UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
   
þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31,June 30, 2009
OR
   
o 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
 
CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
DELAWARE 76-0423828
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
3040 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 300, Houston, TX 77056
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (713) 332-8400
 
          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. Yesþ Noo
          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). Yeso Noþo
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” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
       
Large accelerated filero  Accelerated filerþ  Non-accelerated filero
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 Smaller Reporting Companyreporting companyo 
          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yeso Noþ
          The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, outstanding as of April 30,August 1, 2009 was 17,882,436.17,405,071.
 
 

 


 

CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
INDEX
     
  Page
    
     
    
     
  3 
     
  4 
     
  5 
     
  6 
     
  17 
     
  2425 
     
  2425 
     
    
     
  2526 
     
  2526 
     
  2526 
     
  2526 
     
  2526 
     
  2527 
     
  2527 
     
    
 EX-11.1
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32

- 2 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Item 1.Financial Statements
CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)
                
 December 31, March 31,  December 31, June 30, 
 2008 2009  2008 2009 
 (unaudited)  (unaudited) 
ASSETS  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents $5,007 $2,654  $5,007 $5,598 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for bad debts of $833 in 2008 and $948 in 2009 14,637 13,863 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for bad debts of $833 in 2008 and $849 in 2009 14,637 13,909 
Inventories and other current assets 15,144 14,685  15,144 14,635 
          
Total current assets 34,788 31,202  34,788 34,142 
          
 
Preneed cemetery trust investments 44,375 39,661  44,375 52,739 
Preneed funeral trust investments 55,150 50,411  55,150 61,639 
Preneed receivables, net of allowance for bad debts of $847 in 2008 and $1,064 in 2009 13,783 14,189 
Preneed receivables, net of allowance for bad debts of $847 in 2008 and $1,135 in 2009 13,783 16,119 
Receivables from preneed funeral trusts 12,694 12,570  12,694 12,561 
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $59,324 in 2008 and $61,161 in 2009 126,164 124,940 
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $59,324 in 2008 and $62,825 in 2009 126,164 123,510 
Cemetery property 70,213 70,838  70,213 71,133 
Goodwill 164,515 164,515  164,515 164,515 
Deferred charges and other non-current assets 12,293 10,894  12,293 9,183 
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments 26,318 23,885  26,318 31,746 
          
Total assets $560,293 $543,105  $560,293 $577,287 
          
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  
Current liabilities:  
Current portion of senior long-term debt and capital lease obligations $815 $754  $815 $593 
Accounts payable 5,128 6,688  5,128 4,391 
Accrued liabilities 20,732 11,201  20,732 15,388 
          
Total current liabilities 26,675 18,643  26,675 20,372 
Senior long-term debt, net of current portion 132,345 133,058  132,345 132,160 
Convertible junior subordinated debentures due in 2029 to an affiliated trust 93,750 93,750  93,750 93,750 
Obligations under capital leases, net of current portion 4,572 4,557  4,572 4,486 
Deferred preneed cemetery revenue 49,527 49,383  49,527 49,899 
Deferred preneed funeral revenue 24,111 23,986  24,111 24,117 
Deferred preneed cemetery receipts held in trust 44,375 39,661  44,375 52,739 
Deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust 55,150 50,411  55,150 61,639 
Care trusts’ corpus 26,078 31,823 
          
Total liabilities 430,505 413,449  456,583 470,985 
          
Commitments and contingencies  
Care trusts’ corpus 26,078 23,770 
Redeemable preferred stock 200 200  200 200 
  
Stockholders’ equity:  
Common Stock, $.01 par value; 80,000,000 shares authorized; 17,835,000 and 17,946,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009, respectively 196 200 
Common Stock, $.01 par value; 80,000,000 shares authorized; 19,562,000 and 20,125,000 shares issued at December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009, respectively 196 201 
Additional paid-in capital 195,104 195,647  195,104 196,151 
Accumulated deficit  (86,050)  (83,699)  (86,050)  (81,669)
Treasury stock, at cost; 1,731,000 shares at December 31, 2008 and 2,080,000 shares at March 31, 2009  (5,740)  (6,462)
Treasury stock, at cost; 1,731,000 and 2,753,000 shares at December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009, respectively  (5,740)  (8,581)
     
     
Total stockholders’ equity 103,510 105,686  103,510 106,102 
          
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $560,293 $543,105  $560,293 $577,287 
          
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

- 3 -


CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)
                        
 For the three months  For the three months For the six moths 
 ended March 31,  ended June 30, ended June 30, 
 2008 2009  2008 2009 2008 2009 
Revenues:  
Funeral $37,016 $34,840  $32,151 $31,796 $69,168 $66,636 
Cemetery 10,127 10,963  10,586 12,754 20,712 23,717 
     
 47,143 45,803          
  42,737 44,550 89,880 90,353 
Field costs and expenses:  
Funeral 21,701 21,301  21,548 20,452 43,243 41,753 
Cemetery 7,294 7,959  7,881 8,548 15,175 16,507 
Depreciation and amortization 2,115 2,189  2,151 2,385 4,271 4,573 
Regional and unallocated funeral and cemetery costs 2,065 1,829  1,407 1,364 3,474 3,193 
              
 33,175 33,278  32,987 32,749 66,163 66,026 
              
Gross profit 13,968 12,525  9,750 11,801 23,717 24,327 
Corporate costs and expenses:  
General, administrative and other 3,650 3,558  4,780 3,533 8,428 7,091 
Home office depreciation and amortization 409 415  394 410 804 826 
              
 4,059 3,973  5,174 3,943 9,232 7,917 
              
Operating Income 9,909 8,552  4,576 7,858 14,485 16,410 
Interest expense  (4,620)  (4,598)  (4,556)  (4,660)  (9,176)  (9,259)
Interest income and other, net 90 2  51 220 142 223 
              
Total interest and other  (4,530)  (4,596)  (4,505)  (4,440)  (9,034)  (9,036)
              
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes 5,379 3,956  71 3,418 5,451 7,374 
Provision for income taxes  (2,125)  (1,602)  (28)  (1,384)  (2,153)  (2,986)
              
Net income from continuing operations 3,254 2,354  43 2,034 3,298 4,388 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 35    (1,426)   (1,391)  
              
Net income 3,289 2,354 
Net income (loss)  (1,383) 2,034 1,907 4,388 
Preferred stock dividend  4  3 4 3 7 
              
Net income available to common stockholders $3,289 $2,350 
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $(1,386) $2,030 $1,904 $4,381 
              
  
Basic earnings per common share: 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share: 
Continuing operations $0.17 $0.13  $ $0.12 $0.17 $0.25 
Discontinued operations     (0.07)   (0.07)  
              
Net income $0.17 $0.13 
Net income (loss) $(0.07) $0.12 $0.10 $0.25 
              
Diluted earnings per common share: 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share: 
Continuing operations $0.17 $0.13  $ $0.12 $0.17 $0.25 
Discontinued operations     (0.07)   (0.07)  
              
Net income $0.17 $0.13 
Net income (loss) $(0.07) $0.12 $0.10 $0.25 
              
  
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:  
 
Basic 19,002 17,451  19,000 17,119 18,938 17,235 
     
          
Diluted 19,428 17,520  19,408 17,379 19,355 17,410 
              
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

- 4 -


CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited and in thousands)
                
 For the three months  For the six months 
 ended March 31,  ended June 30 
 2008 2009  2008 2009 
Cash flows from operating activities:  
Net income $3,289 $2,354  $1,907 $4,388 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:  
Income from discontinued operations  (35)   1,391  
Depreciation and amortization 2,523 2,474  4,833 5,057 
Amortization of deferred financing costs 179 201  357 400 
Provision for losses on accounts receivable 1,012 557  1,769 996 
Stock-based compensation expense 347 507  903 907 
Deferred income taxes 2,086 1,602  2,101 2,986 
Other  (22) 2   (29)  (108)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities that provided (required) cash, net of effects from acquisitions and dispositions:  
Accounts and preneed receivables 4,441 46  6,702  (2,236)
Inventories and other current assets  (583)  (74)  (314)  (24)
Deferred charges and other 60   60 2 
Preneed funeral and cemetery trust investments 433 8,007  440 4,771 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  (5,991)  (7,977)  (1,252)  (2,789)
Litigation settlement   (3,300)
Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery revenue  (4,986)  (269)  (6,479) 590 
Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust 594  (7,985)  (535)  (4,689)
Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations 62   154  
          
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 3,409  (555)
Net cash provided by operating activities 12,008 6,951 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:  
Net proceeds from sale of assets  655 
Capital expenditures  (1,759)  (1,712)  (7,259)  (3,812)
Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations 1,029  
          
Net cash used in investing activities  (1,759)  (1,712)  (6,230)  (3,157)
 
Cash flows from financing activities:  
Net borrowings under credit facility  800 
Payments on senior long-term debt and obligations under capital leases  (459)  (162)  (734)  (413)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan 165 46  367 152 
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation 41  
Purchase of treasury stock   (722)  (90)  (2,841)
Dividend on redeemable preferred stock   (4)  (3)  (7)
Payment of loan fees   (44)   (94)
          
Net cash used in financing activities  (253)  (86)  (460)  (3,203)
          
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,397  (2,353)
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 5,318 591 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 3,446 5,007  3,446 5,007 
          
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $4,843 $2,654  $8,764 $5,598 
          
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

- 5 -


CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
     The Company
     Carriage Services, Inc. (“Carriage” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of death care services and merchandise in the United States. As of March 31,June 30, 2009, the Company owned and operated 135134 funeral homes in 25 states and 32 cemeteries in 11 states.
     Principles of Consolidation
     The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
     Interim Condensed Disclosures
     The information for the three and six month periodperiods ended March 31,June 30, 2008 and 2009 is unaudited, but in the opinion of management, reflects all adjustments which are normal, recurring and necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations as of and for the interim periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in annual financial statements, have been condensed or omitted. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared consistent with the accounting policies described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and should be read in conjunction therewith.
     Cash Equivalents
     The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
     Use of 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, intangible assets, property and equipment and deferred tax assets. 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, as there can be no assurance the margins, operating income and net earnings as a percentage of revenues will be consistent from year to year.
     Discontinued Operations
     In accordance with the Company’s strategic portfolio optimization model, non-strategic businesses are reviewed to determine whether the business should be sold and proceeds redeployed elsewhere. A marketing plan is then developed for those locations which are identified as held for sale. When the Company receives a letter of intent and financing commitment from the buyer and the sale is expected to occur within one year, the location is no longer reported within the Company’s continuing operations. The assets and liabilities associated with the held for sale location are reclassified as held for sale on the balance sheet and the operating results, as well as impairments, are presented on a comparative basis in the discontinued operations section of the consolidated statements of operations, along with the income tax effect.
     Stock Plans and Stock-Based Compensation
     The Company has stock-based employee compensation plans in the form of restricted stock, performance units, stock option and employee stock purchase plans, which are described in more detail in Note 1117 to the consolidated financial statements in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”). SFAS No. 123R requires companies to recognizerecognizes compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the share-based awards issued to employees over the period of vesting and applies to all transactions involving issuance of equity by a company in exchange for goods and services, including employee services. The fair value of options or awards containing options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model. See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information of the Company’s stock-based compensation plans.

