as an asset, related to preneed cemetery merchandise and services and preneed funeral trust contracts as these costs are incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a recognized debt liability, willcontract with a customer. Our capitalized commissions on preneed contracts are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average maturity period of ten years for our preneed funeral trust contracts and eight years for our preneed cemetery merchandise and services contracts.
The selling costs related to the sales of cemetery interment rights, which include real property and other costs related to cemetery development activities, continue to be required to present those costs as a direct deduction fromexpensed using the carrying valuespecific identification method in the period in which the sale of the cemetery interment right is recognized as revenue. The selling costs related debt liability. This presentation resulted in debt issuance costs being presentedto preneed funeral insurance contracts continue to be expensed in the same way debt discounts have historically been addressed. Debt issuance costs of $3.6 million and $2.7 million have been presentedperiod incurred as a deduction from the carrying value of the related liabilities inthese contracts are not included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The amounts related to our Credit Facility were $1.3 million and $1.0 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The amounts related to our Convertible Notes were $2.3 million and $1.7 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.Sheet.
See Notes 13 and 14Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information concerningrelated to capitalized commissions on preneed contracts.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment (including equipment under finance leases) are stated at cost. The costs of ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred, while renewals and major replacements that extend the presentationuseful economic life of debt issuance costs.the asset are capitalized. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (including equipment under finance leases) is computed based on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives of the assets:
| | | | | |
| Years |
| Buildings and improvements | 15 to 40 |
| Furniture and fixtures | 5 to 10 |
| Machinery and equipment | 3 to 15 |
| Automobiles | 5 to 7 |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets (see discussion of Leases below) are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value and are reviewed for impairment whenever events, such as significant negative industry or economic trends or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Factors that could trigger an impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results. We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment when a funeral home or cemetery business has negative earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for four consecutive years and if there has been a decline in EBITDA in that same period. We test the recoverability of our long-lived assets by comparing their carrying value to the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets over their remaining useful lives. We recognize an impairment loss if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value.
Additionally, assets to be disposed of and assets not expected to provide any future service potential are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. If we determine that the carrying value is not recoverable from the proceeds of the sale, we record an impairment loss at that time.
Property, plant and equipment is comprised of the following (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Land | $ | 82,095 | | | $ | 84,405 | |
| Buildings and improvements | 240,387 | | | 251,778 | |
| Furniture, equipment and automobiles | 73,377 | | | 70,522 | |
| Property, plant and equipment, at cost | 395,859 | | | 406,705 | |
| Less: accumulated depreciation | (126,492) | | | (128,599) | |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | $ | 269,367 | | | $ | 278,106 | |
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we acquired $8.1 million of property, plant and equipment related to our business combinations, described in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and $2.6 million related to real property acquisitions. Additionally, we sold real property for $3.3 million, with a carrying value of $1.8 million, resulting in a gain on the sale of $1.4 million, which was recorded in Net loss on divestitures, disposals and impairment charges on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We also divested four funeral homes that had a carrying value of property, plant and equipment of $1.3 million, described in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we acquired real property for $3.3 million. Additionally, we sold real property for $5.2 million, with a carrying value of $4.3 million, resulting in a gain on the sale of $0.9 million. We recognized a $0.5 million impairment related to property, plant and equipment assets held for sale. The gain on sale and impairment were recorded in Net loss on divestitures, disposals and impairment charges. We also divested two funeral homes and one cemetery that had a carrying value of property, plant and equipment of $1.4 million, which was included in the gain or loss on the sale of divestitures and recorded in Net loss on divestitures, disposals and impairment charges on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Additionally, we disposed of damaged and obsolete property, plant and equipment that had a carrying value of $1.0 million, which was recorded in Net loss on divestitures, disposals and impairment charges.
Our growth and maintenance capital expenditures totaled $19.0 million and $18.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively, for property, plant, equipment. In addition, we recorded depreciation expense of $14.4 million, $13.8 million and $13.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Cemetery Property
When we acquire a cemetery, we utilize an internal and external approach to determine the fair value of the cemetery property. From an external perspective, we obtain an accredited appraisal to provide reasonable assurance for property existence, property availability (unrestricted) for development, property lines, available spaces to sell, identifiable obstacles or easements and general valuation inclusive of known variables in that market. From an internal perspective, we conduct a detailed analysis of the acquired cemetery property using other cemeteries in our portfolio as a benchmark. This provides the added benefit of relevant data that is not available to third party appraisers. Through this thorough internal process, we are able to identify viable costs of property based on historical experience, particular markets and demographics, reasonable margins, practical retail prices and park infrastructure and condition.
Cemetery property was $100.7 million and $104.2 million, net of accumulated amortization of $53.1 million and $59.0 million at December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively. When cemetery property is sold, the value of the cemetery property (interment right costs) is expensed as amortization using the specific identification method in the period in which the sale of the interment right is recognized as revenue. Our growth capital expenditures totaled $5.9 million and $7.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively, for cemetery property development. We recorded amortization expense for
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
cemetery interment rights of $5.0 million, $6.7 million and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we divested one cemetery that had a carrying value of cemetery property of $0.1 million, which was included in the gain or loss on the sale of divestitures and recorded in Net loss on divestitures, disposals and impairment charges on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Leases
We have operating and finance leases. We lease certain office facilities, certain funeral homes 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. We lease certain funeral homes under finance leases with original terms ranging from ten to forty years. We do not have lease agreements with residual value guarantees, sale-leaseback terms, material restrictive covenants or related parties. We do not have any material sublease arrangements.
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception based on the facts and circumstances of the agreement. A right-of-use (“ROU”) asset represents our right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and the lease liability represents our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date to determine the present value of lease payments. The lease terms used to calculate the ROU asset and related lease liability include options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as an operating expense, while the expense for finance leases is recognized as depreciation expense and interest expense using the effective interest method of recognition. Variable lease payment amounts that cannot be determined at the commencement of the lease such as increases in lease payments based on changes in index rates or usage, are not included in the ROU assets or liabilities. These are expensed as incurred and recorded as variable lease expense. We have real estate lease agreements which require payments for lease and non-lease components and we account for these as a single lease component. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less, that do not include an option to renew the underlying asset, are not recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Operating lease ROU assets are included in Operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities are included in Current portion of operating lease obligations and Obligations under operating leases, net of current portion on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Finance lease ROU assets are included in Property, plant and equipment, net and finance lease liabilities are included in Current portion of finance lease obligations and Obligations under finance leases, net of current portion on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to leases.
Equity Plans and Stock-Based Compensation
We have equity-based employee and director compensation plans under which we have granted stock awards, stock options and performance awards. We also have an employee stock purchase plan (the “ESPP”). We recognize compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the stock-based awards expected to vest or to be purchased over the requisite service period. We recognize the effect of forfeitures in compensation cost when they occur and any previously recognized compensation cost for an award is reversed in the period that the award is forfeited.
Fair value is determined on the date of the grant. The fair value of restricted stock is determined using the stock price on the grant date. The fair value of options or awards containing options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model or the Monte-Carlo simulation pricing model. The fair value of the performance awards related to market performance conditions is determined using the Monte-Carlo simulation pricing model. The fair value of the ESPP is determined based on the discount element offered to employees and the embedded option element, which is determined using an option calculation model.
We recognize all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies (including tax benefits of dividends on share-based payment awards) as income tax benefit or expense in the income statement. We treat the tax effects of exercised or vested awards as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the excess tax deficiency related to share-based payments was $0.1 million and the excess tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $1.2 million. We did not have an excess tax benefit or deficiency for the year ended December 31, 2022. The excess tax benefit and tax deficiency are recorded within Tax adjustment related to discrete items on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Excess tax benefits and deficiencies related to share-based payments are included in operating cash flows on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
See Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to equity plans and stock-based compensation.
Revenue Recognition
Funeral and Cemetery Operations Revenue is recognized when control of the merchandise or services is transferred to the customer. Our performance obligations include the delivery of funeral and cemetery merchandise and services and cemetery property interment rights. Control transfers when merchandise is delivered or services are performed. For cemetery property interment rights, control transfers to the customer when the property is developed and the interment right has been sold and can no longer be marketed or sold to another customer. On our atneed contracts, we generally deliver the merchandise and perform the services at the time of need.
Memorial services frequently include performance obligations to direct the service, provide facilities and motor vehicles, catering, flowers, and stationary products. All other performance obligations on these contracts, including arrangement, removal, preparation, embalming, cremation, interment, and delivery of urns and caskets and related memorialization merchandise are fulfilled at the time of need. Personalized marker merchandise and marker installation services sold on atneed contracts are recognized when control is transferred to the customer, generally when the marker is delivered and installed in the cemetery.
Some of our contracts with customers include multiple performance obligations. For these contracts, we allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price, which is based on prices charged to customers per our general price list. Package discounts are reflected net in Revenue. We recognize revenue when the merchandise is transferred or the service is performed, in satisfaction of the corresponding performance obligation. Sales taxes collected are recognized on a net basis in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Ancillary funeral service revenue, which is recorded in Other revenue, represents revenue from our flower shop, pet cremation and online cremation businesses.
The earnings from our preneed trust investments, as well as trust management fees charged by our wholly-owned registered investment advisory firm (“CSV RIA”) are recorded in Other revenue. At December 31, 2022, CSV RIA provided investment management and advisory services to approximately 80% of our trust assets, for a fee based on the market value of trust assets. Under state trust laws, we are allowed to charge the trust a fee for advising on the investment of the trust assets and these fees are recognized as income in the period in which services are provided.
Balances due on undelivered preneed funeral trust contracts have been reclassified to reduce Deferred preneed funeral revenue on our Consolidated Balance Sheet of $8.0 million and $8.9 million at December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively. As these performance obligations are to be completed after the date of death, we cannot quantify the recognition of revenue in future periods. However, we estimate an average maturity period of ten years for preneed funeral contracts.
Balances due from customers on delivered preneed cemetery contracts are included in Accounts receivable, net and Preneed cemetery receivables, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Balances due on undelivered preneed cemetery contracts have been reclassified to reduce Deferred preneed cemetery revenue on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The transaction price allocated to preneed merchandise and service performance obligations that were unfulfilled were $10.4 million and $11.6 million at December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively. As these performance obligations are to be completed after the date of death, we cannot quantify the recognition of revenue in future periods. However, we estimate an average maturity period of eight years for preneed cemetery contracts.
See Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to revenue.
Income Taxes
We and our subsidiaries file a consolidated U. S. federal income tax return, separate income tax returns in 1615 states in which we operate and combined or unitary income tax returns in 1314 states in which we operate. We record deferred taxes for temporary differences between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities. Effective January 1, 2016, we adopted the FASB’s guidance requiring thatWe classify our deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position.non-current on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
We record a valuation allowance to reflect the estimated amount of deferred tax assets for which realization is uncertain. Management reviews the valuation allowance at the end of each quarter and makes adjustments if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the tax benefits will be realized.
We analyze tax benefits for uncertain tax positions and how they are to be recognized, measured, and derecognized in the financial statements; provide certain disclosures of uncertain tax matters; and specify how reserves for uncertain tax positions should be classified on theour Consolidated Balance Sheets.
On May 10, 2017, we filed amended federal returns for the tax years ending December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, which generated significant refunds. As a result, on July 18, 2017, we received notification that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) selected our tax years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 for a limited scope examination to verify the refunds due. The examinations are expected to conclude during 2018.
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Tax Act”). The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that will affect 2017, including but not limited to bonus depreciation changes that will allow for full expensing of qualified property placed in service on or after September 27, 2017.
The Tax Act also establishes new tax laws that will affect 2018, including but not limited to (1) a reduction of the corporate tax rate from a top marginal rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21%; (2) a limitation of the tax deduction for interest expense to 30% of adjusted earnings (except for certain small businesses); (3) a limitation of the deduction for net operating losses to 80% of current year taxable income and elimination of net operating loss carrybacks; (4) immediate deductions for certain new investments (instead of deductions for depreciation expense over time); (5) limitations of certain executive compensation deductions; and (6) limitations or repeals of many business deductions and credits.
The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 118, which provides guidance on accounting for the effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects is incomplete but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provision estimate in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act.
Our analysis of the impact of the Tax Act is complete. The Tax Act reduces the corporate tax rate to 21% and as a result, we have recorded a decrease in our net deferred tax liability and a corresponding discrete tax benefit item of $17.2 million. In addition to the rate reduction, approximately $2.9 million of qualifying assets placed in service on or after September 27, 2017 have been fully expensed as of December 31, 2017.
We do not have any unrecognized tax benefits recorded as of December 31, 2017 and we do not anticipate a material change in our unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months.
See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information concerning our income taxes.
Stock Plans and Stock-Based Compensation
We have stock-based employee and director compensation plans under which we grant stock, restricted stock, stock options and performance awards. We also have an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”). We recognize compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the stock-based awards expected to vest or to be purchased over the requisite service period.
Fair value is determined on the date of the grant. The fair value of restricted stock is determined using the stock price on the grant date. The fair value of options or awards containing options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The fair value of the performance awards related to market performance is determined using a Monte-Carlo simulation pricing model. The fair value of the performance awards related to internal performance metrics is determined using the stock price on the grant date. The fair value of the ESPP is determined based on the discount element offered to employees and the embedded option element, which is determined using an option calculation model.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Effective January 1, 2017, we adopted the FASB’s ASU, Compensation: (Topic 718): Stock Compensation. The guidance simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows.
The guidance requires that previously unrecognized excess tax benefits should be recognized on a modified retrospective basis. Entities are required to record a deferred tax asset for previously unrecognized excess tax benefits outstanding as of the beginning of the annual period of adoption, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. At January 1, 2017, we performed an analysis for unrecognized excess tax benefits and deficiencies and determined that there were no adjustments to retained earnings, as there are no unrecognized excess tax benefits.
The guidance also requires that all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies (including tax benefits of dividends on share-based payment awards) should be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement on a prospective basis. The tax effects of exercised or vested awards should be treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the excess tax deficiency related to share-based payments was approximately $94,000, recorded within Tax adjustment related to certain discrete items on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, excess tax benefits or deficiencies related to share-based payments are now included in operating cash flows rather than financing cash flows.
The guidance also allows for a one-time accounting policy election to either account for forfeitures as they occur or continue to estimate forfeitures as required by current guidance. The Company has elected to continue estimating forfeitures under the current guidance.
The guidance also requires that the presentation of employee taxes paid when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes should be classified as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows and applied retrospectively. This resulted in $1.6 million, $0.6 million, and $0.5 million of employee taxes paid from withheld shares being presented as financing activities on our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Prior to January 1, 2017, these amounts were presented as operating activities on our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
We adopted all of the provisions of this amendment in accordance with the transition requirements and it did not have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.Sheet.
See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information on our stock-based compensation plans.related to income taxes.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Computation of Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive common equivalent shares consist of stock options and our Convertible Notes.performance awards.
Share-based awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are recognized as participating securities and included in the computation of both basic and diluted earnings per share. Our grants of restricted stock awards to our employees and directors are considered participating securities, and we have prepared our earnings per share calculations attributable to common stockholders to exclude outstanding unvested restricted stock awards, using the two-class method, in both the basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding calculation.
The fully diluted weighted averageOur performance awards are considered to be contingently issuable shares outstanding forbecause their issuance is contingent upon the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016satisfaction of certain performance and 2017, andservice conditions. In accordance with ASC 260, we have included in the corresponding calculationcomputation of fully diluted earnings per share included approximately 0.3 million, 0.5 million and 0.9 million sharesthe number of performance awards that would have been issued uponissuable as if the conversion of our convertible subordinated notes as a resultend of the applicationreporting period was the end of the if-converted method prescribed bycontingency period. These shares are considered to be outstanding at the FASB ASC 260.beginning of the reporting period.
See Note 1920 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information related to the computation of earnings per share earnings for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017.share.
Correction of Immaterial Error
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we corrected an immaterial error related to 2013. The adjustment related to the correction of the deferred tax liability for the difference in book and tax basis of certain assets. The error had the impact of understating the deferred tax liability and overstating net income in 2013. Management evaluated the effect of the adjustment on previously issued interim and annual consolidated financial statements in accordance with the SEC's SAB No. 99 and SAB 108 and concluded that it was immaterial to the interim and annual periods. As a result, in accordance with SAB No. 108, we corrected our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 1, 2015.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The effect of this adjustment on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2016 | | December 31, 2017 |
| | | % Change |
| Increase in Deferred tax liability | $ | 2,255 |
| 5.6 | % | | 7.8 | % |
| Increase in Total liabilities | $ | 2,255 |
| 0.3 | % | | 0.3 | % |
| Decrease in Retained earnings | $ | 2,255 |
| 9.8 | % | | 3.7 | % |
| Decrease in Total stockholders' equity | $ | 2,255 |
| 1.3 | % | | 1.1 | % |
This adjustment had no impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations or Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for any periods presented.
Related Party Transactions
Management evaluated reportable events and transactions that occurred between us and related persons during the year ended December 31, 2017. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information on our related party transactions.
Subsequent Events
We have evaluated events and transactions during the period subsequent to December 31, 20172022 through the date the financial statements were issued for potential recognition or disclosure in the accompanying financial statements covered by this report.
See Note 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to subsequent events. 2. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Revenue RecognitionAccounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Reference Rate Reform
In May 2014,March 2020, the FASB issued ASU, Reference Rate Reform (“Topic 848”) to provide optional guidance for a limited time to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. Topic 848 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments apply only to contracts and hedging relationships that reference London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. These amendments are effective immediately and may be applied prospectively to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated on or before December 31, 2022. Contract modifications are required to be evaluated in determining whether the modifications result in the establishment of new contracts or the continuation of existing contracts. We adopted the provisions of Topic 848 in March 2020.
On May 27, 2022, we amended our Credit Facility (defined in Note 12) to establish the Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield Index Rate (“BSBY”) as a benchmark rate and removed LIBOR from our Credit Facility, among other things. We did not apply the optional expedients provided by the guidance in Topic 848. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the amended Credit Facility.
Business Combinations - Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU, Business Combinations (“Topic 805”) to improve the accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination. The amendments in this update provide specific guidance on how to recognize and measure acquired contract assets and contract liabilities from revenue contracts in a business combination. These amendments require that an entity (acquirer) recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with ASC 606 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)(“Topic 606”). FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)At the acquisition date, an acquirer should account for the related revenue contracts in accordance with Topic 606 supersedesas if it had originated the revenue recognition requirements under Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the ASC. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchangecontracts. These amendments are effective for those goods or services. Under the new guidance, an entity is required to perform the following five steps: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.
The new guidance will significantly enhance comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets. Additionally, the guidance requires improved disclosures as to the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. On July 9, 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date by one year to annual reporting periodsfiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017,2022, including interim periods within that reporting period.those fiscal years and should be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the effective date of the amendments. We willplan to adopt the provisions of this ASUTopic 805 for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach, which recognizes the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to retained earnings at the date of initial application.
Currently, our sales of cemetery interment rights are recorded as revenue in accordance with the retail land sales provisions for accounting for sales of real estate. This method provides for the recognition of revenue in the period in which the customer’s cumulative payments exceed 10% of the contract price related to the interment right. We have analyzed the impact on our contract portfolio by reviewing our revenue streams and our current policies and procedures to identify potential differences that would result from applying the requirements of the new standard to our contracts and we do not expect the new accounting standard to significantly impact our current accounting for the cemetery interment rights. We do not expect the adoption of this accounting standard to materially affect our accounting for other revenue streams.
2023. We expect the adoption of this new accounting standard to affectwill have no impact on our accounting for the selling costs related to preneed cemetery merchandise and services and preneed funeral trust contracts. Currently, these costs are charged to operations using the specific identification method in the period incurred. Under the new accounting standard, we will capitalize and amortize these costs over the average preneed maturity period for our preneed cemetery merchandise and services contracts and preneed funeral trust contracts.
The selling costs related to the sales of cemetery interment rights, which include real property and other costs related to cemetery development activities, will continue to be charged to operations using the specific identification method in the period in which the sale of the cemetery interment right is recognized as revenue. The selling costs related to preneed funeral insurance contracts will continue to be charged to operations using the specific identification method in the period incurred.
consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Credit Losses - Vintage Disclosures
Additionally, we believe the amounts due from customers for undelivered performance obligations on preneed contracts represent contract assets, which are required to be netted with Deferred preneed funeral revenue and Deferred preneed cemetery revenue, instead of Preneed receivables on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We are adopting this standard using the modified retrospective method, which recognizes the cumulative effect of applying the standard at the date of initial application, with no restatement of the comparative periods presented. Based on our assessments, we do not expect the change to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. We have modified our financial systems to provide accounting under the new guidance.
Stock-Based Compensation
In May 2017,March 2022, the FASB issued ASU, Compensation: (Topic 718): Stock CompensationFinancial Instruments - ScopeCredit Losses (“Topic 326”) to make the requirement to disclose gross write-offs by class of Modification Accounting.financing receivable and major security type consistent for all public business entities. The amendments provideamendment in this update provides specific guidance about which changes toon the terms and conditionsdisclosure for current period write-offs by year of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. An entity should accountorigination for the effects of a modification unless the fair value, vesting conditions and classification of the modified award are the same as the original award immediately before the award is modified.financing receivables. This ASUamendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years with earlier application permitted for all entities. The amendmentsand should be applied prospectively to an award modifieddisclosures occurring on or after the adoption date. Our adoptioneffective date of this ASUthe amendment. We plan to adopt the provisions of Topic 326 for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018 is not expected to2023. We expect the adoption will have a material effectno impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.consolidated financial statements.
Business Combinations
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This ASU applies to all entities that must determine whether they have acquired or sold a business. The amendments in this ASU clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including the interim periods within those periods, with earlier application permitted. Our adoption of this ASU for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018 is not expected to have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Cash Flows
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This ASU applies to all entities that are required to present a statement of cash flows under Topic 230. The amendments provide guidance on eight specific cash flow issues and includes clarification on how these items should be classified in the statement of cash flows and is designed to help eliminate diversity in practice as to where items are classified in the cash flow statement.
In November 2016, the FASB issued additional guidance on this topic that requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted for all entities. Our adoption of this ASU for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018 is not expected to have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Financial Instruments
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The amendments in this ASU address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments and apply to all entities that hold financial assets or owe financial liabilities. The amendments in this ASU also simplify the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring assessment for impairment qualitatively at each reporting period. That impairment assessment is similar to the qualitative assessment for long-lived assets, goodwill, and indefinite-lived intangible assets. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. Our adoption of this ASU for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018 is not expected to have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This ASU applies to all entities holding financial assets and net investment in leases that are not accounted for at fair value through net income. The main objective of the ASU is to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. This amendment replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in the current standard with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted for all entities. We plan to adopt the provisions of this ASU for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2020 and are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this new accounting standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU, Leases (Topic 842). This ASU addresses certain aspects of recognition, presentation, and disclosure of leases and applies to all entities that enter into a lease, with some specified scope exemptions. The amendments in this ASU aim to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted for all entities. Both lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach, which recognizes the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to retained earnings at the date of initial application. We plan to adopt the provisions of this ASU for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2019 and are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this new accounting standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
3. ACQUISITIONS
Our growth strategy depends on the execution of our Strategic Acquisition Model. We assess the strategic positioning of acquisition candidates based on certain criteria, which include volume and price trends, size of business, size of market, competitive standing, demographics, strength of brand and barriers to entry. The value of the acquisition candidates is based on the local market competitive dynamic which allows for appropriate and differentiating enterprise valuations and flexibility to customize the transactions.
On November 7, 2017,August 8, 2022, we acquired a business consisting of two funeral home businesshomes in Longmont, ColoradoKissimmee, Florida for $2.2 million in cash and we acquired a funeral home business in Loveland, Colorado for $2.3$6.3 million in cash. On December 5, 2017,October 25, 2022, we acquired fivea business consisting of three funeral home businesses on Long Island, New Yorkhomes, one cemetery and one cremation focused business in the Charlotte, North Carolina area for $23.0$25.0 million in cash.
For the acquisitions, we We acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain operating liabilities including obligations associated with a capital lease and with certain financed automobiles. of these businesses. We did not acquire any businesses in 2021.
The pro forma impact of these acquisitions on prior periods is not presented, as the impact is not materialsignificant to our reported results. The results of the acquired businesses are included in the Company's resultsreflected on our Consolidated Statements of Operations from the date of acquisition.
The following table summarizes the breakdown of the purchase price allocation for the businesses described above (in thousands):
|
| | | |
| | Purchase Price Allocation |
| Current assets | $ | 180 |
|
| Property, plant & equipment | 12,195 |
|
| Goodwill | 12,469 |
|
| Intangible and other non-current assets | 3,309 |
|
| Assumed liabilities | (63 | ) |
| Obligations under capital leases | (590 | ) |
| Purchase price | $ | 27,500 |
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Purchase Price Allocation |
| Current assets | | | | | $ | 219 | |
| Trust investments | | | | | 4,146 | |
| Property, plant & equipment | | | | | 8,146 | |
| Cemetery property | | | | | 2,375 | |
| Goodwill | | | | | 19,511 | |
| Intangible and other non-current assets | | | | | 2,145 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Trust liabilities | | | | | (4,146) | |
| Deferred revenue | | | | | (1,146) | |
| Purchase price | | | | | $ | 31,250 | |
The intangible and other non-current assets relate to the fair value of tradenames and agreements not-to-compete.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2022, our accounting for our 2022 acquisitions is complete.
The following table summarizes the fair value of the assets acquired for these businesses (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Acquisition Date | | Type of Business | | Market | | Assets Acquired (Excluding Goodwill) | | Goodwill Recorded | | Liabilities and Debt Assumed |
| November 7, 2017 | | One Funeral Home | | Longmont, CO | | $ | 1.5 |
| | $ | 0.7 |
| | $ | — |
|
| November 7, 2017 | | One Funeral Home | | Loveland, CO | | $ | 1.7 |
| | $ | 0.7 |
| | $ | (0.1 | ) |
| December 5, 2017 | | Five Funeral Homes | | Long Island, NY | | $ | 12.5 |
| | $ | 11.1 |
| | $ | (0.6 | ) |
As of December 31, 2017, our accounting for our 2017 acquisitions is complete. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information on our intangible and other non-current assets.
