FiledAs filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2019June 2, 2020

RegistrationNo. 333-233712333-235638

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Amendment No.AMENDMENT NO. 1

ToTO

FORMS-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

STONEMOR GP LLCStoneMor Partners L.P.*

To be converted as described herein into a corporation named

STONEMOR INC.Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Itsits Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware

West Virginia

 

7200

7200

 

80-0103159

20-1010994

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

Incorporation or Organization)

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 (Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
(IRSI.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)Number)

3600 Horizon Boulevard

Trevose, Pennsylvania 19053

Telephone: (215)826-2800

(Address, includingIncluding Zip Code, and PhoneTelephone Number, Includingincluding Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

Joseph M. Redling

President and Chief Executive Officer

StoneMor Partners L.P.

3600 Horizon Boulevard

Trevose, Pennsylvania 19053

(215)826-2800

(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)

With a copyCopies to:

David P. OelmanThomas G. Spencer

BrittanyRichard A. SakowitzSilfen

Vinson & ElkinsDuane Morris LLP

1001 Fannin30 South Street Suite 2500

Houston, Texas 77002Philadelphia, PA 19103-4196

(713)(215)758-2222979-1000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public:

As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement is declared effective.Registration Statement.

If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, please check the following box.  ☐

If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this formForm is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filerAccelerated Filer   Accelerated filerFiler
Non-Accelerated Filer 
Non-accelerated filer  Smaller reporting companyReporting Company 
Emerging Growth Company   Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transitiontransaction period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ☐

If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:

Exchange Act Rule13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issue Tender Offer)  ☐

Exchange Act Rule14d-1(d) (Cross Border Third-Party Tender Offer)  ☐

*

Includes guarantors identified in the Table of Additional Registrants.

 

 

The registrantRegistrants hereby amendsamend this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrantregistrants shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


TABLE OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS*

Exact Name of Registrant

as Specified in Its Charter

State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization
IRS Employee
Identification Number

StoneMor Alabama LLC

Alabama72-1602507

StoneMor Alabama Subsidiary, Inc.

Alabama72-1602509

The Valhalla Cemetery Company LLC

Alabama63-0216030

The Valhalla Cemetery Subsidiary Corporation

Alabama20-1027540

StoneMor Arkansas Subsidiary LLC

Arkansas26-1299843

StoneMor California, Inc.

California22-2598658

StoneMor California Subsidiary, Inc.

California26-0047038

Sierra View Memorial Park

California55-0789275

StoneMor Colorado LLC

Colorado23-3091746

StoneMor Colorado Subsidiary LLC

Colorado56-2287191

Willowbrook Management Corp.

Connecticut23-2653124

Cemetery Management Services, L.L.C

Delaware80-0103159

Cornerstone Trust Management Services LLC

Delaware76-0763751

Cemetery Management Services of Ohio, L.L.C.

Delaware26-1284401

Plymouth Warehouse Facilities LLC

Delaware45-5412411

Cornerstone Family Insurance Services, Inc.

Delaware58-2590484

Cornerstone Funeral and Cremation Services LLC

Delaware20-1633468

Glen Haven Memorial Park LLC

Delaware51-0548419

Henlopen Memorial Park LLC

Delaware51-0548421

Henlopen Memorial Park Subsidiary LLC

Delaware26-2763626

Lorraine Park Cemetery LLC

Delaware26-1344810

Osiris Holding Finance Company

Delaware26-1344834

Osiris Holding of Maryland LLC

Delaware86-1170642

Perpetual Gardens.Com, Inc.

Delaware86-1170645

StoneMor Inc.

Delaware80-0103152

StoneMor LP Holdings, LLC

Delaware80-0103152

StoneMor Operating LLC

Delaware56-2661323

WNCI LLC

Delaware35-1734051

StoneMor Florida Subsidiary LLC

Florida35-1650612

StoneMor Florida LLC

Florida35-1003831

Lakewood Memory Gardens South LLC

Georgia38-3732170

Lakewood Memory Gardens South Subsidiary, Inc.

Georgia61-1498118

StoneMor Georgia LLC

Georgia52-0497840

StoneMor Georgia Subsidiary, Inc.

Georgia76-0763759

StoneMor Hawaiian Joint Venture Group LLC

Hawaii20-0872273

StoneMor Hawaii LLC

Hawaii20-0872608

StoneMor Hawaii Subsidiary, Inc.

Hawaii76-0763746

StoneMor Illinois LLC

Illinois76-0763753

StoneMor Illinois Subsidiary LLC

Illinois20-0872493

Bronswood Cemetery, Inc.

Illinois20-0872430

StoneMor Indiana LLC

Indiana45-2846235

StoneMor Indiana Subsidiary LLC

Indiana45-2846309

Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Inc.

Indiana61-1498134

Covington Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

Indiana61-1498131

Covington Memorial Gardens, Inc.

Indiana21-0396590

Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel, Inc.

Indiana21-0406840

Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Inc.

Indiana22-0771100

StoneMor Iowa LLC

Iowa22-3278549

StoneMor Iowa Subsidiary LLC

Iowa23-3482788

StoneMor Kansas LLC

Kansas77-0640604


Exact Name of Registrant

as Specified in Its Charter

State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization
IRS Employee
Identification Number

StoneMor Kansas Subsidiary LLC

Kansas20-1002754

StoneMor Kentucky LLC

Kentucky34-0395730

StoneMor Kentucky Subsidiary LLC

Kentucky34-0897722

Cedar Hill Funeral Home, Inc.

Maryland61-1498130

Columbia Memorial Park LLC

Maryland61-1498125

Columbia Memorial Park Subsidiary, Inc.

Maryland55-0878663

Glen Haven Memorial Park Subsidiary, Inc.

Maryland51-0518668

Lorraine Park Cemetery Subsidiary, Inc.

Maryland25-1646241

Modern Park Development LLC

Maryland55-0878634

Modern Park Development Subsidiary, Inc.

Maryland55-0878631

Osiris Holding of Maryland Subsidiary, Inc.

Maryland23-2952494

Springhill Memory Gardens LLC

Maryland26-0388578

Springhill Memory Gardens Subsidiary, Inc.

Maryland55-0878660

Sunset Memorial Park LLC

Maryland51-0518664

Sunset Memorial Park Subsidiary, Inc.

Maryland55-0878637

Wicomico Memorial Parks LLC

Maryland23-0899160

Wicomico Memorial Parks Subsidiary, Inc.

Maryland01-0861526

W N C Subsidiary, Inc.

Maryland55-0878629

StoneMor Michigan LLC

Michigan23-1543090

StoneMor Michigan Subsidiary LLC

Michigan23-1322135

Chapel Hill Associates, Inc.

Michigan66-0703132

StoneMor Mississippi LLC

Mississippi26-1344744

StoneMor Mississippi Subsidiary LLC

Mississippi62-1840058

StoneMor Missouri LLC

Missouri20-0731317

StoneMor Missouri Subsidiary LLC

Missouri54-1796637

Arlington Development Company

New Jersey54-0141255

Cornerstone Family Services of New Jersey, Inc.

New Jersey20-0750551

Legacy Estates, Inc.

New Jersey54-1339659

Osiris Management, Inc.

New Jersey20-0731545

Osiris Telemarketing Corp.

New York20-0731513

StoneMor North Carolina LLC

North Carolina54-1804348

StoneMor North Carolina Funeral Services, Inc.

North Carolina20-0769959

StoneMor North Carolina Subsidiary LLC

North Carolina54-0458328

StoneMor Ohio LLC

Ohio20-0750525

StoneMor Ohio Subsidiary, Inc.

Ohio54-0801067

StoneMor Oklahoma LLC

Oklahoma20-0729541

StoneMor Oklahoma Subsidiary LLC

Oklahoma54-0576837

StoneMor Oregon LLC

Oregon20-1010994

StoneMor Oregon Subsidiary LLC

Oregon61-1498125

CMS West LLC

Pennsylvania55-0878663

CMS West Subsidiary LLC

Pennsylvania51-0518668

Eloise B. Kyper Funeral Home, Inc.

Pennsylvania25-1646241

StoneMor Pennsylvania LLC

Pennsylvania55-0878634

Juniata Memorial Park LLC

Pennsylvania55-0878631

Laurelwood Holding Company

Pennsylvania23-2952494

StoneMor Cemetery Products LLC

Pennsylvania26-0388578

Osiris Holding of Pennsylvania LLC

Pennsylvania55-0878660

StoneMor Pennsylvania Subsidiary LLC

Pennsylvania51-0518664

Rolling Green Memorial Park LLC

Pennsylvania55-0878637

Stephen R. Haky Funeral Home, Inc.

Pennsylvania23-0899160

StoneMor Holding of Pennsylvania LLC

Pennsylvania01-0861526

Tioga County Memorial Gardens LLC

Pennsylvania55-0878629


Exact Name of Registrant

as Specified in Its Charter

State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization
IRS Employee
Identification Number

Woodlawn Memorial Park Subsidiary LLC

Pennsylvania26-0401167

Forest Lawn Gardens, Inc.

Pennsylvania25-1286252

Kirk & Nice, Inc.

Pennsylvania23-1543090

Kirk & Nice Suburban Chapel, Inc.

Pennsylvania23-1322135

StoneMor Puerto Rico LLC

Puerto Rico66-0703132

StoneMor Puerto Rico Subsidiary LLC

Puerto Rico66-0703136

StoneMor Puerto Rico Cemetery and Funeral, Inc.

Puerto Rico66-0502561

Osiris Holding of Rhode Island LLC

Rhode Island55-0883441

Osiris Holding of Rhode Island Subsidiary, Inc.

Rhode Island20-1614798

StoneMor South Carolina LLC

South Carolina26-1344723

StoneMor South Carolina Subsidiary LLC

South Carolina26-1344744

Lakewood/Hamilton Cemetery LLC

Tennessee62-1840058

Lakewood/Hamilton Cemetery Subsidiary, Inc.

Tennessee20-1614748

StoneMor Tennessee Subsidiary, Inc.

Tennessee26-1284668

Alleghany Memorial Park LLC

Virginia54-1005829

Alleghany Memorial Park Subsidiary, Inc.

Virginia20-0731317

Altavista Memorial Park LLC

Virginia54-1796637

Altavista Memorial Park Subsidiary, Inc.

Virginia20-0149966

Augusta Memorial Park Perpetual Care Company

Virginia57-1142047

Birchlawn Burial Park LLC

Virginia�� 54-0141255

Birchlawn Burial Park Subsidiary, Inc.

Virginia20-0750450

Cemetery Investments LLC

Virginia54-1504298

Cemetery Investments Subsidiary, Inc.

Virginia20-0750481

Covenant Acquisition LLC

Virginia54-1901020

Covenant Acquisition Subsidiary, Inc.

Virginia20-0750502

Henry Memorial Park LLC

Virginia54-1796636

Henry Memorial Park Subsidiary, Inc.

Virginia20-0750551

KIRIS LLC

Virginia54-1339659

KIRIS Subsidiary, Inc.

Virginia26-0388858

Laurel Hill Memorial Park LLC

Virginia54-1022407

Laurel Hill Memorial Park Subsidiary, Inc.

Virginia20-0731545

Loewen [Virginia] LLC

Virginia54-0630417

Loewen [Virginia] Subsidiary, Inc.

Virginia20-0770030

Oak Hill Cemetery LLC

Virginia54-1437357

Oak Hill Cemetery Subsidiary, Inc.

Virginia20-0731513

PVD Acquisitions LLC

Virginia54-1812287

PVD Acquisitions Subsidiary, Inc.

Virginia20-0731446

Rockbridge Memorial Gardens LLC

Virginia54-1804348

Rockbridge Memorial Gardens Subsidiary Company

Virginia20-0769959

Rose Lawn Cemeteries LLC

Virginia54-0458328

Rose Lawn Cemeteries Subsidiary, Incorporated

Virginia20-0750570

Roselawn Development LLC

Virginia54-0363753

Roselawn Development Subsidiary Corporation

Virginia20-0750525

Russell Memorial Cemetery LLC

Virginia54-0801067

Russell Memorial Cemetery Subsidiary, Inc.

Virginia20-0769928

Shenandoah Memorial Park LLC

Virginia54-0619588

Shenandoah Memorial Park Subsidiary, Inc.

Virginia20-0749844

Southern Memorial Sales LLC

Virginia54-1166384

Southern Memorial Sales Subsidiary, Inc.

Virginia20-0731388

Star City Memorial Sales LLC

Virginia54-1188378

Star City Memorial Sales Subsidiary, Inc.

Virginia20-0749800

Stitham LLC

Virginia52-1522627


Exact Name of Registrant

as Specified in Its Charter

State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization
IRS Employee
Identification Number

Stitham Subsidiary, Incorporated

Virginia20-0770001

Sunset Memorial Gardens LLC

Virginia35-1649893

Sunset Memorial Gardens Subsidiary, Inc.

Virginia20-0749913

Temple Hill LLC

Virginia54-1036810

Temple Hill Subsidiary Corporation

Virginia20-0769982

Virginia Memorial Service LLC

Virginia54-0722366

Virginia Memorial Service Subsidiary Corporation

Virginia20-0729541

Prince George Cemetery Corporation

Virginia54-0576837

StoneMor Washington, Inc.

Washington20-5455426

StoneMor Washington Subsidiary LLC

Washington11-3788634

Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia LLC

West Virginia80-0112461

StoneMor Wisconsin LLC

Wisconsin81-3175728

StoneMor Wisconsin Subsidiary LLC

Wisconsin61-1800753

*

The address, telephone number and primary standard industrial classification code number for each additional registrant are the same as those for StoneMor Partners L.P.


The information in the accompanying proxy statement/this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securitiesWe may not be issuedsell these securities until the registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. The accompanying proxy statement/This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and doesit is not constitute the solicitation of offerssoliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdictionstate where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

PRELIMINARY—SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED NOVEMBER 13, 2019JUNE 2, 2020

$349,595,841

 

LOGO

MERGER PROPOSED—YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANTLOGO

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.

CORNERSTONE FAMILY SERVICES OF WEST

VIRGINIA SUBSIDIARY, INC.

Offer to Exchange Up

To $349,595,841 Of

9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024

That Have Not Been Registered Under

The Securities Act of 1933

For

Up To $349,595,841 Of

9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024

That Have Been Registered Under

The Securities Act of 1933

 

 

On September 27, 2018, StoneMor Partners L.P.This is an offer to exchange up to $349,595,841 of 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024 (the “New Notes”) that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) for a like principal amount of 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024 (the “Old Notes”) that you now hold.

The exchange offer (“exchange offer”) will expire at 5:00 p.m., a Delaware limited partnershipNew York City time, on July     , 2020 (the Partnership“expiration date”), StoneMor GP LLC,unless we extend the exchange offer in our sole and absolute discretion.

The exchange of outstanding Old Notes for New Notes in the exchange offer will not constitute a Delaware limited liability company and the general partnertaxable event for United States (“U.S.”) federal income tax purposes. The terms of the Partnership (“GP”), StoneMor GP Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability companyNew Notes to be issued in the exchange offer are substantially identical to the Old Notes, except that the New Notes will be freely tradable and will not need (or benefit from) the sole member of GP,registration and Hans Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of GP (“Merger Sub”), entered into a Merger and Reorganization Agreement, as amended to date, (the “Merger Agreement”),related rights pursuant to which among other things, GP will convert from a Delaware limited liability company into a Delaware corporation to be named StoneMor Inc. (the “Company” when referring to StoneMor Inc. subsequent to such conversion) and Merger Sub will be merged with and into the Partnership (the “Merger”). Upon consummation of the Merger the holders of common units (“common units”) and Series A Convertible Preferred Units (“preferred units” and together with our common units, the “units”) of the Partnership, each representing limited partner interestswe are conducting this exchange offer, including an increase in the Partnership,interest rate related to defaults in our agreement to carry out this exchange offer. We will become stockholders inissue the Company, andNew Notes under the Partnership will become a wholly-owned subsidiary ofsame indenture as the Company.

The conflicts committee of the board of directors of GP (the “Conflicts Committee”) (which consisted of independent directors) has determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Partnership and its unitholders (other than GP and unitholders affiliated with GP) and have unanimously approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.

If the Merger is completed, each common unit that is outstanding (as defined in the Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated as of June 27, 2019 (the “Partnership Agreement”)), excluding any common units held by StoneMor LP Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of GP, will be converted into the right to receive one share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share of the Company (the “Company Shares”), which will have been duly authorized and will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. In addition, any preferred units that remain outstanding will be converted into the right to receive a number of Company Shares equal to the then prevailing Series A Conversion Rate (as defined in the Partnership Agreement), which will have been duly authorized and will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Any outstanding award of phantom units granted pursuant to a phantom unit agreement will be treated as common units pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement.

The Partnership will hold a special meeting of the unitholders, in connection with the proposed Merger (the “Partnership Unitholder Meeting”). At the Partnership Unitholder Meeting, the unitholders will be asked to vote on the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement (the “Merger proposal”) and to approve the adjournment of the Partnership Unitholder Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the Merger Agreement (the “Adjournment proposal”). Approval of the Merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding units.

We cannot complete the Merger unless the unitholders approve the Merger proposal.Accordingly, your vote is very important regardless of the number of units you own. Voting instructions are set forth inside this proxy statement/prospectus.

The Conflicts Committee recommends that the unitholders vote FOR the Merger proposal and FOR the Adjournment proposal. In considering the recommendation of the Conflicts Committee with respect to the Merger proposal, unitholders should be aware that some of GP’s directors and executive officers may have interests in the Merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests they may have as Partnership common unitholders. See “Proposal 1: The Merger—Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.”Old Notes.

 

 

This proxy statement/prospectus provides you with detailed information about the proposed Merger and related matters. You are encouraged toPlease read the entire document carefully. In particular, seeRisk Factors” beginning on page 2619 of this proxy statement/prospectus for a discussion of risks relevantfactors you should consider before participating in the exchange offer.

We will exchange for an equal principal amount of New Notes all Old Notes that you validly tender and do not validly withdraw before the exchange offer expires. You may withdraw tenders of Old Notes at any time prior to the Mergerexpiration of the exchange offer. The exchange procedure is more fully described in “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering.” All untendered Old Notes will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the Old Notes and in the Company’s business followingindenture.

Please read “Description of the Merger.


The common units are listedNew Notes” for more details on the NYSE under the symbol “STON.” The last reported sale priceterms of the common units onNew Notes. We will not receive any cash proceeds from the NYSE on November 12, 2019 was $1.076.issuance of the New Notes in the exchange offer.

There is no existing public market for your Old Notes, and there is currently no public market for the New Notes to be issued to you in the exchange offer.

Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of New Notes in exchange for Old Notes where such Old Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed to make this prospectus available for a period of 90 days from the effective date of the registration statement for the exchange offer (or such shorter period during which broker-dealers are required by law to deliver this prospectus) to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See “Plan of Distribution.”

 

Joseph M. Redling
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
StoneMor GP LLC

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of thethese securities to be issued under this proxy statement/prospectus or has determined if this documentprospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

This proxy statement/

The date of this prospectus is dated [    ], 2019 and is being first mailed to unitholders on or about [    ], 2019.June     , 2020.


LOGO

StoneMor Partners L.P.

3600 Horizon Blvd.

Suite 100

Trevose, Pennsylvania 19053

NOTICE OF PARTNERSHIP UNITHOLDER MEETING

TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 20, 2019

To the unitholders of StoneMor Partners L.P.:

A special meeting of unitholders (the “Partnership Unitholder Meeting”) of StoneMor Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”) will be held on December 20, 2019 at 10:00 a.m., local time, at Courtyard Philadelphia Bensalem, 3280 Tillman Road, Bensalem, PA 19020, for the following purpose:

to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the Merger and Reorganization Agreement dated September 27, 2018, as amended to date, (the “Merger Agreement”), whichThis prospectus is referred to as the “Merger proposal” and

to approve the adjournment of the Partnership Unitholder Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the Merger Agreement (which is referred to as the “Adjournment proposal”).

Approval of the Merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the outstanding common units (“common units”) and Series A Convertible Preferred Units (“preferred units” and together with our common units, the “units”) of the Partnership, each representing limited partner interests in the Partnership, voting together as a single class, for the approval of the Merger Agreement.

We cannot complete the merger of Hans Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of StoneMor GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of the Partnership (“GP”), with and into the Partnership with the Partnership becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of StoneMor Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation created upon the conversion of GP from a Delaware limited partnership to a Delaware corporation (the “Conversion”) pursuant to the Merger Agreement (the “Merger”), unless the unitholders approve the Merger proposal.Accordingly, your vote is very important regardless of the number of units you own.

The conflicts committee (the “Conflicts Committee”) of the board of directors of GP (the “GP Board”) (which consisted of independent directors) has determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Partnership and the unitholders (other than GP and unitholders affiliated with GP), and, subject to the approval and authorization of the Conversion and the transactions contemplated thereby by the GP Board and StoneMor GP Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the sole member of GP (which approval was subsequently obtained), have unanimously approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. The Conflicts Committee recommends that the unitholders vote FOR the Merger proposal and FOR the Adjournment proposal. For more information regarding the recommendation of the Conflicts Committee with respect to the Merger proposal, including the obligations of the Conflicts Committee in making such determination under the Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership dated as of June 27, 2019, see “Proposal 1: The Merger—Recommendation of the Conflicts Committee and their Reasons for the Merger.”

In considering the recommendation of the Conflicts Committee, unitholders should be aware that some of GP’s directors and executive officers may have interests in the Merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests they may have as Partnership common unitholders. See “Proposal 1: The Merger—Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.”


Only unitholders of record at the close of business on November 4, 2019 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting. A list of unitholders entitled to vote at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting will be available for inspection at the Partnership’s offices in Trevose, Pennsylvania, for any purpose relevant to the Partnership Unitholder Meeting during normal business hours for a period of ten days before the meeting and at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting. References to the Partnership Unitholder Meeting in this proxy statement/prospectus are to such unitholder meeting as adjourned or postponed.

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE PARTNERSHIP UNITHOLDER MEETING, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR PROXY IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

If you hold your units in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, you should follow the instructions provided by your bank, broker or other nominee when voting your units.

If you hold your units in your own name, you may submit your proxy by:

using the toll-free telephone number shown on the proxy card;

using the Internet website shown on the proxy card; or

marking, signing, dating and promptly returning the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope. It requires no postage if mailed in the United States.

The enclosed proxy statement/prospectus provides a detailed description of the Merger and the Merger Agreement as well as the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share. You are urged to read this proxy statement/prospectus, including any documents incorporated by reference, and the Annexes carefully and in their entirety. If you have any questions concerning the Merger or this proxy statement/prospectus, would like additional copies or need help voting your units, please contact the Partnership’s proxy solicitor:

D.F. King & Co., Inc.

48 Wall Street- 22nd Floor

New York, NY 10005

Toll Free #800-967-4607

E-mail Address: StoneMor@dfking.com

By order of the Board of Directors of

StoneMor GP LLC,

Andrew Axelrod
Chairman of the Board of Directors
StoneMor GP LLC

ii


IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

This proxy statement/prospectus, which forms part of a registration statement on FormS-4we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC“SEC”) constitutes a. You should read this prospectus of the Company under Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933,and any accompanying prospectus supplement, as amended, with respectwell as any post-effective amendments to the Company Shares to be issued in the Merger pursuant to the Merger Agreement. This proxy statement/prospectus also constitutes a proxyregistration statement of which this prospectus is a part, together with the Partnershipadditional information described under Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to the solicitation of proxies for the Partnership Unitholder Meeting to approve the Merger proposal.

You can obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference into this document from the Partnership. See “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page 100. This information is also available toInformation,” before you without charge upon your request in writing or by telephone from the Partnership at the following addresses and telephone numbers:make any investment decision.

StoneMor Partners L.P.

3600 Horizon Blvd., Suite 100

Attention: Investor Relations

Trevose, Pennsylvania 19053

Telephone: (215)826-2945

Please note that copies of the documents provided to you willWe have not include exhibits, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into the documents or this proxy statement/prospectus.

You may obtain certain of these documents at the Partnership’s website,https://www.stonemor.com/, by selecting “Investors” and then selecting “Financial Reports—SEC Filings.” Information contained on the Partnership’s website is expressly not incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus.

In order to receive timely delivery of requested documents in advance of the Partnership Unitholder Meeting, your request should be received no later than December 13, 2019. If you request any documents, the Partnership will mail them to you by first class mail, or another equally prompt means, after receipt of your request.

No one has been authorized anyone to give any information or to make any representation aboutrepresentations concerning the Mergersecurities offered hereunder except those which are in this prospectus or the Partnershipany prospectus supplement that is different from,delivered with this prospectus. If anyone gives any other information or in addition to, that contained in this proxy statement/prospectus or in any of the materials that have been incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. Therefore, if anyone distributes this type of information,representation, you should not rely on it. If you areYou should not assume that the information in a jurisdiction where offers to exchange or sell or solicitationsthis prospectus is accurate as of offers to exchange or purchaseany date other than the securities offered bydate on its front cover. You should not interpret the delivery of this proxy statement/prospectus, or the solicitationany offer or sale of proxies are unlawful or you are a person to whom it is unlawful to direct these types of activities, then the offer presentedsecurities, as an indication that there has been no change in this proxy statement/prospectus does not extend to you. The information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus speaks only as ofour affairs since the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, or in the case of information in a document incorporated by reference, as of the date of such document, unless the information specifically indicates that another date applies. All information in this document concerning the Partnership has been furnished by the Partnership.

Presentation of Financial and Operating Data

Unless otherwise indicated, the historical financial and operating information presented in thisprospectus. This prospectus is thatnot an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities in any circumstances in which the Partnership. Because GP has no separate operating activities apart from those conducted by the Partnership and its subsidiaries and, subsequent to the Merger, the Company’s operating cash flows will consist of distributions from the Partnership on the partnership interests that it owns, the information thatoffer or solicitation is material to investors in the Company is that of the Partnership. In addition, GP’s results of operations do not differ materially from the results of operations of the Partnership, and the Partnership will continue to be the Company’s sole operating subsidiary subsequent to the Merger.unlawful.

 

iii


The historical financial statements of the Partnership are included in the Annual Report Amendment onForm 10-K/A of the Partnership for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “Annual ReportAmendment”) and in the Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q of the Partnership for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 (the “Quarterly Report”), which are attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Annexes B and C, respectively.

 

iv


PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Questions and Answers About the Merger and the Partnership Unitholder Meeting

  1Page 

Summary

7

The Parties

7

StoneMor GP Holdings LLC

7

StoneMor GP LLC

7

StoneMor Partners L.P.

7

Relationships Between the Parties

7

Completed Recapitalization Transactions and Related Rights Offering

8

The Merger and otherC-Corporation Conversion

8

Pre-Closing Transactions

8

The Merger Consideration

11

Treatment of Equity Awards

12

2004 Director Phantom Unit Awards

12

2014 Director Phantom Unit Awards

12

Phantom Units

12

Restricted Units

12

Unit Appreciation Rights

13

Post-Merger Governance

13

Partnership Unitholder Meeting

13

Recommendation of the Conflicts Committee and their Reasons for the Merger

14

Opinion of the Financial Advisor to the Conflicts Committee

14

Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger

15

The Merger Agreement

15

Conditions to Completion of the Merger

15

Partnership Conflicts Committee Recommendation and Change in Recommendation

16

Partnership Unitholder Approval

16

Termination of the Merger Agreement

16

Termination Expenses

18

Conflicts Committee

18

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

18

Other Information Related to the Merger

18

No Appraisal Rights

19

Regulatory Matters

19

Listing of Company Shares

19

Accounting Treatment of the Merger

19

Pending Litigation

19

Comparison of the Rights of the Company Stockholders and Partnership Unitholders

19

Summary of Risk Factors

20

Comparative Per Share and Per Unit Information

22

Market Prices and Dividend Distribution Information

23

Risk Factors

26

Risks Related to the Merger

26

Risks Related to the Ownership of Company Shares

29

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

   31

The Parties

33

StoneMor GP Holdings LLC

33

StoneMor GP LLC

33

StoneMor Partners L.P.

33

i


Relationships Between the Parties

33

The Partnership Unitholder Meeting

34

Voting Procedures

35

Proposal 1: The Merger

37

Overview

37

Background of the Merger

37

Recommendation of the Conflicts Committee and their Reasons for the Merger

46

Opinion of the Financial Advisor to the Conflicts Committee

49

Material Financial Analyses

52

No Appraisal Rights

54

Regulatory Matters

54

Listing of the Company Shares to be Issued in the Merger; Delisting and Deregistration of the Common Units

55

Accounting Treatment

55

Pending Litigation

55

Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger

55

No Severance Payments

55

Security Ownership of Directors and Officers

56

Treatment of Equity Awards

57

Quantification of Potential Payments to Named Executive Officers in Connection with the Merger

58ii 

Where You Can Find More Information

   58iii

Prospectus Summary

1

Risk Factors

19 

The Merger AgreementExchange Offer

   6021 

Effect of the MergerUse Of Proceeds

   60

Pre-Closing Transactions

60

Effective Time; Closing

61

Conditions to Completion of the Merger

61

Partnership Conflicts Committee Recommendation and Change in Recommendation

62

Partnership Unitholder Approval

63

The Merger Consideration

63

Consideration Received by GP Holdings

64

Treatment of Equity Awards

64

Adjustments to Prevent Dilution

65

Withholding

65

Dividends and Distributions

65

No Dissenters’ Rights

66

Filings

66

Regulatory Matters

66

Termination

67

Termination Expenses

68

Conduct of the StoneMor Parties

68

Indemnification; Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance

68

Conflicts Committee

68

Voting

69

Waiver; Amendment

69

Remedies; Specific Performance

69

Representations and Warranties

69

Additional Agreements

70

Comparison of the Rights of Company Stockholders and Partnership Unitholders

7130 

Description of the Company Capital StockOf The New Notes

   9131 

Common Stock

91

Preferred Stock

91

ii


Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, the Company’s Bylaws and Delaware Law

91

Delaware Law

92

Charter and Bylaws

92

Limitation of Liability and Indemnification MattersBook-Entry; Delivery And Form

   93 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

94

Listing

94

MaterialCertain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

   9596 

Tax Consequences of the Merger to U.S. Holders of UnitsPlan Of Distribution

   96

In General

96

Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders of Owning and Disposing of Company Shares Received in Connection with the Merger

97

Proposal 2: The Adjournment Proposal

99

Vote Required and the Conflicts Committee’s Recommendation

99

Unitholder Proposals

9998 

Legal Matters

   99100 

Experts

   99101 

Where You Can Find More Information

100

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

101

Annex A—OpinionA-1—Form of Raymond James & Associates, Inc.Letter of Transmittal for Holders of Global Notes

   A-1 

AnnexA-2—Form of Letter of Transmittal for Holders of Definitive Notes

A-5

Annex B—Annual Report Amendment on Form10-K/A10-K of StoneMor Partners L.P.Inc. for the year ended December 31, 20182019

   B-1 

Annex C—Quarterly Report on Form10-Q of StoneMor Partners L.P.Inc. for the quarterquarterly period ended September 30, 2019March 31, 2020

   C-1 

StoneMor Inc., of which StoneMor Partners L.P. is a wholly-owned subsidiary, is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and in accordance therewith it files annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. Those SEC filings are available on our website at www.stonemor.com. The information on our website is not, and you should not consider such information to be, a part of this prospectus. Those SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. You may also inspect those reports, proxy statements and other information concerning us at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005, on which the common stock of StoneMor Inc. is currently listed.

This prospectus is a part of the registration statement and does not contain all the information in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus to a contract or other document of ours or one of our subsidiaries, the reference is only a summary and you should refer to the exhibits that are a part of the registration statement for a copy of the contract or other document. You may review a copy of the registration statement and all of its exhibits through the SEC’s website.


Annex D—Annual Report on Form10-K of StoneMor Partners L.P. for the year ended December 31, 2018 (excluding Item 8 which has been superseded)CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus, including the documents incorporated herein by reference, contains statements that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. Such statements are “forward-looking statements.” You can typically identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act by the use of forward-looking statements, such as “may,” “could,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “potential,” “plan,” “forecast” and other similar words.

All statements that are not statements of historical facts, including statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, budgets, projected costs and plans and objectives of management for our future operations, are forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements reflect our intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside our control.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include known and unknown risks. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements include:

current business and economic disruptions resulting from the recent coronavirus pandemic, including the effect of government regulations issued in connection therewith;

our ability to maintain adequate cash flow and liquidity necessary to fund our capital expenditures, meet working capital needs and improve our operations;

our ability to successfully implement our turnaround strategy;

our level of indebtedness and compliance with debt covenants;

our ability to successfully effect asset sales and improve operating performance to reduce our level of indebtedness;

the level of creditworthiness of our counterparties to various transactions;

changes in laws and regulations, particularly with regard to taxes, safety and protection of the environment;

weather and other natural phenomena;

industry changes, including the impact of consolidations and changes in competition;

the ability to maintain necessary licenses, permits and other approvals;

the ability to attract, train, motivate and retain a high caliber sales force;

uncertainties associated with the volume and timing ofpre-need sales of cemetery services and products;

increased use of cremation;

changes in religious beliefs;

changes in the death rate;

changes in the political or regulatory environments, including potential changes in tax accounting and trusting policies;

the ability to successfully compete in the cemetery and funeral home industry;

litigation or legal proceedings that could expose us to significant liabilities and damage its reputation;

the effects of cyber security attacks due to our significant reliance on information technology;

ii


uncertainties relating to the financial condition of third-party insurance companies that fund ourpre-need funeral contracts;

general economic, market and business conditions; and

other factors and uncertainties discussed in this prospectus and the filings with the SEC by StoneMor Inc., including its Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on April 7, 2020 and its Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2020, as such risks may be updated or supplemented in StoneMor Inc.’s subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q or Current Reports on Form8-K.

You should not put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. When considering forward-looking statements, please review carefully the risk factors described under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

StoneMor Inc. (“Parent”), of which we are a wholly-owned subsidiary, is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and, in accordance therewith, Parent files annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with SEC. Parent’s SEC filings are available on our website at www.stonemor.com. The information on our website is not, and you should not consider such information to be, a part of this prospectus. Parent’s SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. You may also inspect those reports, proxy statements and other information concerning us at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005, on which Parent’s common stock is currently listed.

This prospectus is a part of the registration statement and does not contain all the information in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus to a contract or other document of ours or one of our subsidiaries, the reference is only a summary and you should refer to the exhibits that are a part of the registration statement for a copy of the contract or other document. You may review a copy of the registration statement and all of its exhibits through the SEC’s website.

D-1

 

iii


QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT

THE MERGER AND THE PARTNERSHIP UNITHOLDER MEETING

Important Information and Risks. The following are brief answers to some questions that you, a unitholder of StoneMor Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”), may have regarding the proposed merger. You should read and consider carefully the remainder of this proxy statement/prospectus, including the Risk Factors beginning on page 26 and the attached Annexes C and D, because the information in this section does not provide all of the information that might be important to you.

Q:

What is the proposed transaction and why am I receiving these materials?

A:

On September 27, 2018, the Partnership, StoneMor GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of the Partnership (“GP”), StoneMor GP Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the sole member of GP (“GP Holdings”), and Hans Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of GP (“Merger Sub”), entered into a Merger and Reorganization Agreement (as amended, the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, GP will convert from a Delaware limited liability company into a Delaware corporation (the “Conversion”) to be named StoneMor Inc. (the “Company” when referring to StoneMor Inc. subsequent to such Conversion), Merger Sub will be merged with and into the Partnership and the Partnership will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger”) and the holders of common units (“common units”) and Series A Convertible Preferred Units (“preferred units” and together with our common units, the “units”) of the Partnership, each representing limited partner interests in the Partnership, will become stockholders in the Company.

You are receiving this document because the Merger cannot be completed without the approval of the Partnership’s unitholders.

Q:

Why are the Partnership and GP proposing the Merger?

A:

The goal of the Merger is to transition the Partnership and its affiliates from a master limited partnership structure into corporate form. The Partnership and GP believe that the Merger will benefit the unitholders through simplifying the Partnership’s organizational structure, establishing more traditional corporate governance and improving capital markets access. See “Proposal 1: The Merger—Recommendation of the Conflicts Committee and their Reasons for the Merger.”

Q:

What will the unitholders receive in the Merger?

A:

If the Merger is completed, each common unit that is outstanding (as defined in the Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated as of June 27, 2019 (the “Partnership Agreement”)), excluding any common units held by StoneMor LP Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of GP (“LP Sub”), will be converted into the right to receive one share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the “Company Shares”), which will have been duly authorized and will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable (such consideration, the “Merger Consideration”). In addition, any preferred units that remain outstanding will be converted into the right to receive a number of Company Shares equal to the then prevailing Series A Conversion Rate (as defined in the Partnership Agreement), which will have been duly authorized and will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Phantom units granted pursuant to a phantom unit agreement (“Phantom Units”) will be treated as common units pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement.

Q:

Where will my shares or units trade after the Merger?

A:

The Company Shares will trade on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “STON.” The common units will no longer be publicly traded after the completion of the Merger.

Q:

What happens to my future distributions or dividends, if any?

A:

Restrictions under our debt agreements currently prohibit us from making distributions. However, once the Merger is completed, no distributions declared or made with respect to Company Shares, if any, with a record date after the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”) will be paid to unitholders with respect to the Company Shares that such holder would be entitled to receive in accordance with the Merger Agreement until such holder has delivered the required documentation and surrendered certificates (a “Certificate”) or book-entry units as contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Subject to applicable law, following compliance with the exchange procedures set forth in the Merger Agreement, if any distributions are paid or payable, there will be paid to such holder of the Company Shares issuable in exchange therefor, without interest, promptly after the time of such compliance, the amount of distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore paid with respect to the Company Shares and payable with respect to such Company Shares and at the appropriate payment date, the amount of distributions with a record date after the Effective Time but prior to such surrender and a payment date subsequent to such compliance payable with respect to such Company Shares. See “Market Prices and Dividend Distribution Information.”

Q:

When and where will the Partnership Unitholder Meeting be held?

A:

The special meeting of the unitholders, in connection with the proposed Merger (the “Partnership Unitholder Meeting”) will be held at Courtyard Philadelphia Bensalem, 3280 Tillman Road, Bensalem, PA 19020 on December 20, 2019 at 10:00 a.m., local time.

Q:

Who is entitled to vote at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting?

A:

The record date for the Partnership Unitholder Meeting is November 4, 2019. Only unitholders of record as of the close of business on the record date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Partnership Unitholder Meeting.

Q:

What constitutes a quorum at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting?

A:

The holders of a majority of the outstanding units represented in person or by proxy (by submitting a properly executed proxy card or properly submitting a proxy by telephone or Internet) will constitute a quorum and will permit the Partnership to conduct the proposed business at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting. Proxies received but marked as abstentions will be counted as units that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. Brokernon-votes (if any) will not be considered present at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum and will not be included in the vote.

Q:

What is the vote required to approve the proposals?

A:

Approval of the Merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding common units and preferred units, voting as a single class. Abstentions, failures to vote and brokernon-votes (if any) will have the same effect as votes AGAINST the Merger proposal.

The directors and executive officers of GP beneficially owned directly or through the Axar Entities and the ACII Entities (as such terms are defined below), in the aggregate, 59.1% of the outstanding units as of the record date. GP and the Partnership believe that the directors and executive officers of GP will vote in favor of the Merger proposal.

Pursuant to that certain Voting and Support Agreement (as amended to date, the “Voting and Support Agreement”), dated as of September 27, 2018, entered into by and among the Partnership, GP, GP Holdings, Axar Capital Management, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Axar”), Axar GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Axar GP”), Axar Master Fund, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership (together with Axar and Axar GP, the “Axar Entities”), Robert B. Hellman, Jr., in his capacity as trustee under the Voting and Investment Trust Agreement for the benefit of American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors, LLC (“ACII” and together with GP Holdings, the “ACII Entities”), the Axar Entities and the ACII Entities have agreed to vote or cause to be voted all units beneficially owned by the Axar Entities and ACII Entities, respectively, in favor of the Merger proposal. The Axar Entities and ACII Entities beneficially own 54% and 5.2% of the outstanding units, respectively, as of the record date.

Approval of the Adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the outstanding units entitled to vote and that are present in person or by proxy at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting. Abstentions and brokernon-votes will have the same effect as votes AGAINST the Adjournment proposal, but failures to vote will have no effect on the adoption of the Adjournment proposal.

Q:

How do I vote my units if I hold them in my own name?

A:

After you have read this proxy statement/prospectus carefully, please respond by completing, signing and dating your proxy card and returning it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, or by submitting your proxy by telephone or the Internet as soon as possible in accordance with the instructions provided under “The Partnership Unitholder Meeting—Voting Procedures—Voting by Unitholders.”

Q:

If my units are held in “street name” by my bank, broker or other nominee, will my bank, broker or other nominee vote them for me?

A:

As a general rule, absent specific instructions from you, your bank, broker or other nominee is not allowed to vote your units on any proposal on which your bank, broker or other nominee does not have discretionary authority. The Merger proposal and Adjournment proposal arenon-discretionary matters for which banks, brokers or other nominees do not have discretionary authority to vote. To instruct your bank, broker or other nominee how to vote, you should follow the directions that your bank, broker or other nominee provides to you.

Please note that you may not vote your units held in “street name” by returning a proxy card directly to the Partnership or by voting in person at the Partnership Unitholder Meetings, unless you provide a “legal proxy,” which you must obtain from your bank, broker or other nominee. If you do not instruct your bank, broker or other nominee on how to vote your units, your bank, broker or other nominee cannot vote your units, which will have the same effect as a vote AGAINST the Merger proposal. Abstentions and brokernon-votes will have the same effect as votes AGAINST the Adjournment proposal, but failures to vote will have no effect on the adoption of the Adjournment proposal. You should therefore provide your bank, broker or other nominee with instructions as to how to vote your units.

Q:

When do you expect the Merger to be completed?

A:

We currently expect the Merger to close in the fourth quarter of 2019. A number of conditions must be satisfied before the Company and the Partnership can complete the Merger, including the approval of the Merger Agreement by the unitholders. Although the Company and the Partnership cannot be certain when all of the conditions to the Merger will be satisfied, the Company and the Partnership expect to complete the Merger as soon as practicable following the Partnership Unitholder Meeting (assuming the Merger proposal is approved by the unitholders), which will be held on December 20, 2019. See “The Merger Agreement—Conditions to Completion of the Merger” and “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Merger.”

Q:

How does the Conflicts Committee recommend that the unitholders vote?

A:

The conflicts committee (the “Conflicts Committee”) of the board of directors of GP (the “GP Board”) (which consisted of independent directors) recommends that unitholders vote FOR the Merger proposal and FOR the Adjournment proposal.

On September 27, 2018, the Conflicts Committee determined that the Merger Agreement and transactions contemplated thereby are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Partnership and the unitholders (other than GP and unitholders affiliated with GP), and, subject to the approval and authorization of the Conversion and the transactions contemplated thereby by the GP Board and GP Holdings (which approval was subsequently obtained), have unanimously approved the Merger Agreement and transactions contemplated thereby. The Conflicts Committee recommends that the unitholders vote FOR the Merger proposal. The Conflicts Committee’s approval constitutes “Special Approval,” as such term is defined by the Partnership Agreement.For more information regarding the recommendation of the Conflicts Committee, including the obligations of the Conflicts Committee in making such determination under the Partnership Agreement, see “Proposal 1: The Merger—Recommendation of the Conflicts Committee and their Reasons for the Merger.”

In considering the recommendation of the Conflicts Committee with respect to the Merger proposal, the unitholders should be aware that some of GP’s directors and executive officers may have interests in the Merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests they may have as unitholders. See “Proposal 1: The Merger—Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.”

Q:

What are the expected U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger to a unitholder?

A:

In general, United States (“U.S.”) holders (as defined in the section titled “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences”) are not expected to recognize gain from the Merger, except to the extent that the unitholder’s allocable share of the Partnership’s liabilities exceeds the unitholder’s tax basis in its units exchanged for Company Shares. As a consequence, each unitholder should consult its own tax advisor to determine the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger based on its tax basis in its units and its allocable share of the Partnership’s liabilities. Please read “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” for a more complete discussion of the expected material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger.

Q:

What are the expected U.S. federal income tax consequences for a Unitholder of the ownership of Company Shares after the Merger is completed?

A:

The Company will be classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income. As such, other than as described below with respect to tax reporting for the 2018 tax year and the 2019 short tax year, ScheduleK-1 tax reporting will no longer be required. After the Merger is completed, distributions of cash by the Company to a stockholder who is a U.S. holder (as defined in the section titled “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences”) generally will be included in such U.S. holder’s income as ordinary dividend income to the extent of the Company’s current or accumulated “earnings and profits”, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles and will be reported to such holder on a Form1099-DIV. A portion of cash distributed to a U.S. holder by the Company after the Merger may exceed the Company’s current or accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions of cash in excess of the Company’s current or accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as anon-taxable return of capital reducing a U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in its Company Shares and, to the extent the distribution exceeds such U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis, as capital gain from the sale or exchange of those Company Shares. Further, a U.S. holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss on a sale, exchange, certain redemptions, or other taxable disposition of Company Shares in an amount equal to the difference, if

any, between (i) the amount realized upon the disposition of such Company Shares and (ii) the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in such Company Shares. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” for a more complete discussion of the expected material U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of Company Shares received in connection with the Merger.

Q:

Are unitholders entitled to appraisal rights?

A:

No. The unitholders are not entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the Merger under applicable law or contractual appraisal rights under the Partnership’s organizational documents or the Merger Agreement.

Q:

What if I do not vote?

If you vote “abstain” on your proxy card, do not vote in person or by proxy or a brokernon-vote is made, it will have the same effect as a vote AGAINST the Merger proposal. Abstentions and brokernon-votes will have the same effect as votes AGAINST the Adjournment proposal, but failures to vote will have no effect on the adoption of the Adjournment proposal. If you sign and return your proxy card, but do not indicate how you want to vote, your proxy will be counted as a vote FOR the Merger proposal and FOR the Adjournment proposal.

Q:

If I am planning to attend the Partnership Unitholder Meeting in person, should I still vote by proxy?

A:

Yes. Whether or not you plan to attend the Partnership Unitholder Meeting, you should vote by proxy. Your units will not be voted if you do not vote by proxy or do not vote in person at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting.

Q:

Who may attend the Partnership Unitholder Meeting?

A:

The unitholders (or their authorized representatives) and the Partnership’s invited guests may attend the Partnership Unitholder Meeting. All attendees should be prepared to present government-issued photo identification (such as a driver’s license or passport) for admittance.

Q:

Can I change my vote after I have submitted my proxy?

A:

Yes. If you own your units in your own name, you may revoke your proxy at any time prior to its exercise by:

giving written notice of revocation to the Secretary of GP, as applicable, at or before the Partnership Unitholder Meeting;

appearing and voting in person at Partnership Unitholder Meeting; or

properly completing and executing a later dated proxy and delivering it to the Secretary of GP at or before the Partnership Unitholder Meeting.

Your presence without voting at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting will not automatically revoke your proxy, and any revocation during the meeting will not affect votes previously taken.

Q:

What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials for the Partnership Unitholder Meeting?

A:

You may receive more than one set of voting materials for the Partnership Unitholder Meeting and the materials may include multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, you will receive a

separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold units. Additionally, if you are a holder of record registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one proxy card. Please complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive according to the instructions on it.

Q:

Whom do I call if I have further questions about voting, the Partnership Unitholder Meeting or the Merger?

A:

Unitholders who have questions about the Merger, including the procedures for voting their units, or who desire additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or additional proxy cards should contact:

D.F. King & Co., Inc.

48 Wall Street- 22nd Floor

New York, NY 10005

Toll Free #800-967-4607

E-mail Address: StoneMor@dfking.com

or

StoneMor Partners L.P.

3600 Horizon Blvd., Suite 100

Attention: Investor Relations

Trevose, Pennsylvania 19053

Telephone: (215)826-2945

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights some of the information included in this proxy statement/prospectus. It may not contain all of the information that is important to you. To understandThis prospectus includes information about the Merger fullyexchange offer and for a more complete description of the terms ofNew Notes and includes or incorporates by reference information about our business and our financial and operating data.

Before deciding to participate in the Merger,exchange offer, you should read this entire prospectus carefully, this document,including the annexes attached hereto and the Annexes to this document, including the full text of the Merger Agreement included as Exhibit 10.75 to the Partnership’s Annual Report attached in Annex D. See “Where You Can Find More Information”“Risk Factors” section beginning on page 100.19 of this prospectus. In addition, certain statements include forward-looking information that involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

In this prospectus, references to the “Issuers” are to StoneMor Partners L.P. and Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. (“CFS West Virginia”), collectively. References to the “Partnership” or “StoneMor Partners” are to StoneMor Partners L.P. References to “Parent” are to StoneMor Inc. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “StoneMor,” “we,” “us,” and “our” are to Parent and its subsidiaries (including the Issuers), collectively. CFS West Virginia is a wholly owned subsidiary of StoneMor Partners.

In this prospectus, we refer to the notes to be issued in the exchange offer as the “New Notes” and the notes that were issued on June 27, 2019 as the “Old Notes.” We refer to the New Notes and the Old Notes collectively as the “Notes.”

The PartiesPartnership

StoneMor GP Holdings LLC

StoneMor GP Holdings LLC, or “GP Holdings”,The Partnership is a Delaware limited liability company that currently owns all of the membership interests in GP. GP Holdings also owns 2,332,878 common units and, through its sole ownership of GP, owns all of the Incentive Distribution Rights (as defined in the Partnership Agreement, “IDRs”)in the Partnership and controls the governance of the Partnership.

StoneMor GP LLC

StoneMor GP LLC, or GP, is a Delaware limited liability companypartnership formed in April 2004. GP does not directly own any operating assets; therefore, its main source of revenue is from general and limited partner interests, including IDRs, in the Partnership.

GP’s principal executive offices are located at 3600 Horizon Boulevard, Trevose, Pennsylvania 19053 and its telephone number is215-826-2800.

StoneMor Partners L.P.

StoneMor Partners L.P., or theThe Partnership is a publicly-traded Delaware limited partnership providingwholly-owned subsidiary of Parent, which is a holding company that engages in business exclusively through the Partnership and the Partnership’s subsidiaries, including CFS West Virginia. Through the Partnership’s subsidiaries, we are a provider of funeral and cemetery products and services in the death care industry in the U.S. The Partnership’s common unitsWe are listed onmanaged by the NYSE under the symbol “STON.”

The Partnership’s principal executive offices are located at 3600 Horizon Boulevard, Trevose, Pennsylvania 19053 and its telephone number is215-826-2800.

Additional information about the Partnership, including but not limited to information regarding its business, properties, legal proceedings, financial statements, financial condition and resultsboard of operations, changes in accountants, market risk, unit ownership of beneficial owners and management, directors and executive officers executive compensationof Parent, the Partnership’s general partner.

We are currently one of the largest owners and related party transactions is set forthoperators of cemeteries and funeral homes in the Partnership’s Annual ReportU.S. As of March 31, 2020, we operated 319 cemeteries in 27 states and Puerto Rico. We owned 289 of these cemeteries and we managed or operated the remaining 30 under lease, management or operating agreements with the nonprofit cemetery companies that own the cemeteries. As of March 31, 2020, we also owned, operated or managed 88 funeral homes, including 41 located onForm 10-K the grounds of the Partnership for the year ended December 31, 2018, as amended by the Form 10-K/A filed on August 28, 2019 (the “Annual Report”)cemetery properties that we own in 17 states and the Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q of the Partnership for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 (the “Quarterly Report”), which are included herewith as Annexes DPuerto Rico.

The cemetery products and C, respectively, and which are incorporated herein by reference. See also “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page 100.

Relationships Between the Parties

GP does not directly own any operating assets; therefore, its main source of revenue is from general and limited partner interests, including IDRs, in the Partnership. All of GP’s cash flows are generated from the distributions GP receives from the Partnership. At the record date, GP’s interests in the Partnership consist ofservices that we sell include the following:

 

Interment Rights

Merchandise

Services

Burial lotsBurial vaultsInstallation of burial vaults
Lawn cryptsCasketsInstallation of caskets
Mausoleum cryptsGrave markers and grave marker basesInstallation of other cemetery merchandise
Perpetual care rightsMemorialsOther service items

a 1.04% general partner interest (the “GP Interest”);We sell these products and

all services both at the time of death, which we refer to asat-need, and prior to the outstanding IDRs.time of death, which we refer to aspre-need.



In 2019, we performed 52,010 burials and sold 25,963 interment rights (net of cancellations). Based on our sales of interment spaces in 2019, our cemeteries have an aggregate average remaining sales life of 243 years.

Our cemetery properties are located in Alabama, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Our cemetery operations accounted for approximately 82% and 83% of our consolidated revenues in 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The funeral home products and services that we sell include the following:

Merchandise

Services

caskets and related items

family consultation

removal and preparation of remains

insurance products

use of funeral home facilities for visitation and prayer services

Our funeral homes are located in Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Our funeral home operations accounted for approximately 18% and 17% of our consolidated revenues in 2019 and 2018, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, we generated consolidated revenues of approximately $289.5 million and a net loss of approximately $151.9 million.

Completed Recent Developments

COVID-19 and Business Interruption

The outbreak ofCOVID-19, which has reached pandemic proportions(“COVID-19 Pandemic”), poses a significant threat to the health and economic wellbeing of the Company’s employees, customers and vendors.. Our operations have been deemed essential by the state and local governments in which we operate, with the exception of Puerto Rico, and we are actively working with federal, state and local government officials to ensure that we continue to satisfy their requirements for offering our essential services. The operation of all of our facilities is critically dependent on our employees who staff these locations. To ensure the wellbeing of our employees and their families, we have provided all of our employees with detailed health and safety literature onCOVID-19, such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (the “CDC”)’s industry-specific guidelines for working with the deceased who were and may have been infected withCOVID-19. In addition, our procurement and safety teams have updated and developed new safety-oriented guidelines to support daily field operations and provided personal protection equipment to those employees whose positions necessitate them, and we have implemented work from home policies at our corporate office consistent with the CDC’s guidance to reduce the risks of exposure toCOVID-19 while still supporting the families that we serve. We have not experienced any significant disruptions to its business as a result of the work from home policies in our corporate office.

Our marketing and sales team has quickly responded to the sales challenges presented by theCOVID-19 Pandemic by implementing virtual meeting options using a variety ofweb-based tools to ensure that we can continue to connect with and meet our customers’ needs in a safe, effective and productive manner. Some of our locations have also started providing live video streaming of their funeral and burial services to our customers, so that family and friends can connect virtually during their time of grief.

Like most businesses world-wide, theCOVID-19 Pandemic has impacted us financially. Through early March 2020, we were experiencing sales growth for the first quarter of 2020, as compared to the first quarter of



2019. However, over the last two weeks of the quarter, we saw ourpre-need sales andat-need sales activity decline as Americans practiced social distancing and crowd size restrictions were put in place. In addition, ourpre-need customers with installment contracts could default on their installment contracts due to lost work or other financial stresses arising from theCOVID-19 Pandemic. While we expect ourpre-need sales to be challenged during the COVID 19 Pandemic, we believe the implementation of our virtual meeting tools is one of several key steps to mitigate this disruption. In addition, we expect that throughout this disruption our cemeteries and funeral homes will remain open and available to serve our families in all the locations in which we operate to the extent permitted by local authorities, with the exception of Puerto Rico.

We expect theCOVID-19 Pandemic to continue to have an adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows; however we cannot presently predict, with certainty, the scope and severity of that impact. We may incur additional costs related to the implementation of prescribed safety protocols related to theCOVID-19 Pandemic. In the event there are confirmed diagnoses ofCOVID-19 within a significant number of our facilities, we may incur costs related to the closing and subsequent cleaning of these facilities and the ability to adequately staff the impacted sites. As a result of the implications ofCOVID-19, we assessed long-lived assets for impairment and concluded no assets were impaired as of March 31, 2020.

C-Corporation Conversion

On December 31, 2019, pursuant to the terms of a Merger and Reorganization Agreement (as amended, the “Merger Agreement”) by and among StoneMor GP LLC (“StoneMor GP”), a Delaware limited liability company, the Partnership, StoneMor GP Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and formerly the sole member of StoneMor GP (“GP Holdings”) and Hans Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of StoneMor GP (“Merger Sub”), we completed the following series of reorganization transactions (which we sometimes refer to collectively as the“C-Corporation Conversion”):

GP Holdings contributed its entire equity interest in the Partnership to StoneMor GP and, in exchange, ultimately received an aggregate of 5,099,969 shares of Parent’s common stock;

StoneMor GP contributed the common units in the Partnership it received from GP Holdings to LP Sub, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of StoneMor GP;

Merger Sub merged with and into the Partnership, with the Partnership surviving as a Delaware limited partnership, and pursuant to which each outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Unit (defined below) and Common Unit (other than the common units held by LP Sub) was converted into the right to receive one share of Parent’s common stock; and

StoneMor GP converted from a Delaware limited liability company to a Delaware corporation called StoneMor Inc.

As a result of theC-Corporation Conversion, Parent remains the general partner of the Partnership and LP Sub is the sole limited partner of the Partnership such that, directly or indirectly, Parent owns 100% of the interests in the Partnership.

Divestitures and Early Debt Redemptions

On January 3, 2020, we sold substantially all of the assets of Oakmont Memorial Park, Oakmont Funeral Home, Redwood Chapel, Inspiration Chapel and Oakmont Crematory located in California pursuant to the terms of an asset sale agreement (the “Oakmont Agreement”) with Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc. for an aggregate cash purchase price of $33.0 million (the “Oakmont Sale”). The divested assets consisted of one cemetery, one funeral home and certain related assets. On April 7, 2020, we sold substantially all of the assets of the cemetery, funeral establishment and crematory commonly known as Olivet Memorial Park, Olivet Funeral and Cremation



Services, and Olivet Memorial Park & Crematory pursuant to the terms of an asset sale agreement (the “Olivet Agreement”) with Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association for a net cash purchase price of $24.3 million, subject to certain adjustments, plus the assumption of certain liabilities, including $17.1 million in land purchase obligations (the “Olivet Sale”). In addition, in March 2020, we entered into an asset sale agreement (the “California Agreement”) with certain entities owned by John Yeatman and Guy Saxton to sell substantially all of our remaining California properties, consisting of five cemeteries, six funeral establishments and four crematories (the “Remaining California Assets”) for a cash purchase price of $7.1 million, subject to certain closing adjustments (the “Remaining California Sale”).

In January 2020, we redeemed an aggregate of $30.4 million of principal of Old Notes, primarily using the net proceeds from the Oakmont Sale. In April 2020, we redeemed an aggregate of $20.5 million of principal of Old Notes with the net proceeds from the Olivet Sale. Per the indenture dated June 27, 2019 by and among the Issuers, certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of Parent, the initial purchasers party thereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral agent (as amended, the “Indenture”), we anticipate using the first $3.2 million of net proceeds and 80% of the remaining net proceeds from the Remaining California Sale to redeem additional portions of the outstanding Old Notes.

The information set forth in this prospectus regarding our cemeteries and funeral homes is as of March 31, 2020 and does not give effect to the Olivet Sale or the Remaining California Sale.

Amendments to the Indenture and Capital Raise in 2020

On April 1, 2020, the Issuers and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral agent, entered into the Third Supplemental Indenture (the “Supplemental Indenture”) to the Indenture. Pursuant to the terms of the Supplemental Indenture:

1.

The following financial covenants were amended:

a.

The Interest Coverage Ratio measurements at March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2020 were eliminated and replaced with a Minimum Operating Cash Flow covenant of $(25.0 million), $(35.0 million) and $(35.0 million), respectively;

b.

The required Interest Coverage Ratios at December 31, 2020, March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021 were reduced to 0.00x, 0.75x and 1.10x, respectively, from 1.15x, 1.25x and 1.30x; and

c.

The Asset Coverage tests at March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2020 were reduced to 1.40x from 1.60x;

2.

The premium payable upon voluntary redemption of the Notes on or after June 27, 2021 and before June 27, 2022 was increased from 4.0% to 5.0% and the premium payable upon any such voluntary redemption on or after June 27, 2022 and before June 27, 2023 was increased from 2.0% to 3.0%; and

3.

The Issuers agreed to use their best efforts to cause Parent to effectuate a rights offering on the terms described below as promptly as practicable with an expiration date no later than July 24, 2020 and to receive proceeds of not less than $8.2 million therefrom (in addition to the $8.8 million capital raise described below).

Concurrently with the execution of the Supplemental Indenture, Parent entered into a letter agreement (the “Axar Commitment”) with Axar Capital Management, LP (“Axar”) pursuant to which Axar committed to (a) purchase shares of Parent’s Series A Preferred Stock with an aggregate purchase price of $8.8 million on April 3, 2020, (b) exercise its basic rights in the rights offering by tendering the shares of Series A Preferred Stock so purchased for shares of Parent’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Common Stock”) and (c) purchase any shares offered in the rights offering for which other stockholders do not exercise their rights, up



to a maximum of an additional $8.2 million of such shares. We did not pay Axar any commitment, backstop or other fees in connection with the Axar Commitment.

On April 3, 2020, as contemplated by the Axar Commitment, Parent and Axar CL SPV LLC, Star V Partners LLC and Blackwell Partners LLC –Series E. (the “2020 Purchasers”) entered into a Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (the “2020 Preferred Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which Parent sold 176 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Shares”), for a cash price of $50,000 per share, an aggregate of $8.8 million.

Under the terms of the Supplemental Indenture and the Axar Commitment, Parent agreed to undertake an offering to holders of its Common Stock of transferable rights to purchase their pro rata share of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate exercise price of at least $17.0 million at a price of $0.73 per share. The rights offering period, during which the rights will be transferable, will be no less than 20 calendar days and no more than 45 calendar days. Parent agreed to use its best efforts to complete the rights offering with an expiration date no later than July 24, 2020.

On May 27 2020, Parent entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Common Stock Purchase Agreement”) with Axar, the accounts managed by Axar set forth on Schedule B thereto and one or more accounts managed by Axar to be designated by it (collectively, the “Common Stock Purchasers”) pursuant to which Parent agreed to sell an aggregate of 23,287,672 shares of its Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Shares”) to the Common Stock Purchasers at a price of $0.73 per share, an aggregate of $17.0 million. Because Parent’s common stock had been trading at a price less than the $0.73 subscription price for the rights offering described above, Parent’s Board of Directors determined and Axar agreed in the Common Stock Purchase Agreement to amend the Axar Commitment to provide for a direct purchase of the 23,287,672 shares of common stock and avoid the expense of proceeding with the rights offering while obtaining the same per share and aggregate purchase price contemplated by the Axar Commitment. The $17.0 million purchase price will be paid by delivering the Preferred Shares purchased on April 3, 2020 and paying an additional cash purchase price of $8.2 million. Parent expects the transactions contemplated by the Common Stock Purchase Agreement to close in June 2020.