- 6 -


2. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
     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 our fair value determination. We customarily estimate our purchase costs and other related transactions known at closing of the acquisition. To the extent that information not available to us at the closing date subsequently becomes available during the allocation period, we may adjust goodwill, assets, or liabilities associated with the acquisition.
     In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“FAS No. 141R”). FAS No. 141R requires the acquiring entity toFor any business acquired after January 1, 2009, we will recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at the fair values as of that date. Goodwill is measured as a residual of the fair values at acquisition date. Acquisition related costs are recognized separately from the acquisition. We adopted the statement effective January 1, 2009 and it will be applied for businesses acquired after the effective date.
     Fair Value Measurements
     SFAS 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), which the Company adopted effectiveEffective January 1, 2008, defineswe have defined 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. SFAS 157 requires disclosure ofdate applicable only for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). 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.
     FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2 (“FSP 157-2”), issued in February 2008, delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. We adopted SFAS 157 effective January 1, 2008, with the exceptions allowed under FSP 157-2, the adoption of which There has not affectedbeen no affect to our financial position or results of operations but did result inthere are additional required disclosures, which are provided in Note 8.
     In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to chooseWe have not elected to measure manyany additional financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. We have not elected to apply the provisions of Statement No. 159 to any additional financial instruments; therefore, the adoption of SFAS 159, effective January 1, 2008, has not affectedTherefore, our financial position or results of operations have not been affected.
     New guidance has been issued on how 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 and reemphasizes that the objective of a fair value measurement remains an exit price. This guidance is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. There has been no affect to our financial position or results of operations. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information of the Company’s fair value disclosure.
     New guidance also modifies the requirements for recognizing other-than-temporary impairment on debt securities and significantly changes the impairment model for such securities. There is also modification of the presentation of other-than-temporary impairment losses and increases related disclosure requirements. This change is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. There has been no affect to our financial position or results of operations. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information of the Company’s fair value disclosure.
     New disclosure requirements require publicly traded companies to disclose the fair value of financial instruments whenever financial information is issued covering interim reporting periods, in addition to the current requirement to provide those disclosures annually. This disclosure requirement is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. Management of the Company has provided the required fair value information in Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk in this quarterly report.
     Non-controlling Interests
     In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160,“Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51”(“SFAS 160”), which establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS 160 clarifies thatEffective January 1, 2009, a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary, which is sometimes referred to as unconsolidated investment, is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as a component of equity in the consolidated financial statements. Among other requirements, SFAS 160 requires consolidatedConsolidated net income to beis reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the non-controlling interest. It also requiresThe disclosure, on the face of the consolidated income statement, is of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest. We adopted SFAS 160 effective for us onSince January 1, 2009. The adoption of this statement has not affected2009, our financial position or results of operations.operations have not been affected.
     During our examination of SFAS 160 and its impact on our current accounting, weWe have determined that balances historically designated as “non-controlling interest” in our consolidated preneed funeral and cemetery trusts and our cemetery perpetual care trusts do not meet thethis criteria for non-controlling interest as prescribed by SFAS 160. SFAS 160 indicates that onlyinterest. Only a financial instrument classified as equity in the trusts’ financial statements can be a non-controlling interest in the consolidated financial statements. The interest related to our merchandise and service trusts is classified as a liability because the preneed contracts underlying these trusts are unconditionally redeemable upon the occurrence of an event that is certain to occur. Since the earnings from our cemetery perpetual care trusts are used to support the maintenance of our cemeteries, we believe the interest in these trusts also retains the characteristics of a liability. Accordingly, effective December 31, 2008, the amounts historically described as "Non-controlling interest in funeral and cemetery trusts” are characterized as either “Deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust” or “Deferred preneed cemetery receipts held in trust”, as appropriate. The amounts historically described as “Non-controlling interest in cemetery perpetual care trusts” are characterized as “Care trusts’ corpus”.

- 7 -


     Accounting for Income Tax Uncertainties
     FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”) which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes howThe Company analyzes tax benefits for uncertain tax positions and how they are to be recognized,

- 7 -


measured, and derecognized in financial statements; requiresprovides certain disclosures of uncertain tax matters; and specifies how reserves for uncertain tax position should be classified on the balance sheet; and provides transition and interim period guidance, among other provisions.sheet. The Company has reviewed its income tax positions and identified certain tax deductions, primarily related to business acquisitions that are not certain. The effect of recognizing the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was not material to the Company’s operations.
     The Company has unrecognized tax benefits for Federal and state income tax purposes totaling approximately $6$7 million as of March 31,June 30, 2009, resulting from deductions of approximately $17 million on Federal returns and $15$16 million on various state returns. The effect of applying FIN 48 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was not material to the Company’s operations. The Company has federal and state net operating loss carryforwards exceeding these deductions, and has accounted for these unrecognized tax benefits by reducing the net operating loss carryforwards by the amount of these unrecognized deductions. In certain states without net operating loss carryforwards, the Company has previously reduced its taxes payable by deductions that are not considered more likely than not. The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 specifically relates to those state income tax returns.
     The entire balance of unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company does not anticipate a significant increase or decrease in its unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months. The Company’s policy with respect to potential penalties and interest is to record them as “other” expense and interest expense, respectively. The amount of penalty and interest recognized in the balance sheet and statement of operations was not material.
     The Company’s Federal income tax returns for 2001 through 2008 are open tax years that may be examined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company’s unrecognized state tax benefits are related to state returns open from 2002 through 2008.]
Subsequent Events
     New reporting guidance has been issued regarding the accounting and disclosure of subsequent events and transactions and is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. The new guidance requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date, that is, whether that date represents the date the financial statements were issued or were available to be issued.
     Management of the Company evaluated events and transactions during the period beginning June 30, 2009 through August 4, 2009, the date the financial statements were available to be issued, for potential recognition or disclosure in the accompanying financial statements covered by this report.
Variable Interest Entities
     New guidance amends the current practice of accounting for variable interest entities (VIE) to require an enterprise 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 of the power to direct the activities of a 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. This new guidance is effective for us on January 1, 2010 in which we do not expect to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements
3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
     The Company continually reviews locations to optimize the sustainable earning power and return on invested capital ofto the Company. The Company’s strategy, the Strategic Portfolio Optimization Model, uses strategic ranking criteria to identify disposition candidates. The execution of this strategy entails selling non-strategic businesses.
     No businesses were sold during the three months ending March 31, 2008 and 2009. Discontinued operations during the first quarter of 2008 relates toTwo funeral home businesses that were sold during the second quarter of 2008 for approximately $1.0 million and reclassified asthe Company recognized a loss of March 31, 2008 in accordance with our Discontinued Operations policy.$2.4 million. No businesses were sold during the six months ended June 30, 2009.
     No businesses were held for sale at December 31, 2008 and March 31,June 30, 2009.

- 8 -


     The operating results of businesses discontinued during the periods presented, as well as gains or losses on the disposal, are presented on a comparative basis in the discontinued operations section of the consolidated statements of operations, along with the income tax effect. Revenues and operating income for the businesses presented in the discontinued operations section are as follows (in thousands):
                        
 For the three months  For the three months For the six months 
 ended March 31,  ended June 30, ended June 30, 
 2008 2009  2008 2009 2008 2009 
Revenues $235 $  $241 $ $477 $ 
              
 
Operating income $56 $  $88 $ $144 $ 
Provision for income taxes 21  
Loss on sale  (2,369)   (2,369)  
Income taxes benefits 855  834  
              
Income from discontinued operations $35 $  $(1,426) $ $(1,391) $ 
              
4. PRENEED TRUST INVESTMENTS
Preneed cemetery trust investments
     Preneed cemetery trust investments represent trust fund assets that the Company will withdraw when the merchandise or services are provided. The cost and market values associated with preneed cemetery trust investments at March 31,June 30, 2009 are detailed below (in thousands). The Company determines whether or not the assets in the preneed cemetery 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 market value. Any reduction in the cost basis due to an other-than-temporary impairment is recorded as a reduction to Deferred preneed cemetery receipts held in deferred revenue.trust. There will be no impact on earnings unless and until such time that this asset is withdrawn from the trust in accordance with state regulations at an amount that is less than its original basis.

- 8 -


                                
 Unrealized Unrealized    Unrealized Unrealized   
 Cost Gains Losses Market  Cost Gains Losses Market 
Cash and money market accounts $1,063 $ $ $1,063  $1,163 $ $ $1,163 
Fixed income securities:  
Corporate 18,871 588  (2,411) 17,048  21,348 4,723  (288) 25,783 
Other 4   4  4   4 
Common stock 21,806 453  (7,350) 14,909  20,599 2,229  (3,013) 19,815 
Mutual funds:  
Equity 10,218   (4,188) 6,030  7,391   (1,917) 5,474 
                  
Trust investments $51,962 $1,041 $(13,949) $39,054  $50,505 $6,952 $(5,218) $52,239 
                  
  
Accrued investment income $607 $607  $500 $500 
          
  
Trust assets $39,661  $52,739 
      
  
Market value as a percentage of cost  76.3%  104.4%
      
The estimated maturities of the fixed income securities included above are as follows (in thousands):
        
Due in one year or less $  $ 
Due in one to five years 3,956  3,351 
Due in five to ten years 5,523  6,052 
Thereafter 7,573  16,384 
      
 $17,052  $25,787 
      
Preneed funeral trust investments
     Preneed funeral trust investments represent trust fund assets that the Company expects to withdraw when the services and merchandise are provided. Such contracts are secured by funds paid by the customer to the Company. Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments are reduced by the trust earnings the Company has been allowed to withdraw prior to performance by the Company and amounts received from customers that are not required to be deposited into trust, pursuant to various state laws. The cost and market values associated with preneed funeral trust investments at March 31,June 30, 2009 are detailed below (in thousands). The Company determines whether or not the assets in the preneed funeral 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 market value. Any reduction in the cost basis due

- 9 -


to an other-than-temporary impairment is recorded as a reduction to deferred preneed funeral receipts held in deferred revenue.trust. There will be no impact on earnings unless and until such time that this asset is withdrawn from the trust in accordance with state regulations at an amount that is less than its original basis.
                                