During 2016, we acquired six funeral home businesses. We acquired two funeral home businesses in Houston, Texas in May 2016, one funeral home business in Madera, California in September 2016, one funeral home business in Brookfield, Wisconsin in November 2016 and two funeral home businesses in Burlington, North Carolina and Graham, North Carolina in November 2016.
The following table summarizes the breakdown of the purchase price for the businesses acquired during 2016 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Acquisition Date | | Type of Business | | Market | | Assets
Acquired
(Excluding
Goodwill) | | Goodwill
Recorded | | Liabilities
and Debt
Assumed |
| August 8, 2022 | | Two Funeral Homes | | Kissimmee, FL | | $ | 4,995 | | | $ | 2,694 | | | $ | (1,439) | |
| October 25, 2022 | | Three Funeral Homes, One Cemetery and One Cremation Focused Business | | Charlotte, NC | | $ | 12,036 | | | $ | 16,817 | | | $ | (3,853) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | | |
| | Purchase Price |
| Cash paid | $ | 23,871 |
|
| Deferred payments | 8,884 |
|
| Purchase price | $ | 32,755 |
|
The following table summarizes the breakdown of the purchase price allocation for the businesses acquired during 2016 (in thousands):
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
|
| | | |
| | Purchase Price Allocation |
| Current assets | $ | 530 |
|
| Property, plant & equipment | 15,972 |
|
| Goodwill | 11,832 |
|
| Intangible and other non-current assets | 4,588 |
|
| Assumed liabilities | (167 | ) |
| Purchase price | $ | 32,755 |
|
The intangible and other non-current assets relate to the fair value of tradenames and agreements not-to-compete, and the assumed liabilities relate to the obligations associated with certain financed automobiles we acquired.
The following table summarizes the fair value of the assets acquired for the businesses acquired during 2016 (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Acquisition Date | | Type of Business | | Market | | Assets Acquired (Excluding Goodwill) | | Goodwill Recorded | | Liabilities and Debt Assumed |
| May 31, 2016 | | Two Funeral Homes | | Houston, TX | | $ | 7.0 |
| | $ | 3.3 |
| | $ | (0.1 | ) |
| September 20, 2016 | | One Funeral Home | | Madera, CA | | $ | 3.7 |
| | $ | 1.9 |
| | $ | — |
|
| November 8, 2016 | | One Funeral Home | | Brookfield, WI | | $ | 5.7 |
| | $ | 1.2 |
| | $ | (0.1 | ) |
| November 15, 2016 | | Two Funeral Homes | | Burlington/Graham, NC | | $ | 4.7 |
| | $ | 5.4 |
| | $ | — |
|
4. GOODWILL
Many of the former owners and staff of our acquired funeral homes and certain cemeteries have provided high quality service to families for generations. The resulting loyaltygenerations, which often represents a substantial portion of the value of a business. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of funeral home businesses and cemeteries acquired is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill has primarily been
The following table presents changes in goodwill in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Goodwill at the beginning of year | $ | 392,978 | | | $ | 391,972 | |
| Increase in goodwill related to acquisitions | — | | | 19,511 | |
| Decrease in goodwill related to divestitures | (1,006) | | | (901) | |
| Decrease in goodwill related to assets held for sale | — | | | (445) | |
| Goodwill at the end of the year | $ | 391,972 | | | $ | 410,137 | |
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized $19.5 million in goodwill related to our 2022 acquisitions; $7.4 million was allocated to our cemetery segment and $12.1 million was allocated to our funeral home segment.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we allocated $0.9 million of goodwill to the sale of two funeral homes for a loss recorded in connection with the acquisitionNet loss on divestitures, disposals and impairment charges on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, we recorded a $0.4 million goodwill impairment related to one funeral home businesses.and two cemeteries that were classified as held for sale at the balance sheet date, which was recorded in Net loss on divestitures, disposals and impairment charges in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
OurDuring the year ended December 31, 2021, we allocated $1.0 million of goodwill has an indefinite lifeto the sale of one funeral home for a loss recorded in Net loss on divestitures, disposals and is not subject to amortization. As such, we test goodwill for impairment charges on an annual basis. Under current guidance, we are permitted to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than not that the fair valueour Consolidated Statements of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform
a quantitative goodwill impairment test. Our intent is to perform the quantitative impairment test at least once every three years unless certain indicators or events suggest otherwise and perform the qualitative assessment during the remaining two years. For our 2017 annual impairment test, we performed a qualitative assessment. We determined that there were no factors that would indicate the need to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test and concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units is greater than their carrying value and thus there was no impairment to goodwill.Operations.
See NoteNotes 1, 3, and 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, for a discussion of the methodology used for our annual goodwill impairment test.test and a discussion of our acquisitions and divestitures.
The following table presents changes in goodwill in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2016 | | December 31, 2017 |
| Goodwill at the beginning of year | $ | 264,416 |
| | $ | 275,487 |
|
| Increase in goodwill related to acquisitions | 11,832 |
| | 12,469 |
|
| Decrease in goodwill related to divestitures | (761 | ) | | — |
|
| Goodwill at the end of the year | $ | 275,487 |
| | $ | 287,956 |
|
5. DIVESTED AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
We did not sell anyDuring 2022, we sold four funeral homes for an aggregate of our$1.5 million and merged one funeral home or cemetery businesseswith another business we own in 2015.an existing market. During 2016,2021, we sold atwo funeral home businesshomes and one cemetery for an aggregate of $2.5 million and we merged six funeral homes with other businesses we own in Tennessee for $1.35 million.existing markets. During 2017,2020, we sold aeight funeral home business in Kentuckyhomes for $0.6an aggregate of $8.4 million. We continually review locations to optimize the sustainable earning power and return on our invested capital. These reviews could entail selling certain non-strategic businesses.
The operating results of these divested businesses, as well as the gain or loss on the salefuneral homes and cemeteries are included within net incomereflected on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and are reflectedas shown in the table below (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Revenue | $ | 2,643 | | | $ | 1,070 | | | $ | 656 | |
| | | | | |
| Operating income | 159 | | | 6 | | | 54 | |
Net loss on divestitures(1) | (6,749) | | | (62) | | | (736) | |
| Income tax benefit | 2,135 | | | 16 | | | 193 | |
| Net loss from divested operations, after tax | $ | (4,455) | | | $ | (40) | | | $ | (488) | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| (1) | Net loss on divestitures is recorded in Net loss on divestitures, disposals and impairment charges on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 |
| Revenues | $ | — |
| | $ | 744 |
| | $ | 605 |
|
| | | | | | |
| Operating income | — |
| | 314 |
| | 277 |
|
| Net gain (loss) on disposal | — |
| | (29 | ) | | 191 |
|
| Income tax provision | — |
| | (112 | ) | | (187 | ) |
| Net income from divested operations | $ | — |
| | $ | 173 |
| | $ | 281 |
|
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) 6. PRENEEDRECEIVABLES
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable is comprised of the following (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2022 |
| Funeral | | Cemetery | | Corporate | | Total |
| Trade and financed receivables | $ | 9,518 | | | $ | 14,429 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 23,947 | |
| Other receivables | 643 | | | 833 | | | 48 | | | 1,524 | |
| Allowance for credit losses | (311) | | | (702) | | | — | | | (1,013) | |
| Accounts receivable, net | $ | 9,850 | | | $ | 14,560 | | | $ | 48 | | | $ | 24,458 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 |
| Funeral | | Cemetery | | Corporate | | Total |
| Trade and financed receivables | $ | 10,728 | | | $ | 13,629 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 24,357 | |
| Other receivables | 329 | | | 1,433 | | | 185 | | | 1,947 | |
| Allowance for credit losses | (365) | | | (625) | | | — | | | (990) | |
| Accounts receivable, net | $ | 10,692 | | | $ | 14,437 | | | $ | 185 | | | $ | 25,314 | |
Other receivables include supplier rebates, commissions due from third party insurance companies and perpetual care income receivables. We do not provide an allowance for credit losses for these receivables as we have historically not had any collectability issues nor do we expect any in the foreseeable future.
The following table summarizes the activity in our allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment for the year ended December 31, 2022 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| January 1, 2022 | | Provision for Credit Losses | | Write Offs | | Recoveries | | December 31, 2022 |
| Trade and financed receivables: | | | | | | | | | |
| Funeral | $ | (365) | | | $ | (1,213) | | | $ | 2,060 | | | $ | (793) | | | $ | (311) | |
| Cemetery | (625) | | | (608) | | | 531 | | | — | | | (702) | |
| Total allowance for credit losses on Trade and financed receivables | $ | (990) | | | $ | (1,821) | | | $ | 2,591 | | | $ | (793) | | | $ | (1,013) | |
Preneed Cemetery Receivables
Our preneed cemetery receivables are comprised of the following (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Interment rights | $ | 40,863 | | | $ | 45,351 | |
| Merchandise and services | 7,348 | | | 8,585 | |
| Unearned finance charges | 4,644 | | | 4,894 | |
| Preneed cemetery receivables | $ | 52,855 | | | $ | 58,830 | |
The components of our preneed cemetery receivables are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Preneed cemetery receivables | $ | 52,855 | | | $ | 58,830 | |
| Less: unearned finance charges | (4,644) | | | (4,894) | |
| Preneed cemetery receivables, at amortized cost | $ | 48,211 | | | $ | 53,936 | |
| Less: allowance for credit losses | (1,704) | | | (1,985) | |
| Less: balances due on undelivered cemetery preneed contracts | (10,353) | | | (11,552) | |
| Less: amounts in accounts receivable | (13,004) | | | (13,727) | |
| Preneed cemetery receivables, net | $ | 23,150 | | | $ | 26,672 | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The following table summarizes the activity in our allowance for credit losses for Preneed cemetery receivables, net for the year ended December 31, 2022 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| January 1, 2022 | | Provision for Credit Losses | | Write Offs | | December 31, 2022 |
Total allowance for credit losses on Preneed cemetery receivables, net | $ | (1,079) | | | $ | (997) | | | $ | 793 | | | $ | (1,283) | |
The amortized cost basis of our preneed cemetery receivables by year of origination as of December 31, 2022 is as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 | | Prior | | Total |
| Total preneed cemetery receivables, at amortized cost | $ | 27,597 | | | $ | 13,005 | | | $ | 7,028 | | | $ | 3,736 | | | $ | 1,237 | | | $ | 1,333 | | | $ | 53,936 | |
The aging of past due preneed cemetery receivables as of December 31, 2022 is as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 31-60
Past Due | | 61-90
Past Due | | 91-120
Past Due | | >120
Past Due | | Total Past
Due | | Current | | Total |
| Recognized revenue | $ | 864 | | | $ | 555 | | | $ | 180 | | | $ | 2,146 | | | $ | 3,745 | | | $ | 38,639 | | | $ | 42,384 | |
| Deferred revenue | 285 | | | 184 | | | 74 | | | 1,009 | | | 1,552 | | | 14,894 | | | 16,446 | |
| Total contracts | $ | 1,149 | | | $ | 739 | | | $ | 254 | | | $ | 3,155 | | | $ | 5,297 | | | $ | 53,533 | | | $ | 58,830 | |
The aging of past due preneed cemetery receivables as of December 31, 2021 is as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 31-60
Past Due | | 61-90
Past Due | | 91-120
Past Due | | >120
Past Due | | Total Past
Due | | Current | | Total |
| Recognized revenue | $ | 777 | | | $ | 738 | | | $ | 210 | | | $ | 1,919 | | | $ | 3,644 | | | $ | 34,214 | | | $ | 37,858 | |
| Deferred revenue | 271 | | | 159 | | | 57 | | | 467 | | | 954 | | | 14,043 | | | 14,997 | |
| Total contracts | $ | 1,048 | | | $ | 897 | | | $ | 267 | | | $ | 2,386 | | | $ | 4,598 | | | $ | 48,257 | | | $ | 52,855 | |
7. TRUST INVESTMENTS
Preneed Cemetery Trust Investments
Preneed cemetery trust investments represent trust fund assets that we are generally permitted to withdraw as the services and merchandise are provided to customers. Preneed funeral and cemetery contracts are secured by payments from customers, less amounts not required by law to be deposited into trust. Preneed cemetery trust investments are reduced by the trustThese earnings we have been allowed to withdraw in certain states prior to our performance.
The components of Preneed cemetery trust investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2016 |
| | December 31, 2017 |
|
| Preneed cemetery trust investments, at market value | $ | 71,834 |
| | $ | 75,992 |
|
| Less: allowance for contract cancellation | (2,138 | ) | | (2,139 | ) |
| Preneed cemetery trust investments, net | $ | 69,696 |
| | $ | 73,853 |
|
Upon cancellation of a preneed cemetery contract, a customer is generally entitled to receive a refund of the corpus, and in some instances, a portion of all of the earnings held in trust. In certain jurisdictions, we may be obligated to fund any shortfall if the amounts deposited by the customer exceed the funds in trust, including investment income. As a result, when realized or unrealized losses of a trust result in the trust being underfunded, we assess whether we are responsible for replenishing the corpus of the trust, in which case a loss provision is recorded. At December 31, 2017, none of our preneed cemetery trust investments were underfunded.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Earnings from our preneed cemetery trust investments are recognized in Other revenue on ourConsolidated Statements of Operations, when a service is performed or merchandise is delivered. Trust management fees charged by CSV RIA are included as revenue in the period in which they are earned. Our investments are diversified across multiple industry segments using a balanced allocation strategy to minimize long-term risk. We do not intend to sell and it is likely that we will not be required to sell the securities prior to their anticipated recovery.
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments represent a portion of the proceeds from the sale of cemetery property interment rights that we are required by various state laws to deposit into perpetual care trust funds. The income earned from these perpetual care trusts offsets maintenance expenses for cemetery property and memorials. This trust fund income is recognized in Other revenue.
Where quoted prices are available in an active market, investments held by the trusts are classified as Level 1 investments pursuant to the three-level valuation hierarchy. Our Level 1 investments include cash, U.S. treasury debt, common stock and common stock.equity mutual funds. Where quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, then fair values are estimated by using quoted prices of similar securities in active markets or other inputs other than quoted prices that can corroborate observable market data. These investments are fixed income securities, including municipal bonds,U.S. agency obligations, foreign debt, corporate debt, preferred stock, mortgage-backed securitiesstocks, certificates of deposit and fixed income mutual funds and other investments, all of which are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. We review and update our fair value hierarchy classifications quarterly. There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 in the year ended December 31, 2017. There are no Level 3 investments in the preneed cemetery trust investment portfolio. See Note 1110 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for furtheradditional information ofrelated to our the fair value measurement and the three-level valuation hierarchy.measurement.
The cost and fair market values associated with preneed cemetery trust investments at December 31, 2017 are detailed below (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fair Value Hierarchy Level | | Cost | | Unrealized Gains | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair Market Value |
| Cash and money market accounts | 1 | | $ | 3,132 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 3,132 |
|
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign debt | 2 | | 4,834 |
| | 292 |
| | (193 | ) | | 4,933 |
|
| Corporate debt | 2 | | 18,238 |
| | 1,184 |
| | (273 | ) | | 19,149 |
|
| Preferred stock | 2 | | 16,421 |
| | 510 |
| | (588 | ) | | 16,343 |
|
| Mortgage-backed securities | 2 | | 1,018 |
| | 249 |
| | (24 | ) | | 1,243 |
|
| Common stock | 1 | | 26,465 |
| | 5,250 |
| | (2,460 | ) | | 29,255 |
|
| Mutual funds: | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed Income | 2 | | $ | 1,198 |
| | 50 |
| | (11 | ) | | $ | 1,237 |
|
| Trust securities | | | $ | 71,306 |
| | $ | 7,535 |
| | $ | (3,549 | ) | | $ | 75,292 |
|
| Accrued investment income | | | $ | 700 |
| | | | | | $ | 700 |
|
| Preneed cemetery trust investments | | | | | | | | | $ | 75,992 |
|
| Market value as a percentage of cost | | | | | | | | | 105.6 | % |
The estimated maturities of the fixed income securities included above are as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | |
| Due in one year or less | $ | 303 |
|
| Due in one to five years | 2,183 |
|
| Due in five to ten years | 5,376 |
|
| Thereafter | 33,806 |
|
| Total fixed income securities | $ | 41,668 |
|
The cost and market values associated with preneed cemetery trust investments at December 31, 2016 are detailed below (in thousands):
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fair Value Hierarchy Level | | Cost | | Unrealized Gains | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair Market Value |
| Cash and money market accounts | 1 | | $ | 10,852 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 10,852 |
|
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | |
| Municipal bonds | 2 | | 496 |
| | 18 |
| | (4 | ) | | $ | 510 |
|
| Foreign debt | 2 | | 7,574 |
| | 160 |
| | (656 | ) | | 7,078 |
|
| Corporate debt | 2 | | 20,621 |
| | 1,569 |
| | (1,123 | ) | | 21,067 |
|
| Preferred stock | 2 | | 16,287 |
| | 8 |
| | (947 | ) | | 15,348 |
|
| Mortgage-backed securities | 2 | | 949 |
| | 372 |
| | (4 | ) | | 1,317 |
|
| Common stock | 1 | | 13,250 |
| | 2,191 |
| | (1,838 | ) | | 13,603 |
|
| Mutual funds: | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed Income | 2 | | 1,223 |
| | 107 |
| | — |
| | 1,330 |
|
| Trust Securities | | | $ | 71,252 |
| | $ | 4,425 |
| | $ | (4,572 | ) | | $ | 71,105 |
|
| Accrued investment income | | | $ | 729 |
| | | | | | $ | 729 |
|
| Preneed cemetery trust investments | | | | | | | | | $ | 71,834 |
|
| Market value as a percentage of cost | | | | | | | | | 99.8 | % |
We determine whether or not the assetsChanges in the preneedfair value of our trust fund assets (Preneed funeral, cemetery and perpetual care trust investments have an other-than-temporary impairment on a security-by-security basis. This assessment is made based upon a number of criteria, including the length of time a security has been in a loss position,) are offset by changes in market conditions and concerns related to the specific issuer. If a loss is considered to be other-than-temporary, the cost basisfair value of the security is adjusted downward to its fair market value. Any reduction in the cost basis of the investment due to an other-than-temporary impairment is likewise recorded as a reduction in our trust fund liabilities (Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in truston our Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded a $0.9 million impairment for other-than-temporary declines and Care trusts’ corpus) and reflected in the fair value related to unrealized losses on certain investments. We did not record any impairments in the year ended December 31, 2017.Other, net. There is no impact on earnings until such time that the loss is realized in the trusts, allocated to the preneed contracts and the services are performed or the merchandise is delivered, causing the contract to be withdrawn from the trust in accordance with state regulations.regulations and the gain or loss is allocated to the contract.
At December 31, 2017, we had certain investments withinWe rely on our preneed cemetery trust investments to provide funding for the various contractual obligations that had tax lots in loss positions for more than one year. Based on our analysesarise upon maturity of these securities, the companies’ businesses and current market conditions, we determined that these investment losses were temporary in nature.
Ourunderlying preneed cemeterycontracts. Because of the long-term relationship between the establishment of trust investment unrealized losses, their associated fair market values,investments and the duration of unrealized losses as of December 31, 2017 are shown in the following tables (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2017 |
| | In Loss Position Less than 12 months | | In Loss Position Greater than 12 months | | Total |
| | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses |
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign debt | $ | 151 |
| | $ | (6 | ) | | $ | 1,637 |
| | $ | (187 | ) | | $ | 1,788 |
| | $ | (193 | ) |
| Corporate debt | 3,735 |
| | (72 | ) | | 846 |
| | (201 | ) | | 4,581 |
| | (273 | ) |
| Preferred stock | 48 |
| | — |
| | 8,109 |
| | (588 | ) | | 8,157 |
| | (588 | ) |
| Mortgage-backed securities | 127 |
| | (15 | ) | | 27 |
| | (9 | ) | | 154 |
| | (24 | ) |
| Common stock | 8,249 |
| | (1,512 | ) | | 1,742 |
| | (948 | ) | | 9,991 |
| | (2,460 | ) |
| Mutual funds: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed Income | 496 |
| | (11 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | 496 |
| | (11 | ) |
| Total temporary impaired securities | $ | 12,806 |
| | $ | (1,616 | ) | | $ | 12,361 |
| | $ | (1,933 | ) | | $ | 25,167 |
| | $ | (3,549 | ) |
Our preneed cemetery trust investment unrealized losses, their associated fair market values, and the duration of unrealized losses as of December 31, 2016 are shown in the following tables (in thousands):
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
required performance of the underlying contractual obligations, the impact of current market conditions that may exist at any given time is not necessarily indicative of our ability to generate profit on our future performance obligations.
Preneed Cemetery Trust Investments
The components of Preneed cemetery trust investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheet are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Preneed cemetery trust investments, at market value | $ | 103,808 | | | $ | 98,269 | |
| Less: allowance for contract cancellation | (2,905) | | | (3,204) | |
| Preneed cemetery trust investments | $ | 100,903 | | | $ | 95,065 | |
The cost and market values associated with preneed cemetery trust investments at December 31, 2022 are detailed below (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair Value Hierarchy Level | | Cost | | Unrealized
Gains | | Unrealized
Losses | | Fair Market Value |
| Cash and money market accounts | 1 | | $ | 10,434 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 10,434 | |
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. agency obligations | 2 | | 803 | | | — | | | (72) | | | 731 | |
| Foreign debt | 2 | | 12,241 | | | 910 | | | (644) | | | 12,507 | |
| Corporate debt | 2 | | 15,066 | | | 104 | | | (4,139) | | | 11,031 | |
| Preferred stock | 2 | | 12,560 | | | 436 | | | (1,789) | | | 11,207 | |
| Certificates of deposit | 2 | | 79 | | | — | | | (8) | | | 71 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Common stock | 1 | | 42,929 | | | 5,102 | | | (6,228) | | | 41,803 | |
| Mutual funds: | | | | | | | | | |
| Equity | 1 | | 362 | | | — | | | (33) | | | 329 | |
| Fixed income | 2 | | 12,324 | | | 10 | | | (3,310) | | | 9,024 | |
| Trust securities | | | $ | 106,798 | | | $ | 6,562 | | | $ | (16,223) | | | $ | 97,137 | |
| Accrued investment income | | | $ | 1,132 | | | | | | | $ | 1,132 | |
| Preneed cemetery trust investments | | | | | | | | | $ | 98,269 | |
| Market value as a percentage of cost | | | | | | | | | 91.0% |
The estimated maturities of the fixed income securities (excluding mutual funds) included above are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | |
| Due in one year or less | $ | 1,176 | |
| Due in one to five years | 8,655 | |
| Due in five to ten years | 6,292 | |
| Thereafter | 19,424 | |
| Total fixed income securities | $ | 35,547 | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The cost and market values associated with preneed cemetery trust investments at December 31, 2021 are detailed below (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair Value Hierarchy Level | | Cost | | Unrealized
Gains | | Unrealized
Losses | | Fair Market Value |
| Cash and money market accounts | 1 | | $ | 3,088 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 3,088 | |
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign debt | 2 | | 15,846 | | | 2,025 | | | (953) | | | 16,918 | |
| Corporate debt | 2 | | 12,965 | | | 1,374 | | | (49) | | | 14,290 | |
| Preferred stock | 2 | | 12,455 | | | 1,111 | | | (344) | | | 13,222 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Common stock | 1 | | 40,992 | | | 6,906 | | | (4,079) | | | 43,819 | |
| Mutual funds: | | | | | | | | | |
| Equity | 1 | | 28 | | | 8 | | | — | | | 36 | |
| Fixed Income | 2 | | 11,443 | | | 615 | | | (567) | | | 11,491 | |
| Trust Securities | | | $ | 96,817 | | | $ | 12,039 | | | $ | (5,992) | | | $ | 102,864 | |
| Accrued investment income | | | $ | 944 | | | | | | | $ | 944 | |
| Preneed cemetery trust investments | | | | | | | | | $ | 103,808 | |
| Market value as a percentage of cost | | | | | | | | | 106.2% |
The following table summarizes our fixed income securities (excluding mutual funds) within our preneed cemetery trust investments in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2022, aggregated by major security type and length of time in a continuous unrealized loss position (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2022 |
| In Loss Position Less than 12 months | | In Loss Position Greater than 12 months | | Total |
| Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses |
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. agency obligations | $ | 732 | | | $ | (72) | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 732 | | | $ | (72) | |
| Foreign debt | 5,394 | | | (308) | | | 744 | | | (336) | | | 6,138 | | | (644) | |
| Corporate debt | 8,037 | | | (3,922) | | | 563 | | | (217) | | | 8,600 | | | (4,139) | |
| Preferred stock | 7,146 | | | (1,271) | | | 2,517 | | | (518) | | | 9,663 | | | (1,789) | |
| Certificates of deposit | 71 | | | (8) | | | — | | | — | | | 71 | | | (8) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total fixed income securities with an unrealized loss | $ | 21,380 | | | $ | (5,581) | | | $ | 3,824 | | | $ | (1,071) | | | $ | 25,204 | | | $ | (6,652) | |
The following table summarizes our fixed income securities (excluding mutual funds) within our preneed cemetery trust investments in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2021, aggregated by major security type and length of time in a continuous unrealized loss position (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 |
| In Loss Position Less than 12 months | | In Loss Position Greater than 12 months | | Total |
| Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses |
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign debt | $ | 4,228 | | | $ | (517) | | | $ | 629 | | | $ | (436) | | | $ | 4,857 | | | $ | (953) | |
| Corporate debt | 1,037 | | | (49) | | | — | | | — | | | 1,037 | | | (49) | |
| Preferred stock | 1,301 | | | (63) | | | 2,913 | | | (281) | | | 4,214 | | | (344) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total fixed income securities with an unrealized loss | $ | 6,566 | | | $ | (629) | | | $ | 3,542 | | | $ | (717) | | | $ | 10,108 | | | $ | (1,346) | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2016 |
| | In Loss Position Less than 12 months | | In Loss Position Greater than 12 months | | Total |
| | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses |
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Municipal bonds | $ | 228 |
| | $ | (4 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 228 |
| | $ | (4 | ) |
| Foreign debt | 2,523 |
| | (180 | ) | | 2,868 |
| | (475 | ) | | 5,391 |
| | (655 | ) |
| Corporate debt | 6,939 |
| | (233 | ) | | 2,168 |
| | (890 | ) | | 9,107 |
| | (1,123 | ) |
| Preferred stock | 3,217 |
| | (121 | ) | | 11,635 |
| | (826 | ) | | 14,852 |
| | (947 | ) |
| Mortgage-backed securities | 51 |
| | (5 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | 51 |
| | (5 | ) |
| Common stock | 2,608 |
| | (202 | ) | | 3,385 |
| | (1,636 | ) | | 5,993 |
| | (1,838 | ) |
| Total temporary impaired securities | $ | 15,566 |
| | $ | (745 | ) | | $ | 20,056 |
| | $ | (3,827 | ) | | $ | 35,622 |
| | $ | (4,572 | ) |
Preneed cemetery trust investment security transactions recorded in Other, net on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 wereare as follows (in thousands):
| | | | Year ended December 31, | | Years ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 | | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Investment income | $ | 2,562 |
| | $ | 2,250 |
| | $ | 2,250 |
| Investment income | $ | 2,175 | | | $ | 2,147 | | | $ | 2,219 | |
| Realized gains | 2,952 |
| | 2,141 |
| | 2,218 |
| Realized gains | 8,922 | | | 18,321 | | | 10,619 | |
| Realized losses | (3,671 | ) | | (6,559 | ) | | (2,384 | ) | Realized losses | (5,090) | | | (6,626) | | | (2,548) | |
| Unrealized gains (losses), net | | Unrealized gains (losses), net | 5,515 | | | 6,047 | | | (9,661) | |
| Expenses and taxes | (1,790 | ) | | (1,266 | ) | | (1,308 | ) | Expenses and taxes | (1,354) | | | (1,715) | | | (1,748) | |
| Decrease (increase) in deferred preneed cemetery receipts held in trust | (53 | ) | | 3,434 |
| | (776 | ) | |
| Net change in deferred preneed cemetery receipts held in trust | | Net change in deferred preneed cemetery receipts held in trust | (10,168) | | | (18,174) | | | 1,119 | |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Purchases and sales of investments in the preneed cemetery trusts for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 wereare as follows (in thousands):
| | | | Year ended December 31, | | Years ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 | | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Purchases | $ | (26,757 | ) | | $ | (25,643 | ) | | $ | (21,966 | ) | Purchases | $ | (48,824) | | | $ | (41,414) | | | $ | (8,336) | |
| Sales | 23,141 |
| | 25,846 |
| | 14,002 |
| Sales | 41,178 | | | 43,265 | | | 8,248 | |
Preneed Funeral Trust Investments
Preneed funeral trust investments represent trust fund assets that we are permitted to withdraw as services and merchandise are provided to customers. Preneed funeral contracts are secured by payments from customers, less retained amounts not required to be deposited into trust.