Recapitalization Transactions and Related Rights Offering

Preferred Placement and Notes Offeringin 2019

On June 27, 2019, the Partnershipwe closed a $447.5 million recapitalization transaction, consisting of (i) the sale of an aggregate of 52,083,333 of the Partnership’s Series A Preferred Units (the “Series A Convertible Preferred Units”) representing limited partner interests in the Partnership at a private placementpurchase price of $1.1040 per Preferred Unit, reflecting an 8% discount to the liquidation preference of each Preferred Unit, for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million (the Preferred Placement“Preferred Offering”) of $62.5 million of liquidation value of preferred units and (ii) a concurrent private placement of $385.0 million pursuant to the Indenture (the “Indenture”), of 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK ToggleOld Notes due June 2024 (the “Notes”) of the Partnership to certain financial institutions (the “Notes Offering” and together(collectively with the Preferred Placement,Offering, the Recapitalization Transactions“Recapitalization Transactions”). The issuers of the Notes will pay quarterly interest at either a fixed rate of 9.875% per annum in cash or, at their periodic option through January 30, 2022, a fixed rate of 7.50% per annum in cash plus a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum payable in kind. The Notes were issued at a price equal to 96.5% of par. The net proceeds of the Recapitalization Transactions were used to fully repay the Partnership’s outstandingour then-outstanding senior notes due in June 2021 and retire the revolving credit facility due in May 2020, as well as for associated transaction expenses, cash collateralization of existing letters of credit and other needs under the former credit facility, with the remaining balance available for general corporate purposes.

Board Reconstitution

In connection with the closing of the Recapitalization Transactions, the GPParent’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) was reconstituted. Directors Martin R. Lautman, Ph.D., Leo J. Pound, Robert A Sick and Fenton R. Talbott resigned as directors and pursuant to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of GP, the authorized number of directors was reduced to seven andseven. Andrew Axelrod, David Miller and Spencer Goldenberg were elected to the GP Board to fill the vacancies created by the resignations and pursuant to the designation of the Axar Special Member (as defined herein).resignations. The reconstituted board is comprised of AndrewMessrs. Axelrod, David Miller Spencerand Goldenberg, Robert B. Hellman, Jr., Stephen J. Negrotti, Patricia D. Wellenbach and Joseph M. Redling. Mr. Axelrod serves as the chairman of the GP Board.



Strategic Partnership Agreement

On April 2, 2020, we entered into two multi-year Master Services Agreements (the “MSAs”) with Moon Landscaping, Inc. and its affiliate, Rickert Landscaping, Inc. (collectively “Moon”). Under the terms of the MSAs, Moon will provide all grounds and maintenance services at most of the funeral homes, cemeteries and other properties we own or manage including, but not limited to, landscaping, openings and closings, burials, installations, routine maintenance and janitorial services. Moon will hire all of our grounds and maintenance employees at the serviced locations and will perform all functions currently handled by those employees. We expect the implementation of the MSAs to take place on a clustered basis over the next three to four months, with full implementation expected no later than July 31, 2020.

We agreed to pay a total of approximately $241.0 million over the terms of the contracts, which run through December 31, 2024, based upon an initial aggregate annual cost of $49.0 million and annual increases of 2%. The first year cost will be prorated based upon exact implementation androll-out schedule for each location. As part of the MSAs, we agreed to lease our landscaping and maintenance equipment to Moon for the duration of the agreements and to transfer title to any such equipment we own at the end of the term to Moon, in each case without any additional payment by Moon. As of December 31, 2019, the net book value of the equipment we will be leasing to Moon was approximately $7.4 million.

Each party has the right to terminate the MSAs at any time on six months’ prior written notice, provided that if we terminate the MSAs without cause, we will be obligated to pay Moon an equipment credit fee in the amount of $1.0 million for each year remaining in the term, prorated for the portion of the year in which any such termination occurs. The MSAs also contain representations, covenants and indemnity provisions that are customary for agreements of this nature.

Axar Proposal

On May 27, 2020, Parent announced that it had received an unsolicited proposal letter (the “Proposal”), dated May 24, 2020, from Axar proposing to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Parent not owned by Axar or its affiliates in a “going-private” transaction for $0.67 per share in cash, subject to certain conditions. According to the Proposal, the $0.67 per share price represents a premium of approximately 17% to 50-day moving average share price as of the market close on May 22, 2020.

Axar currently owns approximately 52% of Parent’s outstanding common stock. According to the Proposal, the proposed transaction would not be contingent on any financing and would be funded with equity from Axar and its affiliates. The Proposal states that the proposed transaction would be conditioned upon, among other things, the negotiation and execution of mutually satisfactory definitive agreements, which Axar proposed would contain terms customary for a transaction of this type, including a closing condition that the approval of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares not owned by Axar or its affiliates be obtained.

On May 26, 2020, the Parent’s Board of Directors formed a special committee (the “Special Committee”) consisting of independent directors to consider and evaluate the potential “going-private” transaction contemplated by the Proposal. The Special Committee intends to retain independent legal and financial advisors to assist in its review and evaluation of the proposed transaction and has been authorized by the Board to reject the proposed transaction or to recommend that the Board of Directors approve the terms of the proposed transaction.



Business Strategies

We believe the Recapitalization Transactions demonstrate both strong underlying values of our asset base, as well as confidence in our ability to execute our turnaround plan. We believe the recapitalization of our balance sheet has reset our financial footing and helps position us to execute the following business strategies:

Execute on Financial Strategy. The Recapitalization Transactions have significantly extended our debt capital structure with a five-year maturity, which provides us with liquidity to execute our turnaround strategy, including the next phase of our performance improvement plans. In April 2019, we announced a turnaround strategy focused on four key goals: cash flow and liquidity, capital structure, strategic balance sheet/portfolio review and performance improvement from cost reductions and revenue enhancement.

Implementation of New Strategic Initiatives. We view our substantial and diverse asset base as a strength, but we have reprioritized the ways in which we view our assets. We believe that by tiering operating units by class and contribution, initiating a divestiture plan for select assets and prioritizing certain assets over others, we will be able to optimize our top tier properties and more efficiently manage our assets. From a portfolio review perspective, we continue to focus our resources on improving our “top tier” assets, as we believe they possess the greatest potential for improved profitability. We are also minimizing costs and resources on our “lower-tier” assets to reduce the impact these assets have on the profitability of our portfolio.

Improve Operating Efficiencies. We believe we have identified significant expense reduction opportunities with additional“4-wall level” operational savings, identified projects and industry benchmarking. In addition, we are focused on improving performance through cost reductions and revenue enhancement and executing on other long- and short-term turnaround strategies that will allow us to meet our primary objectives on a continuing basis. The next phase of cost reduction and operational performance improvement opportunities have been identified with a focus on prioritizing opportunities in procurement, sourcing, product hierarchy, field labor efficiencies, shared services and outsourcing. We believe that the execution of these initiatives will result in improved profitability and cash flow across our asset base. In terms of revenue enhancements, we believe we have identified the primary drivers of our sales productivity andpre-need sales issues and we remain focused on improving retention of sales personnel and optimizing our staffing levels across our asset base.

Financial Turnaround Overview

We continue to execute on our financial strategy and pursue strategic initiatives to address ongoing performance challenges. While we rely heavily on our available cash and cash flows from operating activities to execute our operational strategy and meet our financial commitments and other short-term financial needs, we cannot be certain that sufficient capital will be generated through operations or be available to us to the extent required and on acceptable terms. We have experienced negative financial trends, including use of cash in operating activities, which, when considered in the aggregate, raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. These negative financial trends include:

we have continued to generate negative cash flow from operating activities through march 31, 2020 due to an increased competitive environment and increased professional fees and compliance costs; and

a decline in billings coupled with the increase in professional, compliance and consulting expenses tightened our liquidity position and increased reliance on long-term financial obligations.



During 2019 and 2020, we implemented (and will continue to implement) various actions to improve profitability and cash flows to fund operations. A summary of these actions is as follows:

2019

sold an aggregate of 52,083,333 of the Partnership’s Preferred Units for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million and completed a private placement of $385.0 million of the Senior Secured Notes. The net proceeds of both transactions were used to fully repay the then-outstanding senior notes due in June 2021 and retire our revolving credit facility that was due in May 2020;

managed recurring operating expenses, sought to limitnon-recurring operating expenses and implemented cost reduction initiatives; and

identified sales of select assets to provide supplemental liquidity.

2020

completed certain asset sales previously identified in 2019;

on April 1, 2020, entered into the Third Supplemental Indenture to the Indenture to amend certain financial covenants;

on April 1, 2020, entered into the Axar Commitment with Axar pursuant to which Axar committed to (a) purchase shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Series A Preferred Stock”) with an aggregate purchase price of $8.8 million on April 3, 2020, (b) exercise its basic rights in a rights offering to be effected by the Company by tendering the shares of Series A Preferred Stock so purchased for shares of Common Stock and (c) purchasing any shares offered in the rights offering for which other stockholders do not exercise their rights, up to a maximum of an additional $8.2 million of such shares;

on April 3, 2020, sold 176 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to Axar for a cash price of $50,000 per share, an aggregate of $8.8 million;

continued to manage recurring operating expenses, seek to limitnon-recurring operating expenses and implement cost reduction initiatives to minimize the impact of theCOVID-19 Pandemic on us;

streamlined corporate staff, planned for consolidations of field positions to reduce redundancies and implemented executive level salary reductions; and

on May 27, 2020, entered into the Common Stock Purchase Agreement pursuant to which the Common Stock Purchasers committed to purchase an aggregate of 23,287,672 shares of Parent’s common stock for aggregate consideration of $17.0 million, payable by delivering to Parent the Preferred Shares purchased on April 3, 2020 and paying an additional cash purchase price of $8.2 million.

There is no certainty that our actual operating performance and cash flows will not be substantially different from forecasted results, and there is no certainty we will not need amendments to the Indenture in the future. Factors that could impact the significant assumptions used by us in assessing our ability to satisfy our financial covenants include the following:

operating performance not meeting reasonably expected forecasts, including the effects of theCOVID-19 Pandemic on our operations;

failing to generate profitable sales;

investments in our trust funds experiencing significant declines due to factors outside our control;

being unable to compete successfully with other cemeteries and funeral homes in our markets;



the number of deaths in our markets declining; and

an adverse change in the mix of funeral and cemetery revenues between burials and cremations.

If our planned, implemented and not yet implemented actions are not successful in generating cash savings for us, or we fail to improve our operating performance and cash flows or we are not able to comply with the covenants under the Indenture, we may be forced to limit our business activities, limit our ability to implement further modifications to our operations, limit the effectiveness of some actions that are included in our forecasts, amend the Indenture and/or seek other sources of capital, and we may be unable to continue as a going concern. Additionally, a failure to generate additional liquidity could negatively impact our access to inventory or services that are important to the operation of our business. Our ability to meet our obligations as of March 31, 2020 and to continue as a going concern is dependent upon achieving the action plans noted above.

Based on our forecasted operating performance, planned actions to improve our profitability and cash flows, the execution of the Supplemental Indenture, the Axar Commitment and the Common Stock Purchase Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, together with plans to file financial statements on a timely basis consistent with the debt covenants, we do not believe it is probable that we will breach the covenants under the Indenture or be unable to continue as a going concern for the next twelve-month period. As such, the consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 were prepared on the basis of a going concern, which contemplates that we will be able to realize assets and discharge liabilities in the normal course of business. Accordingly, they do not give effect to adjustments, if any, that would be necessary should we be required to liquidate our assets.

Additional information about the Partnership, including but not limited to information regarding its business, properties, legal proceedings, financial statements, financial condition and results of operations, changes in accountants, market risk is set forth in Parent’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and its Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 , which are included herewith as Annex B and Annex C, respectively, and which are incorporated herein by reference. See also “Where You Can Find More Information” on page ii.

About Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc.

CFS West Virginia was incorporated under the laws of the State of West Virginia in 2004. CFS West Virginia, a wholly-owned subsidiary of StoneMor Partners, owns and operates certain of our cemeteries.

Principal Executive Offices

Our principal executive offices are located at 3600 Horizon Boulevard, Trevose, Pennsylvania 19053, and our telephone number is (215)826-2800. Our website is located atwww.stonemor.com. Information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and does not constitute a part of this prospectus.



The Exchange Offer

On June 27, 2019, we completed a private offering of $385.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes. The following is a summary of the exchange offer.

Old Notes

On June 27, 2019, we issued $385.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024 under an indenture (the “Original Indenture”) dated June 27, 2019 by and among the Issuers, certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Partnership, the initial purchasers party thereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”) and as collateral agent (the “Collateral Agent”). On December 31, 2019, StoneMor Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors (and collectively with StoneMor Inc., the “Guarantors”), the Issuers and the Trustee entered into the First Supplemental Indenture (the “First Supplemental Indenture”). On January 30, 2020, StoneMor LP Holdings, LLC, the Guarantors, the Issuers, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent entered into the Second Supplemental Indenture (the “Second Supplemental Indenture”). On April 1, 2020, the Issuers, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent entered into the Third Supplemental Indenture (the “Third Supplemental Indenture” and, collectively with the Original Indenture, the First Supplemental Indenture and the Second Supplemental Indenture, the “Indenture”). The Issuers have increased the outstanding principal amount of the Old Notes by an aggregate of approximately $11.5 million in payment of a portion of the interest payable on September 30, 2019, December 30, 2019 and March 30, 2020 under the Indenture (the “PIK Interest”). On April 9, 2020, the Issuers increased the outstanding principal amount of Old Notes by $1.5 million in payment of a portion of the consent fee in PIK Interest paid to the holders of Old Notes in connection with the execution of the Third Supplemental Indenture. The Issuers are obligated to further increase the outstanding principal amount of Old Notes by approximately $3.5 million in payment of additional PIK Interest on June 30, 2020. The Issuers have also redeemed an aggregate of $51.8 million of the Old Notes as required under the terms of the Indenture with the net proceeds of certain completed asset sales.

New Notes

The New Notes will be issued as an additional issuance under the Indenture. The terms of the New Notes are identical to the terms of the Old Notes, except that the New Notes are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The New Notes offered hereby, together with any Old Notes that remain outstanding after the completion of the exchange offer, will be treated as a single class for all purposes under the Indenture, including, without limitation, waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase. The New Notes will have a CUSIP number different from that of any Old Notes that remain outstanding after the completion of the exchange offer.

Exchange Offer

We are offering to exchange up to $349,595,841 aggregate principal amount of our New Notes, which will be registered under the



Securities Act, for up to $349,595,841 aggregate principal amount of our Old Notes, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and the accompanying letter of transmittal, which we refer to as the “exchange offer.”

Expiration Date

The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July     , 2020, unless we decide to extend it.

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

We will not accept Old Notes for exchange if the exchange offer, or the making of any exchange by a holder of the Old Notes, would violate any applicable law or SEC policy. The exchange offer is not conditioned on a minimum aggregate principal amount of Old Notes being tendered. Please read “The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Exchange Offer” for more information about the conditions to the exchange offer.

Procedures for Tendering Old Notes

To participate in the exchange offer if your Old Notes were issued in book-entry form and are represented by global notes, you must follow the automatic tender offer program (“ATOP”) procedures established by The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), for tendering notes held in book- entry form. These procedures require that the exchange agent receive, prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer, a computer generated message known as an “agent’s message” that is transmitted through ATOP and that DTC confirms that:

DTC has received your instructions to exchange your Old Notes; and

you agree to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal for holders of global notes.

To participate in the exchange offer if your Old Notes are held in definitive form, you must physically deliver your Old Notes to the exchange agent together with a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.

Because the Issuers are obligated to pay a portion of the interest payable on June 30, 2020 as PIK Interest, you should consider deferring any tender of Old Notes until after such payment is made. If you tender Old Notes before the June 30, 2020 PIK Interest is paid, you will need to tender any Old Notes evidencing PIK Interest paid on June 30, 2020 (after such payment is made in accordance with the Indenture) in accordance with the procedures described in this prospectus in order for such Old Notes to be exchanged for New Notes.

For more information on tendering your Old Notes, please refer to the section in this prospectus entitled “Exchange Offer—Terms of the Exchange Offer,” “—Procedures for Tendering,” and “Book-Entry; Delivery and Form.”

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

None.


Withdrawal of Tenders

You may withdraw your tender of Old Notes at any time prior to the expiration date. To withdraw your tender of Old Notes held in book entry form and represented by global notes, you must submit a notice of withdrawal to the exchange agent using ATOP procedures before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date of the exchange offer. For a withdrawal to be effective with respect to Old Notes held in definitive form, you must submit a written or facsimile notice of withdrawal to the exchange agent before 5:00 p.m., New York City Time, on the expiration date. Please refer to the section in this prospectus entitled “The Exchange Offer—Withdrawal of Tenders.”

Acceptance of Old Notes and Delivery of New Notes

If you fulfill all conditions required for proper acceptance of Old Notes, we will accept any and all Old Notes that you properly tender in the exchange offer before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. We will return any Old Notes that we do not accept for exchange to you without expense promptly after the expiration date. We will deliver New Notes promptly after the expiration date. Please refer to the section in this prospectus entitled “The Exchange Offer—Terms of the Exchange Offer.”

Fees and Expenses

We will bear expenses related to the exchange offer. Please refer to the section in this prospectus entitled “The Exchange Offer—Fees and Expenses.”

Use and Proceeds

The issuance of the New Notes will not provide us with any new proceeds.

Consequences of Failure to Exchange Old Notes

If you do not exchange your Old Notes in the exchange offer, you will no longer be able to require us to register the Old Notes under the Securities Act, except in the limited circumstances provided under the Registration Rights Agreement dated June 27, 2019 among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the initial purchasers of the Old Notes (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). In addition, you will not be able to resell, offer to resell or otherwise transfer the Old Notes unless we have registered the Old Notes under the Securities Act, or unless you resell, offer to resell or otherwise transfer them under an exemption from the registration requirements of, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act. If you fail to exchange your Old Notes for New Notes in the exchange offer, the existing transfer restrictions will remain in effect and the market value of your Old Notes likely will be adversely affected because of a smaller float and reduced liquidity.

Certain U.S. Federal Tax Considerations

The exchange of Old Notes for New Notes in the exchange offer will not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Please read “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”

Exchange Agent

We have appointed Wilmington Trust, National Association as the exchange agent for the exchange offer. You should direct questions



and requests for assistance, requests for additional copies of this prospectus or the letters of transmittal to the exchange agent as follows:

Wilmington Trust, National Association

c/o Wilmington Trust Company Rodney Square North

1100 North Market Street

Wilmington, DE 19890-1626

Attention: Workflow Management – 5th Floor

By Facsimile: (302)636-4139 (Attention: Workflow Management – 5th Floor)

By Email: DTC@wilmingtontrust.com

Resales

Based onno-action letters of the SEC staff issued to third parties, we believe that New Notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by you without further compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act if:

you are not an “affiliate” of us within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act;

such New Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of your business; and

you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the New Notes.

The SEC staff, however, has not considered our exchange offer for the New Notes in the context of ano-action letter, and the SEC staff may not make a similar determination as in theno-action letters issued to those third parties.

If you tender Old Notes in the exchange offer with the intention of participating in any manner in a distribution of the New Notes, you:

cannot rely on such interpretations by the SEC staff; and

must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction.

Unless an exemption from registration is otherwise available, any securityholder intending to distribute New Notes should be covered by an effective registration statement under the Securities Act. The registration statement should contain the selling securityholder’s information required by Item 507 or 508, as applicable, ofRegulation S-K under the Securities Act.

This prospectus may be used for an offer to resell, resale or other transfer of New Notes only as specifically described in this prospectus. Failure to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements by a holder subject to these requirements could result in that holder incurring liability for which it is not indemnified



by us. If you are a broker-dealer, you may participate in the exchange offer only if you acquired the Old Notes for your own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account in exchange for Old Notes, where such Old Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and must acknowledge by way of the letter of transmittal that it will deliver this prospectus in connection with any resale of the New Notes. Please read the section captioned “Plan of Distribution” for more details regarding the transfer of New Notes.

Registration Rights Agreement

Under the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, we agreed to use our commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC and cause to become effective a registration statement relating to an offer to exchange the Old Notes for the New Notes and to consummate the exchange offer not later than July 14, 2020 (the “Exchange Date”). In addition, we agreed, under certain circumstances, to use our commercially reasonable efforts to file a shelf registration statement with the SEC to cover resales of the Old Notes. If we fail to satisfy these obligations, we will be required to pay additional interest to holders of the Old Notes.

If (1) the exchange offer with respect to the Old Notes has not been consummated on or prior to the Exchange Date, (2) any shelf registration statement required to be filed to cover resales of the Old Notes has not been declared or otherwise become effective on or prior to the later of the 105th day after the obligation to file such shelf registration statement arose or June 1, 2020 or (3) any registration statement (including any shelf registration statement) required by the Registration Rights Agreement has been declared or automatically become effective but ceases to remain effective at any time at which it is required to be effective under the Registration Rights Agreement (each, a “registration default”), then additional interest will accrue on the aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes from and including the date on which such registration default has occurred but excluding the date on which such registration default has been cured. Additional interest will accrue at a rate of 0.25% for the first90-day period after such date, and thereafter it will be increased by an additional 0.25% for each subsequent90-day period that elapses, provided that the aggregate increase in such annual interest rate may in no event exceed 1.00% per annum over the applicable rate shown on the cover page of this prospectus and provided, further, that no such increase will be payable with respect to Old Notes from and after the date on which such Old Notes are freely transferable under Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.

A copy of the Registration Rights Agreement is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. See “Registration Rights.


The New Notes

The summary below describes the principal terms of the New Notes. Certain of the terms and conditions described below are subject to important limitations and exceptions. The “Description of the New Notes” section of this prospectus contains a more detailed description of the terms and conditions of the New Notes.

The New Notes are identical in all material respects to the Old Notes, except that the New Notes have been registered under the Securities Act and will not have any of the transfer restrictions, any of the registration rights provisions and any of the provisions regarding the payment of additional interest under certain circumstances.

The New Notes will evidence the same debt as the Old Notes exchanged therefor and be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.

Issuers

StoneMor Partners L.P. and Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc.

New Notes Offered

Up to $349,595,841 aggregate principal amount of New Notes in exchange for an identical principal amount of the Old Notes.

Maturity

June 30, 2024.

Interest

Interest on the New Notes will be payable quarterly in arrears from June 30, 2020 or from the most recent interest payment date to which interest on the New Notes has been paid or provided for, whichever is the later. Interest on the New Notes will be payable the 30th day of March, June, September and December of each year.

The Issuers will be required to pay interest on the New Notes entirely in cash at a fixed rate of 9.875% per annum,providedthat at the Issuers’ option upon notice to the Trustee no later than 30 days prior to the relevant interest payment date until January 30, 2022, interest on the New Notes for the relevant interest period may accrue and be payable at (1) a fixed rate of 7.50% in cash per annumplus(2) a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum in the form of PIK Interest (the “PIK Interest Portion”). The Issuers paid PIK Interest on September 30, 2019, December 30, 2019 and March 30, 2020 by increasing the outstanding principal amount of the Old Notes by approximately $4.0 million, $3.9 million and $3.6 million, respectively. The Issuers are obligated to further increase the outstanding principal amount of Old Notes by approximately $3.5 million in payment of additional PIK Interest on June 30, 2020.

If the Issuers pay any PIK Interest after the issuance of the New Notes, they will increase the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the New Notes or issue additional New Notes in an amount equal to the PIK Interest Portion for the applicable interest period (rounded up to the nearest whole dollar) to holders of New Notes on the relevant record date.

For a more detailed description, see “Description of the New Notes— Principal, Maturity and Interest.”


Denominations

Minimum denominations of $1.00 and integral multiples of $1.00 in excess thereof. See “Description of the New Notes—Principal, Maturity and Interest.”

Guarantees

The New Notes will be guaranteed by StoneMor Inc. and all of its subsidiaries as well as by the Issuers solely with respect to each other, subject to certain exceptions. See “Description of the New Notes— Guarantees.”

Ranking

The New Notes will:

be the Issuers’ general senior secured debt obligations;

rank senior in right of payment to all existing and any future indebtedness of the Issuers that is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the New Notes;

rank effectively senior to all existing and future unsecured indebtedness of the Issuers to the extent of the value of the collateral;

be effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness of the Issuers that is secured by assets or properties not constituting collateral, to the extent of the value of such assets and properties; and

be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness of any of the Partnership’s existing and future subsidiaries that do not guarantee the New Notes.

Security

The New Notes will be secured by a first priority lien on and security interest in substantially all of the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens. See “Description of the New Notes— Collateral and Security” and “Description of the New Notes—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Liens.”

Optional Redemption

Prior to June 27, 2023, the Issuers may redeem all or part of the New Notes by paying the principal amount of such New Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date plus the applicable premiums described in “Description of the New Notes—Optional Redemption.”

On or after June 27, 2023 the Issuers may redeem all or part of the New Notes by paying the principal amount of such New Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date without paying any premium.

For a more detailed description, see “Description of the New Notes— Optional Redemption.”

Mandatory Redemption

As long as the Notes remain outstanding, the Issuers shall promptly redeem the Notes with 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset



sales and casualty events by paying the principal amount of such Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date at the redemption prices and premium described in “Description of the New Notes—Mandatory Redemption.”

With respect to each fiscal year of the Partnership commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019, the Issuers shall on an annual basis redeem the Notes with 75% of the excess cash flow (subject to certain reductions and thresholds) for such recently ended fiscal year by paying the principal amount of such Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date.

For a more detailed description, see “Description of the New Notes— Mandatory Redemption.”

Affirmative Covenants

The Indenture contains certain affirmative covenants, among others, which require us to, among other things:

maintain our legal existence, properties and licenses and permits required to run our business;

maintain insurance;

provide certain financial statements and reports;

provide notices to the Trustee upon the occurrence of certain events including an Event of Default;

maintain trust funds and trust accounts;

subject certain of our accounts to control agreements;

maintain compliance with certain leases; and

maintain ratings.

For a more detailed description of these and other affirmative covenants, see “Description of the New Notes—Certain Covenants.” These covenants are subject to a number of important qualifications and exceptions.

Restrictive Covenants

The Indenture contains certain negative covenants, among others, that restrict our ability to, among other things:

incur more debt;

create liens;

engage in sale and lease-back transactions;

make investments, loans and advances;

transfer or sell assets;



pay dividends, repurchase stock and make distributions or certain other payments; and

enter into transactions with affiliates.

The Indenture also contains certain financial covenants that (i) require us to maintain certain minimum interest coverage and asset coverage ratios, (ii) maintain certain minimum liquidity amounts and (iii) limit the amount of capital expenditures we can make in any four fiscal quarter period.

For a more detailed description of these and other covenants, see “Description of the New Notes—Certain Covenants.” These covenants are subject to a number of important qualifications and exceptions.

Events of Default

The Indenture contains customary events of default, including with respect to nonpayment of principal, interest or other amounts; material inaccuracy of a representation or warranty; failure to perform or observe covenants; cross-acceleration of material debt; bankruptcy and insolvency events; monetary judgment defaults; actual or asserted invalidity or impairment of any material guarantees or security documentation; failure to maintain material licenses, permits and similar approvals; and change in control.

For a more detailed description of the events of default, including the ability of the Issuers to cure events of default under the financial covenants, see “Description of the New Notes—Events of Default and Remedies.”

Use of Proceeds

We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the New Notes. In consideration for issuing the New Notes contemplated by this prospectus, we will receive Old Notes in a like principal amount. We will cancel all Old Notes exchanged for New Notes in the exchange offer. See “Use of Proceeds.”

Trustee, Collateral Agent, Registrar and Paying Agent

Wilmington Trust, National Association.

Governing Law

The Indenture is, and the New Notes will be, governed by the laws of the State of New York.

Risk Factors

Before tendering Old Notes, holders of Old Notes should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this prospectus and, in particular, should evaluate the specific risk factors discussed under the section entitled “Risk Factors,” beginning on page      before deciding to invest in the New Notes.


RISK FACTORS

An investment in the Notes involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below and the risks set forth in Parent’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and its Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020, including, without limitation, the risks described therein related to our growth strategy, our business and the death care industry, together with the other information included in this prospectus, before making a decision to participate in the exchange offer. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, results of operations and financial condition could suffer. In that case, you may lose all or part of your investment.

In addition to the risk factors below related to the exchange offer, we hereby incorporate by reference all of our risk factors included in Parent’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020, attached hereto as Annex B and Annex C, respectively.

Capitalized terms that are used herein when referring to the Indenture but not defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to such terms in the Indenture.

Risks Related to the Exchange Offer

If you do not properly tender your Old Notes, you will continue to hold unregistered Notes and your ability to transfer Old Notes may be adversely affected.

We will only issue New Notes in exchange for Old Notes that you timely and properly tender. Therefore, you should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery of the Old Notes, and you should carefully follow the instructions on how to tender your Old Notes. Neither we nor the exchange agent is required to tell you of any defects or irregularities with respect to your tender of Old Notes.

If you do not exchange your Old Notes for New Notes pursuant to the exchange offer, the Old Notes you hold will continue to be unregistered. We do not plan to register Old Notes under the Securities Act. Further, if you continue to hold any Old Notes after the exchange offer is consummated, you may have trouble selling them because there will be fewer of the Old Notes outstanding.

Any guarantees of the Notes could be deemed fraudulent conveyances under certain circumstances, and a court may subordinate or void the guarantees.

The Notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by StoneMor Inc. and are also guaranteed on a senior secured basis by each Issuer (as to the other Issuer’s obligations), LP Sub, StoneMor Operating LLC and substantially all of StoneMor Inc.’s other existing subsidiaries. In certain circumstances, any of StoneMor Inc.’s future subsidiaries may be required to guarantee the Notes. A court could subordinate or void the guarantees or the security interests relating thereto under various fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer laws. Generally, to the extent that a U.S. court were to find that at the time one of the Guarantors entered into a guarantee and either:

the Guarantor incurred the guarantee with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud any present or future creditor, or contemplated insolvency with a design to favor one or more creditors to the exclusion of others; or

the Guarantor did not receive fair consideration or reasonably equivalent value for issuing the guarantee and, at the time it issued the subsidiary guarantee, the Guarantor:

was insolvent or became insolvent as a result of issuing the guarantee,

was engaged or about to engage in a business or transaction for which the remaining assets of the Guarantor constituted unreasonably small capital, or

intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay those debts as they matured,

then the court could void or subordinate the guarantee in favor of the Guarantor’s other obligations.

A legal challenge of a guarantee on fraudulent conveyance grounds may focus, among other things, on the benefits, if any, the Guarantor realized as a result of our issuing the Notes. To the extent a guarantee is voided as a fraudulent conveyance or held unenforceable for any other reason, the holders of the Notes would not have any claim against that Guarantor and would be creditors solely of us and any other Guarantors whose guarantees are not held unenforceable.

Your ability to transfer the New Notes may be limited by the absence of a trading market.

The New Notes will constitute a new issuance of securities for which currently there is no trading market. Although the New Notes will be registered under the Securities Act, they will not be listed on a securities exchange. We do not currently intend to apply for listing of the New Notes on any securities exchange or stock market. The liquidity of any market for the New Notes will depend on the number of holders of the New Notes, the interest of securities dealers in making a market in the New Notes and other factors. Accordingly, we cannot assure you as to the development or liquidity of any market for the New Notes. Historically, the market for noninvestment grade debt has been subject to disruptions that have caused substantial volatility in the prices of securities similar to the New Notes. We cannot assure you that the market, if any, for the New Notes will be free from similar disruptions. Any such disruption may adversely affect the holders’ ability to transfer the New Notes.

THE EXCHANGE OFFER

Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer

We sold the Old Notes to the initial purchasers in a private offering on June 27, 2019, pursuant to the Original Indenture. As a condition to the sale of the Old Notes to the initial purchasers, we entered into the Registration Rights Agreement.

The Registration Rights Agreement requires us to file a registration statement under the Securities Act offering to exchange your Old Notes for New Notes. Accordingly, we are offering you the opportunity to exchange your Old Notes for the same principal amount of New Notes. The New Notes will be registered and issued without a restrictive legend. The Registration Rights Agreement also requires us to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the registration statement to be declared effective by the SEC and to complete the exchange offer by July 14, 2020 (the “Exchange Date”). Under some circumstances set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, holders of Old Notes, including holders who are not permitted to participate in the exchange offer or who may not freely sell New Notes received in the exchange offer, may require us to file and cause to become effective a shelf registration statement covering resales of such Old Notes by these holders.

If (1) the exchange offer with respect to the Old Notes has not been consummated on or prior to the Exchange Date, (2) any shelf registration statement required to be filed to cover resales of the Old Notes has not been declared or otherwise become effective on or prior to the later of the 105th day after the obligation to file such shelf registration statement arose or June 1, 2020 or (3) any registration statement (including any shelf registration statement) required by the Registration Rights Agreement has been declared or automatically become effective but ceases to remain effective at any time at which it is required to be effective under the Registration Rights Agreement (each, a “registration default”), then additional interest will accrue on the aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes from and including the date on which such registration default has occurred but excluding the date on which such registration default has been cured. Additional interest will accrue at a rate of 0.25% for the first90-day period after such date, and thereafter it will be increased by an additional 0.25% for each subsequent90-day period that elapses, provided that the aggregate increase in such annual interest rate may in no event exceed 1.00% per annum over the applicable rate shown on the cover page of this prospectus and provided, further, that no such increase will be payable with respect to Old Notes from and after the date on which such Old Notes are freely transferable under Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.

A copy of the Registration Rights Agreement is incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. You are strongly encouraged to read the entire text of the agreement, as it, and not this description, defines your rights. Except as discussed below, we will have no further obligation to register your Old Notes upon the completion of the exchange offer.

We believe that the New Notes issued to you in this exchange offer may be offered for resale, sold and otherwise transferred by you, without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, only if you are able to make these four representations:

you are acquiring the New Notes issued in the exchange offer in the ordinary course of your business;

you have no arrangement or understanding with anyone to participate in the distribution of the Old Notes or the New Notes within the meaning of the Securities Act;

you are not an affiliate of us within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act; and

you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, the distribution of the New Notes.

Our belief is based upon existing interpretations by the SEC’s staff contained in several“no-action” letters to third parties unrelated to us. If you tender your Old Notes in the exchange offer for the purpose of participating in a distribution of New Notes, you cannot rely on these interpretations by the SEC’s staff and you must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction.

The SEC considers broker-dealers that acquired Old Notes directly from us, but not as a result of market- making activities or other trading activities, to be making a distribution of the New Notes if they participate in the exchange offer. Consequently, these broker-dealers cannot use this prospectus for the exchange offer in connection with a resale of the New Notes and, absent an exemption, must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a resale of the New Notes. These broker-dealers cannot rely on the position of the SEC’s staff set forth in itsno-action letters.

A broker-dealer that has acquired Old Notes as a result of market-making or other trading activities must deliver a prospectus in order to resell any New Notes it receives for its own account in the exchange offer. The SEC has taken the position that such broker-dealers may fulfill their prospectus delivery requirements with respect to the New Notes by delivering the prospectus contained in the registration statement for the exchange offer. Accordingly, this prospectus may be used by such a broker-dealer to resell any of its New Notes. We have agreed in the Registration Rights Agreement to send a prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests copies for a period of up to 90 days after the effective date of the registration statement for the exchange offer (or such shorter period during which broker-dealers are required by law to deliver this prospectus). Unless you are required to do so because you are such a broker-dealer, you may not use this prospectus for an offer to resell, resale or other retransfer of New Notes.

We are not making this exchange offer to, nor will we accept tenders for exchange from, holders of Old Notes in any jurisdiction in which the exchange offer or the acceptance of it would not be in compliance with the securities or blue sky laws of that jurisdiction.

We make no recommendation to holders of Old Notes as to whether to tender or refrain from tendering all or any portion of their Old Notes pursuant to the exchange offer. In addition, no one has been authorized to make any such recommendation. Holders of Old Notes must make their own decision whether to tender pursuant to the exchange offer and, if so, the aggregate amount of Old Notes to tender after reading this prospectus and the letter of transmittal and consulting with their advisers, if any, based on their own financial position and requirements.

Because the Issuers are obligated to pay a portion of the interest payable on June 30, 2020 as PIK Interest, you should consider deferring any tender of Old Notes until after such payment is made. If you tender Old Notes before the June 30, 2020 PIK Interest is paid, you will need to tender any Old Notes evidencing PIK Interest paid on June 30, 2020 (after such payment is made in accordance with the Indenture) in accordance with the procedures described in this prospectus in order for such Old Notes to be exchanged for New Notes.

You may suffer adverse consequences if you fail to exchange your Old Notes. Following the completion of the exchange offer, except as set forth below and in the Registration Rights Agreement, you will not have any further registration rights and your Old Notes will continue to be subject to certain restrictions on transfer. Accordingly, if you do not participate in the exchange offer, your ability to sell your Old Notes could be adversely affected.

Under the Registration Rights Agreement, we are required to file a shelf registration statement with the SEC to cover resales of the Old Notes or the New Notes by holders if (a) it is not permitted to consummate the exchange offer because it determines that the exchange offer is not permitted by applicable law or SEC policy, (b) the exchange offer is not for any reason consummated by the Exchange Date and the Old Notes are not then freely transferable pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or (c) prior to the Exchange Date, a holder notifies us that (i) the Old Notes it holds are not eligible to be exchanged for New Notes, (ii) following consummation of the exchange offer, the New Notes it receives in the exchange offer may not be sold to the public without delivering a prospectus and this prospectus is not available or appropriate for such purpose or (iii) such holder is a broker-dealer and acquired its Old Notes directly from us or one of our affiliates.

If we are obligated to file a shelf registration statement, we will be required to keep such shelf registration statement effective until the expiration of theone-year period referred to in Rule 144 applicable to securities held

bynon-affiliates under the Securities Act (or such shorter period that will terminate when all Old Notes covered by the shelf registration statement have been sold pursuant to such shelf registration statement or are freely transferable under Rule 144).

Representations We Need From You Before You May Participate in the Exchange Offer

We need representations from you before you can participate in the exchange offer. These representations (the “Required Representations”) are that:

any New Notes received by you will be acquired in the ordinary course of your business;

you have no arrangement or understanding with anyone to participate in the distribution of the New Notes within the meaning of the Securities Act;

you are not an affiliate of either Issuer within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act; and

you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, the distribution of the New Notes.

Terms of the Exchange Offer

Subject to the terms and conditions described in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal, we will accept for exchange any Old Notes properly tendered and not withdrawn prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. We will issue New Notes in a principal amount equal to the principal amount of Old Notes surrendered in the exchange offer. Old Notes may be tendered only for New Notes and only in minimum denominations of $1.00 and integral multiples of $1.00 in excess thereof.

The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of Old Notes being tendered for exchange.

As of the date of this prospectus, $346,134,496 in aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes is outstanding. The Issuers are obligated to further increase the outstanding principal amount of Old Notes by approximately $3.5 million in payment of additional PIK Interest on June 30, 2020. This prospectus and the letter of transmittal are being sent to, among others, all registered holders of Old Notes. There will be no fixed record date for determining registered holders of Old Notes entitled to participate in the exchange offer.

We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement, the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC. Old Notes that the holders thereof do not tender for exchange in the exchange offer will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest. These Old Notes will continue to be entitled to the rights and benefits such holders have under the Indenture relating to the Notes.

We will be deemed to have accepted for exchange properly tendered Old Notes when we have given oral (promptly confirmed in writing) or written notice of the acceptance to the exchange agent and complied with the applicable provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement. The exchange agent will act as agent for the tendering holders for the purposes of receiving the New Notes from us.

If you tender Old Notes in the exchange offer, you will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the letter of transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of Old Notes. We will pay all charges and expenses, other than certain applicable taxes described below, in connection with the closingexchange offer. It is important that you read the section “—Fees and Expenses” for more details regarding fees and expenses incurred in connection with the exchange offer.

We will return any Old Notes that we do not accept for exchange for any reason without expense to their tendering holder promptly after the expiration or termination of the Recapitalization Transactions, GP, GP Holdingsexchange offer.

Expiration Date

The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July     , 2020, unless, in our sole discretion, we extend it.

Extensions, Delays in Acceptance, Termination or Amendment

We expressly reserve the right, at any time or various times, to extend the period of time during which the exchange offer is open. We may delay acceptance of any Old Notes by giving oral or written notice of such extension to their holders at any time until the exchange offer expires or terminates. During any such extensions, all Old Notes previously tendered will remain subject to the exchange offer, and Axar Special Member LLC,we may accept them for exchange.

In order to extend the exchange offer, we will notify the exchange agent orally (promptly confirmed in writing) or in writing of any extension. We will notify the registered holders of Old Notes of the extension by a wholly-owned subsidiarypress release issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

If any of Axar (“the conditions listed under “—Conditions to the Exchange Offer” are not satisfied or waived by us, we expressly reserve the right, at our sole discretion, by giving oral (promptly confirmed in writing) or written notice to the exchange agent:

to delay accepting the Old Notes;

to extend the exchange offer;

to terminate the exchange offer and not accept Old Notes not previously accepted; or

subject to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, to amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner.

Any such delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be followed as promptly as practicable by written notice thereof to the registered holders of Old Notes. If we amend the exchange offer in a manner that we determine to constitute a material change, we will promptly disclose such amendment by means of a prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will be distributed to the registered holders of the Old Notes. Depending upon the significance of the amendment and the manner of disclosure to the registered holders, we may extend the exchange offer. In the event of a material change in the exchange offer, including the waiver by us of a material condition, we will extend the exchange offer period, if necessary, so that at least five business days remain in the exchange offer period following notice of the material change.

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

We will not accept for exchange, or exchange any New Notes for, any Old Notes if the exchange offer, or the making of any exchange by a holder of Old Notes, would violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC. Similarly, we may terminate the exchange offer as provided in this prospectus before accepting Old Notes for exchange in the event of such a potential violation.

We will not be obligated to accept for exchange the Old Notes of any holder that has not made to us the representations described under “—Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer,” “—Procedures for Tendering” and “Plan of Distribution” and such other representations as may be reasonably necessary under applicable SEC rules, regulations or interpretations to allow us to use an appropriate form to register the issuance of the New Notes under the Securities Act.

In addition, we will not accept for exchange any Old Notes tendered, and will not issue New Notes in exchange for any such Old Notes, if at such time any stop order has been threatened or is in effect with respect to the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part or the qualification of the Indenture relating to the Notes under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”).

We expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offer, and to reject for exchange any Old Notes not previously accepted for exchange, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions to the exchange offer specified above. We will give prompt written notice of any extension, amendment,non-acceptance or termination to the holders of the Old Notes as promptly as practicable.

These conditions are for our sole benefit, and we may assert them or waive them in whole or in part at any time or at various times in our sole discretion prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. If we fail at any time to exercise any of these rights, this failure will not mean that we have waived our rights. Each such right will be deemed an ongoing right that we may assert at any time or at various times prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.

Procedures for Tendering

To participate in the exchange offer, you must properly tender your Old Notes to the exchange agent as described below. We will only issue New Notes in exchange for Old Notes that you timely and properly tender. Therefore, you should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery of the Old Notes, and you should follow carefully the instructions on how to tender your Old Notes. It is your responsibility to properly tender your Old Notes. We have the right to waive any defects. However, we are not required to waive defects, and neither we nor the exchange agent is required to notify you of defects in your tender.

If you have any questions or need help in exchanging your Old Notes, please call the exchange agent, whose address and telephone number are set forth in “Prospectus Summary—The Exchange Offer—Exchange Agent.”

There is no procedure for guaranteed late delivery of the Old Notes.

If you beneficially own Old Notes that are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and you wish to tender those Old Notes, you should contact the registered holder as soon as possible and instruct the registered holder to tender on your behalf.

Axar Special MemberNotes Represented by Global Notes Held in Book-Entry Form

All of the Old Notes were issued in book-entry form, and, with the exception of one $71,896,460 note that was transferred into definitive form, all of the Old Notes are currently represented by one or more global notes held for the account of DTC. We have confirmed with DTC that the Old Notes represented by global notes may be tendered using ATOP. The exchange agent will establish an account with DTC for purposes of the exchange offer promptly after the commencement of the exchange offer, and DTC participants may electronically transmit their acceptance of the exchange offer by causing DTC to transfer their Old Notes to the exchange agent using the ATOP procedures. In connection with the transfer, DTC will send an “agent’s message” to the exchange agent. The agent’s message will state that DTC has received instructions from the participant to tender Old Notes and that the participant agrees to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal.

By using the ATOP procedures to exchange Old Notes, you will not be required to deliver a letter of transmittal to the exchange agent. However, you will be bound by its terms just as if you had signed it.

The form of letter of transmittal for holders of Notes represented by global notes is included as AnnexA-1 to this prospectus.

Notes Held in Definitive Form

If you hold your Old Notes in definitive form, you are required to physically deliver your Old Notes to the exchange agent at its address set forth in “Prospectus Summary—The Exchange Offer—Exchange Agent,) together with a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal for holders of definitive notes prior to 5:00 p.m., enteredNew Your City Time, on the expiration date.

The form of letter of transmittal for holders of Notes in definitive form is included as AnnexA-2 to this prospectus.

The method of delivery of the tendered Old Notes, the Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents to the exchange agent is at the election and risk of the holder. If such delivery is by mail, we recommend that registered mail, properly insured, with return receipt requested, be used. Instead of delivery by mail, we recommend that the holder use an overnight or hand delivery service.

Determinations under the Exchange Offer

We will determine, in our sole discretion, all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, time of receipt, acceptance of tendered Old Notes and withdrawal of tendered Old Notes. Our determination will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject any Old Notes not properly tendered or any Old Notes our acceptance of which would, in the opinion of our counsel, be unlawful. We also reserve the right to waive any defect, irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular Old Notes. Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, including the instructions in the letter of transmittal, will be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, all defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of Old Notes must be cured within such time as we shall determine. Although we intend to notify holders of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of Old Notes, neither we, the exchange agent nor any other person will incur any liability for failure to give such notification. Tenders of Old Notes will not be deemed made until such defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. Any Old Notes received by the exchange agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned to the tendering holder promptly following the expiration date of the exchange.

When We Will Issue New Notes

In all cases, we will issue New Notes for Old Notes that we have accepted for exchange under the exchange offer only after the exchange agent timely receives:

in the case of Old Notes issued in book-entry form and represented by global notes held for the account of DTC, a book-entry confirmation of such Old Notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC and a properly transmitted agent’s message; or

in the case of Old Notes held in definitive form, the certificate representing such Old Notes and a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal relating to such definitive notes.

Such New Notes will be issued promptly following the expiration of the exchange offer.

Return of Old Notes Not Accepted or Exchanged

If we do not accept any tendered Old Notes for exchange or if Old Notes are submitted for a greater principal amount than the holder desires to exchange, the unaccepted ornon-exchanged Old Notes will be returned without expense to their tendering holder. Suchnon-exchanged Old Notes issued in book-entry form and represented by global notes will be credited to an account maintained with DTC. The holders of any suchnon-exchanged Old Notes held in definitive form will receive the tendered Old Notes or a replacement Old Note in definitive form in the principal amount of suchnon-exchanged Old Notes. These actions will occur promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

Your Representations to Us

By agreeing to be bound by the letter of transmittal, you will represent to us that, among other things:

any New Notes that you receive will be acquired in the ordinary course of your business;

you have no arrangement or understanding with any person or entity to participate in the distribution of the New Notes;

you are not our “affiliate” of either Issuer within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act; and

you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, the distribution of the New Notes.

Further, you will acknowledge and agree that that any broker-dealer or holder using the exchange offer to participate in a distribution of New Notes to be acquired in the exchange offer (i) could not under SEC policy as in effect on the date of this prospectus rely on the position of the SEC enunciated in Morgan Stanley and Co., Inc. (available June 5, 1991) and Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), as interpreted in the SEC’s letter to Shearman & Sterling LLC dated July 2, 1993 and similarno-action letters and (ii) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction and that such a secondary resale transaction should be covered by an effective registration statement containing the selling security holder information required by Item 507 or 508, as applicable, of RegulationS-K under the Securities Act if the resales are of New Notes obtained by such holder in exchange for Old Notes acquired by such holder directly from us.

Withdrawal of Tenders

Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus, you may withdraw your tender at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. For a withdrawal to be effective with respect to Old Notes held in book-entry form and represented by global notes, you must comply with the appropriate ATOP procedures. Any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited with withdrawn Old Notes and otherwise comply with the ATOP procedures. For a withdrawal to be effective with respect to Old Notes held in definitive form, you must submit a written or facsimile notice of withdrawal to the exchange agent before 5:00 p.m., New York City Time, on the expiration date.

We will determine all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility and time of receipt of notice of withdrawal. Our determination shall be final and binding on all parties. We will deem any Old Notes so withdrawn not to have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the exchange offer.

Any Old Notes held in book-entry form and represented by global notes that have been tendered for exchange but are not exchanged for any reason will be credited to an account maintained with DTC for the Old Notes. This crediting will take place promptly after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the exchange offer. Any Old Notes held in definitive form that have been tendered for exchange but are not exchanged for any reason will be returned without expense to their tendering holder. You may retender properly withdrawn Old Notes by following the procedures described under “—Procedures for Tendering” above at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date of the exchange offer.

Wilmington Trust, National Association has been appointed as the exchange agent for the exchange offer. All executed letters of transmittal and any other required documents should be directed to the exchange agent at the address or facsimile number set forth below. Questions and requests for assistance and requests for additional copies of this prospectus or of the letter of transmittal should be directed to the exchange agent addressed as follows:

Wilmington Trust, National Association

c/o Wilmington Trust Company Rodney

Square North

1100 North Market Street

Wilmington, DE 19890-1626

Attention: Workflow Management – 5th Floor

or by facsimile at (302)636-4139 (Attention: Workflow Management – 5th Floor)

to confirm by email or for information at DTC@wilmingtontrust.com

Delivery of a letter of transmittal to an address other than as set forth above or transmission of a letter of transmittal via a facsimile transmission to a number other than as set forth above will not constitute a valid delivery of the letter of transmittal. Delivery of documents to DTC does not constitute delivery to the exchange agent.

Fees and Expenses

We will bear the expenses of soliciting tenders. The principal solicitation is being made by electronic mail; however, we may make additional solicitation by facsimile, telephone, mail or in person by our officers and regular employees and those of our affiliates.

We have not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the exchange offer and will not make any payments to broker-dealers or others soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer. We will, however, pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and reimburse it for its related reasonableout-of-pocket expenses.

We will pay the cash expenses to be incurred in connection with the exchange offer. They include:

SEC registration fees;

fees and expenses of the exchange agent and the Trustee;

accounting and legal fees and printing costs; and

related fees and expenses.

Transfer Taxes

We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of Old Notes under the exchange offer. The tendering holder, however, will be required to pay any transfer taxes, whether imposed on the registered holder or any other person, if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of Old Notes under the exchange offer.

Consequences of Failure to Exchange

If you do not exchange your Old Notes for New Notes under the exchange offer, the Old Notes you hold will continue to be subject to the existing restrictions on transfer, will continue to accrue interest but will not retain any rights under the Registration Rights Agreement, except as otherwise provided therein. In general, you may not offer or sell the Old Notes except under an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. We do not intend to register Old Notes under the Securities Act unless the Registration Rights Agreement requires us to do so.

Accounting Treatment

We will record the New Notes in our accounting records at the same carrying value as the Old Notes.

Accordingly, we will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes in connection with the exchange offer, other than the recognition of the fees and expenses of the offering as stated under “—Fees and Expenses.”

Other

Participation in the exchange offer is voluntary, and you should carefully consider whether to accept. You are urged to consult your financial and tax advisors in making your own decision on what action to take.

We may in the future seek to acquire untendered Old Notes in open market or privately-negotiated transactions, through subsequent exchange offers or otherwise. We have no present plans to acquire any Old Notes that are not tendered in the exchange offer or to file a registration statement to register any untendered Old Notes.

USE OF PROCEEDS

We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of the New Notes in the exchange offer. In consideration for issuing the New Notes as contemplated by this prospectus, we will receive Old Notes in a like principal amount. The form and terms of the New Notes are identical in all respects to the form and terms of the Old Notes, except the New Notes will be registered under the Securities Act. Old Notes surrendered in exchange for the New Notes will be retired and cancelled and will not be reissued. Accordingly, the issuance of the New Notes will not result in any change in outstanding indebtedness.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW NOTES

General

The definitions of certain terms used in this description are set forth under the subheading “—Certain Definitions.” In this “Description of the New Notes,” (i) the terms “we,” “our” and “us” each refer to Parent and its Subsidiaries taken together, (ii) except as described below, the term “Partnership” refers only to StoneMor Partners L.P. and not to any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) the term“Co-Issuer” refers only to Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. and not to any of its Subsidiaries and (iv) the term “Issuers” refers to the Partnership and theCo-Issuer, but not to any of their Subsidiaries. As a result of the consummation of theC-Corporation Conversion, references herein and in the Indenture to the Partnership shall refer, mutatis mutandi, to theC-Corporation other than for purposes of the definition of “Issuers” and unless otherwise provided in the Indenture or the context otherwise requires, subject to Section 8.05(k) of the Original Indenture.

The Issuers will issue new senior secured partialpayment-in-kind toggle notes denominated in U.S. dollars (the “New Notes”) under the indenture, dated as of June 27, 2019, by and among the Issuers, the Guarantors party thereto, Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”) and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”), as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, the Second Supplemental Indenture and the Third AmendedSupplemental Indenture (as so supplemented, the “Indenture”). Except as set forth herein, the terms of the New Notes will include those set forth in the Indenture and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreementthose made part of GP,the Indenture pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”). The New Notes will be secured by the Collateral as described under “—Collateral and Security.”

The terms of the New Notes are identical in all material respects to the terms of the 9.875% / 11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024 (the “Old Notes”) that were issued on June 27, 2019, except the New Notes will not contain transfer restrictions, Holders of New Notes will no longer have any registration rights and the Issuers will not be obligated to pay additional interest under the circumstances described in the registration rights agreement, dated as of June 27, 2019 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), by and among the Issuers, the Guarantors party thereto and the initial purchasers of the Old Notes. The New Notes will evidence the same debt as the Old Notes exchanged therefor. The initial interest payment on the New Notes will include all accrued and unpaid interest on the Old Notes exchanged therefor, and no separate payment of accrued and unpaid interest will be made with respect to any Old Notes that are exchanged in the exchange offer. The New Notes will be issued under and entitled to the benefits of the same Indenture that authorized the issuance of the Old Notes. In addition, the New Notes will bear a different CUSIP number than the Old Notes.

The exchange offer is being made to satisfy the Issuers’ obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement. The Trustee will authenticate and deliver New Notes for original issue only in exchange for a like principal amount of Old Notes. Any Old Notes that remain outstanding after the consummation of the exchange offer, together with the New Notes, will be treated as a single class of securities under the Indenture. Accordingly, all references in this section to specified percentages in aggregate principal amount of Old Notes shall be deemed to mean, at any time after the exchange offer is consummated, such percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes and the New Notes outstanding and all references to the New Notes shall be deemed to include the Old Notes unless the context requires otherwise. In this “Description of the New Notes,” the Old Notes and the New Notes are referred to together as the “Notes.”

The following description is only a summary of the material provisions of the Indenture, the Security Documents, the New Notes and the Note Guarantees. These descriptions are not complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, the Indenture, the Security Documents, the New Notes and the Note Guarantees, including the definitions of certain terms used therein. You should read these documents carefully to fully understand the terms of the New Notes because they, and not this description, will define your rights as Holders of New Notes. You may request copies of these documents at our address set forth under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Brief Description of the New Notes

Like the Old Notes, the New Notes will be:

general senior secured debt obligations of the Issuers;

secured on a first-priority basis by Liens on the Collateral described below under “—Collateral and Security”, subject to certain Liens permitted under the Indenture and as described in “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Liens;”

senior in right of payment to all existing and any future Indebtedness of the Issuers that is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the New Notes;

effectively senior to all existing and future unsecured Indebtedness of the Issuers to the extent of the value of the Collateral;

effectively subordinated to all existing and future Indebtedness of the Issuers that is secured by assets or properties not constituting Collateral, to the extent of the value of such assets and properties;

structurally subordinated to all existing and future Indebtedness of any of the Partnership’s existing and future subsidiaries that do not guarantee the New Notes; and

guaranteed on a senior basis by StoneMor Inc. and on a senior secured basis by substantially all of the direct and indirect subsidiaries of StoneMor Inc., subject to certain exceptions set forth in the indenture and as described below in “—Guarantees” and “—Certain Definitions.”

Guarantees

Except for certain Excluded Subsidiaries (as described in “—Certain Definitions”), StoneMor Inc. (collectively with the Subsidiary Guarantors, the “Guarantors”) and all of its Subsidiaries, including LP Sub will guarantee the New Notes. Each Issuer will also be a Guarantor with respect to the other Issuer’s obligations with respect to the New Notes.

The Guarantors will jointly and severally guarantee (the “Note Guarantees”), fully and unconditionally, on a senior basis as to StoneMor Inc. and on a senior secured basis as to the Guarantors other than StoneMor Inc., that the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, the New Notes will be promptly paid in full when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of and interest on the New Notes, if any, if lawful, and all other obligations of the Issuers to the Holders of New Notes, the Trustee or the Collateral Agent under the Indenture or the New Notes will be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the terms thereof.

The Note Guarantee of each Guarantor other than StoneMor Inc. will be:

a general senior secured obligation of such Guarantor; and

effectively senior to all existing and future unsecured Indebtedness of such Guarantor to the extent of the value of the Collateral.

The Note Guarantee of each Guarantor will be:

senior in right of payment to all existing and any future Indebtedness of such Guarantor that is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to such Guarantor’s Note Guarantee;

effectively subordinated to all existing and future Indebtedness of such Guarantor that is secured by assets or properties not constituting Collateral, to the extent of the value of such assets and properties; and

structurally subordinated to all existing and future Indebtedness of such Guarantor’s existing and future subsidiaries that do not guarantee the New Notes.

The obligations of each Guarantor under its Note Guarantee will be limited as necessary to prevent its Note Guarantee from constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance under applicable law. This provision may not, however, be effective to protect a Note Guarantee from being voided under fraudulent transfer law or may reduce the applicable Guarantor’s obligation to an amount that effectively makes its Note Guarantee worthless. If a Note Guarantee was rendered voidable, it could be subordinated by a court to all other indebtedness (including guarantees and other contingent liabilities) of the Guarantor and, depending on the amount of such indebtedness, a Guarantor’s liability on its Note Guarantee could be reduced to zero. See “Risk Factors —Risks Related to the Exchange Offer— Any guarantees of the Notes could be deemed fraudulent conveyances under certain circumstances, and a court may subordinate or void the guarantees.”

No Guarantor will be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders of New Notes in respect of any obligations guaranteed under the Indenture until payment in full of all guaranteed obligations under the Indenture. Each Guarantor will also have the right to seek contribution from anynon-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the Holders of New Notes under the Note Guarantees.

Except for any (i) consolidation, amalgamation or merger of a Subsidiary Guarantor with or into either of the Issuers or another Subsidiary Guarantor or (ii) any sale or conveyance of the property of a Guarantor as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to the Issuers or another Guarantor, no Subsidiary Guarantor will be permitted to sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to, or consolidate with, amalgamate with or merge with or into (whether or not such Subsidiary Guarantor is the surviving person) another person, other than the Issuers or another Subsidiary Guarantor, unless:

(a)

immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists; and

(b)

either:

(1)

the person acquiring the property in any such sale or disposition or the person formed by or surviving any such consolidation, amalgamation or merger unconditionally assumes all the obligations of that Subsidiary Guarantor under the Indenture and its Note Guarantee on the terms set forth therein, pursuant to a supplemental indenture in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee and appropriate documents relating to the Collateral pursuant to agreements in form reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent; or

(2)

the Net Proceeds of such sale or other disposition are applied in accordance with the provisions described in the first paragraph under “—Mandatory Redemption.”

The Note Guarantee of a Subsidiary Guarantor will automatically and unconditionally be released and discharged:

(i)

in connection with any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of that Subsidiary Guarantor (including by way of merger, consolidation or amalgamation) to a person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) either of the Issuers or a Subsidiary that is not an Excluded Subsidiary if the sale or other disposition is expressly permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions;”

(ii)

in connection with any sale or other disposition of all of the Equity Interests of that Subsidiary Guarantor to a person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) either of the Issuers or a Subsidiary that is not an Excluded Subsidiary, if the sale or other disposition is expressly permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions;”

(iii)

if the Issuers designate that Subsidiary Guarantor to be an Excluded Subsidiary in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture;

(iv)

upon the liquidation or dissolution of that Subsidiary Guarantor; provided that no Default or Event of Default shall occur as a result thereof or has occurred and is continuing; or

(v)

upon legal or covenant defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture as described in “—Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance.”

Principal, Maturity and Interest

The Issuers have outstanding $346,634,496 in aggregate principal amount of Old Notes, including an aggregate of approximately $11.5 million in connection with the payment of PIK Interest (as defined below) on September 30, 2019, December 30, 2019 and March 30, 2020 and $1.5 million in payment of a portion of the consent fee in PIK Interest paid to the holders of Old Notes in connection with the execution of the Third Supplemental Indenture. The Issuers are obligated to further increase the outstanding principal amount of Old Notes by approximately $3.5 million in payment of additional PIK Interest on June 30, 2020. On each Interest Payment Date after June 30, 2020 until January 30, 2022, the Issuers may, without the consent of the Holders, increase the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Notes or issue additional notes (the “PIK Notes”) under the Indenture having the same terms as the Notes (in each case, a “PIK Payment”). Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “Notes” for all purposes of the Indenture and this “Description of the New Notes” include any PIK Notes that are actually issued, and references to “principal amount” or “aggregate principal amount” of the Notes includes any increase in the principal amount or aggregate principal amount of the Notes as a result of a PIK Payment.

The Issuers shall issue the New Notes in minimum denominations of $1.00 and integral multiples of $1.00 in excess thereof. The New Notes will be issued under the Indenture and will mature on June 30, 2024.