 Unrealized Unrealized    Unrealized Unrealized   
 Cost Gains Losses Market  Cost Gains Losses Market 
Cash and money market accounts $11,543 $ $ $11,543  $11,284 $ $ $11,284 
Fixed income securities:  
U.S. Treasury 6,089 339  6,428  6,431 258  6,689 
Foreign 632 24  656 
Corporate 15,994 504  (1,938) 14,560  16,202 4,168  (200) 20,170 
US Agency Obligations 1,184 59  1,243  801 53  854 
Common stock 14,348 457  (4,482) 10,323  13,437 2,552  (1,352) 14,637 
Mutual funds:  
Equity 8,540   (4,199) 4,341  6,243   (2,083) 4,160 
Fixed Income 2,180 2  (209) 1,973  2,804 73  (108) 2,769 
          
         
Trust investments $59,878 $1,361 $(10,828) $50,411  $57,834 $7,128 $(3,743) $61,219 
         
 
Accrued net investment income $420 $420 
     
 
Trust assets $61,639 
            
  
Market value as a percentage of cost  84.2%  106.6%
      

- 9 -


The estimated maturities of the fixed income securities included above are as follows (in thousands):
        
Due in one year or less $1,835  $1,970 
Due in one to five years 11,274  8,580 
Due in five to ten years 3,098  4,419 
Thereafter 6,024  13,400 
      
 $22,231  $28,369 
      
     Upon cancellation of a preneed funeral or cemetery contract, a customer is generally entitled to receive a refund of the corpus and some or all of the earnings held in trust. In certain jurisdictions, the Company is obligated to fund any shortfall if the amounts deposited by the customer exceed the funds in trust, including some or all investment income. As a result, when realized or unrealized losses of a trust result in the trust being under-funded, the Company assesses whether it is responsible for replenishing the corpus of the trust, in which case a loss provision would be recorded.
Trust Investment Security Transactions
     Cemetery and funeral trust investment security transactions recorded in interest income and other, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations (unaudited) for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands):
                        
 For the three months  For the three months For the six months 
 ended March 31,  ended June 30, ended June 30, 
 2008 2009  2008 2009 2008 2009 
Investment income $1,451 $662  $1,153 $1,877 $2,604 $2,539 
Realized gains 105 284  268 731 373 1,015 
Realized losses  (110)  (4,083)  (22)  (5,080)  (132)  (9,163)
Expenses  (305)  (274)  (911)  (376)  (1,217)  (651)
(Increase) decrease in deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust  (1,141) 3,411   (488) 2,848  (1,628) 6,260 
              
 $ $  $ $ $ $ 
              

- 10 -


5. RECEIVABLES FROM PRENEED FUNERAL TRUSTS
     The receivables from funeral trusts represent assets in trusts which are controlled and operated by third parties in which the Company does not have a controlling financial interest (less than 50%) in the trust assets. The Company accounts for these investments at cost (in thousands).
                
 December 31, March 31,  December 31, June 30, 
 2008 2009  2008 2009 
Amount due from preneed funeral trust funds $14,138 $14,000  $14,138 $13,989 
Less: allowance for contract cancellation  (1,444)  (1,430)  (1,444)  (1,428)
          
 $12,694 $12,570  $12,694 $12,561 
          
6. CONTRACTS SECURED BY INSURANCE
     Certain preneed funeral contracts are secured by life insurance contracts. Generally, the proceeds of the life insurance policies have been assigned to the Company and will be paid upon the death of the insured. The proceeds will be used to satisfy the beneficiary’s obligations under the preneed contract for services and merchandise. The preneed funeral contracts secured by insurance totaled $195 million and $196 million at December 31, 2008 and March 31,June 30, 2009, respectively, and are not included in the Company’s balance sheet.
7. CEMETERY PERPETUAL CARE TRUST INVESTMENTS
     The Company is required by state law to pay a portion of the proceeds from the sale of cemetery property interment rights into perpetual care trust funds. The cost and market values associated with the trust investments held in perpetual care trust funds at March 31,June 30, 2009 are detailed below (in thousands). The Company determines 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 market value. Any reduction in the cost basis due to an other-than-temporary impairment is recorded in deferred revenue. There will be no impact on earnings unless and until such time that this asset is withdrawn from the trust in accordance with state regulations at an amount that is less than its original basis.

- 10 -


                 
      Unrealized  Unrealized    
  Cost  Gains  Losses  Market 
Cash and money market accounts $688  $  $  $688 
Fixed income securities:                
Corporate  11,199   257   (1,176)  10,280 
Common stock  14,021   286   (5,180)  9,127 
Mutual funds:                
Equity  5,425      (2,923)  2,502 
Fixed income  1,848      (910)  938 
             
Trust investments $33,181  $543  $(10,189) $23,535 
             
                 
Accrued net investment income $350          $350 
               
                 
Trust assets             $23,885 
                
                 
Market value as a percentage of cost              72.0%
                
as a reduction to care trusts’ corpus.
                 
      Unrealized  Unrealized    
  Cost  Gains  Losses  Market 
Cash and money market accounts $509  $  $  $509 
Fixed income securities:                
Corporate  12,458   2,788   (65)  15,181 
Common stock  14,455   1,543   (2,701)  13,297 
Mutual funds:                
Equity  3,272      (1,493)  1,779 
Fixed income  1,046      (351)  695 
             
Trust investments $31,740  $4,331  $(4,610) $31,461 
             
                 
Accrued net investment income $285          $285 
               
                 
Trust assets             $31,746 
                
                 
Market value as a percentage of cost              100%
                
The estimated maturities of the fixed income securities included above are as follows (in thousands):
        
Due in one year or less $  $ 
Due in one to five years 2,123  2,233 
Due in five to ten years 4,308  4,381 
Thereafter 3,849  8,567 
      
 $10,280  $15,181 
      
     Cemetery care trusts’ corpus represent the corpus of those trusts plus undistributed income. The components of cemetery care trusts’ as of December 31, 2008 and March 31,June 30, 2009 are as follows (in thousands):
                
 December 31, March 31,  December 31, June 30, 
 2008 2009  2008 2009 
Trust assets, at market value $26,318 $23,885  $26,318 $31,745 
Pending withdrawals of income  (240)  (115)
Pending (withdrawal) deposit (from) into trust  (240) 78 
          
Care trusts’ corpus $26,078 $23,770  $26,078 $31,823 
          

- 11 -


Trust Investment Security Transactions
     Perpetual care trust investment security transactions recorded in interest income and other, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations (unaudited) for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands).
                        
 For the three months  For the three months For the six months 
 ended March 31,  ended June 30, ended June 30 
 2008 2009  2008 2009 2008 2009 
Undistributable realized gains $34 $24  $62 $156 $96 $179 
Undistributable realized losses  (56)  (661)  (8)  (1,307)  (65)  (1,967)
Decrease in care trusts’ corpus 22 637 
Decrease (increase) in care trusts’ corpus  (54) 1,151  (31) 1,788 
              
 $ $  $ $ $ $ 
              

- 11 -

     Perpetual care trust investment security transactions recorded in Cemetery revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands).


                 
  For the three months  For the six months 
  ended June 30,  ended June 30 
  2008  2009  2008  2009 
Investment income $508  $628  $560  $1,167 
Realized gains        529   156 
Expenses  (118)  (44)  (200)  (94)
             
Total $390  $584  $889  $1,229 
             
8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
     SFAS 157, which the Company adopted effective January 1, 2008, defines fairFair value is defined 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. SFAS 157 requires disclosure ofdate applicable for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). 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 Company evaluated its financial assets and liabilities for those financial assets and liabilities that met the criteria of the disclosure requirements and fair value framework of SFAS 157.framework. The Company identified investments in fixed income securities, common stock and mutual funds presented within the preneed and perpetual care trust investments categories on the consolidated balance sheets as having met such criteria. SFAS 157 establishes aThe 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 Common Stock, certain fixed income securities, and most equity and fixed income 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-exempttax status. Our investments classified as Level 2 securities includeconsist primarily of corporate U.S. agencybonds and state obligation fixed income securities, and certain mutual funds;preferred securities; and
 
  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 March 31,June 30, 2009, the Company did not have any assets that had fair values determined by Level 3 inputs and no liabilities measured at fair value.
     The Company accounts for its investments under SFAS 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debtas available-for-sale and Equity Instruments (as amended),” which establishedmeasures 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. Accordingly, the Company designates these investments as available-for-sale and measures them at fair value.

- 12 -


     The table below presents information about our assetsinvestments measured at fair value (in thousands) on a recurring basis and indicatessummarizes the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by us to determine the fair values as of March 31,June 30, 2009. These assets have previously been measured at fair value in accordance with existing generally accepted accounting principles, and our accounting for these assets and liabilities was not impacted by our adoption of SFAS 159. Certain fixed income and other securities are reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company uses pricing services and dealer quotes. As of March 31,June 30, 2009, the Company did not have any assets that had fair values determined by Level 3 inputs and no liabilities measured at fair value.
                                    
 Fair Value Measurements (in 000s) Using   Fair Value Measurements (in 000s) Using 
 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant   Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant  
 Active Markets Observable Inputs Unobservable Inputs   Active Markets Observable Inputs Unobservable  
 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) March 31, 2009 (Level 1) (Level 2) Inputs (Level 3) June 30, 2009
Assets:  
Fixed income securities $11,889 $46,477 $ $58,366  $7,543 $61,794 $ $69,337 
Common stock 35,757   35,757  47,749   47,749 
Mutual funds and other 13,556 2,911  16,467  11,413 3,464  14,877 
9. SENIOR LONG-TERM DEBT
     The Company has outstanding a principal amount of $130 million of 7.875% Senior Notes, due in 2015, interest is payable semi-annually. The Company also has a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “credit facility”) for which borrowings bear interest at prime or LIBOR options with the current LIBOR option set at LIBOR plus 275 basis points and is collateralized by all personal property and by funeral home real property in certain states. Interest is payable quarterly. As of March 31, 2009, the Company had $0.8 million outstanding on the line of credit and used $0.1 million of the credit facility for letters of credit. The credit facility matures in April 2010.2010 and is currently undrawn.
     Carriage, the parent entity, has no material assets or operations independent of its subsidiaries. All assets and operations are held and conducted by subsidiaries, each of which (except for Carriage Services Capital Trust which is a single purpose entity that holds the debentures issued in connection with our TIDES)7% convertible preferred securities) have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Company’s obligations under the 7.875% Senior Notes. Additionally, the Company does not currently have any significant restrictions on our ability to receive dividends or loans from any subsidiary guarantor under the 7.875% Senior Notes.