The components of Preneed funeral trust investments are reduced by the trust earnings we have been allowed to withdraw in certain states prior to our performance.
The components of Preneed funeral trust investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2016 |
| | December 31, 2017 |
|
| Preneed funeral trust investments, at market value | $ | 91,980 |
| | $ | 93,341 |
|
| Less: allowance for contract cancellation | (2,740 | ) | | (2,659 | ) |
| Preneed funeral trust investments, net | $ | 89,240 |
| | $ | 90,682 |
|
Upon cancellation of a preneed funeral contract, a customer is generally entitled to receive a refund of the corpus and in some instances, a portion of all earnings held in trust. In certain jurisdictions, we may be obligated to fund any shortfall if the amounts deposited by the customer exceed the funds in trust, including investment income. As a result, when realized or unrealized losses of a trust result in the trust being underfunded, we assess whether we are responsible for replenishing the corpus of the trust, in which case a loss provision is recorded. At December 31, 2017, none of our preneed funeral trust investments were underfunded.
Earnings from our preneed funeral trust investments are recognized in revenue when a service is performed or merchandise is delivered. Trust management fees charged by CSV RIA are included in revenue in the period in which they are earned.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Where quoted prices are available in an active market, investments held by the trusts are classified as Level 1 investments pursuant to the three-level valuation hierarchy. Our Level 1 investments include cash, U.S. treasury debt and common stock. Where quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, then fair values are estimated by using quoted prices of similar securities in active markets or other inputs other than quoted prices that can corroborate observable market data. These investments are fixed income securities, including municipal bonds, foreign debt, corporate debt, preferred stocks, mortgage-backed securities and fixed income mutual funds and other investments, all of which are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. We review and update our fair value hierarchy classifications quarterly. There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 for the year ended December 31, 2017. There are no Level 3 investments in the preneed funeral trust investment portfolio. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further information of the fair value measurement and the three-level valuation hierarchy.
The cost and fair market values associated with preneed funeral trust investments at December 31, 2017 are detailed below (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fair Value Hierarchy Level | | Cost | | Unrealized Gains | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair Market Value |
| Cash and money market accounts | 1 | | $ | 14,349 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 14,349 |
|
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. treasury debt | 1 | | 1,490 |
| | 10 |
| | (15 | ) | | 1,485 |
|
| Foreign debt | 2 | | 4,870 |
| | 298 |
| | (189 | ) | | 4,979 |
|
| Corporate debt | 2 | | 18,963 |
| | 1,197 |
| | (278 | ) | | 19,882 |
|
| Preferred stock | 2 | | 16,335 |
| | 501 |
| | (585 | ) | | 16,251 |
|
| Mortgage-backed securities | 2 | | 1,187 |
| | 263 |
| | (27 | ) | | 1,423 |
|
| Common stock | 1 | | 26,129 |
| | 5,253 |
| | (2,468 | ) | | 28,914 |
|
| Mutual funds: | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed income | 2 | | 1,974 |
| | 52 |
| | (48 | ) | | 1,978 |
|
| Other investments | 2 | | 3,341 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 3,341 |
|
| Trust securities | | | $ | 88,638 |
| | $ | 7,574 |
| | $ | (3,610 | ) | | $ | 92,602 |
|
| Accrued investment income | | | $ | 739 |
| | | | | | $ | 739 |
|
| Preneed funeral trust investments | | | | | | | | | $ | 93,341 |
|
| Market value as a percentage of cost | | | | | | | | | 104.5 | % |
The estimated maturities of the fixed income securities included aboveSheet are as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | |
| Due in one year or less | $ | 320 |
|
| Due in one to five years | 3,744 |
|
| Due in five to ten years | 5,782 |
|
| Thereafter | 34,174 |
|
| Total fixed income securities | $ | 44,020 |
|
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Preneed funeral trust investments, at market value | $ | 116,973 | | | $ | 107,995 | |
| Less: allowance for contract cancellation | (3,315) | | | (3,442) | |
| Preneed funeral trust investments | $ | 113,658 | | | $ | 104,553 | |
The cost and market values associated with preneed funeral trust investments at December 31, 20162022 are detailed below (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fair Value Hierarchy Level | | Cost | | Unrealized Gains | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair Market Value |
| Cash and money market accounts | 1 | | $ | 22,787 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 22,787 |
|
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. treasury debt | 1 | | 1,491 |
| | 21 |
| | (10 | ) | | 1,502 |
|
| Municipal bonds | 2 | | 447 |
| | 17 |
| | (4 | ) | | 460 |
|
| Foreign debt | 2 | | 7,692 |
| | 170 |
| | (677 | ) | | 7,185 |
|
| Corporate debt | 2 | | 21,454 |
| | 1,566 |
| | (1,134 | ) | | 21,886 |
|
| Preferred stock | 2 | | 17,037 |
| | 64 |
| | (970 | ) | | 16,131 |
|
| Mortgage-backed securities | 2 | | 1,165 |
| | 400 |
| | (5 | ) | | 1,560 |
|
| Common stock | 1 | | 13,675 |
| | 2,256 |
| | (1,850 | ) | | 14,081 |
|
| Mutual funds: | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed income | 2 | | 2,124 |
| | 115 |
| | (66 | ) | | 2,173 |
|
| Other investments | 2 | | 3,463 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 3,463 |
|
| Trust securities | | | $ | 91,335 |
| | $ | 4,609 |
| | $ | (4,716 | ) | | $ | 91,228 |
|
| Accrued investment income | | | $ | 752 |
| | | | | | $ | 752 |
|
| Preneed funeral trust investments | | | | | | | | | $ | 91,980 |
|
| Market value as a percentage of cost | | | | | | | | | 99.9 | % |
We determine whether or not the assets in the preneed funeral trust investments have other-than-temporary impairments on a security-by-security basis. This assessment is made based upon a number of criteria including the length of time a security has been in a loss position, changes in market conditions and concerns related to the specific issuer. If a loss is considered to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the security is adjusted downward to its fair market value. Any reduction in the cost basis of the investment due to an other-than-temporary impairment is likewise recorded as a reduction to Deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded a $0.9 million impairment for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value related to unrealized losses on certain investments. We did not record any impairments in the year ended December 31, 2017. There is no impact on earnings until such time that the loss is realized in the trusts, allocated to preneed contracts and the services are performed or the merchandise is delivered causing the contract to be withdrawn from the trust in accordance with state regulations.
At December 31, 2017, we had certain investments within our preneed funeral trust investments that had tax lots in loss positions for more than one year. Based on our analyses of these securities, the companies’ businesses and current market conditions, we determined that these investment losses were temporary in nature.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair Value Hierarchy Level | | Cost | | Unrealized
Gains | | Unrealized
Losses | | Fair Market Value |
| Cash and money market accounts | 1 | | $ | 29,641 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 29,641 | |
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| U. S. treasury debt | 1 | | 484 | | | — | | | (45) | | | 439 | |
| Foreign debt | 2 | | 10,851 | | | 818 | | | (555) | | | 11,114 | |
| Corporate debt | 2 | | 12,735 | | | 89 | | | (3,443) | | | 9,381 | |
| Preferred stock | 2 | | 10,730 | | | 391 | | | (1,564) | | | 9,557 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Common stock | 1 | | 36,478 | | | 4,485 | | | (5,187) | | | 35,776 | |
| Mutual funds: | | | | | | | | | |
| Equity | 1 | | 326 | | | — | | | (30) | | | 296 | |
| Fixed income | 2 | | 9,907 | | | 9 | | | (2,691) | | | 7,225 | |
| Other investments | 2 | | 3,592 | | | — | | | — | | | 3,592 | |
| Trust securities | | | $ | 114,744 | | | $ | 5,792 | | | $ | (13,515) | | | $ | 107,021 | |
| Accrued investment income | | | $ | 974 | | | | | | | $ | 974 | |
| Preneed funeral trust investments | | | | | | | | | $ | 107,995 | |
| Market value as a percentage of cost | | | | | | | | | 93.3% |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The estimated maturities of the fixed income securities (excluding mutual funds) included above are as follows (in thousands):
Our | | | | | |
| Due in one year or less | $ | 1,057 | |
| Due in one to five years | 7,203 | |
| Due in five to ten years | 5,428 | |
| Thereafter | 16,803 | |
| Total fixed income securities | $ | 30,491 | |
The cost and market values associated with preneed funeral trust investments at December 31, 2021 are detailed below (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair Value Hierarchy Level | | Cost | | Unrealized
Gains | | Unrealized
Losses | | Fair Market Value |
| Cash and money market accounts | 1 | | $ | 23,438 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 23,438 | |
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign debt | 2 | | 14,936 | | | 1,874 | | | (887) | | | 15,923 | |
| Corporate debt | 2 | | 11,231 | | | 1,223 | | | (46) | | | 12,408 | |
| Preferred stock | 2 | | 11,001 | | | 986 | | | (319) | | | 11,668 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Common stock | 1 | | 36,694 | | | 6,417 | | | (3,574) | | | 39,537 | |
| Mutual funds: | | | | | | | | | |
| Equity | 1 | | 26 | | | 7 | | | — | | | 33 | |
| Fixed income | 2 | | 9,396 | | | 454 | | | (470) | | | 9,380 | |
| Other investments | 2 | | 3,754 | | | — | | | — | | | 3,754 | |
| Trust securities | | | $ | 110,476 | | | $ | 10,961 | | | $ | (5,296) | | | $ | 116,141 | |
| Accrued investment income | | | $ | 832 | | | | | | | $ | 832 | |
| Preneed funeral trust investments | | | | | | | | | $ | 116,973 | |
| Market value as a percentage of cost | | | | | | | | | 105.1% |
The following table summarizes our fixed income securities (excluding mutual funds) within our preneed funeral trust investment in an unrealized losses, their associated fair market values, and the duration of unrealized losses as ofloss position at December 31, 2017 are shown the the following tables2022, aggregated by major security type and length of time in a continuous unrealized loss position (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2017 |
| | In Loss Position Less than 12 months | | In Loss Position Greater than 12 months | | Total |
| | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses |
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. treasury debt | $ | 1,325 |
| | $ | (15 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 1,325 |
| | $ | (15 | ) |
| Foreign debt | 159 |
| | (6 | ) | | 1,608 |
| | (183 | ) | | 1,767 |
| | (189 | ) |
| Corporate debt | 3,770 |
| | (74 | ) | | 842 |
| | (203 | ) | | 4,612 |
| | (277 | ) |
| Preferred stock | 50 |
| | — |
| | 8,184 |
| | (585 | ) | | 8,234 |
| | (585 | ) |
| Mortgage-backed securities | 221 |
| | (17 | ) | | 36 |
| | (10 | ) | | 257 |
| | (27 | ) |
| Common Stock | 8,001 |
| | (1,496 | ) | | 1,728 |
| | (972 | ) | | 9,729 |
| | (2,468 | ) |
| Mutual funds: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed income | 549 |
| | (12 | ) | | 615 |
| | (37 | ) | | 1,164 |
| | (49 | ) |
| Total temporary impaired securities | $ | 14,075 |
| | $ | (1,620 | ) | | $ | 13,013 |
| | $ | (1,990 | ) | | $ | 27,088 |
| | $ | (3,610 | ) |
Our preneed funeral trust investment unrealized losses, their associated fair market values, and the duration of unrealized losses as of December 31, 2016 are shown the the following tables (in thousands): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2022 |
| In Loss Position Less than 12 months | | In Loss Position Greater than 12 months | | Total |
| Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses |
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. treasury debt | $ | 439 | | | $ | (45) | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 439 | | | $ | (45) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign debt | 4,766 | | | (274) | | | 626 | | | (281) | | | 5,392 | | | (555) | |
| Corporate debt | 6,742 | | | (3,248) | | | 506 | | | (195) | | | 7,248 | | | (3,443) | |
| Preferred stock | 5,908 | | | (1,099) | | | 2,261 | | | (465) | | | 8,169 | | | (1,564) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total fixed income securities with an unrealized loss | $ | 17,855 | | | $ | (4,666) | | | $ | 3,393 | | | $ | (941) | | | $ | 21,248 | | | $ | (5,607) | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2016 |
| | In Loss Position Less than 12 months | | In Loss Position Greater than 12 months | | Total |
| | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses |
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. treasury debt | $ | 834 |
| | $ | (10 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 834 |
| | $ | (10 | ) |
| Municipal bonds | 244 |
| | (5 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | 244 |
| | (5 | ) |
| Foreign debt | 2,654 |
| | (186 | ) | | 2,905 |
| | (490 | ) | | 5,559 |
| | (676 | ) |
| Corporate debt | 6,977 |
| | (215 | ) | | 2,234 |
| | (919 | ) | | 9,211 |
| | (1,134 | ) |
| Preferred stock | 3,420 |
| | (128 | ) | | 11,750 |
| | (842 | ) | | 15,170 |
| | (970 | ) |
| Mortgage-backed securities | 55 |
| | (5 | ) | | 11 |
| | (1 | ) | | 66 |
| | (6 | ) |
| Mutual funds: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Equity | 2,795 |
| | (216 | ) | | 3,390 |
| | (1,634 | ) | | 6,185 |
| | (1,850 | ) |
| Fixed income | 97 |
| | (7 | ) | | 644 |
| | (58 | ) | | 741 |
| | (65 | ) |
| Total temporary impaired securities | $ | 17,076 |
| | $ | (772 | ) | | $ | 20,934 |
| | $ | (3,944 | ) | | $ | 38,010 |
| | $ | (4,716 | ) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The following table summarizes our fixed income securities (excluding mutual funds) within our preneed funeral trust investment in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2021, aggregated by major security type and length of time in a continuous unrealized loss position (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 |
| In Loss Position Less than 12 months | | In Loss Position Greater than 12 months | | Total |
| Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses |
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign debt | $ | 4,251 | | | $ | (509) | | | $ | 548 | | | $ | (378) | | | $ | 4,799 | | | $ | (887) | |
| Corporate debt | 965 | | | (46) | | | — | | | — | | | 965 | | | (46) | |
| Preferred stock | 1,211 | | | (58) | | | 2,710 | | | (261) | | | 3,921 | | | (319) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total fixed income securities with an unrealized loss | $ | 6,427 | | | $ | (613) | | | $ | 3,258 | | | $ | (639) | | | $ | 9,685 | | | $ | (1,252) | |
Preneed funeral trust investment security transactions recorded in Other, net on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 wereare as follows (in thousands):
| | | | Year ended December 31, | | Years ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 | | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Investment income | $ | 2,819 |
| | $ | 2,344 |
| | $ | 2,420 |
| Investment income | $ | 1,907 | | | $ | 1,747 | | | $ | 1,700 | |
| Realized gains | 3,931 |
| | 2,287 |
| | 2,386 |
| Realized gains | 9,441 | | | 17,091 | | | 9,446 | |
| Realized losses | (3,979 | ) | | (6,642 | ) | | (2,396 | ) | Realized losses | (4,677) | | | (6,155) | | | (2,301) | |
| Unrealized gains (losses), net | | Unrealized gains (losses), net | 5,555 | | | 5,665 | | | (7,723) | |
| Expenses and taxes | (988 | ) | | (1,174 | ) | | (1,290 | ) | Expenses and taxes | (878) | | | (1,221) | | | 958 | |
| Decrease (increase) in deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust | (1,783 | ) | | 3,185 |
| | (1,120 | ) | |
| Net change in deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust | | Net change in deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust | (11,348) | | | (17,127) | | | (2,080) | |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Purchases and sales of investments in the preneed funeral trusts for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 wereare as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, |
| | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Purchases | $ | (47,315) | | | $ | (38,175) | | | $ | (6,239) | |
| Sales | 43,270 | | | 40,658 | | | 7,419 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 |
| Purchases | $ | (26,021 | ) | | $ | (26,457 | ) | | $ | (21,954 | ) |
| Sales | 42,582 |
| | 27,425 |
| | 14,463 |
|
7. PRENEED CEMETERY RECEIVABLES
Preneed sales of cemetery interment rights and related products and services are usually financed through interest-bearing installment sales contracts, generally with terms of up to five years with such interest income reflected as Preneed cemetery finance charges. In substantially all cases, we receive an initial down payment at the time the contract is signed.
Total financed preneed cemetery receivables were comprised of the following at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2016 | | December 31, 2017 |
| Cemetery interment rights | $ | 28,687 |
| | $ | 29,625 |
|
| Cemetery merchandise and services | 10,299 |
| | 10,849 |
|
| Preneed cemetery receivables | $ | 38,986 |
| | $ | 40,474 |
|
These amounts are presentedCare trusts’ corpus on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017Sheet represent the corpus of those trusts plus undistributed income. The components of Care trusts’ corpus are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Cemetery perpetual care trust investments, at market value | $ | 72,400 | | | $ | 66,307 | |
| Obligations due from trust | (1,244) | | | (812) | |
| Care trusts’ corpus | $ | 71,156 | | | $ | 65,495 | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2016 | | December 31, 2017 |
| Accounts receivable, excluding unearned finance charges and allowance for contract cancellations of $2,622 and $2,779, respectively | $ | 11,380 |
| | $ | 11,843 |
|
Preneed receivables, excluding unearned finance charges and allowance for contract cancellations of $4,983 and $4,922, respectively | 27,606 |
| | 28,631 |
|
| Preneed cemetery receivables | $ | 38,986 |
| | $ | 40,474 |
|
The unearned finance charges associated with these receivables were $5.7 million at both December 31, 2016 and 2017.
We determine an allowance for customer cancellations and refunds on contracts in which revenue has been recognized on sales of cemetery interment rights. We have a collections policy where past due notifications are sent to the customer beginning at 15 days past due and periodically thereafter until the contract is cancelled or payment is received. We reserve 100% of the receivables on contracts in which the revenue has been recognized and payments are 90 days past due or more, which was approximately 4.9% of the total receivables on recognized sales at December 31, 2017. An allowance is recorded at the date that the contract is executed and periodically adjusted thereafter based upon actual collection experience at the business level.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
ForThe following table reflects the years endingcost and market values associated with the trust investments held in perpetual care trust funds at December 31, 2016 and 2017,2022 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair Value Hierarchy Level | | Cost | | Unrealized
Gains | | Unrealized
Losses | | Fair Market Value |
| Cash and money market accounts | 1 | | $ | 5,326 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 5,326 | |
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign debt | 2 | | 8,746 | | | 600 | | | (470) | | | 8,876 | |
| Corporate debt | 2 | | 10,540 | | | 118 | | | (2,961) | | | 7,697 | |
| Preferred stock | 2 | | 9,831 | | | 287 | | | (1,374) | | | 8,744 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Common stock | 1 | | 28,625 | | | 3,443 | | | (4,297) | | | 27,771 | |
| Mutual funds: | | | | | | | | | |
| Equity | 1 | | 345 | | | 2 | | | (22) | | | 325 | |
| Fixed income | 2 | | 9,046 | | | 26 | | | (2,310) | | | 6,762 | |
| Trust securities | | | $ | 72,459 | | | $ | 4,476 | | | $ | (11,434) | | | $ | 65,501 | |
| Accrued investment income | | | $ | 806 | | | | | | | $ | 806 | |
| Cemetery perpetual care investments | | | | | | | | | $ | 66,307 | |
| Market value as a percentage of cost | | | | | | | | | 90.4% |
The estimated maturities of the change in the allowance for contract cancellations wasfixed income securities (excluding mutual funds) included above are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | |
| Due in one year or less | $ | 776 | |
| Due in one to five years | 5,361 | |
| Due in five to ten years | 4,332 | |
| Thereafter | 14,848 | |
| Total fixed income securities | $ | 25,317 | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| | As of December 31, |
| | 2016 | | 2017 |
| Beginning balance | $ | 1,765 |
| | $ | 1,861 |
|
| Write-offs and cancellations | (1,332 | ) | | (1,298 | ) |
| Provision | 1,428 |
| | 1,456 |
|
| Ending balance | $ | 1,861 |
| | $ | 2,019 |
|
The aging of past due financing receivables as of following table reflects the cost and market values associated with the trust investments held in perpetual care trust funds at December 31, 2017 was2021 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair Value Hierarchy Level | | Cost | | Unrealized
Gains | | Unrealized
Losses | | Fair Market Value |
| Cash and money market accounts | 1 | | $ | 1,447 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,447 | |
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign debt | 2 | | 10,949 | | | 1,401 | | | (647) | | | 11,703 | |
| Corporate debt | 2 | | 9,139 | | | 1,065 | | | (32) | | | 10,172 | |
| Preferred stock | 2 | | 9,742 | | | 803 | | | (226) | | | 10,319 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Common stock | 1 | | 27,853 | | | 4,990 | | | (3,008) | | | 29,835 | |
| Mutual funds: | | | | | | | | | |
| Equity | 1 | | 19 | | | 5 | | | — | | | 24 | |
| Fixed income | 2 | | 8,141 | | | 530 | | | (460) | | | 8,211 | |
| Trust securities | | | $ | 67,290 | | | $ | 8,794 | | | $ | (4,373) | | | $ | 71,711 | |
| Accrued investment income | | | $ | 689 | | | | | | | $ | 689 | |
| Cemetery perpetual care investments | | | | | | | | | $ | 72,400 | |
| Market value as a percentage of cost | | | | | | | | | 106.6% |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The following table summarizes our fixed income securities (excluding mutual funds) within our perpetual care trust investment in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2022, aggregated by major security type and length of time in a continuous unrealized loss position (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2022 |
| In Loss Position Less than 12 months | | In Loss Position Greater than 12 months | | Total |
| Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses |
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign debt | $ | 4,123 | | | $ | (218) | | | $ | 554 | | | $ | (252) | | | $ | 4,677 | | | $ | (470) | |
| Corporate debt | 5,413 | | | (2,818) | | | 371 | | | (143) | | | 5,784 | | | (2,961) | |
| Preferred stock | 6,066 | | | (1,032) | | | 1,659 | | | (342) | | | 7,725 | | | (1,374) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total fixed income securities with an unrealized loss | $ | 15,602 | | | $ | (4,068) | | | $ | 2,584 | | | $ | (737) | | | $ | 18,186 | | | $ | (4,805) | |
The following table summarizes our fixed income securities within our perpetual care trust investment in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2021, aggregated by major security type and length of time in a continuous unrealized loss position (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 |
| In Loss Position Less than 12 months | | In Loss Position Greater than 12 months | | Total |
| Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses |
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign debt | $ | 2,649 | | | $ | (321) | | | $ | 468 | | | $ | (326) | | | $ | 3,117 | | | $ | (647) | |
| Corporate debt | 846 | | | (32) | | | — | | | — | | | 846 | | | (32) | |
| Preferred stock | 856 | | | (41) | | | 1,917 | | | (185) | | | 2,773 | | | (226) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total fixed income securities with an unrealized loss | $ | 4,351 | | | $ | (394) | | | $ | 2,385 | | | $ | (511) | | | $ | 6,736 | | | $ | (905) | |
Perpetual care trust investment security transactions recorded in Other, net on our Consolidated Statements of Operations are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, |
| | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Realized gains | $ | 2,602 | | | $ | 2,474 | | | $ | 1,454 | |
| Realized losses | (1,695) | | | (950) | | | (309) | |
| Unrealized gains (losses), net | 4,355 | | | 4,421 | | | (6,958) | |
| Net change in care trusts’ corpus | (5,262) | | | (5,945) | | | 5,813 | |
| Total | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 31-60 Past Due | | 61-90 Past Due | | 91-120 Past Due | | >120 Past Due | | Total Past Due | | Current | | Total Financing Receivables |
| Recognized revenue | $ | 1,140 |
| | $ | 530 |
| | $ | 155 |
| | $ | 1,301 |
| | $ | 3,126 |
| | $ | 26,449 |
| | $ | 29,575 |
|
| Deferred revenue | 380 |
| | 171 |
| | 63 |
| | 392 |
| | 1,006 |
| | 9,893 |
| | 10,899 |
|
| Total contracts | $ | 1,520 |
| | $ | 701 |
| | $ | 218 |
| | $ | 1,693 |
| | $ | 4,132 |
| | $ | 36,342 |
| | $ | 40,474 |
|
The aging of past due financing receivables as of December 31, 2016 wasPerpetual care trust investment security transactions recorded in Other revenue are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, |
| | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Investment income | $ | 8,461 | | | $ | 10,443 | | | $ | 11,425 | |
| Realized losses | (387) | | | (118) | | | (2,427) | |
| Total | $ | 8,074 | | | $ | 10,325 | | | $ | 8,998 | |
Purchases and sales of investments in the perpetual care trusts are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, |
| | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Purchases | $ | (38,168) | | | $ | (28,317) | | | $ | (4,872) | |
| Sales | 34,316 | | | 29,829 | | | 5,444 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 31-60 Past Due | | 61-90 Past Due | | 91-120 Past Due | | >120 Past Due | | Total Past Due | | Current | | Total Financing Receivables |
| Recognized revenue | $ | 674 |
| | $ | 356 |
| | $ | 233 |
| | $ | 1,086 |
| | $ | 2,349 |
| | $ | 26,003 |
| | $ | 28,352 |
|
| Deferred revenue | 310 |
| | 112 |
| | 86 |
| | 316 |
| | 824 |
| | 9,810 |
| | 10,634 |
|
| Total contracts | $ | 984 |
| | $ | 468 |
| | $ | 319 |
| | $ | 1,402 |
| | $ | 3,173 |
| | $ | 35,813 |
| | $ | 38,986 |
|
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) 8. RECEIVABLES FROM PRENEED FUNERAL TRUSTS
TheOur receivables from preneed funeral trusts represent assets in trusts which are controlled and operated by third parties in which we do not have a controlling financial interest (less than 50%) in the trust assets. We account for these investments at cost. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, receivablesReceivables from preneed funeral trusts wereare as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Preneed funeral trust funds, at cost | $ | 19,597 | | | $ | 20,594 | |
| Less: allowance for contract cancellation | (588) | | | (618) | |
| Receivables from preneed funeral trusts, net | $ | 19,009 | | | $ | 19,976 | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2016 |
| | December 31, 2017 |
|
| Preneed trust funds, at cost | $ | 14,658 |
| | $ | 15,759 |
|
| Less: allowance for contract cancellation | (440 | ) | | (472 | ) |
| Receivables from preneed trusts, net | $ | 14,218 |
| | $ | 15,287 |
|
The following summary reflects the composition of the assets held in trust and controlled by third parties to satisfy our future obligations under preneed arrangements related to the precedingunderlying preneed funeral contracts at December 31, 20162021 and 2017.2022. The cost basis includes reinvested interest and dividends that have been earned on the trust assets. Fair value includes unrealized gains and losses on trust assets.