Interest on the New Notes will accrue and be payable in cash at a fixed rate of 9.875% per annum (such interest payable, “Cash Interest”); provided that, at the Issuers’ option upon notice to the Trustee no later than 30 days prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date until January 30, 2022, interest on the New Notes for the relevant Interest Period may accrue and be payable at (i) a fixed rate of 7.50% in cash per annum plus (ii) a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum in the form of PIK Interest (the “PIK Interest Portion”); provided, further, that during the continuance of an Event of Default (to the extent not waived by the Required Noteholder Parties), at the option of the Required Noteholder Parties as evidenced to the Trustee in writing (and automatically upon an Event of Default specified under clauses (ii), (iii) or (viii) of the first paragraph set forth under “—Events of Default and Remedies”), the principal amount of all New Notes outstanding and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, any interest payments on the New Notes or any fees or other amounts owed under the Indenture, shall thereafter bear interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under applicable Bankruptcy Laws) entirely in cash and payable on demand, at a rate per annum equal to 13.50%.

Notwithstanding anything in this “Description of the New Notes” or the Indenture to the contrary, if at any time the applicable interest rate, together with all fees and charges that are treated as interest under applicable law (collectively, the “Charges”), as provided for in the Indenture or in any other document executed in connection therewith, or otherwise contracted for, charged, received, taken or reserved by any Noteholder Party, shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the “Maximum Rate”) that may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by such Noteholder Party in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable under the Indenture, together with all Charges payable to such Noteholder Party, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate; provided that such excess amount shall be paid to such Noteholder Party on subsequent payment dates to the extent not exceeding the legal limitation.

Interest on the New Notes will be computed on the basis of a360-day year comprised of twelve30-day months. Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, interest on the New Notes will be payable quarterly in arrears on the 30th day of March, June, September and December of each year, commencing on September 30, 2020 (each, an “Interest Payment Date”), and interest payments will be made to the Paying Agent for the account of the Holders of record on the 15th day of March, June, September and December of each year (each, a “Record Date”).

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, we will pay accrued and unpaid interest in connection with any redemption of the Notes as described below under the captions “—Optional Redemption” and “—Mandatory Redemption” in cash.

Optional Redemption

The Issuers shall have the right at any time and from time to time to redeem the Notes in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, in an aggregate principal amount that is an integral multiple of the Notes Multiple and not less than the Notes Minimum or, if less, the amount outstanding, subject to prior notice in accordance with the second paragraph of “—Selection and Notice”; provided that:

(i)

in the event of any optional redemption of the Notes made pursuant to this “—Optional Redemption” prior to June 27, 2021, the Issuers shall pay to the Paying Agent for the account of the applicable Holders with respect to such Notes, the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed, plus the Yield Maintenance Premium (as defined below) as of the applicable redemption date, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date;

(ii)

in the event of any optional redemption of the Notes made pursuant to this “—Optional Redemption” on or after June 27, 2021 and prior to June 27, 2022, the Issuers shall pay to the Paying Agent for the account of the applicable Holders with respect to such Notes the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed, plus a premium equal to 5.00% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes so redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date;

(iii)

in the event of any optional redemption of the Notes made pursuant to this “—Optional Redemption” on or after June 27, 2022 and prior to June 27, 2023, the Issuers shall pay to the Paying Agent for the account of the applicable Holders with respect to such Notes the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed, plus a premium equal to 3.00% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes so redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date; and

(iv)

on or after June 27, 2023, no premium shall be due in respect of the redemption of any such Notes and the redemption price shall be the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding the redemption date.

Any optional redemptions of the Notes pursuant to this “—Optional Redemption” shall be applied to the remaining installments of the Notes as the Issuers may in each case direct.

“Yield Maintenance Premium” means the sum of (i) 4.0% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes redeemed, repaid or repurchased by the Issuers on or before June 27, 2021 and (ii) (a) the aggregate amount of interest, in cash, that would have accrued on such aggregate principal amount of Notes redeemed, repaid or repurchased from the date of redemption or repurchase through June 27, 2021, assuming an interest rate of 11.500% per annum, minus (b) the aggregate amount of interest, in cash, that would have accrued on the principal amount of the Notes so redeemed, repaid or repurchased, if such principal amount of Notes were reinvested for the period from the date of such redemption or repurchase until June 27, 2021 at the Treasury Rate (as defined below) plus 50 basis points. The Issuers shall calculate or cause the calculation of the Yield Maintenance Premium and the Trustee shall have no duty to calculate or verify the Issuers’ calculations thereof.

“Treasury Rate” means, as of the applicable redemption date, a rate per annum (computed on the basis of actual days elapsed over a year of 360 days) equal to the rate determined by the Board of Directors of the Partnership (with communication of such rate to be delivered by the Issuers to the Trustee in writing), such determination to be conclusive absent manifest error, that on the date three Business Days prior to the date of redemption, is the yield expressed as a rate listedin The Wall Street Journalfor United States Treasury securities having a term most nearly equal to the period from such redemption date to June 27, 2021. If the redemption is in connection with a satisfaction and discharge or defeasance of the Indenture, the applicable Treasury Rate shall be computed as of the date that funds are irrevocably deposited with the Trustee to pay the amounts related thereto, as set forth in the Indenture.

Mandatory Redemption

The Issuers shall apply all Net Proceeds (as defined below) and Extraordinary Receipts (as defined below) on or prior to the date which is five Business Days after the date of the realization or receipt thereof by the

Partnership or any Subsidiaries, to redeem Notes at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the date of redemption in accordance with the third paragraph of this “—Mandatory Redemption” plus the applicable prepayment premiums specified in “—Optional Redemption” (it being understood that (i) such prepayment premiums shall not be payable in the case of the first $55.0 million of Excluded Net Proceeds (as defined below) and (ii) any redemption of the Notes using the remaining Excluded Net Proceeds shall be at a redemption price of 102.00% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the date of redemption).

Not later than five Business Days after the date on which the annual financial statements are, or are required to be, delivered pursuant to clause (i) of “—Certain Covenants—Financial Statements, Reports, etc.” with respect to each Excess Cash Flow Period (as defined below), the Issuers shall calculate Excess Cash Flow (as defined below) for such Excess Cash Flow Period and such calculation will be set forth in an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee and the Holders setting forth the amount, if any, of Excess Cash Flow for such fiscal year, the amount of any required redemption in respect thereof and the calculation thereof in reasonable detail, along with a notice of mandatory redemption calling the Notes for partial redemption as provided in the next sentence. The Issuers will effect a mandatory redemption of the Notes on at least five days, or in the case of Global Notes, as required by the procedures of the Depository, but not more than 30 days’ notice to Holders of the Notes and the Trustee in an amount equal to (i) 75% of such Excess Cash Flow, with respect to any Excess Cash Flow Period, minus (ii) the amount of any optional redemptions of Notes during such Excess Cash Flow Period (plus, without duplication of any amounts previously deducted under this clause (ii), the amount of any optional redemptions of Notes after the end of such Excess Cash Flow Period but before the date of redemption under this paragraph) to redeem Notes at 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date in accordance with “—Selection and Notice”, “—Optional Redemption” and the other redemption provisions set forth herein and in the Indenture (it being understood that the prepayment premiums specified in “—Optional Redemption” shall not be payable with respect to any Excess Cash Flow Period).

Redemptions of the Notes from all Net Proceeds or Extraordinary Receipts pursuant to the first paragraph of this “—Mandatory Redemption” and Excess Cash Flow pursuant to the second paragraph of this “—Mandatory Redemption” shall be applied so that the aggregate amount of such redemption is allocated among the Notes by lot in accordance with the Depository’s procedures based on the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes, with the application thereof to reduce in direct order amounts due on the succeeding Interest Payment Dates under such Notes.

In the event of any mandatory redemption required to be made pursuant to clause (ii) of the definition of “Net Proceeds” set forth below, or if the Notes are accelerated or otherwise become due prior to their stated maturity pursuant to the provisions described in “—Events of Default and Remedies” following the occurrence of any Event of Default, prior to June 27, 2021, the Issuers shall pay to the Paying Agent for the account of the applicable Holders with respect to such Notes the applicable prepayment premium specified in “—Optional Redemption” applicable to such Notes on such date.

“Excess Cash Flow” means, with respect to the Partnership and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for any Excess Cash Flow Period, the Operating Cash Flow Amount of the Partnership on a consolidated basis as of the last day of the Excess Cash Flow Period, minus, without duplication:

(i)

to the extent not already included in the Operating Cash Flow Amount, Debt Service for such Excess Cash Flow Period and the amount of any Net Proceeds or Extraordinary Receipts which have been used to redeem the Notes pursuant to the first paragraph of “—Mandatory Redemption”; provided that, with respect to any such amounts to be paid after the close of such Excess Cash Flow Period that are deducted in such Excess Cash Flow Period, any amount so deducted shall not be deducted again in a subsequent Excess Cash Flow Period;

(ii)

the amount of any voluntary redemption or repayment permitted under the Indenture of term Indebtedness during such Excess Cash Flow Period (other than any voluntary redemption of the Notes,

which shall be the subject of clause (ii) of the second paragraph under “—Mandatory Redemption”) and the amount of any voluntary payments of revolving Indebtedness to the extent accompanied by permanent reductions of any revolving facility commitments during such Excess Cash Flow Period to the extent an equal amount of loans thereunder was simultaneously repaid, so long as the amount of such redemption or repayment is not already reflected in Debt Service;

(iii)

Capital Expenditures by the Partnership and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis during such Excess Cash Flow Period that are paid in cash in an amount not to exceed $20.0 million; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, any amount so deducted in such Excess Cash Flow Period shall not be deducted again in a subsequent Excess Cash Flow Period;

(iv)

to the extent not already included in the Operating Cash Flow Amount, amounts paid in cash during such Excess Cash Flow Period on account of reserves or accruals established in purchase accounting; and

(v)

to the extent not deducted in the computation of Net Proceeds in respect of any asset disposition or condemnation giving rise thereto, the amount of any mandatory prepayment of Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness created under any Note Document), together with any interest, premium or penalties required to be paid (and actually paid) in connection therewith.

“Excess Cash Flow Period” means each fiscal year of the Partnership, commencing with the fiscal year of the Partnership that commenced on January 1, 2019.

“Excluded Net Proceeds” means Net Proceeds from all Dispositions completed after the Indenture Closing Date in an amount not to exceed $155.0 million in the aggregate.

“Extraordinary Receipts” means 100% of the cash proceeds received by or paid to the Partnership or any Subsidiary not in the ordinary course of business consisting of federal, state or local Tax refunds (other than resulting from overpayment), judgments, proceeds of settlements, condemnation awards, insurance or other proceeds from losses, damage or destruction of any asset or assets and indemnity payments, in each case, net of (i) such amounts that are required to be remitted to a third person or are insurance or condemnation proceeds that are required to be reinvested in the business or to be used to restore any asset subject to a casualty event, in each case as a result of applicable law or regulation, (ii) documented attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees and other reasonable fees and expenses incurred or payable in connection therewith, (iii) Taxes paid or payable (in the good faith determination of the Issuers) as a result thereof and (iv) the amount of any reasonable reserve established in accordance with GAAP against any adjustment to any liabilities related thereto (other than any taxes deducted pursuant to clause (ii) or (iii) above).

“Net Proceeds” means:

(i)

100% of the cash proceeds actually received by the Partnership or any Subsidiary (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise and including casualty insurance settlements and condemnation awards, but only as and when received) from any Disposition (other than under clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (v), (ix), (x) or (xi) under “—Certain Covenants—Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions”) or Casualty Event, net of (a) attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, investment banking fees, survey costs, title insurance premiums, and related search and recording charges, transfer taxes, deed or mortgage recording taxes, required debt payments and required payments of other obligations that are secured by the applicable asset or property (including without limitation principal amount, premium or penalty, if any, interest and other amounts) (other than pursuant to the Note Documents), other expenses and brokerage, consultant and other fees actually incurred in connection therewith, (b) Taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof (provided that, if the amount of any such estimated Taxes exceeds the amount of Taxes actually required to be paid in respect of such Disposition or Casualty Event, the aggregate amount of such excess shall constitute Net

Proceeds at the time such Taxes are actually paid) and (c) the amount of any reasonable reserve established in accordance with GAAP against any adjustment to the sale price or any liabilities (other than any taxes deducted pursuant to clause (a) above) (1) related to any of the applicable assets and (2) retained by the Partnership or any of the Subsidiaries including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations (however, the amount of any subsequent reduction of such reserve (other than in connection with a payment in respect of any such liability) shall be deemed to be Net Proceeds of such Disposition or Casualty Event occurring on the date of such reduction); provided that 20% of any Excluded Net Proceeds in excess of $55.0 million after the Indenture Closing Date shall not constitute “Net Proceeds” unless and until the Partnership or any Subsidiary has failed to reinvest such proceeds in assets of the general type used or useful in the business of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries (including in connection with an acquisition), on or before the date that is 360 days following receipt of such proceeds by the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries; provided, further, that the Partnership may elect, in its sole discretion, to treat such cash proceeds as “Net Proceeds” prior to the expiration of such360-day period; and

(ii)

100% of the cash proceeds from the incurrence, issuance or sale by the Partnership or any Subsidiary of any Indebtedness (other than Excluded Indebtedness), net of all taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof and fees (including investment banking fees and discounts), commissions, costs and other expenses, in each case incurred in connection with such incurrence, issuance or sale.

Selection and Notice

In the event that fewer than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, selection of the Notes to be redeemed will be made by the Trustee in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which such Notes are listed (if such listing is known to the Trustee) or, if such Notes are not then listed on a national security exchange, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC; provided that no Notes of a principal amount of $1.00 or less will be redeemed in part (for the avoidance of doubt any redemption for all and less than all Notes shall be subject to the applicable procedures of DTC unless such method is otherwise prohibited). A new Note in a principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon delivery of the original Note to the Paying Agent and cancellation of the original Note. On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption as long as the Issuers have deposited with the Paying Agent funds in U.S. legal tender in satisfaction of the applicable redemption price pursuant to the Indenture.

Prior to any mandatory redemption of the Notes pursuant to the provisions described in the first two paragraphs under “—Mandatory Redemption” or any optional redemption of the Notes pursuant to “—Optional Redemption”, the Issuers shall notify the Trustee and the Holders in writing no less than 10 days or more than 60 days before the scheduled date of such redemption, (i) specifying such redemption date, (ii) specifying the outstanding principal amount of such Notes to be redeemed on such date, (iii) specifying the accrued interest and redemption price applicable to the redemption and (iv) stating the applicable provision of the Indenture pursuant to which such redemption is to be made; provided that a notice of redemption may state that such notice is conditioned upon the Axar Special Member was admittedeffectiveness of other credit facilities, indentures or similar agreements or transactions, in which case such notice may be revoked or the redemption date delayed by the Issuers if such condition is not satisfied. Upon written request of the Issuers delivered at least two Business Days in the case of Global Notes and five Business Days in the case of Definitive Notes prior to the date on which notice is to be sent to Holders (or such shorter period as is acceptable to the Trustee) and at the Issuers’ sole expense, the Trustee shall send to each Holder of Notes to be so redeemed, by first-class mail at his or her last address, or deliver such notice through the applicable procedures of DTC in the case of Global Notes, as the same appears on the registry books maintained by the Registrar pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Indenture, a membercopy of the notice of redemption required to be delivered to the Trustee pursuant to this paragraph.

Paying Agent and Registrar

The Trustee will initially act as the paying agent (the “Paying Agent”) and the registrar (the “Registrar”) with respect to the New Notes. The Issuers may change the Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to the Holders of New Notes. The Partnership or any of its domestically organized Subsidiaries may act as the Paying Agent or the Registrar.

Transfer and Exchange

A Holder may transfer or exchange the New Notes in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture. The Registrar may require a Holder of New Notes to furnish appropriate endorsements and a transferee letter in connection with a registration of transfer or exchange of New Notes. No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of New Notes, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax, assessment or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith. We shall not be required to make, and the Registrar will not need to register, transfers or exchanges of New Notes selected for redemption (except, in the case of New Notes to be redeemed in part, the portion thereof not to be redeemed) or of any New Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of New Notes to be redeemed. The New Notes will be issued in registered form.

Collateral and Security

Collateral Generally

The obligations of the Issuers under the Indenture and the New Notes and the Guarantors’ Note Guarantees with respect to the New Notes will be secured by a first priority Lien on and security interest (subject to certain Permitted Liens as described in “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Liens”) in the Collateral granted to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Holders of the New Notes. The Collateral will include substantially all of the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, excluding certain assets as described below in “—Collateral and Security—Limitations on Collateral.”

Certain Limitations on the Collateral

The Collateral securing the New Notes will not include any of the following (the “Excluded Property”):

(i)

all Trust Accounts, together with any proceeds of an Issuer’s or a Subsidiary Guarantor’s (each, a “Grantor”) Receivables that are required by law to be placed into a Trust Account for the benefit of the applicable account debtors and all such funds held in Trust Accounts from time to time (but excluding, in any case, such funds that any Grantor has a right to demand payment of, or is otherwise entitled to a distribution of, or any rights of any Grantor in respect thereof, whether the corpus, income or proceeds of a Trust Account, in each case, in accordance with applicable law, and such right shall not be deemed to be Excluded Property, but shall instead be treated for all purposes under the Collateral Agreement as a General Intangible or Account (each as defined in the UCC), as applicable);

(ii)

Excluded Securities;

(iii)

assets (including rights) that may not be pledged as a matter of law or without prior approval of any Governmental Authorities (unless such approval has been obtained and except to the extent such law would be rendered ineffective with respect to the creation of the security interest under the Collateral Agreement pursuant to Sections9-406,9-407,9-408 or9-409 of the UCC (or any successor provision or provisions)); provided, however, that the Collateral shall include (and such security interest shall attach) immediately at such time as the legal prohibitions described in this clause (iii) shall no longer be applicable;

(iv)

motor vehicles and similar assets subject to a certificate of title in the United States;

(v)

Excluded Real Property;

(vi)

United Statesintent-to-use trademark applications to the extent that, and solely during the period in which, the grant of a security interest therein would impair the validity or enforceability of suchintent-to-use trademark application under applicable federal law;

(vii)

any lease, license, contract, permit, authorization or agreement to which any Grantor is a party or any of its rights or interests thereunder if and to the extent and for so long as the grant of a security interest therein, or in any assets or rights which are the subject thereof, shall constitute or result in (a) the abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability of any right, title or interest of any Grantor therein or (b) a breach or termination pursuant to the terms of, or a default under, any such lease, license, contract, permit, authorization or agreement (unless such law, rule, regulation, term, provision or condition would be rendered ineffective with respect to the creation of the security interest under the Collateral Agreement pursuant to Sections9-406,9-407,9-408 or9-409 of the UCC (or any successor provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable law); provided, however, that the Collateral shall include (and such security interest shall attach) immediately at such time as the contractual or legal prohibitions described in this clause (vii) shall no longer be applicable and to the extent severable, shall attach immediately to any portion of such lease, license, contract, permit, authorization or agreement not subject to the prohibitions specified above without further action of any party;

(vii)

margin stock; and

(ix)

those assets (including owned or leased real property that is not included in the definition of “Excluded Real Property”) as to which the Required Noteholder Parties determine (with communication of such determination, if any, to be delivered to the Issuers by the Trustee at the direction of the Required Noteholder Parties) that the cost or other consequences of obtaining such security interest are likely to be excessive in relation to the value to be afforded thereby.

After-Acquired Collateral

Subject to certain limitations and exceptions, if any asset is acquired by the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor or owned by an entity at the time it becomes a Subsidiary Guarantor, in each case, it will be required to execute and deliver such documentation and to take such actions to cause such asset to be subject to a Lien securing the Note Obligations and to add such after-acquired collateral to the Collateral, and thereupon all provisions of the Indenture and the Security Documents relating to the Collateral shall be deemed to relate to such after-acquired collateral to the same extent and with the same force and effect.

Further Assurances

The Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall execute any and all further documents, financing statements, agreements and instruments, and take all such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements, fixture filings, Mortgages (or Mortgage Amendments) and other documents), that the Trustee or Collateral Agent (in each case, acting at the direction of the Required Noteholder Parties) may reasonably request (including, without limitation, those required by applicable law), to satisfy the Collateral Requirement and to cause the Collateral Requirement to be and remain satisfied (subject to applicable Cemetery Laws), all at the expense of the Note Parties and provide to the Collateral Agent, from time to time upon reasonable request, evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent as to the perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents.

Cash Management Systems

Within 60 days after any person becomes a Subsidiary Guarantor after the Indenture Closing Date (or such longer period as the Required Noteholder Parties may agree in their reasonable discretion (with communication of such agreement, if any, to be delivered to the Issuers, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent in writing)), such

Subsidiary Guarantor shall enter into a Control Agreement with respect to all cash and Permitted Investments maintained in Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts of such Subsidiary Guarantor, other than cash and Permitted Investments maintained in Excluded Accounts. It is understood and agreed that the proceeds of the Notes shall be held in a Deposit Account subject to a Control Agreement pending application for any purpose permitted under the Indenture.

At any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Control Triggering Event, the Collateral Agent (acting at the written request of the Trustee, which will act at the written direction of the Required Noteholder Parties delivered in accordance with the Indenture) shall have the right to designate three-seventhsdeliver an Activation Notice (or similar term, as defined in each Control Agreement) with respect to each Controlled Account. After delivery of an Activation Notice (or similar term, as defined in each Control Agreement), the Collateral Agent shall comply with the written instructions of the GPTrustee (acting at the direction of the Required Noteholder Parties delivered in accordance with the Indenture) with respect to credits and transfers from the applicable Controlled Accounts.

The Issuers and Subsidiary Guarantors may close and/or open any account (including any Controlled Account) maintained at any bank or other financial institution subject to the applicable requirements described in the first paragraph of this “—Collateral and Security—Cash Management Systems.”

So long as no Control Triggering Event has occurred and is continuing, the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors may direct the manner of disposition of funds in all Controlled Accounts.

The Collateral Agent (acting at the written request of the Trustee, which will act at the written direction of the Required Noteholder Parties delivered in accordance with the Indenture) shall promptly (but in any event within one Business Day of obtaining knowledge thereof) (a) furnish written notice to each person with whom a Controlled Account is maintained of any termination of a Control Triggering Event or (b) take such other action and execute such other documents as may be reasonably requested by the Issuers or the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor in connection with any termination of a Control Triggering Event.

Release of Collateral

The Indenture provides that the Liens granted to the Collateral Agent by the Note Parties on any Collateral (including any Controlled Accounts) shall be automatically released:

(i)

in full upon the occurrence of the Termination Date or discharge, legal defeasance or covenant defeasance of the Indenture as described in “—Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance;”

(ii)

upon the Disposition of such Collateral by any Note Party to a person that is not (and is not required to become) a Note Party in a transaction expressly permitted by the Indenture;

(iii)

to the extent that such Collateral comprises property leased to a Note Party, upon termination or expiration of such lease;

(iv)

if the release of such Lien is approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Required Noteholder Parties (or such other percentage of the Noteholder Parties whose consent may be required in accordance with the provisions set forth under “—Amendments and Waivers”);

(v)

to the extent that the property constituting such Collateral is owned by any Guarantor, upon the release of such Guarantor from its obligations under its Note Guarantees in accordance with the provisions set forth in the final paragraph under “—Guarantees” or the succeeding paragraph below; and

(vi)

as required by the Trustee to effect any Disposition of Collateral in connection with any exercise of remedies of the Collateral Agent or the Trustee pursuant to the Security Documents. Any such release shall not in any manner discharge, affect or impair the Note Obligations or any Liens (other than those being released) upon (or obligations (other than those being released) of the Note Parties in respect of)

all interests retained by the Note Parties, including the proceeds of any Disposition, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral except to the extent otherwise released in accordance with the provisions of the Note Documents.

In addition, a Guarantor shall be automatically released from its Note Guarantees upon consummation of any transaction resulting in such Subsidiary ceasing to exist or constitute a Subsidiary or otherwise becoming an Excluded Subsidiary in a transaction expressly permitted by the Indenture.

Sufficiency of Collateral

The fair market value of the Collateral is subject to fluctuations based on factors that include, among others, the ability to sell the Collateral in an orderly sale, general economic conditions, the availability of buyers and similar factors. The amount to be received upon a sale of the Collateral would also be dependent on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the actual fair market value of the Collateral at such time and the timing and the manner of the sale. By their nature, portions of the Collateral may be illiquid and may have no readily ascertainable market value. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Collateral can be sold in a short period of time or in an orderly manner. In addition, as discussed further below, the Holders of the Notes will not be entitled to receive post-petition interest or applicable fees, costs, expenses, or charges to the extent the amount of the obligations due under the Notes exceeds the value of the Collateral (after taking into account all other first- priority debt that is also secured by the Collateral), or any “adequate protection” on account of any undersecured portion of the Notes.

Certain Bankruptcy Limitations

The right of the Collateral Agent to foreclose upon, repossess and dispose of the Collateral upon the occurrence of an Event of Default would be significantly impaired by any Bankruptcy Law in the event that any bankruptcy case or other insolvency or liquidation proceeding were to be commenced by or against the Issuers or any Guarantor prior to the Collateral Agent’s having repossessed and disposed of the Collateral (and in some cases, even after). Upon the commencement of a case for relief under the Bankruptcy Code, a secured creditor such as the Collateral Agent is prohibited from foreclosing upon or repossessing its security from a debtor in a bankruptcy case or from disposing of previously repossessed security without prior bankruptcy court approval (which may not be given under the circumstances).

In view of the broad equitable powers of a U.S. bankruptcy court and the lack of a precise definition of the meaning of “adequate protection,” it is impossible to predict whether or when payments under the Notes could be made following the commencement of a bankruptcy case (or the length of the delay in making any such payments), whether or when the Collateral Agent could or would repossess or dispose of the Collateral, the value of the Collateral at any time during a bankruptcy case or whether or to what extent Holders of the Notes would be compensated for any delay in payment or loss of value of the Collateral. The Bankruptcy Code permits the payment and/or accrual of post-petition interest, expenses, costs and attorneys’ fees to a secured creditor during a debtor’s bankruptcy case only to the extent the value of such creditor’s interest in the Collateral is determined by the bankruptcy court to exceed the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the obligations secured by the Collateral.

Furthermore, in the event a domestic or foreign bankruptcy court determines that the value of the Collateral is not sufficient to repay all amounts due on the Notes, the Holders of the Notes would hold secured claims only to the extent of the value of the Collateral to which the Holders of the Notes are entitled, and unsecured “deficiency” claims with respect to such shortfall, which deficiency claims would not need to be adequately protected during a bankruptcy case.

Certain Covenants

The Indenture contains certain covenants including, among others, the following:

Payment of Notes

The Issuers shall pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes. Principal, premium, if any, and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if the Trustee or Paying Agent (if other than the Trustee), if other than the Issuers or a Subsidiary, holds as of 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the due date money deposited by the Issuers in immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then due. PIK Interest shall be considered paid on the date due if on such date the Trustee has received (i) a written order, pursuant to the provisions described below in “—Certain Covenants—Maintenance of Office or Agency,” from the Issuers signed by a Responsible Officer to increase the balance of any Global Note to reflect such PIK Interest or (ii) a PIK Note duly executed by the Issuers together with a written order, pursuant to the provisions described below in “—Certain Covenants—Maintenance of Office or Agency,” of the Issuers signed by a Responsible Officer requesting the authentication of such PIK Note by the Trustee.

The Issuers shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the rate equal to the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful and shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful.

Maintenance of Office or Agency

The Issuers shall maintain an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee, Registrar orco-registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuers in respect of the Notes and the Indenture may be served. The Issuers shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Issuers shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

The Issuers may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Issuers of their obligation to maintain an office or agency for such purposes. The Issuers shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

The Issuers hereby designate the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as one such office or agency of the Issuers in accordance with the provisions described in “—Certain Covenants—Existence, Business and Properties;” provided that no office of the Trustee shall be an office or agency of the Issuers or Guarantors for the purpose of service of legal process on the Issuers or any Guarantor.

Existence, Business and Properties

Each of the Issuers will, and will cause each Subsidiary Guarantor to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence, and all rights and franchises, licenses and permits, except, in the case of a Subsidiary of the Partnership, where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and except as otherwise permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions,” and except for the liquidation or

dissolution of Subsidiaries if the assets of such Subsidiaries to the extent they exceed estimated liabilities are acquired by the Partnership or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Partnership in such liquidation or dissolution; provided that Subsidiary Guarantors may not be liquidated into Subsidiaries that are not Note Parties (except as permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions”).

Except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, each of the Issuers will, and will cause each Subsidiary Guarantor to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to (i) lawfully obtain, preserve, renew, extend and keep in full force and effect the permits, franchises, authorizations, Intellectual Property, licenses and rights with respect thereto necessary to the normal conduct of its business, and (ii) at all times maintain, protect and preserve all property necessary to the normal conduct of its business and keep such property in good repair, working order and condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted), from time to time make, or cause to be made, all needful and proper repairs, renewals, additions, improvements and replacements thereto necessary in order that the business carried on in connection therewith, if any, may be properly conducted at all times (in each case except as permitted by the Indenture).

Insurance

The Issuers will, and will cause each of the Subsidiary Guarantors to, (i) maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance (subject to customary deductibles and retentions) in such amounts and against such risks as are customarily maintained by similarly situated companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations and consistent with past practice or industry practices and (ii) cause the Collateral Agent to be listed as aco-loss payee on property and casualty policies and as an additional insured on liability policies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Partnership and the Subsidiaries may self-insure with respect to such risks with respect to which companies of established reputation engaged in the same general line of business in the same general area usually self-insure.

In connection with the covenants set forth in this “—Certain Covenants—Insurance,” it is understood and agreed that:

(i)

the Trustee, the Collateral Agent, the Noteholder Parties and their respective agents or employees shall not be liable for any loss or damage insured by the insurance policies required to be maintained under this “—Certain Covenants—Insurance,” it being understood that (a) the Note Parties shall look solely to their insurance companies or any other parties other than the aforesaid parties for the recovery of such loss or damage and (b) such insurance companies shall have no rights of subrogation against the Trustee, the Collateral Agent, the Noteholder Parties or their agents or employees. If, however, the insurance policies, as a matter of the internal policy of such insurer, do not provide waiver of subrogation rights against such parties, as required above, then the Partnership, on behalf of itself and behalf of each of its Subsidiaries, hereby agrees, to the extent permitted by law, to waive, and further agrees to cause each of their Subsidiaries to waive, its right of recovery, if any, against the Trustee, the Collateral Agent, the Noteholder Parties and their agents and employees;

(ii)

the designation of any form, type or amount of insurance coverage by the Collateral Agent (including acting in the capacity as the Collateral Agent) under this “—Certain Covenants—Insurance” shall in no event be deemed a representation, warranty or advice by the Collateral Agent, the Trustee or the Noteholder Parties that such insurance is adequate for the purposes of the business of the Partnership and the Subsidiaries or the protection of their properties; and

(iii)

the amount and type of insurance that the Partnership and the Subsidiaries had in effect as of the Indenture Closing Date satisfied for all purposes the requirements of this “—Certain Covenants—Insurance.”

Taxes

Each of the Issuers will, and will cause each Subsidiary Guarantor to, pay its obligations in respect of all Taxes before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (i) the amount or validity thereof is

being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and the Partnership or a Subsidiary thereof has set aside on its books adequate reserves therefor in accordance with GAAP or (ii) the failure to make payment could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

Financial Statements, Reports, etc.

Until the Termination Date (unless the Required Noteholder Parties otherwise consent in writing), the Issuers will furnish to the Trustee:

(i)

within 95 days after the end of each fiscal year, a consolidated balance sheet and related statements of comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders’ equity showing the financial position of theC-Corporation and the Subsidiaries as of the close of such fiscal year and the consolidated results of their operations during such year and setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the prior fiscal year, which consolidated balance sheet and related statements of comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders’ equity will be accompanied by customary management’s discussion and analysis and audited by independent public accountants of recognized national standing and accompanied by an opinion of such accountants (which opinion will not be qualified as to scope of audit or as to the status of theC-Corporation or any Subsidiary as a going concern, other than solely with respect to, or resulting solely from, an upcoming maturity date under any series of Indebtedness occurring within one year from the time such opinion is delivered or any potential inability to satisfy a financial maintenance covenant on a future date or in a future period) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements fairly present, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations of theC-Corporation and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (it being understood that the delivery of annual reports on Form10-K of theC-Corporation and the consolidated Subsidiaries will satisfy the requirements of this clause (i) to the extent such annual reports include the information specified herein);

(ii)

within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year, a consolidated balance sheet and related statements of comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders’ equity showing the financial position of theC-Corporation and the Subsidiaries as of the close of such fiscal quarter and the consolidated results of their operations during such fiscal quarter and the then-elapsed portion of the fiscal year and setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the corresponding periods of the prior fiscal year, all of which will be in reasonable detail, which consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders’ equity will be accompanied by customary management’s discussion and analysis and which consolidated balance sheet and related statements of comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders’ equity will be certified by a Financial Officer on behalf of theC-Corporation as fairly presenting, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations of theC-Corporation and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (subject to normalyear-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes) (it being understood that the delivery of quarterly reports on Form10-Q of theC-Corporation and the consolidated Subsidiaries will satisfy the requirements of this clause (ii) to the extent such quarterly reports include the information specified herein);

(iii)

all information that would be required to be contained in filings with the SEC on Form8-K under Items 1.01, 1.02, 1 .03, 2.01, 2.03, 2.04, 2.05, 2.06, 3.03, 4.01, 4.02, 5.01 and 5.02(b) and (c)(l) (other than with respect to information otherwise required or contemplated by Item 402 of RegulationS-K) (but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, financial statements and exhibits that would be required pursuant to Item 9.01 of Form8-K, other than financial statements and pro forma financial information required pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) of Item 9.01 of Form8-K (in each case relating to transactions required to be reported pursuant to Item 2.01 of Form8-K) to the extent available (as determined by the Partnership in good faith, which determination will be conclusive)) promptly from time to time after the occurrence of an event required to be therein reported (and in any event within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations);

(iv)

concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (i) or (ii) above, an Officer’s Certificate of a Financial Officer of theC-Corporation (a) certifying that no Event of Default or Default has occurred since the date of the last certificate delivered pursuant to this clause (iv) or, if such an Event of Default or Default has occurred, specifying the nature and extent thereof and any corrective action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto and (b) setting forth computations in reasonable detail demonstrating compliance with the Financial Covenants;

(v)

within 35 days after the end of each fiscal month, the consolidated balance sheet and related statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity or partners’ capital and cash flows of theC-Corporation and the Subsidiaries as of the end of and for such month and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of theC-Corporation and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis prepared in a manner consistent with the most recent monthly internal financial statements and reporting plan provided to the initial purchasers of the Old Notes prior to the Indenture Closing Date, subject to normal quarterly and/oryear-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes, and monthly cash flow forecasts for the next 12 months following the end of such month with a qualitative and quantitative variance analysis (with respect to both the actual cash flows of the prior month and the forecast delivered with respect to the prior month) and weekly cash flow forecasts for the next 13 weeks, in each case, using reasonable assumptions and in form and scope substantially consistent with the information provided prior to the Indenture Closing Date to the initial purchasers of the Old Notes;

(vi)

promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other publicly available reports, proxy statements and, to the extent requested by the Required Noteholder Parties, other materials filed by theC-Corporation or any of the Subsidiaries with the SEC or distributed to its stockholders generally, as applicable; provided, however, that such reports, proxy statements, filings and other materials required to be delivered pursuant to this clause (vi) will be deemed delivered for purposes of the Indenture when posted to the website of theC-Corporation (or any Parent Entity) or the website of the SEC;

(vii)

within 60 days (or such later date as the Required Noteholder Parties (with communication of such extension, if any, to be delivered to the Issuers, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent in writing) may agree in their discretion) after the beginning of each fiscal year (commencing with the fiscal year commencing on January 1, 2020), a consolidated annual budget for such fiscal year consisting of a projected consolidated balance sheet of theC-Corporation and the Subsidiaries as of the end of the following fiscal year and the related consolidated statements of projected cash flow and projected income of theC-Corporation and the Subsidiaries for the following fiscal year (collectively, the “Budget”), which Budget will in each case be accompanied by the statement of a Financial Officer to the effect that the Budget is based on assumptions believed by theC-Corporation to be reasonable as of the date of delivery thereof;

(viii)

promptly, from time to time, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of theC-Corporation or any of the Subsidiaries, or compliance with the terms of any Note Document as in each case the Required Noteholder Parties may reasonably request (for itself or on behalf of any Noteholder Party);

(ix)

at a time determined by the Issuers after delivery of the financial statements required pursuant to clauses (i) or (ii) above (but not later than ten Business Days after such delivery), theC-Corporation will cause appropriate Financial Officers or other officers with reasonably equivalent duties of the Issuers to participate in one conference call for the Noteholder Parties to discuss the financial condition and results of operations of theC-Corporation and the Subsidiaries for the most recently ended fiscal period and, prior to the date of each such conference call, will announce the time and date of such conference call and either include all information necessary to access the call or inform Noteholder Parties how they can obtain such information, including, without limitation, the applicable password or login information (if applicable); provided that to the extent theC-Corporation hosts a

quarterly conference call for the holders of its equity securities, the Issuers’ participation in such conference call will satisfy the requirements of this clause (ix) so long as the Noteholder Parties are provided notice of such conference call;

(x)

in the event that any Parent Entity reports on a consolidated basis, such consolidated reporting at such Parent Entity’s level in a manner consistent with that described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above for theC-Corporation (together with a reconciliation showing the adjustments necessary to determine compliance by theC-Corporation and the Subsidiaries with the Financial Covenants, if applicable) will satisfy the requirements of such clauses; and

(xi)

within 95 days after the end of each fiscal year, a current list of all cemeteries, crematories and funeral homes owned or leased by the Note Parties, in form substantially consistent with the information provided prior to the Indenture Closing Date to the initial purchasers of the Old Notes and containing such detail as may be reasonably requested by the Required Noteholder Parties.

In addition to providing such information and reports to the Trustee, the Issuers will make available to the Noteholder Parties the information required to be provided pursuant to the foregoing clauses (i) through (xi) of this covenant, the covenant set forth under “—Certain Covenants—Litigation and other Notices” and clause (x) under “—Certain Covenants—Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions”, by posting such information to its website (or the website of any Parent Entity) or on IntraLinks or any comparable password protected online data system or website (the “Platform”). Delivery of reports, information and documents to the Trustee pursuant to this covenant, certain other affirmative covenants set forth in the Indenture and the covenants described in “Certain Covenants—Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions” is for informational purposes only, and the Trustee’s receipt thereof will not constitute actual or constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Issuers’ compliance with any of its covenants under the Indenture (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely conclusively on an Officer’s Certificate). The Trustee is under no duty to examine such reports, information or documents to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Indenture or to ascertain the correctness or otherwise of the information or the statements contained therein.

All financial statements furnished to Noteholders pursuant to clauses (i), (ii) and (vi) of the first paragraph above (the “Public Noteholder Party Information”) will be made available through a portion of the Platform designated “Public Noteholder Party” as contemplated by the Indenture.

In addition, the requirements of this covenant will be deemed to have been satisfied by (i) the filing with the SEC of the information required by this covenant that otherwise satisfy the requirements set forth above and/or the posting of reports that would be required to be provided to the Trustee and the Holders on the Issuers’ website at times that otherwise satisfy the time requirements set forth above; provided that, in the case of delivery to the Trustee, such website is a publicly available,non-password protected site.

Litigation and Other Notices

The Issuers will furnish to the Trustee written notice of the following promptly after any Responsible Officer of the Issuers obtains actual knowledge thereof:

(i)

any condition or event that constitutes any Event of Default or Default, specifying the nature and extent thereof and the corrective action (if any) proposed to be taken with respect thereto;

(ii)

the filing or commencement of, or any written threat or notice of intention of any person to file or commence, any action, suit or proceeding, whether at law or in equity or by or before any Governmental Authority or in arbitration, against the Partnership or any of the Subsidiaries which if adversely determined would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(iii)

any other event, development or change specific to the Partnership or any of the Subsidiaries that has, or would reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect;

(iv)

the occurrence of any change in the board of directors (or similar governing body) of the Partnership;

(v)

promptly after the occurrence thereof, written notice of any Casualty Event to any material portion of the Collateral that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; and

(vi)

any noncompliance by Partnership or any of the Subsidiaries with any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit that could reasonably be expected to (a) have a Material Adverse Effect or (b) cause any Mortgaged Property to be subject to any restrictions on ownership, occupancy, use or transferability under any Environmental Law.

Maintenance of Trust Funds and Trust Accounts

The Issuers will, and will cause each of the Subsidiary Guarantors to, (i) deposit in the appropriate Trust Account all applicable Trust Funds in compliance in all material respects with applicable law and in accordance with a conservative investment strategy focused on generating current income, (ii) establish and maintain all of the funding obligations of each of the Trust Accounts in compliance in all material respects with applicable law, (iii) establish and maintain diversification and concentration guidelines for making such investments, provided that (a) no such investments shall be made in options or derivatives (or in mutual funds or exchange traded funds that employ leverage, options or derivatives as part of their primary investment strategy), (b) no more than 20% of the total investments in the Trust Funds shall be invested in equity securities (based on the allocation at the time of purchase of any such equity securities and excluding the securities of mutual funds that invest in debt securities), (c) no investments shall be made in any Affiliate of the Partnership orC-Corporation or in any fund or asset controlled or managed by any Affiliate of the Partnership or theC-Corporation and (d) no more than 15% of the total investments of the Trust Funds shall be invested in private credit funds (based on the net asset value of such private credit funds at the time of commitment of funding of such private credit funds and other than prior funded and unfunded commitments to private credit funds existing as of the Indenture Closing Date), (iv) maintain a committee of the Board to approve all investments and throughtrust policies (“Trust Committee”) that either (a) shall include Andrew Axelrod, Joe Redling and an independent director not designated by Axar Capital Management, L.P. or (b) if there has been any change to the initial Trust Committee after the Indenture Closing Date, shall be composed of a majority of independent directors not designated by Axar Capital Management, L.P. and (v) not engage in any extraordinary withdrawals of amounts contained in the Trust Accounts.

Compliance with Terms of Leaseholds

The Issuers will, and will cause each of the Subsidiary Guarantors to, (i) make all payments and otherwise perform all material obligations in respect of the Archdiocese Lease, keep the Archdiocese Lease in full force and effect, not allow the Archdiocese Lease to be terminated as a result of its actions and notify the Trustee of any default by any party to the Archdiocese Lease, (ii) make all payments and otherwise perform all obligations in respect of all other leases of real property to which any Note Party or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, keep all such interest holdsother leases in full force and effect, not allow such leases to lapse or be terminated or any rights to renew such leases to be forfeited or cancelled and notify the Trustee of any default by any party with respect to such leases, except, in any case under this “—Certain Covenants—Compliance with Terms of Leaseholds,” where the failure to do any of the foregoing in this clause (ii), either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a numberMaterial Adverse Effect and (iii) cooperate with the Trustee and/or the Required Noteholder Parties in all respects to cure any default under (a) the Archdiocese Lease or (b) such other leases that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

Maintenance of control rights.Ratings

The Issuers will, and will cause each of the Subsidiary Guarantors to, use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain a public corporate family rating of the Partnership and maintain the rating of the Notes originally obtained in connection with the offering of the Old Notes (but not maintain a specific rating), in each case from each of Moody’s and S&P (it being understood and agreed that “commercially reasonable efforts” shall in any

event include the payment by the Issuers of customary rating agency fees and cooperation with information and data requests by Moody’s and S&P in connection with their ratings process).

Amendment of Commitment Letter

The Issuers will, and will cause each of the Subsidiary Guarantors to, not amend or waive any provision of the Equity Commitment Letter in any manner adverse to the interests of the Noteholder Parties, as determined in good faith by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of theC-Corporation who are “independent” within the meaning of the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange, without the prior written consent of the Required Noteholder Parties.

Rights Offering

On October 25, 2019,The Issuers will, and will cause each of the Subsidiary Guarantors to, use its best efforts to effectuate the Rights Offering (as such term is defined in the Equity Commitment Letter) as promptly as practicable with an Expiration Time (as such term is defined in the Equity Commitment Letter) no later than July 24, 2020, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Equity Commitment Letter.

Proceeds of Sale of Equity Interests

The Issuers will, and will cause each of the Subsidiary Guarantors to, receive proceeds of the sale of Equity Interests in theC-Corporation of not less than $8.2 million on or prior to July 31, 2020.

Limitation on Indebtedness

The Issuers will not, and will not permit any of the Subsidiaries to, incur, create, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except:

(i)

Indebtedness existing on the Indenture Closing Date (and set forth on a schedule to the Indenture to the extent consisting ofnon-intercompany Indebtedness) and any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance such Indebtedness (other than intercompany indebtedness Refinanced with Indebtedness owed to a person not affiliated with the Partnership or any Subsidiary);

(ii)

Indebtedness created under the Note Documents or any PIK Notes issued from time to time in respect of any PIK Payment in accordance with the terms of the Indenture (including any Guarantee thereof) as well as the New Notes;

(iii)

Indebtedness owed to (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees or similar instruments for the benefit of) any person providing workers’ compensation, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance to the Partnership or any Subsidiary, pursuant to reimbursement or indemnification obligations to such person, in each case in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or industry practices;

(iv)

Indebtedness of the Issuers to any Subsidiary Guarantor and of any Subsidiary Guarantor to the Issuers or any other Subsidiary Guarantor; provided that such Indebtedness under this clause (iv) shall be unsecured and subordinated in right of repayment to the Notes on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Required Noteholder Parties;

(v)

Indebtedness in respect of performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, surety bonds and completion guarantees and similar obligations, in each case provided in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or industry practices, including those incurred to secure health, safety and environmental obligations in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or industry practices;

(vi)

Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds or other cash management services, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or industry practices;

(vii)

Capital Lease Obligations and any other Indebtedness incurred by the Partnership or any Subsidiary arising from any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction that is permitted under “—Certain Covenants— Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions” and any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof;

(viii)

Guarantees (a) by either of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor of any Indebtedness of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor permitted to be incurred under the Indenture and (b) by either of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor of Indebtedness otherwise permitted under the Indenture of any Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor to the extent such Guarantees are permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Investments, Loans and Advances” (other than clause (14) thereof); provided that Guarantees by the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor under this clause (viii) of any other Indebtedness of a person that is subordinated to other Indebtedness of such person will be expressly subordinated to the Note Obligations to at least the same extent as such underlying Indebtedness is subordinated;

(ix)

Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Partnership or any Subsidiary providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase or acquisition price or similar obligations (including earn- outs), in each case, incurred or assumed in connection with the Transactions, other Investments or the disposition of any business, assets or a Subsidiary expressly permitted by the Indenture;

(x)

Indebtedness in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees, warehouse receipts or similar instruments issued to support performance obligations and trade letters of credit (other than obligations in respect of other Indebtedness) in the ordinary course of business;

(xi)

Indebtedness in respect of cash collateralized letters of credit and obligations owed to credit card companies in an aggregate face amount not to exceed $35.0 million, including any cash collateralized letters of credit outstanding on the date hereof;

(xii)

Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business in respect of obligations of the Partnership or any Subsidiary to pay the deferred purchase price of goods or services or progress payments in connection with such goods and services; provided that such obligations are incurred in connection with open accounts extended by suppliers on customary trade terms in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or industry practices and not in connection with the borrowing of money or any hedging agreement;

(xiii)

Indebtedness consisting of (a) the financing of insurance premiums or(b) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or industry practices; and

(xiv)

all premium (if any, including tender premiums) expenses, defeasance costs, interest (including post- petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in clauses (i) through (xiii) above or refinancings thereof.

Limitation on Liens

Each of the Issuers will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or assets (including stock or other securities of any person) of the Partnership completed a rights offering (the “Rights Offering”) to addressor any Subsidiary at the dilutive effectstime owned by it, except the following (collectively, “Permitted Liens”):

(i)

Liens on property or assets of the Partnership and the Subsidiaries existing on the Indenture Closing Date, and to the extent securing Indebtedness set forth on a schedule to the Indenture, and any modifications, replacements, renewals or extensions thereof; provided that such Liens shall secure

only those obligations that they secure on the Indenture Closing Date (and any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of such obligations permitted under “—Certain Covenants— Limitation on Indebtedness”) and shall not subsequently apply to any other property or assets of the Partnership or any Subsidiary other than (a) after-acquired property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien and (b) proceeds and products thereof;

(ii)

any Lien created under the Note Documents or permitted in respect of any Mortgaged Property by the terms of the applicable Mortgage;

(iii)

Liens for Taxes, assessments or other governmental charges or levies not yet delinquent by more than 30 days or that are being contested in compliance with the covenants described under “—Certain Covenants—Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions;”

(iv)

Liens imposed by law, such as landlord’s, carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s, supplier’s, construction or other like Liens, securing obligations that are not overdue by more than 30 days or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and in respect of which, if applicable, the Partnership or any Subsidiary shall have set aside on its books reserves in accordance with GAAP;

(v)

(a) pledges and deposits and other Liens made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with the Federal Employers Liability Act or any other workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations and deposits securing liability to insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance arrangements in respect of such obligations and (b) pledges and deposits and other Liens securing liability for reimbursement or indemnification obligations of (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees for the benefit of) insurance carriers providing property, casualty or liability insurance to the Partnership or any Subsidiary;

(vi)

deposits and other Liens to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts (other than for Indebtedness), leases (other than Capital Lease Obligations), statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance and return of money bonds, bids, leases, government contracts, trade contracts, agreements with utilities, and other obligations of a like nature (including letters of credit in lieu of any such bonds or to support the issuance thereof) incurred in the ordinary course of business, including those incurred to secure health, safety and environmental obligations in the ordinary course of business;

(vii)

zoning restrictions, easements, survey exceptions, trackage rights, leases (other than Capital Lease Obligations), licenses, special assessments,rights-of-way, covenants, conditions, restrictions and declarations on or with respect to the use of Real Property, servicing agreements, development agreements, site plan agreements and other similar encumbrances incurred in the ordinary course of business and title defects or irregularities that are of a minor nature and that, in the aggregate, do not interfere in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Partnership or any Subsidiary;

(viii)

Liens arising out of Sale and Lease-Back Transactions permitted under “—Certain Covenants— Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions” or other transactions permitted by clause (vii) under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Indebtedness”, so long as such Liens attach only to the property sold and being leased or being subject to such Capital Lease Obligations in such transaction and any accessions and additions thereto or proceeds and products thereof and related property;

(ix)

Liens securing judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under clause (x) under “—Events of Default and Remedies;”

(x)

with respect to any Mortgaged Property, Liens disclosed by the applicable title insurance policy delivered prior to, on or subsequent to the Indenture Closing Date pursuant to the post-closing and further assurances and additional security affirmative covenants of the Indenture and any replacement, extension or renewal of any such Lien; provided that such replacement, extension or

renewal Lien shall not cover any property other than the property that was subject to such Lien prior to such replacement, extension or renewal; provided, further, that the Indebtedness and other obligations secured by such replacement, extension or renewal Lien are permitted by the Indenture;

(xi)

any interest or title of a lessor or sublessor under any leases or subleases entered into by the Partnership or any Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;

(xii)

Liens in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice that are contractual rights ofset-off (and related pledges) (a) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks and other financial institutions not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (b) relating to pooled deposits, sweep accounts, reserve accounts or similar accounts of the Partnership or any Subsidiary to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice, including with respect to credit card charge-backs and similar obligations or (c) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers, suppliers or service providers of the Partnership or any Subsidiary;

(xiii)

Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or industry practices (a) arising solely by virtue of any statutory or common law provision relating to banker’s liens, rights ofset-off or similar rights, (b) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodity brokerage accounts, (c) encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to brokerage accounts incurred and not for speculative purposes, (d) in respect of Third Party Funds or (e) in favor of credit card companies pursuant to agreements therewith;

(xiv)

Liens securing obligations in respect of trade-related letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar obligations permitted under clauses (v), (x) or (xi) under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Indebtedness” and covering the property (or the documents of title in respect of such property) financed by such letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar obligations and the proceeds and products thereof;

(xv)

Leases, subleases,non-exclusive licenses ornon-exclusive sublicenses (including with respect to Intellectual Property) granted to others in the ordinary course of business and not interfering in any material respect with the business of the Partnership or any of the Subsidiaries, which may include leases of billboards, leases for “solar farms,”non-surface leases for oil and gas, land leases for cell tower use and farming leases over excess land;

(xvi)

Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of applicable law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or industry practices;

(xvii)

Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by the Partnership or any of the Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement in respect of any Investment permitted to be made under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Investments, Loans and Advances;”

(xviii)

Liens with respect to property or assets of any Subsidiary that is not a Note Party securing obligations of a Subsidiary that is not a Note Party permitted under “—Certain Covenants— Limitation on Indebtedness;”

(xix)

Liens on any amounts held by a trustee or agent under any indenture or other debt agreement issued in escrow pursuant to customary escrow arrangements pending the release thereof, or under any indenture or other debt agreement pursuant to customary discharge, redemption or defeasance provisions to the extent the relevant Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Indebtedness;”

(xx)

the prior rights of consignees and their lenders under consignment arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(xxi)

agreements to subordinate any interest of the Partnership or any Subsidiary in any accounts receivable or other proceeds arising from inventory consigned by the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to an agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

(xxii)

Liens arising from precautionary Uniform Commercial Code financing statements regarding operating leases or other obligations not constituting Indebtedness;

(xxiii)

Liens on securities that are the subject of repurchase agreements constituting Permitted Investments under clause (iii) of the definition thereof;

(xxiv)

Liens on cash or Permitted Investments securing letters of credit and obligations owed to credit card companies permitted by clauses (x) or (xi) under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Indebtedness;” provided that such cash and Permitted Investments do not exceed 110% of the stated face amount of such letters of credit secured thereby;

(xxv)

Liens securing insurance premiums financing arrangements; provided that such Liens are limited to the applicable unearned insurance premiums;

(xxvi)

in the case of Real Property that constitutes a leasehold interest, any Lien to which the fee simple interest (or any superior leasehold interest) is subject;

(xxvii)

Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligation (a) of either of the Issuers or a Subsidiary Guarantor in favor of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor and (b) of any Subsidiary that is not a Note Party in favor of any Subsidiary that is not a Note Party; provided that, in the case of this clause (b), such Liens are on property that does not constitute Collateral;

(xxviii)

Liens on goods or inventory the purchase, shipment or storage price of which is financed by a documentary letter of credit, bank guarantee or bankers’ acceptance issued or created for the account of the Partnership or any Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or industry practices; provided that such Lien secures only the obligations of the Partnership or such Subsidiaries in respect of such letter of credit, bank guarantee or banker’s acceptance to the extent permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Indebtedness;”

(xxix)

Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention or similar arrangements for the sale or purchase of goods by the Partnership or any of the Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(xxx)

any Lien or other restriction on the use of property (including cash) deposited in any Trust Fund, to the extent imposed by law or by the terms of the agreement governing such Trust Fund; and

(xxxi)

Liens on property of, or on Equity Interests or Indebtedness of, any person existing at the time (a) such person becomes a Subsidiary of the Partnership or (b) such person or such property is acquired by the Partnership or any Subsidiary; provided that (1) such Liens do not extend to any other assets of the Partnership or any Subsidiary (other than accessions and additions thereto and proceeds or products thereof and other than after-acquired property), (2) such Liens secure only those obligations which they secure on the date such person becomes a Subsidiary or the date of such acquisition (and any extensions, renewals, replacements or refinancings thereof), (3) such Liens were not incurred in contemplation of such person becoming a Subsidiary and (4) such Liens secure Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Indebtedness.”

Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions

Each of the Preferred Placement. PursuantIssuers will not, and will not permit any of the Subsidiaries to, enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, with any person whereby it shall sell or transfer any property, real or personal, used or useful in its business, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and thereafter, as part of such transaction, rent or lease such property or other property that it intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the

property being sold or transferred (a “Sale and Lease-Back Transaction”); provided that certain Sale and Lease- Back Transactions listed on a schedule to the Indenture are permitted; provided, further, that with respect to any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction, the Net Proceeds therefrom shall be used to redeem the Notes to the extent required under the first paragraph in “—Mandatory Redemption.”

Limitation on Investments, Loans and Advances

The Issuers will not, and will not permit any of the Subsidiaries to, (i) Purchase or acquire (including pursuant to any merger with a person that is not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary immediately prior to such merger) any Equity Interests, evidences of Indebtedness or other securities of any other person, (ii) make any loans or advances to or Guarantees of the Indebtedness of any other person (other than in respect of intercompany liabilities incurred in connection with the cash management, tax and accounting operations of the Partnership and the Subsidiaries) or (iii) purchase or otherwise acquire, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, (a) all or substantially all of the property and assets or business of another person or (b) assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of such person (each of the foregoing, an “Investment”), except:

(1)

the Transactions;

(2)

(a) Investments by either of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor in the Equity Interests of either of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor; (b) intercompany loans from either of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor to either of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor and (c) Guarantees by either of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor of Indebtedness otherwise permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Indebtedness” of either of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor;

(3)

Permitted Investments;

(4)

Investments arising out of the receipt by the Partnership or any Subsidiary ofnon-cash consideration for the Disposition of assets permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions;”

(5)

accounts receivable, security deposits and prepayments arising and trade credit granted in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or industry practices and any assets or securities received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors to the extent reasonably necessary in order to prevent or limit loss and any prepayments and other credits to suppliers made in the ordinary course of business;

(6)

Investments existing on, or contractually committed as of, the Indenture Closing Date and set forth on a schedule to the Indenture and any extensions, renewals, replacements or reinvestments thereof, so long as the aggregate amount of all Investments pursuant to this clause (6) is not increased at any time above the amount of such Investment existing on, or committed as of, the Indenture Closing Date;

(7)

Investments resulting from pledges and deposits under clauses (v), (vi), (xiii), (xvi), (xvii), (xxiv), and (xxxi) under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Liens;”

(8)

Investments received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts and disputes with or judgments against, customers and suppliers, in each case in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or industry practices or Investments acquired by the Partnership or a Subsidiary as a result of a foreclosure by the Partnership or any of the Subsidiaries with respect to any secured Investments or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default;

(9)

Investments of a Subsidiary acquired after the Indenture Closing Date or of a person merged into the Partnership or merged into or consolidated with a Subsidiary after the Indenture Closing Date, in each case, (a) to the extent such acquisition, merger or consolidation is permitted under this covenant, (b) in the case of any acquisition, merger or consolidation, in accordance with the covenants described in “—Certain Covenants—Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions” and (c) to the

extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition, merger or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger or consolidation;

(10)

Guarantees by the Partnership or any Subsidiary of operating leases (other than Capital Lease Obligations) or of other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness, in each case entered into by the Partnership or any Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or industry practices;

(11)

Investments to the extent that payment for such Investments is made with Equity Interests of the Issuers or any Parent Entity;

(12)

Investments consisting of Restricted Payments permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Dividends and Distributions” (and without duplication of any baskets thereunder);

(13)

Investments in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or industry practices consisting of Uniform Commercial Code Article 3 endorsements for collection or deposit and Uniform Commercial Code Article 4 customary trade arrangements with customers;

(14)

Guarantees permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Indebtedness” (except to the extent such Guarantee is expressly subject to this covenant);

(15)

advances in the form of a prepayment of expenses, so long as such expenses are being paid in accordance with customary trade terms of the Partnership or such Subsidiary;

(16)

Investments by the Partnership and its Subsidiaries, including loans to any direct or indirect parent of the Partnership, if the Partnership or any other Subsidiary would otherwise be permitted to make a Restricted Payment in such amount (provided that the amount of any such Investment will also be deemed to be a Restricted Payment under the appropriate clause under “—Certain Covenants— Limitation on Dividends and Distributions” and counted against the amount permitted under such clause for all purposes of the Indenture);

(17)

Investments made substantially contemporaneously in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of a sale (other than to a Subsidiary) of, Equity Interests of the Issuers or any Parent Entity; provided that, at the time of such Investment pursuant to this clause (17):

(a) no such Equity Interests will constitute a Specified Equity Contribution for purposes of the provisions set forth under “—Events of Default and Remedies;”

(b) in the case of a sale of Equity Interests, such sale is made substantially concurrently with, or within 90 days prior to, the date of consummation or such Investment or the date on which the Partnership enters into a binding agreement for such Investment;

(c) any assets acquired as part of any such Investments will be pledged as Collateral to the extent required by the Note Documents and in the manner set forth in the Indenture;

(d) the Issuers will be in compliance, on a pro forma basis, with all of the requirements of the Indenture, including, without limitation, the covenants described in “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants;” and

(A)

no Default or Event of Default will occur as a result of such Investment;

(18)

non-economic Equity Interest in the Archdiocese Holdco, on the terms set forth in the operating agreement, in the form of Exhibit F to the Archdiocese Lease, between the Archdiocese and one or more of the Subsidiary Guarantors (as amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time, in each case in a manner which could not reasonably be expected to be adverse in any material respect to the interests of the Holders);

(19)

Investments of Trust Funds, and interest and other earnings thereon, in accordance with the terms set forth under “—Certain Covenants—Trust Funds;”

(20)

theC-Corporation Conversion; and

(21)

other Investments by the Issuers or any Subsidiary in an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed $10.0 million; provided that (a) any such Investments are made in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, (b) any assets acquired as part of any such Investments will be pledged as Collateral to the extent required by the Note Documents and (c) upon the making of any such Investments, the Issuers will be in compliance, on a pro forma basis, with all of the requirements of the Indenture, including, without limitation, the covenants described in “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants.”

Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions

Each of the Issuers will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, merge into or consolidate with any other person, or permit any other person to merge into or consolidate with it, or Dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of related transactions) all or any part of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or Dispose of any Equity Interests of any Subsidiary, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) all of the assets of any other person or division or line of business of a person, except that this covenant will not prohibit:

(i)

(a) the purchase and Disposition of inventory in the ordinary course of business by the Partnership or any Subsidiary, (b) the acquisition or lease (pursuant to an operating lease) of any other asset in the ordinary course of business by the Partnership or any Subsidiary or, with respect to operating leases, otherwise for fair market value on market terms (as determined in good faith by the Issuers), (c) the Disposition of surplus, obsolete, damaged or worn out equipment or other property in the ordinary course of business by the Partnership or any Subsidiary or (d) the Disposition of Permitted Investments in the ordinary course of business;

(ii)

if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Event of Default will have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom, (a) the merger or consolidation of any Subsidiary with or into the Partnership in a transaction in which the Partnership is the survivor, (b) the merger or consolidation of any Subsidiary with or into any Subsidiary Guarantor in a transaction in which the surviving or resulting entity is or becomes a Subsidiary Guarantor and, in the case of each of clauses (a) and (b), no person other than the Issuers or a Subsidiary Guarantor receives any consideration (unless otherwise permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Investments, Loans and Advances”), (c) the merger or consolidation of any Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor with or into any other Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor, (d) the liquidation or dissolution or change in form of entity of any Subsidiary if the Issuers determine in good faith that such liquidation, dissolution or change in form is in the best interests of the Issuers and is not materially disadvantageous to the Noteholder Parties, (e) any Subsidiary from merging or consolidating with any other person in order to effect an Investment permitted pursuant to the covenants described in “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Investments, Loans and Advances” so long as the continuing or surviving person will be a Subsidiary Guarantor (unless otherwise permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Investments, Loans and Advances”), which will be a Note Party if the merging or consolidating Subsidiary was a Note Party (unless otherwise permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Investments, Loans and Advances”) and which together with each of its Subsidiaries will have complied with any applicable requirements of the Indenture or (f) any Subsidiary may merge or consolidate with any other person in order to effect a Disposition otherwise permitted pursuant to this covenant;

(iii)

Dispositions from (a) Note Parties to other Note Parties and (b) Subsidiaries that are not Note Parties to other Subsidiaries that are not Note Parties (in each case upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise);

(iv)

so long as no Event of Default exists or would result therefrom, Sale and Lease-Back Transactions permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions;” provided that, if such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction results in a Capital Lease Obligation, such Capital Lease

Obligation is permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Indebtedness” and any Lien made the subject of such Capital Lease Obligation is permitted under “—Certain Covenants— Limitation on Liens;”

(v)

Investments permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Investments, Loans and Advances,” Permitted Liens, and Restricted Payments permitted under “—Certain Covenants— Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates;”

(vi)

Dispositions of defaulted receivables in the ordinary course of business and not as part of an accounts receivables financing transaction;

(vii)

other Dispositions of assets to a person that is not an Affiliate of any Note Party; provided that (a) at the time of such Disposition, no Event of Default will exist or would result from such Disposition, (b) at least 75% of the consideration for such Disposition consists of cash and cash equivalents and the Partnership or relevant Subsidiary receives fair market value for such assets, (c) the Net Proceeds thereof, are applied in accordance with the first paragraph under “—Mandatory Redemption” and (d) the Net Proceeds and the fair market value of any othernon-cash consideration received do not exceed $155.0 million in the aggregate for all such Dispositions on or after the Indenture Closing Date;

(viii)

Dispositions of inventory and Cemetery Property of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries determined in good faith by the management of the Partnership to be no longer useful in the operation of the business of the Partnership or any of the Subsidiaries;

(ix)

acquisitions and purchases made with the proceeds of any Disposition pursuant to the last proviso of clause (a) of the definition of “Net Proceeds;”

(x)

if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Event of Default will have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom, any Subsidiary or any other person from being merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into the Partnership, provided that (a) the Partnership will be the surviving entity or (b) if the surviving entity is not the Partnership (such other person, the “Successor Issuer”), (1) the Successor Issuer will be an entity organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof, (2) the Successor Issuer will expressly assume all the obligations of the Partnership under the Indenture and the other Note Documents pursuant to a supplement thereto in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (acting at the direction of the Required Noteholder Parties), (3) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, will have by a supplement to the Indenture as applicable, confirmed that its guarantee thereunder will apply to any Successor Issuer’s obligations under the Indenture, (4) each Subsidiary Guarantor, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, will have by a supplement to any applicable Security Document affirmed that its obligations thereunder will apply to its guarantee as reaffirmed pursuant to clause (3), (5) each mortgagor of a Mortgaged Property, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, will have affirmed that its obligations under the applicable Mortgage will apply to its guarantee as reaffirmed pursuant to clause (3) and (6) the Successor Issuer will have delivered to the Trustee (A) an Officer’s Certificate stating that such merger or consolidation does not violate the Indenture or any other Note Document and (B) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such merger or consolidation does not violate the Indenture or any other Note Document and covering such other matters as are contemplated by the Collateral Requirement to be covered in opinions of counsel (it being understood that if the foregoing are satisfied, such Successor Issuer will succeed to, and be substituted for, either Issuer under the Indenture); and

(xi)

the Partnership and the Subsidiaries from consummating theC-Corporation Conversion; provided that, in connection with the consummation of theC-Corporation Conversion, the Partnership, theC-Corporation and the Subsidiary Guarantors entered into the First Supplemental Indenture.

Limitation on Dividends and Distributions

Each of the Issuers may not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, declare or pay any dividend or make any other distribution (by reduction of capital or otherwise), whether in cash, property, securities or a combination thereof, with respect to any of its Equity Interests (other than dividends and distributions on Equity Interests payable solely by the issuance of additional Equity Interests of the person paying such dividends or distributions (other than any Specified Equity Contribution)) or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase, retire or otherwise acquire for value (or permit any Subsidiary to purchase or acquire) any of either Issuer’s Equity Interests or set aside any amount for any such purpose (other than through the issuance of additional Equity Interests of the person redeeming, purchasing, retiring or acquiring such shares (other than any Specified Equity Contribution)) (all of the foregoing, “Restricted Payments”); provided, however, that:

(i)

Restricted Payments may be made to the Partnership or any Wholly Owned Subsidiary of either Issuer;

(ii)

Restricted Payments may be made in respect of (a) overhead, legal, accounting and other professional fees and expenses of any Parent Entity, (b) franchise and similar taxes and other fees and expenses in connection with the maintenance of its (or any Parent Entity’s) existence and its (or any Parent Entity’s indirect) ownership of the Partnership, (c) payments permitted by the first paragraph under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates” (other than clause (e) of the second paragraph thereof), (d) customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, officers, directors and employees of any Parent Entity, in each case in order to permit any Parent Entity to make such payments and (e) (1) with respect to any taxable period for which the Partnership and/or any of its Subsidiaries are members of a consolidated, unitary, combined or similar income tax group for U.S. federal and/or applicable state or local income tax purposes of which any Parent Entity is the common parent (a “Tax Group”) (or is a partnership or disregarded entity that is wholly owned by a corporate parent), distributions to pay the consolidated, combined, unitary or similar income Tax liabilities of such Tax Group (or such corporate parent) for such taxable period that are attributable to income of the Issuers and/or any of their Subsidiaries, in an amount not to exceed the amount that the Issuers and their applicable Subsidiaries would have been required to pay in respect of such federal, state and/or local income Taxes, as the case may be, in respect of such taxable period if the Issuers and/ or their applicable Subsidiaries had paid such Taxes directly as a stand-alone corporate taxpayer or stand-alone corporate group for all relevant taxable periods and (2) with respect to any taxable period (other than a taxable period described in clause (1)) for which the Partnership is treated as a partnership or a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions in an amount equal to the product of (A) the taxable income of the Partnership in respect of such taxable period multiplied by (B) the highest combined U.S. federal, state, and local income tax rate applicable to any direct or indirect owner of the Partnership for such taxable period (taking into account Section 1411 of the Code) as determined in good faith by the Partnership; provided that, in the case of subclause (a) above, the amount of such Restricted Payments will not exceed the portion of any amounts referred to in such subclause (a) that are allocable to the Partnership and its Subsidiaries (which (i) will be 100% at any time that any Parent Entity owns directly or indirectly no material assets other than Equity Interests in any other Parent Entity and assets incidental to such equity ownership and (ii) in all other cases will be as determined in good faith by the Issuers);

(iii)

any person may makenon-cash repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options;

(iv)

the repurchase of all or a portion of the Convertible Preferred Units with the cash proceeds of any issuance of additional Equity Interests after the Indenture Closing Date (the “Rights Offering”); and

(v)

cash payments in lieu of issuing fractional shares in connection with the exercise of warrants, options or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for Equity Interests of the Partnership or any Parent Entity.

Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates

Each of the Issuers will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, sell or transfer any property or assets to, or purchase or acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transaction with, any of its Affiliates (other than the Partnership and the Subsidiaries or any person that becomes a Subsidiary as a result of such transaction), unless such transaction is otherwise permitted by the Indenture.

The foregoing paragraph will not prohibit, to the extent otherwise permitted under the Indenture,

(i)

any issuance of securities, or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment arrangements, equity purchase agreements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by the Board of Directors of any Parent Entity or of the General Partner;

(ii)

transactions among the Partnership or any Subsidiary or any entity that becomes a Subsidiary as a result of such transaction in the ordinary course of business (including via merger, consolidation or amalgamation in which the Partnership or a Subsidiary is the surviving entity) and (a) a CemeteryNon-Profit pursuant to the CemeteryNon-Profit Management Agreement for such CemeteryNon-Profit or (b) a Person pursuant to the Exclusive Management Agreement for such person;

(iii)

the Transactions and permitted transactions, agreements and arrangements in existence on the Indenture Closing Date and set forth on a schedule to the Indenture or any amendment thereto or replacement thereof or similar arrangement to the extent such amendment, replacement or arrangement is not adverse to the Noteholder Parties when taken as a whole in any material respect (as determined by the Issuers in good faith);

(iv)

(a) any employment agreements entered into by the Partnership or any of the Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, (b) any subscription agreement or similar agreement pertaining to the repurchase of Equity Interests pursuant to put/call rights or similar rights with employees, officers or directors and (c) any employee compensation, benefit plan or arrangement, any health, disability or similar insurance plan which covers employees, and any reasonable employment contract and transactions pursuant thereto;

(v)

Restricted Payments permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Dividends and Distributions,” including payments to any Parent Entity, and Investments permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Investments, Loans and Advances;”

(vi)

the issuance, sale or transfer of Equity Interests of the Partnership or any Subsidiary to any Parent Entity or Permitted Holder and capital contributions by any Parent Entity or Permitted Holder to the Partnership or any Subsidiary; provided that any such issuance, sale or transfer will be determined on an arm’s length basis and approved by the independent directors of the board of directors of the Partnership or the relevant Subsidiary, as applicable;

(vii)

transactions with customers, clients or suppliers, or purchasers or sellers of goods and services or the entry into of shared services agreements or similar agreements involving operational efficiencies (including with entities owned or controlled by Affiliates), in each case, in the ordinary course of business or otherwise in compliance with the terms of the Indenture on terms substantially as favorable to the Partnership or such Subsidiary as would be obtainable by the Partnership or such Subsidiary at the time in a comparablearm’s-length transaction with a person other than an Affiliate;

(viii)

transactions between the Partnership or any of the Subsidiaries and any person, a director of which is also a director of the Partnership or any direct or indirect parent company of the Issuers; provided, however, that (a) such director abstains from voting as a director of the Partnership or such direct or indirect parent company, as the case may be, on any matter involving such other person and (b) such person is not an Affiliate of the Partnership for any reason other than such director’s acting in such capacity;

(ix)

transactions permitted by, and complying with, the provisions set forth under “—Certain Covenants— Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions;”

(x)

intercompany transactions undertaken in good faith (as certified by a Responsible Officer of the Issuer) for the purpose of improving the consolidated tax efficiency of the Partnership and the Subsidiaries which do not circumvent any covenant set forth in the Indenture;

(xi)

theC-Corporation Conversion; and

(xii)

any tax sharing agreements or arrangements; provided that any payments under such tax sharing agreements or arrangements by the Issuers or any of their Subsidiaries are permitted under clause (ii)(e) of the first paragraph of the covenants described in “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Dividends and Distributions.”

Business of the Partnership and the Subsidiaries

Notwithstanding any provisions set forth in the Indenture or described in this “Description of the New Notes,” the Issuers will not, and will not permit any of the Subsidiaries to, engage at any time in any material business or business activity materially different from any business or business activity conducted by any of them on the Indenture Closing Date.

Limitation on Payments and Modifications of Indebtedness and Modifications of Certificate of Incorporation,By-Laws and Certain Other Agreements, etc.

The Issuers will not, and will not permit any of the Subsidiaries to, amend or modify in any manner materially adverse to the Noteholder Parties (as determined in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Partnership), or grant any waiver or release under or terminate in any manner (if such granting or termination will be materially adverse to the Noteholder Parties (as determined in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Partnership), the articles or certificate of incorporation,by-laws, limited liability company operating agreement, partnership agreement or other organizational documents of the Partnership or any Subsidiary.

The Issuers will not, and will not permit any of the Subsidiaries to, permit any Subsidiary to enter into any agreement or instrument that by its terms restricts (i) the payment of dividends or distributions or the making of cash advances to the Partnership or any Subsidiary that is a direct or indirect parent of such Subsidiary or (ii) the granting of Liens by the Partnership or such Subsidiary that is a Note Party pursuant to the Security Documents, in each case other than those arising under any Note Document, except, in each case, restrictions existing by reason of:

(a)

restrictions imposed by applicable law;

(b)

contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect on the Indenture Closing Date, including under Indebtedness existing on the Indenture Closing Date and set forth on a schedule to the Indenture, in each case, any similar contractual encumbrances or restrictions and any amendment, modification, supplement, replacement or refinancing of such agreements or instruments that does not materially expand the scope of any such encumbrance or restriction (as determined in good faith by the Issuers);

(c)

any restriction on a Subsidiary imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the sale or disposition of the Equity Interests or assets of a Subsidiary pending the closing of such sale or disposition;

(d)

any restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by the Indenture to the extent that such restrictions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness;

(e)

any restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the covenants described in “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Indebtedness” or Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, to the extent such restrictions are not materially more restrictive than the restrictions contained in the Indenture or are market terms at the time of issuance (as determined in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Partnership (or any successor thereto));

(f)

customary provisions contained in leases ornon-exclusive licenses of Intellectual Property and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or industry practices;

(g)

customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing a leasehold interest;

(h)

customary provisions restricting assignment of any agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or industry practices;

(i)

customary restrictions and conditions contained in any agreement relating to the sale, transfer, lease or other disposition of any asset permitted under “—Certain Covenants—Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions” pending the consummation of such sale, transfer, lease or other disposition;

(j)

customary restrictions and conditions contained in the document relating to any Lien, so long as (1) such Lien is a Permitted Lien and such restrictions or conditions relate only to the specific asset subject to such Lien and (2) such restrictions and conditions are not created for the purpose of avoiding the restrictions imposed by this covenant;

(k)

customary net worth provisions contained in Real Property leases entered into by Subsidiaries, so long as the Issuers have determined in good faith that such net worth provisions would not reasonably be expected to impair the ability of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries to meet their ongoing obligations;

(l)

any agreement in effect at the time such subsidiary becomes a Subsidiary, so long as such agreement was not entered into in contemplation of such person becoming a Subsidiary;

(m)

customary restrictions contained in leases, subleases, licenses or Equity Interests or asset sale agreements otherwise permitted hereby as long as such restrictions relate to the Equity Interests and assets subject thereto;

(n)

restrictions on cash or other deposits imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business; and

(o)

any encumbrances or restrictions of the type referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) of the second paragraph of this covenant imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of or similar arrangements to the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (a) through (n) above; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements, refinancings or similar arrangements are, in the good faith judgment of the Issuers, not materially more restrictive with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in the dividend or other payment restrictions as contemplated by such provisions prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement, refinancing or similar arrangement.

Fiscal Year

In the case of the Partnership or any Subsidiary, each of the Issuers will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, permit any change to its fiscal year without the prior written consent of the Required Noteholder Parties (with communication of such consent to be delivered to the Partnership and the Trustee in writing), in which case, the Issuers and the Required Noteholder Parties will make any adjustments to the Indenture that are necessary to reflect such change in fiscal year (with communication of such authorization to be delivered to the Issuers and the Trustee in writing), all in accordance with the amendment provisions of the Indenture and those described in “—Amendments and Waivers.”

Financial Covenants

The Issuers will not, and will not permit any of the Subsidiaries to:

(i) permit the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, for (a) the six month period ended December 31, 2019, (b) the nine-month period ended March 31, 2020 and (c) each twelve month period beginning with the twelve month period ending June 30, 2020, to be less than the corresponding amount for such fiscal period end set forth in the table below:

Fiscal Quarter Ending

LTM Minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio
(except where noted)

December 31, 2019 (6 Month Test)

Minimum Operating Cash Flow Amount:
$(20,000,000)

March 31, 2020 (9 Month Test)

Minimum Operating Cash Flow Amount:
$(25,000,000)

June 30, 2020

Minimum Operating Cash Flow Amount:
$(35,000,000)

September 30, 2020

Minimum Operating Cash Flow Amount:
$(35,000,000)

December 31, 2020

0.00x

March 31, 2021

0.75x

June 30, 2021

1.10x

September 30, 2021

1.35x

December 31, 2021

1.45x

March 31, 2022 and each quarter-end thereafter

1.50x

(ii)

permit the aggregate amount of Capital Expenditures in the trailing four quarters ending as of the last day of any fiscal quarter (beginning with the end of the fiscal quarter of the Partnership ended September 30, 2019) to exceed $20.0 million.

(iii)

permit the average daily balance of Unrestricted Cash and unrestricted Permitted Investments of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries as of the end of any day for any period of ten consecutive Business Days to be less than the relevant amount set forth in the table below in the aggregate:

Fiscal Quarter Ending

  Minimum
Liquidity
Amount
 

September 30, 2019

  $20,000,000 

December 31, 2019

  $15,000,000 

March 31, 2020 through Maturity

  $12,500,000 

(iv)

permit the Asset Coverage Test as of the last day of any fiscal quarter beginning with the end of the fiscal quarter of the Partnership ended March 31, 2020 through the fiscal quarter of the Partnership ending December 31, 2020 to be less than 1.40 to 1.00, and as of last day of the fiscal quarters of the Partnership ended September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2019 and as of the last day of any Partnership fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2021 and thereafter to be less than 1.60 to 1.00.

Trust Funds

The Issuers will not, and will not permit any of the Subsidiaries to, except in accordance with reasonable business practices and in accordance in all material respects with applicable law, (i) withdraw or otherwise remove any monies or other assets (whether principal, interest or other earnings) from any Trust Account or (ii) make any investments of Trust Funds or interest or earnings thereon.

Limitation on Amendment of Partnership Units and Organizational Documents

The Partnership will not:

(i)

amend or modify, or permit the amendment or modification of, any provision of any Partnership Common Unit or Partnership Subordinated Unit (including, without limitation, any certificate of designation relating thereto) except to facilitate theC-Corporation Conversion; or

(ii)

amend, modify or change the Partnership Agreement, the GP Agreement or any other Note Party’s organizational documents, or enter into any new organizational document except to facilitate theC-Corporation Conversion; provided that the foregoing clause shall not restrict (a) the ability of Partnership or the General Partner to amend the Partnership Agreement or the GP Agreement, respectively, to authorize the issuance of Equity Interests otherwise permitted pursuant to the terms of the Indenture or (b) the ability of the Partnership to amend its organizational documents to adopt customary takeover defenses for a public company, such as classification of its board of directors, requirements for notice of acquisition of shares and other similar measures.

Limitation on Holding Company

The Partnership will not (i) engage in any business or activity, other than those of a holding company and activities incidental thereto, (ii) own any significant assets (other than (a) the Equity Interests in the Operating Company, (b) any intercompany loan permitted to be made by it pursuant to the covenants described in “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Investments, Loans and Advances,” (c) cash to be loaned, dividended, contributed and/or otherwise promptly applied for purposes not otherwise prohibited by the Indenture and (d) other assets used or held in connection with the performance of activities permitted to be conducted by the Partnership) or (iii) have any material liabilities (other than (a) those liabilities for which it is responsible under the Note Documents, the Partnership Agreement, any intercompany loan permitted to be incurred by it under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Indebtedness” and any other Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by the Partnership under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Indebtedness” and (b) liabilities in respect of the Guarantee of the Note Parties’ trusting obligations described in the Indenture (including Guarantees in favor of the applicable regulatory authorities to maintain the financial condition of the applicable Note Parties)); provided, however, that the restrictions contained above shall not prohibit (or be construed to prohibit) the Partnership from (1) conducting administrative and other ordinary course “holding company” activities necessary or desirable in connection with the operation of the business and activities of the Note Parties through the Note Parties or (2) consummating theC-Corporation Conversion.

Events of Default and Remedies

Each of the following events is an “Event of Default:”

(i)

any representation or warranty made or deemed made by the Partnership or any Subsidiary in any Note Document or any certificate or document delivered pursuant thereto shall prove to have been false or misleading in any material respect (without duplication of any materiality qualifier therein) when so made or deemed made;

(ii)

default shall be made in the payment of any principal of any Note when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for redemption thereof or by acceleration thereof or otherwise;

(iii)

default shall be made in the payment of any interest on any Note or in the payment of any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (ii) above) due under any Note Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of five Business Days (it being understood that any failure to pay that portion of any interest payment required to be paid in cash is a default in the payment of interest for purposes of this clause (iii) irrespective of whether all or a part of any such portion is paid in the form of PIK Interest));

(iv)

default shall be made in the due observance or performance by the Issuers of any covenant, condition or agreement contained in (a) (1) the affirmative covenant described in the first paragraph under “—Certain Covenants—Existence, Business and Properties,” (2) the affirmative covenant described in clause (i) under “—Certain Covenants—Litigation and Other Notices,” (3) the use of proceeds affirmative covenant set forth in the Indenture or (4) the affirmative covenants described in “—Certain Covenants—Amendment of Commitment Letter,” “—Certain Covenants—Rights Offering” and “—Certain Covenants—Proceeds of Sale of Equity Interests” or (b) the negative covenants set forth in the Indenture (including the negative covenants described in “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Indebtedness,” “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Liens,” “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions,” “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Investments, Loans and Advances,” “—Certain Covenants—Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions,” “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Dividends and Distributions,” “—Certain Covenants— Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates,” ��—Certain Covenants—Business of the Partnership and the Subsidiaries,” “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Payments and Modifications of Indebtedness and Modifications of Certificate of Incorporation,By-Laws and Certain Other Agreements, etc.,” “—Certain Covenants—Fiscal Year,” “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants,” “—Certain Covenants—Trust Funds,” “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Amendment of Partnership Units and Organizational Documents” or “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Holding Company”), or if the Equity Commitment Letter is terminated for any reason or no reason by any of the parties thereto prior to the receipt of at least $8.2 million of proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests in theC-Corporation on or prior to July 31, 2020 in compliance with the affirmative covenant described in “—Certain Covenants—Proceeds of Sale of Equity Interests;”

(v)

default shall be made in the due observance or performance by either of the Issuers or any of the Guarantors of any covenant, condition or agreement contained in any Note Document (other than those specified in clauses (i), (ii) and (iv) above) and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of 15 days after the earlier of written notice and request for cure from the Trustee or Holders of at least 25% aggregate principal amount of Notes;

(vi)

(a) any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or (b) the Partnership or any Subsidiary fails to pay the principal of any Material Indebtedness at the stated final maturity thereof; provided that this clause (vi) shall not apply to any secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness if such sale or transfer is permitted under the Indenture and under the documents providing for such Indebtedness;

(vii)

there shall have occurred a Change in Control;

(viii)

certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency shall be commenced with respect to the Partnership or any Subsidiary;

(ix)

the failure by the Partnership or any Subsidiary to pay one or more final judgments aggregating in excess of $5.0 million (to the extent not covered by insurance), which judgments are not discharged or effectively waived or stayed for a period of 45 consecutive days, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to levy upon assets or properties of the Partnership or any Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment;

(x)

(a) one or more ERISA Events shall have occurred or (b) the Partnership, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment under Section 4219 of ERISA with respect to its Withdrawal Liability; provided that, in each case, either individually or in the aggregate, such occurrence has had, or would be reasonably expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect;

(xi)

(a) any Note Document shall for any reason be asserted in writing by either of the Issuers or any Subsidiary not to be a legal, valid and binding obligation of any party thereto (other than in accordance with its terms), (b) any security interest purported to be created by any Security Document and to extend to assets that constitute a material portion of the Collateral shall cease to be, or shall be asserted

in writing by the Issuers or any other Note Party not to be (other than, in each case, in accordance with its terms), a valid and perfected security interest (perfected as or having the priority required by the Indenture or the relevant Security Document and subject to such limitations and restrictions as are set forth therein) in the securities, assets or properties covered thereby, except from the failure of the Collateral Agent to maintain possession of certificates actually delivered to it representing securities pledged under the Collateral Agreement or (c) a material portion of the Note Guarantees pursuant to the Security Documents by the Subsidiary Guarantors guaranteeing the Note Obligations shall cease to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms thereof), or shall be asserted in writing by any Subsidiary Guarantor not to be in effect or not to be legal, valid and binding obligations (other than in accordance with the terms thereof); provided that no Event of Default shall occur under this clause (xi) if the Note Parties cooperate with the Collateral Agent to replace or perfect such security interest and Lien, such security interest and Lien is replaced and the rights, powers and privileges of the Secured Parties are not materially adversely affected by such replacement;

(xii)

any provisions of any Intercreditor Agreement or any agreement or instrument governing any Indebtedness thereunder shall for any reason be revoked or invalidated, or otherwise cease to be in full force and effect, or the Note Obligations or the Liens securing the Note Obligations, for any reason, shall not have the priority contemplated by the Indenture; or

(xiii)

the Partnership or any Subsidiary (a) shall fail to maintain one or more licenses, permits or similar approvals to conduct its business or (b) shall be required by law to take action to cure a breach of applicable law in any given state with respect to Trust Accounts where, in the case of clauses (a) and (b), the sum of the revenue of the Partnership or such Subsidiary associated with such licenses, permits or similar approvals referred to in clause (a) and the balances of such Trust Accounts referred to in clause (b) exceeds the lesser of (1) 15% of the Partnership’s and its Subsidiaries’ revenue, as measured by the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending on the immediately preceding December 31 and (2) $30.0 million, and the Partnership or the relevant Subsidiary fails to cure such breach within 30 days; provided that this clause (xiii) shall not apply to the failure to maintain any licenses, permits or similar approvals to conduct its business as a result of the issuance of the Convertible Preferred Units on the Indenture Closing Date if the Partnership or the relevant Subsidiary fails to use commercially reasonable efforts to cure such breach in due course where such failure has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to the Issuers described in clause (viii) above), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% aggregate principal amount of Notes may, by written notice to the Issuers (with a copy to the Trustee if given by the Holders), declare the Notes then outstanding to be forthwith due and payable in whole, whereupon the principal of the Notes so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all other liabilities of the Issuers accrued under any Note Document (including any amounts required under the captions “—Optional Redemption” and “—Mandatory Redemption,” shall become forthwith due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Issuers, anything contained in any Note Document to the contrary notwithstanding; and in any event with respect to the Issuers described in clause (viii) above, all liabilities of the Issuers accrued under any Note Document shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Issuers, anything contained in any Note Document to the contrary notwithstanding.

Notwithstanding any other provision described in this “Description of the New Notes” or set forth in the Indenture, the right of any Holder of a Note to receive payment of principal of, or premium, if any, and interest of such Note (including liquidated damages) on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Note, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, is absolute and unconditional and shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of the Holder.

If an Event of Default in payment of principal, premium or interest specified in clause (ii) or (iii) of the first paragraph above occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against any Issuer or Guarantor (or any other obligor on the Notes) for the whole amount of unpaid principal and accrued interest remaining unpaid, together with interest on overdue principal and, to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest, in each case at the rate set forth in the Notes, and such further amounts as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

At any time after any action is taken by the Trustee following the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default pursuant to the first paragraph above and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as set forth in the Indenture, the Required Noteholder Parties, by written notice to the Issuers and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if (i) the Issuers have paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay: (a) all of the installments of interest and premium on and, if the Maturity Date with respect to the Notes has occurred, the then unpaid principal balance of all such Notes which were overdue prior to the date of such acceleration; (b) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue installments of interest at the rate of interest applicable to the Notes; (c) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee and the Collateral Agent pursuant to the terms of the Rights Offering,Note Documents and the Partnership distributed to each qualified holder onereasonable compensation,non-transferableout-of-pocket subscription right to purchase 1.24 common units for each common unit held by such qualified holder asexpenses, disbursements and advances of the record date forTrustee and the Rights Offering at a subscription price of $1.20 per common unit. A total of 3,039,380 common units were issuedCollateral Agent and their agents and counsel incurred in connection with the Rights Offering. The grossenforcement of the Indenture and (d) all scheduled payments, early termination amounts, taxes, indemnities and interest on overdue interest or (ii) all Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of the principal of or interest on Notes which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided for in this “—Events of Default and Remedies” and in the Indenture.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary described in this “—Events of Default and Remedies,” in the event the Issuers fail to comply with the Financial Covenants set forth in (i) the covenants described in “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants” as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, in the case of clauses (i), (ii) and (iv) under “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants” or (ii) as of the end of the first Business Day on which the requirements of clause (iii) under “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants” are not satisfied (such date, the “Minimum Liquidity Cure Trigger Date”), any cash equity contribution to either the Partnership or any Parent Entity that is then immediately contributed to the Partnership (in each case funded with proceeds of Equity Interests other than any Disqualified Stock) after (a) the last day of such fiscal quarter and on or prior to the day that is ten days after the day on which financial statements are required to be delivered for that fiscal quarter, in the case of clauses (a), (b) and (d) under “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants” or (b) on or prior to the day that is ten Business Days after the Minimum Liquidity Cure Trigger Date, in the case of clause (ii) under “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants,” will, at the irrevocable election of Issuers, be included in the calculation of Operating Cash Flow Amount and/or Unrestricted Cash, in each case for the purposes of determining compliance with such covenants under “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants” during and at the end of such fiscal quarter (each, a “Cure Quarter”) and any subsequent period that includes such Cure Quarter (any such equity contribution so included in the calculation of Operating Cash Flow Amount and/or Unrestricted Cash, a “Specified Equity Contribution”); provided that (1) notice of any Issuer’s intent to accept a Specified Equity Contribution shall be delivered by such Issuer no later than the day on which financial statements are required to be delivered for the applicable fiscal quarter, in the case of clauses (i), (ii) and (iv) under “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants,” or the Business Day after the Minimum Liquidity Cure Trigger Date, in the case of clause (c) under “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants,” (2) no Specified Equity Contribution shall be made in consecutive fiscal quarters, (3) the amount of any Specified Equity Contribution will be no less than $15.0 million or, if greater, the amount required to cause the Note Parties to be in compliance with such financial covenants (the “Cure Amount”), (4) no such Specified Equity Contribution shall increase the availability of any basket set forth in this “Description of the New Notes” or in the Indenture, (5) there shall be no more than two Specified Equity Contributions made in the aggregate after the Indenture Closing Date, with the receipt by the Issuers of proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests in theC-Corporation of $8.8 million on April 3, 2020 plus the receipt of proceeds pursuant to the affirmative covenant described under “—Certain

Covenants—Proceeds of Sale of Equity Interests” collectively constituting one such Specified Equity Contribution, (6) there shall be no reduction in Consolidated Funded Indebtedness (through either netting of cash or prepayment of indebtedness) in connection with any Specified Equity Contribution (or the application of the proceeds thereof) for determining compliance with clause (iv) under “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants” for the period ending on the last day of the applicable Cure Quarter, (7) no Investment made by the Issuers or any Subsidiary shall constitute a Specified Equity Contribution, (8) the Specified Equity Contribution for any Cure Quarter shall be deemed to increase the Operating Cash Flow Amount for purposes of clause (d) under “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants” only up to the Cure Amount, but shall constitute Unrestricted Cash for purposes of clauses (iii) and (iv) under “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants” up to the amount of the Specified Equity Contribution and (9) excluding the Rights Offering, wereany cash equity contribution to either the Partnership or any Parent Entity during a fiscal quarter shall be deemed to constitute a Specified Equity Contribution within the meaning of this paragraph, whether or not the notice described in clause (1) of this proviso is delivered, unless and until the Partnership delivers a written certification at the same time as it delivers the financial statements for such fiscal quarter as required by the covenants described in “—Certain Covenant—Financial Statements, Reports, etc.” to the effect that it would not have breached any of the financial covenants described in “—Certain Covenant—Financial Covenants” had it not received such cash equity contribution during such fiscal quarter (it being understood that if the Partnership does not make such certification and any such cash equity contribution is not in an amount equal at least $15.0 million, then the Partnership shall be deemed to have breached the relevant financial covenants described in “—Certain Covenant—Financial Covenants”); provided, further, that to the extent any Equity Cure is used to redeem 3,039,380prepay the Notes, there shall be a reduction in Consolidated Funded Indebtedness for determining compliance with clause (ii) under “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants” in future quarters where such Cure Quarter is included in the applicable test period (but, for the avoidance of doubt, there shall be node-leveraging credit for the period ending on the last day of the Series A Preferred Units, including 1,921,315Cure Quarter in respect of which the equity cure is exercised). Upon the Trustee’s receipt of written notice from Axar. Additional information relatingan Issuer of its intent to exercise its cure right pursuant to this “—Events of Default and Remedies” no later than the day on which financial statements are required to be delivered for the applicable fiscal quarter, in the case of clauses (i), (ii) and (iv) under “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants,” or the Business Day after the Minimum Liquidity Cure Trigger Date, in the case of clause (iii) under “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants”, then, until the day that is ten days after such date, none of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent or any Noteholder Party shall exercise the right to accelerate the Notes and none of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent or any Noteholder Party shall exercise any right to foreclose on or take possession of the Collateral solely on the basis of an Event of Default having occurred and being continuing under “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants” in respect of the period ending on the last day of such fiscal quarter.

Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

The Issuers at any time may terminate all of their obligations under the Notes and the Indenture with respect to the Rights Offering can be foundapplicable Noteholder Parties (“legal defeasance”), except for certain obligations set forth in the Partnership’s Registration Statement onForm S-1 initially filedIndenture, including obligations to register the transfer and exchange of Notes, to replace destroyed, lost or stolen Notes, to maintain an office for payment and money for payments held in trust.

In addition, the Issuers at any time may terminate their obligations with respect to certain covenants (including those described under “—Certain Covenants”) and default provisions (specified in clauses (i), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii), (ix), (x), (xi), (xii) and (xiii) of the first paragraph in “—Events of Default and Remedies”) that are set forth in the Indenture (“covenant defeasance”).

In the event legal defeasance occurs, the payment of Notes so defeased may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default. In the event covenant defeasance occurs, the payment of Notes so defeased may not be accelerated because of the Event of Defaults specified in clauses (i), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii), (ix), (x), (xi), (xii) and (xiii) of the first paragraph in “—Events of Default and Remedies.”

If we exercise either legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, (i) the Note Guarantees of the Guarantors will automatically and unconditionally be released and discharged and (ii) the obligations of each Guarantor with respect to the Security Documents shall be terminated simultaneously with the Securitiestermination of such obligations.

The Issuers may exercise legal defeasance or covenant defeasance only if:

(i)

the Issuers irrevocably deposit in trust with the Trustee cash in Dollars sufficient to pay the principal of and premium (if any) and interest on the Notes when due at maturity or redemption, as the case may be;

(ii)

the Issuers deliver to the Trustee a certificate from a nationally recognized firm of independent accountants, investment bank or financial advisory firm expressing their opinion that the payments of principal and interest when due and without reinvestment of any deposited money will provide cash at such times and in such amounts as will be sufficient to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest when due on all the Notes to maturity or redemption, as the case may be;

(iii)

no Default specified in clause (viii) of the first paragraph in “—Events of Default and Remedies” with respect to the Issuers shall have occurred or is continuing on the date of such deposit;

(iv)

the deposit does not constitute a default under any other material agreement or instrument binding on the Issuers;

(v)

in the case of legal defeasance, the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (a) the Issuers have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (b) since the Indenture Closing Date there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the beneficial owners of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred; provided that, upon any redemption that requires the payment of the Yield Maintenance Premium, the amount deposited shall be sufficient for purposes of the Indenture to the extent that an amount is deposited with the Trustee equal to the Yield Maintenance Premium calculated as of the date of the notice of redemption, with any deficit as of the date of the redemption only required to be deposited with the Trustee on or prior to the date of the redemption. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Opinion of Counsel required by the immediately preceding sentence with respect to a legal defeasance need not be delivered if all of the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (1) have become due and payable or (2) will become due and payable at their Maturity Date within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuers;

(vi)

such exercise does not impair the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such Holder’s Notes on or after the due dates therefore or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such Holder’s Notes;

(vii)

in the case of covenant defeasance, the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred; and

(viii)

the Issuers deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance and discharge of the Notes to be so defeased and discharged as described in this “Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance” and in “—Satisfaction and Discharge” have been complied with.

Amendments and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on August 28, 2019 andWaivers

Except as provided in the next succeeding paragraph, neither the Indenture nor any amendments thereto.other Note Document nor any provision thereof may be waived, amended or modified without the consent of the Required Noteholder Parties; provided, however, that no such agreement shall:

C-Corporation Conversion

(i)

reduce the principal amount of, or extend the Maturity Date of, or decrease the rate of interest on, any Note, without the prior written consent of each Holder of a Note affected thereby (which, notwithstanding the foregoing, such consent of such Holder of a Note affected thereby shall be the only consent required to make such modification); provided that any amendment to the financial definitions in the Indenture (and as described in “—Certain Definitions”) shall not constitute a reduction in the rate of interest for purposes of this clause (i);

(ii)

extend any date on which payment of interest on any Note is due, without the prior written consent of each Holder of a Note affected thereby (which, notwithstanding the foregoing, such consent of such Holder of a Note affected thereby shall be the only consent required to make such modification);

(iii)

amend the pro rata and waterfall provisions of the Indenture with respect to the pro rata application or sharing of payments required thereby in a manner that by its terms modifies the application or sharing of such payments required thereby to be on a less than pro rata basis, without the prior written consent of each Noteholder Party, the Trustee, Collateral Agent or any Agent affected thereby (which, notwithstanding the foregoing, such consent of such Noteholder Party, the Trustee, Collateral Agent or any Agent affected thereby shall be the only consent required to make such modification);

(iv)

amend or modify the provisions of this “—Amendments and Waivers” and any other amendment provisions of the Indenture or the definition of the term “Required Noteholder Parties” or any other provision of the Indenture specifying the number or percentage of Noteholder Parties or the initial purchasers of the Old Notes required to waive, amend or modify any rights under the Indenture or make any determination or grant any consent thereunder, without the prior written consent of each Noteholder Party affected thereby, in each case except, for the avoidance of doubt, as otherwise provided in the second succeeding paragraph below; or

(v)

release, or subordinate the Collateral Agent’s Lien on, all or substantially all of the Collateral or all or substantially all of the Guarantors from their respective Note Guarantees under the Indenture, unless, in the case of a Subsidiary Guarantor, all or substantially all of the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary Guarantor is sold or otherwise disposed of in a transaction permitted by the Indenture, without the prior written consent of each Holder of Notes;

provided, further, that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Trustee or the Collateral Agent without the prior written consent of the Trustee or the Collateral Agent acting as such at the effective date of such agreement, as applicable.

Pre-Closing Transactions

PursuantFrom time to time, the Issuers, the Trustee and/or the Collateral Agent may (or shall, to the termsextent required by any Note Document) without the consent of any Noteholder Party enter into any amendment, modification or waiver of any Note Document, or enter into any new agreement or instrument, to:

(i)

effect the granting, perfection, protection, expansion or enhancement of any security interest in any Collateral or additional property to become Collateral for the benefit of the Secured Parties, or as required by local law to give effect to, or protect any security interest for the benefit of the Secured Parties, in any property or so that the security interests therein comply with applicable law or the Indenture;

(ii)

add more restrictive terms in respect of the Notes as contemplated by clause (e) of the definition of “Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness;”

(iii)

otherwise enhance the rights or benefits of any Noteholder Party under any Note Document;

(iv)

provide for the issuance of PIK Notes in accordance with the terms of the Indenture;

(v)

provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes;

(vi)

make any change in the Indenture necessary to qualify the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; or

(vii)

cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency (provided that any amendment, modification of any Note Document pursuant to this clause (vii) shall not be materially adverse to the interests of the Noteholder Parties (as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors of the Partnership)).

With respect to the Merger Agreement, immediatelyincurrence of any secured or unsecured Indebtedness (including any intercreditor agreement relating thereto), the Issuers may elect (in their discretion, but shall not be obligated) to deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate at least three Business Days (in the case of unsecured Indebtedness) and 15 Business Days (in the case of secured Indebtedness) prior to the Effective Time onincurrence thereof (or such shorter time as the date of closingTrustee may agree in its reasonable discretion), together with either drafts of the transactions contemplated bymaterial documentation relating to such Indebtedness or a description of such Indebtedness (including a description of the Merger Agreement (the “Closing Date”) andLiens intended to secure the same or the subordination provisions thereof, as more particularlyapplicable) in reasonably sufficient detail to be able to make the determinations referred to in this paragraph, which certificate shall either, at the Issuers’ election, state that the Issuers have determined in good faith that such Indebtedness satisfies the requirements of the applicable provisions described in “The MergerAgreement—Pre-Closing Transactions,” (a) GP Holdings will contribute to GP 2,332,878 common units (the “GP Holdings’ common units”)“—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Indebtedness” and immediately following receipt thereof, GP will contribute the GP Holdings’ common units to LP Sub,in “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Liens” (taking into account any other applicable provisions of this “—Amendments, Supplements and LP SubWaivers”), in which case such certificate shall be conclusive evidence thereof.

Satisfaction and Discharge

The Indenture will be admitteddischarged and will cease to be of further effect as a limited partnerto all Old Notes (except as to surviving rights, protections and immunities of the Trustee and rights of registration or transfer or exchange of such Notes, as expressly provided for in the Indenture) when:



(i)

either (a) all the Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes which have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Issuers and thereafter repaid to the Issuers or discharged from such trust) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation or (b) all of the Notes (1) have become due and payable, (2) will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year or (3) if redeemable at the option of the Issuers, are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuers, and the Issuers have irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes to the date of deposit together with irrevocable instructions from the Issuers directing the Trustee to apply such funds to the payment thereof at maturity or redemption, as the case may be; provided that, upon any redemption that requires the payment of the Yield Maintenance Premium, the amount deposited shall be sufficient for purposes of the Indenture to the extent that an amount is deposited with the Trustee equal to the Yield Maintenance Premium calculated as of the date of the notice of redemption, with any deficit as of the date of the redemption only required to be deposited with the Trustee on or prior to the date of the redemption;

(ii)

the Issuers and/or the Guarantors have paid all other sums payable under the Indenture; and

(iii)

the Issuers have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that all conditions precedent under the Indenture relating to the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture have been complied with.

Concerning the Trustee

Wilmington Trust, National Association is currently the Trustee and the Collateral Agent under the Indenture. We have appointed Wilmington Trust, National Association as Registrar and Paying Agent with regard to the New Notes.

The Indenture provides that, except during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Trustee will perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in the Indenture and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into the Indenture against the Trustee. The permissive right of the Trustee to do things enumerated in the Indenture shall not be construed as a duty.

The Required Noteholder Parties will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, subject to certain exceptions. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and is actually known to the Trustee (and has not been cured), the Trustee shall exercise the rights and powers vested in it by the Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs. The Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by the Indenture or the Security Documents at the request or direction of any of the Holders of New Notes pursuant to the Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered, and if requested, provided to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses, losses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.

No Personal Liability of Directors, Employees, Managers and Stockholders

No director, officer, employee, manager, incorporator or holder of any Equity Interests in either of the Issuers or any direct or indirect parent companies, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or any Guarantor under the Notes, the Collateral Agreement, the Indenture or any other Note Document, as applicable, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of New Notes, by accepting a New Note, waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the New Notes. Such waiver and release may not be effective to waive liabilities under the U.S. federal securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.

Governing Law

The Indenture, the Note Guarantees and the Security Documents are, and the New Notes will be, governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

Certain Definitions

“Affiliate” means, when used with respect to a specified person, another person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the person specified; provided that (i) each Permitted Holder, (ii) StoneMor GP LLC and the persons Controlling StoneMor GP LLC prior to theC-Corporation Conversion and (iii) each other person possessing the contractual right to nominate or appoint directors to the Board of Directors of the Partnership (the or, after consummation of theC-Corporation Conversion, theC-Corporation shall be deemed to be an Affiliate for purposes of the Indenture.

Contribution”);Agents” shall mean the Trustee (in each of its capacities under the Indenture) and the Collateral Agent.

“Approved Installment Agreement” means apre-need installment agreement, in a form approved for use by all applicable Governmental Authorities, and complying with all applicable laws, between an Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor and another Person pursuant to which such Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor has agreed to provide for and sell to such person cemetery services and/or Cemetery Property.

“Archdiocese” means the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, an archdiocese organized and existing under and governed by Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church and recognized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a nonprofit religious organization.

“Archdiocese Holdco” means Philadelphia Catholic Cemeteries, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

“Archdiocese Lease” means that certain Lease Agreement, dated as of September 26, 2013, among the Archdiocese and the Operating Company, StoneMor Pennsylvania LLC, StoneMor Pennsylvania Subsidiary LLC and the Partnership (as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Lease Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2014, and Amendment No. 2 to Lease Agreement dated as of May 28, 2014, and as further amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time).

“Asset Coverage Test” means, on any date, the ratio of (A) the sum of (i) Unrestricted Cash of the Issuers and their Subsidiaries, (ii) the aggregate amount of “accounts receivable, net of allowance” (or successor line item) set forth in the financial statements that have been (or were required to be) delivered for the relevant Test Period and (iii) the aggregate amount of assets under “Merchandise trusts, restricted, at fair value” (or successor line item) set forth in the financial statements that have been (or were required to be) delivered for the relevant Test Period, in each case as of the last day of the Test Period most recently ended as of such date, to (B) the aggregate principal or face amount of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness outstanding as of the last day of the Test Period most recently ended as of such date.

“Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy,” as codified as 11 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq., as amended, and any successor statute of similar import, in each case as in effect from time to time.

“Bankruptcy Law” means the Bankruptcy Code and any similar Federal, state or foreign law for the relief of debtors, as amended from time to time.

“Board” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.

“Board of Directors” means, as to any person, the board of directors or other governing body of such person, or if such person is owned or managed by a single entity, the board of directors or other governing body of such entity.

“Budget” has the meaning assigned to such term in clause (vii) of “—Certain Covenants—Financial Statements, Reports, etc.”

“Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City or in the place of payment are authorized or required by law to remain, or are in fact, closed.

“Capital Expenditures” means, for any person in respect of any period, the aggregate of all expenditures incurred by such person during such period that, in accordance with GAAP, are or should be included in “cash paid for capital expenditures” or similar items reflected in the statement of cash flows of such person; provided that the term “Capital Expenditures” shall not include (i) expenditures made in connection with the replacement, substitution, restoration or repair of assets to the extent financed with (a) insurance proceeds paid on account of the loss of or damage to the assets being replaced, substituted, restored or repaired or (b) GP will convert intocondemnation awards arising from the Company (the “Conversion”)taking by eminent domain or condemnation of the assets being replaced, (ii) the purchase price of equipment that is purchased substantially concurrently with thetrade-in of existing equipment to the extent that the gross amount of such purchase price is reduced by the credit granted by the seller of such equipment for the equipment being traded in at such time, (iii) the purchase of plant, property or equipment to the extent financed with the proceeds of Dispositions that are not required to be applied to prepay Notes pursuant to the provisions set forth in “—Optional Redemption” and (c) GP Holdings will“—Mandatory Redemption,” (iv) expenditures that are

accounted for as capital expenditures by the Partnership or any Subsidiary and that actually are paid for by a person other than the Partnership or any Subsidiary and for which none of Partnership or any Subsidiary has provided or is required to provide or incur, directly or indirectly, any consideration or obligation to such person or any other person (whether before, during or after such period) other than rent and similar or related obligations or (v) expenditures that constitute Investments permitted under the Indenture (but the term “Capital Expenditures” shall include all expenditures made with the proceeds of such Investments by the recipient thereof that would otherwise constitute Capital Expenditures).

“Capital Lease Obligations” of any person means the obligations of such person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital lease obligations on a balance sheet of such person under GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that any lease that was treated as an operating lease for purposes of GAAP before the effectiveness of FASB ASC 842 shall not be treated as a “Capital Lease Obligation” and shall continue to receive the same treatment as such lease would have received before the effectiveness of FASB ASC 842.

“Cash Interest” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Principal, Maturity and Interest.”

“Cash Interest Expense” means, with respect to the Partnership and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for any period, Consolidated Interest Expense for such period to the extent such amounts are payable in cash for such period, excluding, without duplication, in any event(i) pay-in-kind Consolidated Interest Expense (including any PIK Interest) or othernon-cash Interest Expense (including as a result of the Conversioneffects of purchase accounting) and as consideration for thepre-closing transactions and the Merger, 5,282,878 Company Shares, subject to adjustment pursuant(ii) to the Merger Agreement,extent included in Consolidated Interest Expense, the amortization of any financing fees paid by, or on behalf of, the Partnership or any Subsidiary; provided that Cash Interest Expense shall exclude any one time financing fees, including those paid in connection with the Transactions or any amendment of the Indenture.

“Casualty Event” means any event that gives rise to the receipt by the Partnership or any Subsidiary of any insurance proceeds or condemnation awards in respect of any equipment, fixed assets or Real Property (including any improvements thereon) to replace or repair such equipment, fixed assets or Real Property or as if GP Holdings held 5,282,878 common unitscompensation for such condemnation event.

“C-Corporation” means a corporation, which immediately following theC-Corporation Conversion, was the direct or indirect holder of 100% of the partnership interests in the Partnership.

“C-Corporation Conversion” means the consummation of the transactions described in theC-Corporation conversion steps memorandum delivered by the Partnership to the initial purchasers of the Old Notes prior to the Effective Time, representing 2,332,878 GP Holdings’ common units owned by LP SubIndenture Closing Date, as such transactions may have been modified in any manner not materially adverse to the interests of the Holders and the agreed upon valuation (in common units) of 2,950,000 common units (the “GP Merger Consideration”) in exchange for the 1.04% General Partner Interest (as defined in the Partnership Agreement), the IDRs and for the governance and all other economic and other rights associated with the GP Interest held indirectly by GP Holdings immediately priorRequired Noteholder Parties’ consent (it being understood that modifications to the Conversion.

Merger

Subjectproposed structure to provide for theC-Corporation to be formed below StoneMor GP LLC (the “GP”) instead of merging with the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, andGP in accordance with the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Deck.§17-101 et seq (“DRULPA”)structure diagram dated June 15, 2019 shall not be deemed materially adverse to the interests of the Holders and Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del.C.§18-101 et seq (“DLLCA”), at the Effective Time, Merger Sub will merge with and into(ii) references to the Partnership in this “Description of the separate existence of Merger Sub will ceaseNew Notes” and the Partnership will survive and continue to exist as a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership, as the surviving entity in the Merger, sometimes being referredIndenture shall refer,mutatis mutandis, to herein astheC-Corporation from and after theC-Corporation Conversion other than for purposes of the definition of “Issuers” and unless otherwise provided in this “Description of the New Notes” or in the Indenture or the context otherwise requires, subject to clause (xi) of “—Certain Covenants—Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions.Surviving Entity”).

Blocker Corp Transaction

In the Merger Agreement, GP and the Partnership acknowledge thataddition, one or more of the purchasers of preferred units inConvertible Preferred Units on the Notes Offering (each, a “Purchaser”) madeIndenture Closing Date was permitted to make such investment through one or more newly-formed U.S.US “blocker entities”corporations” (i) whose only asset would bewas its direct or indirect ownership of preferred unitsEquity Interests in the Partnership (each, a Blocker Corp“Blocker Corp”) and cash or other consideration received as a result of ownership of such preferred unitsConvertible Preferred Units and (ii) whose only liabilities would be liabilitieswere incurred in connection with the ownership of such equity interests (such asEquity Interests (e.g., taxes payable). In connection with

Pursuant to

the terms of the Merger Agreement, if any Purchaser shall so request at least five business days prior to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement,C-Corporation Conversion, any such Blocker Corp (or, as applicable, any such Purchaser) shall have the right to be merged with, or contributed to (or, as applicable, to cause such Blocker Corp to be merged with or contributed to), the Company in a transaction intended to betax-free under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) section 368 or Code section 351, in exchange for the Company Shares such Purchaser would have received as Merger Consideration without any discount (such transaction, the “Blocker Corp Transaction”). In the event that one or more Purchasers requests such a transaction or transactions, such transactions shall occur concurrently or immediately prior to or following the Merger, as applicable.

The Contribution, Conversion, Merger and Blocker Corp Transaction are together referred to as the “C-Corporation Conversion.” The purpose of theC-Corporation Conversion is to transition the Partnership and its affiliates from a master limited partnership structure to a corporate form. As a result of theC-Corporation Conversion, the Partnership unitholders will become stockholders of the Company, and the Partnership will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.



The charts on the following page show the structure of the Partnership and its affiliates before and after giving effect to theC-Corporation Conversion:

Beginning Structure:

LOGO



Resulting Structure:

LOGO

The Merger Consideration

As a result of the Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby, each common unitthat is outstanding, including Phantom Units that will be treated as common units pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, excluding any common units held by LP Sub, will be converted into the right to receive one Company Share, which will have been duly authorized and will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Each preferred unit that is outstanding will be converted into the right to receive a number of Company Shares equal to the then prevailing Series A Conversion Rate (as defined in the Partnership Agreement), which will have been duly authorized and will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

All units (excluding any common units held by LP Sub), when converted as a result of and pursuant to the Merger, will cease to be outstanding and will automatically be canceled and cease to exist. At the Effective Time, each holder of a Certificate and each holder ofnon-certificated units represented by book-entry (“Book-Entry Units”), other than LP Sub, will cease to be a unitholder of the Partnership and cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive such unitholder’s portion of the Merger Consideration and any distributions in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, and in each case, to be issued or paid upon surrender of such Certificate or Book-Entry Unit in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, without interest.

All of the limited liability company interests in Merger Sub outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted into and become limited partner interests in the Surviving Entity, which limited partner interests will be duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid (to the extent required under the Partnership



Agreement) andnon-assessable (except to the extent suchnon-assessability may be affected bySections 17-303,17-607 and17-804 of the DRULPA), such that following the Effective Time, LP Sub will be the sole holder of common units of the Surviving Entity.

The GP Interest issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will remain outstanding and unchanged subject to such changes as are set forth in the Partnership Agreement, and the Company will continue to be the sole general partner of the Partnership.

The Company will continue to own 100% of the IDRs, which remain outstanding and unchanged subject to such changes as are set forth in the Partnership Agreement.

All of the limited liability company interest of GP will be cancelled.

Treatment of Equity Awards

2004 Director Phantom Unit Awards

Immediately prior to the Effective Time, any then outstanding award of phantom units granted to a member of the GP Board under the Partnership’s 2004 equity plan pursuant to a phantom unit agreement that provides for the deferral of the receipt of such phantom units shall, without any action on the part of the holder thereof, vest, to the extent unvested, and be paid out pursuant to the terms of the applicable award agreement.

2014 Director Phantom Unit Awards

Immediately prior to the Effective Time, any then outstanding award of phantom units granted to a member of the GP Board under the Partnership’s 2014 equity plan pursuant to a phantom unit agreement that provides for the deferral of the receipt of such phantom units shall, without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be assumed and converted into an award denominated in Company Shares. Each such converted award shall (i) continue to have and be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately before the Effective Time and (ii) cover the number of Company Shares equal to the number of common units that were subject to the phantom unit award prior to the Effective Time.

Phantom Units

Immediately prior to the Effective Time, any then outstanding award of phantom units that is not a phantom award granted to a member of the GP Board under either of the Partnership’s equity plans shall, without any action on the part of the holder or beneficiary thereof, be assumed and converted into an award denominated in Company Shares. Each such converted award shall (i) continue to have and be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately before the Effective Time and (ii) cover the number of Company Shares equal to the number of common units that were subject to the phantom unit award prior to the Effective Time.

Restricted Units

Immediately prior to the Effective Time, any then outstanding award of restricted units under the Partnership’s 2014 equity plan shall, without any action on the part of the holder or beneficiary thereof, be assumed and converted into an award denominated in Company Shares. Each such converted award shall (i) continue to have and be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately before the Effective Time and (ii) cover the number of Company Shares equal to the number of common units that were subject to the restricted unit award prior to the Effective Time.



Unit Appreciation Rights

Immediately prior to the Effective Time, any then outstanding award of unit appreciation rights under the Partnership’s 2004 equity plan shall, without any required action on the part of any holder or beneficiary thereof, (i) immediately vest and any forfeiture restrictions applicable to such award shall immediately lapse and (ii) shall be assumed by the Company and converted into a stock appreciation right denominated in Company Shares. Each such converted award shall continue to have and be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately before the Effective Time, including the exercise price.

Post-Merger Governance

Following the consummation of theC-Corporation Conversion, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Company Board”) will consist of the current members of the GP Board which members are listed below. The Company Board will be staggered and each member will be designated as a Class I, Class II or Class III director. The Company Board will also have the following committees: Audit Committee; Compensation, Nominations & Governance Committee and Trust & Compliance Committee. Initial membership in each of the foregoing committees is also set forth below.

Director

Class

Committee(s)

Axelrod

IIITrust and Compliance

Redling

IIITrust and Compliance

Miller*

IIINom/Gov/Comp, Audit

Hellman*

IINom/Gov/Comp

Negrotti*

IIAudit

Goldenberg*

INom/Gov/Comp, Audit

Wellenbach*

INom/Gov/Comp, Trust and Compliance

*

Indicates independent for NYSE purposes.

Partnership Unitholder Meeting

Where and when: The Partnership Unitholder Meeting will take place at Courtyard Philadelphia Bensalem, 3280 Tillman Road, Bensalem, PA 19020 on December 20, 2019 at 10 a.m., local time.

What you are being asked to vote on: At the Partnership Unitholder Meeting, unitholders will vote on the Merger proposal and the Adjournment proposal. Unitholders also may be asked to consider other matters as may properly come before the Partnership Unitholder Meeting. At this time, the Partnership knows of no other matters that will be presented for the consideration of the unitholders at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting.

Who may vote: You may vote at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting if you owned units at the close of business on the record date of November 4, 2019. On that date, there were 91,680,264 units outstanding on a fully converted basis. You may cast one vote for each outstanding unit that you owned on the record date.

What vote is needed: Approval of the Merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding units. Abstentions, failures to vote and brokernon-votes (if any) will have the same effect as votes AGAINST the Merger proposal. Approval of the Adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the outstanding units entitled to vote and that are present in person or by proxy at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting. Abstentions and brokernon-votes will have the same effect as votes AGAINST the Adjournment proposal, but failures to vote will have no effect on the adoption of the Adjournment proposal.



Pursuant to the Voting and Support Agreement, the Axar Entities and the ACII Entities have agreed to vote or cause to be voted all units beneficially owned by the Axar Entities and ACII Entities, respectively, in favor of the Merger proposal. The Axar Entities and ACII Entities beneficially owned approximately 54% and 5.2% of the outstanding units, respectively, as of the record date.

The directors and executive officers of GP beneficially owned directly or through the Axar Entities and the ACII Entities, in the aggregate, 59.1% of the outstanding units as of the record date. GP and the Partnership believe that the directors and executive officers of GP will vote in favor of the Merger proposal.

Recommendation of the Conflicts Committee and their Reasons for the Merger

The Conflicts Committee (which consisted of independent directors), by unanimous vote, (a) determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Partnership and the unitholders (other than GP and unitholders affiliated with GP), (b) subject to the approval and authorization of the Conversion and the transactions contemplated thereby by the GP Board and GP Holdings (which approvalpurchaser) was subsequently obtained), approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby (excluding the Conversion) (the foregoing constituting Special Approval, as such term is defined in the Partnership Agreement), (c) directed that the Merger Agreement be submitted to a vote of the unitholders and (d) resolved its recommendation of adoption of the Merger Agreement by the unitholders.

In the course of reaching their decisions to approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, the Conflicts Committee and the GP Board considered a number of factors in their deliberations. For a more complete discussion of these factors, see “Proposal 1: The Merger—Recommendation of the Conflicts Committee and their Reasons for the Merger.”

Opinion of the Financial Advisor to the Conflicts Committee

In connection with the Merger, the Conflicts Committee’s financial advisor, Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (“Raymond James”), delivered its oral opinion as of September 25, 2018, addressed to the Conflicts Committee, which was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated September 26, 2018, that based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Raymond James in preparing the opinion, as of the date of the opinion, the GP Merger Consideration to be delivered to GP Holdings in the Merger pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair from a financial point of view, to the unitholders (other than GP and unitholders affiliated with GP).

Raymond James provided its opinion solely for the information and assistance of the Conflicts Committee (in its capacity as such) in connection with its evaluation of the financial terms of the Merger, and it relates only to the fairness from a financial point of view, of the GP Merger Consideration to be delivered to GP Holdings in the Merger pursuant to the Merger Agreement. Raymond James’s opinion did not address the underlying business decision of GP to effect the Merger, the relative merits of the Merger as compared to any other alternative business strategies or opportunities that might exist for the Partnership or the effect of any other transaction in which the Partnership might engage or consider. The full text of Raymond James’s written opinion, dated September 26, 2018, which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Raymond James is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.The description of Raymond James’s opinion setforth below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Raymond James’s opinion, which youare encouraged to read carefully and in its entirety.Raymond James’s opinion is not intended to be anddoes not constitute a recommendation as to how any securityholder should vote or act on any matters relating to the proposed Merger or otherwise. Raymond James’s opinion speaks as of the date rendered, and Raymond James has no obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its opinion.



Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger

In considering the recommendations of the Conflicts Committee, the unitholders should be aware that some of the directors and executive officers of the GP and of the Partnership have interests in the transactions that may differ from, or may be in addition to, the interests of unitholders generally. These interests may present such directors and executive officers with actual or potential conflicts of interests. The Conflicts Committee was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, prior to providing their approvals and recommendations with respect to the Merger Agreement. See “Proposal 1: The Merger—Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.”