- 12 -


10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
     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. We intend to defend ourselves in the lawsuits described herein; however, 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.
Spencer Cranney, et al., v. Carriage Services, Inc., et al., United States District Court, District of Nevada, Case No. 2:07-cv-01587— On November 28, 2007, five former Funeral Directors filed suit for themselves and on behalf of all non-exempt employees of Carriage in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada. Plaintiffs allege violations of state wage and hour laws and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as well as related tort and contract claims. Specifically, Plaintiffs allege that Carriage: failed to compensate employees properly for time spent on community work, on-call time, pre-needs appointments, and training; failed to provide required meal and rest breaks under California state law; and failed to maintain proper records. Carriage filed its Answer to the Complaint on January 28, 2008, denying all material allegations and asserting appropriate affirmative defenses. On February 29, 2008, the Court granted Plaintiffs’ motion for conditional certification under the FLSA. The parties then effectuated notice of the lawsuit to all potential class members pursuant to the Court’s order. The opt-in period expired on August 5, 2008, by which time 441 people had filed consent forms to join the action. The parties reached a tentative settlement in this matter, pending Court approval. As a result of the settlement, the Company recorded a $3.5 million charge, including related legal fees of $0.2 million, in the fourth quarter of 2008 and funded the settlement in the first quarter of 2009. The Court approved the settlement on May 5, 2009.
     Leathermon, et al. v. Grandview Memorial Gardens, Inc., et al., United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana, Case No. 4:07-cv-137. On August 17, 2007, five plaintiffs filed a putative class action against the current and past owners of Grandview Cemetery in Madison, Indiana—including the Carriage subsidiaries that owned the cemetery from January 1997 until February 2001—on behalf of all individuals who purchased cemetery and burial goods and services at Grandview Cemetery. Plaintiffs claim that the cemetery owners performed burials negligently, breached plaintiffs’ contracts, and made misrepresentations regarding the cemetery. On October 15, 2007, the case was removed from Jefferson County Circuit Court, Indiana to the Southern District of Indiana. On April 24, 2009, shortly before Defendants had been scheduled to file their briefs in opposition to Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification, Plaintiffs moved to amend their complaint to add new class representatives and claims, while also seeking to abandon other claims. The Company, as well as several other defendants, opposed Plaintiffs’ motion to amend their complaint and add parties. The Court has not yet ruled on plaintiffs’ motion to amend. In April 2009, two defendants moved to disqualify Plaintiffs’ counsel from further representing Plaintiffs in this action. The Company did not join in these motions. Currently, the litigation is in the discovery stage, and Carriage intends to defend this action vigorously. Because the lawsuit is in its preliminary stages, we are unable to evaluate the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome to the Company or to estimate the amount or range of any potential loss, if any, at this time.
     Fuqua,et al.,v. Lytle-Gans-Andrews Funeral Home, et al., United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana, Case No. 4:08-cv-00134-DFH-WGH. On July 29, 2008, Kenneth R. Fuqua, II and Elizabeth R. Fuqua filed an action against several defendants in Indiana Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Indiana, alleging improper handling of remains and improper burial practices by Lytle-Gans-Andrews Funeral Home and Grandview Memorial Gardens, Inc. Carriage has denied these allegations because the burial occurred before Carriage owned Lytle-Gans-Andrews Funeral Home and Grandview Memorial Gardens, Inc. Carriage has moved to dismiss Plaintiffs’ claims with respect to the funeral home because, among other reasons, Carriage purchased only Lytle-Gans-Andrews’ assets under the Asset Purchase Agreement and did not assume its liabilities. The Court has not yet ruled on Carriage’s motion. The Company will defend these actions vigorously. Because the lawsuit is in its preliminary stages, we are unable to evaluate the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome to the Company or to estimate the amount or range of any potential loss, if any, at this time.

- 13 -


     Kendall v. Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc., et al., Indiana Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Indiana, Case No. 39C01-0707-CT-386 (filed July 27, 2007);Lapine Hillard, et al. v. Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc., et al., Indiana Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Case No. 39C01-0708-CT-398 (filed August 7, 2007, dismissed by joint agreement of the parties on April 14, 2009);Lawson v. Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc., Indiana Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Indiana, Case No. 39C01-0708-CT-429 (filed August 17, 2007);Wiley, et al. v. Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc., et al., Indiana Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Indiana, Case No. 39C01-0706-CT-287 (filed June 6, 2007). In these individual actions, Plaintiffs allege improper handling of remains or improper burial practices by Vail-Holt Funeral Home in Madison, Indiana and/or Grandview Memorial Gardens, Inc. Carriage has denied these allegations because these burials all occurred before Carriage owned Grandview Cemetery and Vail-Holt Funeral Home. Carriage has moved to dismiss Plaintiffs’ claims with respect to the funeral home because, among other reasons, Carriage purchased only Vail-Holt’s assets under the Asset Purchase Agreement and did not assume its liabilities. Carriage has also moved to dismiss certain claims with respect to Grandview Cemetery because Plaintiffs released Grandview Cemetery from contractual liability pursuant to an exculpatory clause. The Court has not yet ruled on Carriage’s motions. The Company will defend these actions vigorously. Because the lawsuit is in its preliminary stages, we are unable to evaluate the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome to the Company or to estimate the amount or range of any potential loss, if any, at this time.

- 13 -


11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
     Stock options and employee stock purchase plan
     No stock options were awarded during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2009. For the firstsecond quarter of 2009, employees purchased a total of 79,29856,086 shares of common stock through the employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) at a weighted average price of $1.30$1.71 per share. The Company recorded pre-tax stock-based compensation expense for the ESPP and for vesting of stock options totaling $66,000$42,000 and $75,000$46,000 for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively, and $108,000 and $121,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively. All currently outstanding stock options have vested.
     The fair value of the right (option) to purchase shares under the ESPP during 2008 and 2009, respectively, is estimated on the date of grant to the four quarterly purchase dates using the Black-Sholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
                
Employee Stock Purchase Plan 2008 2009 2008 2009 
Dividend yield  0%  0%  0%  0%
Expected volatilities  39%  76%  39%  76%
Risk-free interest rate 3.26%, 3.32%, 3.25%, 3.17% 0.09%, 0.27%, 0.31%, 0.35%   3.26%, 3.32%, 3.25%, 3.17%  0.09%, 0.27%,0.31%,0.35%
Expected life (in years) .25, .50, .75, 1 .25, .50, .75, 1  .25, .50, .75, 1 .25, .50, .75, 1 
     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 grant (January 1).
     Common stock grants
     The Company granted 271,500 shares of restricted common stock to certain officers and employees during the first quarter of 2009 and none in the second quarter of 2009. The restricted stock vests in 25% increments over four years. The Company recorded $214,000$392,000 and $137,000$255,000 in pre-tax compensation expense, included in general, administrative and other expenses, for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively, and $591,000 and $506,000 in pre-tax compensation expense for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively, related to the vesting of previousofficer and employee restricted stock awards.
     Directors may elect to receive all or a portion of their fees in stock. During the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009, the Company issued 7,111 and 16,517 shares of unrestricted common stock to directors in lieu of payment in cash for their fees. During the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009, the Company issued unrestricted common stock to directors totaling 10,394 and 41,921 shares, respectively, in lieu of payment in cash for their fees. Additionally, the non-executive officer directors received a grant of 3,000 shares of unrestricted stock on the date of the annual stockholder meeting, which occurs in May. Two new directors joined the Board of Directors during the first quarter of 2009, at which time they were granted shares valued in total at $200,000. One-half of those shares vested immediately; the remainder vest over two years. The Company recorded $173,000 and $132,000 in pre-tax compensation expense, included in general, administrative and other expenses, for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively, and $239,000 and $295,000 in pretax compensation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively, related to the Director stock awards.
     As of March 31,June 30, 2009, there was $2.6$2.3 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock awards, which are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 3.12.9 years.

- 14 -


     Directors may elect to receive all or a portion of their fees in stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2009, the Company issued 7,564 and 20,560 shares of unrestricted common stock to directors in lieu of payment in cash for their fees, the value of which totaled $67,000 and $42,000, respectively, and is included in general, administrative and other expenses. Two new directors joined the Board of Directors during the first quarter of 2009, at which time they were granted shares valued at $200,000 in total. One-half of those shares vested immediately; the remainder vesting over two years. Approximately $100,000 is included in general, administrative and other expenses related to the vested shares.
12. PREFERRED STOCK
     The Company has 40,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock. During the second quarter of 2008, the Company issued 20,000 shares of a newly designated series of mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock to a key employee in exchange for certain intellectual property rights. The preferred stock has a liquidation value of $10 per share and is convertible at any time prior to February 22, 2013 into the Company’s common stock on a one-for-one basis. If not converted into the Company’s common stock, the preferred stock is subject to mandatory redemption on February 22, 2013. Dividends accrue on a cumulative basis at the rate of 7% per year, payable quarterly.
13. SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
     During June 2008 and again in November 2008 the Board of Directors approved two share repurchase programs authorizing the Company to purchase up to $5in the aggregate $10 million of the Company’s common stock for each of the two programs.stock. The repurchases are executed in the open market and through privately negotiated transactions subject to market conditions, normal trading restrictions and other relevant factors. The program approved inDuring the three and six months ended June was completed in October 2008. During 2008,30, 2009, the Company repurchased 1,730,969672,994 and 1,022,384 shares of Common Stock at an aggregate cost of $5,740,000$2,118,648 and $2,840,525 and at an average cost per share of $3.29. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company repurchased 349,390 shares of Common Stock at an aggregate cost of $722,000$3.15 and an average cost per share of $2.07.$2.78, respectively. The repurchased shares are held as treasury stock.
14.13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
     The Company engaged a law firm in which one of their partners is the spouse of the Company’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel. The firm was used for various legal matters during the periods. During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 and 2009, the Company paid the law firm $64,000$277,000 and $213,000,$461,000, respectively.