The composition of the preneed trust funds at December 31, 2017 was2022 is as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Historical
Cost Basis | | Fair Value |
| As of December 31, 2022 | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 6,071 | | | $ | 6,071 | |
| Fixed income investments | 11,795 | | | 11,795 | |
| Mutual funds and common stocks | 2,725 | | | 2,440 | |
| Annuities | 3 | | | 3 | |
| Total | $ | 20,594 | | | $ | 20,309 | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| | Historical Cost Basis | | Fair Value |
| As of December 31, 2017 | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 3,903 |
| | $ | 3,903 |
|
| Fixed income investments | 9,306 |
| | 9,306 |
|
| Mutual funds and common stocks | 2,544 |
| | 2,567 |
|
| Annuities | 6 |
| | 6 |
|
| Total | $ | 15,759 |
| | $ | 15,782 |
|
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The composition of the preneed trust funds at December 31, 2016 was2021 is as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Historical
Cost Basis | | Fair Value |
| As of December 31, 2021 | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 5,595 | | | $ | 5,595 | |
| Fixed income investments | 11,386 | | | 11,386 | |
| Mutual funds and common stocks | 2,611 | | | 2,682 | |
| Annuities | 5 | | | 5 | |
| Total | $ | 19,597 | | | $ | 19,668 | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| | Historical Cost Basis | | Fair Value |
| As of December 31, 2016 | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 3,378 |
| | $ | 3,378 |
|
| Fixed income investments | 8,809 |
| | 8,809 |
|
| Mutual funds and common stocks | 2,455 |
| | 2,463 |
|
| Annuities | 16 |
| | 16 |
|
| Total | $ | 14,658 |
| | $ | 14,666 |
|
9. CONTRACTS FUNDED BY INSURANCE
CertainWhen preneed funeral contracts are funded by lifethrough third-party insurance contracts. policies, we earn a commission on the sale of the policies. Insurance commissions are subject to refund (charge-back) if the preneed policy is cancelled within a year or if there is an imminent death of beneficiary before the first year anniversary of the policy. We record these insurance commissions as Other revenue when the commission is no longer subject to refund, which is typically one year after the policy is issued. All selling costs incurred pursuant to the sale of the insurance funded preneed contracts are expensed as incurred.
Generally, at the time of the sale of either the preneed insurance or preneed trust contract, the intent is that the beneficiary has made a commitment to assign the proceeds to us for the fulfillment of the life insurance policies have been assigned to usservice and will be paid upon the death of the insured. The proceeds will be used to satisfy the beneficiary’smerchandise obligations underon the preneed contract for servicesat the time of need. However, this commitment is generally revocable and merchandise. the proceeds from the policy are portable, so the customer can choose to use an alternative provider at the time of need.
Preneed funeral contracts to be funded at maturity by third-party insurance policies totaled $357.4$403.3 million and $371.5$419.5 million at December 31, 20162021 and 2017,2022, respectively, and are not includedrecorded as assets or liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
10. CEMETERY PERPETUAL CARE TRUST INVESTMENTS
Care trusts’ corpus on our Consolidated Balance Sheets represent the corpus of those trusts plus undistributed income. The components of Care trusts’ corpus as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands):Sheet.
|
| | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2016 |
| | December 31, 2017 |
|
| Trust assets, at market value | $ | 46,889 |
| | $ | 50,229 |
|
| Obligations due from trust | (599 | ) | | (373 | ) |
| Care trusts’ corpus | $ | 46,290 |
| | $ | 49,856 |
|
We are required by various state laws to pay a portion of the proceeds from the sale of cemetery property interment rights into perpetual care trust funds. The income earned from these perpetual care trusts offsets maintenance expenses for cemetery property and memorials. This trust fund income is recognized, as earned, in Revenues: Cemetery. Trust management fees charged by CSV RIA are included in revenue in the period in which they are earned. At December 31, 2017, none of our cemetery perpetual care trust investments were underfunded.
Where quoted prices are available in an active market, investments held by the trusts are classified as Level 1 investments pursuant to the three-level valuation hierarchy. Our Level 1 investments include cash and common stock. Where quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, then fair values are estimated by using quoted prices of similar securities in active markets or other inputs other than quoted prices that can corroborate observable market data. These investments are fixed income securities, including municipal bonds, foreign debt, corporate debt, preferred stock, mortgage-backed securities and fixed income mutual funds, all of which are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 for the year ended December 31, 2017. There are no Level 3 investments in the cemetery perpetual care trust investment portfolio. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further information of the fair value measurement and the three-level valuation hierarchy.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The following table reflects the cost and fair market values associated with the trust investments held in perpetual care trust funds at December 31, 2017 (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fair Value Hierarchy Level | | Cost | | Unrealized Gains | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair Market Value |
| Cash and money market accounts | 1 | | $ | 1,906 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 1,906 |
|
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign debt | 2 | | 3,580 |
| | 227 |
| | (134 | ) | | 3,673 |
|
| Corporate debt | 2 | | 12,557 |
| | 805 |
| | (187 | ) | | 13,175 |
|
| Preferred stock | 2 | | 11,545 |
| | 364 |
| | (411 | ) | | 11,498 |
|
| Mortgage-backed securities | 2 | | 621 |
| | 152 |
| | (15 | ) | | 758 |
|
| Common stock | 1 | | 16,326 |
| | 3,116 |
| | (1,595 | ) | | 17,847 |
|
| Mutual funds: | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed income | 2 | | 913 |
| | 42 |
| | (10 | ) | | 945 |
|
| Trust securities | | | $ | 47,448 |
| | $ | 4,706 |
| | $ | (2,352 | ) | | $ | 49,802 |
|
| Accrued investment income | | | $ | 427 |
| | | | | | $ | 427 |
|
| Cemetery perpetual care investments | | | | | | | | | $ | 50,229 |
|
| Market value as a percentage of cost | | | | | | | | | 105.0 | % |
The estimated maturities of the fixed income securities included above are as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | |
| Due in one year or less | $ | 184 |
|
| Due in one to five years | 1,441 |
|
| Due in five to ten years | 3,788 |
|
| Thereafter | 23,691 |
|
| Total fixed income securities | $ | 29,104 |
|
The following table reflects the cost and market values associated with the trust investments held in perpetual care trust funds at December 31, 2016 (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fair Value Hierarchy Level | | Cost | | Unrealized Gains | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair Market Value |
| Cash and money market accounts | 1 | | $ | 6,522 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 6,522 |
|
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | |
| Municipal bonds | 2 | | 365 |
| | 13 |
| | (3 | ) | | 375 |
|
| Foreign debt | 2 | | 5,100 |
| | 99 |
| | (435 | ) | | 4,764 |
|
| Corporate debt | 2 | | 13,715 |
| | 966 |
| | (821 | ) | | 13,860 |
|
| Preferred stock | 2 | | 11,323 |
| | 5 |
| | (664 | ) | | 10,664 |
|
| Mortgage-backed securities | 2 | | 569 |
| | 223 |
| | (3 | ) | | 789 |
|
| Common stock | 1 | | 8,259 |
| | 1,382 |
| | (1,146 | ) | | 8,495 |
|
| Mutual funds: | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed income | 2 | | 855 |
| | 76 |
| | — |
| | 931 |
|
| Trust securities | | | $ | 46,708 |
| | $ | 2,764 |
| | $ | (3,072 | ) | | $ | 46,400 |
|
| Accrued investment income | | | $ | 489 |
| | | | | | $ | 489 |
|
| Cemetery perpetual care investments | | | | | | | | | $ | 46,889 |
|
| Market value as a percentage of cost | | | | | | | | | 99.3 | % |
We determine whether or not the assets in the cemetery perpetual care trusts have an other-than-temporary impairment on a security-by-security basis. This assessment is made based upon a number of criteria including the length of time a security has been in a loss position, changes in market conditions and concerns related to the specific issuer. If a loss is considered to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the security is adjusted downward to its fair market value. Any reduction in the cost basis due to an other-than-temporary impairment is also recorded as a reduction to Care trusts’ corpus. For the year ended December 31, 2016,
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
we recorded a $0.4 million impairment for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value related to unrealized losses on certain investments. We did not record any impairments in the year ended December 31, 2017.
At December 31, 2017, we had certain investments within our perpetual care trust investments that had tax lots in loss positions for more than one year. Based on our analyses of these securities, the companies’ businesses and current market conditions, we determined that these investments losses were temporary in nature.
Our perpetual care trust investment unrealized losses, their associated fair market values, and the duration of unrealized losses for the year ended December 31, 2017 are shown in the following tables (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2017 |
| | In Loss Position Less than 12 months | | In Loss Position Greater than 12 months | | Total |
| | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses |
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign debt | $ | 92 |
| | $ | (3 | ) | | $ | 1,128 |
| | $ | (131 | ) | | $ | 1,220 |
| | $ | (134 | ) |
| Corporate debt | 2,621 |
| | (59 | ) | | 555 |
| | (128 | ) | | 3,176 |
| | (187 | ) |
| Preferred stock | 29 |
| | — |
| | 5,492 |
| | (411 | ) | | 5,521 |
| | (411 | ) |
| Mortgage-backed securities | 76 |
| | (10 | ) | | 16 |
| | (5 | ) | | 92 |
| | (15 | ) |
| Common stock | 5,119 |
| | (991 | ) | | 1,108 |
| | (604 | ) | | 6,227 |
| | (1,595 | ) |
| Mutual funds: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed income | 433 |
| | (10 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | 433 |
| | (10 | ) |
| Total temporary impaired securities | $ | 8,370 |
| | $ | (1,073 | ) | | $ | 8,299 |
| | $ | (1,279 | ) | | $ | 16,669 |
| | $ | (2,352 | ) |
Our perpetual care trust investment unrealized losses, their associated fair market values, and the duration of unrealized losses for the year ended December 31, 2016 are shown in the following tables (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2016 |
| | In Loss Position Less than 12 months | | In Loss Position Greater than 12 months | | Total |
| | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair market value | | Unrealized Losses |
| Fixed income securities: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Municipal bonds | $ | 137 |
| | $ | (3 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 137 |
| | $ | (3 | ) |
| Foreign debt | 1,619 |
| | (120 | ) | | 1,961 |
| | (315 | ) | | 3,580 |
| | (435 | ) |
| Corporate debt | 4,679 |
| | (152 | ) | | 1,439 |
| | (669 | ) | | 6,118 |
| | (821 | ) |
| Preferred stock | 2,038 |
| | (77 | ) | | 8,329 |
| | (587 | ) | | 10,367 |
| | (664 | ) |
| Mortgage-backed securities | 31 |
| | (3 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | 31 |
| | (3 | ) |
| Common stock | 1,563 |
| | (121 | ) | | 2,004 |
| | (1,025 | ) | | 3,567 |
| | (1,146 | ) |
| Total temporary impaired securities | $ | 10,067 |
| | $ | (476 | ) | | $ | 13,733 |
| | $ | (2,596 | ) | | $ | 23,800 |
| | $ | (3,072 | ) |
Perpetual care trust investment security transactions recorded in Other, net on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 |
| Realized gains | $ | 1,773 |
| | $ | 872 |
| | $ | 926 |
|
| Realized losses | (2,431 | ) | | (3,069 | ) | | (1,195 | ) |
| Decrease in Care trusts’ corpus | 658 |
| | 2,197 |
| | 269 |
|
| Total | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Perpetual care trust investment security transactions recorded in Revenues: Cemetery for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 |
| Investment income | $ | 5,315 |
| | $ | 6,451 |
| | $ | 5,949 |
|
| Realized gains (losses), net | 436 |
| | (434 | ) | | (838 | ) |
| Total | $ | 5,751 |
| | $ | 6,017 |
| | $ | 5,111 |
|
Purchases and sales of investments in the perpetual care trusts for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 |
| Purchases | $ | (16,694 | ) | | $ | (16,546 | ) | | $ | (13,923 | ) |
| Sales | 14,710 |
| | 16,534 |
| | 8,899 |
|
11.10. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date applicable for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. We disclose the extent to which fair value is used to measure financial assets and liabilities, the inputs utilized in calculating valuation measurements, and the effect of the measurement of significant unobservable inputs on earnings, or changes in net assets, as of the measurement date.
We evaluated our financial assets and liabilities for those financial assets and liabilities that met the criteria of the disclosure requirements and fair value framework. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables,accounts receivable and trade payablesaccounts payable approximate the fair values of those instruments due to the short-term nature of the instruments. The fair values of our receivables on preneed funeral and cemetery contracts are impracticable to estimate because of the lack of a trading market and the diverse number of individual contracts with varying terms. Our long-termacquisition debt and Credit Facility (as defined in Note 13)12) and Senior Notes (as defined in Note 14) are classified within Level 2 of the Fair Value Measurements hierarchy. The
At December 31, 2022, the carrying value and fair valuesvalue of our Credit Facility was $190.7 million. We believe that our Credit Facility bears interest at a rate that approximates prevailing market rates for instruments with similar characteristics and therefore, the carrying value of our Credit Facility approximates fair value. We estimate the fair value of our acquisition debt utilizing an income approach, which uses a present value calculation to discount payments based on current market rates as of the long-term debt and Credit Facility approximatereporting date. At December 31, 2022, the carrying valuesvalue of these instruments based on the index yields of similar securities compared to U.S. Treasury yield curves.our acquisition debt was $4.0 million, which approximated its fair value. The fair value of the Convertibleour Senior Notes issued in March 2014 was approximately $180.3$322.3 million at December 31, 20172022 based on the last traded or broker quoted price.
We identified investments in fixed income securities, common stock and mutual funds presented within the preneed and perpetual care trust investments categories on our Consolidated Balance SheetsSheet as having met the criteria for fair value measurement. Our receivables from preneed funeral trusts represent assets in trusts which are controlled and operated by third parties in which we do not have a controlling financial interest (less than 50%) in the trust assets. We account for these investments at cost.
The following three-level valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs is utilized in the measurement and valuation of financial assets or liabilities as of the measurement date:
•Level 1—Fair value of securities based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Our investments classified as Level 1 securities include cash, U.S. treasury debt, common stock and U.S. treasury debt;equity mutual funds;
•Level 2—Fair value of securities estimated based on quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation. These inputs include interest rates, yield curves, credit risk, prepayment speeds, rating and tax-exempt status. Our investments classified as Level 2 securities include municipal bonds,U.S. agency obligations, foreign debt, corporate debt, preferred stocks, foreign debt, mortgage-backed securities,certificates of deposit and fixed income mutual funds and other investments.
•Level 3—Unobservable inputs based upon the reporting entity’s internally developed assumptions, which market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As of December 31, 20162021 and 2017,2022, we did not have any assets that had fair values determined by Level 3 inputs and no liabilities measured at fair value.
We account for our investments as available-for-sale and measure them at fair value under standards of financial accounting and reporting for investments in equity instruments that have readily determinable fair values and for all investments in debt securities. See Notes 67 and 108 to our Consolidated Financial Statements herein for the fair value hierarchy levels of our trust investments.
11. INTANGIBLE AND OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Intangible and other non-current assets are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Tradenames | $ | 23,565 | | | $ | 25,610 | |
Capitalized commissions on preneed contracts, net of accumulated amortization of $2,278 and $2,990, respectively | 3,560 | | | 4,048 | |
| Prepaid agreements not-to-compete, net of accumulated amortization of $3,316 and $3,515, respectively | 2,247 | | | 1,877 | |
| Internal-use software, net of accumulated amortization of $200 | — | | | 1,271 | |
| Other | 6 | | | 124 | |
| Intangible and other non-current assets, net | $ | 29,378 | | | $ | 32,930 | |
Tradenames
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we increased the value of our tradenames by $2.0 million related to our 2022 acquisitions described in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
See Notes 1 and 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the methodology used for our indefinite lived intangible asset impairment test and discussion of our acquisitions, respectively.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Capitalized Commissions
12. INTANGIBLE AND OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS
IntangibleAmortization expense was $580,000, $640,000 and other non-current assets at $712,000 for the years ended December 31, 20162020, 2021 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands):2022, respectively.
|
| | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2016 | | December 31, 2017 |
| Prepaid agreements not-to-compete, net of accumulated amortization of $5,501 and $6,051, respectively | $ | 3,244 |
| | $ | 3,730 |
|
| Tradenames | 11,663 |
| | 14,372 |
|
| Other | 50 |
| | 15 |
|
| Intangible and other non-current assets | $ | 14,957 |
| | $ | 18,117 |
|
Prepaid agreements not-to-compete are amortized over the term of the respective agreements, generally ranging generally from one to ten years. Amortization expense was approximately $300,000, $435,000$719,000, $645,000 and $550,000$574,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 20162020, 2021 and 2017,2022, respectively. During
Internal-use Software
Internal-use software is typically amortized on a straight-line basis over five years. Amortization expense was $200,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017, we increased2022.
The aggregate amortization expense for our capitalized commissions, prepaid agreements not-to-compete by $0.9 million related to our 2017 acquisitions described in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Our tradenames have indefinite lives and therefore are not amortized. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we increased tradenames by approximately $2.7 million related to our 2017 acquisitions described in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded an impairment to tradenames of $145,000 related to a funeral home business held for sale at September 30, 2016,internal-use software as the carrying value exceeded its fair value. The impairment was recorded in Other, net on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We did not record an impairment to tradenames in the year ended December 31, 2017. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, for a discussion of the methodology used for our annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test.
13. LONG-TERM DEBT
Our long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2016 | | December 31, 2017 |
| Revolving credit facility, secured, floating rate | $ | 67,700 |
| | $ | 92,000 |
|
| Term loan, secured, floating rate | 138,750 |
| | 127,500 |
|
| Acquisition debt | 12,245 |
| | 10,548 |
|
| Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $4,138 and $4,442, respectively | (1,270 | ) | | (967 | ) |
| Less: current portion | (13,021 | ) | | (16,927 | ) |
| Total long-term debt | $ | 204,404 |
| | $ | 212,154 |
|
As of December 31, 2017, we had a $300 million2022 is as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Capitalized Commissions | | Prepaid Agreements | | Internal-use Software |
| Years ending December 31, | | | | | | |
| 2023 | | $ | 742 | | | $ | 536 | | | $ | 314 | |
| 2024 | | 681 | | | 391 | | | 283 | |
| 2025 | | 616 | | | 382 | | | 226 | |
| 2026 | | 549 | | | 267 | | | 221 | |
| 2027 | | 484 | | | 147 | | | 220 | |
| Thereafter | | 976 | | | 154 | | | 7 | |
| Total amortization expense | | $ | 4,048 | | | $ | 1,877 | | | $ | 1,271 | |
12. CREDIT FACILITY AND ACQUISITION DEBT
At December 31, 2022, our senior secured bank credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. as Administrative Agent (the “Credit Agreement”), comprised of a $150 million revolving credit facility (as previously amended, including the Second Credit Facility Amendment and a $150 million term loan, (collectively,Third Credit Facility Amendment, the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility also contains was comprised of: (i) a $250.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility, including a $15.0 million subfacility for letters of credit and a $10.0 million swingline, and (ii) an accordion provision to borrowor incremental option allowing for future increases in the facility size by an additional amount of up to an additional $75$75.0 million in the aggregate in the form of increased revolving loans, subject to certain conditions. The Credit Facility matures on February 9, 2021 and is collateralized by all personal property and funeral home real property in certain states.commitments or incremental term loans.
On February 9, 2016,May 27, 2022, we entered into a seventhsecond amendment and commitment increase (the “Seventh“Second Credit Facility Amendment”) to our Credit Facility.Facility with the financial institutions party thereto, as lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent. The SeventhSecond Credit Facility Amendment resulted in,provided, among other things, for (i) reducing our LIBOR based variable interest rate 37.5 basis points, (ii) extendingan increase to the maturity so thatRevolving Credit Commitments (as defined in the Credit Agreement will mature atFacility) from $200.0 million to $250.0 million in the earlier of (a) any date that is 91 days prioraggregate; (ii) modifications to the maturitydefinitions of any subordinated debt (including“Applicable Rate” and “Applicable Fee Rate” to change the $143.75applicable rates and pricing levels set forth in each pricing grid; (iii) the establishment of the BSBY as a benchmark rate and the removal of LIBOR; (iv) an increase in the maximum Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) to 5.25 to 1.00; and (v) modifications to the restricted payments covenant to allow us to make additional stock repurchases, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions therein. We incurred $0.3 million in principal amounttransactions costs related to the Second Credit Facility Amendment, which were capitalized and will be amortized over the remaining term of the Convertible Notes,related debt using the straight-line method.
On December 9, 2022, we entered into a third amendment (the “Third 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 Third Credit Facility Amendment provides, among other things, for (i) 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; (ii) an increase in the maximum Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in Note 12the Credit Facility) covenant as follows: a Total Leverage Ratio not to exceed (a) 6.00 to 1.00 from the effective date of the Third Credit Facility Amendment through the quarter ended June 30, 2023, (b) 5.75 to 1.00 for the quarters ended September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2023, (c) 5.50 to 1.00 for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024, (d) 5.25 to 1.00 for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and (e) 5.00 and 1.00 for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 and each quarter ended thereafter; (iii) modifications to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein) or (b) February 9, 2021, (iii) increasing and fundingpermitted investments covenant, relating to the term loan so that $150 million was outstanding upon the effectiveness of the Seventh Amendment, (iv) reducing the size of the revolverCompany’s ability to $150 million, (v) increasing the accordion to $75 million and (vi) updating the amortization payments for the term loan facility so that the borrowings under the term loan facility aremake certain acquisitions, subject to amortizationthe satisfaction of certain conditions therein; (iv) modifications to the restricted payments covenant related to the Company’s ability to make stock repurchases, subject to the satisfaction of (a) $2.81 million atcertain conditions therein; and (v) a modification to the endTotal Leverage Ratio level which constitutes a Real Property Collateral Trigger Event (as defined in the Credit Facility). The final maturity of each fiscal quarter beginning with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2016 through the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2017, (b) $3.75 million at the end of each fiscal quarter beginning with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2018 through the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2020 and (c) $4.69 million at the end of each fiscal quarter beginning with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2020 through the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2020. In connection with the Seventh Amendment, we recognized a loss of $0.6 million to write-off the related unamortized debt issuance costs.
As of December 31, 2017, we had outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility of $92.0 million and $127.5 million was outstanding on the term loan. We have one letter of credit issued on November 30, 2017 and outstanding under the Credit Facility for approximately $2.0 million, which bears interest at 2.125% and will expireoccur on November 27, 2018. Outstanding
May 13, 2026.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Prior to the execution of the Third Credit Facility Amendment, we recognized a loss on the write-off of $0.2 million in unamortized debt issuance costs, which was recorded in Loss on extinguishment of debt. We also incurred $0.6 million in transactions costs related to the execution of the Third Credit Facility Amendment, which were capitalized and will be amortized over the remaining term of the related debt using the straight-line method.