The Merger Agreement

Conditions to Completion of the Merger

The obligations of each party to the Merger Agreement to consummate the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including thePre-Closing Transactions and the Merger, are conditioned upon the satisfaction at or prior to the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the “Closing”) of each of the following, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of such conditions in accordance with the Merger Agreement:

the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, the Conversion and Contribution, being approved and adopted by the affirmative vote or consent of holders of a majority of outstanding units (“Partnership Unitholder Approval”) in accordance with applicable law and the Partnership Agreement;

no order, decree or injunction of any governmental authority being in effect and no law being enacted or adopted, that enjoins, prohibits or makes illegal consummation of the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement;

(i) each of the representations and warranties contained in the Merger Agreement of the Partnership, GP and GP Holdings (each acting in its individual capacity, the “StoneMor Parties”) being true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the Merger Agreement and upon the Closing Date, with the same effect as though all such representations and warranties had been made on the Closing Date, except for any such representations and warranties made as of a specified date, which have been true and correct in all material respects as of such date; (ii) each of the covenants of the StoneMor Parties to be performed and complied with pursuant to the Merger Agreement on or prior to the Closing Date being duly performed and complied with in all material respects by the StoneMor Parties; and (iii) the Company receiving a certificate signed by an authorized person of GP Holdings dated the Closing Date, to the effect, as applicable, set forth in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii);

(i) each of the representations and warranties contained herein of Merger Sub being true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the Merger Agreement and upon the Closing Date, with the same effect as though all such representations and warranties had been made on the Closing Date, except for any such representations and warranties made as of a specified date, which shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such date; (ii) each of the covenants of Merger Sub to be performed and complied with pursuant to the Merger Agreement on or prior to the Closing Date being duly performed and complied with by Merger Sub in all material respects; and (iii) the Partnership receiving a certificate signed by an executive officer of Merger Sub, dated the Closing Date to the effect, as applicable, set forth in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii);

the registration statement (as defined below) becoming effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement being issued and no proceedings for that purpose being initiated or threatened by the SEC;



the Company Shares being approved for listing on the NYSE or any other National Securities Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance;

the Credit Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2016, among StoneMor Operating LLC, the other borrowers party thereto, the lenders party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as administrative agent and the other agents party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”) and any other documents entered into in connection with the Credit Agreement, being amended, amended and restated, or otherwise modified in a manner that permits the consummation of theC-Corporation Conversion and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the “Credit Agreement Amendment”) (the need for the Credit Agreement Amendment has been eliminated as a result of the refinancing of the Credit Agreement); and

the GP Board or a committee thereof adopting the Company Amended and Restated 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the “Company Long-Term Incentive Plan”) as of the Effective Time and authorizing all equity awards granted thereunder as of the Effective Time.

Partnership Conflicts Committee Recommendation and Change in Recommendation

The Merger Agreement requires that the Partnership, through the Conflicts Committee, recommend to the unitholders approval of the Merger Agreement (the “Partnership Conflicts Committee Recommendation”) unless the Conflicts Committee has concluded that recommending to the unitholders approval of the Merger Agreement would be inconsistent with its duties to the unitholders under the Partnership Agreement or applicable law, and the Partnership is obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain from the unitholders the Partnership Unitholder Approval. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to obtaining the Partnership Unitholder Approval, the Conflicts Committee may withdraw, modify or qualify in any manner adverse to any party to the Merger Agreement the Partnership Conflicts Committee Recommendation (any such action, a “Change in Recommendation”) if the Conflicts Committee concludes in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal advisors and financial advisors, that the failure to make a Change in Recommendation would be inconsistent with its duties under the Partnership Agreement or applicable law, subject to certain limitations described under “The Merger Agreement—Partnership Conflicts Committee Recommendation and Change in Recommendation.” The Partnership’s obligations to hold the Partnership Unitholder Meeting for the purposes of obtaining the Partnership Unitholder Approval will not be affected by the withdrawal or modification of the Partnership Conflicts Committee Recommendation or the Special Approval of the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

Partnership Unitholder Approval

The Partnership has agreed to establish a record date for, duly call, give notice of, convene and hold the Partnership Unitholder Meeting for the purpose of obtaining the Partnership Unitholder Approval. See “The Partnership Unitholder Meeting.”

Termination of the Merger Agreement

The Merger Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Conversion and the Merger, may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after Partnership Unitholder Approval:

by either the Partnership or Merger Sub upon written notice to the other, if:

the Closing has not been consummated on or before March 31, 2020 (the “Termination Date”);provided,however, that the right to terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to this clause will not be available to the Partnership or Merger Sub, as applicable, whose failure to fulfill any



material obligation under the Merger Agreement or other material breach of the Merger Agreement has been the primary cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Closing and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement to have been consummated on or before such date;

the Partnership Unitholder Meeting and any postponements or adjournments thereof have concluded and the Partnership Unitholder Approval has not been obtained;

any governmental authority has issued an order, decree or injunction that is in effect enjoining, prohibiting or otherwise making illegal the consummation of the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement;provided,however, that the right to terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to this clause will not be available to the Partnership or Merger Sub, as applicable, whose failure to fulfill any material obligation under the Merger Agreement or other material breach of the Merger Agreement has been the primary cause of, or resulted in, such issuance;

there has been a material breach in any of the representations or warranties set forth in the Merger Agreement on the part of any of the other parties (treating the StoneMor Parties as one party and Merger Sub as one party for the purposes of determining termination rights), which breach is not cured within 30 days following receipt by the breaching party of written notice of such breach from the terminating party (provided in any such case that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein);provided,however, that no party will have the right to terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to this clause unless the breach of a representation or warranty, together with all other such breaches, would entitle the party receiving such representation not to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement under Section 6.4 of the Merger Agreement (in the case of a breach of representation or warranty by Merger Sub) or Section 6.3 of the Merger Agreement (in the case of a breach of representation or warranty by the StoneMor Parties);

there has been a material breach of any of the covenants or agreements set forth in the Merger Agreement on the part of any of the other parties, which breach has not been cured within 30 days following receipt by the breaching party of written notice of such breach from the terminating party (provided in any such case that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein);provided,however, that no party will have the right to terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to this clause unless the breach of covenants or agreements, together with all other such breaches, would entitle the party receiving the benefit of such covenants or agreements not to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement under Section 6.4 of the Merger Agreement (in the case of a breach of covenants or agreements by Merger Sub) or Section 6.3 of the Merger Agreement (in the case of a breach of covenants or agreements by the StoneMor Parties);

by the Partnership upon written notice to GP Holdings, if the Conflicts Committee has made a Change in Recommendation;provided,however, that the Partnership will not have the right to terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to this clause if the Partnership Unitholder Approval has been obtained prior to the time of such termination; or

by GP, upon written notice to the Partnership and Merger Sub, (a) if GP has concluded in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal advisors and financial advisors, that the consummation of theC-Corporation Conversion would be inconsistent with its duties under the Partnership Agreement or applicable law, or (b) if there has been a Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Merger Agreement) on the Partnership.



Termination Expenses

The Merger Agreement provides that if the Merger Agreement is terminated because the Closing has not been consummated on or before the Termination Date, and subject to certain other conditions as more particularly set forth in the Merger Agreement (such as there being a change in certain tax laws or other events not reasonably within the control of GP or its affiliates that would have a material adverse effect on the ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement) and as described in more detail herein, GP and GP Holdings will reimburse the Partnership allout-of-pocket costs and expenses (including legal fees, accounting fees, financial advisory fees and other professional andnon-professional fees and expenses) incurred by the Partnership in connection with or related to the authorization, preparation, negotiation, execution and performance of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.

Conflicts Committee

The Merger Agreement provides that prior to the earlier of the Effective Time and the termination of the Merger Agreement, neither the GP Board nor GP Holdings will, without the consent of the Conflicts Committee, eliminate the Conflicts Committee, or revoke or diminish the authority of the Conflicts Committee, or, except in the event of a material breach of his or her obligations as a director of GP or for cause, remove or cause the removal of any director of the GP Board that is a member of the Conflicts Committee either as a member of such board or such committee, or appoint any additional director to the GP Board or the Conflicts Committee, in each case without the affirmative vote of the GP Board, including the affirmative vote of a majority of members of the Conflicts Committee. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing limitations will not apply to the filling of any vacancies caused by the death, incapacity or resignation of any director in accordance with the provisions of Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated June 27, 2019, as amended (the “GP LLC Agreement”).

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger to a unitholder will depend, in part, on the Unitholder’s own personal tax situation. The tax discussions contained herein focus on the U.S. federal income tax consequences generally applicable to individuals who are residents or citizens of the United States and that hold their common units as capital assets, and these discussions have only limited application to other unitholders, including those subject to special tax treatment. unitholders are urged to consult their tax advisors for a full understanding of the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of the Merger that will be applicable to them.

In general, U.S. holders (as defined in the section titled “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences”) are not expected to recognize gain from the Merger, except to the extent that the unitholder’s allocable share of the Partnership’s liabilities exceeds the unitholder’s tax basis in its common units exchanged for Company Shares. Please read “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” for a more complete discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger.

Other Information Related to the Merger

Blocker Corp Transaction

In the Merger Agreement, GP and the Partnership acknowledge that one or more of the purchasers of preferred units in the Notes Offering (each, a “Purchaser”) made such investment through one or more newly-formed U.S. “blocker entities” (i) whose only asset would be its direct or indirect ownership of preferred units (each, a “Blocker Corp”) and cash or other consideration received as a result of ownership of such preferred units and (ii) whose only liabilities would be liabilities incurred in connection with the ownership of such equity interests (such as taxes payable).



The Merger Agreement provides if any Purchaser shall so request at least five business days prior to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, any such Blocker Corp (or, as applicable, any such Purchaser) shall have the right to be merged with, or contributed to (or, as applicable, to cause such Blocker Corp to be merged with or contributed to), the Company in a transaction intended to betax-free under Code section 368 or Code section 351, in exchange for the Company Shares such Purchaser would have received as Merger Consideration without any discount. In the event that one or more Purchasers requests such a transaction or transactions, such transactions shall occur concurrently or immediately prior to or following the Merger, as applicable.

The Merger Agreement requires that any such Purchaser be responsible for and shall indemnify the Company for any taxes of the Blocker Corp for taxable periods or portions thereof ending on or prior to the Closing, to the extent such taxes exceed the amount of cash held by the Blocker Corp at the time of such merger or contribution.

No Appraisal Rights

No dissenters’ or appraisal rights will be available with respect to the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

Regulatory Matters

No filing under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”) is required in connection with entry into the Merger Agreement. See “The Merger Agreement—Regulatory Matters” for a general discussion of approvals of governmental authorities required pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement.

Listing of Company Shares

The Company expects to obtain approval to list, on the NYSE, the Company Shares, which approval is a condition to the Merger.

Accounting Treatment of the Merger

The Merger will be accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). Because GP controls the Partnership both before and after the Merger and related transactions, the changes in GP’s ownership interest in the Partnership will be accounted for as an equity transaction, and no gain or loss will be recognized in GP’s consolidated statements of operations resulting from the Merger. The proposed Merger represents GP’s acquisition of noncontrolling interests in the Partnership.

Pending Litigation

There is no pending litigation relating to the Merger Agreement.

Comparison of the Rights of the Company Stockholders and Partnership Unitholders

A limited partnership is inherently different from a corporation. Ownership interests in a limited partnership are therefore fundamentally different from ownership interests in a corporation. Unitholders will own Company Shares following the completion of the Merger, and their rights associated with the Company Shares will be governed by the Company’s organizational documents and the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), which differ in a number of respects from the Partnership Agreement and DRULPA.



Summary of Risk Factors

You should consider carefully all the risk factors together with all of the other information included in this proxy statement/prospectus before deciding how to vote. The risks related to theC-Corporation Conversion, including the Merger, the Partnership’s and GP’s businesses, the units and Company Shares and risks resulting from theC-Corporation Conversion are described under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 26. Some of these risks include, but are not limited to, those described below:

The Partnership and GP may fail to complete theC-Corporation Conversion if certain required conditions, many of which are outside each of the companies’ control, are not satisfied;

The failure of the Partnership to consummate theC-Corporation Conversion by March 31, 2020 and such failure continuing for five business days constituting an event of default under the Indenture;

Failure to complete theC-Corporation Conversion, or significant delays in completing theC-Corporation Conversion could negatively impact the price of the common units or value of Company Shares and future businesses and financial results of the Partnership or the Surviving Entity;

Certain directors and executive officers of the Partnership may have interests in the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement that are different from, or in addition to, those of the unitholders generally;

The Merger Consideration to be received by the unitholders is fixed and will not be adjusted for changes affecting the Partnership or GP;

The opinion of the Conflicts Committee’s financial advisor will not be updated to reflect changes in circumstances arising between the delivery of the opinion and the completion of theC-Corporation Conversion;

The unitholders will not be entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the Merger;

Financial projections prepared by the Partnership and GP may not prove to be reflective of actual future results;

The Partnership and GP will incur substantial transaction-related costs in connection with theC-Corporation Conversion;

The Partnership and GP may become subject to class action lawsuits relating to theC-Corporation Conversion, which could materially adversely affect their businesses, financial conditions and operating results;

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements included in this proxy statement/prospectus are presented for illustrative purposes only and may not be an indication of the Partnership’s or Surviving Entity’s financial condition or results of operations following theC-Corporation Conversion;

The Company Shares to be received by unitholders as a result of the Merger have different rights than the common units;

If the Merger is approved by the unitholders, the date that the unitholders will receive the Merger Consideration is uncertain;

The price of Company Shares may be volatile and holders of Company Shares could lose a significant portion of their investments;

There may be future dilution of the Company Shares, which could adversely affect the market price of the Company Shares;



Sales of a substantial amount of Company Shares in the public market following consummation of the Merger could adversely affect the market price of the Company Shares; and

The Partnership and GP are subject to contractual interim operating restrictions while the proposed Merger is pending, which could adversely affect each party’s business and operations.

In addition, please see our Annual Report for risks related to our business and our Quarterly Report for risks related to the Recapitalization Transactions.



COMPARATIVE PER SHARE AND PER UNIT INFORMATION

The following table sets forth the historical per share information of the Partnership and the unaudited pro forma per share information of the Company after giving pro forma effect to the proposed Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby, including Company’s issuance of a Company Share for each outstanding unit not owned by GP or its subsidiaries.

You should read this information in conjunction with the sections entitled “Selected Financial Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” and related notes included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus or set forth in the Partnership’s Annual Report Amendment and the Partnership’s Quarterly Report, attached as Annexes B and C to this proxy statement/prospectus. The unaudited pro forma per share and unit information does not purport to represent what the actual results of operations of the Partnership and the Company would have been had the proposed Merger been completed in another period or to project the Partnership’s and the Company’s results of operations that may be achieved if the proposed Merger is completed.

   Nine Months
Ended
September 30, 2019
  Year Ended
December 31,
2018
 

Historical—StoneMor Partners L.P.

   

Net loss per limited partner unit (basic and diluted) (1)

  $(2.56 $(1.90

Distributions per unit declared for the period (2)

  $—    $—   

Book value per unit (3)

  $(2.71 $(0.17

Pro forma—The Company (Unaudited)

   

Net loss per share (basic and diluted)

  $(1.17 $(0.95

Dividends per share declared for the period

  $—    $—   

Book value per share

  $(0.85 $n/a 

(1)

Net loss per limited partner unit is computed independently for each quarter and the full year based upon respective average units outstanding. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly per unit amounts may not equal the annual per share amounts.

(2)

The Partnership has not had sufficient cash from operations to pay distributions to its unitholders after it has paid its expenses, including the expenses of GP, funded merchandise and perpetual care trusts and established necessary cash reserves, and the Partnership may not have sufficient cash to resume paying distributions or restore them to previous levels.

(3)

Based on the Partnership’s net book value of $(104.0 million) and $(6.6 million) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018, respectively, as reported on its Quarterly Report and Annual Report Amendment, which are attached as Annex C and B, respectively, to this proxy statement/prospectus.



MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION

The common units are traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “STON.” GP is a private company and its equity interests are not publicly traded.

As of November 4, 2019, the record date for the Partnership Unitholder Meeting, GP Holdings is the only holder of GP membership interests of GP.

As of November 4, 2019, the record date for the Partnership Unitholder Meeting, there were 42,636,311 common units outstanding held by 43 holders of record.

The following table presents per unit closing prices for common units on September 27, 2018, the last trading day before the public announcement of the Merger, and November 8, 2019, the last practicable trading day prior to the printing of this proxy statement/prospectus, in each case as reported on the NYSE.

   common
units
   Company
Equivalent per
common unit
 

September 27, 2018

  $4.90   $4.90 

November 8, 2019

  $1.16   $1.16 


COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal

The Partnership is currently subject to class or collective actions under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and for related state law claims that certain of its officers and directors breached their fiduciary duty to the Partnership and its unitholders. The Partnership could also become subject to additional claims and legal proceedings relating to the factual allegations made in these actions. While management cannot reasonably estimate the potential exposure in these matters at this time, if the Partnership does not prevail in any such proceedings, the Partnership could be required to pay substantial damages or settlement costs, subject to certain insurance coverages. Management has determined that, based on the status of the claims and legal proceedings against the Partnership, the amount of the potential losses cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. These actions are summarized below.

Anderson v. StoneMor Partners, LP, et al., No.2:16-cv-6111, filed on November 21, 2016, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The plaintiffs in this case (as well as Klein v. StoneMor Partners, LP, et al., No.2:16-cv-6275, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on December 2, 2016, which has been consolidated with this case) brought an action on behalf of a putative class of the holders of Partnership units and allege that the Partnership made misrepresentations to investors in violation of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act by, among other things and in general, failing to clearly disclose the use of proceeds from debt and equity offerings by making allegedly false or misleading statements concerning (a) the Partnership’s strength or health in connection with a particular quarter’s distribution announcement, (b) the connection between operations and distributions and (c) the Partnership’s use of cash from equity offerings and its credit facility. Plaintiffs sought damages from the Partnership and certain of its officers and directors on behalf of the class of Partnership unitholders, as well as costs and attorneys’ fees. Lead plaintiffs have been appointed in this case, and the lead plaintiffs filed a Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint on April 24, 2017. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss that Consolidated Amended Complaint on June 8, 2017. The motion was granted on October 31, 2017, and the court entered judgment dismissing the case on November 30, 2017. Plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal on December 29, 2017. Oral argument was held before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on November 1, 2018. The Partnership expects the court to render a decision in the near future, but there can be no assurance as to when the court will issue its ruling.

Bunim v. Miller, et al., No.2:17-cv-519-ER, pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and filed on February 6, 2017. The plaintiff in this case brought, derivatively on behalf of the Partnership, claims that GP’s officers and directors aided and abetted in breaches of GP’s purported fiduciary duties by, among other things and in general, allegedly making misrepresentations through the use ofnon-GAAP accounting standards in its public filings, by allegedly failing to clearly disclose the use of proceeds from debt and equity offerings, and by allegedly approving unsustainable distributions. The plaintiff also claims that these actions and misrepresentations give rise to causes of action for gross mismanagement, unjust enrichment, and, in connection with a purportedly misleading proxy statement filed in 2014, violations of Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act. The derivative plaintiff seeks an award of damages, attorneys’ fees and costs in favor of the Partnership as nominal plaintiff, as well as general compliance and governance changes. This case has been stayed, by the agreement of the parties, pending final resolution of the motion to dismiss filed in the Anderson case, provided that either party may terminate the stay on 30 days’ notice.

Muth v. StoneMor G.P. LLC, et al., December Term, 2016, No. 1196 and Binder v. StoneMor G.P. LLC, et al., January Term, 2017, No. 4872, both pending in the Court of Common Pleas for Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and filed on December 20, 2016 and February 3, 2017,



respectively. In these cases, the plaintiffs brought, derivatively on behalf of the Partnership, claims that GP’s officers and directors aided and abetted in breaches of GP’s purported fiduciary duties by, among other things and in general, allegedly making misrepresentations through the use ofnon-GAAP accounting standards in its public filings and by failing to clearly disclose the use of proceeds from debt and equity offerings, as well as approving unsustainable distributions. The plaintiffs also claim that these actions and misrepresentations give rise to a cause of action for unjust enrichment. The derivative plaintiffs seek an award of damages, attorneys’ fees and costs in favor of the Partnership as nominal plaintiff, as well as alterations to the procedures for electing members to the board of GP, and other compliance and governance changes. These cases have been consolidated and stayed, by the agreement of the parties, pending final resolution of the motion to dismiss filed in the Anderson case, provided that either party may terminate the stay on 30 days’ notice.

The Philadelphia Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Enforcement Division, is continuing its investigation of the Partnership as to whether violations of federal securities laws have occurred. The investigation relates to, among other things, our prior restatements, financial statements, internal control over financial reporting, public disclosures, use ofnon-GAAP financial measures, matters pertaining to unitholder distributions and the sources of funds therefor and information relating to protection of our confidential information and our policies regarding insider trading. We are continuing to cooperate with the SEC staff.

The Partnership is party to other legal proceedings in the ordinary course of its business but does not expect the outcome of any proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Partnership carries insurance with coverage and coverage limits that it believes to be customary in the cemetery and funeral home industry. Although there can be no assurance that such insurance will be sufficient to protect the Partnership against all contingencies, management believes that the insurance protection is reasonable in view of the nature and scope of the operations.



RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other matters addressed in the section titled “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” you should carefully consider the following risks before deciding whether to vote for the approval of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby as described in this proxy statement/prospectus. In addition, you should read and carefully consider the risks associated with each of the Partnership and GP and their respective businesses. Risks associated with our business can be found in the Partnership’s Annual Report, which is included herewith as Annex D. Risks related to the Recapitalization Transactions can be found in the Partnership’s Quarterly Report, which is included herewith as Annex C. Realization of any of the risks described below or any of the events described under “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” could have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’s, GP’s or the Surviving Entity’s businesses, financial conditions, cash flows and results of operations.

Risks Related to the Merger

The Partnership and GP may fail to complete theC-Corporation Conversion if certain required conditions, many of which are outside each of the companies’ control, are not satisfied.

Completion of theC-Corporation Conversion is subject to various customary closing conditions, including, but not limited to, (i) the Partnership Unitholder Approval, (ii) the absence of any order of injunction prohibiting the consummation of the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (iii) the Credit Agreement Amendment (the need for the Credit Agreement Amendment has been eliminated as a result of the refinancing of the Credit Agreement ), (iv) subject to certain exceptions and materiality standards, the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the parties to the Merger Agreement and (v) the performance and compliance by the parties to the Merger Agreement in all material respects with agreements and covenants contained in the Merger Agreement. Despite the best efforts of the parties, they may not be able to satisfy the various closing conditions in a timely fashion or at all. See “The Merger Agreement—Conditions to Completion of the Merger” for a complete list of closing conditions to theC-Corporation Conversion.

The failure of the Partnership to complete theC-Corporation Conversion by March 31, 2020 will result in an event of default under the indenture governing the Notes.

The Indenture requires that the Partnership consummate theC-Corporation Conversion by no later than March 31, 2020, subject to a grace period of five business days. If we are not able to consummate theC-Corporation Conversion by March 31, 2020, subject to such grace period, the holders of the Notes may declare an event of default under the Indenture and all amounts owing under the Notes may become due and payable.

Failure to complete theC-Corporation Conversion could negatively impact the price of the common units or the value of Company Shares and future businesses and financial results of the Partnership or the Surviving Entity.

If theC-Corporation Conversion is not completed, or if there are significant delays in completing theC-Corporation Conversion, the Partnership’s or the Surviving Entity’s future businesses and financial results could be negatively affected, and each of the parties will be subject to several risks, including the following:

payment for certain costs relating to the Merger for which GP and GP Holdings may be liable to the Partnership, whether or not the Merger is completed, such as legal fees, accounting fees, financial advisory fees and other professional andnon-professional fees and expenses;

negative reactions from the financial markets, including declines in the price of common units due to the fact that current prices may reflect a market assumption that theC-Corporation Conversion will be completed;

negative reactions from the Partnership’s lenders, including increased difficulty in refinancing the Partnership’s debt;

diverted attention of management of each of the Partnership and GP to theC-Corporation Conversion rather than to the Partnership’s and GP’s operations and pursuit of other opportunities that could have been beneficial to either of the parties; and

negative impact on the Partnership’s and the Surviving Entity’s future growth plans, including with regard to potential acquisitions, for which theC-Corporation Conversion is expected to provide a stronger foundation.

Certain directors and executive officers of GP may have interests in the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement that are different from, or in addition to, those of the unitholders generally.

Directors and executive officers of GP are parties to agreements or participants in other arrangements that give them interests in the Merger that may be different from, or in addition to, your interests as a unitholder. These and other different interests are described under “Proposal 1: The Merger—Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.” You should consider these interests in voting on the Merger.

The Merger Consideration to be received by the common unitholders is fixed and will not be adjusted for changes affecting the Partnership or GP.

Under the Merger Agreement, each common unit will be converted into the right to receive one Company Share. The Merger Consideration is fixed and will not be adjusted prior to completion of the Merger for changes in the businesses, operations, results and prospects of the Partnership or GP. Such changes may affect the value of the Merger Consideration a common unitholder will receive upon completion of the Merger or may affect the market value of the common units prior to completion of the Merger. Market assessments of the benefits of the Merger and general and industry-specific market and economic conditions may also have an effect on the market prices of the common units and Company Shares.

The opinion of the Conflicts Committee’s financial advisor will not be updated to reflect changes in circumstances arising between the delivery of the opinion and the completion of theC-Corporation Conversion.

The opinion rendered by Raymond James, the Conflicts Committee’s financial advisor, was based upon the information available to it as of the date of the opinion. The Conflicts Committee has not obtained an updated opinion from Raymond James as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, and Raymond James has no obligation to update its opinion. Changes in the operations and prospects of the Partnership or GP, general market and economic conditions and other factors that may be beyond the control of the Partnership or GP, and on which Raymond James’s opinion was based, may significantly alter the price of the common units by the time theC-Corporation Conversion is completed. The opinion does not speak as of the time theC-Corporation Conversion will be completed or as of any date other than September 26, 2018, the day prior to the signing of the Merger Agreement. Because the Conflicts Committee’s financial advisor will not be updating its opinion, which was issued in connection with the signing of the Merger Agreement, the opinion will not address the fairness of the GP Merger Consideration, from a financial point of view, at the time theC-Corporation Conversion is completed. The Conflict Committee’s recommendation that the unitholders vote FOR the Merger proposal and FOR the Adjournment proposal, however, is made as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus. For a description of the opinion that the Conflicts Committee received from its financial advisor, please refer to “Proposal 1: The Merger—Opinion of the Financial Advisor to the Conflicts Committee.”

The unitholders will not be entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the Merger.

Appraisal rights are statutory rights that, if applicable under law, enable shareholders to dissent from an extraordinary transaction, such as a merger, and to demand that the corporation pay the fair value for their shares as determined by a court in a judicial proceeding instead of receiving the consideration offered to stockholders in

connection with the extraordinary transaction. No dissenters’ or appraisal rights will be available with respect to the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement under applicable law or contractual appraisal rights under the Partnership Agreement or the Merger Agreement.

Because the common units are listed on the NYSE, and are expected to continue to be so listed on the record date for the Partnership Unitholder Meeting, and because unitholders will receive Company Shares in connection with the Merger, which are expected to be listed on the NYSE upon the Effective Time, unitholders will not be entitled to appraisal rights in the Merger with respect to their common units.

Financial projections prepared by the Partnership may not prove to be reflective of actual future results.

In connection with theC-Corporation Conversion, the Partnership prepared and the Partnership and the Conflicts Committee considered, among other things, internal financial forecasts for the Partnership and GP, respectively. They speak only as of the date made and will not be updated. These financial projections were not provided with a view to public disclosure, are subject to significant economic, competitive, industry and other uncertainties and may not be achieved in full, at all or within projected timeframes. In addition, the failure of the Partnership and GP to achieve projected results could have a material adverse effect on the price of Company Shares, their financial positions and ability to maintain or increase dividends following the Merger.

The Partnership and GP will incur substantial transaction-related costs in connection with theC-Corporation Conversion.

The Partnership and GP expect to incur substantial expenses in connection with completing theC-Corporation Conversion, including fees paid to legal, financial and accounting advisors, filing fees and printing costs. Many of the expenses that will be incurred, by their nature, are difficult to estimate accurately at the present time.

The Partnership and GP may become subject to class action lawsuits relating to theC-Corporation Conversion, which could materially adversely affect their businesses, financial conditions and operating results.

The Partnership and GP and their directors and officers may become subject to class action lawsuits relating to theC-Corporation Conversion, including the Merger, and other additional lawsuits that may be filed. Such litigation is very common in connection with public merger transactions, includingC-Corporation Conversions, regardless of any merits related to the underlying transaction. While the Partnership and GP will evaluate and defend against any actions vigorously, the costs of the defense of such lawsuits and other effects of such litigation could have an adverse effect on each of their businesses, financial conditions and operating results.

One of the conditions to consummating theC-Corporation Conversion is that no order, decree or injunction of any governmental authority will be in effect that enjoins, prohibits or makes illegal consummation of the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Consequently, if any lawsuit is filed challenging theC-Corporation Conversion and is successful in obtaining an injunction preventing the parties to the Merger Agreement from consummating theC-Corporation Conversion, such injunction may prevent theC-Corporation Conversion from being completed in the expected timeframe, or at all

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements included in this proxy statement/prospectus are presented for illustrative purposes only and may not be an indication of the Partnership’s or Surviving Entity’s financial condition or results of operations following theC-Corporation Conversion.

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this proxy statement/prospectus are presented for illustrative purposes only, are based on various adjustments, assumptions and preliminary estimates and may not be an indication of the financial condition or results of operations of the

Partnership and the Surviving Entity following theC-Corporation Conversion for several reasons. The actual financial condition and results of operations of the entities following theC-Corporation Conversion may not be consistent with, or evident from, these unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements. In addition, the assumptions used in preparing the pro forma financial information may not prove to be accurate and other factors may affect the financial condition or results of operations of the Partnership and the Surviving Entity following theC-Corporation Conversion. Any potential decline in the financial condition or results of operations of the Partnership or the Surviving Entity may cause significant declines in the price of the Company Shares after completion of theC-Corporation Conversion. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.”

The Company Shares to be received by unitholders as a result of the Merger have different rights than the common units.

Following completion of the Merger, unitholders will no longer hold common units, but will instead be holders of Company Shares. There are important differences between the rights of unitholders and the rights of holders of Company Shares. See “Comparison of the Rights of Company Stockholders and Partnership Unitholders” for a discussion of these different rights.

If the Merger is approved by the unitholders, the date that the unitholders will receive the Merger Consideration is uncertain.

As described in this proxy statement/prospectus, completing theC-Corporation Conversion, including the proposed Merger is subject to several conditions, not all of which are controllable by the Partnership or GP. Accordingly, if the proposed Merger is approved by the unitholders, the date that those unitholders will receive Merger Consideration depends on the completion date of the Merger, which is uncertain.

Risks Related to the Ownership of Company Shares

The price of Company Shares may be volatile, and holders of Company Shares could lose a significant portion of their investments.

The market price of the Company Shares could be volatile, and holders of Company Shares may not be able to resell their Company Shares at or above the price of common units that were exchanged for such Company Shares at the time of signing of the Merger Agreement due to fluctuations in the market price of the Company Shares, including changes in price caused by factors unrelated to the Surviving Entity’s operating performance or prospects.

Specific factors that may have a significant effect on the market price for the Company Shares include:

the Surviving Entity’s operating and financial performance and prospects and the trading price of the Company Shares;

quarterly variations in the rate of growth of the Surviving Entity’s financial indicators, such as free cash flow per share of a Company Share, net income and revenues;

levels and maturity dates of the Surviving Entity’s indebtedness;

changes in estimates of the Surviving Entity’s revenue or earnings or publication of research reports relating to the Surviving Entity by analysts;

speculation by the press or investment community relating to the Surviving Entity;

purchases or sales of Company Shares by holders;

announcements by the Surviving Entity or its competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, securities offerings or capital commitments;

general market conditions;

changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles;

adverse changes in tax laws or regulations; and

domestic and international economic, legal and regulatory factors related to the Surviving Entity’s performance.

There may be future dilution of the Company Shares, which could adversely affect the market price of the Company Shares.

The Company is not restricted from issuing additional Company Shares. The Company may issue Company Shares to raise cash for future activities, including debt reduction, acquisitions or other purposes. The Company may also acquire interests in other companies by using a combination of cash and Company Shares or just Company Shares. The Company may also issue securities convertible into, or exchangeable for or that represent the right to receive, Company Shares. Any of these events may dilute the ownership interests of holders of Company Shares, reduce the Company’s earnings per share or have an adverse effect on the price of Company Shares.

Sales of a substantial amount of Company Shares in the public market could adversely affect the market price of the Company Shares.

Sales of a substantial amount of Company Shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales may occur, could reduce the market price of Company Shares. The Company Shares will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, unless the shares are held by any of the Surviving Entity’s “affiliates” as such term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. The size of future issuances of Company Shares or securities convertible into Company Shares is unpredictable, as is the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of Company Shares will have on the market price of Company Shares.

The Partnership and GP are subject to contractual interim operating restrictions while the proposed Merger is pending, which could adversely affect each party’s business and operations.

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, each of the Partnership, GP and GP Holdings are subject to certain restrictions on the conduct of its business prior to completing theC-Corporation Conversion, which may adversely affect their ability to execute certain of its business strategies. Such limitations could negatively affect each party’s businesses and operations prior to the completion of theC-Corporation Conversion.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This proxy statement/prospectus, including the documents incorporated herein by reference, contains statements that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. Such statements are “forward-looking statements.” You can typically identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act by the use of forward-looking statements, such as “may,” “could,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “potential,” “plan,” “forecast” and other similar words.

All statements that are not statements of historical facts, including statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, budgets, projected costs and plans and objectives of management for our future operations, are forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements reflect our intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside our control. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include known and unknown risks.

Risks and uncertainties that may affect theC-Corporation Conversion, including the Merger or actual results, include:

the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement;

the diversion of management in connection with theC-Corporation Conversion and the Partnership and the Surviving Entity’s abilities to realize fully or at all the anticipated benefits of theC-Corporation Conversion;

the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Partnership or GP and others relating to the Merger Agreement;

the effect of the announcement of theC-Corporation Conversion on customer relationships, operating results and business generally;

the risks that the proposedC-Corporation Conversion disrupts current plans and operations;

the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to theC-Corporation Conversion;

the failure to obtain the Partnership Unitholder Approval and to satisfy the other conditions to the consummation of theC-Corporation Conversion;

the failure to realize a lower long-term cost of capital and other anticipated benefits of the proposedC-Corporation Conversion;

our ability to maintain adequate cash flow and liquidity necessary to fund our capital expenditures, meet working capital needs and improve our operations;

our ability to successfully implement our turnaround strategy including matters related to acceleration of performance improvements;

our level of indebtedness and compliance with debt covenants;

our ability to successfully effect asset sales and improve operating performance to reduce our level of indebtedness;

the level of creditworthiness of our counterparties to various transactions;

changes in laws and regulations, particularly with regard to taxes, safety and protection of the environment;

weather and other natural phenomena;

industry changes, including the impact of consolidations and changes in competition;

the ability to maintain necessary licenses, permits and other approvals;

the ability to attract, train, motivate and retain a high caliber sale force;

uncertainties associated with the volume and timing ofpre-need sales of cemetery services and products;

increased use of cremation;

changes in religious beliefs;

changes in the death rate;

changes in the political or regulatory environments, including potential changes in tax accounting and trusting policies;

the ability to successfully compete in the cemetery and funeral home industry;

litigation or legal proceedings that could expose us to significant liabilities and damage our reputation;

the effects of cyber security attacks due to our significant reliance on information technology;

uncertainties relating to the financial condition of third-party insurance companies that fund ourpre-need funeral contracts;

general economic, market and business conditions; and

other factors and uncertainties discussed in this proxy statement/prospectus and the Partnership’s filings with the SEC, including the Partnership’s Annual Report, attached as Annex D to this proxy statement/prospectus, and the Annual Report Amendment attached as Annex B, as such risks may be updated or supplemented in the Partnership’s subsequently filed Quarterly Reports onForm 10-Q or Current Reports onForm 8-K.

You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. When considering forward-looking statements, please review carefully the risk factors described under “Risk Factors” in this proxy statement/prospectus.

THE PARTIES

StoneMor GP Holdings LLC

StoneMor GP Holdings LLC, or “GP Holdings”, is a Delaware limited liability company that currently owns all of the membership interests in GP. GP Holdings also owns 2,332,878 common units and, through its sole ownership of GP, owns all of the Incentive Distribution Rights (as defined in the Partnership Agreement, “IDRs)in the Partnership and controls the governance of the Partnership.

StoneMor GP LLC

StoneMor GP LLC, or GP, is a Delaware limited liability company formed in April 2004. GP does not directly own any operating assets; therefore, its main source of revenue is from general and limited partner interests, including IDRs, in the Partnership.

GP’s principal executive offices are located at 3600 Horizon Boulevard, Trevose, Pennsylvania 19053, and its telephone number is215-826-2800.

StoneMor Partners L.P.

StoneMor Partners L.P., or the Partnership, is a publicly-traded Delaware limited partnership providing funeral and cemetery products and services in the death care industry in the U.S. The Partnership’s common units are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “STON.”

The Partnership’s principal executive offices are located at 3600 Horizon Boulevard, Trevose, Pennsylvania 19053, and its telephone number is215-826-2800.

Additional information about the Partnership, including but not limited to information regarding its business, properties, legal proceedings, financial statements, financial condition and results of operations, changes in accountants, market risk, unit ownership of beneficial owners and management, directors and executive officers, executive compensation and related party transactions is set forth in the Partnership’s Annual Report and the Quarterly Report, which are included herewith as Annexes D and C, respectively, and which are incorporated herein by reference. See also “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page 100.

Relationships Between the Parties

GP does not directly own any operating assets; therefore, its main source of revenue is from general and limited partner interests, including IDRs, in the Partnership. All of GP’s cash flows are generated from the distributions GP receives from the Partnership. At the record date, GP’s interests in the Partnership consist of the following:

a 1.04% general partner interest; and

all of the outstanding IDRs.

THE PARTNERSHIP UNITHOLDER MEETING

Time, Place and Date. The Partnership Unitholder Meeting will be held at Courtyard Philadelphia Bensalem, 3280 Tillman Road, Bensalem, PA 19020 on December 20, 2019, at 10 a.m., local time.

Purpose. The purpose of the Partnership Unitholder Meeting is to consider and vote the Merger proposal and to approve the Adjournment proposal.

On September 27, 2018, the Conflicts Committee determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Partnership and the unitholders (other than GP and unitholders affiliated with GP), and, subject to the approval and authorization of theC-Corporation Conversion and the transactions contemplated thereby by the GP Board and GP Holdings (which approval was subsequently obtained), have unanimously approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. The Conflicts Committee recommends that the unitholders vote FOR the Merger proposal and FOR the Adjournment proposal. The Conflicts Committee’s approval of the Merger proposal constitutes “Special Approval,” as such term is defined by the Partnership Agreement. For more information regarding the recommendation of the Conflicts Committee, including the obligations of the Conflicts Committee in making such determination under the Partnership Agreement, see “Proposal 1: The Merger—Recommendation of the Conflicts Committee and their Reasons for the Merger.”

In considering the recommendation of the Conflicts Committee with respect to the Merger proposal, the unitholders should be aware that some of GP’s directors and executive officers may have interests in the Merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests they may have as unitholders. See “Proposal 1: The Merger—Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.”

Unitholders also may be asked to consider other matters as may properly come before the Partnership Unitholder Meeting. At this time, the Partnership knows of no other matters that will be presented for the consideration of the unitholders at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting.

Quorum. The holders of a majority of the outstanding units represented in person or by proxy (by submitting a properly executed proxy card or properly submitting your proxy by telephone or Internet) will constitute a quorum and will permit the Partnership to conduct the proposed business at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting. Proxies received but marked as abstentions will be counted as units that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. Brokernon-votes (if any) will not be considered present at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum and will not be included in the vote.

Record Date. The unitholder record date for the Partnership Unitholder Meeting is the close of business on November 4, 2019.

Units Entitled to Vote. Unitholders may vote at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting if they owned units at the close of business on the record date. Unitholders may cast one vote for each unit owned on the record date.

Votes Required. Approval of the Merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding units. Abstentions, failures to vote and brokernon-votes (if any) will have the same effect as votes AGAINST the Merger proposal. Approval of the Adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the outstanding units entitled to vote and that are present in person or by proxy at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting. Abstentions and brokernon-votes will have the same effect as votes AGAINST the Adjournment proposal, but failures to vote will have no effect on the adoption of the Adjournment proposal.

All of the directors and executive officers of GP beneficially owned directly or through the Axar Entities and the ACII Entities, in the aggregate, approximately 59.1% of the outstanding units as of the record date. GP and the Partnership believe that the directors and executive officers of GP will vote in favor of the Merger proposal.

Units Outstanding. As of the record date, there were 42,636,311 common units outstanding held by 43 holders of record. As of the record date, there were 49,043,953 preferred units outstanding held by 3 holders of record. The common units and preferred units vote together as a single class.

Adjournment. Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, in the absence of a quorum the Partnership Unitholder Meeting may be adjourned by the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the outstanding units entitled to vote at the meeting (including outstanding common units owned by GP Holdings) represented either in person or by proxy. Even if a quorum is present, the Partnership Unitholder Meeting could be adjourned in order to provide more time to solicit additional proxies in favor of approval of the Merger proposal if a majority of outstanding units entitled to vote and that are present in person or by proxy at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting are cast in favor of the Adjournment proposal. The meeting may be adjourned to a date within 45 days of the Partnership Unitholder Meeting without further notice other than by an announcement made at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting and without setting a new record date. References to the Partnership Unitholder Meeting in this proxy statement/prospectus are to such unitholder meeting as adjourned or postponed.

Voting Procedures

Voting by Unitholders. If you hold units in your own name, you may submit your proxy using any of the following methods:

call the toll-free telephone number listed on your proxy card and follow the recorded instructions;

go to the Internet website listed on your proxy card and follow the instructions provided;

complete, sign and mail your proxy card in the postage-paid envelope; or

attend the Partnership Unitholder Meeting and vote in person.

If you have timely and properly submitted your proxy, clearly indicated your vote and have not revoked your proxy, your units will be voted as indicated. If you have timely and properly submitted your proxy but have not clearly indicated your vote, your units will be voted FOR the Merger proposal and FOR the Adjournment proposal.

Revocation. If you hold your units in your own name, you may revoke your proxy at any time prior to its exercise by:

giving written notice of revocation to the Secretary of GP at or before the Partnership Unitholder Meeting;

appearing and voting in person at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting; or

properly completing and executing a later dated proxy and delivering it to the Secretary of GP at or before the Partnership Unitholder Meeting.

Your presence without voting at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting will not automatically revoke your proxy, and any revocation during the Partnership Unitholder Meeting will not affect votes previously taken.

Validity. The inspectors of election will determine all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance of proxies. Their determination will be final and binding. The GP Board has the right to waive any irregularities or conditions as to the manner of voting. The Partnership may accept your proxy by any form of communication permitted by applicable law so long as the Partnership is reasonably assured that the communication is authorized by you.

Solicitation of Proxies. The accompanying proxy is being solicited by GP on behalf of the GP Board. The expenses of preparing, printing and mailing the proxy and materials used in the solicitation will be borne by the Partnership.

D.F. King & Co., Inc. has been retained by the Partnership to aid in the solicitation of proxies for a fee of $14,500.00, plusreasonable out-of-pocket expenses. In addition to the mailing of this proxy statement/prospectus, proxies may also be solicited from unitholders by personal interview, telephone, fax or other electronic means by directors and officers of GP and employees of affiliates of the Partnership who provide services to the Partnership, who will not receive additional compensation for performing that service. Arrangements also will be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for the forwarding of proxy materials to the beneficial owners of units held by those persons, and the Partnership will reimburse them for any reasonable expenses that they incur.

Units Held in Street Name. If you hold units in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, you should follow the instructions provided by your bank, broker or other nominee when voting your units or when granting or revoking a proxy.

As a general rule, absent specific instructions from you, your bank, broker or other nominee is not allowed to vote your units on any proposal on which your bank, broker or other nominee does not have discretionary authority. The Merger proposal and Adjournment proposal arenon-discretionary matters for which banks, brokers or other nominees do not have discretionary authority to vote. To instruct your bank, broker or other nominee how to vote, you should follow the directions that your bank, broker or other nominee provides to you.

Please note that you may not vote your units held in “street name” by returning a proxy card directly to the Partnership or by voting in person at the Partnership Unitholder Meetings unless you provide a “legal proxy,” which you must obtain from your bank, broker or other nominee. If you do not instruct your bank, broker or other nominee on how to vote your units, your bank, broker or other nominee cannot vote your units, which will have the same effect as a vote AGAINST the Merger proposal. Abstentions and brokernon-votes will have the same effect as votes AGAINST the Adjournment proposal, but failures to vote will have no effect on the adoption of the Adjournment proposal. You should therefore provide your bank, broker or other nominee with instructions as to how to vote your units.

PROPOSAL 1: THE MERGER

Overview

On September 27, 2018, the Partnership, GP, GP Holdings, and Merger Sub entered into the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, the Partnership will transition to the Company.

Background of the Merger

The following chronology summarizes the key meetings and events that led to the signing of the Merger Agreement. This chronology does not purport to catalogue every conversation among the GP Board, the Conflicts Committee or the representatives of the Partnership and other parties.

In addition to the key meetings and events described below, the GP Board and senior management of GP regularly review and discuss the Partnership’s business, operational direction, performance and prospects, as well as strategic opportunities to create or enhance value for the Partnership’s unitholders.

On December 30, 2016, GP Holdings acquired $20 million of common units using funds invested in GP Holdings by ACII. In connection with ACII’s investment in GP Holdings, certain other members of GP Holdings, including Larry Miller and William Shane, the former CEO and CFO, respectively, of the Partnership, were entitled to exercise preemptive rights to maintain their respective common ownership percentages of GP Holdings.

During the first half of 2017, Messrs. Miller and Shane, ACII and Axar held discussions regarding a possible financing by Axar of the exercise by Messrs. Miller and Shane of their preemptive rights in GP Holdings. The transaction ultimately did not move forward.

On June 19, 2017, Andrew Axelrod, sole member of the general partner of Axar, advised Robert B. Hellman, Jr., Chairman of the GP Board, that Axar had reached an agreement to purchase the equity interests in GP Holdings held by Messrs. Miller and Shane for a combination of cash and an earnout based on future distributions. Over the following weeks, the parties continued to discuss the potential buyout, but the transaction ultimately did not move forward.

From time to time, the GP Board has considered the costs and benefits of being structured as a corporation rather than a master limited partnership, including, among other things, the Partnership’s limited ability to make distributions as a result of its existing financing arrangements and the reduced corporate tax rate resulting from the enactment of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Jobs Act”). Members of the GP Board also informally discussed trends in the industry with the Partnership’s legal and financial advisors, including the significant number of transactions announced and being considered following the enactment of the Jobs Act that would convert a master limited partnership to a corporate structure, eliminate or “reset” incentive distribution rights, create more streamlined business structures and improve costs of capital.

On March 9, 2018, Axar, the Partnership’s largest unitholder as of the date thereof, filed a Schedule 13D announcing its intention to actively pursue discussions with the GP Board regarding the potential of converting the Partnership’s structure from a master limited partnership to a corporation for U.S. Federal income tax purposes. In the filing, Axar noted that such a transaction would result in a more liquid market for the Partnership’s equity securities, and improve the Partnership’s opportunities for capital raising, senior management recruitment and other strategic transactions. Axar also noted that the recent reductions of corporate tax rates effective for 2018 made such a conversion more attractive than under prior tax rates.

Following Axar’s filing, the GP Board determined that it would be willing to engage in discussions with Axar regarding a potential conversion and Mr. Hellman called Mr. Axelrod to initiate these discussions.

Following execution of a confidentiality agreement on March 15, 2018, Mr. Hellman had several substantive discussions with Mr. Axelrod regarding the Partnership’s performance and prospects and the potential benefits of a conversion.

During March of 2018, Mr. Hellman, in his capacity as chairman of the GP Board and as trustee under the Voting and Investment Trust Agreement for the benefit of ACII, continued exploratory discussions with Axar regarding the advantages and disadvantages, as well as potential timing and structure of a potential conversion.

On April 9, 2018, Axar distributed to Mr. Hellman an initial draft of anon-binding term sheet pursuant to which the Partnership would convert to a corporation and the holders of common units would have the right to elect to receive cash for a portion of their common units in lieu of shares of the converted corporation. In addition, Axar (or its affiliates) and American Infrastructure Funds (or its affiliates) would invest $75 million in the Partnership in exchange for mandatorily convertible preferred equity in the Partnership, of which up to $25 million would be used to fund merger consideration for holders of common units who exercise the cash election.

On April 20, 2018, GP engaged Evercore Group L.L.C. (“Evercore”) to assist GP in evaluating a restructuring of the Partnership into a corporate entity. A written engagement letter was entered into on April 24, 2018. Based on preliminary discussions regarding the potential benefits of a conversion to a corporate entity, including simplifying the Partnership’s organizational structure, establishing more traditional corporate governance, and improving capital markets access by being available to a larger investor base, with the support of Axar and ACII, the GP Board determined that it would be appropriate to delegate to the Conflicts Committee the authority to formally evaluate a potential conversion.

On May 11, 2018, the Conflicts Committee held a telephonic meeting with Mr. Hellman to discuss GP’s proposal to transition the Partnership from a publicly-traded master limited partnership to a Delaware corporation.

On May 16, 2018, the initial draft of anon-binding memorandum of understanding with an attachednon-binding term sheet (collectively, the “Draft MOU”) between GP Holdings, the Partnership, ACII and Axar was distributed by GP Holdings and ACII to Axar. The Draft MOU provided that each of Axar and ACII would agree to certain standstill provisions during the term of the Draft MOU, including not to acquire additional equity interests in the Partnership seek representation on the GP Board, participate in solicitations of proxies with respect to any voting securities of the Partnership, or make public announcements regarding business combinations or other extraordinary transactions involving the Partnership. The Draft MOU outlined the basic terms of a merger agreement to effect the corporateC-Corporation Conversion, material economic terms, as well as execution and delivery of a voting and support agreement concurrent with the signing of the merger agreement pursuant to which ACII and Axar would agree to support the transaction on the terms to be provided in the merger agreement and certain restrictive covenants prior to the closing or termination of the merger agreement, including not to transfer its common units, acquire additional equity interests in the Partnership if such acquisition could cause such party, together with its affiliates, to own beneficially in excess of 19.99% of any Partnership Securities (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) of any class then outstanding, or seek representation on the GP Board. Finally, the Draft MOU provided a summary of a nomination and director voting agreement to be entered into concurrently with the voting and support agreement and the merger agreement that would entitle ACII and Axar to certain nomination rights to the board of directors of the Company following the closing of merger.

On May 17, 2018, the GP Board determined by unanimous consent to delegate to the Conflicts Committee, comprised of Patricia Wellenbach and Stephen J. Negrotti, the authority to (i) consider, review, evaluate and analyze a series of proposed transactions to transition the Partnership’s structure from a publicly-traded master limited partnership to StoneMor Inc., a newly formed publicly-traded Delaware corporation, (ii) control the negotiation with the Partnership, its affiliates, its representatives and any other person the Conflicts Committee

deems appropriate, (iii) determine whether the proposed transactions are in the best interests of the Partnership and all of its unitholders (other than GP and unitholders affiliated with GP) and consider whether to provide “Special Approval” as contemplated by Section 7.9(a) of the Partnership Agreement and (iv) if Special Approval and all requisite approvals of the public unitholders are provided, to take such other action as is necessary or advisable to consummate the proposed transactions. The Conflicts Committee was given the authority to not approve the proposed transaction.

On May 25, 2018, Axar provided a revised draft of the Draft MOU to representatives of ACII and GP Holdings and their legal counsel. For the duration of May, June and July, discussions ensued among Mr. Hellman and Mr. Axelrod, as well as Vinson & Elkins, LLP (“V&E”), counsel to the Partnership, and Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP (“Schulte”), counsel to Axar, regarding the open issues in the Draft MOU. The material open issues centered around the restrictive covenants to be contained in the voting and support agreement and the nomination and director voting agreement and the ownership thresholds for Axar to retain its board nomination rights under the nomination and director voting agreement.

During May of 2018, the Conflicts Committee met numerous times to discuss process and conduct interviews to engage financial and legal advisors. On June 8, 2018 and June 13, 2018, respectively, the Conflicts Committee retained Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (“DBR”), as its legal advisor, and Raymond James, as its financial advisor.

In June of 2018, GP Holdings submitted a written proposal to the Conflicts Committee regarding the potential transaction to transition the Partnership’s structure from a publicly-traded master limited partnership to a newly formed Delaware corporation taxed as a Subchapter C corporation, the common stock of which would be listed for trading on a national securities exchange. The proposal outlined that the transaction would be accomplished through, among other transactions, the cancellation of the IDRs held by GP and related governance control represented by StoneMor GP’s GP Interest in exchange for 4,000,000 common units, the cancellation of the 1.04% economic interest of GP’s general partner in the Partnership in exchange for 399,356 common units, and a merger pursuant to which each of the common units would be converted into one share of common stock of the Company, with the Partnership surviving such merger as a subsidiary of the Company. The proposal also noted that GP Holdings was preparing a proposed draft of the definitive agreements for the Conflicts Committee’s evaluation.

During June of 2018, Mr. Hellman, representatives of management, and V&E had numerous discussions to review and discuss the potential transaction and the various workstreams related thereto.

On June 11, 2018, the Conflicts Committee met with a representative of GP Holdings to discuss the process for receiving the GP’s proposal for the potential transactions, and the Conflicts Committee also met with representatives of DBR to discuss the process proposed by GP Holdings.

On June 15, 2018, the Conflicts Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of GP Holdings and its advisors where GP Holdings formally presented its proposal to convert the Partnership into a Delaware corporation, an overview of the proposed transactions and the anticipated timeline for considering the proposed transactions. Following the call with management, the Conflicts Committee held a telephonic meeting with DBR and Raymond James to discuss the proposal, the related materials and transaction process.

On June 18, 2018, the Conflicts Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Raymond James and Evercore as part of its financial due diligence review, during which Evercore presented information about the Partnership’s financial history and situation.

On June 20, 2018, the Conflicts Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of DBR and V&E as part of its legal due diligence review, during which representatives of V&E provided an overview of the Partnership’s legal structure, material agreements and SEC filing compliance. Counsel also discussed the proposed transaction structure.

On June 22, 2018, V&E provided an initial draft of the Merger Agreement to DBR. The initial draft contained placeholders for the key economic terms that remained unresolved among the parties following the delivery of the earlier proposal on June 15, 2018.

On June 28, 2018, the Conflicts Committee and representatives of DBR and Raymond James convened meetings in the offices of the Partnership in Trevose, Pennsylvania. The Conflicts Committee and its advisors met with various members of the Partnership’s finance team during which the finance team presented information about the historical operations, results of operations and financial condition of the Partnership, projections and planned strategies.

On each of June 29, 2018, July 2, 2018 and July 9, 2018, the Conflicts Committee held a telephonic meeting with Raymond James and DBR to discuss Raymond James’s continuing analysis and valuation work in respect of GP’s proposal.

On each of July 13, 2018, July 18, 2018 and July 20, 2018, the Conflicts Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of several of the Partnership’s largest unitholders to understand the unitholders’ perspectives and concerns relative to a possible transaction such as was being evaluated by the Conflicts Committee.

DBR and V&E had several discussions in early July of 2018 regarding the draft Merger Agreement and the structure and timing of the transaction.

On July 20, 2018, Oaktree Capital Management LP and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Oaktree”) filed a Schedule 13D announcing their intention to continuously evaluate the Partnership’s businesses and prospects, alternative investment opportunities and all factors deemed relevant in determining whether to acquire additional common units or to dispose of common units as well as their interest in, and intentions with respect to, the Partnership and their investment in the securities of the Partnership. Oaktree also indicated that it may formulate a plan with respect to such matters, and, from time to time, hold discussions with or make formal proposals to the GP Board and/or management of GP, the management of the Partnership, other holders of common units and other relevant parties, including third parties, regarding such matters.

On July 22, 2018, Mr. Hellman and a representative of GP Holdings met with the Conflicts Committee in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to discuss the economic terms of the proposed transaction. The Conflicts Committee discussed its valuation analysis, its understanding of the major unitholders’ perspectives and its rationale for presenting a counterproposal to GP’s proposal.

On July 27, 2018, the Conflicts Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of DBR and Raymond James to discuss Raymond James’s continuing valuation analysis and GP’s existing rights under the Partnership Agreement.

On July 30, 2018, Mr. Negrotti spoke to Mr. Hellman to present the Conflicts Committee’s counterproposal that in exchange for cancellation of the GP Interest, IDRs and the governance and all other economic and other rights associated with the general partnership interest held indirectly by GP Holdings immediately prior to the Conversion, GP Holdings would receive 2,550,000 common units. The counterproposal was an alternative to GP’s proposal for GP Holdings to receive 4,399,356 common units. Mr. Hellman did not accept the counterproposal.

On July 31, 2018, GP Holdings, ACII and Axar signed the MOU (the “Executed MOU”). Pursuant to the Executed MOU, Axar and ACII indicated on anon-binding basis, among other things, to support theC-Corporation Conversion to transition the Partnership from a Delaware limited partnership into a newly formed Delaware corporation whose common stock was expected to be listed for trading on the NYSE. The Executed MOU contemplated the settlement of the IDRs and the GP Interest in exchange for such consideration to be

agreed by the Conflicts Committee, ACII and GP Holdings. The Executed MOU also contemplated certain post-conversion governance provisions relating to the Company, including that the merger agreement for theC-Corporation Conversion would provide for a nine member board of directors, with ACII having the right to designate two directors and Axar having the right to designate one director, so long as each retains specified amounts of common stock of the Company, as well as a standstill agreement to be entered into by each of Axar and ACII limiting their respective actions with respect to the Company, so long as each has board representation. The Executed MOU also contemplated that, if definitive agreements relating to theC-Corporation Conversion were entered into, each of ACII and Axar would have the right to participate, pro rata, based on its respective ownership percentage of the outstanding equity, in future equity raises, if any, by the Partnership or its affiliates. On August 1, 2018, each of Axar and ACII filed amendments to its previously filed Schedule 13D summarizing their entry into the Executed MOU and providing that the Executed MOU may result in the Reporting Persons being deemed a “group” with the other party and certain of its affiliates within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, although each party disclaimed membership in a group with the other party.

On August 2, 2018, the Partnership executed anon-disclosure agreement with Oaktree in order to engage in discussions prompted by Oaktree’s previously filed Schedule 13D.

Over the next few weeks, the Partnership, ACII and GP Holdings continued to evaluate the structure of the potential transaction with the assistance of V&E. At various points, Mr. Hellman met with representatives of management to solicit its feedback on the proposed transactions.

During early August of 2018, the Conflicts Committee met regularly with its legal and financial advisors to discuss valuation analysis and various legal considerations. On August 6, 2018 and August 8, 2018, the Conflicts Committee held telephonic meetings with major unitholders during which they obtained further understanding of the unitholders’ perspectives about aspects of the potential transaction. During this period, informal communications also continued between members of the Conflicts Committee and Mr. Hellman.

On August 13, 2018, Mr. Negrotti presented to Mr. Hellman the Conflicts Committee’s revised counterproposal that GP Holdings would receive 2,950,000 common units (increased from 2,550,000) in exchange for cancellation of the GP Interest, IDRs and all other economic and other rights associated with the GP Interest held indirectly by GP Holdings immediately prior to theC-Corporation Conversion.

On August 14, 2018, the Conflicts Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of DBR and Raymond James to discuss the tentative agreement in principle reached with Mr. Hellman regarding the proposed exchange ratio and to discuss other open issues related to the transaction.

On August 21, 2018, DBR, on behalf of the Conflicts Committee, provided comments to the initial draft of the Merger Agreement that had been provided by V&E and raised a number of diligence questions to management of the Partnership. The principal issues raised in DBR’s comments to the Merger Agreement included (i) the inclusion of a provision requiring GP and GP Holdings to reimburse the Partnership forout-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the transaction if the Partnership terminated the Merger Agreement for specified reasons, (ii) representations disclosing agreements between GP and its affiliates (other than the Partnership) and any Partnership unitholder in its capacity as such and (iii) the inclusion of restrictive and affirmative covenants regarding the operation of the business of the Partnership, GP and GP Holdings during the period between signing and the earlier of closing or termination of the Merger Agreement. Certain key economic terms, such as the number of common units for which GP’s GP Interest and IDRs would be exchanged, remained as a bracketed placeholder in DBR’s draft while the parties continued ongoing negotiations concerning these economic terms.

On August 24, 2018, V&E sent a revised draft of the Merger Agreement to DBR. The revised Merger Agreement rejected the Conflicts Committee’s requests for expense reimbursement and interim operating covenant provisions. The revised Merger Agreement retained a bracketed placeholder for the number of common

units for which GP’s GP Interest in the Partnership would be exchanged. Following the circulation of the revised draft of the Merger Agreement, V&E and DBR had a series of discussions regarding the material revisions. Separately, Mr. Hellman had several conversations with Mr. Negrotti regarding the open issues and the timeline of the transaction.

During the remainder of August of 2018 into September of 2018, the Conflicts Committee continued to meet regularly with DBR to discuss items in the Merger Agreement and matters related to the corporate governance documents and structure of the resulting publicly-traded corporation that would be effective following the transaction.

On August 29, 2018, DBR distributed a revised draft of the Merger Agreement to V&E reinserting an expense reimbursement by GP and GP Holdings, if the Partnership terminated the Merger Agreement in certain instances and a more limited set of interim operating covenant provisions. The draft also included that GP may terminate the Merger Agreement at any time so long as with its notice of termination GP paid the Partnership reimbursement forout-of-pocket expenses incurred by GP, GP Holdings and the Conflicts Committee in connection with theC-Corporation Conversion. DBR also included that GP’s GP Interest would be exchanged for 2,950,000 common units, replacing the bracketed placeholder from the prior drafts.

On August 31, 2018, V&E distributed to DBR a revised draft of the Merger Agreement along with a list of the significant issues still outstanding, including interim operating covenants and termination and reimbursement rights. For purposes of the draft, V&E retained that GP’s GP Interest would be exchanged for 2,950,000 common units. V&E also circulated to DBR drafts of the amended and restated bylaws and certificate of formation for StoneMor Inc. and other ancillary agreements. On the afternoon of August 31, 2018, DBR and V&E discussed the open issues in the Merger Agreement.

On September 5, 2018, V&E and DBR had additional discussions regarding the Merger Agreement and the Company’s governing documents. Following the discussion, DBR distributed revised drafts of the governing documents to V&E.

On September 6, 2018, the Conflicts Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of DBR and Raymond James to discuss various matters. Raymond James presented an updated valuation analysis of the proposedC-Corporation Conversion.