- 14 -


15.14. MAJOR SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS
     Carriage conducts funeral and cemetery operations only in the United States. The following table presents revenue, pre-tax income from continuing operations and total assets by segment (in thousands):
                 
  Funeral Cemetery Corporate Consolidated
Revenues from continuing operations:                
Three months ended March 31, 2009 $34,840  $10,963  $  $45,803 
Three months ended March 31, 2008 $37,016  $10,127  $  $47,143 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes:                
Three months ended March 31, 2009 $13,539  $3,004  $(12,587) $3,956 
Three months ended March 31, 2008 $15,315  $2,833  $(12,768) $5,380 
                 
Total assets:                
March 31, 2009 $340,805  $174,941  $27,359  $543,105 
December 31, 2008 $347,906  $181,408  $30,979  $560,293 
                 
 Funeral Cemetery Corporate Consolidated 
Revenues from continuing operations:                
Six months ended June 30, 2009 $66,636  $23,717  $  $90,353 
Six months ended June 30, 2008 $69,168  $20,712  $  $89,880 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes:                
Six months ended June 30, 2009 $19,952  $4,160  $(16,738) $7,374 
Six months ended June 30, 2008 $20,353  $3,097  $(17,999) $5,451 
                 
Total assets:                
June 30, 2009 $350,310  $198,178  $28,799  $577,287 
December 31, 2008 $347,906  $181,408  $30,979  $560,293 
16.15. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS INFORMATION
     The following information is supplemental disclosure for the Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):
                        
 For the three months  For the three months For the six months 
 ended March 31,  ended June 30, ended June 30, 
 2008 2009  2008 2009 2008 2009 
Revenues  
Goods  
Funeral $14,948 $14,349  $13,129 $13,147 $28,079 $27,497 
Cemetery 6,651 7,510  7,073 9,366 13,762 16,688 
              
Total goods $21,599 $21,859  $20,202 $22,513 $41,841 $44,185 
  
Services  
Funeral $22,068 $20,490  $19,022 $18,649 $41,089 $39,139 
Cemetery 3,476 3,454  3,513 3,388 6,950 7,029 
              
Total services $25,544 $23,944  $22,535 $22,037 $48,039 $46,168 
 
              
Total revenues $47,143 $45,803  $42,737 $44,550 $89,880 $90,353 
              
  
Cost of revenues  
Goods  
Funeral $11,773 $11,528  $11,418 $10,990 $23,183 $22,517 
Cemetery 5,089 5,742  5,595 6,495 10,708 12,135 
              
Total goods $16,862 $17,270  $17,013 $17,485 $33,891 $34,652 
  
Services  
Funeral $9,928 $9,772  $10,130 $9,462 $20,060 $19,236 
Cemetery 2,205 2,218  2,286 2,053 4,467 4,372 
              
Total services $12,133 $11,990  $12,416 $11,515 $24,527 $23,608 
  
              
Total cost of revenues $28,995 $29,260  $29,429 $29,000 $58,418 $58,260 
              

- 15 -


     The cost of revenues, for purposes of this supplemental disclosure, include only field costs and expenses allocable between products in the funeral and cemetery segments.
17.16. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
     The following information is supplemental disclosure for the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (in thousands):
                
 For the three months ended For the six months ended
 March 31, June 30,
 2008 2009 2008 2009
Cash paid for interest and financing costs $7,088 $6,978  $9,007 $8,983 
Cash paid for income taxes 164  (39) 542 163 
Fair value of stock issued to officers or directors 1,170 597  1,170 797 
Net (deposits) withdrawals into preneed funeral trusts  (2,312) 2,985 
Restricted common stock withheld for payroll taxes 93 7 
Net (deposits) withdrawals (into) from preneed funeral trusts  (71) 4,609 
Net withdrawals from preneed cemetery trusts 1,006 2,455  1,091 4,020 
Net withdrawals from perpetual care trusts 1,409 2,433 
Deposits into perpetual care trusts  (580)  (3,858)
Net decrease (increase) in preneed funeral receivables 3,936 187  3,737  (266)
Net decrease (increase) in preneed cemetery receivables 160  (357) 405  (1,835)
Net withdrawals of receivables from preneed funeral trusts 330 124  1,098 133 
Net change in preneed funeral receivables decreasing deferred revenue  (6,963)  (125)
Net change in preneed cemetery receivables increasing (decreasing) deferred revenue 1,981  (144)
Net (deposits) withdrawals in preneed funeral trust accounts increasing (decreasing) deferred preneed funeral receipts 2,312  (2,985)
Net change in preneed funeral receivables increasing (decreasing) deferred revenue  (8,695) 7 
Net change in preneed cemetery receivables increasing deferred revenue 2,216 583 
Net deposits (withdrawals) into (from) preneed funeral trust accounts increasing (decreasing) deferred preneed funeral receipts 71  (4,609)
Net withdrawals in cemetery trust accounts decreasing deferred cemetery receipts  (1,006)  (2,455)  (1,091)  (4,020)
Withdrawals in perpetual care trust accounts decreasing perpetual care trusts’ corpus  (712)  (2,544)
Net deposits in perpetual care trust accounts increasing perpetual care trusts’ corpus 485 3,940 
  
Restricted cash investing and financing activities:  
Proceeds from the sale of available for sale securities of the funeral and cemetery trusts 14,699 22,202 
Purchases of available for sale securities of the funeral and cemetery trusts  (15,556)  (24,247)
Proceeds from the sale of available for sale securities within the funeral and cemetery trusts 80,625 39,143 
Purchases of available for sale securities within the funeral and cemetery trusts 97,243 42,783 

- 16 -


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements
     In addition to historical information, this Quarterly Report contains forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include any projections of earnings, revenues, asset sales, acquisitions, cash balances and cash flow, debt levels or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements may include the words “may”, “will”, “estimate”, “intend”, “believe”, “expect”, “project”, “forecast”, “plan”, “anticipate” and other similar words.
Cautionary Statements
     We caution readers that important factors, in some cases have affected, and in the future could affect, our actual consolidated results and could cause our actual consolidated results in the future to differ materially from the goals and expectations expressed herein and in any other forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us. Risks associated with our business and the death care industry are presented in Item 1A – Risk Factors in our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
OVERVIEW
     General
     We operate two types of businesses: funeral homes, which account for approximately 75% of our revenues, and cemeteries, which account for approximately 25% of our revenues. Funeral homes are principally service businesses that provide funeral services (burial(traditional burial and cremation) and sell related merchandise, such as caskets and urns. Cemeteries are primarily a sales business that sells interment rights (grave sites and mausoleums)mausoleum spaces) and related merchandise, such as markers and outer burial containers. As of March 31,June 30, 2009, we operated 135134 funeral homes in 25 states and 32 cemeteries in 11 states within the United States. Substantially all administrative activities are conducted or coordinated through our home office in Houston, Texas.
     We have implemented several significant long-term initiatives in our operations designed to improve operating and financial results by growing market share and increasing profitability. We introduced a more decentralized, entrepreneurial and local operating model that included operating and financial standards developed from our best operations, along with an incentive compensation plan to reward business managers for successfully meeting or exceeding the standards. The model essentially eliminated the use of line-item financial budgets in favor of the standards. The operating model and standards, which we refer to as “Being the Best,” focus on the key drivers of a successful operation, organized around three primary areas – market share, people and operating and financial metrics. The model and standards are the measures by which we judge the success of each business. To date, the “Being the Best” operating model and standards have driven significant changes in our organization, leadership and operating practices.
At the end of the third quarter of 2008, we announced the following near-term initiatives to improve revenue and profitability:
  Increase the number and quality of the sales staff at our larger cemeteries to increase preneed cemetery sales and profits.
 
  Convert direct cremations to cremations with services to increase the average revenue per cremation service.
 
  Manage costs and expenses lower.
The impact of these initiatives is discussed in Results of Operations.
     Funeral Operations
     Factors affecting our funeral operating results include: demographic trends in terms of 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 packaging complementary services and merchandise; controlling salary and merchandise costs; and exercising pricing leverage related to our at-need business to increase average revenues per contract. In simple terms, volume and price are the two variables that affect funeral revenues. The average revenue per contract is influenced by the mix of traditional burial 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. Thus, small changes in revenues, up or down, normally cause significant changes to our profitability.
     Our same store volumes have declined gradually each year from 21,568 in 2005 to 20,900 in 2008 (compound annual decline of 1.0%) consistent with a period of weak death rates nationally and the loss of market share in certain markets. We experienced a dramatic decline of 9.9% in volumes in comparing the first quarter of 2009 to the first quarter of 2008 because the strong flu season in the 2008 period did not repeat itself in 2009. Our same store funeral operations have increased revenue steadily from $109.4 million in 2005 to $115.7 million in 2008 (compound annual increase of 1.9%) because we have been able to increase the average revenue per funeral through expanded service offerings and packages. Same store revenues forWe experienced a dramatic decline of 7.0% in volumes in comparing the threefirst six months ended March 31,of 2009 were down 6.3% compared to the threefirst six months ended March 31, 2008. The percentage of funeral2008 because the strong flu season during the first quarter 2008 period did not repeat itself in 2009. As a

- 17 -


result, funeral revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2009 were down 3.7% compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008.
     The percentage of funeral services involving cremations has increased from 33.1% for 2005 to 39.8% for 2008, an average increase of 223 basis points per year, and to 41.4%41.6% for the first threesix months of 2009. We expect our average revenue per funeral to increase over time as we seek to provide increased services to our cremation families in order to offset higher cremation rates.
     Cemetery Operations
     The cemetery operating results are affected by the size and success of our sales organization. Approximately 53%60% of our cemetery revenues relate to preneed sales of interment rights and mausoleums and related merchandise and services. We believe that changes in the level of consumer confidence (a measure of whether consumers will spend for discretionary items) also affect the amount of cemetery revenues. The current environment of high unemployment and low consumer confidence represents a formidable challenge to the cemetery sales staff. Approximately 10% of our cemetery revenues are attributable to investment earnings on trust funds and finance charges on installment contracts. Changes in the capital markets and interest rates affect this component of our cemetery revenues.
     Our same store cemetery financial performance from 2005 through 2008 was characterized by fluctuating revenues and slightly declining field level profit margins. Revenues and profits on a same store basis have increased 17.7% and 36.8%, respectively, for the first threesix months of 2009 compared to the same period of 2008 and to the fourth quarter 2008 primarily due to increases inhigher 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 that can sustain consistent, modest growth in preneed property sales over time and to diversify and substantially increase our cemetery operating and financial results. Additionally, a portion of our capital expenditures in 2009 is designed to expand our cemetery product offerings.
     Acquisitions
     Our growth strategy includes the execution of the Strategic Portfolio OptimizationAcquisition Model. The goal of that model is to build concentrated groups of businesses in ten to fifteen strategic markets. We assess acquisition candidates using six strategic ranking criteria and to differentiate the price we are willing to pay. Those criteria are:
  Size of business
 