Our obligations under the Credit Facility are unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the same subsidiaries which guarantee the Senior Notes (as defined in Note 14) and certain of our subsequently acquired or organized domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the “Subsidiary Guarantors”).
The Credit Facility contains customary affirmative covenants, including, but not limited to, covenants with respect to the use of proceeds, payment of taxes and other obligations, continuation of the Company’s business and the maintenance of existing rights and privileges, the maintenance of property and insurance, amongst others.
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, and pay dividends and other restricted payments, and certain financial maintenance covenants. At December 31, 2022, we were subject to the following financial covenants under our Credit Facility: (A) a Total Leverage Ratio not to exceed 6.00 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 December 31, 2022.
Our Credit Facility and acquisition debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Credit Facility | $ | 155,400 | | | $ | 190,700 | |
| Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $1,324 and $1,926, respectively | (1,543) | | | (1,864) | |
| Total Credit Facility | $ | 153,857 | | | $ | 188,836 | |
| | | |
| Acquisition debt | $ | 4,500 | | | $ | 3,993 | |
| Less: current portion | (521) | | | (555) | |
| Total acquisition debt, net of current portion | $ | 3,979 | | | $ | 3,438 | |
At December 31, 2022, we had outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility of $190.7 million. We also had one letter of credit for $2.3 million under the Credit Facility. The letter of credit will expire on November 27, 2023 and is expected to automatically renew annually and secures our obligations under our various self-insured policies. At December 31, 2022, we had $57.0 million of availability under the Credit Facility.
Outstanding borrowings under our Credit Facility bear interest at either a prime rate or a LIBORBSBY rate, plus an applicable margin based uponon our leverage ratio. As ofAt December 31, 2017,2022, the prime rate margin was equivalent to 1.55%2.375% and the LIBORBSBY rate margin was 2.125%3.375%. The weighted average interest rate on theour Credit Facility was 3.8% and 4.0% for the yearyears ended December 31, 2017 was 3.2%.2021 and 2022, respectively.
We have no material assets or operations independent of the Subsidiary Guarantors, as all of our subsidiaries. All assets and operations are held and conducted by subsidiaries, each of which have fully and unconditionally guaranteed our obligations under the Credit Agreement.Subsidiary Guarantors. Additionally, we do not currently have any significant restrictions on our ability to receive dividends or loans from any subsidiary guarantor under the Credit Agreement.Subsidiary Guarantors.
We were in compliance with the covenants contained inThe interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs related to our Credit AgreementFacility are as of December 31, 2016 and 2017. The Credit Agreement contains key ratios that we must comply with including a requirement to maintain a leverage ratio of no more than 3.50 to 1.00 and a covenant to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of no less than 1.20 to 1.00. As of December 31, 2017, the leverage ratio was 3.15 to 1.00 and the fixed charge coverage ratio was 2.14 to 1.00.follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Credit Facility interest expense | $ | 3,738 | | | $ | 1,820 | | | $ | 7,105 | |
| Credit Facility amortization of debt issuance costs | 482 | | | 380 | | | 412 | |
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 at 0% and are discounted at imputed interest rates ranging from 7.3% to 10.0%. Original maturities typically range from five to twenty years.
Amortization of debt issuance costs
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The imputed interest expense related to our Credit Facility was approximately $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Unamortizedacquisition debt issuance costs related to the Credit Facility are being amortized over the remaining term of the related debt using the effective interest method for our term loan and the straight line method for our revolving credit facility.is as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Acquisition debt imputed interest expense | $ | 489 | | | $ | 364 | | | $ | 311 | |
The aggregate maturities of our long-termCredit Facility and acquisition debt for the next five years subsequent to December 31, 20172022 and thereafter, excluding debt issuance costs, are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Credit Facility | | Acquisition Debt |
| Years ending December 31, | | | |
| 2023 | $ | — | | | $ | 825 | |
| 2024 | — | | | 772 | |
| 2025 | — | | | 772 | |
| 2026 | 190,700 | | | 325 | |
| 2027 | — | | | 325 | |
| Thereafter | — | | | 2,681 | |
| Total Credit Facility and acquisition debt | $ | 190,700 | | | $ | 5,700 | |
| Less: Interest | — | | | (1,707) | |
| Present value of Credit Facility and acquisition debt | $ | 190,700 | | | $ | 3,993 | |
|
| | | |
| Years ending December 31, | |
| 2018 | $ | 16,927 |
|
| 2019 | 16,949 |
|
| 2020 | 19,068 |
|
| 2021 | 172,699 |
|
| 2022 | 530 |
|
| 2023 and thereafter | 3,875 |
|
| | $ | 230,048 |
|
14.13. CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES
On March 19, 2014,During the year ended December 31, 2021, we issued $143.75converted $2.4 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2.75% convertible subordinated notes due March 15, 2021 (the “Convertible Notes”). held by certain holders for $3.8 million in cash and recorded $1.4 million for the reacquisition of the equity component. The Convertible Notes have not been registered under the Securities Actmatured on March 15, 2021, at which time all Convertible Notes outstanding, $0.2 million in aggregate principal amount, were paid in full in cash at par value. Therefore, no Convertible Notes remain outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2022.
The interest expense and accretion of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”),debt discount and were offered onlydebt issuance costs related to “qualified institutional buyers” in compliance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act. Theour Convertible Notes are governedas follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Convertible Notes interest expense | $ | 149 | | | $ | 18 | | | $ | — | |
| Convertible Notes accretion of debt discount | 216 | | | 20 | | | — | |
| Convertible Notes amortization of debt issuance costs | 20 | | | 1 | | | — | |
The effective interest rate on the unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs for the year ended December 31, 2021 was 3.1%.
14. SENIOR NOTES
At December 31, 2022, we had $400.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.25% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Senior Notes”) and related guarantees by the Subsidiary Guarantors, which were issued in a private offering under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act.
The Senior Notes were issued under an indenture, dated as of March 19, 2014 betweenMay 13, 2021 (the “Indenture”), among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee, and us (the “Indenture”trustee (“Collateral Trustee”). The ConvertibleSenior Notes are unsecured, senior obligations and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis, jointly and severally by each of the Subsidiary Guarantors. The Senior Notes mature on May 15, 2029, unless earlier redeemed or purchased and bear interest at 2.75%. Interest on the Convertible Notes began to accrue on March 19, 2014 and4.25% per year, which is payable semi-annually in arrears on MarchMay 15 and SeptemberNovember 15 of each year.year, beginning on November 15, 2021.
The ConvertibleWe may redeem the Senior Notes, are general unsecured obligationsin whole or in part, at the redemption price of 102.13% on or after May 15, 2024, 101.06% on or after May 15, 2025 and are subordinated100% on or after May 15, 2026, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. At any time before May 15, 2024, we may also redeem all or part of the Senior Notes at the redemption prices described in the rightIndenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but excluding) the date of paymentredemption. In addition, before May 15, 2024, we may redeem up to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness and equal in right of payment with our other existing and future subordinated indebtedness. The initial conversion rate40% of the Convertible Notes was 44.3169 shares of our common stock per $1,000aggregate principal amount of the ConvertibleSenior Notes equivalentoutstanding using an amount of cash equal to an initial conversionthe net proceeds of certain equity offerings, at a price of approximately $22.56 per share104.25% of common stock. The conversion rate is subjectthe principal amount of
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
the Senior Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to adjustment upon(but excluding) the date of redemption; provided that (1) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes (including any additional Senior Notes) outstanding under the Indenture remain outstanding immediately after the occurrence of certain events, as described in the Indenture. During the year ended December 31, 2017, an adjustment to the conversion ratesuch redemption (unless all Senior Notes are redeemed concurrently), and (2) each such redemption must occur within 180 days of the Convertible Notes was triggered when our Board increased the dividends declared per common share from $0.05 per share to $0.075 per share. At December 31, 2017, the adjusted conversion ratedate of the Convertible Notes is 44.6266 sharesconsummation of our common stock per $1,000 principal amountany such equity offering.
If a “change of Convertible Notes, equivalent to an adjusted conversion price of approximately $22.41 per share of common stock.
The Convertible Notes mature on March 15, 2021, unless earlier converted or purchased by us. The conversion optioncontrol” occurs, holders of the Convertible Notes is not an embedded derivative. Holders of the Convertible Notes may convert their Convertible Notes at their option at any time prior to December 15, 2020, if certain conditions are met. We may not redeem the Convertible Notes prior to maturity. However, in the event of a fundamental change (as defined in the Indenture), subject to certain conditions, a holder of the ConvertibleSenior Notes will have the option to require us to purchase for cash all or a portion of its Convertibletheir Senior Notes for cash. The fundamental changeat a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, if we make certain asset sales and do not reinvest the proceeds thereof or use such proceeds to repay certain debt, we will be required to use the proceeds of such asset sales to make an offer to purchase the Senior Notes at a price will equal to 100% of the principal amount of the ConvertibleSenior Notes, to be purchased, plus any accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the fundamental change purchase date.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
interest.
The unamortizedIndenture contains restrictive covenants limiting our ability and our Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture) to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness or issue certain preferred shares, create liens on certain assets to secure debt, pay dividends or make other equity distributions, purchase or redeem capital stock, make certain investments, sell assets, agree to certain restrictions on the ability of Restricted Subsidiaries to make payments to us, consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all assets, or engage in transactions with affiliates. The Indenture also contains customary events of default.
The debt discount and the unamortized debt issuance costs are being amortized using the effective interest method over the remaining term of approximately 3877 months of the ConvertibleSenior Notes. The effective interest rate on the unamortized debt discount and the unamortized debt issuance costs for the Senior Notes for both the years ended December 31, 20162021 and 20172022 was 6.75%4.42% and 2.75%4.30%, respectively.
Equity issuance costs are included in Additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not amortized. Additionally, the recognition of the Convertible Notes as two separate components results in a basis difference associated with the liability component which represents a temporary tax difference. As a result, we recognized a deferred tax liability of $12.7 million related to this temporary difference which was recorded as a reduction to APIC and an increase to our deferred tax liability. The deferred tax liability is being amortized over the seven year term of the Convertible Notes. At December 31, 2017, the balance of our deferred tax liability related to our Convertible Notes was $4.1 million.
The carrying valuesvalue of the liability and equity components of the Convertibleour Senior Notes at December 31, 2016 and 2017 areis reflected on our Consolidated Balance SheetsSheet as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2016 | | December 31, 2017 |
| Long-term liabilities: | | | |
| Principal amount | $ | 143,750 |
| | $ | 143,750 |
|
| Unamortized discount of liability component | (21,887 | ) | | (17,559 | ) |
| Convertible Notes issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $1,359 and $1,877, respectively | (2,268 | ) | | (1,750 | ) |
| Carrying value of the liability component | $ | 119,596 |
| | $ | 124,441 |
|
| | | | |
| Carrying value of the equity component | $ | 17,973 |
| | $ | 17,973 |
|
The Carrying value of the liability component and the Carrying value of the equity component are recorded in Convertible subordinated notes due 2021 and Additional paid-in capital, respectively, on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2017. | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Long-term liabilities: | | | |
| Principal amount | $ | 400,000 | | | $ | 400,000 | |
| | | |
| Debt discount, net of accumulated amortization of $301 and $794, respectively | (4,199) | | | (3,706) | |
| Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $86 and $226, respectively | (1,191) | | | (1,051) | |
| Carrying value of the Senior Notes | $ | 394,610 | | | $ | 395,243 | |
The fair value of the ConvertibleSenior Notes, which are Level 2 measurements, was approximately $180.3$322.3 million at December 31, 2017.2022.
Interest expense on the Convertible Notes included contractual couponThe interest expense and amortization of $4.0 million for both the years ended December 31, 2016debt discount, debt premium and 2017. Accretion of the discount on the Convertible Notes was approximately $3.9 million and $4.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Amortization of debt issuance costs related to our ConvertibleSenior Notes was approximately $0.5 million for both the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Senior Notes interest expense | $ | 26,500 | | | $ | 21,767 | | | $ | 16,980 | |
| Senior Notes amortization of debt discount | 528 | | | 504 | | | 493 | |
| Senior Notes amortization of debt premium | 221 | | | 85 | | | — | |
| Senior Notes amortization of debt issuance costs | 280 | | | 195 | | | 140 | |
The aggregate maturities of our ConvertibleSenior Notes for the next five years subsequent to December 31, 20172022 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Maturity | | Discount Amortization | | | | Carrying
Value |
| Years ending December 31, | | | | | | | | |
| 2023 | | $ | — | | | $ | (515) | | | | | $ | (515) | |
| 2024 | | — | | | (539) | | | | | (539) | |
| 2025 | | — | | | (563) | | | | | (563) | |
| 2026 | | — | | | (588) | | | | | (588) | |
| 2027 | | — | | | (615) | | | | | (615) | |
| Thereafter | | 400,000 | | | (886) | | | | | 399,114 | |
| Total | | $ | 400,000 | | | $ | (3,706) | | | | | $ | 396,294 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Principal Maturity | | Discount Amortization | | Present Value |
| Years ending December 31, | | | | | | |
| 2018 | | $ | — |
| | $ | (4,844 | ) | | $ | (4,844 | ) |
| 2019 | | — |
| | (5,422 | ) | | (5,422 | ) |
| 2020 | | — |
| | (6,068 | ) | | (6,068 | ) |
| 2021 | | 143,750 |
| | (1,225 | ) | | 142,525 |
|
| 2022 | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| | | $ | 143,750 |
| | $ | (17,559 | ) | | $ | 126,191 |
|
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIESLEASES
Leases
We lease certain office facilities, certain funeral homes and equipment under operating leases with original terms ranging from one to twelve years. Certain of these leases provide for an annual rent adjustment and contain options for renewal. Rent expense totaled $6.5 million, $6.1 million and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Assets acquired under capital leases are included in property, plant and equipment in our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets in the amount of $2.7 million in 2016 and $6.6 million in 2017, net of accumulated depreciation. CapitalOur lease obligations are included in currentconsist of operating and long-term debt as indicated below. At December 31, 2017, future minimumfinance leases related to real estate and equipment. The components of lease payments under non-cancelable lease agreements werecost are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Years Ended December 31, |
| Income Statement Classification | | 2020 | | | | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Operating lease cost | Facilities and grounds expense(1) | | $ | 3,795 | | | | | | $ | 3,762 | | | $ | 3,375 | |
| Short-term lease cost | Facilities and grounds expense(1) | | 185 | | | | | | 193 | | | 329 | |
| Variable lease cost | Facilities and grounds expense(1) | | 39 | | | | | | 160 | | | 324 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Finance lease cost: | | | | | | | | | | |
| Depreciation of leased assets | Depreciation and amortization(2) | | $ | 439 | | | | | | $ | 438 | | | $ | 438 | |
| Interest on lease liabilities | Interest expense | | 496 | | | | | | 471 | | | 442 | |
| Total finance lease cost | | | 935 | | | | | | 909 | | | 880 | |
| Total lease cost | | | $ | 4,954 | | | | | | $ | 5,024 | | | $ | 4,908 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| (1) | Facilities and grounds expense is included within Cost of service and General, administrative and other on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. |
| (2) | Depreciation and amortization expense is included within Field depreciation expense and General, administrative and other on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. |
Supplemental cash flow information related to our leases is as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Cash paid for operating leases included in operating activities | $ | 3,383 | | | $ | 3,822 | | | $ | 3,671 | |
| Cash paid for finance leases included in financing activities | 828 | | | 835 | | | 868 | |
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new leases are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2021 | | 2022 |
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities | $ | (1,313) | | | $ | 674 | |
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities | — | | | — | |
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we received a leasehold improvement allowance of $1.4 million for the renovation of our home office space in Houston, Texas from our lessor. We recorded a leasehold improvement asset as property, plant and equipment and reduced our right-of-use asset by $1.4 million. The leasehold improvement allowance will be recognized prospectively by ratably reducing the lease expense over the remaining lease term.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
|
| | | | | | | |
| | Future Minimum Lease Payments |
| | Operating Leases | | Capital Leases |
| Years ending December 31, | | | |
| 2018 | $ | 3,441 |
| | $ | 842 |
|
| 2019 | 3,056 |
| | 817 |
|
| 2020 | 2,521 |
| | 771 |
|
| 2021 | 2,155 |
| | 779 |
|
| 2022 | 303 |
| | 803 |
|
| Thereafter | 586 |
| | 7,818 |
|
| Total future minimum lease payments | $ | 12,062 |
| | $ | 11,830 |
|
| Less: amount representing interest (rates ranging from 7.0% to 11.5%) | | | (5,145 | ) |
| Less: current portion of obligations under capital leases | | | (324 | ) |
| Long-term obligations under capital leases | | | $ | 6,361 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Lease Type | | Balance Sheet Classification | | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | | Operating lease right-of-use assets | | $ | 17,881 | | | $ | 17,060 | |
| | | | | | |
| Finance lease right-of-use assets | | Property, plant and equipment, net | | 6,770 | | | 6,770 | |
| Accumulated depreciation | | Property, plant and equipment, net | | (2,443) | | | (2,881) | |
| Finance lease right-of-use assets, net | | | | $ | 4,327 | | | $ | 3,889 | |
| | | | | | |
| Operating lease current liabilities | | Current portion of operating lease obligations | | $ | 1,913 | | | $ | 2,203 | |
| Finance lease current liabilities | | Current portion of finance lease obligations | | 375 | | | 414 | |
| Total current lease liabilities | | | | $ | 2,288 | | | $ | 2,617 | |
| | | | | | |
| Operating lease non-current liabilities | | Obligations under operating leases, net of current portion | | $ | 18,520 | | | $ | 17,315 | |
| Finance lease non-current liabilities | | Obligations under finance leases, net of current portion | | 5,157 | | | 4,743 | |
| Total non-current lease liabilities | | | | $ | 23,677 | | | $ | 22,058 | |
| | | | | | |
| Total lease liabilities | | | | $ | 25,965 | | | $ | 24,675 | |
The average lease terms and discount rates at December 31, 2022 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) | | Weighted-average discount rate |
| Operating leases | 8.8 | | 8.1 | % |
| Finance leases | 11.4 | | 8.2 | % |
The aggregate future lease payments for non-cancelable operating and finance leases at December 31, 2022 are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Operating | | Finance |
| Lease payments due: | | | |
| 2023 | $ | 3,687 | | | $ | 870 | |
| 2024 | 3,660 | | | 791 | |
| 2025 | 3,379 | | | 736 | |
| 2026 | 3,274 | | | 746 | |
| 2027 | 3,201 | | | 746 | |
| Thereafter | 9,916 | | | 4,063 | |
| Total lease payments | $ | 27,117 | | | $ | 7,952 | |
| Less: Interest | (7,599) | | | (2,795) | |
| Present value of lease liabilities | $ | 19,518 | | | $ | 5,157 | |
AtDecember 31, 2022, we had no significant operating or finance leases that had not yet commenced.
16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Non-Compete, Consulting and Employment Agreements
We have various non-compete agreements with former owners and employees. These agreements are generally for one to ten years and provide for periodic future payments over the term of the agreements.
We have various consulting agreements with former owners of businesses we have acquired. Payments for such agreements are generally not made in advance. These agreements are generally for one to tenfive years and provide for bi-weekly or monthly payments.
We have employment agreements with certain of our executive officers and senior leadership.officers. These agreements are generally for three or four to five years and provide for participation in various incentive compensation arrangements. These agreements generally renew automatically renew on
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
an annual basis after their initial term has expired.expired, with the exception of our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, which does not renew after the current term expiring in February 2028.
At December 31, 2017,2022, the maximum estimated future cash commitments under these agreements with remaining commitment terms, and with original terms of more than one year, are as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Non-Compete | | Consulting | | Employment (a) | | Total |
| Years ending December 31, | | | | | | | |
| 2018 | $ | 1,745 |
| | $ | 907 |
| | $ | 2,020 |
| | $ | 4,672 |
|
| 2019 | 1,564 |
| | 592 |
| | 1,000 |
| | 3,156 |
|
| 2020 | 1,324 |
| | 421 |
| | 1,000 |
| | 2,745 |
|
| 2021 | 1,217 |
| | 328 |
| | 244 |
| | 1,789 |
|
| 2022 | 837 |
| | 118 |
| | — |
| | 955 |
|
| Thereafter | 1,360 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,360 |
|
| | $ | 8,047 |
| | $ | 2,366 |
| | $ | 4,264 |
| | $ | 14,677 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Non-Compete | | Consulting | | Employment(a) | | Total |
| Years ending December 31, | | | | | | | |
| 2023 | $ | 2,473 | | | $ | 950 | | | $ | 4,771 | | | $ | 8,194 | |
| 2024 | 1,842 | | | 526 | | | 4,660 | | | 7,028 | |
| 2025 | 1,469 | | | 348 | | | 3,290 | | | 5,107 | |
| 2026 | 1,026 | | | 235 | | | 1,300 | | | 2,561 | |
| 2027 | 546 | | | 75 | | | 1,000 | | | 1,621 | |
| Thereafter | 621 | | | 95 | | | 125 | | | 841 | |
| Total | $ | 7,977 | | | $ | 2,229 | | | $ | 15,146 | | | $ | 25,352 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| (a) | | |
(a) | Melvin C. Payne, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, has an employment agreement that renews for one additional year on each anniversary ofdoes not renew after the effective date, such that at any given time between three and four years remain in the term of the agreement.initial term. |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
401(K)Defined Contribution Plan
We sponsor a defined contribution plan, (401K)a 401K plan, for the benefit of our employees. Matching contributions and plan administrative expenses totaled $1.7$2.3 million, $1.8$2.5 million and $1.9$2.8 million for 2015, 2016during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2017,2022, respectively. We do not offer any post-retirement or post-employment benefits.
Other Commitments
Effective April 30, 2016, we terminated an agreement to outsource the processing of transactions for our cemetery business and certain accounting activities. At that time, all transaction processing returned in-house and we retained most of the personnel of the service provider that resided in our home office. We believe that the costs associated with performing these formerly outsourced activities internally should, for the foreseeable future, be less than the costs we incurred under the outsourcing arrangement. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, we incurred costs of approximately $1.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively, for services rendered under this agreement, of which we paid approximately $1.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively, with the remainder paid by the Preneed cemetery trust investments portfolio.
Litigation
We are a party to various litigation matters and proceedings. For each of our outstanding legal matters, we evaluate the merits of the case, our exposure to the matter, possible legal or settlement strategies, and the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome. If we determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated, we establish the necessary accruals. We hold certain insurance policies that may reduce cash outflows with respect to an adverse outcome of certain of these litigation matters.
16.17. INCOME TAXES
The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 consisted of the following (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Current: | | | | | |
| U. S. federal provision | $ | 1,778 | | | $ | 8,848 | | | $ | 9,490 | |
| State provision | 2,177 | | | 2,989 | | | 3,287 | |
| Total current provision | $ | 3,955 | | | $ | 11,837 | | | $ | 12,777 | |
| Deferred: | | | | | |
| U. S. federal provision (benefit) | $ | 3,994 | | | $ | (452) | | | $ | 1,723 | |
| State provision (benefit) | 603 | | | (240) | | | 1,313 | |
| Total deferred provision (benefit) | $ | 4,597 | | | $ | (692) | | | $ | 3,036 | |
| Total income tax provision | $ | 8,552 | | | $ | 11,145 | | | $ | 15,813 | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 |
| Current: | | | | | |
| U. S. federal provision | $ | 9,840 |
| | $ | 6,609 |
| | $ | 6,425 |
|
| State provision | 862 |
| | 1,195 |
| | 815 |
|
| Total current provision | $ | 10,702 |
| | $ | 7,804 |
| | $ | 7,240 |
|
| Deferred: | | | | | |
| U. S. federal provision (benefit) | $ | 1,928 |
| | $ | 3,475 |
| | $ | (12,881 | ) |
| State provision | 1,107 |
| | 1,381 |
| | 1,230 |
|
| Total deferred provision (benefit) | $ | 3,035 |
| | $ | 4,856 |
| | $ | (11,651 | ) |
| Total income tax provision (benefit) | $ | 13,737 |
| | $ | 12,660 |
| | $ | (4,411 | ) |
A reconciliation of income taxes calculated at the U.S. federal statutory rate to those reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, | |
| | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 | |
| | Amount | | Percent | | Amount | | Percent | | Amount | | Percent | |
| Federal statutory rate | $ | 5,175 | | | 21.0 | | % | $ | 9,304 | | | 21.0 | | % | $ | 12,000 | | | 21.0 | | % |
| Effect of state income taxes, net of federal benefit | 2,080 | | | 8.4 | | | 2,180 | | | 4.9 | | | 3,630 | | | 6.3 | | |
| Effect of non-deductible expenses and other, net | 460 | | | 1.9 | | | (423) | | | (1.0) | | | 59 | | | 0.1 | | |
| Effect of divestitures and impairment of businesses | 846 | | | 3.4 | | | 103 | | | 0.2 | | | 138 | | | 0.2 | | |
| Change in valuation allowance, net of federal benefit | (9) | | | — | | | (19) | | | — | | | (14) | | | — | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total | $ | 8,552 | | | 34.7 | | % | $ | 11,145 | | | 25.1 | | % | $ | 15,813 | | | 27.6 | | % |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 | |
| | Amount | | Percent | | Amount | | Percent | | Amount | | Percent | |
| Federal statutory rate | $ | 12,105 |
| | 35.0 |
| % | $ | 11,300 |
| | 35.0 | % | $ | 11,474 |
| | 35.0 |
| % |
| Effect of state income taxes, net of federal benefit | 1,618 |
| | 4.7 |
| | 1,127 |
| | 3.5 | | 1,304 |
| | 4.0 |
| |
| Effect of non-deductible expenses and other, net | 155 |
| | 0.4 |
| | 213 |
| | 0.7 | | (36 | ) | | (0.1 | ) | |
| Change in valuation allowance | (141 | ) | | (0.4 | ) | | 20 |
| | 0.1 | | 23 |
| | 0.1 |
| |
| Re-measurement of deferred taxes due to tax reform | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — | | (17,176 | ) | | (52.4 | ) | |
| Total | $ | 13,737 |
| | 39.7 |
| % | $ | 12,660 |
| | 39.3 | % | $ | (4,411 | ) | | (13.5 | ) | % |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
On August 15, 2016, we settled an open examination with the California Franchise Tax Board. As a result of paying the final assessment, we re-measured our tax liability for unrecognized tax benefits reflecting a reduction to our liability of $0.2 million.