In early September of 2018, V&E distributed initial drafts of the Voting and Support Agreement and Nomination and Director Voting Agreement to Axar’s counsel and over the course of the next few weeks, finalized the terms based on the Executed MOU, including negotiated items such as standstill provisions. In addition, Axar provided comments to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation for the Company.

On September 9, 2018, Mr. Hellman and Mr. Negrotti discussed the remaining open issues in the Merger Agreement, specifically, interim operating covenants and rights to termination and expense reimbursement. On September 11, 2018, V&E distributed a revised draft of the Merger Agreement to DBR reflecting the negotiations between Mr. Hellman and Mr. Negrotti. The draft limited restrictions on interim operations to operating in the ordinary course and provided that GP could terminate the Merger Agreement at any time but that GP and GP Holdings would be required to reimburse the Partnership forout-of-pocket expenses of the Conflicts Committee and the Partnership in connection with the transaction if the Partnership does not otherwise have the right to terminate pursuant to the Merger Agreement for certain reasons and there has not been a change in tax law that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Conversion. In the draft, V&E reinserted the bracketed placeholder for the number of common units for which GP’s GP Interest and IDRs in the Partnership would be exchanged.

During the months of August and September, representatives of management, the GP Board and the Conflicts Committee, together with their legal, tax and financial advisors, continued to evaluate the structure of

theC-Corporation Conversion and the business, financial, tax and accounting implications of each structure. Following detailed discussions among the parties, the parties agreed to the following structure for theC-Corporation Conversion: (i) GP would convert to a corporation and change its name to StoneMor Inc., and (ii) a newly formed Merger Sub would be merged with and into the Partnership, and the Partnership would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and the holders of common units would become stockholders in the Company on aone-for-one basis of common units to the Company’s common stock. ACII, the GP Board and the Conflicts Committee ultimately determined, and Axar approved, that the conversion of GP into a corporation and the merger of the Partnership into a newly formed subsidiary of the Partnership was the favored alternative for achieving the objectives of decreasing the Partnership’s equity cost of capital, simplifying its tax structure and financial reporting obligations and minimizing potential disruption to commercial arrangements and that such alternative could be completed on the most efficient and expedited basis for the Partnership.

During the week of September 10, 2018, Mr. Hellman and the Conflicts Committee and their respective advisors engaged in a series of conversations regarding the material open issues and the timing of theC-Corporation Conversion. As a result of such conversations, on September 20, 2018, V&E distributed to DBR and Schulte a revised draft of the Merger Agreement providing that, among other things, before giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Merger, as result of the conversion of GP into a Delaware corporation and as consideration for thePre-Closing Transactions (as defined in the Merger Agreement) and the Merger, GP Holdings would receive a certain number of common units (left blank in the draft) representing the common units owned by LP Sub and an agreed upon valuation (in common units) in exchange for the GP Interest, the IDRs and for the governance and all other economic and other rights associated with the General Partnership Interest held indirectly by GP Holdings immediately prior to theC-Corporation Conversion.

On September 18, 2018, the Conflicts Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of DBR and Raymond James. DBR presented an update on the transaction structure, agreement documentation and related status. Raymond James presented the analysis performed and considerations made by Raymond James to date in connection with the formulation of its opinion.

Between September 20 and September 23, 2018, V&E, DBR, the Conflicts Committee and Mr. Hellman, in consultation with representatives of Partnership management, negotiated the remaining terms of the Merger Agreement, post-conversion Company organizational documents and other ancillary agreements. In addition, representatives of Axar and ACII and their respective counsel finalized the terms of the Voting and Support Agreement and the Nomination and Director Voting Agreement.

On September 23, 2018, DBR circulated its comments to the September 20, 2018 draft of the Merger Agreement. These included that prior to the Merger, 2,950,000 common units would be issued to GP Holdings in exchange for the GP Interest, the IDRs and the governance and all other economic and other rights associated with the General Partnership Interest held indirectly by GP Holdings immediately prior to the Conversion. In addition, the revisions included additional diligence requests as a result of the final structure.

On September 24, 2018, V&E circulated to DBR, the Conflicts Committee, Axar and Schulte a substantially final version of the Merger Agreement and proposed final versions of the Voting and Support Agreement, Nomination and Director Voting Agreement, and post-conversion governing documents of the Company. The draft accepted the Conflicts Committee’s proposal in DBR’s September 23rd draft that 2,950,000 common units would be issued to GP Holdings in exchange for the GP Interest, IDRs and other rights, provided that following the Closing the initial board of directors of the Company would consist of nine directors, including two designees of ACII, one designee of Axar, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Conflicts Committee subsequently held a telephonic meeting with DBR, Raymond James and Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, legal advisors to Raymond James (“Hunton Andrews Kurth”), to discuss the drafts received from V&E.

On September 25, 2018, the Conflicts Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives from DBR, Raymond James and Hunton Andrews Kurth. Representatives of Raymond James presented an update of the Raymond James analysis and delivered Raymond James’s oral opinion addressed to the Conflicts Committee, which was subsequently confirmed by delivery of a written opinion on September 26, 2018, that based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Raymond James in preparing the opinion, as of the date of the opinion, the GP Merger Consideration to be delivered to GP Holdings in the Merger pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair from a financial point of view, to the unitholders (other than GP and unitholders affiliated with GP).

On September 25, 2018, the GP Board held a meeting during which Mr. Hellman reported that there would be a meeting with the Partnership’s lenders on September 27, 2018 to discuss the potential conversion to a corporation, V&E and Mr. Hellman presented the terms of the potential conversion and answered questions from GP Board members and the Conflicts Committee reported on their process and open issues in the documentation. The GP Board also discussed the timing of the potential conversion, if necessary approvals were obtained, and Mr. Hellman noted that the conversion could not be completed until the Partnership’s filings with the SEC were current, which would likely mean a closing in the first or second quarter of 2019.

On the morning of September 27, 2018, the Conflicts Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of DBR to discuss the final issues in the Merger Agreement and the approvals needed to consummate theC-Corporation Conversion.

Upon further negotiations amongst all of the parties, together with their counsel, the parties further agreed that, in addition to other termination rights in the Merger Agreement and subject to certain conditions, (i) either the Partnership or Merger Sub had the right to terminate if the Closing had not been consummated on or before June 30, 2019 and in certain instances, such a termination would require GP and GP Holdings to reimburse the Partnership allout-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Partnership in connection with the transaction and (ii) GP had the right to terminate at any time if it concluded in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal advisors and financial advisors, that the consummation of the transaction would be inconsistent with its duties under its organizational documents or applicable law or if there has been a material adverse effect on the Partnership. On September 26, 2018, V&E distributed to DBR and Schulte a further revised draft of the Merger Agreement reflecting the foregoing positions.

On the afternoon of September 27, 2018, the GP Board held a special meeting during which Mr. Hellman, together with V&E, summarized the final terms of the Merger Agreement and Ms. Wellenbach reviewed with the GP Board the Conflicts Committee’s process in evaluating, negotiating and ultimately recommending the proposed transaction to the GP Board and its rationale therefor. Ms. Wellenbach advised the GP Board that a fairness opinion had been received from Raymond James and the Conflicts Committee had, subject to the approval of theC-Corporation Conversion and the transactions contemplated thereby by the GP Board and GP Holdings, (i) approved the Merger Agreement, such approval intended to constitute “Special Approval” under the Partnership Agreement, (ii) recommended submission of the Merger Agreement to the Partnership’s unitholders for approval, and (iii) recommended that the Partnership’s unitholders approve the Merger Agreement, including the transactions contemplated thereby. After discussion of various considerations relating to the proposedC-Corporation Conversion, the GP Board determined that the form, terms and provisions of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, were advisable, fair and reasonable to and in the best interests of GP and declared it advisable for GP to enter into the Merger Agreement, and the GP Board approved and adopted the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger.

On the afternoon of September 27, 2018, the Merger Agreement, Voting and Support Agreement and Nomination and Director Voting Agreement were executed, and on the morning of September 28, 2018, the Partnership issued a press release announcing the execution of the Merger Agreement.

In January of 2019, Mr. Axelrod advised Mr. Hellman that Axar desired to acquire common units in excess of the percentage allowed pursuant to the Voting and Support Agreement and the Nomination and Director Voting Agreement. Mr. Axelrod and Mr. Hellman, together with V&E and Schulte, discussed considerations related to increasing the permitted percentage.

In December 2018, the Conflicts Committee discussed with Mr. Hellman Axar’s desire to acquire additional common units. After discussing considerations related to Axar’s request with its counsel, the Conflicts Committee confirmed to Mr. Hellman its agreement to permit the request.

On January 25, 2019, the GP Board held a meeting to discuss, among other things, amending the Voting and Support Agreement and Nomination and Director Voting Agreement to increase the limit on the percentage of Partnership Securities (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) that Axar is permitted to own, together with its affiliates, from 19.99% to 27.49% of any Partnership Securities of any class then outstanding. The GP Board also discussed waiving the provision in clause (iii) of the definition of “outstanding” in the Partnership Agreement which provides that if at any time “any Person or Group (other than GP or its Affiliates) beneficially owns 20% or more of any outstanding Partnership Securities of any class then outstanding, then all Partnership Securities owned by such Person or Group shall not be voted on any matter and shall not be considered to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of Limited Partners to vote on any matter (unless otherwise required by law), calculating required votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes under this Agreement” (the “20% Waiver”) to allow Axar to continue to possess such voting rights, including in respect of voting for the Merger as required, and pursuant to the terms of the Voting and Support Agreement. Following discussion among the GP Board, the amendments to the Voting and Support Agreement, Nomination and Director Voting Agreement and the 20% Waiver were unanimously approved by the GP Board. On February 4, 2019, the First Amendment to the Voting and Support Agreement and the First Amendment to the Nomination and Director Voting Agreement were executed.

On January 25, 2019, the GP Board discussed the Eighth Amendment and Waiver to the Credit Agreement (the “Eighth Amendment”) to be entered into among the Partnership, StoneMor Operating LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Partnership, the other borrowers party thereto, the lenders party thereto and Capital One, National Association, as administrative agent. Modifications to the Credit Agreement introduced by the Eighth Amendment, among other things, (i) permit the consummation of theC-Corporation Conversion; (ii) add to the Credit Agreement a separate last out revolving tranche B credit facility in the aggregate amount of $35 million to be provided by certain affiliates of Axar as the initial lenders, to be collateralized by a security interest in substantially all assets of the Partnership and the borrowers that were held for the benefit of the Credit Agreement lenders before the Eighth Amendment effective date and to bear interest at a fixed rate of 8.0% and (iii) include a waiver of events of default continuing on the Eighth Amendment effective date. Following discussion among the GP Board, the Eighth Amendment was unanimously approved by the GP Board. On February 4, 2019, the Eighth Amendment was executed. On the same day, $15 million of the last out revolving tranche B credit facility were drawn down. Additional information relating to the Eighth Amendment and related matters can be found in the Partnership’s Annual Report, attached as Annex D to this proxy statement/prospectus.

Between the execution of the Merger Agreement and the end of March of 2019, the Partnership worked with its counsel and auditors to become current with respect to the filing of its periodic reports required under the Exchange Act.

On April 30, 2019, the parties to each of the Merger Agreement and the Voting and Support Agreement, with the approval of the GP Board and the Conflicts Committee, executed amendments to each document, extending the termination dates set forth in each agreement to October 1, 2019.

On June 27, 2019, in connection with the completion of the Recapitalization Transactions, the parties to each of the Merger Agreement, Voting and Support Agreement and Director Nomination and Voting Agreement, with the approval of the GP Board and the Conflicts Committee, executed certain amendments thereto and entered into certain other definitive agreements to give effect to the Preferred Placement and Notes Offering.

Additional information relating to the Recapitalization Transactions can be found in the Partnership’s Periodic Report on Form8-K filed with the SEC on June 28, 2019, as amended.

Recommendation of the Conflicts Committee and their Reasons for the Merger

By vote at a meeting of the members of the Conflicts Committee on September 27, 2018, the Conflicts Committee, by unanimous vote, (a) determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Partnership and the unitholders (other than GP and unitholders affiliated with GP), (b) subject to the approval and authorization of theC-Corporation Conversion and the transactions contemplated thereby by the GP Board and GP Holdings (which approval was subsequently obtained), approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger (the foregoing constituting Special Approval), (c) directed that the Merger Agreement be submitted to a vote of the unitholders, and (d) resolved its recommendation of adoption of the Merger Agreement by the unitholders. In evaluating the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, the Conflicts Committee considered information supplied by management of Partnership, consulted with its legal and financial advisors and considered a number of factors in reaching its determination, approval and recommendation. The Conflicts Committee also consulted with its legal counsel regarding its duties and obligations.

In the course of determining that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Partnership and the unitholders (other than GP and unitholders affiliated with GP), the Conflicts Committee considered, in addition to the matters discussed under “Background of the Merger,” the following factors, which the Conflicts Committee believe supports their decisions:

The Conflicts Committee’s and GP’s senior management’s expectations that the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement would simplify the organizational structure for investors and facilitate a more transparent and streamlined governance structure that would permit the common unitholders to benefit from enhanced voting and other rights as stockholders of a corporation as opposed to unitholders of a master limited partnership controlled by a general partner;

The Conflicts Committee’s and GP’s senior management’s expectations that a corporate structure would result in certain administrative cost savings and synergies and could be expected to reduce the Surviving Entity’s cost of capital, broaden its potential investor base and access to capital, and provide greater flexibility for merger and acquisition activity;

The input the Conflicts Committee received from the Partnership’s unitholders regarding advisability of theC-Corporation Conversion and appropriate valuation;

The financial analyses prepared by Raymond James, as financial advisor to the Conflicts Committee, and the oral opinion, as of September 25, 2018, addressed to the Conflicts Committee, which was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated September 26, 2018, that based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Raymond James in preparing the opinion, as of the date of the opinion, the GP Merger Consideration to be delivered to GP Holdings in the Merger pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair from a financial point of view, to the unitholders (other than GP and unitholders affiliated with GP), as more fully described below under “Opinion of the Financial Advisor to the Conflicts Committee;”

Current and historical conditions in the cemetery and funeral home industry generally;

Current and historical financial market conditions, including the current and historical trading prices of the common units;

The Conflicts Committee and the Partnership’s senior management’s knowledge of and familiarity with the Partnership’s assets both as a result of the Partnership’s historic operations and due diligence; and

The Conflicts Committee and the Partnership’s senior management’s knowledge of and familiarity with the Partnership’s business, operations and financial condition, and its and their assessment of the Partnership’s prospects.

In addition, the Conflicts Committee considered a number of factors relating to the procedural safeguards involved in the negotiation of the Merger Agreement, including those discussed below, each of which supported their determinations with respect to the Merger:

The GP Board delegated to the Conflicts Committee the full power and authority of the GP Board to (i) review and evaluate the terms and conditions of the proposed transaction, (ii) negotiate on behalf of the Partnership the terms and conditions of the proposed transaction, (iii) make any recommendation to the unitholders regarding the proposed transaction and (iv) determine whether or not to grant “Special Approval” pursuant to the Partnership Agreement with respect to the proposed transaction;

The Conflicts Committee had no obligation to approve or recommend any transaction;

The Conflicts Committee is composed of members who each satisfy the requirements for serving on the Conflicts Committee as required under the Partnership Agreement, including the requirement that all members of the Conflicts Committee be independent directors;

The Merger Agreement provides that without the consent of the Conflicts Committee, the GP Board and GP Holdings may noteliminate the Conflicts Committee, or revoke or diminish the authority of the Conflicts Committee, or, except in the event of a material breach of his or her obligations as a director of GP or for cause, remove or cause the removal of any director of the GP Board that is a member of the Conflicts Committee either as a member of such board or such committee, or appoint any additional director to the GP Board or the Conflicts Committee in each case without the affirmative vote of the GP Board, including the affirmative vote of a majority of members of the Conflicts Committee;

Any amendment, supplement or waiver of the Merger Agreement pursuant to the Merger Agreement requires the approval of the Conflicts Committee;

The Conflicts Committee selected and retained its own legal and financial advisors with knowledge and experience with respect to transactions similar to theC-Corporation Conversion, master limited partnerships (“MLPs”), the industry in which the Partnership operates generally, and the Partnership particularly, as well as substantial experience advising MLPs and other companies with respect to transactions similar to theC-Corporation Conversion, including the Merger;

The members of the Conflicts Committee will not personally benefit from completion of the Merger in a manner different from other unaffiliated unitholders;

The compensation received by the members of the Conflicts Committee was in no way contingent upon their approval of the Merger Agreement;

The Conflicts Committee members received no separate compensation for serving on the Conflicts Committee in connection with its consideration of theC-Corporation Conversion, other than the reimbursementof out-of-pocket expenses and committee fees of $125,000 to each member of the Conflicts Committee from the time of formation to August 30, 2019;

The terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement were determinedthrough arm’s-length negotiations among the Conflicts Committee, the GP Board, and their respective representatives and advisors. The consideration to be received by GP Holdings in exchange for the GP Interest, the IDRs and the governance and all other economic and other rights associated with the General Partnership Interest held indirectly by GP Holdings immediately prior to the Conversion was reduced from 4,399,356 common units proposed at the time of the initial proposal to 2,950,000 common units under the terms of the Merger Agreement;

The Conflicts Committee believed, based on the nature of the negotiations, that the consideration to be received by GP Holdings was the lowest that GP was willing to accept; and

The Merger Agreement affords the Conflicts Committee the ability to change its recommendation if the Conflicts Committee has concluded in good faith after consultation with its outside legal advisors and financial advisors, that the failure to make a change in recommendation would be inconsistent with its duties under the Partnership Agreement or applicable law, subject to certain limitations, as more particularly set forth in the Merger Agreement.

In the course of reaching the determinations and making the recommendation described above, the Conflicts Committee also considered the following risks and potentially negative factors related to the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby:

The possibility that potential alternative transaction structures may be more beneficial to the unitholders than theC-Corporation Conversion;

There is risk that the potential benefits expected to be realized in theC-Corporation Conversion might not be fully realized, or might not be realized within the expected time period;

TheC-Corporation Conversion may not be completed in a timely manner, or at all, which could result in significant costs and disruption to the Partnership’s normal business or negatively impact the trading price of the common units;

Unitholders will be forgoing any potential benefits that could be realized by remaining unitholders of the Partnership;

The Company Shares may not trade at expected valuations;

The Surviving Entity and the Partnership may not achieve their projected financial results;

The Partnership and GP will incur substantial transaction-related costs in connection with theC-Corporation Conversion;

The unitholders will not be entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the Merger;

The Partnership and GP may become subject to class action lawsuits relating to theC-Corporation Conversion, which could materially adversely affect their businesses, financial conditions and operating results;

Certain directors and executive officers of the Partnership may have interests in the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement that are different from, or in addition to, those of the unitholders generally; and

The risks of the type and nature described under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this proxy statement/prospectus and under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Partnership’s Annual Report and the Partnership’s Quarterly Report, attached as Annex D and C, respectively, to this proxy statement/prospectus, and subsequent reports the Partnership files under the Exchange Act. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

The Conflicts Committee considered all of the foregoing factors as a whole and, on balance, concluded that they supported a determination to approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger. The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the Conflicts Committee includes the material factors, but is not exhaustive. In view of the wide variety of factors considered by the Conflicts Committee in connection with its evaluation of the proposed Merger and the complexity of these matters, the Conflicts Committee did not consider it practical to, and did not attempt to, quantify, rank or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors considered in reaching their decisions. The Conflicts Committee evaluated the factors described above, among other factors, and in each case reached a consensus that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, are fair to, and in the

best interests of, the Partnership and the unitholders (other than GP and unitholders affiliated with GP). In considering the factors described above, and any other factors, individual members of the Conflicts Committee may have viewed factors differently or given weight or merit to different factors. The Conflicts Committee approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger on the totality of the information presented to and considered by it.

In considering the approval of the Merger Agreement by the Conflicts Committee, you should be aware that certain directors and executive officers of the Partnership may have interests in the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement that are different from, or in addition to, those of the unitholders generally. The Conflicts Committee was aware of these interests and considered them when approving the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger. See “Proposal 1: The Merger—Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.”

The explanation of the reasoning of the Conflicts Committee and certain other information presented in this section are forward-looking in nature and, therefore, the information should be read in light of the factors discussed in the section entitled “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

The Conflicts Committee recommends that the unitholders vote FOR the Merger proposal and FOR the Adjournment proposal, if necessary, at the time of the special meeting.

Opinion of the Financial Advisor to the Conflicts Committee

In connection with the Merger, the Conflicts Committee requested that Raymond James evaluate the fairness from a financial point of view, of the GP Merger Consideration to be delivered to GP Holdings in the Merger pursuant to the Merger Agreement. On September 25, 2018, at a meeting of the Conflicts Committee held to evaluate the Merger, Raymond James delivered an oral opinion, as of September 25, 2018, addressed to the Conflicts Committee, which was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated September 26, 2018, to the effect that based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Raymond James in preparing the opinion, as of the date of the opinion, the GP Merger Consideration to be delivered to GP Holdings in the Merger pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair from a financial point of view, to the unitholders (other than GP and unitholders affiliated with GP).

Raymond James’s opinion did not address the underlying business decision of GP to effect the Merger, the relative merits of the Merger as compared to any other alternative business strategies or opportunities that might exist for the Partnership, or the effect of any other transaction in which the Partnership might engage or consider. The full text of Raymond James’s written opinion, dated September 26, 2018, which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Raymond James, is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.The description of Raymond James’s opinion set forth below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Raymond James’s opinion, which you are encouraged to read carefully and in its entirety. Raymond James’s opinion is not intended to be and does not constitute a recommendation as to how any securityholder should vote or act on any matters relating to the proposed Merger or otherwise. Raymond James’s opinion speaks as of the date rendered and Raymond James has no obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its opinion.

In arriving at its opinion, Raymond James:

reviewed the financial terms and conditions as stated in the draft of the Merger Agreement, dated as of September 24, 2018 (as used in this section, the “Draft Agreement”);

reviewed certain information related to the historical, current and future operations, financial condition and prospects of the Partnership made available to it by the Partnership, including, but not limited to,

financial projections prepared by the management of the Partnership relating to the Partnership for the periods ending December 31, 2018 through 2022, as approved for its use by the Conflicts Committee (the “Projections”);

reviewed the Partnership’s recent public filings and certain other publicly available information regarding the Partnership;

reviewed financial, operating and other information regarding the Partnership and the industry in which it operates;

reviewed the financial and operating performance of the Partnership and those of other selected public companies that it deemed to be relevant;

considered the publicly available financial terms of certain transactions it deemed to be relevant;

reviewed the current and historical market prices and trading volume for the common units and the current market prices of the publicly traded securities of certain other companies that it deemed to be relevant;

conducted such other financial studies, analyses and inquiries and considered such other information and factors as it deemed appropriate; and

discussed with members of the senior management of the Partnership certain information relating to the aforementioned and any other matters that it deemed relevant to its inquiry.

Raymond James assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all information supplied by or on behalf of the Partnership or otherwise reviewed by or discussed with Raymond James, and Raymond James undertook no duty or responsibility to, nor did it, independently verify any such information. Raymond James did not make or obtain an independent appraisal of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of the Partnership. With respect to the Projections and any other information and data provided to or otherwise reviewed by or discussed with Raymond James, Raymond James, with the Conflict Committee’s consent, assumed that the Projections and such other information and data had been reasonably prepared in good faith on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of management of the Partnership, and Raymond James relied upon the Partnership to advise it promptly if any information previously provided became inaccurate or was required to be updated during the period of its review. Raymond James expressed no opinion with respect to the Projections or the assumptions on which they are based. Raymond James assumed that the final form of the Draft Agreement would be substantially similar to the draft reviewed by Raymond James, and that the Merger andC-Corporation Conversion will be consummated substantially in accordance with the terms of the Draft Agreement without waiver or amendment of any conditions substantially thereto. Furthermore, Raymond James assumed, in all respects material to its analysis, that the representations and warranties of each party contained in the Draft Agreement are true and correct and that each such party will perform all of the covenants and agreements required to be performed by it under the Draft Agreement without being waived. Raymond James relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, that (i) the Merger andC-Corporation Conversion will be consummated in a manner that complies in all respects with all applicable international, federal and state statutes, rules and regulations, and (ii) all governmental, regulatory and other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the Merger andC-Corporation Conversion will be obtained and that no delay, limitations, restrictions or conditions will be imposed or amendments, modifications or waivers made that would have an effect on the Merger orC-Corporation Conversion the Partnership that would be material to Raymond James’s analyses or its opinion.

Raymond James’s opinion is based upon market, economic, financial and other circumstances and conditions existing and disclosed to it as of September 25, 2018 and any material change in such circumstances and conditions would require a reevaluation of the opinion, which Raymond James is under no obligation to undertake. Raymond James relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, that there has been no change in the business, assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects of the Partnership since the respective dates of the most recent financial statements and other information, financial or

otherwise, provided to Raymond James that would be material to its analyses or its opinion, and that there is no information or any facts that would make any of the information it reviewed incomplete or misleading in any material respect.

Raymond James expressed no opinion as to the underlying business decision to effect the Merger orC-Corporation Conversion, the structure or tax consequences of the Merger orC-Corporation Conversion or the availability or advisability of any alternatives to the Merger andC-Corporation Conversion. Raymond James provided market intelligence for comparable MLP simplification transactions to the Conflicts Committee. Raymond James did not, however, make any recommendations to the Conflicts Committee with respect to the proposed Merger andC-Corporation Conversion. Raymond James also did not recommend any specific amount of consideration or that any specific consideration constituted the only appropriate consideration for the Merger. Raymond James did not solicit indications of interest with respect to a transaction involving the Partnership nor did it advise the Partnership with respect to its strategic alternatives. Raymond James did not express any opinion as to the likely trading range of Company Shares following the Merger andC-Corporation Conversion, which may vary depending on numerous factors that generally impact the price of securities or on the financial condition of the Company at that time. Raymond James’s opinion is limited to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the unitholders (other than GP and unitholders affiliated with GP) of the GP Merger Consideration to be delivered by the Partnership to GP Holdings.

Raymond James expressed no opinion with respect to any other reasons, legal, business or otherwise, that may support the decision of the GP Board to approve or consummate the Merger orC-Corporation Conversion. Furthermore, no opinion, counsel or interpretation is intended by Raymond James on matters that require legal, accounting or tax advice. Raymond James assumed that such opinions, counsel or interpretations had been or will be obtained from the appropriate professional sources.

Furthermore, Raymond James relied, with the consent of the Conflicts Committee, on the fact that the Partnership has been assisted by legal, accounting and tax advisors and, with the consent of the Conflicts Committee, relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of the assessments by the Partnership and its advisors as to all legal, accounting and tax matters with respect to the Partnership and the Merger andC-Corporation Conversion.

In formulating its opinion, Raymond James considered only what it understood to be the consideration to be paid by the Partnership as is described herein under “The MergerAgreement—Pre-Closing Transactions—Conversion” and “The Merger Agreement—The Merger Consideration,” and it did not consider and it expressed no opinion on the fairness of the amount or nature of any compensation to be paid or payable to any of the Partnership’s officers, directors or employees, or class of such persons, whether relative to the compensation received by the Partnership or otherwise. Raymond James was not requested to opine as to, and the opinion does not express an opinion as to or otherwise address, among other things: (1) the fairness of the Merger andC-Corporation Conversion to the holders of any class of securities, creditors, or other constituencies of the Partnership, or to any other party, except and only to the extent expressly set forth in the last sentence of its opinion or (2) the fairness of the Merger orC-Corporation Conversion to any one class or group of the Partnership’s or any other party’s security holders or other constituenciesvis-a-vis any other class or group of the Partnership’s or such other party’s security holders or other constituents (including, without limitation, the allocation of any consideration to be received in the Merger orC-Corporation Conversion amongst or within such classes or groups of security holders or other constituents). Raymond James did not express any opinion as to the impact of the Merger andC-Corporation Conversion on the solvency or viability of the Partnership or GP or the ability of the Partnership or GP to pay their respective obligations when they come due.

The financial analyses summarized below include information presented in tabular format. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the financial analyses. Accordingly, Raymond James believes that its analyses and the summary of its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and factors or focusing on the information presented below in tabular format, without considering all

analyses and factors or the full narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create an incomplete or potentially misleading view of the process underlying its analyses and opinion. Except as otherwise noted, the following quantitative information, to the extent that it is based on market data, is based on market data that existed on or before September 25, 2018, and is not necessarily indicative of current market conditions.

Material Financial Analyses

The following summarizes the material financial analyses conducted by Raymond James and reviewed with the Conflicts Committee at its meeting on September 25, 2018, which analyses were considered by Raymond James in rendering its opinion. No company or transaction used in the analyses described below is identical or directly comparable to the Partnership or the contemplated Merger orC-Corporation Conversion.

Selected MLP Simplification Transaction Analysis. In its selected transaction analysis, Raymond James examined MLP simplification transactions that were deemed relevant to the Partnership’s proposed simplification Merger andC-Corporation Conversion. Raymond James examined the valuation multiples of transaction value compared to the MLP’s annualized cash flow paid to its general partner; transaction value compared to the MLP’s peak cash flow to its general partner; and transaction value paid to the general partner as a percent of total MLP equity value, where such information was publicly available. Raymond James reviewed the mean and median relative valuation multiples for the selected transactions and compared them to corresponding valuation multiples implied for the Partnership under the proposed Merger andC-Corporation Conversion. The results of the precedent MLP simplification transaction analysis are summarized below:

MLP

General Partner

Transaction
Value/
Annualized GP
Cash Flow
Transaction
Value/
Peak GP

Cash Flow
GP Value Paid
as a % of Total
MLP Equity
Value

NuStar Energy L.P.

NuStar GP Holdings, LLC

8.4xNM15.9

Energy Transfer Equity, L.P.

USA Compression Holdings, LLC

14.0x6.6x0.2

Memorial Production Partners LP

Memorial Production Partners GP LLC

20.8x0.0x0.3

Royal Energy Resources, Inc.

Rhino Resource Partners, LP

NM0.0x10.3

Legacy Reserves LP

Legacy Reserves GP, LLC

NM0.0x0.9

Kirby Corporation

K-Sea Transportation Partners L.P.

NM3.3x0.7

Median

14.0x0.0x0.8

Mean

14.4x2.0x4.7

Partnership Implied Amount

NM3.9x1.9

Raymond James applied the median and mean valuation metrics to the Partnership’s annualized GP cash flow, peak GP cash flow and equity value in order to determine the implied range of common units of the Partnership (which will then be exchanged on aone-for-one basis for Company Shares in the Merger) and then compared those implied numbers of common units to the 2,950,000 agreed-upon number of common units of the Partnership in theC-Corporation Conversion and the subsequent Merger. The results of the precedent MLP simplification transaction analysis are summarized below.

   Implied common units 
   Transaction
Value/
Annualized GP
Cash Flow
   Transaction
Value/
Peak GP Cash
Flow
   GP Value Paid
as a % of Total
MLP Equity
Value
 

Low

   —      1,583    79,842 

Median

   —      29,654    306,195 

Mean

   —      1,573,888    1,819,261 

High

   —      5,224,925    6,125,926 

Agreed-upon common units in Merger

   2,950,000    2,950,000    2,950,000 

Although none of the selected transactions are directly comparable to the Merger andC-Corporation Conversion, the selected transactions were chosen because they share, in Raymond James’s professional judgment and experience, similar characteristics of (i) acquiring the GP Interest and IDRs, (ii) instituting governance by common unitholders instead of control by the general partner, (iii) having general partner interests that are relatively uneconomic, and (iv) having dormant IDRs. Raymond James determined, using its professional judgment, that the selected transactions were appropriate for purposes of this analysis.

Sum of the Parts Analysis. Raymond James performed a sum of the parts valuation analysis, which included: (i) a discounted cash flow analysis of the Merger synergies attributable to GP, (ii) a valuation of the transfer of control of the Partnership from GP to the unitholders (and then to the Company stockholders in the Merger), (iii) a discounted cash flow analysis of the anticipated future cash flows payable to GP and (iv) a valuation of GP’s 1.04% ownership interest in the Partnership.

Discounted Cash Flow of Merger Synergies and Cost Savings Analysis. Raymond James analyzed the discounted present value of the Partnership’s projected cash flow synergy savings from its proposed simplification Merger for the years ending December 31, 2019 through 2023, based on the Projections.

Raymond James performed a discounted cash flow analysis based on the Projections that calculated terminal value using a terminal multiple methodology. Consistent with the periods reflected in the Projections, Raymond James used calendar year 2023 as the final year for such analysis and applied terminal multiples, selected in Raymond James’ professional judgment and experience, ranging from 3.0x to 7.0x, to the synergy savings in order to derive a range of present implied synergy values for the Partnership at the end of 2023.

The projected cash flows and terminal values were discounted using rates ranging from 15.0% to 25.0%, which, based on Raymond James’s professional judgment and experience, reflected the weighted averageafter-tax cost of equity capital associated with executing the Partnership’s business plan. The resulting range of present implied synergy values was allocated between GP and the Partnership based on the Projections. Raymond James applied percentages, selected by the Conflicts Committee, ranging from 50.0% to 70.0% to the synergy savings in order to derive a range of present implied synergy values attributable to GP’s willingness to complete the simplification Merger andC-Corporation Conversion.

The resulting range of synergy values attributable to GP was divided by the Partnership’s current common unit price in order to arrive at a range of common units considered to be a fair value and compared them to the number of common units agreed to in theC-Corporation Conversion and Merger which, for purposes of Raymond James’ analysis and its opinion, and with the Conflicts Committee’s consent, Raymond James assumed was 2,950,000 units. The results of the discounted cash flow analysis are summarized below.

Valuation of Control Premium Analysis. Raymond James analyzed the academic body of work that exists on the valuation of control of a company in the absence of an actual acquisition or sale of the enterprise. Raymond James found that corporate control has material value, which has been measured by researchers looking at public companies with dual-classes of listed shares that carry differing voting powers. The typical value of control was found to be between a low of 2% and a high of 12% of the company’s equity value. The results of this control premium analysis are summarized below.

Discounted Cash Flow Analysis of Expected Future GP Cash Flow. Raymond James analyzed the discounted present value of the Partnership’s projected cash flows to GP (including with respect to the IDRs) for the years ending December 31, 2019 through 2023 based on the Projections. The expected present value cash flow to GP for each projected year was $0. Therefore, there is no value attributed to future cash flows expected to be paid to GP, including with respect to the IDRs.

Valuation of GP’s General Partnership Interest in the Partnership. Raymond James analyzed the value of GP’s 1.04% general partnership interest in the Partnership. At the time of the opinion, to give a party a 1.04%

stake in the Partnership, the Partnership would have to issue 404,900 common units to that party. The results of this valuation analysis are summarized below.

Summary of the Sum of the Parts Analysis.

   Implied common units 
   Minimum   Median   Mean   Maximum 

Synergies / Cost Savings

   808,073    1,212,110    1,242,565    1,816,817 

Control Premium

   770,557    3,082,227    3,082,227    4,623,340 

Present Value of GP Cash Flows and IDRs

   —      —      —      —   

1.04% GP Interest

   404,900    404,900    404,900    404,900 

Total Implied common units

   1,983,530    4,699,237    4,729,692    6,845,057 

Agreed-upon common units in Merger

   2,950,000    2,950,000    2,950,000    2,950,000 

Additional Considerations. For services rendered in connection with the delivery of its opinion, the Partnership paid Raymond James anon-refundable cash fee of $300,000, which was not contingent upon the successful completion of the Merger andC-Corporation Conversion or on the conclusion reached in the opinion. The Partnership will also reimburse Raymond James for its reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, the fees and disbursements of its outside legal counsel) incurred in connection with Raymond James’s services, and will indemnify Raymond James against certain liabilities arising out of its engagement.

The delivery of Raymond James’s opinion was approved by an opinion committee of Raymond James.

The Conflicts Committee selected Raymond James as its financial advisor, because Raymond James is a globally-recognized firm that is actively involved in the investment banking business and regularly undertakes the valuation of investment securities in connection with public offerings, private placements, business combinations and similar transactions. Raymond James has not directly or indirectly provided any services to the Partnership in the past two years, other than as an affiliate of Raymond James, which serves as aco-documentation agent and lender under the Credit Agreement and receives customary compensation as provided in the Credit Agreement. In the ordinary course of business, Raymond James may trade in the securities of the Partnership or the Company for its own account and for the accounts of its customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities. Raymond James may provide investment banking, financial advisory and other financial services to the Partnership, the Company or other participants in the Merger in the future, for which Raymond James may receive compensation. As of the date of Raymond James’s opinion, no such services were contemplated, other than possibly in connection with the Credit Agreement Amendment.

No Appraisal Rights

No dissenters’ or appraisal rights will be available with respect to the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement under applicable law or contractual appraisal rights, the Partnership Agreement or the Merger Agreement.

Regulatory Matters

No filing under the HSR Act is required in connection with entry into the Merger Agreement. See “The Merger Agreement—Regulatory Matters” for a general discussion of approvals of governmental authorities required pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement.

Listing of the Company Shares to be Issued in the Merger; Delisting and Deregistration of the common units

GP expects to obtain approval to list, on the NYSE, the Company Shares to be issued pursuant to the Merger Agreement, which approval is a condition to the Merger. Upon completion of the Merger, the common units currently listed on the NYSE will cease to be listed on the NYSE and will be subsequently deregistered under the Exchange Act.

Accounting Treatment

The Merger will be accounted for in accordance with ASC 805. Because GP controls the Partnership both before and after the Merger and related transactions, the changes in GP’s ownership interest in the Partnership will be accounted for as an equity transaction and no gain or loss will be recognized in GP’s consolidated statements of operations resulting from the Merger. The proposed Merger represents GP’s acquisition of noncontrolling interests in the Partnership.

Pending Litigation

There is no pending litigation relating to the Merger Agreement.

Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger

In considering the recommendations of the Conflicts Committee, the unitholders should be aware that some of the directors and executive officers of GP and of the Partnership have interests in the transactions that may differ from, or may be in addition to, the interests of unitholders generally. These interests may present such directors and executive officers with actual or potential conflicts of interests, and these interests, to the extent material, are described below. The Conflicts Committee was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, prior to providing their respective approvals and recommendations with respect to the Merger Agreement.

No Severance Payments

No executive officer of GP is entitled to or will receive any severance payments in connection with the Merger.

Security Ownership of Directors and Officers and Certain Unitholders

The following table sets forth, the beneficial ownership of the common units and preferred units of the Partnership as of November 8, 2019, on a fully diluted basis. Unless otherwise indicated, the beneficial owner named in the table is deemed to have sole voting and sole dispositive power of the units set forth opposite such beneficial owner’s name.

  

Position

 Beneficial Ownership
of Common Units
  Beneficial Ownership
of Preferred Units
  Beneficial Ownership
of Common Shares
Upon the
C-Corporation
Conversion
 

Name of Beneficial Owner

 Amount of
Beneficial
Ownership
  Percent
of
Class
  Amount of
Beneficial
Ownership
  Percent
of
Class
  Amount of
Beneficial
Ownership
  Percent
of
Class
 

Joseph M. Redling

 

President Chief Executive Officer and a Director

  1,442,305   3.4  —     0.0  1,442,305   1.5

Jeffrey DiGiovanni

 

Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President

  40,349   0.1  —     0.0  40,349   0.0

Garry P. Herdler (1)

 

Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President

  205,021   0.5  —     0.0  205,021   0.2

James S. Ford (2)

 

Former Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President

  119,887   0.3  —     0.0  119,887   0.1

Mark L. Miller (3)

 

Former Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President

  29,273   0.1  —     0.0  29,273   0.0

Tom Connolly (4)

 

Senior Vice President of Business Planning and Operations

  —     0.0  —     0.0  —     0.0

Austin K. So

 

General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary

  114,267   0.3  —     0.0  114,267   0.1

Robert B. Hellman, Jr. (5)

 

Director

  4,738,608   11.1  —     0.0  7,688,608   8.1

Spencer E. Goldenberg

 

Director

  —     0.0  —     0.0  —     0.0

Stephen J. Negrotti

 

Director

  13,584   0.0  —     0.0  13,584   0.0

Andrew Axelrod (6)

 

Director

  11,674,095   27.4  37,843,176   77.2  49,517,271   52.3

David Miller

 

Director

  —     0.0  905,945   1.8  905,945   1.0

Patricia D. Wellenbach

 

Director

  6,064   0.0  —     0.0  6,064   0.0

All current directors and officers as a group (10 persons)

   18,383,453   43.1  38,749,121   79.0  57,132,574   60.4

Axar Capital Management, L.P.
1330 Avenue of the Americas,
30th Floor, New York, NY 10019 (6)

   11,674,095   27.4  37,843,176   77.2  49,517,271   52.3

American Cemeteries
Infrastructure Investors, LLC
950 Tower Lane, Suite 800,
Foster City, CA 94404 (5)

   2,364,162   5.5  —     0.0  2,364,162   2.5

Mangrove Partners
645 Madison Avenue, 14th Floor,
New York, NY 10022 (7)

   —     0.0  10,294,832   21.0  10,294,832   10.9

*

Less than one percent

(1)

On September 18, 2019, the Partnership announced the resignation of Gary P. Herdler as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of the GP, and the appointment of Jeffrey DiGiovanni as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President, effective September 18, 2019. Mr. Herdler will remain with the GP as a financial advisor for a transitional period through December 31, 2019.

(2)

James S. Ford resigned effective October 1, 2019, as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President.

(3)

On April 15, 2019, the Partnership announced the retirement of Mark L. Miller as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of GP.

(4)

On October 1, 2019, Tom Connelly was appointed Senior Vice President of Business Planning and Operations.

(5)

Mr. Hellman’s beneficial ownership includes 41,567 common units held by Mr. Hellman directly, 2,332,878 common units held by StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC, and 2,364,162 common units held by American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors, LLC, referred to as

ACII.” AIM Universal Holdings, LLC, referred to as “AUH,” is the sole manager of ACII. Ms. Judy Bornstein and Messrs. Matthew P. Carbone and Robert B. Hellman Jr. are managing members of AUH, collectively referred to as the “managing members.” The managing members may be deemed to share voting and dispositive power over the common units held by ACII. ACII is owned by its members: American Infrastructure MLP Fund II, L.P., referred to as “AIM II,” American Infrastructure MLP Founders Fund II, L.P., referred to as “AIM FFII,” and AIM II Delaware StoneMor, Inc., referred to as “AIM II StoneMor.” AIM II StoneMor is owned by American Infrastructure MLP Management II, L.L.C., referred to as “AIM Management II,” and AIM II Offshore, L.P., referred to as “AIM II Offshore.” AIM Management II is the general partner of AIM II, AIM FFII and AIM II Offshore. Mr. Hellman is a managing member of AIM Management II and the president of AIM II StoneMor. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC will receive an aggregate of 5,282,878 shares in StoneMor Inc. upon conversion in consideration of its current total holdings, the general partner interest and the Incentive Distribution Rights.
(6)

Information other than percentage of class beneficially owned is based on the Schedule 13D/A filed on June 28, 2019. Axar Capital Management, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, serves as the investment manager (the “Investment Manager”) to certain funds and/or managed accounts that hold the securities listed in this table. Axar GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“AxarGP”), serves as general partner to the Investment Manager. Mr. Andrew Axelrod, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Partnership, serves as the sole member of Axar GP.

(7)

Information is based on publicly filed information. The preferred units are held by MPF InvestCo 6, LLC, MPF InvestCo 7, LLC, MPF Investco 8, LLC, The Mangrove Partners Fund, L.P. and The Mangrove Partners Fund (Cayman Partnership), L.P, (collectively referred to as the “Mangrove Entities”) and beneficial ownership is claimed by Mangrove Partners, which serves as the investment manager of the Mangrove Entities, and Nathaniel August, who is the principal of Mangrove Partners.

Treatment of Equity Awards

Unless otherwise stated in this proxy statement/prospectus, pursuant to the Merger Agreement and the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the GP Board, any outstanding and unvested equity awards granted under the Partnership’s 2004 and 2014 equity plans and held by the members of the GP Board and our executive officers will be converted and restated into comparable awards based on Company Shares.

Immediately prior to the Effective Time, each then outstanding award of phantom units granted to a member of the GP Board under the Partnership’s 2004 equity plan, pursuant to a phantom unit agreement that provides for the deferral of the receipt of such phantom units shall, without any action on the part of the award holder, vest, to the extent unvested, and be paid out as if a common unit.

Immediately prior to the Effective Time, each then outstanding award of phantom units granted to a member of the GP Board under the Partnership’s 2014 equity plan pursuant to a phantom unit agreement that provides for the deferral of the receipt of such phantom units shall, without any action on the part of the award holder, be assumed and converted into an award denominated in Company Shares. Each such converted award shall continue to have and be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately before the Effective Time and shall cover the number of Company Shares equal to the number of common units underlying such phantom unit award.

Immediately prior to the Effective Time, each then outstanding award of phantom units that is not a phantom award granted to a member of the GP Board under either of the Partnership’s equity plans shall, without any action on the part of the award holder, be assumed and converted into an award denominated in Company Shares. Each such converted award shall continue to have and be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately before the Effective Time and shall cover the number of Company Shares equal to the number of common units underlying such phantom unit award.

Immediately prior to the Effective Time, each then outstanding award of restricted units previously granted under the Partnership’s 2014 equity plan shall, without any required action on the part of the award holder, be assumed and converted into an award denominated in Company Shares. Each such converted award shall continue to have and be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately before the Effective Time and shall cover the number of Company Shares equal to the number of common units underlying such restricted unit award.

Immediately prior to the Effective Time, each then outstanding award of unit appreciation rights under the Partnership’s 2004 equity plan shall, without any required action on the part of the award holder, immediately vest and any forfeiture restrictions applicable to such award shall lapse and such award

shall be assumed and converted into a stock appreciation right denominated in Company Shares. Each such award shall continue to have and be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately before the Effective Time, including the exercise price.

As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the members of the GP Board and our executive officers held the following numbers of outstanding awards under the Partnership’s 2004 and 2014 equity plans to be assumed by the Company and converted at the Effective Time (expressed in number of common units underlying such awards):

Name

  Number of
Outstanding
Phantom Units to
be Converted
(#)(1)
   Number of
Outstanding
Restricted Units
to be Converted
(#)(1)
   Number of
Outstanding
UARs to be
Converted
(#)(1)
 

Joseph M. Redling

   0    515,625    0 

James S. Ford

   0    0    0 

Austin K. So

   0    0    0 

Robert B. Hellman, Jr.

   0    0    0 

Martin R. Lautman, Ph.D.

   0    0    0 

Stephen J. Negrotti

   0    0    0 

Patricia D. Wellenbach

   0    0    0 

Garry P. Herdler

   0    0    0 

(1)

As the common units are being converted directly into awards based on Company Shares, no monetary value is being received by our executive officers as a direct result of the conversion. See “Quantification of Potential Payments to Named Executive Officers in Connection with the Merger.”

Quantification of Potential Payments to Named Executive Officers in Connection with the Merger

Item 402(t) ofRegulation S-K requires disclosure of compensation arrangements or understandings with GP’s and Partnership’s named executive officers concerning any type of compensation, whether present, deferred or contingent, that is based on or otherwise related to the Merger. At this time, neither GP nor the Partnership have plans to grant new equity awards to the named executive officers in connection with the Merger other than the conversion and exchange of existing equity awards. No named executive officer holds any unvested awards that, pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement shall receive accelerated vesting in connection with the Merger. Neither GP nor the Partnership have entered into any new compensatory agreements with any named executive officer at this time, and neither party expects to enter into a new compensatory agreement with such executives prior to the closing of the Merger. Further, the Merger will not constitute a “change in control” transaction under the applicable compensation arrangements, thus there are no change in control payments due to the named executive officers in connection with the Merger. As a result, there are no payments that will be made to named executive officers that are based on or otherwise related to the Merger.

Where You Can Find More Information

The executive compensation information required by Item 18 of theForm S-4, which is included in Item 11 of the Partnership’s Annual Report, and is attached as Annex D to this proxy statement/prospectus, is incorporated herein.

The Partnership files annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Copies of the Annual Report, the Annual Report Amendment and the Quarterly Report are attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Annexes D, B and C, respectively. These reports contain additional information about the Partnership.

The Partnership will make these materials available for inspection and copying by any of its unitholders, or a representative of any unitholder who is so designated in writing, at its principal executive offices during regular business hours, at the following address:

StoneMor Partners, LP

3600 Horizon Boulevard

Trevose, Pennsylvania 19053

The Partnership also makes available free of charge on its internet websites at www.stonemor.com the reports and other information filed with the SEC, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed or furnished to the SEC. The Partnership’s website or the information contained on its website, is not part of this proxy statement/prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference.

The SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other material that are filed through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval (EDGAR) System. This system can be accessed at www.sec.gov. You can find information that the Partnership files with the SEC by reference to its name or its SEC file number.

In addition to the information provided in this proxy statement/prospectus, including but not limited to the Partnership’s business, properties, legal proceedings, financial condition and results of operations, the Annual Report and the Quarterly Report contain the historical financial statements of the Partnership that are included in this proxy statement prospectus. GP is providing the consolidated financial statements of the Partnership due to its control of the Partnership and the fact that GP’s only cash-generating assets consist of its partnership interests in the Partnership, in addition to the fact that GP has no independent operations. As a result, GP’s results of operations do not differ materially from the results of operations and cash flows of the Partnership, which are included in the Annual Report, the Annual Report Amendment and the Quarterly Report included herein as Annex D, B and C, respectively.

THE MERGER AGREEMENT

The following describes the material provisions of the Merger Agreement, which is included in Annex D and incorporated by reference herein. The description in this section and elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement. This summary does not purport to be complete and may not contain all of the information about the Merger Agreement that is important to you. The Partnership and GP encourage you to read carefully the Merger Agreement in its entirety before making any decisions regarding the Merger as it is the legal document governing the Merger. The Merger Agreement and this summary of its terms have been included to provide you with information regarding the terms of the Merger Agreement.

Factual disclosures about the Partnership or GP or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates contained in this proxy statement/prospectus or their respective public reports filed with the SEC may supplement, update or modify the factual disclosures about the Partnership or GP or their respective subsidiaries or affiliates contained in the Merger Agreement and described in these summaries. The representations, warranties and covenants made in the Merger Agreement by the Partnership and GP, as applicable, were qualified and subject to important limitations agreed to by the Partnership and GP, respectively, in connection with negotiating the terms of the Merger Agreement. In particular, in your review of the representations and warranties contained in the Merger Agreement and described in this summary, it is important to bear in mind that the representations and warranties were negotiated with the principal purposes of allocating risk between the parties to the Merger Agreement, rather than establishing matters as facts. The representations and warranties may also be subject to a contractual standard of materiality different from those generally applicable to stockholders or unitholders and reports and documents filed with the SEC and in some cases were qualified by confidential disclosures that were made by each party to the other, which disclosures are not reflected in the Merger Agreement or otherwise publicly disclosed. For the foregoing reasons, the representations, warranties and covenants or any descriptions of those provisions should not be read alone.

Effect of the Merger

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, and in accordance with the DRULPA and DLLCA, at the Effective Time, Merger Sub will merge with and into the Partnership, the separate existence of Merger Sub will cease and the Partnership will survive and continue to exist as a Delaware limited partnership.

Pre-Closing Transactions

In accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, the following transactions will occur immediately prior to the Effective Time on the Closing Date (such transactions collectively, the “Pre-Closing Transactions”) with suchPre-Closing Transactions to take effect in the order set forth below on the Closing Date:

Contribution

First, GP Holdings will and, effective as of 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on the Closing Date, contribute, grant, transfer, assign and convey to GP, and GP will, effective as of 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on the Closing Date, accept, all right, title and interest in and to the GP Holdings common units, and immediately following receipt thereof, GP will contribute, grant, transfer, assign and convey to LP Sub, and GP will cause LP Sub to accept, all right, title and interest in and to the GP Holdings’ common units (such transactions collectively, the “Contribution”) and LP Sub will be admitted as a limited partner of the Partnership.

Conversion

Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, and in accordance with the DLLCA and the DGCL, GP will file or cause to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware a

properly executed certificate of conversion (the “Certificate of Conversion”), pursuant to which GP will be converted into the Company, as well as a certificate of incorporation of the Company (the “Charter”), and will make or cause to be made all other filings or recordings required under the DLLCA and DGCL in connection with such Conversion (as defined in the Merger Agreement). The Certificate of Conversion will provide that the Conversion will become effective at 12:05 a.m. (Eastern time) upon the Closing Date or at such other time as is agreed to by the parties to the Merger Agreement and specified in the Certificate of Conversion (the time at which the Conversion becomes effective is herein referred to as the“Conversion Effective Time”). From and after the Conversion Effective Time, the Charter will be the certificate of incorporation of the Company and the Bylaws of the Company attached as an exhibit to the Merger Agreement (the “Bylaws”), will be the bylaws of the Company, in each case, until duly amended in accordance with the terms thereof and applicable law, consistent with the obligations set forth in the Merger Agreement. As of the Conversion Effective Time and before giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Merger, GP Holdings will be the sole stockholder of the Company and will receive as a result of the Conversion and as consideration for thePre-Closing Transactions and the Merger, 5,282,878 Company Shares, subject to adjustment pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement as if GP Holdings held 5,282,878 common units immediately prior to the Effective Time representing 2,332,878 GP Holdings’ common units owned by LP Sub and the agreed upon valuation (in common units) of 2,950,000 common units in exchange for the GP Interest, the IDRs and the governance and all other economic and other rights associated with the GP Interest held indirectly by GP Holdings immediately prior to the Conversion. The Conversion will have all of the effects prescribed under the DLLCA and DGCL.

Effective Time; Closing

Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement and in accordance therewith, the Merger will become effective upon the later to occur of: (i) the filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware of a properly executed certificate of merger (the “Certificate of Merger”); and (ii) the Effective Time, which date will be no earlier than the Conversion Effective Time, in accordance with the Partnership Agreement and the applicable provisions of the DRULPA and the DLLCA. At the Closing, the Company will cause the Certificate of Merger to be duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.

Conditions to Completion of the Merger

The obligations of each party to the Merger Agreement to consummate the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Conversion are conditioned upon the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of each of the following, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of such conditions in accordance with the Merger Agreement:

the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, the Conversion and Contribution, receiving Partnership Unitholder Approval in accordance with applicable law and the Partnership Agreement;

no order, decree or injunction of any governmental authority being in effect, and no law being enacted or adopted, that enjoins, prohibits or makes illegal consummation of the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement;

(i) each of the representations and warranties contained in the Merger Agreement of the Partnership, GP and GP Holdings (each acting in its individual capacity) being true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the Merger Agreement and upon the Closing Date with the same effect as though all such representations and warranties had been made on the Closing Date, except for any such representations and warranties made as of a specified date, which have been true and correct in all material respects as of such date; (ii) each of the covenants of the StoneMor Parties to be performed and complied with pursuant to the Merger Agreement on or prior to the Closing Date being duly performed and complied with in all material respects by the StoneMor Parties; and (iii) the Company

receiving a certificate signed by an authorized person of GP Holdings, dated the Closing Date, to the effect, as applicable, set forth in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii);

(i) each of the representations and warranties contained herein of Merger Sub being true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the Merger Agreement and upon the Closing Date with the same effect as though all such representations and warranties had been made on the Closing Date, except for any such representations and warranties made as of a specified date, which shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such date; (ii) each of the covenants of Merger Sub to be performed and complied with pursuant to the Merger Agreement on or prior to the Closing Date being duly performed and complied with by Merger Sub in all material respects; and (iii) the Partnership receiving a certificate signed by an executive officer of Merger Sub, dated the Closing Date, to the effect, as applicable, set forth in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii);

the registration statement (as defined herein) becoming effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement being issued and no proceedings for that purpose being initiated or threatened by the SEC;

the Company Shares being approved for listing on the NYSE or any other national securities exchange, subject to official notice of issuance;

the Credit Agreement and the Credit Agreement Amendment permitting the consummation of the Conversion and other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the need for which have been eliminated as a result of the refinancing of the Credit Agreement); and

the GP Board or a committee thereof adopting the Company Long-Term Incentive Plan as of the Effective Time and authorizing all equity awards granted thereunder as of the Effective Time.

For purposes of the Merger Agreement, the term “Material Adverse Effect” means, any change, effect, event or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on a StoneMor Party’s results of operations, operating business or financial condition in a manner that would impact a decision to conduct the ongoing business in corporate juridical form, as opposed to continuing in partnership form;provided,however, that “Material Adverse Effect” does not include any change, effect, event or occurrence resulting from (a) entering into the Merger Agreement or the announcement of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (b) general market, economic, financial, regulatory or political conditions, (c) any outbreak of hostilities, war or terrorism, (d) any earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or other natural disasters, (e) any effect that generally affects the death care industry or (f) any changes in applicable laws.

For purposes of the Merger Agreement, except where expressly provided otherwise, none of the Partnership, the Company or GP (as applicable) and each of their respective subsidiaries are deemed to be subsidiaries of the Partnership.

Partnership Conflicts Committee Recommendation and Change in Recommendation

The Conflicts Committee, by unanimous vote, has previously (a) determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Partnership and the unitholders (other than GP and unitholders affiliated with GP), (b) subject to the approval and authorization of the Conversion and the transactions contemplated thereby by the GP Board and GP Holdings, approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger (the foregoing constituting Special Approval (as defined in the Partnership Agreement)), (c) directed that the Merger Agreement be submitted to a vote of the unitholders, and (d) resolved its recommendation of adoption of the Merger Agreement by the unitholders.

Each of (i) the board of directors of GP Holdings, on behalf of GP Holdings, in its individual capacity and in its capacity as the sole member of GP, and immediately following the Conversion, as the sole stockholder of the

Company, and (ii) the GP Board on behalf of GP and in its capacity as the sole member of Merger Sub has approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. See “Proposal 1: The Merger—Recommendation of the Conflicts Committee and their Reasons for the Merger.”

For more information regarding the recommendation of the Conflicts Committee, including the obligations of each of the foregoing in making each of their determination under the application organizational documents, see “Proposal 1: The Merger—Recommendation of the Conflicts Committee and their Reasons for the Merger.”

The Merger Agreement requires that the Partnership, through the Conflicts Committee, recommend to the unitholders approval of the Merger Agreement (the “Partnership Conflicts Committee Recommendation”) unless the Conflicts Committee has concluded that recommending to the unitholders approval of the Merger Agreement would be inconsistent with its duties to the unitholders under the Partnership Agreement or applicable law, and the Partnership is obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain from the unitholders the Partnership Unitholder Approval. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to obtaining the Partnership Unitholder Approval, the Conflicts Committee may make a Change in Recommendation if the Conflicts Committee concludes in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal advisors and financial advisors, that the failure to make a Change in Recommendation would be inconsistent with its duties under the Partnership Agreement or applicable law;provided,however, that the Conflicts Committee is not entitled to exercise its rights to make a Change in Recommendation pursuant to this sentence unless the Partnership has provided to GP Holdings five Business Days’ prior written notice advising GP Holdings that the Conflicts Committee intends to take such action and specifying the reasons therefor in reasonable detail. No Change in Recommendation will (i) change the approval of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby or any other approval of the Conflicts Committee or (ii) relieve the Partnership of any of its obligations under the Merger Agreement, including its obligation to hold a Partnership Unitholder Meeting (as defined herein). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Partnership’s obligations to hold the Partnership Unitholder Meeting for the purposes of obtaining the Partnership Unitholder Approval will not be affected by the withdrawal or modification of the Partnership Conflicts Committee Recommendation or the Special Approval of the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in the Merger Agreement to the contrary, the Partnership may postpone or adjourn the Partnership Unitholder Meeting (i) to solicit additional proxies for the purpose of obtaining the Partnership Unitholder Approval, (ii) for the absence of quorum and (iii) to the extent reasonably necessary to ensure that any supplement or amendment to the proxy statement/prospectus that the GP Board has determined, after consultation with outside legal counsel, is necessary under applicable law is provided to the unitholders within the minimum amount of time reasonably practicable prior to the Partnership Unitholder Meeting. Without the written consent of the Conflicts Committee, no matter will be submitted for action at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting except (i) the approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger, (ii) matters reasonably related to the approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger and (iii) matters related to financing in connection with the Merger Agreement or the Merger.

Partnership Unitholder Approval

The Partnership has agreed to establish a record date for, duly call, give notice of, convene and hold the Partnership Unitholder Meeting for the purpose of obtaining the Partnership Unitholder Approval. See “The Partnership Unitholder Meeting.”

The Merger Consideration

As a result of the Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby, each common unitthat is outstanding, including Phantom Units that will be treated as common units pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, excluding any common units held by LP Sub, will be converted into the right to receive one Company Share, which will have been duly authorized and will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Each preferred unit that is outstanding will be converted into the right to receive a number of Company Shares equal to the then

prevailing Series A Conversion Rate (as defined in the Partnership Agreement), which will have been duly authorized and will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

All units (excluding any common units held by LP Sub), when converted as a result of and pursuant to the Merger, will cease to be outstanding and will automatically be canceled and cease to exist. At the Effective Time, each holder of a Certificate and each holder of Book-Entry Units, other than LP Sub, will cease to be a unitholder of the Partnership and (except as provided in the Merger Agreement) cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive such holder’s portion of the Merger Consideration and any distributions in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, and in each case, to be issued or paid in consideration therefor upon surrender of such Certificate or Book-Entry Unit in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, without interest.

All of the limited liability company interests in Merger Sub outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted into and become limited partner interests in the Surviving Entity, which limited partner interests will be duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid (to the extent required under the Partnership Agreement) andnon-assessable (except to the extent suchnon-assessability may be affected bySections 17-303,17-607 and17-804 of the DRULPA), such that following the Effective Time, LP Sub will be the sole holder of common units of the Surviving Entity.

The General Partner Interest (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will remain outstanding and unchanged subject to such changes as are set forth in the Partnership Agreement, and the Company will continue to be the sole general partner of the Partnership.

The IDRs issued and outstanding immediately prior to Effective Time will remain outstanding and unchanged subject to such changes as are set forth in the Partnership Agreement, and the Company will continue to own 100% of the IDRs.

All of the limited liability company interest of GP will be cancelled.