  Size of market
 
  Competitive standing
 
  Demographics
 
  Strength of brand
 
  Barriers to entry
     In general terms, our price expectations range from four to five times pre-tax earnings before depreciation for “tuck-ins” to six to seven times pre-tax earnings before depreciation for businesses that rank very high in the ranking criteria. We derive the pre-tax earnings amounts used in the pricing based primarily on the size and product mix of the target business applied to our standards-based operating model. During 2007, we completed seven acquisitions. The consideration paid in each of the acquisitions was cash. We have not incurred any debt to buy these businesses. The number of completed acquisitions during 2007 was greater than expected. We did not acquire any businesses in 2008 or to date in 2009.2009, but are actively involved in seeking out and evaluating potential acquisitions. Our five year goal is to acquire approximately $10 million of annualized revenue each year.
     Financial Highlights
     Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2009 totaled $2.0 million, equal to $0.12 per diluted share. Net income from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2008 totaled $43,000, equal to $0.00 per diluted share, and the net loss for the second quarter of 2008 was $1.4 million, equal to $(0.07) per diluted share. We sold two funeral homes, during the three months ended March 31, 2009June 30, 2008, at a loss of $1.4 million, which generated the loss from discontinued operations of $0.07 per diluted share. Otherwise, the variance between the two periods was primarily due to higher cemetery revenues and lower general and administrative expenses. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2008 totaled $2.4$4.4 million, equal to $0.13$0.25 per diluted share, compared to net income from continuing operations$1.9 million, equal to $0.10 per diluted share, for the first quartersix months ended June 30, 2008. The year over year improvement was due to the absence of 2008 of $3.3 million, or $0.17 per diluted share. The first quarter of 2008 benefittedthe loss from an unusually strong flu season, which increased death ratesdiscontinued operations and resulted in strong financial results. Because there was virtually no flu season in the first quarter of 2009, revenues declined $1.3 million, or 2.8%,lower costs and operating income declined $1.4 million.
     No businesses were sold during the first quarter of 2009. Discontinued operations presented in the results for the first quarter of 2008 relate to funeral home businesses that were sold during the second quarter of 2008 and reclassified as of March 31, 2008 in accordance with our Discontinued Operations policy.expenses.
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, intangible assets, property and equipment and deferred tax assets. 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.

- 18 -


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.

- 18 -


     Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements presented herewith, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States excluding certain year end adjustments because of the interim nature of the consolidated financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.
     Funeral and Cemetery Operations
     We record the sales of funeral and cemetery merchandise and services when the merchandise is delivered or service is performed. Sales of cemetery interment rights are recorded as revenue in accordance with the retail land sales provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 66, “Accounting for Sales of Real Estate”.generally accepted accounting principles. This method generally 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 real estate. Costs related to the sales of interment rights, which include property and other costs related to cemetery development activities, are charged to operations using the specific identification method in the period in which the sale of the interment right is recognized as revenue. Revenues to be recognized and cash flow from the delivery of merchandise and performance of services related to preneed contracts that were acquired in acquisitions are typically lower than those originated by us.
     Allowances for bad debts and customer cancellations are provided at the date that the sale is recognized as revenue. In addition, we monitor changes in delinquency rates and provide additional bad debt and cancellation reserves when warranted.
     When preneed funeral services and merchandise are funded through third-party insurance policies, we earn a commission on the sale of the policies. Insurance commissions earned by the Company are recognized as revenues when the commission is no longer subject to refund, which is usually 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 and are expensed as incurred.
     Goodwill
     The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of funeral home businesses acquired in business combinations is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill has not historically been recorded in connection with the acquisition of cemetery businesses. Goodwill is tested for impairment by assessing the fair value of each of our reporting units. The funeral segment reporting units consist of our East, Central and West regions in the United States. WeStates and we performed our annual impairment test of goodwill in accordance with SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”) using information as of August 31, 2008. In addition, we assess the impairment of goodwill 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 significant adverse changes in the business climate which may be indicated by a decline in the Company’s market capitalization or decline in operating results. We updated the annual impairment test as of December 31, 2008 because the market valuation of the Company declined during the fourth quarter of 2008.
     Our goodwill impairment test involves estimates and management judgment. In the first step of our goodwill testing, 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 a market approach, weighted 70%, and an income approach, weighted 30%. Funeral home selling prices are typically quoted in the marketplace as a multiple of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization). Our methodology for determining a market approach fair value utilized recent sales transactions in the industry, which ranged from 6.5 to 9.6 times EBITDA. 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 that may differ from actual future cash flows using a weighted average cost of capital for Carriage and other public deathcare companies. Goodwill impairment is not recorded where the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the implied fair value of goodwill (as defined in SFAS 142) is compared to the carrying amount of the reporting units goodwill and if the carrying amount exceeds the implied value, an impairment charge would be recorded in an amount equal to that excess. WeMost recently we conducted a review of the funeral home reporting units using March 31,June 30, 2009 data, and concluded that there was no impairment of goodwill.
     Income Taxes
     The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. Federal income tax return and separate income tax returns in the states in which we operate. We record deferred taxes for temporary differences between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities in accordance with SFAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” and account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB No. 109”.our financial statements. The Company records 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.
     FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”) which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes howThe Company analyzes tax benefits for uncertain tax positions and how they are to be recognized, measured, and derecognized in financial statements; provides certain disclosures of uncertain tax matters; and specifies how reserves for

- 19 -


measured, and derecognized in financial statements; requires certain disclosures of uncertain tax matters; specifies how reserves for uncertain tax positions should beare classified on the balance sheet; and provides transition and interim period guidance, among other provisions. FIN 48 was adopted by the Company as of January 1, 2007.sheet. We have reviewed our income tax positions and identified certain tax deductions, primarily related to business acquisitions, that are not certain. Our policy with respect to potential penalties and interest is to record them as “other” expense and interest expense, respectively.
  Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Trust Funds
     The Company’s preneed and perpetual care trust funds are reported in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 46, as revised, (“FIN 46R”),“Consolidationthe principles of consolidating Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 51”.Entities. The investments of such trust funds are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at market value; therefore, an allocation of unrealized gains and losses, income and gains and losses are recorded toDeferred preneed receipts held in trustandCare trusts’ corpusin the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company’s 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 (realized and unrealized) that we have been allowed to withdraw in certain states prior to maturity. These earnings are recorded inDeferred preneed funeral and cemetery revenuesuntil the service is performed or the merchandise is delivered.
     Although FIN 46R requires consolidation of preneed and perpetual care trusts, it did notThere is no change in the legal relationships among the trusts, the Company and its customers. In the case of preneed trusts, the customers are the legal beneficiaries. In the case of perpetual care trusts, the Company does not have a right to access the corpus in the perpetual care trusts. For these reasons, the Company has recognized financial interests of third parties in the trust funds in our financial statements asDeferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trustandCare trusts’ corpus.
     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 our fair value determination. We customarily estimate our purchase costs and other related transactions 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, assets, or liabilities associated with the acquisition.
     In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“FAS No. 141R”). FAS No. 141R requires the acquiring entity toFor any business acquired after January 1, 2009, we will recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at the fair values as of that date. Goodwill is measured as a residual of the fair values at acquisition date. Acquisition related costs are recognized separately from the acquisition. We adopted the statement effective January 1, 2009acquisition and it will be applied on businesses acquired after the effective date.are expensed as incurred.
     Discontinued Operations
     In accordance with the Company’s strategic portfolio optimization model, non-strategic businesses are reviewed to determine whether the business should be sold and the proceeds redeployed elsewhere. A marketing plan is then developed for those locations which are identified as held for sale. When the Company receives a letter of intent and financing commitment from the buyer and the sale is expected to occur within one year, the location is no longer reported within the Company’s continuing operations. The assets and liabilities associated with the location are reclassified as held for sale on the balance sheet and the operating results, as well as impairments, are presented on a comparative basis in the discontinued operations section of the consolidated statements of operations, along with the income tax effect.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
     The following is a discussion of the Company’s results of operations for the three and six month periodperiods ended March 31,June 30, 2008 and 2009. Funeral homes and cemeteries owned and operated for the entirety of each period being compared are referred to as “same-store” or “existing operations.” Funeral homes and cemeteries purchased after January 2005 (date of refinancing our senior debt) are referred to as “acquired.”
     Funeral Home Segment. The following table sets forth certain information regarding the revenues and grossoperating profit of the Company from its funeral home operations for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 compared to the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2009.

- 20 -


Three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 compared to three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009 (dollars in thousands):
                                
 Three Months Ended    Three Months Ended   
 March 31, Change  June 30, Change 
 2008 2009 Amount %  2008 2009 Amount % 
Total same-store revenue $31,303 $29,455 $(1,848)  (5.9)%
Revenues: 
Same-store $26,724 $26,819 $95  0.4%
Acquired 4,961 4,797  (164)  (3.3)% 4,752 4,475  (277)  (5.8)%
Preneed insurance commissions revenue 752 588  (164) * 
Preneed insurance commissions 675 502  (173) * 
              
Revenues from continuing operations $37,016 $34,840 $(2,176)  (5.9)% $32,151 $31,796 $(355)  (1.1)%
              
Revenues from discontinued operations $235 $ $(235) *  $241 $ $(241) * 
              
  
Total same-store operating profit $13,195 $11,855 $(1,340)  (10.2)%
Operating profit: 
Same-store $8,941 $9,769 $828  9.3%
Acquired 1,739 1,610  (129)  (7.4)% 1,362 1,521 159  11.7%
Preneed insurance gross profit 381 74  (307) * 
Preneed insurance 300 54  (246) * 
              
Operating profit from continuing operations $15,315 $13,539 $(1,776)  (11.6)% $10,603 $11,344 $741  7.0%
              