On August 29, 2016, we received notification that the IRS completed its examination of our tax year ended December 31, 2013. As a result, we re-measured our2022, tax liability for unrecognized tax benefits reflecting a reductionyears 2013 to our liability of $0.6 million, which resulted in an increase2020 are subject to Deferred tax liability in the amount of $0.6 million.examination by taxing authorities.
On May 10, 2017, we filed amended federal returns for the tax years endingended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, which generated significant refunds. Asrefunds of $1.9 million. The amended returns are under audit and as a result, on July 18, 2017, we received notificationthe administrative processing of the carryback claims currently under audit requires that the IRS selected ourstatute for tax years 2013 to 2015 remain open.
In connection with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) enacted on March 27, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we filed a claim for a refund on June 30, 2020, to carryback the net operating losses (“NOLs”) generated in the tax year ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 for a limited scope examination to verify the refunds due. The examinations are expected to conclude during 2018. The federal statute is still open for our 2015 and 2016 tax years.
We do not have any unrecognized tax benefits recorded as ofCARES Act, among other things, permits NOLs incurred in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2021, to be carried back to each of the five preceding taxable years to generate a refund of previously paid income taxes in which the enacted federal rate was 35%. The refund claim for $7.0 million from the 2018 tax year was received on August 7, 2021. As our refund claim filed for tax year 2018 exceeded $5.0 million, our 2018 federal return is under audit by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), as required in order to receive Joint Committee approval.
An additional carryback claim for a refund was filed on November 3, 2020 for the tax year ended December 31, 2019, for $1.2 million not yet received. On December 4, 2020, we dofiled an amended federal return for the tax year ended December 31, 2018, in order to take full advantage of the CARES Act legislative changes, which resulted in an additional carryback refund claim of $0.8 million not anticipateyet received, which will be processed as part of the Joint Committee review of the 2018 carryback claim.
On October 11, 2021, we received an adverse ruling from the IRS for the accounting method change filed in 2018 for revenue recognition of cemetery property. Upon receiving the adverse ruling on the revenue recognition of cemetery property accounting method change, we filed an automatic method change on Form 3115, to adopt the IRS’ preferred revenue recognition method for cemetery property. The accounting method change application was submitted under the “three-month window” rule, which would grant audit protection for the cumulative effect of the adverse ruling for revenue recognition of cemetery property, at the discretion of the IRS agent conducting the audit. As uncertainty exists involving audit protection of the net operating loss carrybacks under IRS audit, a material change in ourreserve for the unrecognized tax benefits duringbenefit was recorded for the next twelve months.benefit derived from carrying back losses to tax years with a higher effective tax rates than the current 21% rate.
On March 2, 2022, the IRS indicated the non-automatic method change filed for deferred revenue recognition for cemetery merchandise and services met the requirements to be filed as an automatic method change. As such, on March 31, 2022, we submitted Form 3115 to request the automatic method change and recorded a $0.5 million reduction to the reserve for uncertain tax positions.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The tax effects of temporary differences from total operations that give rise to significant deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2016 and 2017 wereare as follows (in thousands):
| | | | Year Ended December 31, | | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2016 | | 2017 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Deferred income tax assets: | | | | Deferred income tax assets: | | | |
| Net operating loss carryforwards | $ | 1,947 |
| | $ | 1,978 |
| Net operating loss carryforwards | $ | 1,268 | | | $ | 839 | |
| Interest expense limitation | | Interest expense limitation | 2,777 | | | 3,506 | |
| Tax credit carryforwards | 135 |
| | 133 |
| Tax credit carryforwards | 88 | | | 75 | |
| State bonus depreciation | 373 |
| | 494 |
| |
| Accrued liabilities and other | 11,163 |
| | 6,136 |
| |
| State depreciation | | State depreciation | 1,195 | | | 1,297 | |
| Accrued and other liabilities | | Accrued and other liabilities | 7,552 | | | 8,606 | |
| Amortization of non-compete agreements | 1,433 |
| | 873 |
| Amortization of non-compete agreements | 1,172 | | | 1,213 | |
| Preneed liabilities, net | 9,315 |
| | 5,239 |
| |
| Prepaid assets | | Prepaid assets | 616 | | | — | |
| | Total deferred income tax assets | 24,366 |
| | 14,853 |
| Total deferred income tax assets | 14,668 | | | 15,536 | |
| Less valuation allowance | (209 | ) | | (244 | ) | Less valuation allowance | (198) | | | (181) | |
| Total deferred income tax assets | $ | 24,157 |
| | $ | 14,609 |
| Total deferred income tax assets | $ | 14,470 | | | $ | 15,355 | |
| Deferred income tax liabilities: | | | | Deferred income tax liabilities: | |
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | (57,716 | ) | | $ | (41,447 | ) | Depreciation and amortization | $ | (56,030) | | | $ | (61,432) | |
| Convertible subordinated notes due 2021 | (8,636 | ) | | (4,096 | ) | |
| Prepaids and other | (615 | ) | | (225 | ) | |
| Preneed liabilities | | Preneed liabilities | (4,224) | | | (2,582) | |
| | Prepaid assets | | Prepaid assets | — | | | (161) | |
| Total deferred income tax liabilities | (66,967 | ) | | (45,768 | ) | Total deferred income tax liabilities | (60,254) | | | (64,175) | |
| Total net deferred tax liabilities | $ | (42,810 | ) | | $ | (31,159 | ) | Total net deferred tax liabilities | $ | (45,784) | | | $ | (48,820) | |
| Current deferred tax asset | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| |
| Non-current deferred tax liabilities | (42,810 | ) | | (31,159 | ) | |
| Total net deferred tax liabilities | $ | (42,810 | ) | | $ | (31,159 | ) | |
Our deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with related valuation allowances, are classified as non-current on our Consolidated Balance SheetsSheet at December 31, 20162021 and 2017.
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Act. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that will affect 2017, including but not limited to bonus depreciation changes that will allow for full expensing of qualified property placed in service on or after September 27, 2017.
The Tax Act also establishes new tax laws that will affect 2018, including but not limited to (1) a reduction of the corporate tax rate from a top marginal rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21%; (2) a limitation of the tax deduction for interest expense to 30% of adjusted earnings (except for certain small businesses); (3) a limitation of the deduction for net operating losses to 80% of current year taxable income and elimination of net operating loss carrybacks; (4) immediate deductions for certain new investments (instead of deductions for depreciation expense over time); (5) limitations of certain executive compensation deductions; and (6) limitations or repeals of many business deductions and credits.
The SEC staff issued SAB 118, which provides guidance on accounting for the effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects is incomplete but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
If a company cannot determine a provision estimate in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act.
Our analysis of the impact of the Tax Act is complete. The Tax Act reduces the corporate tax rate to 21% and as a result we have recorded a decrease in our net deferred tax liability and a corresponding discrete tax benefit item of $17.2 million. In addition to the rate reduction, approximately $2.9 million of qualifying assets placed in service on or after September 27, 2017 have been fully expensed as of December 31, 2017.2022.
We record a valuation allowance to reflect the estimated amount of deferred tax assets for which realization is uncertain. Management reviews the valuation allowance at the end of each quarter and makes adjustments if it is determined that it is more likely thanmore-likely-than not that the tax benefits will be realized. We recognized an immaterial net increasedecrease in our valuation allowance during 20172021 and 2016.2022.
For federal income tax reporting purposes, we have no net operating loss carryforwards. For state reporting purposes, we have approximately $36.4$17.3 million of net operating loss carryforwards that will expire between 20182023 and 2037,2041, if not utilized. Based on management’s assessment of the various state net operating losses, it was determined that it is more likely thanmore-likely-than not that we will be able to realize tax benefits on some portion of the amount of the state losses. The valuation allowance at December 31, 20172022 was attributable to the deferred tax asset related to a portion of the state operating losses.
We analyze tax benefits for uncertain tax positions and how they are to be recognized, measured, and derecognized in financial statements; provide certain disclosures of uncertain tax matters; and specify how reserves for uncertain tax positions should be classified on theour Consolidated Balance Sheets.
During 2017, the re-measurement ofSheet. The deferred tax liabilities due toassets recognized for those NOLs are presented net of these unrecognized tax reform resulted in no change to our uncertain tax positions. benefits.
At December 31, 2017, no2022, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefit reserve for uncertain tax positions were identified and we do not anticipateprimarily relates to the uncertainty of receiving audit protection for revenue recognition of cemetery property for the benefit derived from carrying back losses to tax years with a material change to ourhigher effective tax rate than the current 21.0% rate. Our unrecognized tax benefits duringbenefit reserve for the next twelve months.years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022 was $3.8 million and $3.3 million, respectively.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Unrecognized tax benefit at beginning of year | $ | 691 | | | $ | 3,656 | | | $ | 3,761 | |
| | | | | |
| Gross decreases - tax positions in prior period | (691) | | | — | | | (533) | |
| Gross increases - tax positions in current period | 3,656 | | | 105 | | | 66 | |
| | | | | |
| Unrecognized tax benefit at end of year | $ | 3,656 | | | $ | 3,761 | | | $ | 3,294 | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 |
| Unrecognized tax benefit at beginning of year | $ | 515 |
| | $ | 814 |
| | $ | — |
|
| Reductions based on tax positions related to the prior year | — |
| | (17 | ) | | — |
|
| Reductions for tax year 2011 federal audit | — |
| | (568 | ) | | — |
|
| Additions (reductions) based on tax positions related to the current year | 299 |
| | (229 | ) | | — |
|
| Reductions as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Unrecognized tax benefit at end of year | $ | 814 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
17.18. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Share Authorization
We are authorized to issue 80,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 per share par value. We had 22,490,85526,264,245 and 22,622,24226,359,876 shares issued and 15,331,923 and 14,732,058 shares outstanding, net of 5,849,31610,932,322 and 6,523,37011,627,818 shares held in treasury at par, at December 31, 20162021 and 2017,2022, respectively.
Stock Based Compensation Plans
During the year ended December 31, 2017,2022, we had two stock benefits plans in effect under which stock, restricted stock, stock options and performance awards have been granted or remain outstanding: the Second Amended and Restated 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the(as amended, the “Amended and Restated 2006 Plan”) and the 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the(as amended, the “2017 Plan”). The Amended and Restated 2006 Plan was terminated upon the approval of the 2017 Plan at the annual shareholders meeting on May 17, 2017. The 2017 Plan expires on May 17, 2027. All stock-based plans are administered by the Compensation Committee appointed by our Board of Directors (our “Board”).
At December 31, 2022, we had 2,137,048 shares available to issue under our 2017 Plan. The termination of the Amended and Restated 2006 Plan does not affect the awards previously issued and outstanding.
All stock-based plans are administered by the Compensation Committee appointed by our Board of Directors (the “Board”). The 2017 Plan provides for grants of options as non-qualified options or incentiveRestricted Stock
Restricted stock options, restricted stock and performance awards. The 2017 Plan expires on May 17, 2027.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The status of each of the plans at December 31, 2017activity is as follows (shares in thousands)(in thousands, except shares):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Shares
Reserved | | Shares
Available to
Issue | | Options
Outstanding | | Performance Awards Outstanding(2) |
| Amended and Restated 2006 Plan | — |
| | — |
| | 1,918 |
| | 311 |
|
| 2017 Plan | 1,583 |
| (1) | 1,553 |
| | 16 |
| | 9 |
|
| Total | 1,583 |
| | 1,553 |
| | 1,934 |
| | 320 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Shares | Fair Value | | Shares | Fair Value | | Shares | Fair Value |
Granted(1) | 10,200 | | $ | 255 | | | 9,300 | | $ | 324 | | | — | | $ | — | |
| Returned for payroll taxes | 10,588 | | $ | 250 | | | 10,399 | | $ | 375 | | | 4,136 | | $ | 205 | |
| Cancelled | — | | $ | — | | | 966 | | $ | 27 | | | 1,950 | | $ | 63 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| (1) | | | | |
(1) | Amount includes approximately 28,000 sharesRestricted stock granted fromduring the Amendedyear ended December 31, 2020 and Restated 2006 Plan that were returned to2021 will vest over a three-year period, if the Company due to cancellationsemployee has remained continuously employed by us during the vesting period, at a weighted average stock price of $25.00 and to pay the option price upon exercise. |
(2) | Performance Awards are reserved at 200% of shares granted which is equal to the maximum payout in shares.$34.79, respectively. |
Restricted Stock
During 2017, we issued restricted stock to certain employees totaling 27,250 shares that vest over a three year period and had an aggregate grant date market value of approximately $0.8 million. The restricted stock issued will vest in either 25% or 33.33% increments over four or three year terms, respectively. In 2016, a total of 16,900 shares of restricted stock were awarded with a grant date market value of approximately $0.3 million. In 2015, a total of 37,900 shares of restricted stock were awarded with a grant date market value of approximately $0.9 million.
A summary of the statusnumber of unvested restricted stock as ofawards and their weighted average grant date fair values during the year ended December 31, 2017, and changes during 2017,2022 is presented in the table below (shares in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Restricted stock awards | Shares | | Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value |
| Unvested at January 1 | 22,643 | | | $ | 27.21 | |
| | | |
| Vested | (13,111) | | | $ | 24.23 | |
| Cancelled | (1,950) | | | $ | 32.28 | |
| Unvested at December 31 | 7,582 | | | $ | 31.05 | |
|
| | | | | | |
| Unvested stock awards | Shares | | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value |
| Unvested at January 1, 2017 | 63 |
| | $ | 21.07 |
|
| Awards | 27 |
| | 27.53 |
|
| Vestings | (30 | ) | | 20.10 |
|
| Cancellations | (6 | ) | | 22.70 |
|
| Unvested at December 31, 2017 | 54 |
| | $ | 24.09 |
|
We recorded stock-based compensation expense, which is included in Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs and General, administrative and other expenses, for restricted stock awards of approximately $1.5 million, $0.7 million$735,000, $390,000 and $0.7 million in 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
As of$171,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017,2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
At December 31, 2022, we had $1.3 million$235,000 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock awards, which are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.40.8 years.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Stock Options
During 2017, we granted 461,700Stock option grants and cancellations are as follows (in thousands, except shares):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, | |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 | |
| Shares | Fair Value | | Shares | Fair Value | | Shares | Fair Value | |
Granted(1) | — | | $ | — | | | 701,400 | | $ | 7,115 | | | 58,500 | | $ | 959 | | |
Granted(2) | — | | $ | — | | | — | | $ | — | | | 310,000 | | $ | 5,388 | | |
Granted(3) | — | | $ | — | | | 150,000 | | $ | 1,684 | | | — | | $ | — | | |
Granted(4) | 20,000 | | $ | 92 | | | — | | $ | — | | | 12,600 | | $ | 143 | | |
| Cancelled | 146,034 | | $ | 846 | | | 74,688 | | $ | 722 | | | 45,590 | | $ | 512 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| (1) | Stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2022 had a weighted average price of $34.79 and $49.48, respectively. The fair value of these options was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The options granted in 2021 and 2022 vest over a five-year period and have a ten-year term. These options will vest if the employee has remained continuously employed by us through the vesting period. |
| (2) | Stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2022 had a weighted average price of $49.48. The fair value of these options was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and vest over a seven-year period and have a ten-year term. These options will vest if the employee has remained continuously employed by us through the vesting period. |
| (3) | We granted 150,000 options to a key employee at a weighted average price of $34.79. These options will vest when the price of our common stock closes at or above $53.39 (50,000 options) and $77.34 (100,000 options) for three consecutive days within the ten-year term and the employee has remained continuously employed by us through such date. The fair value of these options was $1.7 million. |
| (4) | Stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2022 had a weighted average price of $18.02 and $31.58, respectively. The fair value of these options was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and vest over a three-year period and have a ten-year term. These options will vest if the employee has remained continuously employed by us through the vesting period. |
Additional stock option activity is as follows (in thousands, except shares):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Shares | Cash | | Shares | Cash | | Shares | Cash |
Exercised(1) | 40,365 | | (1) | | | 423,294 | | (1) | | | 32,196 | | (1) | |
Returned for option price(2) | 18,640 | | $ | 19 | | | 211,088 | | $ | 1,013 | | | 18,797 | | $ | 60 | |
Returned for payroll taxes(3) | 2,954 | | $ | 89 | | | 43,534 | | $ | 2,272 | | | 2,895 | | $ | 123 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| (1) | Stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 had a weighted average exercise price of $13.72, $21.99 and $25.49, respectively. |
| (2) | Represents shares withheld/cash received for the payment of the option price. |
| (3) | Represents shares withheld/cash paid for the payment of payroll taxes. |
Stock options to our leadership team and certain key employees at a weighted average exercise price of $26.56. These options will vest in one-fifth increments over a five-year period and have a ten-year term. The fair value of these options was approximately $3.3 million. In 2016, a total of 235,500 stock options were awarded, the fair value of which was $1.3 million. In 2015, a total of 628,000 stock options were awarded, the fair value of which was approximately $3.7 million.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Options are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. All of the options granted and outstanding under this plan have either five, a seven or ten-year terms.term. We utilizeutilized the Black-Scholes option valuationpricing model and Monte-Carlo simulation pricing model for estimating the fair value of our stock options. This model allowsThese models allow for the use of a range of assumptions related to volatility, risk-free interest rate, expected holding period and dividend yield. The expected volatility utilized in thethese valuation modelmodels is based on the historical volatility of our stock price. The dividend yield and expected holding period are based on historical experience and management's estimate of future events. The risk-free interest rate is derived from the U.S. Treasury yield curve based on the expected life of the option in effect at the time of grant.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The fair valuesvalue of our stockthe options were calculatedgranted using the following weighted average assumptions, basedBlack-Scholes option pricing model was estimated on the methods described above fordate of grant with the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017:following assumptions:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2022 | | 2022 |
| Grant date | | June 25 | | February 17 | | February 23 | | February 23 | | September 27 |
| Expected holding period (years) | | 3.7 | | 5.0 | | 7.0 | | 5.0 | | 4.1 |
| Awards granted | | 20,000 | | 701,400 | | 310,000 | | 58,500 | | 12,600 |
| Dividend yield | | 1.67 | % | | 1.15 | % | | 0.91 | % | | 0.91 | % | | 1.43 | % |
| Expected volatility | | 38.54 | % | | 36.72 | % | | 34.35 | % | | 33.18 | % | | 43.68 | % |
| Risk-free interest rate | | 0.25 | % | | 0.57 | % | | 1.98 | % | | 1.89 | % | | 4.29 | % |
| Black-Scholes value | | $4.61 | | $10.14 | | $17.38 | | $16.39 | | $11.35 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 |
| Dividend yield | 0.44 | % | | 0.50 | % | | 0.75 | % |
| Expected volatility | 32.62 | % | | 31.21 | % | | 29.29 | % |
| Risk-free interest rate | 1.13 | % | | 1.23 | % | | 1.95 | % |
| Expected holding period (years) | 3.6 |
| | 5.0 |
| | 5.0 |
|
| | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, 2022 |
| Awards granted | 150,000 |
| |
| |
| |
| Dividend yield | 1.15 | % |
| Expected volatility | 34.08 | % |
| Risk-free interest rate | 1.29 | % |
A summary of the number of stock options atand their weighted average exercise prices during the year ended December 31, 2015, 20162022 is presented in the table below (shares in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Shares | | Wtd. Avg.
Ex. Price |
| Outstanding at January 1 | 1,265 | | | $ | 30.94 | |
| Granted | 381 | | | $ | 48.89 | |
| Exercised | (32) | | | $ | 25.49 | |
| Forfeited or expired | (46) | | | $ | 37.34 | |
| Outstanding at December 31 | 1,568 | | | $ | 35.23 | |
| Exercisable at December 31 | 592 | | | $ | 27.60 | |
A summary of the number of stock options and 2017their weighted average grant date fair values during the year ended December 31, 2022 is presented in the table below (shares in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Shares | | Wtd. Avg.
Fair Value |
| Non-vested at January 1 | 839 | | $ | 9.90 | |
| Granted | 381 | | $ | 17.03 | |
| Vested or exercised | (201) | | | $ | 8.86 | |
| Forfeited | (43) | | | $ | 11.43 | |
| Non-vested at December 31 | 976 | | $ | 12.83 | |
A summary of the intrinsic value of stock options exercised and changes duringthe fair value of stock options vested for the three years ended December 31, 20172022 is presented in the table and narrative below (shares in(in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Intrinsic value of options exercised | $ | 517 | | | $ | 8,229 | | | $ | 580 | |
| Fair value of stock options vested | $ | 735 | | | $ | 1,413 | | | $ | 1,784 | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 |
| | Shares | | Wtd. Avg. Ex. Price | | Shares | | Wtd. Avg. Ex. Price | | Shares | | Wtd. Avg. Ex. Price |
| Outstanding at beginning of period | 1,381 |
| | $ | 17.07 |
| | 1,695 |
| | $ | 18.95 |
| | 1,650 |
| | $ | 19.18 |
|
| Adjustment to beginning balance | — |
| | $ | — |
| | 18 |
| | $ | 18.94 |
| | — |
| | $ | — |
|
| Granted | 653 |
| | $ | 22.66 |
| | 236 |
| | $ | 20.06 |
| | 462 |
| | $ | 26.56 |
|
| Exercised | (110 | ) | | $ | 14.36 |
| | (112 | ) | | $ | 13.76 |
| | (159 | ) | | $ | 19.81 |
|
| Canceled or expired | (229 | ) | | $ | 20.39 |
| | (187 | ) | | $ | 21.30 |
| | (19 | ) | | $ | 23.17 |
|
| Outstanding at end of year | 1,695 |
| | $ | 18.95 |
| | 1,650 |
| | $ | 19.18 |
| | 1,934 |
| | $ | 20.85 |
|
| Exercisable at end of year | 583 |
| | $ | 15.00 |
| | 1,106 |
| | $ | 18.21 |
| | 1,225 |
| | $ | 18.68 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Options Outstanding | | Options Exercisable |
| Actual Ranges of Exercise Prices | Number Outstanding at 12/31/22 | | Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life | | Weighted-Average
Exercise Price | | Number Exercisable at 12/31/22 | | Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life | | Weighted-Average
Exercise Price |
| $18.02 - $18.02 | 13,333 | | | 2.48 | | $ | 18.02 | | | 6,667 | | | 2.48 | | $ | 18.02 | |
| $20.06 - $26.54 | 435,535 | | | 4.19 | | $ | 24.85 | | | 415,569 | | | 4.15 | | $ | 24.82 | |
| $31.58 - $31.58 | 12,600 | | | 9.75 | | $ | 31.58 | | | — | | | 0.00 | | $ | — | |
| $34.79 - $49.88 | 1,107,000 | | | 8.47 | | $ | 39.56 | | | 169,980 | | | 8.14 | | $ | 34.79 | |
| $18.02 - $49.48 | 1,568,468 | | | 7.24 | | $ | 35.23 | | | 592,216 | | | 5.27 | | $ | 27.60 | |
The aggregate intrinsic value of the outstanding and exercisable stock options was $1.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2017 was $9.8 million and $8.6 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2015, 2016 and 2017 totaled $1.1 million, $1.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
The total fair value of stock options vested during 2015, 2016 and 2017 totaled approximately $1.8 million, $2.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively.2022. We recorded stock-based compensation expense, which is included in General, administrative and other expenses, for stock options of approximately $2.4 million, $1.7 million and $1.5 million in 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
As of December 31, 2017, there was $3.0had $9.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to unvested stock options expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately four years.5.0 years at December 31, 2022.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The following table further describes our outstandingWe recorded stock-based compensation expense, which is included in Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs and General, administrative and other expenses, for stock options at of $669,000, $2,355,000 and $2,284,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Options Outstanding | | Options Exercisable |
| Actual Ranges of Exercise Prices | Number Outstanding at 12/31/17 | | Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life | | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | | Number Exercisable at 12/31/17 | | Weighted-Average Exercise Price |
| $4.78 - $5.94 | 105,603 |
| | 3.50 | | $ | 5.66 |
| | 105,603 |
| | $ | 5.66 |
|
| $16.73 - $20.49 | 942,153 |
| | 3.92 | | $ | 19.02 |
| | 797,673 |
| | $ | 18.83 |
|
| $22.58 - $26.93 | 885,900 |
| | 6.74 | | $ | 24.61 |
| | 322,001 |
| | $ | 22.58 |
|
| $4.78 - $26.93 | 1,933,656 |
| | 5.19 | | $ | 20.85 |
| | 1,225,277 |
| | $ | 18.68 |
|
Performance Awards
During 2017,Performance award activity is as follows (in thousands, except shares):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Shares | Fair Value | | Shares | Fair Value | | Shares | Fair Value |
| Granted | 30,743 | | $ | 733 | | | 55,302 | | $ | 2,116 | | | 27,013 | | $ | 1,262 | |
| Cancelled | 33,538 | | $ | 631 | | | 55,896 | | $ | 799 | | | 30,743 | | $ | 295 | |
In addition to the activity described in the table above, we granted 105,540issued 237,500 performance awards to our leadership team and certain key employees, during the year ended December 31, 2020, payable in shares.shares, with a fair value of $2.8 million. On May 19, 2020, we cancelled all performance award agreements previously awarded to all individuals during 2019, as well as the 237,500 performance awards previously granted in 2020. Concurrently with the cancellation of those performance awards, the Compensation Committee of the Board approved 368,921 new performance awards to be issued to certain employees. These new performance awards were treated as a modification of the cancelled awards and resulted in an additional $1.7 million of incremental compensation expense. These awards will vest (if at all) on December 31, 2021 and June 30, 2022,2024, provided that certain criteria surrounding Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA (Adjusted Earnings Before Interest Tax Depreciationthe Company’s common stock reaches the predetermined growth targets for a sustained period beginning on the grant date and Amortization) and Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA Marginending on December 31, 2024.