Consideration Received by GP Holdings

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, immediately prior to the Effective Time on the date of closing of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the “Closing Date”) (a) GP Holdings will contribute to GP 2,332,878 common units (the “GP Holdings’ common units”) and immediately following receipt thereof, GP will contribute to the GP Holdings’ common units to LP Sub and LP Sub will be admitted as a limited partner of the Partnership (the “Contribution”); and (b) GP will convert into the Company. GP Holdings will receive as a result of the Conversion and as consideration for thepre-closing transactions and the Merger, 5,282,878 Company Shares, subject to adjustment pursuant to the Merger Agreement as if GP Holdings held 5,282,878 common units immediately prior to the Effective Time representing 2,332,878 GP Holdings’ common units owned by the LP Sub and the agreed upon valuation (in common units) of 2,950,000 common units (the “GP Merger Consideration”) in exchange for the General Partner Interest, the IDRs and for the governance and all other economic and other rights associated with the General Partnership Interest held indirectly by GP Holdings immediately prior to the Conversion.

Treatment of Equity Awards

The Merger Agreement provides for each of the following with respect to outstanding equity awards previously granted under the Partnership’s equity plans:

Immediately prior to the Effective Time, each then outstanding award of phantom units granted to a member of the GP Board under the Partnership’s 2004 equity plan pursuant to a phantom unit agreement that provides for the deferral of the receipt of such phantom units shall, without any action on the part of the award holder, vest, to the extent unvested, and be paid out as if a common unit;

Immediately prior to the Effective Time, each then outstanding award of phantom units granted to a member of the GP Board under the Partnership’s 2014 equity plan pursuant to a phantom unit that provides for the deferral of the receipt of such phantom units shall, without any action on the part of the award holder, be assumed and converted into an award denominated in Company Shares. Each such converted award shall continue to have and be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately before the Effective Time and shall cover the number of Company Shares equal to the number of common units underlying such phantom unit award;

Immediately prior to the Effective Time, each then-outstanding award of phantom units that is not a phantom award granted to a member of the GP Board under either of the Partnership’s equity plans shall, without any action on the part of the award holder, be assumed and converted into an award denominated in Company Shares. Each such converted award shall continue to have and be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately before the Effective Time and shall cover the number of Company Shares equal to the number of common units underlying such phantom unit award;

Immediately prior to the Effective Time, each then-outstanding award of restricted units previously granted under the Partnership’s 2014 equity plan shall, without any required action on the part of the award holder, be assumed and converted into an award denominated in Company Shares. Each such converted award shall continue to have and be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately before the Effective Time and shall cover the number of Company Shares equal to the number of common units underlying such restricted unit award; and

Immediately prior to the Effective Time, each then-outstanding award of unit appreciation rights under the Partnership’s 2004 equity plan shall, without any required action on the part of the award holder, immediately vest and any forfeiture restrictions applicable to such award shall lapse and such award shall be assumed and converted into a stock appreciation right denominated in Company Shares. Each such award shall continue to have and be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately before the Effective Time, including the exercise price;

Adjustments to Prevent Dilution

In the event of any subdivisions, reclassifications, recapitalizations, splits, combinations or distributions in the form of equity interests with respect to the units or the Company Shares prior to the Effective Time, the number of Company Shares to be distributed in connection with thePre-Closing Transactions and the Merger will be correspondingly adjusted to provide the holders of Company Shares the same economic effect as contemplated by the Merger Agreement prior to such event.

Withholding

The Surviving Entity and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC (the “Exchange Agent”) will be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise issuable or payable pursuant to the Merger Agreement to any unitholders such amounts as the Surviving Entity or the Exchange Agent is required to deduct and withhold under the Code or any provision of state, local or foreign tax law, with respect to the making of such issuance or payment. To the extent that amounts are so deducted and withheld by the Surviving Entity or the Exchange Agent, such amounts will be treated for all purposes of the Merger Agreement as having been issued or paid to the unitholder in respect of whom such deduction and withholding was made by the Surviving Entity or the Exchange Agent, as the case may be.

Dividends and Distributions

No distributions declared or made with respect to Company Shares with a record date after the Effective Time will be paid to the unitholder with respect to the Company Shares that such holder would be entitled to receive in accordance with the Merger Agreement until such holder shall deliver the required documentation and

surrender any Certificate as contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Subject to applicable law, following compliance with the exchange procedures set forth in the Merger Agreement, there will be paid to such holder of the Company Shares issuable in exchange therefor, without interest, promptly after the time of such compliance, the amount of distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore paid with respect to the Company Shares and payable with respect to such Company Shares and at the appropriate payment date, the amount of distributions with a record date after the Effective Time, but prior to such surrender and a payment date subsequent to such compliance payable with respect to such Company Shares.

No Dissenters’ Rights

No dissenters’ or appraisal rights shall be available with respect to the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

Filings

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Partnership and GP have agreed to jointly prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement on FormS-4 (the “registration statement”), in which a proxy statement/prospectus, which the Partnership and GP will jointly prepare and file with the SEC (the “proxy statement/prospectus”), will be included as a prospectus. Each of the Partnership and GP will use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the registration statement declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing and keep the registration statement effective for so long as necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Each of the Partnership and GP will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the proxy statement to be mailed to the unitholders as promptly as practicable after the registration statement is declared effective under the Securities Act. No filing of, or amendment or supplement to, including by incorporation by reference, the registration statement or the proxy statement/prospectus will be made by any party without providing the other party a reasonable opportunity to review and comment thereon. If at any time prior to the Effective Time any information relating to the Partnership or GP or the Company, as applicable, or any of their respective affiliates, directors or officers, is discovered by the Partnership or GP or the Company, as applicable, that should be set forth in an amendment or supplement to either the registration statement or the proxy statement/prospectus, so that any such document would not include any misstatement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, the party that discovers such information will promptly notify the other parties hereto and an appropriate amendment or supplement describing such information will be promptly filed with the SEC and, to the extent required by applicable law, disseminated to the unitholders.

Regulatory Matters

No approval of any governmental authority is necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the Merger, the Conversion and the Contribution, other than (a) filings required under, and compliance with other applicable requirements of, the Exchange Act, the Securities Act, including the filing and declaration of effectiveness, as applicable, of the proxy statement/prospectus and the registration statement, and applicable state securities and “blue sky” laws, (b) the filing of the Certificate of Merger, the Charter and the Certificate of Conversion with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, or (c) any consents, authorizations, approvals, filings or exemptions in connection with compliance with the rules of NYSE or any other National Securities Exchange (collectively, the “Required Approvals”), and no consents or approvals of, or filings, declarations or registrations with, any governmental authority are necessary for the execution, delivery and performance of the Merger Agreement by such party and the consummation by such party of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, other than the Required Approvals and such other consents, approvals, filings, declarations or registrations that are not required to be obtained or made prior to consummation of such transactions.

Termination

The Merger Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Conversion and the Merger, may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time whether before or after Partnership Unitholder Approval:

by either the Partnership or Merger Sub upon written notice to the other, if:

the Closing has not been consummated on or before the Termination Date;provided,however, that the right to terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to this clause will not be available to the Partnership or Merger Sub, as applicable, whose failure to fulfill any material obligation under the Merger Agreement or other material breach of the Merger Agreement has been the primary cause of or resulted in the failure of the Closing and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement to have been consummated on or before such date;

the Partnership Unitholder Meeting and any postponements or adjournments thereof have concluded and the Partnership Unitholder Approval has not been obtained;

any governmental authority has issued an order, decree or injunction that is in effect enjoining, prohibiting or otherwise making illegal the consummation of the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement;provided,however, that the right to terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to this clause will not be available to the Partnership or Merger Sub, as applicable, whose failure to fulfill any material obligation under the Merger Agreement or other material breach of the Merger Agreement has been the primary cause of, or resulted in, such issuance;

there has been a material breach in any of the representations or warranties set forth in the Merger Agreement on the part of any of the other parties (treating the StoneMor Parties as one party and Merger Sub as one party for the purposes of determining termination rights), which breach is not cured within 30 days following receipt by the breaching party of written notice of such breach from the terminating party (provided in any such case that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein);provided,however, that no party will have the right to terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to this clause unless the breach of a representation or warranty, together with all other such breaches, would entitle the party receiving such representation not to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement under Section 6.4 of the Merger Agreement (in the case of a breach of representation or warranty by Merger Sub) or Section 6.3 of the Merger Agreement (in the case of a breach of representation or warranty by the StoneMor Parties); or

there has been a material breach of any of the covenants or agreements set forth in the Merger Agreement on the part of any of the other parties, which breach has not been cured within 30 days following receipt by the breaching party of written notice of such breach from the terminating party (provided in any such case that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein);provided,however, that no party will have the right to terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to this clause unless the breach of covenants or agreements, together with all other such breaches, would entitle the party receiving the benefit of such covenants or agreements not to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement under Section 6.4 of the Merger Agreement (in the case of a breach of covenants or agreements by Merger Sub) or Section 6.3 of the Merger Agreement (in the case of a breach of covenants or agreements by the StoneMor Parties);

by the Partnership upon written notice to GP Holdings, if the Conflicts Committee has made a Change in Recommendation;provided,however, that the Partnership will not have the right to terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to this clause if the Partnership Unitholder Approval has been obtained prior to the time of such termination; or

by GP, upon written notice to the Partnership and Merger Sub, (a) if GP has concluded in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal advisors and financial advisors, that the consummation of the

C-Corporation Conversion would be inconsistent with its duties under the Partnership Agreement or applicable law or (b) if there has been a Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Merger Agreement) on the Partnership.

Termination Expenses

The Merger Agreement provides that if the Merger Agreement is terminated because the Closing has not been consummated on or before the Termination Date, and subject to certain other conditions as more particularly set forth in the Merger Agreement (such as there being a change in certain tax laws or other events not reasonably within the control of GP or its affiliates that would have a material adverse effect on the ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement), GP and GP Holdings will reimburse the Partnership allout-of-pocket costs and expenses (including legal fees, accounting fees, financial advisory fees and other professional andnon-professional fees and expenses) incurred by the Partnership in connection with or related to the authorization, preparation, negotiation, execution and performance of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.

Conduct of the StoneMor Parties

Under the Merger Agreement, from and after the date of the Merger Agreement until the earlier of the termination of the Merger Agreement and the Effective Time, GP, GP Holdings and their respective controlling affiliates are prohibited from entering into any agreement, transaction or arrangement with the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries (as defined in the Merger Agreement) without the prior written consent of the Conflicts Committee except (i) actions taken by GP solely in its capacity as the general partner of the Partnership, (ii) as otherwise provided in the Merger Agreement or (iii) for any such agreement, transaction or arrangement entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

Indemnification; Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance

The Merger Agreement provides that all rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and exculpation from liabilities for acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the Merger existing as of the date of the Merger Agreement in favor of the Indemnitees (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) as provided in the Partnership Agreement (or, as applicable, the charter, bylaws, partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other organizational documents of any of the Partnership’s subsidiaries) and indemnification agreements of the Partnership, GP or any of their subsidiaries (the “Indemnitees”) will, as of the Effective Time, be assumed by the Company in the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, without further action, and shall survive the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and will continue in full force and effect in accordance with their terms.

For a period of not less than six years after the Merger, the Bylaws of the Company will contain provisions no less favorable with respect to indemnification, advancement of expenses and limitations on liability of directors and officers that are set forth in the Partnership Agreement, which provisions will not be amended, repealed or otherwise modified for a period of not less than six years after the Merger in any manner that would affect adversely the rights thereunder of individuals who, at or prior to the Merger, were Indemnitees, unless such modification is required by law and then only to the minimum extent required by law.

Conflicts Committee

The Merger Agreement provides that prior to the earlier of the Effective Time and the termination of the Merger Agreement, neither the GP Board nor GP Holdings will, without the consent of the Conflicts Committee, eliminate the Conflicts Committee, or revoke or diminish the authority of the Conflicts Committee, or, except in the event of a material breach of his or her obligations as a director of GP or for cause, remove or cause the removal of any director of the GP Board that is a member of the Conflicts Committee either as a member of such

board or such committee, or appoint any additional director to the GP Board or the Conflicts Committee, in each case without the affirmative vote of the GP Board, including the affirmative vote of a majority of members of the Conflicts Committee. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing limitations will not apply to the filling of any vacancies caused by the death, incapacity or resignation of any director in accordance with the provisions of the GP LLC Agreement.

Voting

Concurrently with the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement, as a condition and inducement to the parties’ willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, the Partnership, GP and certain Unitholders (the “Supporting Unitholders”) entered into a Voting and Support Agreement dated as of September 27, 2018 (as amended) included as Exhibits 10.71 and 10.74 to the Annual Report, attached as Annex D, as amended to date, pursuant to which, among other things, the Supporting Unitholders have agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, to vote (or cause the vote of, as applicable) all of the units owned by them in favor of the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. The agreement was subsequently amended to provide for an extended termination date. Additional information relating to this amendment can be found in the Partnership’s Periodic Report onForm 8-K filed with the SEC on June 28, 2019.

Waiver; Amendment

Subject to compliance with applicable law, prior to the Closing, any provision of the Merger Agreement may be waived in writing by the party or parties benefited by the provision and approved by the Conflicts Committee in the case of the Partnership and executed in the same manner as the Merger Agreement or amended or modified at any time, whether before or after the Partnership Unitholder Approval, by an agreement in writing between the parties hereto approved by the Conflicts Committee in the case of the Partnership and executed in the same manner as the Merger Agreement;provided that after the Partnership Unitholder Approval, no amendment will be made that requires further Partnership Unitholder Approval without such approval.

Remedies; Specific Performance

The Merger Agreement provides that the parties are entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent any breach of the Merger Agreement or to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof in any federal court located in the State of Delaware or in the Delaware Court of Chancery, in addition to any other remedy to which the parties to the Merger Agreement are entitled at law or in equity.

Representations and Warranties

The Merger Agreement contains representations and warranties by each of the parties to the Merger Agreement to each of the other parties thereto, which relate to, among other things:

organization, standing and authority;

capitalization;

approvals of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement;

absence of any conflicts with organizational documents, material laws and material agreements created by such transactions and the voting requirements for such transactions;

brokers;

regulatory approvals;

transactions with unitholders; and

no other representations and warranties.

Blocker Corp Transaction

In the Merger Agreement, GP and the Partnership acknowledge that one or more of the purchasers of preferred units in the Notes Offering (each, a “Purchaser”) made such investment through one or more newly-formed U.S. “blocker entities” (i) whose only asset would be its direct or indirect ownership of preferred units (each, a “Blocker Corp”) and cash or other consideration received as a result of ownership of such preferred units and (ii) whose only liabilities would be liabilities incurred in connection with the ownership of such equity interests (such as taxes payable).

The Merger Agreement provides if any Purchaser shall so request at least five business days prior to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, any such Blocker Corp (or, as applicable, any such Purchaser) shall have the right to be merged with, or contributed to (or, as applicable, to cause such Blocker Corp to be merged with or contributed to) the CompanyC-Corporation in a transaction intended to betax-free under Code sectionSection 368 or Code sectionSection 351, in exchange for the Company Sharesshares of theC-Corporation such Purchaserpurchaser would have received as Merger Considerationin consideration for direct ownership of Convertible Preferred Units in theC-Corporation without any discount (the “(any such transaction, a “Blocker Corp Merger”). Any Blocker Corp TransactionMerger was deemed to be part of theC-Corporation Conversion permitted by, and subject to, clause (xi) of “—Certain Covenants—Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions.). In

“Cemetery Laws” means all applicable laws governing the operation of the Issuers’ and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ cemeteries, crematories and funeral homes, the providing of cemetery and funeral services (including cremation services), and the sale of Cemetery Property and other cemetery and funeral merchandise.

“CemeteryNon-Profit” means a person which (i) is organized as anon-profit entity, whether pursuant to Section 501 of the Code or otherwise and (ii) has contracted with any of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor for the provision of services under a CemeteryNon-Profit Management Agreement. For the sake of clarity, no CemeteryNon-Profit is, or shall be required to become, a Subsidiary Guarantor.

“CemeteryNon-Profit Management Agreement” means an agreement (including a lease) pursuant to which an Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor agrees to manage the operations of any CemeteryNon-Profit in the business of providing cemetery services and/or cemetery property or to operate such cemetery property.

“Cemetery Property” means, at any time as to any Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor, such Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor’s interest in its real or personal property of the type sold or transferred pursuant to Approved Installment Agreements which property (i) has not, at such time, been sold or transferred to, and (ii) is not under contract to be sold or transferred to, any other person.

“CFC” means any controlled foreign corporation within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code.

A “Change in Control” shall mean:

(i)

any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person or its Subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan), other than the Permitted Holders, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules13d-3 and13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that a person or group shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all securities that such person or group has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of Equity Interests representing more than 50% of the Equity Interests in the Partnership or the General Partner entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the Partnership or the General Partner on a fully-diluted basis (and taking into account all such securities that such “person” or “group” has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time);

(ii)

the Permitted Holders cease to have a contractual right under the Nomination and Director Voting Agreement to appoint or nominate (a) three of the directors on the board of directors of theC-Corporation in the case of a 7 member board of directors or (b) at least 3/7ths of such directors in the event that the board of directors of theC-Corporation does not contain 7 members;

(iii)

any holder of Equity Interests other than the Permitted Holders has the contractual or other right to appoint or nominate a majority of the directors on the board of directors of theC-Corporation;

(iv)

the Partnership ceases to own 100% of the Equity Interests in the Operating Company; or

(v)

theC-Corporation ceases to own 100% of the partnership interests in the Partnership;

provided that, notwithstanding anything in this definition to the contrary, the consummation of the transactions to effectuate theC-Corporation Conversion was not, itself, deemed to constitute or result in a Change in Control.

“Charges” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Principal, Maturity and Interest.”

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Collateral” means all the “Collateral” as defined in any Security Document and shall also include the Mortgaged Properties and all other property that is subject to any Lien in favor of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent or any Subagent for the benefit of the Noteholder Parties pursuant to any Security Document.

“Collateral Agent” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—General” until a successor replaces it and, thereafter, means the successor.

“Collateral Agreement” means the Collateral Agreement, dated as of the Indenture Closing Date, and as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, among the Issuers, each Subsidiary Guarantor and the Collateral Agent.

“Collateral Requirement” means the requirement that, in each case, subject to certain affirmative covenants of the Indenture relating to post-closing obligations and excluding certain requirements that were satisfied on the Indenture Closing Date:

(i)

in the case of any person that becomes a Subsidiary Guarantor after the Indenture Closing Date, the Collateral Agent or the Trustee, as applicable, shall have received, within the time periods set forth in the Indenture, (a) a supplement to the Collateral Agreement, (b) a supplemental indenture executed by such Subsidiary Guarantor in the form of the applicable exhibit attached to the Indenture and (c) supplements to the other Security Documents, if applicable, substantially in the form specified therefor or otherwise in a form sufficient to join such Subsidiary Guarantor to the terms of the Indenture and the Security Documents, in each case, duly executed and delivered on behalf of such Subsidiary Guarantor;

(ii)

after the Indenture Closing Date, within the time periods set forth in the Indenture, (a)(1) all outstanding Equity Interests of any person that becomes a Subsidiary Guarantor after the Indenture Closing Date, (2) all Equity Interests directly acquired by either of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor after the Indenture Closing Date and (3) all Indebtedness owing to either of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor, other than, in each case, Excluded Securities, shall have been pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement and (b) the Collateral Agent shall have received certificates or other instruments (if any) representing such Equity Interests and any notes or other instruments required to be delivered pursuant to the applicable Security Documents, together with stock powers, note powers or other instruments of transfer with respect thereto endorsed in blank;

(iii)

within the time periods set forth in the Indenture, except as otherwise contemplated by the Indenture or any Security Document, all documents and instruments, including Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, filings with the United States Copyright Office and the United States Patent and Trademark Office and comparable offices in foreign jurisdictions, Control Agreements and all other actions reasonably required (including those required by applicable Requirements of Law), or as reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent, to be delivered, filed, registered or recorded to create the Liens intended to be created by the Security Documents (in each case, including any supplements thereto) and perfect such Liens to the extent required by, and with the priority required by, the Security Documents, shall have been delivered, filed, registered or recorded concurrently with, or promptly following, the execution and delivery of each such Security Document;

(iv)

within the time periods set forth in the Indenture with respect to each of the Mortgaged Properties encumbered pursuant to the post-closing and further assurances and additional security affirmative covenants in the Indenture, the Collateral Agent shall have received, with respect to such Mortgaged

Property (a) counterparts of a Mortgage duly executed and delivered by the record owner of such Mortgaged Property (or an assignment of the applicable Existing Mortgage duly executed and delivered by the Refinanced Credit Agreement Agent) and suitable for recording or filing in all filing or recording offices that may be necessary or reasonably desirable to create (or, if an Existing Mortgage is assigned, continue) a valid and enforceable Lien subject to no other Liens except Permitted Liens, at the time of recordation thereof, (b) an opinion of counsel regarding the due authorization, execution and delivery of each Mortgage or Mortgage Amendment delivered pursuant to the post-closing affirmative covenant in the Indenture and each Mortgage delivered pursuant to the further assurances and additional security affirmative covenant in the Indenture, the enforceability of each Mortgage, or of each Existing Mortgage, as amended by the applicable Mortgage Amendment, as applicable, and such other matters customarily covered in real estate counsel opinions, or as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request (provided that local counsel opinions shall be required only with respect to any Mortgaged Property delivered pursuant to the further assurances and additional security affirmative covenant in the Indenture with respect to certain specified jurisdictions set forth on a schedule to the Indenture); it being agreed, however, that if counsel is unwilling to issue such an opinion in connection with any Mortgage Amendment, then the applicable Existing Mortgage may be amended and restated in full or be released by the Collateral Agent and the record owner of such Mortgaged Property shall deliver to the Collateral Agent a Mortgage with respect to such Mortgaged Property in compliance with clause (a); (c) with respect to the Mortgage of a Mortgaged Property demised pursuant to the Archdiocese Lease, a consent and estoppel certificate from the landlord thereunder in a form consistent with the terms of the Archdiocese Lease and (d) such other documents as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request that are available to the Issuers (it being understood that the Collateral Agent has no duty to make such request);

(v)

within the time periods set forth in the Indenture with respect to each of the Mortgaged Properties encumbered pursuant to the post-closing and further assurance and additional security affirmative covenants in the Indenture , the Collateral Agent shall have received (a) a policy or policies or marked up unconditional binder of title insurance, or a date-down and modification endorsement, if available, paid for by the Issuers, issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company insuring the Lien of each Mortgage (or, if an Existing Mortgage is assigned, such Existing Mortgage continues) as a valid Lien on such Mortgaged Property described therein, free of any other Liens except Permitted Liens, together with such customary endorsements, coinsurance and reinsurance as may be necessary and as the Collateral Agent (acting at the direction of the Trustee (acting at the direction of the Required Noteholder Parties)) may reasonably request and which are available at commercially reasonable rates in the jurisdiction where such applicable Mortgaged Property is located and (b) a survey (including all improvements, easements and other customary matters thereon), as applicable, for which all necessary fees (where applicable) have been paid which (1) complies in all material respects with the minimum detail requirements of the American Land Title Association and National Society of Professional Surveyors as such requirements are in effect on the date of preparation of such survey (or such other standards as such title company will accept as long as the condition is clause (2) of this paragraph (vii) is met) and (2) is sufficient (together with any survey affidavits ofno-change) for such title insurance company to remove all standard survey exceptions from the title insurance policy relating to such Mortgaged Property and to issue all affirmative coverage and endorsements thereto that are customary for a transaction of this type, or that the Collateral Agent may reasonably request (it being understood that the Collateral Agent has no duty to make such request), the issuance of which depend on a survey;

(vi)

evidence of the insurance required by the terms of the Indenture; and

(vii)

after the Indenture Closing Date, the Collateral Agent or the Trustee, as applicable, shall have received (a) such other Security Documents as may be required to be delivered pursuant to the further assurances and additional security affirmative covenant in the Indenture or the Collateral Agreement and (b) upon reasonable request by the Collateral Agent (acting at the direction of the Trustee), or any

initial purchaser of the Old Notes, evidence of compliance with any other requirements of the further assurances and additional security affirmative covenant in the Indenture.

Notwithstanding anything in the Notes Documents to the contrary, the Note Parties shall not be required to take any actions to create or perfect any liens in any foreign jurisdiction (other than Puerto Rico) or to perfect any Liens by any means other than the filing of financing statements, entry into control agreements, entry into landlord agreements or bailee letters, filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and United States Copyright Office, delivery of stock certificates and instruments (to the extent expressly required by the Security Documents) and recordation of Mortgages to the extent expressly required in the Indenture or under any Security Document.

“Consolidated Debt” at any date means the sum of (without duplication) all Indebtedness (other than letters of credit or bank guarantees, to the extent undrawn) consisting of Indebtedness for borrowed money of the Partnership and the Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis on such date in accordance with GAAP.

“Consolidated Funded Indebtedness” means, as of any date of determination, for the Partnership and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, without duplication, the sum of (i) the outstanding principal amount of all obligations, whether current or long-term, for borrowed money (including, without limitation, (a) all Note Obligations and (b) all obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments), (ii) the outstanding principal amount of all purchase money Indebtedness, (iii) all direct obligations arising under letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, and similar instruments, in each case only to the extent drawn upon (but, excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, surety bonds), (iv) Capital Lease Obligations, (v) all Guarantees with respect to outstanding Indebtedness of the types specified in clauses (i) through (iv) above of persons other than the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries and (vi) all Indebtedness of the types referred to in clauses (i) through (v) above of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries is a general partner or joint venturer, unless such Indebtedness is expressly madenon-recourse to the Partnership or such Subsidiary, provided that Consolidated Funded Indebtedness shall not include any letter of credit issued on account of the self-insurance program of the Operating Company to the extent any such letter of credit is undrawn.

“Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio” means the ratio, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, of (i) the Operating Cash Flow Amount for the relevant fiscal period being tested and ending on such last day plus Cash Interest Expense for such fiscal period to (ii) Cash Interest Expense for the relevant fiscal period being tested and ending on such last day.

“Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period, (i) the total consolidated interest expense of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries for such period (calculated without regard to any limitations on payment thereof) payable in respect of any Indebtedness plus (ii) without duplication, that portion of Capital Lease Obligations of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis representing the interest factor for such period. All calculations of Consolidated Interest Expense shall additionally be adjusted on a pro forma basis to account for any Equivalent Dispositions then being consummated, if applicable, as well as any other Equivalent Dispositions consummated, on or after the first day of any related Test Period (as if consummated on the first day of such Test Period).

“Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, and “Controlling” and “Controlled” shall have meanings correlative thereto.

“Control Agreement” means, with respect to any Deposit Account or any Securities Account, an agreement among the Collateral Agent, the financial institution or other person at which such account is maintained and the Grantor maintaining such account, as applicable, effective to grant Control over such account to the Collateral Agent.

“Control Triggering Event” shall occur at any time that (i) an Event of Default arising under clause (ii) (principal payments), clause (iii) (interest payments), clause (iv) (existence, notice of event of default, use of proceeds and negative covenants), clause (vi) (cross-acceleration) and clause (viii) (involuntary and voluntary bankruptcy) under “—Events of Default and Remedies” shall have occurred and be continuing, (ii) the failure of the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor to comply with the provisions described in “—Collateral and Security— Cash Management Systems” or (iii) the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% aggregate principal amount of the Notes declare the Notes due and payable in whole in accordance with the provisions described in “—Events of Default and Remedies.” Once occurred, a Control Triggering Event shall be deemed to be continuing until no Default or Event of Default shall be continuing.

“Controlled Account” means (i) any Deposit Account (including all funds on deposit therein) that is the subject of an effective Control Agreement and that is maintained by any Grantor and (ii) any Securities Account (including all Financial Assets (as defined in the UCC) held therein and all certificates and instruments, if any, representing or evidencing such Financial Assets) that is the subject of an effective Control Agreement and that is maintained by any Grantor with a securities intermediary.

“Convertible Preferred Units” means the convertible preferred units issued by the Partnership on the Indenture Closing Date for gross proceeds of no less than $57,500,000.

“Copyrights” means (i) all copyrights, rights and interests in copyrights, works protectable by copyright, copyright registrations, and copyright applications; (ii) all renewals of any of the foregoing; (iii) all income, royalties, damages, and payments now or hereafter due and/or payable under any of the foregoing, including, without limitation, damages or payments for past or future infringements for any of the foregoing; (iv) the right to sue for past, present, and future infringements of any of the foregoing and (v) all rights corresponding to any of the foregoing throughout the world.

“Cure Amount” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Events of Default and Remedies.” “Cure Quarter” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Events of Default and Remedies.”

“Debt Service” means, with respect to the Partnership and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for any period, Cash Interest Expense for such period, plus scheduled principal amortization of Consolidated Debt for such period.

“Default” means any event or condition that upon notice, lapse of time or both would constitute an Event of Default.

“Definitive Note” means a certificated Note in definitive registered form and in substantially the form of the relevant exhibits to the Indenture with respect to the Old Notes and the New Notes.

“Deposit Account” means a demand, time, savings, passbook or like account with a bank, savings and loan association, credit union or like organization, other than an account evidenced by a negotiable certificate of deposit.

“Dispose” or “Disposed of” means to convey, sell, lease,sub-lease, license, sublicense, sell and leaseback, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of any property, business or asset, in one transaction or a series of transactions, including any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction and any sale or issuance of Equity Interests of a Subsidiary, and including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith. The term “Disposition” shall have a correlative meaning to the foregoing.

“Disqualified Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any Equity Interests of such Person which, by its terms, or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is putable or exchangeable, or

upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely for Qualified Stock), other than as a result of a change of control, asset sale, or similar event, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely for Qualified Stock), other than as a result of a change of control, asset sale, or similar event, in whole or in part, in each case, prior to the date that is 91 days after the earlier of the Maturity Date of the Notes or the date the Notes are no longer outstanding.

“Dollars” or “$” means lawful money of the United States of America.

“DTC” means The Depository Trust Company.

“Environment” means ambient and indoor air, surface water and groundwater (including potable water, navigable water and wetlands), the land surface or subsurface strata, natural resources such as flora and fauna, the workplace or as otherwise defined in any Environmental Law.

“Environmental Laws” means all applicable laws (including common law), rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, binding agreements, decrees or judgments, promulgated or entered into by or with any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to the Environment, preservation or reclamation of natural resources, the generation, use, transport, management, Release or threatened Release of, or exposure to, any Hazardous Material or to public or employee health and safety matters (to the extent relating to the environment or Hazardous Materials).

“Equity Interests” of any person means any and all shares, interests, rights to purchase or otherwise acquire, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) equity or ownership of such person, including any Preferred Stock, any limited or general partnership interest and any limited liability company membership interest, and any securities or other rights or interests convertible into or exchangeable for any of the foregoing.

“Equity Commitment Letter” means that certain equity commitment letter by and between Axar Capital Management, LP and theC-Corporation dated as of April 1, 2020 relating to the commitment by Axar Capital Management, LP to purchase Equity Interests in theC-Corporation in an aggregate amount up to $17,000,000 subject to the terms and conditions stated therein.

“Equivalent Disposition” means the Disposition by any Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor to any person (other than to an Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor) of (i) assets constituting a business unit, (ii) all or a substantial part of the business of any Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor or (iii) sufficient Equity Interests of any Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor so that, after giving effect to such Disposition, such person is no longer a Subsidiary.

“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as the same may be amended from time to time and any final regulations promulgated and the rulings issued thereunder.

“ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with the Partnership or a Subsidiary, is treated as a single employer under Section 4001 of ERISA or Section 414(b) or of the Code (or for purposes of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, Section 412(m) or (o) of the Code).

“ERISA Event” means (i) any Reportable Event; (ii) the failure to make a required contribution to any Plan that would result in the imposition of a lien or other encumbrance or the provision of security under Section 430(k) of the Code or Section 303(k) or 4068 of ERISA, or the arising of such a lien or encumbrance, there being or arising any “unpaid minimum required contribution” or “accumulated funding deficiency” (as defined or otherwise set forth in Section 4971 of the Code or Part 3 of Subtitle B of Title 1 of ERISA), whether or not waived, or, with respect to any Plan or Multiemployer Plan, the failure to satisfy the minimum funding standard under Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, whether or not waived; (iii) a determination

that any Plan is, or is expected to be, in“at-risk” status (as defined in Section 303(i)(4) of ERISA or Section 430(i)(4) of the Code); (iv) the filing pursuant to Section 412(c) of the Code or Section 302(c) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan, the failure to make by its due date a required installment under Section 430(j) of the Code with respect to any Plan or the failure to make any required contribution to a Multiemployer Plan; (v) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate any Plan, if such termination would require material additional contributions in order to be considered a standard termination within the meaning of Section 4041(b) of ERISA, the filing under Section 4041(c) of ERISA of a notice of intent to terminate any Plan, the termination of any Plan under Section 4041(c) of ERISA; (vi) the institution of proceedings under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Plan or the receipt by the Partnership, a Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan under Section 4042 of ERISA; (vii) the receipt by the Partnership, a Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from the Partnership, a Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the impending imposition of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA, or in “endangered” or “critical” status, within the meaning of Section 432 of the Code or Section 305 of ERISA; (viii) the withdrawal of any of the Partnership, a Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate from a Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which such entity was a “substantial employer” as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (ix) the Partnership, a Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate engaging in anon-exempt prohibited transaction within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA with respect to any Plan; (x) the Partnership, a Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate incurring any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any Plan or Multiemployer Plan (other than premiums due and not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA) or (xi) any event that could result in the imposition of a Lien on any asset of the Partnership or any Subsidiary with respect to any Plan or Multiemployer Plan under Title IV of ERISA or Section 430 of the Code.

“Event of Default” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Events of Default and Remedies.”

“Excess Cash Flow” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Mandatory Redemption.”

“Excess Cash Flow Period” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Mandatory Redemption.”

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

“Excluded Account” means (i) Trust Accounts,(ii) zero-balance accounts for the purpose of managing local disbursements, (iii) payroll, employee benefits, withholding tax and other fiduciary accounts, (iv) Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts with a balance or value of less than or equal to $1.0 million (based on the closing account balances of the end of each Business Day) in the aggregate for all Grantors and (v) cash collateral accounts supporting letters of credit or cash management services permitted by the Indenture for so long as such accounts are supporting obligations under outstanding letters of credit or cash management services.

“Excluded Indebtedness” means all Indebtedness not incurred in violation of the covenants set forth in “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Indebtedness.”

“Excluded Net Proceeds” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Mandatory Redemption.”

“Excluded Property” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Collateral and Security—Certain Limitations on the Collateral.”

“Excluded Real Property” means, unless encumbered by an existing mortgage, (i) owned and leased real property (including real property operated, or to be operated, as a cemetery, crematory or funeral home) that may not be pledged as a matter of law or without prior approval of any Governmental Authorities or third person

(unless such approval has been obtained), (ii) all owned and leased real property that is not operated, and is not intended to be operated, as a cemetery, crematory or funeral home (including corporate and sales offices that are not located at a cemetery, crematory or funeral home property) and (iii) Immaterial Leases under which any Grantor is the tenant.

“Excluded Securities” means any of the following:

(i)

any Equity Interests or Indebtedness with respect to which the Partnership’s Board of Directors reasonably determines in good faith (with communication of such determination, if any, to be delivered to the Trustee in writing) that the cost or other consequence of pledging such Equity Interests or Indebtedness (including any adverse tax consequences to the Issuers or their direct or indirect owners) is likely to be excessive in relation to the value to be afforded thereby;

(ii)

any Equity Interests or Indebtedness to the extent the pledge thereof would be prohibited by any Requirement of Law;

(iii)

any Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary that is a CFC (other than Equity Interests of Subsidiaries formed under the laws of or domiciled in Puerto Rico) or any FSHCO in excess of 65% of the outstanding Equity Interests of such Foreign Subsidiary or FSHCO;

(iv)

any Margin Stock; and

(v)

any Equity Interests of any person that is not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary to the extent any organizational documents, constitutional documents, joint venture agreement, shareholder agreement, or similar agreement prohibits such a pledge without the consent of any other party or would give any other party (other than a Note Party or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary) to any organizational documents, constitutional documents, joint venture agreement, shareholder agreement or similar agreement governing such Equity Interests the right to terminate its obligations thereunder; provided that this clause (v) shall not apply if (a) such other party is a Note Party or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary, (b) consent has been obtained to consummate such pledge (it being understood that the foregoing shall not be deemed to obligate the Partnership or any Subsidiary to obtain any such consent) and for so long as such organizational documents, constitutional documents, joint venture agreement, shareholder agreement or similar agreement or replacement or renewal thereof is in effect or (c) such prohibition would be rendered ineffective pursuant to the UCC of any applicable jurisdiction or any other applicable law or principles of equity and shall not apply to any proceeds or receivables thereof, the assignment of which is expressly deemed effective under the UCC of any applicable jurisdiction notwithstanding such prohibition.

“Excluded Subsidiary” means any of the following:

(i)

any Foreign Subsidiary (other than Subsidiaries formed under the laws of or domiciled in Puerto Rico);

(ii)

any Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary that is a CFC (other than a Foreign Subsidiary formed under the laws of or domiciled in Puerto Rico);

(iii)

any FSHCO;

(iv)

each Subsidiary that is prohibited from Guaranteeing or granting Liens to secure the Note Obligations by any Requirement of Law or that would require consent, approval, license or authorization of a Governmental Authority to Guarantee or grant Liens to secure the Note Obligations (unless such consent, approval, license or authorization has been received);

(v)

any Subsidiary formed in connection with theC-Corporation Conversion that ceased to exist or be a Subsidiary upon completion of theC-Corporation Conversion, so long as such Subsidiary did not hold material assets (other than Equity Interests that are not pledged as Collateral as of the Indenture Closing Date);

(vi)

any other Subsidiary with respect to which, the Board of Directors of the Partnership reasonably determines in good faith (with communication of such determination, if any, to be delivered to the Trustee in writing) that the cost or other consequences (including any adverse tax consequences to the Issuers or their direct or indirect owners) of providing a Guarantee of or granting Liens to secure the Note Obligations are likely to be excessive in relation to the value to be afforded thereby; and

(vii)

any CemeteryNon-Profit.

“Exclusive Management Agreement” means an agreement (including a lease) pursuant to which a Subsidiary Guarantor obtains the exclusive right to manage the operations of any person in the business of providing cemetery services and/or cemetery property or to operate such cemetery property or (ii) providing funeral home services or to operate such funeral home, in each case, for a term of not less than one year at the time of execution of such agreement, including any CemeteryNon-Profit Management Agreement that satisfies the foregoing criteria.

“Existing Mortgage” means each Mortgage delivered pursuant to the Refinanced Credit Agreement.

“Extraordinary Receipts” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Mandatory Redemption.”

“Financial Covenants” means the covenants of the Issuers set forth in “—Certain Covenants—Financial Covenants.”

“Financial Officer” of any person means the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, principal accounting officer, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer or Controller of such person.

“Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is not organized in the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

“FSHCO” means any Subsidiary that has no material assets other than stock or debt of one or more Purchasers requestsForeign Subsidiaries (other than a Foreign Subsidiary formed under the laws of or domiciled in Puerto Rico) that are CFCs.

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in effect in the United States of America from time to time, applied on a consistent basis, subject to certain provisions of the Indenture.

“General Partner” means theC-Corporation or such other person as the Required Noteholder Parties shall approve.

“Global Notes” means the permanent global notes in registered form and in substantially the form of the relevant exhibits to the Indenture with respect to the Old Notes and the New Notes.

“Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, local or foreign court or governmental agency, authority, instrumentality or regulatory or legislative body.

“GP Agreement” means that certain Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Agreement of the General Partner, dated as of May 21, 2014, as may be amended, restated, modified, replaced or supplemented from time to time (including, for the avoidance doubt, any replacement in connection with any successor entity becoming the General Partner) as permitted under the Indenture.

“Grantor” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Collateral and Security—Certain Limitations on the Collateral.”

“Guarantee” of or by any person (the “guarantor”) means (i) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation payable or performable by another person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or

indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation or (d) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the holders of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof or to protect such holders against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part) or any Lien on any assets of the guarantor securing any Indebtedness or other obligation (or any existing right, contingent or otherwise, of the holder of Indebtedness or other obligation to be secured by such a transactionLien) of any other person, whether or transactions,not such transactionsIndebtedness or other obligation is assumed by the guarantor; provided, however, that the term “Guarantee” shall occur concurrentlynot include endorsements of instruments for deposit or immediately priorcollection in the ordinary course of business or customary and reasonable indemnity obligations in effect on the Indenture Closing Date or entered into in connection with any acquisition or Disposition of assets permitted by the Indenture (other than such obligations with respect to Indebtedness). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or following the Merger, as applicable.

The Merger Agreement requires that any such Purchaser be responsible for and shall indemnify the Company for any taxesdeterminable amount of the Blocker Corp for taxable periodsIndebtedness in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, portionsif not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof ending onas determined by such person in good faith.

“guarantor” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of the term “Guarantee.”

“Guarantors” means the Subsidiary Guarantors and theC-Corporation.

“Hazardous Materials” means all pollutants, contaminants, wastes, chemicals, materials, substances and constituents, including, without limitation, explosive or priorradioactive substances or petroleum by products or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas or pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers or other agricultural chemicals, of any nature subject to regulation or which can give rise to liability under any Requirement of Law pertaining to the Closing,environment.

“Holder” or “Noteholder” means the Person in whose name the Notes are registered.

“Immaterial Leases” means, with respect to any Note Party or any Subsidiary of a Note Party, (i) oral,month-to-month,season-to-season or otherwise terminable farm leases of excess cemetery land, (ii) oral,month-to-month or “term of employment” residential leases with employees,(iii) month-to-month leases for office or storage use, (iv) cell site, cell tower, communication, billboard and sign leases on excess cemetery land, (v) oil and gas leases not effecting cemetery use, (vi) leases of modular office buildings, (vii) residential leases with a term of not more than three years and (viii) other leases having no material adverse effect on the cemetery or funeral home use of the real property involved (or the value of such real property).

“Indebtedness” of any person means, if and to the extent (other than with respect to clause (i)) the same would constitute indebtedness or a liability on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, without duplication, (i) all obligations of such taxesperson for borrowed money, (ii) all obligations of such person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (iii) all obligations of such person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property or assets purchased by such person, (iv) all obligations of such person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than such obligations accrued in the ordinary course), (v) the principal component of all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such person as an account party in respect of letters of credit, (vi) all Capital Lease Obligations of such person, (vii) the principal component of all obligations of such person in respect of bankers’ acceptances and (viii) all Guarantees by such person of Indebtedness described in clauses (i) to (vi) above; provided that Indebtedness shall not include (a) trade and other ordinary-course payables, accrued expenses, and intercompany liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business, (b) prepaid or deferred revenue, (c) purchase price holdbacks arising in the ordinary course of business in respect of a portion of the purchase prices of an asset to satisfy unperformed obligations of the seller of such asset, (d)earn-out obligations (to the extent permitted under the Indenture) until such obligations become a liability on the balance sheet of such person in accordance with GAAP, (e) obligations

in respect of Third Party Funds incurred in the ordinary course of business, (f) in the case of the Partnership and the Subsidiaries, intercompany liabilities in connection with the cash management, tax and accounting operations of the Partnership and the Subsidiaries and (g) any Trust Funds. The Indebtedness of any person shall include the Indebtedness of any partnership in which such person is a general partner, other than to the extent that the instrument or agreement evidencing such Indebtedness limits the liability of such person in respect thereof. The obligations of the applicable Subsidiary Guarantors under the Archdiocese Lease, as in effect on the Indenture Closing Date, shall not constitute Indebtedness.

“Indenture” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—General.”

“Indenture Closing Date” means June 27, 2019.

“Intellectual Property” means all Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights and any other intellectual property, including any licenses thereto.

“Intercreditor Agreement” means any intercreditor agreement entered into with the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and the collateral agent or other representatives of the holders of Indebtedness that is to be secured by a Lien on the Collateral that is expressly permitted (including with respect to priority) under the Indenture.

“Interest Payment Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Principal, Maturity and Interest.”

“Interest Period” means, with respect to any New Note, the period commencing on and including an Interest Payment Date and ending on and including the day immediately preceding the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, with the exception that the first Interest Period with respect to any New Note shall commence on and include the Issue Date of the New Notes and end on and exclude the first Interest Payment Date to occur after the Issue Date (the Interest Payment Date for any Interest Period shall be the Interest Payment Date occurring on the date immediately following the last day of such Interest Period).

“Investment” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Investments, Loans and Advances.”

“Issuers” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—General.”

“Issue Date” means the date the New Notes are issued.

“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, hypothecation, pledge, charge, security interest or similar monetary encumbrance in or on such asset and (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset; provided that in no event shall an operating lease or an agreement to sell be deemed to constitute a Lien.

“Margin Stock” has the meaning assigned to such term in Regulation U.

“Material Adverse Effect” means (i) a material adverse effect on the business, property, operations, assets, liabilities (actual or contingent), operating results, prospects or financial condition of the Partnership and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) a material adverse effect on the ability of the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors (taken as a whole) to fully and timely perform any of their payment obligations under any Note Document to which either of the Issuers or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors is a party or (iii) the validity or enforceability of any of the Note Documents or the material rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Noteholder Parties thereunder.

“Material Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (other than Notes) of any one or more of the Issuers or any Subsidiary in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $5.0 million.

“Material Real Property” means any parcel or parcels of Real Property now or hereafter owned or leased by any Issuer or any Guarantor; provided that “Material Real Property” shall not include any Excluded Property.

“Maturity Date” means June 30, 2024.

“Maximum Rate” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Principal, Maturity and Interest.”

“Merchandise Trust” means a trust fund,pre-need trust,pre-construction trust or other reserve, trust, escrow or any similar arrangement established and administered by a Note Party as required in accordance with applicable law to receive and administer the aggregate of all amounts required by applicable law derived from the sale of services and personal property, such as foundations, markers, memorials, memorial bases, monuments, urns, vases, vaults and caskets, used in connection with the final disposition, memorialization, interment, entombment or inurnment of human remains.

“Minimum Liquidity Cure Trigger Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Events of Default and Remedies.”

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., and its successors.

“Mortgaged Properties” means each Material Real Property encumbered by a Mortgage pursuant to the post-closing and the further assurance and additional security affirmative covenants set forth in the Indenture.

“Mortgage Amendment” means, with respect to each Existing Mortgage, an amendment of such Existing Mortgage between the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor and the Collateral Agent in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Required Noteholder Parties.

“Mortgages” means, collectively, the mortgages, trust deeds, deeds of trust, deeds to secure debt and other security documents (including amendments to any of the foregoing, and including an Existing Mortgage, as assigned by the Refinanced Credit Agreement Agent to the Collateral Agent, and as amended by the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor and Collateral Agent) delivered with respect to Mortgaged Properties, unless an Existing Mortgage is amended, each substantially in the form set forth as an exhibit to the Indenture (with such changes as may be necessary to account for local law matters) or in such other form as is reasonably satisfactory to the Required Noteholder Parties and the Issuers, in each case, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

“Multiemployer Plan” means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which the Partnership or any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate (other than one considered an ERISA Affiliate only pursuant to subsection (m) or (o) of Code Section 414) is making or accruing an obligation to make contributions, or has within any of the preceding six plan years made or accrued an obligation to make contributions.

“Net Proceeds” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Mandatory Redemption.”

“New Notes” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—General.”

“Nomination and Director Voting Agreement” means the Second Amendment to the Nomination and Director Voting Agreement dated the Indenture Closing Date by and among the Partnership, Axar Capital Management L.P., American Infrastructure Funds L.P. and certain affiliates of the purchasers party thereto, as such Nomination and Director Voting Agreement may be amended, restated, modified or otherwise replaced from time to time.

“Note Documents” means (i) the Indenture, (ii) the Security Documents, (iii) any Intercreditor Agreement, (iii) the Registration Rights Agreement (except with respect to the New Notes) and (v) all other documents, certificates, instruments or agreements executed and delivered by or on behalf of a Note Party for the benefit of any Agent or Secured Parties in connection therewith on or after the Indenture Closing Date.

“Note Obligations” means (i) the due and punctual payment by the Issuers of (a) the unpaid principal of and interest (including interest accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding) on the Notes issued by the Issuers under the Indenture, when and as due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, upon one or more dates set for redemption or otherwise and (b) all other monetary obligations of the Issuers owed under or pursuant to the Indenture and each other Note Document, including obligations to pay fees, expense reimbursement obligations and indemnification obligations, whether primary, secondary, direct, contingent, fixed or otherwise (including monetary obligations incurred during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding) and (ii) the due and punctual payment of all obligations of each other Note Party under or pursuant to each of the Note Documents.

“Note Parties” means the Issuers and the Subsidiary Guarantors.

“Noteholder Party” means the initial purchasers of the Old Notes and the Holders.

“Notes” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—General.” For all purposes of this “Description of the New Notes” and the Indenture, the term “Notes” shall also include any PIK Notes that may be issued.

“Notes Minimum” means $2,000 (or if a PIK Payment has been made $1.00).

“Notes Multiple” means $1,000 (or if a PIK Payment has been made $1.00).

“Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed on behalf of each of the Issuers by a Responsible Officer of each Issuer who, in the case of the Officer’s Certificate required by clause (i) of “—Certain Covenants— Financial Statements, Reports, etc.,” must be a Financial Officer of the Partnership (orC-Corporation), which meets the requirements set forth in the Indenture.

“Operating Cash Flow Amount” means, on any date, the aggregate amount of “net cash provided by operating activities” (or successor line item) set forth in the financial statements that have been (or were required to be) delivered for the relevant Test Period.

“Operating Company” means StoneMor Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel that delivers an Opinion of Counsel on behalf of the Issuers or other person may be an employee of, or counsel, to the Issuers or such other person.

“Old Notes” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—General.”

“Parent Entity” means any direct or indirect parent of the Partnership (including, without limitation, the General Partner, but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any Permitted Holder).

“Partnership Agreement” means that certain Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated as of September 9, 2008, as amended, restated, modified, extended, renewed, replaced or supplemented from time to time as permitted under the Indenture.

“Patents” means (i) any and all patents and patent applications; (ii) all inventions and improvements described and claimed therein; (iii) all reissues, divisions, continuations, renewals, extensions, andcontinuations-in-part thereof; (iv) all licenses of the foregoing whether as licensee or licensor; (v) all income, royalties, damages, claims, and payments now or hereafter due or payable under and with respect thereto, including, without limitation, damages and payments for past and future infringements thereof; (vi) all rights to sue for past, present, and future infringements thereof and (vii) all rights corresponding to any of the foregoing throughout the world.

“Paying Agent” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Paying Agent and Registrar.”

“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA.

“Permitted Holders” means, Axar Capital Management, L.P., theC-Corporation and their respective Affiliates other than, for the avoidance of doubt, the Partnership and any of its Subsidiaries.

“Permitted Investments” means:

(i)

direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States of America (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America), in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

(ii)

investments in commercial paper maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at such date of acquisition, the highest credit rating obtainable from S&P or from Moody’s;

(iii)

investments in certificates of deposit, banker’s acceptances and time deposits maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by or placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by, any domestic office of any commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof which has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $250,000,000;

(iv)

fully collateralized repurchase agreements with a term of not more than thirty days for securities described in clause (i) above and entered into with a financial institution satisfying the criteria described in clause (iii) above; and

(v)

money market funds that (a) comply with the criteria set forth in SEC Rule2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (b) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody’s and (c) have portfolio assets of at least $5,000,000,000.

“Permitted Liens” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Liens.”

“Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund (collectively, to “Refinance”), the Indebtedness being Refinanced (or previous refinancings thereof constituting Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness); provided that (i) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of cash held by the Blocker CorpIndebtedness so Refinanced (plus unpaid accrued interest and premium (including tender premiums) thereon and underwriting discounts, defeasance costs, fees, commissions, expenses, plus an amount equal to any existing commitment unutilized thereunder and letters of credit undrawn thereunder), (ii)(a) the final maturity date of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is on or after the final maturity date of the Indebtedness being Refinanced and (b) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness (excluding customary amortization) is greater than or equal to the lesser of (1) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Indebtedness being Refinanced and (2) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Notes then outstanding, (iii) if the Indebtedness being Refinanced is subordinated in right of payment and/or in lien priority to the Note Obligations under the Indenture, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment and/or in lien priority, as applicable, to such Note Obligations on terms not materially less favorable to the Noteholder Parties as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being Refinanced, (iv) no Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall have obligors that are not (or would not have been) obligated with respect to the Indebtedness being so Refinanced, (v) the other terms of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness (other than interest rates, fees, floors, funding discounts and redemption or prepayment premiums and other pricing terms) are substantially similar to, or not more restrictive to the Partnership and the Subsidiaries than, in each case taken as a whole, the terms applicable to the Notes (except for (a) covenants or other provisions applicable only to periods after the Maturity Date or (b) those that are otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Issuers and the Required Noteholder Parties (with communication of such covenants or

provisions, if any, to be delivered to the Issuers, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent in writing) (or, if more restrictive, the Note Documents are amended to contain such more restrictive terms to the extent required to satisfy the foregoing standard)) and (vi) at the time of such mergerRefinancing, no Event of Default shall have occurred or contribution.be continuing.

Additional Agreements“Perpetual Care Trust” means a trust fund or other reserve, trust, escrow or any similar arrangement established and administered by a Note Party as required in accordance with applicable law for the purpose of receiving the aggregate of all amounts required by applicable law derived from the sale of interests in real property, or fixtures, including, without limitation, mausoleums, niches, columbaria, urns, or crypts, used in connection with the final disposition, memorialization, interment, entombment, or inurnment of human remains and set aside in reserve, trust, escrow or any similar arrangement and administering such amounts for the perpetual care and maintenance of cemetery lots, graves, grounds, landscaping, roads, paths, parking lots, fences, mausoleums, columbaria, vaults, crypts, utilities, and other improvements, structures and embellishments.

“person” means any natural person, corporation, business trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, limited liability company or government, individual or family trusts, or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

“PIK Interest” means the interest on the Notes due in respect of the PIK Interest Portion on an Interest Payment Date, which is paid, at the Issuers’ election, by increasing the amount of outstanding Notes or by issuing additional PIK Notes.

“PIK Interest Portion” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Principal, Maturity and Interest.”

“PIK Payment” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Principal, Maturity and Interest.”

“Plan” means any “employee benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA that is subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code (other than a Multiemployer Plan) maintained or contributed to by the Partnership, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate or to which the Partnership, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate has or may have an obligation to contribute, and each such plan for thesix-year period immediately following the latest date on which the Partnership, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate maintained, contributed to or had an obligation to contribute to (or is deemed under Section 4069 of ERISA to have maintained or contributed to or to have had an obligation to contribute to, or otherwise to have liability with respect to) such plan.

“Platform” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in “—Certain Covenants—Financial Statements, Reports, etc.”

“Preferred Stock” means any Equity Interest with preferential right of payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up.

“primary obligor” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of the term “Guarantee.”

“Pro Forma Compliance” means, at any date of determination, that the Partnership and the Subsidiaries shall be in compliance, after giving pro forma effect to the relevant transactions, with the Financial Covenants, recomputed as at the last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Partnership and the Subsidiaries for which the financial statements and certificates required pursuant to”—Certain Covenants—Financial Statements, Reports, etc.” have been delivered.

“pro forma effect” or “pro forma basis” means, as to any person, for any Specified Transaction that occurs subsequent to the commencement of a period for which the financial effect of such Specified Transaction is being calculated, and giving effect to the Specified Transaction for which such calculation is being made as well

as all other Specified Transactions that have occurred subsequent to the commencement of such period and or prior to the date of such calculation, such calculation as will give pro forma effect to all such Specified Transaction as if such Specified Transaction occurred on the first day of the four consecutive fiscal quarter period ended on or before the occurrence of such Specified Transaction.

“Public Noteholder Party Information” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in “—Certain Covenants—Financial Statements, Reports, etc.”

“Qualified Stock” of any Person means Equity Interests of such Person other than Disqualified Stock of such Person.

“Real Property” means, collectively, all right, title and interest (including any leasehold estate) in and to any and all parcels of or interests in real property owned in fee or leased by any Note Party, whether by lease, license, or other means, together with, in each case, all easements, hereditaments and appurtenances relating thereto, all improvements and appurtenant fixtures and equipment, incidental to the ownership, lease or operation thereof.

“Record Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Principal, Maturity and Interest.”

“Refinance” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of the term “Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness,” and “Refinanced” shall have a meaning correlative thereto.

“Refinanced Credit Agreement Agent” means Capital One, National Association as Administrative Agent under the Refinanced Credit Agreement.

“Refinanced Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2016, among StoneMor Operating LLC, the other borrowers party thereto, the lenders party thereto, the Refinanced Credit Agreement Agent, and the other agents and parties thereto, as amended through Amendment No. 8, dated as of February 4, 2019, and which was terminated on the Indenture Closing Date as part of the Transactions.

“Refinanced Senior Notes” means the 7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2021, issued under the Refinanced Senior Notes Indenture.

“Refinanced Senior Notes Indenture” means that indenture, dated as of May 28, 2013, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., the guarantor subsidiaries party thereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, which governed the Refinanced Senior Notes and which was terminated on the Indenture Closing Date as part of the Transactions.

“Registrar” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Paying Agent and Registrar.”

“Registration Rights Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—General.”

“Regulation U” means Regulation U of the Board as from time to time in effect and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

“Release” means any spilling, leaking, seepage, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, disposing, depositing, emanating or migrating in, into, onto or through the Environment.

“Reportable Event” means any reportable event as defined in Section 4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder as to which the PBGC has not waived the requirement of Section 4043(a) of ERISA that it be notified of such event with respect to a Plan under subsections .22, .23, .25, .27 or .28 of 29 CFR Part 4043.

“Required Noteholder Parties” means, at any time, Holders holding Notes (including PIK Notes, if any) that, taken together, represent more than 50% of the principal amount of the Notes outstanding at such time (including PIK Notes, if any), voting as a single class.

“Requirement of Law” means, as to any person, any law, treaty, rule, regulation, statute, order, ordinance, decree, judgment, consent decree, writ, injunction, settlement agreement or governmental requirement enacted, promulgated or imposed or entered into or agreed by any Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such person or any of its property or assets or to which such person or any of its property or assets is subject.

“Responsible Officer” means, in relation to any Person, any of the following: the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary of such Person (or, if such Person is organized as a limited partnership, its general partner).

“Restricted Payments” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Dividends and Distributions.” The Merger Agreement also contains covenantsamount of any Restricted Payment made other than in the form of cash or cash equivalents shall be the fair market value thereof (as determined by the Issuers in good faith).

“Rights Offering” has the meaning specified in “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Dividends and Distributions.”

“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a division of McGraw Hill, Inc., a New York corporation, or any successor rating agency.

“Sale and Lease-Back Transaction” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Certain Covenants— Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions.”

“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto.

“Secured Parties” means, collectively, the Trustee, the Collateral Agent, each Agent, each Noteholder Party and each subagent appointed pursuant to the Indenture by the Trustee with respect to matters relating to among others,the Note Documents or by the Collateral Agent with respect to matters relating to any Security Document.

“Securities Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Uniform Commercial Code.

”Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

“Security Documents” means the Mortgages, the Collateral Agreement, each intellectual property security agreement, and each of the security agreements, pledge agreements and other instruments and documents executed and delivered at any time pursuant to any of the foregoing or pursuant to the post-closing and the further assurances and additional security affirmative covenants in the Indenture.

“Specified Equity Contribution” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Events of Default and Remedies.”

“Specified Transaction” means (i) any Disposition of all or substantially all the assets of or all the Equity Interests of any Subsidiary of the Partnership or of any product line, business unit or line of business of the Partnership, (ii) any Investment that results in a person becoming a Subsidiary of the Partnership, (iii) the incurrence, assumption, issuance or permanent redemption or repayment of any Indebtedness or (iv) the entry into any other transaction or the making of any payment for which Pro Forma Compliance is required by the terms of the Indenture.

“Subagent” means one or more trustees,co-trustees, collateralco-agents, collateral subagents orattorneys-in-fact with respect to all or any part of the Collateral that each Agent may appoint from time to time, when it deems it to be necessary or desirable; provided that no such Subagent shall be authorized to take any action with respect to any Collateral unless and except to the extent expressly authorized in writing by the Trustee or the Collateral Agent.

“subsidiary” means, with respect to any person (herein referred to as the “parent”), any corporation, partnership, association or other business entity (i) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, at the time any determination is being made, directly or indirectly, owned, Controlled or held or (ii) that is, at the time any determination is made, otherwise Controlled, by the parent or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent.

“Subsidiary” means, unless the context otherwise requires, a subsidiary of the Partnership. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Archdiocese Holdco shall not constitute a “Subsidiary” for purposes of this “Description of the New Notes,” the Indenture or any other Note Document.

“Subsidiary Guarantor” means each Subsidiary of the Partnership that is not an Excluded Subsidiary.

”Successor Issuer” has the meaning assigned to such term in clause (x) of “—Certain Covenants—Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions.”

“Taxes” means any and all present or future taxes, duties, levies, imposts, assessments, withholdings or other similar charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, whether computed on a separate, consolidated, unitary, combined or other basis and any interest, fines, penalties or additions to tax with respect to the foregoing.

“Termination Date” means the date on which the principal of and interest on each Note and all other expenses or amounts payable under any Note Document shall have been paid in full (other than in respect of contingent indemnification and expense reimbursement claims not then due) or the Indenture shall have otherwise been discharged in accordance with the provisions described in”—Satisfaction and Discharge.”

“Test Period” means, on any date of determination, the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Partnership then most recently ended (taken as one accounting period) for which financial statements have been (or were required to be) delivered pursuant to clauses (i) or (ii) of “—Certain Covenants—Financial Statements, Reports, etc.;” provided that, prior to the first date financial statements have been delivered pursuant to clauses (i) or (ii) of “—Certain Covenants—Financial Statements, Reports, etc.,” the Test Period in effect shall be the four fiscal quarter period ended March 31, 2019.

“Third Party Funds” means any accounts or funds, or any portion thereof, received by the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries as agent on behalf of third parties in accordance with a written agreement that imposes a duty upon the Partnership or one or more of its Subsidiaries to collect and remit those funds to such third parties.

“Trademarks” means (i) all trademarks (including service marks), trade names, trade dress, and trade styles and the registrations and applications for registration thereof and the goodwill of the business symbolized by the foregoing; (ii) all licenses of the foregoing, whether as licensee or licensor; (iii) all renewals of the foregoing; (iv) all income, royalties, damages, and payments now or hereafter due or payable with respect thereto, including, without limitation, damages, claims, and payments for past and future infringements thereof; (v) all rights to sue for past, present, and future infringements of the foregoing, including the right to settle suits involving claims and demands for royalties owing and (vi) all rights corresponding to any of the foregoing throughout the world.