Operating profit from discontinued operations $56 $ $(56) *  $88 $ $(88) * 
              
 
* not meaningful
     Funeral same-store revenues for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009 decreased $1.8increased $0.1 million, or 5.9%0.4%, when compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 as we experienced a 9.9%4.7% decrease in the number of contracts and an increase of 4.5%5.3% to $5,647$5,534 in the average revenue per contract for those existing operations. The number of traditional burial contracts similarly decreased 9.9%3.8% while the average revenue per burial contract increased 3.5%3.7% to $7,910.$7,859. The cremation rate for the same-store businesses rose from 37.5%37.2% to 38.8%39.3% and the average revenue per cremation contract increased 3.1%3.0%.
     Total same-store operating profit for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009 decreased $1.3increased $0.8 million, or 10.2%9.3% from the comparable three months of 2008, and as a percentage of funeral same-store revenue, decreasedincreased from 42.1%33.5% to 40.2%36.4% as a function of the fixed cost nature of the business applied against lower revenues.our ability to reduce operating costs across substantially all expense categories. Same-store controllable expenses, such as salaries and wages, transportation, bad debts, administrative and promotional expenses declined $0.6$0.8 million or 5.2%6.1%, for the three monthmonths ended March 31,June 30, 2009, when compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008, as the location managing partners focused on managing their costs and expenses lower. The gains from managing the controllable costs were offset in part by increases in costs outside of their control, such as insurance and property taxes which increased $0.5 million.June 30, 2008.
     Funeral acquired revenues for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009 decreased $0.2$0.3 million, or 3.3%5.8%, when compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 as we experienced a 4.7%4.8% decrease in the number of contracts and an increasea decrease of 1.5%1.0% to $4,028$3,971 in the average revenue per contract for those acquired operations. The cremation rate for the acquired businesses was 52.9%52.2% for the firstsecond quarter of 2009, up from 52.5%51.2% in the prior year period, as these businesses are located in higher cremation areas compared to the existing locations. Although the number of cremation contracts declined 4.0%3.0%, the average revenue per cremation contract increased 12.7%3.2% to $2,276$2,284 for the firstsecond quarter of 2009 compared to the prior year quarter.
     Cremations with services have risen from 36.8% of total cremation contracts in the first quarter of 2008 to 40.4% in the first quarter of 2009.
Acquired operating profit for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009 decreased $0.1increased $0.2 million, or 7.4%11.7%, from the comparable three months of 2008, and as a percentage of revenue from acquired businesses, was 33.6%34.0% for the firstsecond quarter of 2009 compared to 35.1%28.7% for the firstsecond quarter of 2008 similarly due to the fixed cost nature of the business applied against lower revenues.location managing partners focus on managing their costs and expenses lower. In total, controllable expenses were managed five percent13.0% lower than last year.
     Cremations with services have risen from 35.3% of total cremation contracts in the second quarter of 2008 to 40.4% in the second quarter of 2009.

- 21 -


Six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to six months ended June 30, 2009 (dollars in thousands):
                 
  Six Months Ended    
  June 30,  Change 
  2008  2009  Amount  % 
Revenues:                
Same-store $58,028  $56,274  $(1,754)  (3.0)%
Acquired  9,713   9,272   (441)  (4.5)%
Preneed insurance commissions  1,427   1,090   (337)  * 
              
Revenues from continuing operations $69,168  $66,636  $(2,532)  (3.7)%
              
Revenues from discontinued operations $477  $  $(477)  * 
              
                 
Operating profit:                
Same-store $22,152  $21,623  $(529)  (2.4)%
Acquired  3,093   3,131   38   1.2%
Preneed insurance  680   129   (551)  * 
              
Operating profit from continuing operations $25,925  $24,883  $(1,042)  (4.0)%
              
Operating profit from discontinued operations $144  $  $(144)  * 
              
*not meaningful
     Funeral same-store revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2009 decreased $1.8 million, or 3.0%, when compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008 as we experienced a 7.5% decrease in the number of contracts and a 4.8% increase in the average revenue per contract to $5,593. The number of burial contracts declined 7.0% while the average revenue for burial contracts increased 3.6% to $7,886. The number of cremation contracts decreased 3.2% and the average revenue per cremation contract increased 3.0% to $2,957. The variance in volumes was influenced primarily due to a significant flu season during the first quarter of 2008 compared to practically no flu season to date in the current year.
     Funeral same-store operating profit for the six months ended June 30, 2009 declined $0.5 million, or 2.4%, when compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008, primarily due to the $1.8 million decline in revenues. Field location controllable expenses were reduced by $1.4 million, equal to 5.7%.
     Acquired funeral homes generated $9.3 million in revenue, equal to 13.9% of our funeral home revenue, and $3.1 million in operating profit, equal to 12.6% of our funeral home gross profit. Year to date, the average revenue per contract is $4,000, and the cremation rate is 52.5%. The average revenue per cremation contract increased 8.0% year over year.
Cemetery Segment. The following table sets forth certain information regarding the revenues and grossoperating profit of the Company from its cemetery operations for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009.

- 21 -


Three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 compared to three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009 (dollars in thousands):
                                
 Three Months Ended    Three Months Ended   
 March 31, Change  June 30, Change 
 2008 2009 Amount %  2008 2009 Amount % 
Total same-store revenue $8,422 $9,443 $1,021  12.1%
Revenues: 
Same-store $8,163 $9,893 $1,730  21.2%
Acquired 1,705 1,520  (185)  (10.9)% 1,380 1,843 463  33.6%
Financial 1,043 1,018  (25)  (2.4)%
              
Revenues from continuing operations $10,127 $10,963 $836  8.3% $10,586 $12,754 $2,168  20.5%
              
Revenues from discontinued operations $ $ $ *  $ $ $ * 
              
  
Total same-store gross profit $2,195 $2,530 $335  15.3%
Operating profit: 
Same-store $1,286 $2,657 $1,371  106.6%
Acquired 638 474  (164)  (25.7)% 376 531 155  41.2%
Financial 1,043 1,018  (25)  (2.4)%
              
Operating profit from continuing operations $2,833 $3,004 $171  6.0% $2,705 $4,206 $1,501  55.5%
              
Operating profit from discontinued operations $ $ $ *  $ $ $ * 
              
 
* not meaningful

- 22 -


     Cemetery same-store revenues for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009 increased $1.0$1.7 million, or 12.1%21.2% compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008, the majority ($0.71.2 million) of which was due to higher revenues at two of our largest businesses, Rolling Hills Memorial Park and Ft. Lauderdale Cemeteries, where new sales managers and larger staffs have been employed over the last twelve months. Same-store revenue from preneed property sales increased $0.9$2.6 million which was driven by a 47.4% increase in the number of interment rights (property) sold and revenuea 20.0% increase in the average price per interment. Revenue from preneed merchandise and services deliveries increased $0.1decreased $0.5 million whereasand same-store at-need revenues and same-store financial revenues remained flat. The numberdeclined $0.4 million because of interment rights (property) sold at the same store locations increased by 18.8% year over year anddecline in the average price per interment right was fractionally higher.number of deaths.
     Cemetery same-store operating profit for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009 increased $0.3$1.4 million, or 15.3%106.6%. As a percentage of revenues, cemetery same store operating profit increased from 26.1%15.8% to 26.8%26.9%. Promotional expenses (primarily preneed sales commissions) increased $0.8 million in connection with the higher preneed sales volumes. Tighter management over controllable expense such as facilities, transportation and general and administrative costs produced a decline of $0.2$0.4 million, or 12.9% compared to a year ago yet there was an increase10.9% in promotional expensesthat category of $0.5 million to produce higher sales volumes.expenses.
     Cemetery acquired revenues for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009 decreased $0.2increased $0.5 million compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008. Acquired revenue from preneed property sales decreased $0.1increased $0.3 million and preneed revenue from merchandise and services deliveries andincreased $0.2 million while at-need revenues each declined slightly.remained flat. As a percentage of revenues, cemetery acquired operating profit decreasedincreased from 37.4%27.2% to 31.2% primary due to increases of $0.1 million in salaries and benefits and facilities and grounds expense.28.9%.
     Financial revenues (trust earnings and finance charges on installment contracts) are included in same-store and acquired revenues and remainedwere relatively flat compared to the prior year period. Earnings from perpetual care trust funds are included in financial revenues and totaled $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009 compared to $0.5$0.4 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008. Finance charges on the preneed contracts declined $0.1 million.slightly. Trust earnings onfrom the delivery of merchandise and service contracts totaled $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared todeclined $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008.
Six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to six months ended June 30, 2009 (dollars in thousands):
                 
  Six Months Ended    
  June 30,  Change 
  2008  2009  Amount  % 
Revenues:                
Same-store $15,580  $18,337  $2,757   17.7%
Acquired  3,004   3,269   265   8.8%
Financial  2,128   2,111   (17)  (0.8)%
              
Revenues from continuing operations $20,712  $23,717  $3,005   14.5%
              
Revenues from discontinued operations $  $  $   * 
              
                 
Operating profit:                
Same-store $2,468  $4,187  $1,719   69.7%
Acquired  941   912   (29)  (3.1)%
Financial  2,128   2,111   (17)  (0.8)%
              
Operating profit from continuing operations $5,537  $7,210  $1,673   30.2%
              
Operating profit from discontinued operations $  $  $   * 
              
*not meaningful
     Cemetery same-store revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2009 increased $2.8 million, or 17.7%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008. Preneed property revenue at existing cemeteries increased $3.4 million, or 57.1%, to $9.5 million as the number interments sold on a preneed basis increased 34.2% and the percentage of those we were able to recognize as revenue because we received at least 10% of the sales price from the customer increased from 81.9% to 90.4%. Atneed revenues from property, merchandise and services declined $0.4 million, or 6.2%, as the average sale per atneed contract and the number or interments both declined.
     Cemetery same-store operating profit for the six months ended June 30, 2009 increased $1.7 million, or 69.7%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008. Preneed commissions and related costs increased $1.3 million. Otherwise, cost reductions were evident in most categories of costs and expenses.
     Cemetery acquired revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2009 increased $0.3 million, or 8.8%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008. Revenue from preneed property sales increased $0.2 million and preneed revenue from merchandise and services deliveries also increased $0.2 million. At-need revenues were relatively flat. As a percentage of revenues, cemetery operating profit decreased from 31.3% to 27.9% primary due to increases of $0.1 million in facilities and grounds expense and general and administrative costs.