On June 1, 2021, we amended the performance is achieved andaward agreements granted on May 19, 2020 for three of our executives. The amendment increased the individual has remained continuously employed by Carriage through such date. The Adjusted Consolidated EBITDAamount of performance represents 50%awards payable in shares for the last three predetermined growth targets. It was treated as a modification of the original performance award agreement and resulted in $2.6 million of incremental compensation expense, expected to be recognized over the Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA Margin performance represents 50%remaining term of 24 months.
A summary of the award. number of performance awards and their weighted average grant date fair values during the year ended December 31, 2022 is presented in the table below (shares in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Performance Awards | Shares | | Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value |
| At January 1 | 435,766 | | | $ | 21.76 | |
| Granted | 27,013 | | | $ | 46.71 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| Cancelled | (30,743) | | | $ | 9.59 | |
| At December 31 | 432,036 | | | $ | 20.95 | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The fair value of thesethe performance awards granted during the year ended December 31, 2022 was approximately $2.8 million and was determined by using the weighted average stock pricecalculated on the grant date of $26.56.
During 2016, we granted 73,700 performance awards to our leadership team and certain key employees, payable in shares. These awards will vest (if at all) on December 31, 2020 provided that certain criteria surrounding Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA (Adjusted Consolidated Earnings Before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortization) and Relative Shareholder Return performance is achieved and the individual has remained continuously employed by Carriage through such date. The Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA performance represents 25% of the award and the Relative Shareholder Return performance represents 75% of the award. The fair value of these performance awards was approximately $1.6 million and was determined bygrant using a Monte-Carlo simulation pricing model. The assumptions used in the Monte-Carlo simulation pricing model with the following assumptions:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Grant date | | February 23, 2022 | | April 1, 2022 | | | | | | |
| Simulation period (years) | | 2.85 | | 2.75 | | | | | | |
| Share price at grant date | | $49.48 | | $52.49 | | | | | | |
| Expected volatility | | 43.99 | % | | 44.44 | % | | | | | | |
| Risk-free interest rate | | 1.75 | % | | 2.55 | % | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The fair value of the performance awards granted during the year ended December 31, 2021 was calculated on the date of grant using the Monte-Carlo simulation pricing model with the following assumptions:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Grant date | | April 16, 2021 | | June 1, 2021 | | August 12, 2021 | | September 15, 2021 | | November 29, 2021 |
| Simulation period (years) | | 3.71 | | 3.58 | | 3.39 | | 3.29 | | 3.09 |
| Share price at grant date | | $35.83 | | $38.78 | | $39.48 | | $45.27 | | $51.15 |
| Expected volatility | | 41.17 | % | | 41.79 | % | | 42.85 | % | | 43.44 | % | | 45.50 | % |
| Risk-free interest rate | | 0.52 | % | | 0.46 | % | | 0.53 | % | | 0.49 | % | | 0.85 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | |
At December 31, 2022, there was $5.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to performance awards expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 24 months. If all of the predetermined growth targets are met as follows:of December 31, 2024, a total of 995,873 shares of common stock would be awarded to participants under this program.
|
| | |
| 2016 |
Performance period | January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2020 |
Simulation period (years) | 4.86 |
|
Share price at grant date | $20.06 |
Expected volatility | 31.2 | % |
Risk-free interest rate | 1.21 | % |
Forfeiture rate | 2.0 | % |
We recorded stock-based compensation expense, which is included in Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs andGeneral, administrative and other expenses, for performance awards of approximately $0.2 million$894,000, $1,573,000 and $0.7 million in 2016$2,524,000 during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2017,2022, respectively.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
We provide all employees the opportunity to purchase common stock through payroll deductions in our ESPP. Purchases are made quarterly; the price being 85% of the lower of the price on the first day of the plan entry date (beginning of the fiscal year) or the actual date of purchase (end of quarter). In 2017, employees purchased a total of 43,808 shares at a weighted average price of $22.43 per share. In 2016, employees purchased a total of 44,774 shares at a weighted average price of $19.48 per share. In 2015, employees purchased a total of 44,074 shares at a weighted average price of $17.17 per share.
ESPP activity is as follows (in thousands, except shares):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Shares | Price | | Shares | Price | | Shares | Price |
| ESPP | 71,908 | | $ | 16.71 | | | 61,904 | | $ | 26.32 | | | 52,053 | | $ | 32.38 | |
We recorded stock-based compensation expense, which is included in Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs and General, administrative and other expenses, for our ESPP of approximately $197,000, $234,000$434,000, $552,000 and $244,000 in 2015, 2016$545,000 during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2017,2022, respectively.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The fair values of the right (option) to purchase shares under the ESPP are estimated at the date of purchase with the four quarterly purchase dates using the following assumptions:
| | | | | | | | | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 | | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Dividend yield | 0.4 | % | | 0.6 | % | | 0.9 | % | Dividend yield | 1.5 | % | | 0.01 | % | | 0.01 | % |
| Expected volatility | 24 | % | | 25 | % | | 19 | % | Expected volatility | 48.6 | % | | 48.1 | % | | 30.2 | % |
| Risk-free interest rate | 0.02%, 0.11%,0.18%, 0.25% |
| | 0.22%, 0.49%,0.55%, 0.61% |
| | 0.53%, 0.65%,0.77%0.89% |
| Risk-free interest rate | 1.54%, 1.57%, 1.57%, 1.56% | | 0.09%, 0.09%, 0.10%,0.10% | | 0.08%, 0.22%, 0.31%, 0.40% |
| Expected life (years) | .25, .50, .75, 1.00 |
| | .25, .50, .75, 1.00 |
| | .25, .50, .75, 1.00
|
| Expected life (years) | 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 | | 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 | | 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 |
Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility during the previous twelve months of the underlying common stock. The risk-free rate for the quarterly purchase periods is based on the U.S. Treasury yields in effect at the time of purchase. The expected life of the ESPP grants represents the calendar quarters from the beginning of the year to the purchase date (end of each quarter).
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Good To Great Incentive Program
Common stock issued to certain employees under this incentive program is as follows (in thousands, except shares): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Shares | Fair Value | | Shares | Fair Value | | Shares | Fair Value |
| 17,991 | | $ | 449 | | | — | | $ | — | | | 27,448 | | $ | 1,358 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| (1) | Common stock granted during the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2022 had a grant date stock price of $25.00 and $49.48, respectively. |
Non-Employee Director and Board Advisor Compensation Plans
Our Director Compensation Policy provides for the following: (i)that each independent director is entitled to an annuala quarterly retainer of $75,000,$35,000 payable in quarterly installmentscash and/or unrestricted shares of $18,750 eachour common stock at the end of the quarter; and (ii) theeach quarter. The Lead Director and chairman of our Audit Committee are entitled to an additional annual retainer of $10,000, payable in quarterly installments of $2,500 each at the end of each quarter, and the chairman of our Corporate Governance and Compensation Committees are entitled to an additional annual retainer of $5,000, payable in quarterly installments of $1,250 each at the end of each quarter. Any new independent director will receive upon admission to the Board a grant of $25,000 (in addition to the independent director annual retainer prorated at the time the new director is admitted to the Board) which can be taken in cash or restrictedunrestricted shares of our common stock. The Board Advisor is entitled to a quarterly retainer of $18,750 payable in cash and/or unrestricted shares of our common stock at the end of each quarter. The number of shares of such common stock will be determined by dividing the cash amount by the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant, which will be the date of admission to the Board. Such
On May 17, 2022, Bryan D. Leibman resigned from the Board effective on that date. He served as the Company's Lead Independent Director. Effective with Mr. Leibman’s resignation, the Board appointed Donald D. Patteson, Jr. as Lead Independent Director.
Non-Employee Director and Board Advisor common stock will vest (based on continued service on the Board) 50% immediately and 25% on the first and second anniversaries of admission.activity is as follows (in thousands, except shares):
On August 9, 2016, the Board voted James R. Schenck to serve as a Class 1 Director until the 2018 annual meeting of shareholders. Mr. Schenck was appointed to serve as the chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee and a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees. Concurrently with the appointment, the Board granted Mr. Schenck 1,061 shares of the Company’s common stock under our Director Compensation Policy, which such grant was valued at approximately $25,000 based on the closing price on the grant date. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Shares | Fair Value | | Shares | Fair Value | | Shares | Fair Value |
Board of Directors(1) | 30,883 | | $ | 654 | | | 14,744 | | $ | 622 | | | 11,155 | | $ | 415 | |
Advisor to the Board(1) | 967 | | $ | 20 | | | 466 | | $ | 20 | | | 555 | | $ | 20 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| (1) | Common stock granted during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 had a weighted average price of $21.16, $42.14 and $37.14, respectively. |
We recorded compensation expense, which is included in General, administrative and other expenses, related to annual retainers, including the value of stock granted to non-employee Directors and restricted stock awardsan advisor to our Board, of approximately $0.7 million, $0.4 million$889,000, $858,000 and $0.4 million in 2015, 2016$718,000 during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2017,2022, respectively.
Cash Dividends
On October 25, 2017, our Board approved an increase in our quarterly dividend on our common stock from $0.050 to $0.075 per share, effective with respect to dividends payable on December 1, 2017 and later.
For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, ourOur Board declared the following dividends payable on the dates below (in thousands, except per share amounts):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2022 | Per Share | | Dollar Value |
| March 1st | $ | 0.1125 | | | $ | 1,725 | |
| June 1st | $ | 0.1125 | | | $ | 1,730 | |
| September 1st | $ | 0.1125 | | | $ | 1,653 | |
| December 1st | $ | 0.1125 | | | $ | 1,655 | |
| | | |
| 2021 | Per Share | | Dollar Value |
| March 1st | $ | 0.1000 | | | $ | 1,799 | |
| June 1st | $ | 0.1000 | | | $ | 1,808 | |
| September 1st | $ | 0.1000 | | | $ | 1,783 | |
| December 1st | $ | 0.1125 | | | $ | 1,873 | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| 2017 | Per Share | | Dollar Value |
| March 1st | $ | 0.050 |
| | $ | 833 |
|
| June 1st | $ | 0.050 |
| | $ | 835 |
|
| September 1st | $ | 0.050 |
| | $ | 835 |
|
| December 1st | $ | 0.075 |
| | $ | 1,206 |
|
| | | | |
| 2016 | Per Share | | Dollar Value |
| March 1st | $ | 0.025 |
| | $ | 415 |
|
| June 1st | $ | 0.025 |
| | $ | 415 |
|
| September 1st | $ | 0.050 |
| | $ | 831 |
|
| December 1st | $ | 0.050 |
| | $ | 830 |
|
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Our components of Accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | |
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
Balance at December 31, 2016 | $ | — |
|
Increase in net unrealized gains associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts | 10,304 |
|
Reclassification of net unrealized gain activity attributable to the Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus’
| (10,304 | ) |
Balance at December 31, 2017 | $ | — |
|
18.19. SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
On February 25, 2016,Subject to market conditions, normal trading restrictions and satisfying certain financial covenants in our Credit Facility, and in the Indenture governing our Senior Notes, we may make purchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions under our Board approved aauthorized share repurchase program, authorizing us to purchase up to an aggregate of $25.0 million of our common stock in accordance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act, of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
On October 25, 2017,February 23, 2022, our Board approved a $15.0 millionauthorized an increase in its authorization for repurchases of our common stockshare repurchase program to permit us to purchase up to an additional $75.0 million under our share repurchase program, in addition to the $25.0 million approved on February 25, 2016, bringing the totalamounts previously authorized repurchase amount to $40.0 million,and outstanding in accordance with Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we repurchased 574,054 shares of common stock for a total cost of $14.0Act, which totaled up to $265.0 million at an average cost of $24.35 per share pursuant to thisin share repurchase program. authorizations.
Share repurchase activity is as follows (dollar value in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | | |
Number of Shares Repurchased(1) | — | | | 2,906,983 | | | 695,496 | | | | |
| Average Price Paid Per Share | $ | — | | | $ | 49.01 | | | $ | 49.22 | | | | |
Dollar Value of Shares Repurchased(1) | $ | — | | | $ | 142,469 | | | $ | 34,234 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| (1) | These amounts may differ from the repurchases of common stock amounts in the consolidated statements of cash flows due to unsettled share repurchases at the end of a period. In December 2021, we repurchased 37,408 shares for $2.4 million, the settlement of which occurred in January 2022. |
Our shares were purchased in the open market. Purchases weremarket at times and in amounts as management determined appropriate based on factors such as market conditions, legal requirements and other business considerations. Shares purchased pursuant to the repurchase program are currently held as treasury shares.stock. At December 31, 2017, we had approximately $26.0 million available for repurchase under this share repurchase program.
On August 18, 2017, we purchased 100,000 shares of2022, our common stock from Melvin C. Payne, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The purchase of these shares was made pursuant to a privately negotiated transaction at a price of $23.85 per share for a total purchase price of $2.4 million. The purchase price we paid for these shares was the stock's trading price at the time of the transaction. This purchase was not a part of the share repurchase program approved by the Board on February 25, 2016. The repurchase of the shares held by Mr. Payne was approved in advance by our Board, with Mr. Payne abstaining. See Note 24 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included hereinhad $48.9 million authorized for additional information on our related party transactions.repurchases.
We did not purchase any shares of our common stock during 2016. During 2015, we purchased 1,927,665 shares of our common stock for a total cost of $45.0 million, at an average cost of $23.34 per share under a previous share repurchase program.
19.20. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Share-based awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are participating securities and included in the computation of both basic and diluted earnings per share. Our grants of restricted stock awards to our employees and directors are considered participating securities and we have prepared our earnings per share calculations to exclude outstandingearnings allocated to unvested restricted stock awards, using the two-class method, in the basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding calculation.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The following table sets forth the computation of the basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands, except per share data):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 |
| Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share: | | | | | |
| Net income | $ | 20,853 |
| | $ | 19,581 |
| | $ | 37,193 |
|
| Less: Earnings allocated to unvested restricted stock | (257 | ) | | (89 | ) | | (135 | ) |
| Income attributable to common stockholders | $ | 20,596 |
| | $ | 19,492 |
| | $ | 37,058 |
|
| | | | | | |
| Denominator: | | | | | |
| Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted average shares outstanding | 17,791 |
| | 16,515 |
| | 16,438 |
|
| Effect of dilutive securities: | | | | | |
| Stock options | 246 |
| | 454 |
| | 336 |
|
| Convertible subordinated notes | 276 |
| | 491 |
| | 941 |
|
| Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - weighted average shares outstanding | 18,313 |
| | 17,460 |
| | 17,715 |
|
| | | | | | |
| Basic earnings per common share | $ | 1.16 |
| | $ | 1.18 |
| | $ | 2.25 |
|
| Diluted earnings per common share | $ | 1.12 |
| | $ | 1.12 |
| | $ | 2.09 |
|
The fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, and the corresponding calculation of fully diluted earnings per share, included approximately 0.3 million, 0.5 million and 0.9 million shares that would have been issued upon the conversion of our convertible subordinated notes as a result of the application of the if-converted method prescribed by the FASB ASC 260. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share: | | | | | |
| Net income | $ | 16,090 | | | $ | 33,159 | | | $ | 41,381 | |
| Less: Earnings allocated to unvested restricted stock | (46) | | | (53) | | | (26) | |
| Income attributable to common stockholders | $ | 16,044 | | | $ | 33,106 | | | $ | 41,355 | |
| | | | | |
| Denominator: | | | | | |
| Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted average shares outstanding | 17,872 | | | 17,409 | | | 14,857 | |
| Effect of dilutive securities: | | | | | |
| Stock options | 196 | | | 475 | | | 183 | |
| Convertible Notes | 9 | | | — | | | — | |
| Performance awards | — | | | 382 | | | 670 | |
| Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - weighted average shares outstanding | 18,077 | | | 18,266 | | | 15,710 | |
| | | | | |
| Basic earnings per common share | $ | 0.90 | | | $ | 1.90 | | | $ | 2.78 | |
| Diluted earnings per common share | $ | 0.89 | | | $ | 1.81 | | | $ | 2.63 | |
For the year ended December 31, 2017, approximately 354,0002022, there were 311,143 stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the inclusion of such stock options would result in an antidilutive effect. ThereFor the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021, no stock options were no options excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Our performance awards are considered to be contingently issuable shares because their issuance is contingent upon the satisfaction of certain performance and service conditions. At December 31, 2022, we had satisfied certain performance criteria for the first, second and third predetermined growth targets of our performance awards to be considered outstanding. Therefore, we included these awards in the computation of diluted earnings per share as of the beginning of the reporting period.
The fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the yearsyear ended December 31, 20152020 and 2016.the corresponding calculation of fully diluted earnings per share, included approximately 9,000 shares that would have been issued upon the conversion of our Convertible Notes as a result of the application of the if-converted method prescribed by the FASB ASC 260. At December 31, 2021 and 2022, we had no Convertible Notes outstanding.
21. SEGMENT REPORTING
Revenue, disaggregated by major source for each of our reportable segments was as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended, December 31, 2022 | | | | | | |
| | Funeral | | Cemetery | | Total |
| Services | | $ | 163,904 | | | $ | 17,367 | | | $ | 181,271 | |
| Merchandise | | 89,052 | | | 14,307 | | | 103,359 | |
| Cemetery property | | — | | | 58,611 | | | 58,611 | |
| Other revenue | | 13,947 | | | 12,986 | | | 26,933 | |
| Total | | $ | 266,903 | | | $ | 103,271 | | | $ | 370,174 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended, December 31, 2021 | | | | | | |
| | Funeral | | Cemetery | | Total |
| Services | | $ | 164,082 | | | $ | 16,490 | | | $ | 180,572 | |
| Merchandise | | 92,023 | | | 13,741 | | | 105,764 | |
| Cemetery property | | — | | | 61,957 | | | 61,957 | |
| Other revenue | | 13,982 | | | 13,611 | | | 27,593 | |
| Total | | $ | 270,087 | | | $ | 105,799 | | | $ | 375,886 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended, December 31, 2020 | | | | | | |
| | Funeral | | Cemetery | | Total |
| Services | | $ | 150,283 | | | $ | 14,701 | | | $ | 164,984 | |
| Merchandise | | 84,787 | | | 10,778 | | | 95,565 | |
| Cemetery property | | — | | | 44,065 | | | 44,065 | |
| Other revenue | | 14,068 | | | 10,766 | | | 24,834 | |
| Total | | $ | 249,138 | | | $ | 80,310 | | | $ | 329,448 | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
20. MAJOR SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS
We conduct funeral and cemetery operations only in the United States. The following table presents revenues, gross profitoperating income (loss), income (loss) before income taxes, depreciation and amortization, interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), total assets, long-lived assets, goodwill, capital expenditures and number of operating locations by segment (in thousands, except number of operating locations):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Funeral | | Cemetery | | Corporate | | Consolidated |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Operating income (loss): | | | | | | | |
| 2022 | $ | 82,080 | | | $ | 35,095 | | | $ | (37,449) | | | $ | 79,726 | |
| 2021 | 88,591 | | | 40,353 | | | (35,284) | | | 93,660 | |
| 2020 | 57,622 | | | 26,859 | | | (27,254) | | | 57,227 | |
| Income (loss) before income taxes: | | | | | | | |
| 2022 | $ | 85,196 | | | $ | 35,126 | | | $ | (63,128) | | | $ | 57,194 | |
| 2021 | 88,015 | | | 40,473 | | | (84,184) | | | 44,304 | |
| 2020 | 56,875 | | | 27,087 | | | (59,320) | | | 24,642 | |
| Depreciation and amortization: | | | | | | | |
| 2022 | $ | 11,591 | | | $ | 7,584 | | | $ | 624 | | | $ | 19,799 | |
| 2021 | 11,062 | | | 8,217 | | | 1,241 | | | 20,520 | |
| 2020 | 11,586 | | | 6,376 | | | 1,427 | | | 19,389 | |
| Interest expense: | | | | | | | |
| 2022 | $ | 753 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 25,142 | | | $ | 25,895 | |
| 2021 | 835 | | | — | | | 24,610 | | | 25,445 | |
| 2020 | 1,004 | | | 13 | | | 31,498 | | | 32,515 | |
| Income tax expense (benefit): | | | | | | | |
| 2022 | $ | 23,555 | | | $ | 9,712 | | | $ | (17,454) | | | $ | 15,813 | |
| 2021 | 22,141 | | | 10,181 | | | (21,177) | | | 11,145 | |
| 2020 | 19,738 | | | 9,401 | | | (20,587) | | | 8,552 | |
| Total assets: | | | | | | | |
| 2022 | $ | 779,500 | | | $ | 396,389 | | | $ | 17,061 | | | $ | 1,192,950 | |
| 2021 | 769,539 | | | 390,344 | | | 18,748 | | | 1,178,631 | |
| 2020 | 764,535 | | | 366,964 | | | 14,326 | | | 1,145,825 | |
| Long-lived assets: | | | | | | | |
| 2022 | $ | 630,599 | | | $ | 190,226 | | | $ | 4,518 | | | $ | 825,343 | |
| 2021 | 611,181 | | | 176,398 | | | 3,839 | | | 791,418 | |
| 2020 | 619,588 | | | 172,122 | | | 995 | | | 792,705 | |
| Goodwill: | | | | | | | |
| 2022 | $ | 355,654 | | | $ | 54,483 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 410,137 | |
| 2021 | 344,823 | | | 47,149 | | | — | | | 391,972 | |
| 2020 | 345,829 | | | 47,149 | | | — | | | 392,978 | |
| Capital expenditures: | | | | | | | |
| 2022 | $ | 14,917 | | | $ | 10,566 | | | $ | 598 | | | $ | 26,081 | |
| 2021 | 11,511 | | | 9,704 | | | 3,668 | | | 24,883 | |
| 2020 | 6,997 | | | 7,025 | | | 1,176 | | | 15,198 | |
| Number of operating locations at year end: | | | | | | | |
| 2022 | 171 | | 32 | | — | | | 203 |
| 2021 | 170 | | 31 | | — | | | 201 |
| 2020 | 178 | | 32 | | — | | | 210 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Funeral | | Cemetery | | Corporate | | Consolidated |
| Revenues: | | | | | | | |
| 2017 | $ | 200,886 |
| | $ | 57,253 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 258,139 |
|
| 2016 | 189,401 |
| | 58,799 |
| | — |
| | 248,200 |
|
| 2015 | 185,818 |
| | 56,684 |
| | — |
| | 242,502 |
|
| Gross Profit (loss): | | | | | | | |
| 2017 | $ | 61,369 |
| | $ | 15,430 |
| | $ | (27,858 | ) | | $ | 48,941 |
|
| 2016 | 61,620 |
| | 18,030 |
| | (29,446 | ) | | 50,204 |
|
| 2015 | 59,434 |
| | 18,074 |
| | (28,860 | ) | | 48,648 |
|
| Income (loss) before income taxes: | | | | | | | |
| 2017 | $ | 60,634 |
| | $ | 15,852 |
| | $ | (43,704 | ) | | $ | 32,782 |
|
| 2016 | 61,163 |
| | 18,400 |
| | (47,322 | ) | | 32,241 |
|
| 2015 | 58,404 |
| | 17,492 |
| | (41,306 | ) | | 34,590 |
|
| Depreciation and amortization | | | | | | | |
| 2017 | $ | 9,785 |
| | $ | 4,589 |
| | $ | 1,605 |
| | $ | 15,979 |
|
| 2016 | 8,891 |
| | 5,028 |
| | 1,502 |
| | 15,421 |
|
| 2015 | 7,614 |
| | 4,420 |
| | 1,746 |
| | 13,780 |
|
| Interest expense: | | | | | | | |
| 2017 | $ | 1,170 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 11,776 |
| | $ | 12,948 |
|
| 2016 | 826 |
| | 3 |
| | 10,909 |
| | 11,738 |
|
| 2015 | 577 |
| | 8 |
| | 9,974 |
| | 10,559 |
|
| Income tax expense (benefit) | | | | | | | |
| 2017 | $ | (8,159 | ) | | $ | (2,133 | ) | | $ | 5,881 |
| | $ | (4,411 | ) |
| 2016 | 24,019 |
| | 7,226 |
| | (18,585 | ) | | 12,660 |
|
| 2015 | 23,195 |
| | 6,947 |
| | (16,405 | ) | | 13,737 |
|
| Total assets: | | | | | | | |
| 2017 | $ | 665,483 |
| | $ | 251,243 |
| | $ | 4,807 |
| | $ | 921,533 |
|
| 2016 | 634,145 |
| | 241,621 |
| | 9,303 |
| | 885,069 |
|
| 2015 | 591,389 |
| | 229,479 |
| | 12,271 |
| | 833,139 |
|
| Long-lived assets: | | | | | | | |
| 2017 | $ | 537,282 |
| | $ | 90,292 |
| | $ | 2,124 |
| | $ | 629,698 |
|
| 2016 | 509,361 |
| | 89,767 |
| | 2,548 |
| | 601,676 |
|
| 2015 | 472,419 |
| | 89,866 |
| | 3,370 |
| | 565,655 |
|
| Capital expenditures: | | | | | | | |
| 2017 | $ | 9,835 |
| | $ | 5,283 |
| | $ | 1,277 |
| | $ | 16,395 |
|
| 2016 | 17,411 |
| | 4,962 |
| | 731 |
| | 23,104 |
|
| 2015 | 27,654 |
| | 5,332 |
| | 2,838 |
| | 35,824 |
|
| Number of operating locations at year end: | | | | | | | |
| 2017 | 178 |
| | 32 |
| | — |
| | 210 |
|
| 2016 | 170 |
| | 32 |
| | — |
| | 202 |
|
| 2015 | 167 |
| | 32 |
| | — |
| | 199 |
|
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
21.22. SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Balance Sheet
The following table presents the detail of certain balance sheet accounts as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 is as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, |
| 2021 | | 2022 |
| Prepaids and other current assets: | | | |
| Prepaid expenses | $ | 2,215 | | | $ | 4,077 | |
| | | |
| Federal income tax receivable | 4,064 | | | 507 | |
| | | |
| Other current assets | 125 | | | 149 | |
| Total prepaid and other current assets | $ | 6,404 | | | $ | 4,733 | |
| | | |
| Current portion of debt and lease obligations: | | | |
| Acquisition debt | $ | 521 | | | $ | 555 | |
| Finance lease obligations | 375 | | | 414 | |
| Operating lease obligations | 1,913 | | | 2,203 | |
| Total current portion of debt and lease obligations | $ | 2,809 | | | $ | 3,172 | |
| | | |
| Accrued and other liabilities: | | | |
| Incentive compensation | $ | 19,121 | | | $ | 12,140 | |