- 23 -


     Financial revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2009 remained flat compared to the prior year period. Perpetual care trust fund earnings improved by $0.3 million year over year yet the trust earnings on merchandise and service contracts declined $0.3 million compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009.
     Corporate General, Administrative and Other. Corporate general, administrative and other expenses totaled $3.6$3.5 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009, a decrease of $0.1$1.2 million compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008. We experienced an approximate $0.3 million reduction of legal and professional fees yet experienced an increase of $0.2The prior year period included charges totaling $1.1 million in connection with an officer’s termination, litigation costs related to outsourcingand other special charges which were absent in the processing of transactions for the cemetery businesses.current year quarter.
     Income Taxes. The Company recorded income taxes on earnings from continuing operations at the estimated effective rate of 40.5% for the year 2009 periods and at 39.5% for the first quartersix months of 2008. For Federal income tax reporting purposes, Carriage has net operating loss carryforwards totaling $10.9$12.4 million net of unrecognized tax benefits available at March 31,June 30, 2009 to offset future Federal taxable income, which expire between 2023 and 2029, if not utilized. Carriage also has approximately $64.0$67.1 million of state net operating loss carryforwards that will expire between 2010 and 2029, if not utilized. Based on management’s assessment of the various state net operating losses, it was determined that it is more likely than not that the Company will not be able to realize tax benefits on a substantial amount of the state losses. Accordingly, the Company established a valuation allowance against a substantial portion of the deferred tax asset related to the state operating losses.

- 22 -


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
     While the impact has not been dramatic yet, we believe the adverse economic conditions in the U.S. will continue to effectaffect our business and may impair our ability to access the capital markets, if needed. Carriage began 2009 with $5.0 million in cash and other liquid investments and ended the firstsecond quarter with $2.7$5.6 million in cash and $0.8 million drawn on our bank credit facility.cash. The elements of cash flow for the first quarter ending March 31,six months ended June 30, 2009 consisted of the following (in millions):
        
Cash and liquid investments at beginning of year $5.0  $5.0 
Cash flow from operations  (0.6) 7.0 
Cash used for maintenance capital expenditures  (0.6)  (1.6)
Cash used for growth capital expenditures – funeral homes  (0.1)  (0.3)
Cash used for growth capital expenditures – cemeteries  (1.0)  (1.9)
Share repurchase program  (0.7)  (2.8)
Other financing activities 0.7 
Other investing and financing activities, net 0.2 
      
Cash at March 31, 2009 $2.7 
Cash at June 30, 2009 $5.6 
      
     For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2009, cash usedprovided by operating activities was $0.6$7.0 million as compared to cash provided of $3.4$12.0 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2008. The decline of $4.0$5.0 million in operating cash flow was primarily due to funding thea $3.3 million litigation settlement announced in the fourthfirst quarter of 20082009 and related legal fees. Additionally,working capital used to finance growth in preneed cemetery receivables. Capital expenditures totaled $1.7$3.8 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2009 compared to $1.8$7.3 million in the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2008. Capital expenditures for the first quarterand second quarters of 2009 included $1.0$1.9 million for cemetery inventory development projects.
     The outstanding principal of senior debt at March 31,June 30, 2009 totaled $138.4$137.2 million and consisted of $130.0 million in Senior Notes maturing in 2015 $0.8 million outstanding on the line of credit and $7.6$7.2 million in acquisition indebtedness and capital lease obligations.
     The Company has a $20 million senior secured revolving credit facility that matures in April 2010 and is collateralized by all personal property and funeral home real property in certain states. Borrowings under the credit facility will bear interest at either prime or LIBOR options. At March 31,June 30, 2009, the LIBOR option was set at LIBOR plus 275 basis points. The Company had $0.8 million outstanding on therevolving credit facility and additionally hadis currently undrawn except for $0.1 million in letters of credit outstanding at March 31, 2009. Effective March 31, 2009, Carriage amended its credit facility to, in part, lower its aggregate commitment amount under the facility to $20.0 million in an effort to reduce commitment fees.that are outstanding.
     A total of $93.8 million was outstanding at December 31, 2008June 30, 2009 on the convertible junior subordinated debentures. Amounts outstanding under the debenture are payable to our affiliate trust, Carriage Services Capital Trust (the “Trust”), bear interest at 7.0% and mature in 2029. Substantially all the assets of the Trust consist of the convertible junior subordinated debentures. In 1999, the Trust issued 1.875 million shares of term income deferrable equity securities (“TIDES”). The rights of the debentures are functionally equivalent to those of the TIDES.
     The convertible junior subordinated debentures payable to the Trust and the TIDES each contain a provision for the deferral of interest payments and distributions for up to 20 consecutive quarters. During any period in which distribution payments are deferred, distributions continue to accumulate at the 7% annual rate. Also, the deferred distributions themselves accumulate distributions at the annual rate of 7%. During any deferral period, Carriage is prohibited from paying dividends on the Common Stock or repurchasing its Common Stock, subject to limited exceptions. The Company currently expects to continue paying the distributions as due.
     The Company intends to use its cash, cash flow and proceeds from the sale of businesses to repurchase Common Stock, acquire funeral home and cemetery businesses and for internal growth projects, such as cemetery inventory development. As discussed in Note 1412 to the consolidated financial statements, we have a share repurchase program for which the Board of Directors approved purchases of up to $5.0 million of

- 24 -


its Common Stock. At March 31,June 30, 2009, approximately $3.5$1.4 million was still available for the Company to spend under the program.
     We believe our cash on hand, cash flow from operations, and the credit facility described above will be adequate to meet our working capital needs and other financial obligations over the next twelve months. We expect to renew the revolving credit facility during the next six months. However, should the current economic crisis continue for a significant period of time or if the economic crisis worsens significantly, conditions may negatively affect our ability to refinance our long-term debt in future periods.
SEASONALITY
     Our business can be affected by seasonal fluctuations in the death rate. Generally, the rate is higher during the winter months because the incidences of deaths from influenza and pneumonia are higher during this period than other periods of the year.

- 23 -


INFLATION
     Inflation has not had a significant impact on our results of operations.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
     Carriage is currently exposed to market risk primarily related to changes in interest rates related to the Company’s debt, decreases in interest rates related to the Company’s short-term investments and changes in the values of securities associated with its preneed and perpetual care trusts. For information regarding the Company’s exposure to certain market risks, see Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Market Risk Disclosure” in the Company’s Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. There have been no significant changes in the Company’s market risk from that disclosed in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
     The 7.875% Senior Notes were issued to the public at par and are carried at a cost of $130 million. At June 30, 2009, the estimated fair value of these securities was approximately $98.8 million based on available quotes.
     The convertible junior subordinated debentures, payable to Carriage Services Capital Trust, pay interest at the fixed rate of 7% and are carried on our balance sheet at a cost of approximately $93.8 million. The estimated fair value of these securities is estimated to be $49.4 million at June 30, 2009 based on available broker quotes of the corresponding preferred securities issued by the Trust.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Item 4.Controls and Procedures
     In accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31,June 30, 2009 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Our disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
     There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2009 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

- 2425 -


PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 1.Legal Proceedings
     In addition to the matters in Note 10, we and our subsidiaries are parties to a number of other legal proceedings that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. We self-insure against certain risks and carry insurance with coverage and coverage limits for risk 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 can be no assurance that self-insurance reserves and insurance will be sufficient to mitigate all damages, claims or contingencies, we believe that our reserves and insurance provide reasonable coverage for known asserted or 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 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1A.Risk Factors
     There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
     There were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the period covered by this quarterly report.
     As discussed in Note 1312 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company initiatedcurrently has a share repurchase program in June 2008, which was completed in October 2008, and again in November 2008, under which the Company may purchase up to an aggregate of $5 million of its Common Stock for each of the two programs.Stock. Pursuant to the programs,program, we repurchased the following shares during the first quarter of 2009:period covered by this quarterly report:
                 
              Dollar Value
          Total Number of of Shares That
  Total Average Shares Purchased as May Yet Be
  Number of Shares Price Paid Part of Publicly Purchased Under the
Period Purchased Per Share Announced Program Program
January 1, 2009 – January 31, 2009  138,690  $2.37   138,690  $3,930,513 
February 1, 2009 – February 28, 2009  113,800  $1.90   113,800  $3,713,343 
March 1, 2009 – March 31, 2009  96,900  $1.81   96,900  $3,537,681 
                 
Total for quarter ended March 31, 2009  349,390       349,390     
                 
                         
          Total Number of Dollar Value
          Shares Purchased as of Shares That
  Total Average Part of Publicly May Yet Be
  Number of Shares Price Paid Announced Purchased Under
                    Period Purchased Per Share Program the Program
April 1, 2009 –April 30, 2009  161,039  $2.26   161,039  $3,173,052 
May 1, 2009 –May 31, 2009  345,413  $3.30   345,413  $2,034,214 
June 1, 2009 – June 30, 2009  166,542  $3.69   166,542  $1,419,033 
                 
Total for quarter ended June 30, 2009  672,994       672,994     
                 
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities
     None
Item 4.
Item 4.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
     The Company’s 2009 annual meeting was held on May 19, 2009. The voting tabulation was as follows:
1. Director election:
         
  Number of Votes Number of Votes
Name of Nominee For Withheld
Melvin C. Payne  12,271,213   2,647,594 
         
Richard W. Scott  14,785,471   133,336 
         
             
  Number of Votes Number of Votes Number of Votes
  For Against Abstain
2. Ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP  14,857,336   36,066   25,404 

- 26 -


The terms of Matters to a Vote of Security Holdersthe following directors continue after the meeting as follows:
     None
Expiration of Term at
DirectorAnnual Shareholder’s Meeting
L. William Heiligbrodt2010
Vincent D. Foster2010
Ronald A. Erickson2011
Item 5. Other Information
Item 5.Other Information
     The Company reported on Form 8-K during the quarter covered by this report all information required to be reported on such form.
Item 6. Exhibits
Item 6.Exhibits
 
11.1 Computation of Per Share Earnings
 
 
31.1 Certification of Periodic Financial Reports by Melvin C. Payne in satisfaction of Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
31.2 Certification of Periodic Financial Reports by Terry E. Sanford in satisfaction of Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
32 Certification of Periodic Financial Reports by Melvin C. Payne and Terry E. Sanford in satisfaction of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

- 2527 -


SIGNATURE
     Pursuant to the requirements 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.
     
 CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
 
 
Date: May 8,August 7, 2009 /s/ Terry E. Sanford  
 Terry E. Sanford 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
 

 


     
CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
 
11.1 Computation of Per Share Earnings
 
 
31.1 Certification of Periodic Financial Reports by Melvin C. Payne in satisfaction of Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
31.2 Certification of Periodic Financial Reports by Terry E. Sanford in satisfaction of Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
32 Certification of Periodic Financial Reports by Melvin C. Payne and Terry E. Sanford in satisfaction of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350