| Insurance | 4,089 | | | 3,051 | |
| Unrecognized tax benefit | 3,761 | | | 3,294 | |
| Vacation | 3,334 | | | 3,430 | |
| Natural disaster liability | 2,628 | | | — | |
| Interest | 2,250 | | | 2,329 | |
| Salaries and wages | 2,193 | | | 2,263 | |
| Employer payroll tax deferral | 1,773 | | | — | |
| Employee meetings and award trips | 1,462 | | | 746 | |
| Income tax payable | 485 | | | 459 | |
| Commissions | 684 | | | 743 | |
| Perpetual care trust payable | 389 | | | 222 | |
| Ad valorem and franchise taxes | 450 | | | 455 | |
| | | |
| Other accrued liabilities | 1,154 | | | 1,489 | |
| Total accrued and other liabilities | $ | 43,773 | | | $ | 30,621 | |
| | | |
| Other long-term liabilities: | | | |
| | | |
| Incentive compensation | $ | 1,291 | | | $ | 2,541 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| Other long-term liabilities | 128 | | | 524 | |
| Total other long-term liabilities | $ | 1,419 | | | $ | 3,065 | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| | December 31, |
| | 2016 | | 2017 |
| Other current assets: | | | |
| Income tax receivables | $ | 1,932 |
| | $ | 889 |
|
| Other current assets | 102 |
| | 97 |
|
| Total other current assets | $ | 2,034 |
| | $ | 986 |
|
| | | | |
| Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations | | | |
| Term note | $ | 11,250 |
| | $ | 15,000 |
|
| Acquisition debt | 1,771 |
| | 1,927 |
|
| Capital leases | 246 |
| | 324 |
|
| Total current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations | $ | 13,267 |
| | $ | 17,251 |
|
| | | | |
| Other current liabilities: | | | |
| Income taxes payable | $ | 509 |
| | $ | 1,120 |
|
| Deferred rent | 208 |
| | 241 |
|
| Total other current liabilities | $ | 717 |
| | $ | 1,361 |
|
| | | | |
| Accrued liabilities: | | | |
| Accrued salaries and wages | $ | 4,005 |
| | $ | 2,643 |
|
| Accrued incentive compensation | 8,237 |
| | 6,412 |
|
| Accrued vacation | 2,305 |
| | 2,417 |
|
| Accrued insurance | 1,726 |
| | 1,832 |
|
| Accrued interest | 1,235 |
| | 1,271 |
|
| Accrued ad valorem and franchise taxes | 981 |
| | 1,003 |
|
| Accrued commissions | 543 |
| | 461 |
|
| Other accrued liabilities | 1,059 |
| | 1,520 |
|
| Total accrued liabilities | $ | 20,091 |
| | $ | 17,559 |
|
| | | | |
| Other long-term liabilities: | | | |
| Deferred rent | $ | 1,207 |
| | $ | 966 |
|
| Incentive compensation | 575 |
| | 1,287 |
|
| Contingent consideration | 785 |
| | 1,125 |
|
| Total other long-term liabilities | $ | 2,567 |
| | $ | 3,378 |
|
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Revenues and Field costs and expenses
The detail of certain income statement accounts for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 is as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 |
| Revenues: | | | | | |
| Goods | | | | | |
| Funeral | $ | 71,399 |
| | $ | 72,002 |
| | $ | 76,160 |
|
| Cemetery | 35,479 |
| | 37,678 |
| | 36,340 |
|
| Total goods | $ | 106,878 |
| | $ | 109,680 |
| | $ | 112,500 |
|
| Services | | | | | |
| Funeral | $ | 104,969 |
| | $ | 108,622 |
| | $ | 116,240 |
|
| Cemetery | 11,178 |
| | 11,269 |
| | 11,898 |
|
| Total services | $ | 116,147 |
| | $ | 119,891 |
| | $ | 128,138 |
|
| Financial revenue | | | | | |
| Preneed funeral commission income | $ | 1,484 |
| | $ | 1,429 |
| | $ | 1,254 |
|
| Preneed funeral trust earnings | 7,966 |
| | 7,348 |
| | 7,232 |
|
| Preneed cemetery trust earnings | 8,440 |
| | 8,004 |
| | 7,193 |
|
| Preneed cemetery finance charges | 1,587 |
| | 1,848 |
| | 1,822 |
|
| Total financial revenue | $ | 19,477 |
| | $ | 18,629 |
| | $ | 17,501 |
|
| Total revenues | $ | 242,502 |
| | $ | 248,200 |
| | $ | 258,139 |
|
| | | | | | |
| Field costs and expenses: | | | | | |
| Goods | | | | | |
| Funeral | $ | 56,819 |
| | $ | 56,787 |
| | $ | 60,797 |
|
| Cemetery | 24,600 |
| | 26,199 |
| | 26,630 |
|
| Total goods | $ | 81,419 |
| | $ | 82,986 |
| | $ | 87,427 |
|
| Services | | | | | |
| Funeral | $ | 51,236 |
| | $ | 52,595 |
| | $ | 57,174 |
|
| Cemetery | 6,924 |
| | 7,081 |
| | 7,705 |
|
| Total services | $ | 58,160 |
| | $ | 59,676 |
| | $ | 64,879 |
|
| Financial expenses | | | | | |
| Preneed funeral commissions | $ | 1,031 |
| | $ | 747 |
| | $ | 818 |
|
| Trust administration fees | 353 |
| | 378 |
| | 503 |
|
| Total financial expenses | $ | 1,384 |
| | $ | 1,125 |
| | $ | 1,321 |
|
| Total field costs and expenses | $ | 140,963 |
| | $ | 143,787 |
| | $ | 153,627 |
|
The Field costs and expenses, for purposes of this supplemental disclosure, include only costs and expenses that are directly allocable between the goods, services and financial categories in the funeral and cemetery segments. Depreciation and amortization and Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs are not included in this disclosure.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
22. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
The tables below set forth consolidated operating results by fiscal quarter for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands, except earnings per share):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | First Quarter | | Second Quarter | | Third Quarter | | Fourth Quarter |
| 2017 | | | | | | | |
| Revenues | $ | 68,157 |
| | $ | 63,852 |
| | $ | 61,054 |
| | $ | 65,076 |
|
| Gross profit | 23,092 |
| | 18,667 |
| | 15,480 |
| | 19,560 |
|
| Net income | $ | 7,084 |
| | $ | 4,410 |
| | $ | 3,038 |
| | $ | 22,661 |
|
| Basic earnings per common share: (a) | $ | 0.42 |
| | $ | 0.26 |
| | $ | 0.18 |
| | $ | 1.41 |
|
| Diluted earnings per common share: (a) | $ | 0.39 |
| | $ | 0.24 |
| | $ | 0.17 |
| | $ | 1.31 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
| 2016 | | | | | | | |
| Revenues | $ | 63,331 |
| | $ | 61,865 |
| | $ | 60,140 |
| | $ | 62,864 |
|
| Gross profit | 21,303 |
| | 18,807 |
| | 18,228 |
| | 21,312 |
|
| Net income | $ | 4,571 |
| | $ | 5,200 |
| | $ | 5,683 |
| | $ | 4,127 |
|
| Basic earnings per common share: (a) | $ | 0.27 |
| | $ | 0.31 |
| | $ | 0.34 |
| | $ | 0.25 |
|
| Diluted earnings per common share: (a) | $ | 0.27 |
| | $ | 0.30 |
| | $ | 0.33 |
| | $ | 0.22 |
|
|
| | |
| | |
(a) | Earnings per share are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the total computed for 2016 and 2017 due to rounding. |
23. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The following information is supplemental disclosure for the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 |
| Cash paid for interest and financing costs | $ | 30,935 | | | $ | 24,127 | | | $ | 24,456 | |
| Cash paid (refunded) for taxes | (4,457) | | | 16,110 | | | 9,713 | |
| Unsettled share repurchases | — | | | 2,429 | | | — | |
| Fair value of donated real property | — | | | 635 | | | — | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 |
| Cash paid for interest and financing costs | $ | 9,159 |
| | $ | 10,366 |
| | $ | 11,092 |
|
| Cash paid for taxes | 8,283 |
| | 10,874 |
| | 5,902 |
|
| Fair value of stock, stock options and performance awards issued to directors, officers, and certain other employees | 4,879 |
| | 3,275 |
| | 6,854 |
|
| Net withdrawals (deposits) from / into preneed funeral trusts | 12,054 |
| | (3,687 | ) | | (1,442 | ) |
| Net withdrawals (deposits) from / into preneed cemetery trusts | 8,681 |
| | (6,405 | ) | | (4,157 | ) |
| Net withdrawals (deposits) from / into perpetual care trusts | 5,543 |
| | (3,762 | ) | | (3,340 | ) |
| Net increase in preneed receivables | (1,714 | ) | | (2,385 | ) | | (1,261 | ) |
| Net deposits of receivables into preneed trusts | (735 | ) | | (674 | ) | | (1,069 | ) |
| Net change in preneed funeral receivables increasing deferred revenue | 483 |
| | 1,450 |
| | 1,387 |
|
| Net change in preneed cemetery receivables (decreasing) increasing deferred revenue | (154 | ) | | (2,090 | ) | | 59 |
|
| Net (withdrawals) deposits from / into preneed funeral trust accounts (decreasing) increasing deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust | (12,054 | ) | | 3,687 |
| | 1,442 |
|
| Net (withdrawals) deposits from / into preneed cemetery trust accounts (decreasing) increasing deferred cemetery receipts held in trust | (8,681 | ) | | 6,405 |
| | 4,157 |
|
| Net (withdrawals) deposits from / into perpetual care trust accounts (decreasing) increasing care trusts’ corpus | (5,726 | ) | | 3,874 |
| | 3,566 |
|
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
24. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
On August 18, 2017, we purchased 100,000 shares of our common stock from Melvin C. Payne, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. These shares had been held by Mr. Payne prior to such repurchase for over one year. The purchase of these shares was made pursuant to a privately negotiated transaction at a price of $23.85 per share for a total purchase price of $2.4 million. The purchase price we paid for these shares was the stock's trading price at the time of the transaction. These shares are currently held as treasury shares. This purchase was not a part of the share repurchase program approved by the Board on February 25, 2016. The repurchase of the shares held by Mr. Payne was approved in advance by our Board, with Mr. Payne abstaining.
On December 13, 2017, we purchased real estate totaling $0.3 million for funeral home expansion projects from an employee at fair market value.
25. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
None.On January 31, 2023, we sold one funeral home and two cemeteries in Marshall, Texas for $0.8 million.
CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(in thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Description | Balance at
beginning
of year | | Charged to
costs and
expenses | | Deduction | | Balance at
end
of year |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, 2020: | | | | | | | |
| Allowance for credit losses, current portion | $ | 849 | | | $ | 1,617 | | | $ | 1,179 | | | $ | 1,287 | |
Allowance for credit losses of preneed cemetery receivables,
non-current portion | 1,290 | | | 701 | | | 347 | | | 1,644 | |
| Employee severance accruals | 837 | | | 596 | | | 1,271 | | | 162 | |
| Valuation allowance of the deferred tax asset | 233 | | | — | | | 11 | | | 222 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, 2021: | | | | | | | |
| Allowance for credit losses, current portion | $ | 1,287 | | | $ | 1,240 | | | $ | 1,537 | | | $ | 990 | |
| Allowance for credit losses of preneed cemetery receivables, non-current portion | 1,644 | | | 543 | | | 1,108 | | | 1,079 | |
| Employee severance accruals | 162 | | | 1,431 | | | 952 | | | 641 | |
| Valuation allowance of the deferred tax asset | 222 | | | — | | | 24 | | | 198 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, 2022: | | | | | | | |
| Allowance for credit losses, current portion | $ | 990 | | | $ | 1,821 | | | $ | 1,798 | | | $ | 1,013 | |
| Allowance for credit losses of preneed cemetery receivables, non-current portion | 1,079 | | | 997 | | | 793 | | | 1,283 | |
| Employee severance accruals | 641 | | | 1,880 | | | 1,361 | | | 1,160 | |
| Valuation allowance of the deferred tax asset | 198 | | | — | | | 17 | | | 181 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Description | Balance at beginning of year | | Charged to costs and expenses | | Deduction | | Balance at end of year |
| Year ended December 31, 2015: | | | | | | | |
| Allowance for bad debts, current portion | $ | 802 |
| | $ | 966 |
| | $ | 1,039 |
| | $ | 729 |
|
| Allowance for receivables from preneed funeral and cemetery trusts and contract cancellations, non-current portion | $ | 2,339 |
| | $ | 712 |
| | $ | 1,009 |
| | $ | 2,042 |
|
| Employee severance accruals | $ | 216 |
| | $ | 698 |
| | $ | 634 |
| | $ | 280 |
|
| Litigation reserves | $ | 3 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 3 |
| | $ | — |
|
| Valuation allowance of the deferred tax asset | $ | 330 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 141 |
| | $ | 189 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, 2016: | | | | | | | |
| Allowance for bad debts, current portion | $ | 729 |
| | $ | 1,155 |
| | $ | 1,138 |
| | $ | 746 |
|
| Allowance for receivables from preneed funeral and cemetery trusts and contract cancellations, non-current portion | $ | 2,042 |
| | $ | 943 |
| | $ | 819 |
| | $ | 2,166 |
|
| Employee severance accruals | $ | 280 |
| | $ | 3,641 |
| | $ | 2,404 |
| | $ | 1,517 |
|
| Valuation allowance of the deferred tax asset | $ | 189 |
| | $ | 20 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 209 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, 2017: | | | | | | | |
| Allowance for bad debts, current portion | $ | 746 |
| | $ | 1,248 |
| | $ | 1,159 |
| | $ | 835 |
|
| Allowance for receivables from preneed funeral and cemetery trusts and contract cancellations, non-current portion | $ | 2,166 |
| | $ | 950 |
| | $ | 838 |
| | $ | 2,278 |
|
| Employee severance accruals | $ | 1,517 |
| | $ | 571 |
| | $ | 2,088 |
| | $ | — |
|
| Valuation allowance of the deferred tax asset | $ | 209 |
| | $ | 35 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 244 |
|
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
| |
ITEM 9. | CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. |
None.
| |
ITEM 9A. | ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, including our principal executive and financial officers, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive and financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on such evaluation, our principal executive and financial officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 20172022 (the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Management’s report on our internal control over financial reporting is presented on the following page of this Form 10-K. Grant Thornton LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in this Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting.
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and includes those policies and procedures that:
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and our directors; and
(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management conducted an assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20172022 using the framework specified in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013), published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on such assessment, management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.2022.
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20172022 has been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, which also audited the financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2017,2022, as stated in their report whichthat is presented in this Annual Report.
| | |
|
| /s/ Melvin C. Payne |
| Melvin C. Payne |
| Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board |
| (Principal Executive Officer) |
| | |
| /s/ Adeola Olaniyan |
/s/ Viki K. BlindermanAdeola Olaniyan |
Viki K. BlindermanCorporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer |
Senior Vice President,(Interim Principal Financial Officer and Secretary
Officer) |
February 21, 2018March 1, 2023
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the three months ended December 31, 2017,2022, there was no change in our system of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
| |
ITEM 9B. | OTHER INFORMATION. |
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.
None.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS.
Not applicable.
PART III
| |
ITEM 10. | DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. |
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Business Ethics and Code of Business Conduct (theand Ethics (as amended, the “Code”), which is applicable to each of our Directors, Officers, and employees, including our principal executive officer and other senior financial officers, who include our principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, and persons performing similar functions. The Code is available on our internet website at www.carriageservices.com. To the extent required by SEC rules, we intend to disclose any amendments to this code and any waiver of a provision of the Code for the benefit of our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, on our website within four business days following any such amendment of waiver, or within any other period that may be required under SEC rules from time to time.
The information required by Item 10 is incorporated in this Form 10-K by reference to the registrant’sour definitive proxy statement relatingor an amendment to its 2018 annual meeting of stockholders, which proxy statement willthis Form 10-K to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A ofwith the Exchange Act withinSEC not later than 120 days after the end of the last fiscal year.year ended December 31, 2022.
| |
ITEM 11. | EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. |
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The information required by Item 11 is incorporated in this Form 10-K by reference to the registrant’sour definitive proxy statement relatingor an amendment to its 2018 annual meeting of stockholders, which proxy statement willthis Form 10-K to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A ofwith the Exchange Act withinSEC not later than 120 days after the end of the last fiscal year.year ended December 31, 2022.
| |
ITEM 12. | SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS. |
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The information required by Item 12 is incorporated in this Form 10-K by reference to the registrant’sour definitive proxy statement relatingor an amendment to its 2018 annual meeting of stockholders, which proxy statement willthis Form 10-K to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A ofwith the Exchange Act withinSEC not later than 120 days after the end of the last fiscal year.year ended December 31, 2022.
The following table, required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K, summarizes information regarding the number of shares of our common stock that are available for issuance under all of our existing equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2017.2022.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Plan Category | Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a) | | Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b) | | Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (a))
(c) |
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 1,568,468 | | | $ | 35.23 | | | 2,137,048 | |
| Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Total | 1,568,468 | | | $ | 35.23 | | | 2,137,048 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| Plan Category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) | | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) | | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) |
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 1,933,656 |
| | $ | 20.85 |
| | 1,552,677 |
|
| Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Total | 1,933,656 |
| | $ | 20.85 |
| | 1,552,677 |
|
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE. | |
ITEM 13. | CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE. |
The information required by Item 13 is incorporated in this Form 10-K by reference to the registrant’sour definitive proxy statement relatingor an amendment to its 2018 annual meeting of stockholders, which proxy statement willthis Form 10-K to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A ofwith the Exchange Act withinSEC not later than 120 days after the end of the last fiscal year.year ended December 31, 2022.
| |
ITEM 14. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. |
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
The information required by Item 14 is incorporated in this Form 10-K by reference to the registrant’sour definitive proxy statement relatingor an amendment to its 2018 annual meeting of stockholders, which proxy statement willthis Form 10-K to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A ofwith the Exchange Act withinSEC not later than 120 days after the end of the last fiscal year.year ended December 31, 2022.
PART IV
| |
ITEM 15. | EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES. |
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following financial statements and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are filed as a part of this Form 10-K on the pages indicated: (2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The following Financial Statement Schedule is included in this Form 10-K on the page indicated: All other schedules are omitted as the required information is inapplicable or the information is presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements or related notes.
(3) EXHIBITS
A copy of this Form 10-K, excluding exhibits, will be furnished at no charge to each person to whom a proxy statement for our 20182023 annual meeting of stockholders is delivered upon the request of such person. Exhibits to this Form 10-K are available upon payment of a reasonable fee, which is limited to our expenses in furnishing the requested exhibit. Requests for copies should be directed to our Corporate Secretary, by mail at 3040 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 300, Houston, Texas 77056 or by phone at 1-866-332-8400 or 713-332-8400.
|
| | | | | | | |
| Exhibit No. | | Description |
| |
| 3.1 | | |
| |
| 3.2 | | |
| |
| 3.3 | | |
| | |
|
| | |
3.64.1 | | |
| | |
4.1 | | Indenture, dated as of March 19, 2014, by andMay 13, 2021, among Carriage Services, Inc.the Company, the Guarantors (as defined therein) and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 19, 2014.May 13, 2021. |
| | |
10.14.2 | | |
| | |
| 4.3 | | |
| | |
10.24.4 | | |
| | |
10.34.5 | | |
| | |
| 4.6 | | |
| | |
| 4.7 | | |
| | |
| 4.8 | | |
| | |
| 4.9 | | |
| | |
| 4.10 | | |
| | |
10.410.1 | | |
| | |
10.5 | | |
| | |
10.6 | | |
| | |
10.7 | | |
| | |
10.8 | | |
| | |
10.9 | | |
| | |
10.10 | | |
| | |
10.11 | | |
| | |
10.1210.2 | | |
| | |
10.13 | | |
| | |
10.14 | | |
| | |
|
| | |
10.15 | | |
| | |
10.16 | | |
| | |
10.17 | | |
| | |
10.18 | | |
| | |
10.19 | | |
| | |
10.20 | | |
| | |
10.21 | | |
| |
10.22 | | |
| | |
10.2310.3 | | |
| | |
10.2410.4 | | |
| | |
10.2510.5 | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | |
10.2610.6 | | |
| | |
10.2710.7 | | |
| | |
| 10.8 | | |
| | |
10.2810.9 | | |
| | |
10.2910.10 | | |
| | |
| 10.11 | | |
| | |
| 10.12 | | |
| | |
| 10.13 | | |
| | |
| 10.14 | | |
| | |
| 10.15 | | |
| | |
| 10.16 | | |
| | |
| 10.17 | | |
| | |
| 10.18 | | |
| | |
| 10.19 | | |
| | |
10.3010.20 | | |
| | |
10.31 | | |
| | |
10.32 | | |
| | |
|
| | |
10.3310.21 | | First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 13, 2021, among Carriage Services, Inc., the guarantors party thereto, the financial institutions party thereto, as lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 13, 2021. |
| | | | | | | | |
| 10.22 | | First Amendment and Commitment Increase to First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of November 22, 2021, among Carriage Services, Inc., the financial institutions party thereto, as lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 23, 2021. |
| | |
| 10.23 | | |
| | |
| 10.24 | | Second Amendment and Commitment Increase to First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement underdated as of May 27, 2022, among Carriage Services, Inc. 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan., the financial institutions party thereto, as lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender, and L/C issuer. *†Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 1, 2022. |
| | |
*1210.25 | | |
| | |
*21.110.26 | | |
| | |
| 10.27 | | |
| | |
| 10.28 | | |
| | |
| 10.29 | | Third Amendment and Commitment Increase to First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 9, 2022, among Carriage Services, Inc., the financial institutions party thereto, as lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 12, 2022. |
| | |
| *21.1 | | |
| |
| *23.1 | | |
| | |
| *31.1 | | |
| |
| *31.2 | | |
| |
| **32 | | |
| |
*101 | | Interactive Data Files. |
__________________
|
| |
(*)*101 | Filed herewith. | Interactive Data Files. |
|
| | | | |
(**) | FurnishedFiled herewith. |
|
| (**) | Furnished herewith. |
| (†) | Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY. | |
ITEM 16. | FORM 10-K SUMMARY. |
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 on February 21, 2018.March 1, 2023.
|
| | | | | | | |
| CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC. |
| |
| By: | | /s/ Melvin C. Payne |
| | Melvin C. Payne
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Signature | | Title | | Date |
| | |
| /s/ Melvin C. Payne | | Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board | | |
| Melvin C. Payne | | (Principal Executive Officer) | | March 1, 2023 |
| | | | |
| /s/ Adeola Olaniyan | | Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer | | March 1, 2023 |
| Adeola Olaniyan | | (Interim Principal Financial Officer) | | |
| | | | |
Signature | | Title | | Date |
| | |
/s/ Melvin C. PayneCarlos R. Quezada | | President, Chief ExecutiveOperating Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board | | March 1, 2023 |
Melvin C. PayneCarlos R. Quezada | | (Principal Executive Officer) | | February 21, 2018 |
| | | | |
/s/ Viki K. Blinderman | | Senior Vice President, Principal Financial Officer and Secretary | | February 21, 2018 |
Viki K. Blinderman | | (Principal Financial Officer) | | |
| | | | |
/s/ Adeola Olaniyan | | Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer | | February 21, 2018 |
Adeola Olaniyan | | | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ Donald D. Patteson Jr. | | Director | | February 21, 2018March 1, 2023 |
| Donald D. Patteson Jr. | | | | |
| | |
/s/ James R. Schenck | | Director | | February 21, 2018 |
James R. Schenck | | | | |
| | |
/s/ Barry K. Fingerhut | | Director | | February 21, 2018 |
Barry K. Fingerhut | | | | |
| | | | |
/s/ Bryan D. Leibman | | Director | | February 21, 2018 |
Bryan D. Leibman | | | | |
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
| | |
Exhibit No./s/ Barry K. Fingerhut | | DescriptionDirector | | March 1, 2023 |
| Barry K. Fingerhut | |
3.1 | | |
| |
3.2 | | |
| |
3.3 | | |
| | |
3.4 | | |
| |
3.5 | | |
| |
3.6 | | |
| | |
4.1 | | |
| | |
10.1 | | |
| |
10.2 | | |
| |
10.3 | | |
| |
10.4 | | |
| | |
10.5 | | |
| | |
10.6 | | |
| | |
10.7 | | |
| | |
10.8 | | |
| | |
|
| | |
10.9 | | |
| /s/ Douglas Meehan | | Director | | March 1, 2023 |
10.10Douglas Meehan | | |
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10.11 | | |
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10.12 | | |
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10.13 | | |
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10.14 | | |
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10.15 | | |
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10.16 | | |
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10.17 | | |
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10.18 | | |
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10.19 | | |
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10.20 | | |
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10.21 | | |
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10.22 | | |
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10.23 | | |
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10.24 | | |
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10.25 | | |
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10.26 | | |
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10.27 | | |
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10.28 | | |
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10.29 | | |
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10.30 | | |
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10.31 | | |
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10.32 | | |
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10.33 | | |
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*12 | | |
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*21.1 | | |
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*23.1 | | |
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*31.1 | | |
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*31.2 | | |
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**32 | | |
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*101 | | Interactive Data Files. |
__________________
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(*)/s/ Achille Messac | Filed herewith. | Director | | March 1, 2023 |
| Achille Messac | | | | |
|
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(†) | Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