“Transactions” means, collectively, the transactions that previously occurred in connection with the issuance of the Old Notes pursuant to the Note Documents, including (i) the execution, delivery and performance of the

Note Documents, the creation of the Liens pursuant to the Security Documents, and the purchase and sale of the Old Notes under the Indenture, the issuance of the Old Notes and the use of commercially reasonable efforts to consummateproceeds thereof; (ii) theC-Corporation Conversion, access to information, press releases, reporting requirements under Section 16(a) issuance of the Exchange Act,Convertible Preferred Units; (iii) the repayment in full of, and the termination and release of all obligations, security interests and commitments under, the Refinanced Credit Agreement and the Refinanced Senior Notes Indenture and (iv) the payment of all fees and expenses takeover statutes, notification requirementsowed in connection with the foregoing.

“Treasury Rate” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Optional Redemption.”

“Trust Accounts” means, collectively, the Perpetual Care Trusts and registration rights.Merchandise Trusts.

“Trust Committee” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Certain Covenants—Maintenance of Trust Funds and Trust Accounts.”

“Trust Funds” means, as of any date of determination in connection with the Trust Accounts, the aggregate of all amounts required by applicable law to be set aside in reserve, trust or escrow or any similar arrangement.

“Trust Indenture Act” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—General.”

“Trustee” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—General” until a successor replaces it and, thereafter, means the successor.

“Uniform Commercial Code” or “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as the same may from time to time be in effect in the State of New York or the Uniform Commercial Code (or similar code or statute) of another jurisdiction, to the extent it may be required to apply to any item or items of Collateral.

“Unrestricted Cash” means cash or cash equivalents of the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries that would not appear as ”restricted” on a consolidated balance sheet of the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that amounts pledged with respect to cash collateralized letters of credit shall be excluded from the calculation of Unrestricted Cash for all purposes under the Indenture.

“Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing: (i) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearestone-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment by (ii) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.

“Wholly Owned Subsidiary” of any person means a subsidiary of such person, all of the Equity Interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares or nominee or other similar shares required pursuant to applicable law) are owned by such person or another Wholly Owned Subsidiary of such person. Unless the context otherwise requires, “Wholly Owned Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary of the Partnership that is a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Partnership.

“Withdrawal Liability” means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

“Yield Maintenance Premium” has the meaning assigned to such term in “—Optional Redemption.”

COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF COMPANY STOCKHOLDERSBOOK-ENTRY; DELIVERY AND PARTNERSHIP UNITHOLDERSFORM

With the exception of one definitive note, the New Notes initially will be represented by one or more notes in registered, global form without interest coupons (collectively, the “Global Notes”). The Global Notes will be deposited upon issuance with the Trustee as custodian for DTC, in New York, New York, and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, in each case, for credit to an account of a direct or indirect participant in DTC as described below. Beneficial interests in the Global Notes may be held only through the Euroclear System (“Euroclear”) and Clearstream Banking, S.A. (“Clearstream”) (as indirect participants in DTC).

Except as set forth below, the Global Notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the Global Notes may not be exchanged for definitive notes in registered certificated form (“Definitive Notes”) except in the limited circumstances described below. See “—Exchange of Global Notes for Definitive Notes.” Except in the limited circumstances described below, owners of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of notes in certificated form.

Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will be subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC and its direct or indirect participants (including, if applicable, those of Euroclear and Clearstream), which may change from time to time.

Depository Procedures

The Companyfollowing description of the operations and procedures of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream is provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of the respective settlement systems and are subject to changes by them. The Issuers take no responsibility for these operations and procedures and urges investors to contact the system or their participants directly to discuss these matters.

DTC has advised the Issuers that DTC is a corporationlimited-purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the Partnershipprovisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act, and that it was created to hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively, the “Participants”) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in those securities between Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its Participants. The Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations.

Access to DTC’s system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a limited partnership. Ownershipcustodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly (collectively, the “Indirect Participants”). Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through the Participants or the Indirect Participants. The ownership interests in, and transfers of ownership interests in, each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the records of the Participants and Indirect Participants.

DTC has also advised the Issuers that, pursuant to procedures established by it:

(1)

upon deposit of the Global Notes, DTC will credit the accounts of Participants designated by the exchange agent with portions of the principal amount of the Global Notes; and

(2)

ownership of these interests in Global Notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership of these interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to the Participants) or by the Participants and the Indirect Participants (with respect to other owners of beneficial interests in Global Notes).

Investors in the Global Notes who are Participants may hold their interests therein directly through DTC. Investors in the Global Notes who are not Participants may hold their interests therein indirectly through

organizations (including Euroclear and Clearstream) that are Participants. Euroclear and Clearstream will hold interests in the Global Notes on behalf of their participants through customers’ securities accounts in their respective names on the books of their respective depositories, which are Euroclear Bank SA./ NV, as operator of Euroclear, and Citibank, N.A., as operator of Clearstream. All interests in a limited partnership are fundamentally different from ownershipGlobal Note may be subject to the procedures and requirements of DTC. Interests in a Global Note held through Euroclear or Clearstream may be subject to the procedures and requirements of those systems (as well as to the procedures and requirements of DTC).

The laws of some jurisdictions may require that certain persons take physical delivery in definitive form of securities that they own and the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a corporation. The rightsGlobal Note to persons that are subject to those requirements will be limited to that extent. Because DTC can act only on behalf of unitholders are governedParticipants, which in turn act on behalf of Indirect Participants, the ability of a person having beneficial interests in a Global Note to pledge those interests to persons that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of those interests, may be affected by the Partnership Agreementlack of a physical certificate evidencing those interests.

Except as described below, owners of an interest in Global Notes will not have notes registered in their names, will not receive physical delivery of Definitive Notes and will not be considered the registered owners or “Holders” thereof under the Indenture for any purpose.

Payments in respect of the principal of, and interest and premium, if any, on, a Global Note registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be payable to DTC in its capacity as the registered holder under the Indenture. Under the terms of the Indenture, the Issuers and the DRULPA. IfTrustee will treat the Merger is completed,persons in whose names Notes, including Global Notes, are registered as the rightsowners of such Notes for the purpose of receiving payments and for all other purposes. Consequently, neither the Issuers, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company stockholdersIssuers or the Trustee has or will have any responsibility or liability for:

(1)

any aspect of DTC’s records or any Participant’s or Indirect Participant’s records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in Global Notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of DTC’s records or any Participant’s or Indirect Participant’s records relating to the beneficial ownership interests in Global Notes; or

(2)

any other matter relating to the actions and practices of DTC or any of its Participants or Indirect Participants.

DTC has advised the Issuers that its current practice, upon receipt of any payment in respect of securities such as the Notes (including principal and interest), is to credit the accounts of the relevant Participants with the payment on the payment date unless DTC has reason to believe it will not receive payment on that payment date. Each relevant Participant is credited with an amount proportionate to its beneficial ownership of an interest in the principal amount of the relevant security as shown on the records of DTC. Payments by the Participants and the Indirect Participants to the beneficial owners of Notes will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the Charter, Bylawsresponsibility of the Participants or the Indirect Participants and will not be the responsibility of DTC, the Trustee or the Issuers. Neither the Issuers nor the Trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC or any of its Participants or Indirect Participants in identifying the beneficial owners of any Notes, and the DGCL. There are many differencesIssuers and the Trustee may conclusively rely on and will be protected in relying on instructions from DTC or its nominee for all purposes.

Transfers between Participants in DTC will be effected in accordance with DTC’s procedures, and will be settled insame-day funds. Transfers between participants in Euroclear and Clearstream will be effected in accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.

Cross-market transfers between the rightsParticipants, on the one hand, and Euroclear or Clearstream participants, on the other hand, will be effected through DTC in accordance with DTC’s rules on behalf of unitholdersEuroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by its respective depositary; however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by the counterparty in such

system in accordance with the rules and procedures and within the rightsestablished deadlines (Brussels time) of Company stockholders. Somesuch system. Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving interests in the relevant Global Note from DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures forsame-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear participants and Clearstream participants may not deliver instructions directly to the depositaries for Euroclear or Clearstream.

DTC has advised the Issuers that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of these,Notes only at the direction of one or more Participants to whose account DTC has credited the interests in Global Notes and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes as distribution/dividendto which that Participant or those Participants has or have given the relevant direction. However, if there is an Event of Default under the Indenture, DTC reserves the right to exchange the applicable Global Notes for Definitive Notes, and voting rights,to distribute those Notes to its Participants.

Although DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream have agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of interests in Global Notes among Participants, they are significant. under no obligation to perform or to continue to perform those procedures, and may discontinue or change those procedures at any time. Neither the Issuers nor the Trustee nor any of their respective agents will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear, Clearstream or their respective participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

Exchange of Global Notes for Definitive Notes

A Global Note is exchangeable for Definitive Notes if:

DTC (a) notifies the Issuers that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the applicable Global Notes or (b) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor depositary is not appointed;

the Issuers, at their option, notify the Trustee in writing that they elect to cause the issuance of Definitive Notes; or

there has occurred and is continuing a Default with respect to the Notes.

In addition, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be exchanged for Definitive Notes upon prior written notice given to the Trustee by or on behalf of DTC in accordance with the Indenture. In all cases, Definitive Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial interests in a Global Note will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the depositary (in accordance with its customary procedures).

Same-Day Settlement and Payment

The Notes represented by the Global Notes are expected to be eligible to trade in DTC’sSame-Day Funds Settlement System, and any permitted secondary market trading activity in such Notes will, therefore, be required by DTC to be settled in immediately available funds. The Issuers expect that secondary trading in any Definitive Notes will also be settled in immediately available funds. Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or Clearstream participant purchasing an interest in a Global Note from a Participant will be credited, and any such crediting will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream participant, during the securities settlement processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear and Clearstream) immediately following the settlement date of DTC. DTC has advised the Issuers that cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of sales of interests in a Global Note by or through a Euroclear or Clearstream participant to a Participant will be received with value on the settlement date of DTC, but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account only as of the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream following DTC’s settlement date.

CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

The following descriptiondiscussion summarizes the material differences that may affect the rightsU.S. federal income tax consequences of the Company stockholders andexchange of the Partnership unitholdersOld Notes for the New Notes pursuant to the exchange offer, but does not purport to be a complete statementanalysis of all those differences,potential tax effects relating thereto. The effects of other U.S. federal tax laws, such as estate and gift tax laws, and any applicable state, local or foreign tax laws are not discussed. This discussion is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions, and published rulings and administrative pronouncements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), in each case in effect as of the date hereof. These authorities may change or be subject to differing interpretations. Any such change or differing interpretation may be applied retroactively in a manner that could adversely affect a holder of the Old Notes or the New Notes. We have not sought and will not seek any rulings from the IRS regarding the matters discussed below. There can be no assurance the IRS or a complete descriptioncourt will not take a contrary position to that discussed below regarding the tax consequences of the specific provisions referred to in this summary. The identification of specific differences is not intended to indicate that other equally significant or more significant differences do not exist. Unitholders should read carefully the relevant provisionsexchange of the Charter and Bylaws. Copies of the documents referred to in this summary may be obtained as described under “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Purpose and Term of Existence

The Company

The Partnership

The Company’s stated purpose is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the DGCL. The Company is to have perpetual existence.

The Partnership’s purpose under the Partnership Agreement is limited to any business activity that is approved by GP and that lawfully may be conducted by a limited partnership organized under Delaware law; provided, that GP will not cause the Partnership to engage, directly or indirectly, in any business activity that GP determines would cause the Partnership to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise taxable as an entity for federal income tax purposes.

The Partnership will have a perpetual existence unless terminated pursuant to the terms of the Partnership Agreement.

Authorized Capital

The Company

The Partnership

The Company’s authorized capital stock consists of:

•  200,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share; and

•  10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share.

No Company Shares or shares of preferred stock are outstanding as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, and, as of the record date, we estimate there will be no outstanding Company Shares and no outstanding shares of preferred stock.

The authorized equity interests of the Partnership consist of common units, preferred units, the IDRs and the GP Interest.

As of the record date, there were 42,636,311 common units and 49,043,953 preferred units outstanding, each representing limited partnership interests in the Partnership. As of the record date, we expect that the IDRs and general partner interest will be outstanding.

As a limited partnership, the Partnership does not have authorized capital. Rather, the Partnership Agreement authorizes the Partnership to issue an unlimited number of additional partnership securities

The Company

The Partnership

for the consideration and on the terms and conditions determined by GP without the approval of any limited partners.

Holders of preferred units are entitled to receive any distributions made to holders of common units on anas-converted basis. Holders of any additional common units the Partnership issues will be entitled to share equally with the then-existing unitholders in the Partnership’s distributions of available cash. In addition, the issuance of additional common units or other partnership securities may dilute the value of the interests of the then-existing unitholders in the Partnership’s net assets.

In accordance with Delaware law and the provisions of the Partnership Agreement, the Partnership may also issue additional partnership securities that, as determined by GP, may have special voting rights to which common units and preferred units are not entitled. Subject to certain exceptions as more specifically set forth in the Partnership Agreement, the Partnership is prohibited from issuing equity securities, which may effectively rank senior to the common units and preferred units.

Upon the issuance of additional partnership securities, GP will be entitled, but not required, to make additional capital contributions to the extent necessary to maintain its percentage interest in the Partnership. GP’s percentage interest in the Partnership will be reduced if the Partnership issues additional units in the future (other than the issuance of units issued in connection with a reset of the incentive distribution target levels relating to GP’s IDRs or the issuance of units upon conversion of outstanding partnership securities) and GP does not contribute a proportionate amount of capital to the Partnership to maintain its percentage interest. Moreover, GP will have the right, which it may from time to time assign in whole or in part to any of its affiliates, to purchase common units or other partnership securities whenever, and on the same terms that, the Partnership issues those securities to persons other than GP and its affiliates, to the extent necessary to maintain the percentage interest of GP and its affiliates, including such interest represented by common units that existed immediately prior to each issuance. Unitholders will not have preemptive rights to acquire additional common units or other partnership securities.

Dividends / Distributions

The Company

The Partnership

Subject to the provisions of the Charter and the DGCL, the Company may pay dividends on shares of its capital stock from lawfully available funds from time to time, which dividends may be paid in either cash, property or capital stock.

Quarterly Distributions of Available Cash.

Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, it is not permitted to pay distributions. The disclosure as follows sets forth the general description of Quarterly Distributions as it appears in the Partnership Agreement:

Within 45 days after the end of each quarter, the Partnership distributes all of the Partnership’s available cash from operating surplus for any quarter to unitholders of record on the applicable record date as follows:

•  first, to GP and the common and subordinated unitholders in accordance with their respective percentage interests until there has been distributed in respect of each common and subordinated unit then-outstanding an amount equal to $0.4625 per unit for such quarter (the “Minimum Quarterly Distribution”);

•  second, 100% to GP and the common and subordinated unitholders in accordance with their respective percentage interests, until there has been distributed in respect of each common and subordinated unit then outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the $0.5125 per unit per quarter (the “First Target Distribution”) over the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for such quarter;

•  third, (a) to GP in accordance with its percentage interest; (b) 13% to the holders of the IDRs, pro rata; and (c) to all common and subordinated unitholders, pro rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum of the percentages applicable to subclauses (a) and (b) of this clause, until there has been distributed in respect of each common and subordinated unit then outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the $0.5875 per unit per quarter (the “Second Target Distribution”) the over the First Target Distribution for such quarter;

•  fourth, (a) to GP in accordance with its percentage interest; (b) 23% to the holders

The Company

The Partnership

of the IDRs, pro rata; and (c) to all common and subordinated unitholders, pro rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum of the percentages applicable to subclauses (a) and (b) of this clause, until there has been distributed in respect of each common and subordinated unit then outstanding an amount equal to the excess of $0.7125 per unit per quarter over the Second Target Distribution for such Quarter; and

•  Thereafter, (a) to GP in accordance with its percentage interest; (b) 48% to the holders of the IDRs, pro rata, and (c) to all common and subordinated unitholders, pro rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum of the percentages applicable to subclauses (a) and (b) of this clause.

The term “available cash,” for any quarter, means the sum of (i) all cash and cash equivalents of the partnership group on hand at the end of that quarter, and (ii) all additional cash and cash equivalents of the partnership group on hand immediately prior to the date of the distribution of available cash resulting from borrowings for working capital purposes subsequent to the end of that quarter less the amount of cash reserves established by GP to:

•  provide for the proper conduct of the Partnership’s business (including reserves for future capital expenditures and for anticipated future credit needs);

•  comply with applicable law or any loan agreements, security agreements, mortgages, debt instruments or other agreements; or

•  provide funds for distributions for any one or more of the upcoming four quarters.

Minimum Quarterly Distribution. The Partnership will distribute to the unitholders on a quarterly basis at least $0.4625 per unit to the extent the Partnership has sufficient cash from the Partnership’s operations after establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses, including payments to GP. However, there is no guarantee that the Partnership will pay the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units in any quarter.

The Company

The Partnership

Even if the cash distribution policy is not modified or revoked, the amount of distributions paid under the policy and the decision to make any distribution is determined by GP, taking into consideration the terms of the Partnership Agreement.

General Partner Interest and Incentive Distribution Rights. GP is currently entitled to 1.04% of all quarterly distributions that the Partnership makes prior to the liquidation. GP has the right, but not the obligation, to contribute a proportionate amount of capital to the Partnership to maintain its current general partner interest. GP’s 1.04% interest in these distributions may be reduced if the Partnership issues additional units in the future and GP does not contribute a proportionate amount of capital to the Partnership to maintain its 1.04% general partner interest.

GP also currently holds IDRs that entitle it to receive increasing percentages, up to a maximum of 48% of the cash the Partnership distributes from operating surplus (as defined below) in excess of $0.4625 per unit per quarter.

Business Combinations

The Company

The Partnership

Under the DGCL, the consummation of a merger or consolidation generally requires the adoption of a resolution approving an agreement of merger or consolidation and declaring its advisability by the board of directors of a corporation that is a constituent corporation in the merger or consolidation and requires that the agreement of merger or consolidation be adopted by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding stock of that corporation entitled to vote thereon. There are limited exceptions under the DGCL providing that a merger may be effected without stockholder approval, including that no vote of the stockholders of a constituent corporation is required where that constituent corporation is the surviving corporation and:

•  such corporation’s certificate of incorporation is not amended in the merger;

•  each share of stock outstanding immediately before the effective date of the merger will be an identical share of stock immediately after the effective date of the merger; and

A merger, consolidation or conversion of the Partnership requires the prior consent of GP. However, GP will have no duty or obligation to consent to any merger, consolidation or conversion and may decline to do so free of any fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to the Partnership or the limited partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in the best interest of the Partnership or the limited partners.

In addition, the Partnership Agreement generally prohibits GP, without the prior approval of a majority of outstanding common units and preferred units, voting as a single class on anas-converted basis (a “unit majority”), from causing the Partnership to, among other things, sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of the partnership group in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, including by way of merger, consolidation or other combination, or approving on the Partnership’s behalf the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of

The Company

The Partnership

•  either no shares of common stock of the surviving corporation and no shares, securities or obligations convertible into such stock are to be issued or delivered under the plan of merger or the authorized unissued shares or the treasury shares of common stock of the surviving corporation to be issued or delivered under the plan of merger, plus those initially issuable upon conversion of any other shares, securities or obligations to be issued or delivered under such plan do not exceed 20% of the shares of common stock of such corporation outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the merger.

The DGCL contains a business combination statute that protects domestic corporations subject to its provisions from hostile takeovers and from actions following such a takeover, by prohibiting some transactions once an acquirer has gained a significant holding in the corporation unless certain requirements are met. Section 203 of the DGCL generally prohibits “business combinations,” including mergers, sales and leases of assets, issuances of securities and similar transactions by a corporation or a subsidiary with an interested stockholder who beneficially owns 15% or more of a corporation’s voting stock, within three years after the person or entity becomes an interested stockholder, unless: (i) the board of directors of the target corporation has approved, before the acquisition date, either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the person becoming an interested stockholder; (ii) upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the person becoming an interested stockholder, the person owns at least 85% of the corporation’s voting stock (excluding shares owned by directors who are officers and shares owned by employee stock plans in which participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer); or (iii) after the person or entity becomes an interested stockholder, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at a meeting of stockholders by the vote of at least 662/3% of the outstanding voting stock not owned by the interested stockholder.

Under Section 262 of the DGCL, a stockholder may dissent from, and receive payments in cash for, the fair value of his or her shares as appraised by the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, referred to as appraisal rights, in connection with certain statutory

the Partnership’s subsidiaries. GP may, however, mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or grant a security interest in all or substantially all of the Partnership’s assets without that approval. GP may also sell all or substantially all of the Partnership’s assets under a foreclosure or other realization upon those encumbrances without that approval.

If the conditions specified in the Partnership Agreement are satisfied, GP may convert the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries into a new limited liability entity or merge the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries into, or convey all of the Partnership’s assets to, a newly formed entity if the sole purpose of that conversion, merger or conveyance is to effect a mere change in the Partnership’s legal form into another limited liability entity, GP has received an opinion of counsel,

and the governing instruments of the new entity provide the limited partners and GP with the same rights and obligations as contained in the Partnership Agreement. The unitholders are not entitled to dissenters’ rights of appraisal under the Partnership Agreement or applicable Delaware law in the event of a conversion, merger or consolidation, a sale of substantially all of the Partnership’s assets or any other similar transaction or event.

The Company

The Partnership

mergers or consolidations if the stockholder has neither voted in favor of nor consented in writing to the merger or consolidation and has complied with the other requirements of Section 262.

However, no appraisal rights are available under Delaware law to holders of shares of any class of stock which is either (1) listed on a national securities exchange, or (2) held of record by more than 2,000 stockholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, appraisal rights are available if stockholders are required by the terms of the merger to accept for their shares anything other than:

•  shares of stock of the surviving corporation;

•  shares of stock of another corporation that will either be listed on a national securities exchange or held of record by more than 2,000 holders;

•  cash instead of fractional shares of such stock; or

•  any combination of the above three bullets.

Appraisal rights are not available under Delaware law in the event of the sale of all or substantially all of a corporation’s assets, any merger or consolidation in which the corporation is a constituent corporation or the adoption of an amendment to its certificate of incorporation, unless such rights are granted in the corporation’s certificate of incorporation. The Charter does not grant such rights.

Although Company Shares are being paid in the Merger, the Company is not one of the constituent corporations in the Merger and thus no appraisal rights are available to the Company stockholders in connection with the Merger.

Management by Board of Directors / General Partner

The Company

The Partnership

In accordance with the DGCL, except as otherwise provided in the DGCL and the Charter, the Company’s business and affairs are managed by or under the direction of the Company Board.

The Charter and Bylaws provide that the number of directors will be fixed by the board of directors, but in no case will the number of directors be less than three nor more than fifteen.

GP conducts, directs and manages all activities of the Partnership. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the Partnership Agreement, all management powers over the business and affairs of the Partnership will be exclusively vested in GP, and no limited partner has any management power over the business and affairs of the Partnership. In addition to the powers now or hereafter granted a general partner of a limited partnership under

The Company

The Partnership

applicable law or that are granted to GP under any other provision of the Partnership Agreement, GP, subject to restrictions on GP’s authority, will have full power and authority to do all things and on such terms as it determines to be necessary or appropriate to conduct the business of the Partnership, to exercise all powers and effectuate all purposes.

Restrictions on the General Partner’s Authority. Except as otherwise provided in the Partnership Agreement, GP may not sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of the partnership group, taken as a whole, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions (including by way of merger, consolidation, other combination or sale of ownership interests of the Partnership’s subsidiaries) without the approval of a unit majority; provided, however, that such restriction does not preclude or limit GP’s ability to mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or grant a security interest in all or substantially all of the assets of the partnership group and does not apply to any forced sale of any or all of the assets of the partnership group pursuant to the foreclosure of, or other realization upon, any such encumbrance. Without the approval of a unit majority, GP may not, on behalf of the Partnership, except as otherwise permitted, consent to any amendment to First Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of StoneMor Operating LLC or, except as expressly permitted, take any action permitted to be taken by a member of the StoneMor Operating LLC, in either case, that would adversely affect the Limited Partners in any material respect or, except as permitted under the Partnership Agreement, elect or cause the Partnership to elect a successor general partner of the Partnership.

Nomination and Election of Directors / General Partner

The Company

The Partnership

The Company’s directors are divided into three classes serving staggered three-year terms. Class I, Class II and Class III directors will serve until the annual meetings of stockholders in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Directors are elected by the affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of the shares present who are entitled to vote on the election of directors.

Unitholders have no right to elect the general partner unless GP has been removed or withdrawn, as described below, and have no right to elect the directors of GP.

The Company

The Partnership

At a meeting of the Company stockholders, only such nominations of persons for the election of directors and such other business may be conducted as is been properly brought before the meeting. To be properly brought before an annual meeting, nominations or such other business must be: (1) specified in the Company’s notice of meeting, (2) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Company Board or (3) otherwise properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder who is a stockholder of record at the time such notice of meeting is given, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complies with the procedures described under “Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations.”

Each director chosen will hold office until the annual meeting of stockholders held after his or her election at which such director’s term expires and will serve until his successor will have been duly elected and qualified or until his earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal.

Removal of Directors; Withdrawal or Removal of General Partner

The Company

The Partnership

The Charter provides that any one or more of the directors may be removed at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 662/3% of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of voting stock, voting together as a single class.

Withdrawal of the General Partner. GP may withdraw as general partner without first obtaining approval of any unitholder by giving 90 days’ written notice, and that withdrawal will not constitute a violation of the Partnership Agreement. Notwithstanding the information above, GP may withdraw without unitholder approval upon 90 days’ notice to the limited partners, if at least 50% of the outstanding units are held or controlled by one person and its affiliates other than GP and its affiliates. In addition, the Partnership Agreement permits GP in some instances to sell or otherwise transfer all of its general partner interest in the Partnership without the approval of the unitholders.

Upon withdrawal of GP under any circumstances, other than as a result of a transfer by GP of all or a part of its general partner interest in the Partnership, a unit majority, voting as separate classes, may select a successor to that withdrawing general partner. If a successor is not elected, or is elected but an opinion of counsel cannot be obtained, the Partnership will be dissolved, wound up and liquidated, unless within a specified period after that withdrawal, the holders of a unit majority agree in

The Company

The Partnership

writing to continue the Partnership’s business and to appoint a successor general partner.

Removal of the General Partner. GP may not be removed unless that removal is approved by the vote of the holders of not less than 662/3% of the outstanding units, voting together as a single class, including units held by GP and its affiliates, and the Partnership receives an opinion of counsel. Any removal of GP is also subject to the approval of a successor general partner by the vote of a unit majority. The ownership of more than 331/3% of the outstanding units by GP and its affiliates would give them the practical ability to prevent GP’s removal.

The Partnership Agreement also provides that, if GP is removed as GP under circumstances where cause does not exist and units held by GP and its affiliates are not voted in favor of that removal, GP will have the right to require the general partner successor to purchase GP’s general partner interests and IDRs in exchange for an amount in cash equal to the fair market value of those interests at that time.

In the event of removal of a general partner under circumstances where cause exists or withdrawal of a general partner where that withdrawal violates the Partnership Agreement, a successor general partner will have the option to purchase GP interest and incentive distribution rights of the departing general partner for a cash payment equal to the fair market value of those interests. Under all other circumstances where a general partner withdraws or is removed by the unitholders, the departing general partner will have the option to require the successor general partner to purchase the general partner interest of the departing general partner and its IDRs for fair market value. In each case, the fair market value will be determined by agreement between the departing general partner and the successor general partner. If no agreement is reached within 30 days after the effective date of the departing general partner’s departure, an independent investment banking firm or other independent expert selected by the departing general partner and the successor general partner will determine the fair market value. Or, if the departing general partner and the successor general partner cannot agree upon an expert, then an expert chosen by agreement of the experts selected by each of them will determine the fair market value.

The Company

The Partnership

If the option described above is not exercised by either the departing general partner or the successor general partner, the departing general partner interest and its IDRs will automatically convert into common units equal to the fair market value of those interests as determined by an investment banking firm or other independent expert selected in the manner described in the preceding paragraph.

In addition, the Partnership is required to reimburse the departing general partner for all amounts due the departing general partner, including, without limitation, all employee-related liabilities, including severance liabilities, incurred for the termination of any employees employed by the departing general partner or its affiliates for the Partnership’s benefit.

Filling Vacancies on the Board; Replacing the General Partner

The Company

The Partnership

Subject to the rights of the holders of any class of series or stock having a preference over the Company Shares as to dividends or upon liquidation to elect additional directors, vacancies resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other cause, and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, though less than a quorum of the Company Board or by a sole remaining director (and not by stockholders).

See “Removal of Directors; Withdrawal or Removal of General Partner.”

Transfer of General Partner Interest and Incentive Distribution Rights

The Company

The Partnership

Not applicable.

GP and its affiliates may at any time transfer units to one or more persons without unitholder approval.

GP or any other holder of IDRs may transfer any or all of its IDRs without unitholder approval.

Change of Management Provisions

The Company

The Partnership

See “Description of the Company Capital Stock—Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, the Company’s Bylaws and Delaware Law.”

The Partnership Agreement contains specific provisions that are intended to discourage a person or group from attempting to remove GP or otherwise change the management of GP. If any person or group other GP and its affiliates acquires beneficial ownership of 20% or more of any class of partnership securities, that person or group loses voting rights on all of its units. This loss of voting rights does not apply to any person or group that acquires the units from GP or its affiliates and any transferees of that person or group approved by GP, to any person or group who acquires the units with the prior approval of the GP Board, to the holders of preferred units with respect to their ownership of preferred units or common units issued upon conversion of the preferred units or to any preferred unitholders in connection with any vote, consent or approval of the preferred unitholders as a separate class.

The Partnership Agreement also provides that, if GP is removed as GP under circumstances where cause does not exist and units held by GP and its affiliates are not voted in favor of that removal, GP will have the right to convert its general partner units and its IDRs into common units or to receive cash in exchange for those interests based on the fair market value of those interests at that time.

Limited Call Rights

The Company

The Partnership

None.

If at any time GP and its affiliates own more than 80% of the then-issued and outstanding limited partner interests of any class, GP will have the right, which it may assign in whole or in part to any of its affiliates or to the Partnership, to acquire all, but not less than all, of the limited partner interests of the class held by unaffiliated persons as of a record date to be selected by GP, on at least 10 but not more than 60 days’ notice. The purchase price in the event of the purchase is the greater of:

•  the highest price paid by either of GP or any of its affiliates for any limited partner interests of the class purchased within the 90 days preceding the date on which GP first mails notice of its election to purchase those limited partner interests; and

The Company

The Partnership

•  the current market price as of the date three days before the date the notice is mailed.

Preemptive Rights

The Company

The Partnership

None.

None.

Amendment of Governing Documents

The Company

The Partnership

The affirmative vote of the holders of at least 662/3% in voting power of the outstanding shares of stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors voting together as a single class, is required to amend, alter or repeal any provision of the certificate of incorporation.

The Charter and Bylaws provide that Company Board is expressly authorized to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws in any manner not inconsistent with the DGCL and the Charter, as it may deem appropriate for the management of the Company.

In further respect of stockholders’ power to alter or repeal bylaws, the Bylaws may not be adopted, altered, amended or repealed by the stockholders of the corporation except by the vote of holders of not less than 662/3% in voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors voting together as a single class, except where other provisions of the Bylaws or any provision of law otherwise permits a lesser vote or no vote for the amendment of certain bylaws

General. Amendments to the Partnership Agreement may be proposed only by or with the consent of GP. However, GP will have no duty or obligation to propose any amendment and may decline to do so free of any fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to the Partnership or the limited partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in the best interests of the Partnership or the limited partners. In order to adopt a proposed amendment, other than the amendments discussed below, GP is required to seek written approval of the holders of the number of units required to approve the amendment or call a meeting of the limited partners to consider and vote upon the proposed amendment.

Except as described below, an amendment must be approved by a unit majority.

.

Prohibited Amendments. No amendment may be made that would:

•  enlarge the obligations of any limited partner without its consent, unless approved by at least a majority of the type or class of limited partner interests so affected; or enlarge the obligations of, restrict in any way any action by or rights of, or reduce in any way the amounts distributable, reimbursable or otherwise payable by the Partnership to GP or any of its affiliates without the consent of GP, which consent may be given or withheld at its option;

The Company

The Partnership

•  amend, alter, change, repeal or rescind any provision of the Partnership Agreement that establishes a percentage of outstanding units required to take action, in any respect, that would have the effect of reducing such voting percentage, unless such amendment is approved by the written consent or the affirmative vote of holders of outstanding units whose aggregate outstanding units constitute not less than the voting requirement sought to be reduced; or

•  have a material adverse effect on the rights or preferences of any class of partnership interests in relation to other classes of partnership interests, unless approved by the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding partnership interests of the class affected.

The provision of the Partnership Agreement preventing the amendments having the effects described in any of the clauses above can be amended upon the approval of the holders of at least 90% of the outstanding units voting together as a single class (including units owned by GP and its affiliates).

No Unitholder Approval. GP may generally make amendments to the Partnership Agreement without the approval of any limited partner or assignee to reflect: a change in the Partnership’s name, the location of the Partnership’s principal place of business, the Partnership’s registered agent or the Partnership’s registered office; the admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of partners in accordance with the Partnership Agreement; a change that GP determines to be necessary or appropriate to qualify or continue the Partnership’s qualification as a limited partnership or a partnership in which the limited partners have limited liability under the laws of any state or to ensure that neither the Partnership nor the Partnership operating partnership nor any of its subsidiaries will be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes; a change that GP determines (i) does not adversely affect the limited partners (including any particular class of partnership interests as compared to other classes of partnership interests) in any material respect, (ii) to be necessary or appropriate to (a) satisfy any

The Company

The Partnership

requirements, conditions or guidelines contained in any opinion, directive, order, ruling or regulation of any federal or state agency or judicial authority or contained in any federal or state statute (including the DRULPA) or (b) facilitate the trading of the units (including the division of any class or classes of outstanding units into different classes to facilitate uniformity of tax consequences within such classes of units) or comply with any rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any national securities exchange on which the units are or will be listed, (iii) to be necessary or appropriate in connection with action taken by the GP pursuant to the Partnership Agreement or (iv) is required to effect the intent expressed in the registration statement or the intent of the provisions of the Partnership Agreement or is otherwise contemplated by the Partnership Agreement; a change in the Partnership’s fiscal year and related changes including the dates on which distributions are to be made by the Partnership; an amendment that is necessary, in the opinion of the Partnership’s counsel, to prevent the Partnership or GP or the directors, officers, agents or trustees of GP from in any manner being subjected to the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, or “plan asset” regulations adopted under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or ERISA, whether or not substantially similar to plan asset regulations currently applied or proposed; an amendment that GP determines to be necessary or appropriate for the authorization of additional partnership securities; any amendment expressly permitted in the Partnership Agreement to be made by GP acting alone; an amendment effected, necessitated or contemplated by a merger agreement that has been approved under the terms of the Partnership Agreement; any amendment that GP determines to be necessary or appropriate for the formation by the Partnership of, or the Partnership’s investment in, any corporation, partnership or other entity, as otherwise permitted by the Partnership Agreement; conversions into, mergers with or conveyances to another limited liability entity that is newly formed and has no assets, liabilities or operations at the time of the conversion, merger or conveyance other than those it receives by way of the conversion, merger or conveyance; or any other amendments substantially similar to any of the matters described in the clauses above.

The Company

The Partnership

Opinion of Counsel and Unitholder Approval. For amendments of the type not requiring unitholder approval, GP will not be required to obtain an opinion of counsel that an amendment will not result in a loss of limited liability to the limited partners or result in the Partnership’s being treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise taxable as an entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes in connection with any of the amendments. No amendments to the Partnership Agreement other than those described above under “No Unitholder Approval” above will become effective without the approval of holders of at least 90% of the outstanding units voting as a single class, unless the Partnership first obtains an opinion of counsel to the effect that the amendment will not affect the limited liability under applicable law of any of the Partnership’s limited partners.

Voting Rights; Meetings; Action by Written Consent

The Company

The Partnership

The Charter provides that each Company Share is entitled to one vote on all matters on which stockholders are generally entitled to vote. Except as may be provided in the Charter or in a preferred stock designation, the Company Shares shall have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and for all other purposes, and holders of preferred stock shall not be entitled to receive notice of any meeting of stockholders at which they are not entitled to vote or consent.

The Charter provides that special meetings of stockholders of the corporation may be called pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Company Board, or upon the written request to the Company Board submitted by stockholders owning at least twenty percent (20%) of the entire capital stock of the Company issued and outstanding and entitled to vote on the matter or matters to be brought before the proposed special meeting.

The Charter provides that any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the corporation must be taken at a duly held annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not be taken by any consent in writing of such stockholders.

Except as described below regarding a person or group owning 20% or more of any class of any partnership securities then outstanding, record holders of units on the record date will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, meetings of the limited partners and to act upon matters for which approvals may be solicited.

Any action that is required or permitted to be taken by the limited partners may be taken either at a meeting of the limited partners or without a meeting, if consents in writing describing the action so taken are signed by holders of the minimum percentage of the outstanding partnership securities necessary to authorize or take that action at a meeting. Meetings of the limited partners may be called by GP or by holders owning at least 20% of the outstanding limited partner interests of the class for which a meeting is proposed. Unitholders may vote either in person or by proxy at meetings. The holders of a majority of the outstanding partnership securities of the class or classes for which a meeting has been called represented in person or by proxy will constitute a quorum unless any such action requires approval by holders of a greater percentage, in which case the quorum will be the greater percentage.

The Company

The Partnership

Each record holder of a common unit has a vote according to his percentage interest in the Partnership, although additional limited partner interests having special voting rights could be issued. However, if at any time any person or group, other than GP and its affiliates, or a direct or subsequently approved transferee of GP or its affiliates, acquires, in the aggregate, beneficial ownership of 20% or more of any class of partnership securities then-outstanding, that person or group will lose voting rights on all of its units and the units may not be voted on any matter and will not be considered to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of unitholders, calculating required votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes. common units held in nominee or street name account will be voted by the broker or other nominee, in accordance with the instruction of the beneficial owner, unless the arrangement between the beneficial owner and his nominee provides otherwise.

The holder of a preferred unit is entitled to one vote for each common unit into which such preferred unit is convertible (whether or not such right to convert is exercisable at such time). The holders of preferred units are entitled to vote as a single class with the holders of common units on all matters submitted to the limited partners for a vote.

Any notice, demand, request, report or proxy material required or permitted to be given or made to record holders of common units under the Partnership Agreement will be delivered to the record holder by the Partnership or by the transfer agent.

Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations

The Company

The Partnership

The Bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals for annual meetings and stockholder nomination of candidates for election as directors. In order for any matter to be “properly brought” before a meeting, a stockholder will have to comply with advance notice requirements and provide the Company with specified information. Generally, that notice must be given to the Secretary of the Company no later than the 90th day, and no earlier than the 120th day, in advance of the anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting.

Not applicable.

Indemnification and Limitation on Liability

The Company

The Partnership

The DGCL authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors’ fiduciary duties. The DGCL does not permit exculpation for liability:

•  for breach of duty of loyalty;

•  for acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law;

•  under Section 174 of the DGCL (unlawful dividends and stock repurchases); or

•  for transactions from which the director derived improper personal benefit.

The Charter eliminates the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for actions taken as a director to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL.

The Bylaws provide that the Company will indemnify its directors and officers and may indemnify its employees, agents and other persons to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Bylaws expressly authorize the Company to maintain insurance providing indemnification for its directors, officers, employees and agents for any expense, liabilities or loss, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.

Under the Partnership Agreement, in most circumstances, the Partnership will indemnify the following persons, to the fullest extent permitted by law, from and against all losses, claims, damages or similar events:

•  GP;

•  any departing general partner;

•  any person who is or was an affiliate of a general partner or any departing general partner;

•  any person who is or was a director, officer, member, partner, fiduciary or trustee of any entity set forth in the preceding three bullet points;

•  any person who is or was serving as director, officer, member, partner, fiduciary or trustee of another person at the request of GP, any departing general partner, an affiliate of GP or an affiliate of any departing general partner; and

•  any person designated by GP.

Any indemnification under these provisions will only be out of the Partnership’s assets. GP will not be personally liable for or have any obligation to contribute or loan funds or assets to the Partnership to enable the Partnership to effectuate indemnification. The Partnership may purchase insurance against liabilities asserted against and expenses incurred by persons for the Partnership’s activities, regardless of whether the Partnership would have the power to indemnify the person against liabilities under the Partnership Agreement.

Conflicts of Interest; Fiduciary Duties

The Company

The Partnership

Under the DGCL, a transaction involving an interested officer or director is not void or voidable solely because of the officer’s or director’s interest if:

•  the material facts are disclosed or made known to the board of directors (or committee thereof) and a majority of the disinterested directors vote to authorize the transaction in

GP of the Partnership (i) agrees that its sole business will be to act as a general partner or managing member, as the case may be, of the Partnership and any other partnership or limited liability company of which the Partnership is, directly or indirectly, a partner or member and to undertake activities that are ancillary or related thereto

The Company

The Partnership

good faith, even though the disinterested directors be less than a quorum;

•  the material facts are disclosed or made known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon and the transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders; or

•  the transaction is fair to the corporation at the time it is authorized, approved or ratified by the board of directors (or committee thereof) or the stockholders.

(including being a limited partner in the Partnership), (ii) will not engage in any business or activity or incur any debts or liabilities except in connection with or incidental to (a) its performance as general partner or managing member, if any, of one or more Group Members (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) or as described in or contemplated by the registration statement or (b) the acquiring, owning or disposing of debt or equity securities in any Group Member and (iii) except as permitted in the Omnibus Agreement (as defined in the Partnership Agreement), will not engage in the ownership or operation of cemeteries or funeral homes, or the sale of cemetery or funeral home products or services, in any state or territory of the U.S.

Except as restricted in the Partnership Agreement and the Omnibus Agreement, each indemnitee (other than GP) will have the right to engage in businesses of every type and description and other activities for profit and to engage in and possess an interest in other business ventures of any and every type or description, whether in businesses engaged in or anticipated to be engaged in by any Group Member, independently or with others, including business interests and activities in direct competition with the business and activities of any Group Member, and none of the same will constitute a breach of the Partnership Agreement or any duty expressed or implied by law to any Group Member or any partner or assignee. None of any Group Member, any limited partner or any other person will have any rights by virtue of the Partnership Agreement, any Group Member agreement or the partnership relationship established by the Partnership Agreement in any business ventures of any indemnitee.

Subject to certain terms in the Omnibus Agreement, engaging in competitive activities by any indemnitees (other than GP) has been approved by the Partnership and all its partners, it is not a breach of any fiduciary duty or any other obligation of any type whatsoever of any indemnitee for the indemnitees (other than GP) to engage in such business interests and activities in preference to or to the exclusion of the Partnership; and, except as set forth in the Omnibus Agreement, the indemnitees have no obligation under the Partnership Agreement or as a result of any duty expressed or implied by law to present business opportunities to the Partnership.

The Company

The Partnership

GP and each of its affiliates may acquire units or other partnership securities in addition to those acquired on the closing date and, except as otherwise provided in the Partnership Agreement, will be entitled to exercise, at their option, all rights relating to all units or other partnership securities acquired by them. The term “affiliates” when used in this section with respect to GP will not include any Group Member.

Taxation

The Company

The Partnership

See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”

The Partnership is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, generally, is not subject to entity-level U.S. federal income taxes.

Each unitholder receives a ScheduleK-1 from the Partnership reflecting such unitholder’s share of the Partnership’s items of income, gain, loss and deduction for each taxable year following the end of such taxable year.

DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY CAPITAL STOCK

The authorized capital stock of the Company will consist of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share.

The following summary of the Company’s capital stock and the Charter and Bylaws does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of applicable law and to the Charter and Bylaws, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

Common Stock

Except as provided by law or in a preferred stock designation, the Company stockholders will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company stockholders and will have the exclusive right to voteOld Notes for the election of directors and do not have cumulative voting rights. Except as otherwise required by law, the Company stockholders, as such, will not be entitled to vote on any amendment to the certificate of incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series of preferred stock) that relates solely to the terms of any outstanding series of preferred stock, if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereonNew Notes pursuant to the certificate of incorporation (including any certificate of designations relatingexchange offer.

This discussion applies only to any series of preferred stock) orHolders who purchased the Old Notes pursuant to the DGCL. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding shares or series of preferred stock, the Company stockholders will be entitled to receive ratably such dividends (payable intheir original issuance for cash stock or otherwise), if any, as may be declared from time to time by the Company Board out of funds legally available for dividend payments. All outstanding Company Shares will be fully paid andnon-assessable. The Company stockholders will have no preferences or rights of conversion, exchange,pre-emption or other subscription rights. There will be no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Company Shares. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution orwinding-up of the Company’s affairs, the Company stockholders will be entitled to share ratablyon June 27, 2019, participate in the Company’s assets that are remaining after payment or provision for payment of all ofexchange offer and held the Company’s debts and obligations and after liquidation payments to holders of outstanding shares of preferred stock, if any.

Preferred Stock

The Charter will authorize the Company Board, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further stockholder approval, to establish and to issue from time to time one or more classes or series of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, covering up to an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Each class or series of preferred stock will cover the number of sharesOld Notes, and will havehold the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions determined by the Company Board, which may include, among others, dividend rights, liquidation preferences, voting rights, conversion rights, preemptive rights and redemption rights. ExceptNew Notes as provided by law or in a preferred stock designation, the holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to vote at or receive notice of any meeting of stockholders.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, the Company’s Bylaws and Delaware Law

Some provisions of Delaware law and the Charter and the Bylaws described below, contain provisions that could make the following transactions more difficult: acquisitions of the Company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise and removal of the Company’s incumbent officers and directors. These provisions may also have the effect of preventing changes in the Company’s management. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish or could deter transactions that the Company stockholders may otherwise consider to be in their best interest or in the Company’s best interests, including transactions that might result in a premium over the market price for the Company Shares.

These provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of the Company to first negotiate with the Company.

Delaware Law

The Company will be subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL. In general, those provisions prohibit a Delaware corporation, including those whose securities are listed for trading on the NYSE, from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

the transaction is approved by the board of directors before the date the interested stockholder attained that status;

after the completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced; or

on or after such time as such person becomes an interested stockholder, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at a meeting of stockholders by at leasttwo-thirds of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

Section 203 defines “business combination” to include the following:

any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;

any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition (in one or a series of transactions) of 10% or more of thecapital assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder;

subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;

subject to certain exceptions, any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or

the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit, directly or indirectly, of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.

In general, Section 203 defines an interested stockholder as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by any of these entities or persons.

Charter and Bylaws

Among other things, the Charter and Bylaws will:

provide advance notice procedures with regard to stockholder proposals relating to the nomination of candidates for election as directors or new business to be brought before meetings of the Company stockholders, which may preclude the Company stockholders from bringing matters before the Company stockholders at an annual or special meeting;

these procedures will provide that notice of stockholder proposals must be timely given in writing to the Company’s corporate secretary prior to the meeting at which the action is to be taken; and

generally, to be timely, notice must be received at the Company’s principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary date of the annual meeting for the preceding year;

provide the Company Board the ability to authorize undesignated preferred stock, which makes it possible for the Company Board to issue, without the Company stockholder approval, preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change control of the Company and which may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management of the Company;

provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the Company Board;

provide that all vacancies, including newly created directorships, may, except as otherwise required by law, be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum;

provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by the Company stockholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not be effected by any consent in writing in lieu of a meeting of such stockholders, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock;

provide that directors may be removed only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of holders of at least 662/3% of the voting power of the Company’s then-outstanding common stock;

provide that the Charter and Bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 662/3% of the Company’s then-outstanding common stock;

provide that special meetings of the Company stockholders may only be called by the Company Board or stockholders owning at least twenty percent (20%) of the entire capital stock of the Company issued and outstanding and entitled to vote on the matter or matters to be brought before the proposed special meeting; and

provide that the Bylaws can be amended or repealed by the Company Board or the Company stockholders.

Limitation of Liability and Indemnification Matters

The Charter will limit the liability of the Company’s directors for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duty as directors, except for the following liabilities that cannot be eliminated under the DGCL:

for any breach of their duty of loyalty to the Company or the Company stockholders;

for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

for an unlawful payment of dividends or an unlawful stock purchase or redemption, as provided under Section 174 of the DGCL; or

for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

Any amendment or repeal of these provisions will be prospective only and would not affect any limitation on liability of a director for acts or omissions that occurred prior to any such amendment or repeal.

The Bylaws provide that the Company will indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. The Bylaws will also permit the Company to purchase insurance on behalf of any of its officers, directors, employees or agents or any person who is or was serving at its request as an officer, director, employee or agent of another enterprise for any expense, liability or loss asserted against such person and incurred by any such person in any such capacity, or arising out of that person’s status as such, regardless of whether DGCL would permit indemnification.

The Company expects to enter into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and officers. The agreements will provide that the Company will indemnify and hold harmless each indemnitee for certain expenses to the fullest extent permitted or authorized by law, including the DGCL, in effect on the date of the agreement or as it may be amended to provide more advantageous rights to the indemnitee. If such indemnification is unavailable as a result of a court decision and if the Company and the indemnitee are jointly liable in the proceeding, the Company will contribute funds to the indemnitee for his or her expenses in proportion to relative benefit and fault of the Company and the indemnitee in the transaction giving rise to the proceeding. The indemnification agreements will also provide that the Company will indemnify the indemnitee for monetary damages for actions taken as its director or officer or for serving at its request as a director or officer or another position at another corporation or enterprise, as the case may be but only if (i) the indemnitee acted in good faith and, in the case of conduct in his official capacity, in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in the Company’s best interests and, in all other cases, not opposed to the Company’s best interests and (ii) in the case of a criminal proceeding, the indemnitee must have had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. The indemnification agreements will also provide that the Company must advance payment of certain expenses to the indemnitee, including fees of counsel, subject to receipt of an undertaking from the indemnitee to return such advance if it is it is ultimately determined that the indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for the Company Shares is American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC.

Listing

The Company Shares will trade on the NYSE under the symbol “STON.”

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

The following is a general discussion of the expected material U.S. federal income tax consequences of (i) the Merger to unitholders that are U.S. holders (as defined below) and (ii) the ownership and disposition of Company Shares by such U.S. holders who receive Company Shares pursuant to the Merger. This discussion is limited to U.S. holders who hold their units, and, if applicable, will hold their Company Shares received in connection with the Merger, as “capital assets” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). No rulings have been or will be sought from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) with respect to any of the tax consequences discussed below. As a result, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the conclusions set forth below.

This discussion does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences to unitholders that are not U.S. holders.Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors with respect to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger and the ownership and disposition of any Company Shares received pursuant to the Merger.

This discussion is based on the provisions of the Code, applicable U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative rulings and judicial decisions, all as in effect on the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Any such change could affect the accuracy of the statements and conclusions set forth herein. This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to U.S. holders in light of their particular facts and circumstances. In addition, this discussion does not address any tax consequences under any U.S. federal laws other than those pertaining to income taxes, nor does it address any tax consequences arising under the Medicare tax on certain investment income or arising under the laws of any state, local, or foreign jurisdiction. Furthermore, this discussion does not apply to U.S. holders that may be subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws,consequences relevant to a Holder’s particular circumstances. In addition, it does not address consequences relevant to Holders subject to special rules, including, without limitation:

 

banks, insurance companiesU.S. expatriates and former citizens or other financial institutions;

tax-exempt or governmental organizations;

qualified foreign pension funds (or entities alllong-term residents of the interests of which are held by a qualified foreign pension fund)U.S.;

 

dealers or brokers in stocks, securities or foreign currencies;persons subject to the alternative minimum tax;

 

U.S. persons (as defined in the Code) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;

 

persons holding the Old Notes or New Notes as part of a hedge, straddle or other risk reduction strategy or as part of a conversion transaction or other integrated investment;

banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions;

REITs or regulated investment companies;

brokers, dealers or traders in securities;

“controlled foreign corporations,” “passive foreign investment companies,” orcompanies” and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax;

 

traders in securities that use themark-to-market method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

persons subject to the alternative minimum tax;

S corporations, partnerships or other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes or holders of interests therein;

regulated investment companies or mutual funds;

holders of units that acquired those units as compensation or through atax-qualified retirement plan;

holders of restricted units or bonus units granted under any benefit plan of the Partnership;

holders subject to Section 1061 of the Code;

certain former citizens or long-term residents of the U.S.; and

holders of units or, if applicable, Company Shares that hold such units or Company Shares as part of a straddle, appreciated financial position, synthetic security, hedge, conversion transaction or other integrated investment or risk reduction transaction.

For purposes of this discussion, the term “U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of units or Company Shares, as applicable, that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is:

an individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S.;

a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S., any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or

a trust (i) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and which has one or more U.S. persons (as defined in the Code) who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) which has made a valid election under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

If a partnership (including an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds units or Company Shares, the tax treatment of a partner in such partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership, and certain determinations made at the partner level. Accordingly, partners in partnerships (including entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and investors therein);

tax-exempt organizations or governmental organizations;

persons subject to special tax accounting rules as a result of any item of gross income with respect to the Old Notes or New Notes being taken into account in an applicable financial statement;

individual retirement accounts or qualified pension plans; and

persons deemed to sell the Old Notes or New Notes under the constructive sale provisions of the Code.

If a partnership (including any entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holding units shouldholds an Old Note or New Note, the tax treatment of a partner in that partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner, certain determinations made at the partner level and the activities of the partnership. Holders of the Old Notes or New Notes that are partnerships and partners in those partnerships are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger and the ownership and dispositionexchange of Company Shares received in connection with the Merger to them.Old Notes for New Notes.

THIS DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONINFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OR DESCRIPTIONTAX ADVICE. INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF ALL POTENTIALTHE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER ANDEXCHANGE OF THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF COMPANY SHARES RECEIVED IN CONNECTION WITHOLD NOTES FOR THE MERGER. EACH UNITHOLDER IS STRONGLY URGED TO CONSULT WITH ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE SPECIFICNEW NOTES ARISING UNDER OTHER U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS (INCLUDING ESTATE AND GIFT TAX LAWS), UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL ANDORNON-U.S. TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO SUCH HOLDER OF THE MERGER AND THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF COMPANY SHARES RECEIVED IN CONNECTION WITH THE MERGER, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ITS OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.TREATY.

Tax ConsequencesExchange Pursuant to the Exchange Offer

The exchange of Old Notes for New Notes pursuant to the Merger to U.S. Holders of units

In General

While the characterization of the Mergerexchange offer will not be treated as an “exchange” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, isbecause the New Notes will not free from doubt, we intendbe considered to take the position that the Merger will constitute an “interests-over” transaction,differ materially in which the unitholders are deemed to contribute their units to the Company in exchange for Company Shares, resulting in the termination of the Partnership (the “Interests-Over form”). Under this characterization, a unitholder should not recognize gainkind or extent from the Merger, except toOld Notes. Accordingly, the extent that the unitholder’s allocable shareexchange of the Partnership’s liabilities exceeds the unitholder’s tax basis in its units exchangedOld Notes for Company Shares. As a consequence, in order to determine the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger, each unitholder should consult its own tax advisor regarding its tax basis in its units and its allocable share of the Partnership’s liabilities. It is anticipated that most unitholdersNew Notes will not recognizebe a material amount of gain as a consequence of the Merger, but if a unitholder (i) purchased units between October 1, 2008, and December 31, 2008 or (ii) owned subordinated units of the Partnership and still holds the units into which such subordinated units converted, that unitholder may recognize a significant amount of gain depending on its individual circumstances. Further, the IRS could disagree with Interests-Over form and assert an alternative characterization, which, if upheld, could result in unitholders recognizing additional gain. We urge each unitholdertaxable event to consult its own tax advisor regarding the risk of an alternative treatment.

The foregoing description of the tax characterization of the Merger is based on the assumption that the unitholders will own, in the aggregate, at least 80% of the Company Shares outstanding immediately after the Merger, excluding from the numerator any Company Shares received in connection with the Merger that are sold after the Merger pursuant to a plan or arrangement established before the Merger (the “Control Assumption”). The Control Assumption should be correct unless, contrary to the knowledge of the Partnership, a group of unitholders holding more than 20% of the units agree prior to the Merger to sell the Company Shares they receive in connection with the Merger. If the Control Assumption were not correct, a unitholder would recognize gain or loss in connection with the Merger equal to the difference between:

the sum of (i) the fair market value of the Company Shares received in exchange for the unitholder’s units and (ii) the unitholder’s share of the Partnership’s nonrecourse liabilities immediately prior to the Merger; and

the unitholder’s adjusted tax basis in its units exchanged for those Company Shares (which includes the unitholder’s share of the Partnership’s nonrecourse liabilities immediately prior to the Merger).

Gain or loss recognized by a unitholder generally would be taxable as capital gain or loss. However, a portion of this gain or loss would be separately computed and taxed as ordinary income or loss to the extent attributable to Section 751 property. Passive losses that were not deductible by a unitholder in prior taxable periods, because they exceed a unitholder’s share of the Partnership’s income, may become available to offset a portion of the gain recognized by the unitholder.

Tax Basis and Holding Period in the Company Shares Received in Connection with the Merger

Under the Interests-Over form, a unitholder’s aggregate basis in its Company Shares received in exchange for units in connection with the Merger should equal the unitholder’s aggregate basis in its units immediately before the Merger, reduced by the unitholder’s share of the Partnership’s liabilities deemed assumed by the Company, and increased by the gain, if any, recognized by the unitholder in connection with the Merger.

If the Interests-Over form applies, a unitholder will have a split holding period in the Company Shares received. In general, a unitholder’s holding period for Company Shares received in exchange for units should include the unitholder’s holding period for those units. However, to the extent that the value of Company Shares received by a Unitholder is attributable to a unitholder’s share of the Partnership’s Section 751 property, a unitholder’s holding period for Company Shares received in exchange for units should begin on the day following the Merger.

Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders of Owning and Disposing of Company Shares Received in Connection with the Merger

Distributions on the Company Shares

Distributions with respect to the Company Shares will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from the Company’s current or accumulated “earnings and profits” as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent that the amount of a distribution exceeds the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, such distribution will first be treated as anon-taxable return of capital to the extent of (and reducing, but not below zero) the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in its Company Shares and thereafter be treated as capital gain from the sale or exchange of such Company Shares.Non-corporate U.S. holders that receive distributions on the Company Shares that are treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the reduced long-term capital gains rate, provided certain holding period requirements are met. Corporate U.S. holders will be able to utilize the corporate dividends-received deduction with respect to such distributions.

Gain or Loss on Disposition of the Company Shares

A U.S. holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss on a sale, exchange, certain redemptions or other taxable disposition of Company Shares in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between (i) the amount realized upon the disposition of such Company Shares and (ii) the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in such Company Shares. A U.S. holder’s tax basis in its Company Shares generally will be equal to the amount paid for those Company Shares reduced (but not below zero) by distributions received on such stock that are not treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such capitalAs a result, a Holder will not recognize any taxable gain or loss generallyon the exchange of Old Notes for New Notes. Moreover, the New Notes will be long-term capital gain or loss ifhave the U.S. holder’ssame tax attributes as the Old Notes exchanged therefor and the same tax consequences to Holders as the Old Notes have to Holders, including without limitation, the same issue price, tax basis and holding period for the Company Shares sold or disposed of is more than one year at the time of such taxable disposition. Long-term capital gains of individuals are generally subject to U.S. federal income tax at a reduced rate. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Information returns may be required to be filed with the IRS in connection with distributions made on, or proceeds from the disposition of, Company Shares received in connection with the Merger. A U.S. holder may be subject to U.S. backup withholding on distributions made on, or proceeds from the disposition of, Company Shares received in connection with the Merger, unless such U.S. holder provides the applicable withholding agent with proof of its exemption from backup withholding or furnishes the applicable withholding agent with its taxpayer identification number, certified under penalties of perjury, and otherwise complies with all applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the U.S. backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or credit against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that certain required information is timely furnished to the IRS.period.

PROPOSAL 2: THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSALPLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

The special meetingBased on interpretations by the staff of the SEC inno-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that you may be adjourned to another time and place to permit further solicitationtransfer New Notes issued under the exchange offer in exchange for the Old Notes if:

you acquire the New Notes in the ordinary course of proxies, if necessary or appropriate, to obtain additional proxies if thereyour business;

you are not sufficient votes to approve the Merger proposal. The GP Board doesengaged in, and do not intend to propose adjournmentengage in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, the distribution (within the meaning of the special meetingSecurities Act) of such New Notes; and

you are not our “affiliate” (within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act).

Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange for Old Notes that were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making or other trading activities must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes. To date, the staff of the SEC has taken the position that broker-dealers may fulfill their prospectus delivery requirements with respect to transactions involving an exchange of securities such as this exchange offer with this prospectus. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of New Notes received in exchange for Old Notes, where such Old Notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that, for a period of 90 days after the exchange offer registration statement is declared effective, we will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. In addition, until such date, all dealers effecting transactions in New Notes may be required to deliver this prospectus.

We are entitled under certain circumstances under the Registration Rights Agreement to suspend the use of this prospectus to the extent it is included in a shelf registration statement by broker-dealers if, there are sufficient votes to approvein our good faith determination, the merger proposal.

Vote Requiredcontinued effectiveness of the registration statement and the Conflicts Committee’s Recommendation

Approvaluse of this prospectus would require the public disclosure of materialnon-public information. If we suspend the use of this prospectus, the period referred to above during which we have agreed to make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with certain resales, will be extended by a number of days equal to the period of the Adjournment proposal requiressuspension and we will pay additional interest, if required, pursuant to the affirmative vote ofRegistration Rights Agreement.

If you wish to exchange New Notes for your Old Notes in the majority of the outstanding units entitled to vote and that are present in person or by proxy at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting.

The Conflicts Committee recommends that unitholders vote “FOR” the adjournment proposal.

UNITHOLDER PROPOSALS

Under applicable Delaware law and the Partnership Agreement, the Partnership is notexchange offer, you will be required to hold an annual meetingmake representations to us as described in “The Exchange Offer—Representations We Need From You Before You May Participate in the Exchange Offer” in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal. In addition, if you are a broker-dealer who receives New Notes for your own account in exchange for Old Notes that were acquired by you as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, you will be required to acknowledge that you will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale by you of such New Notes.

We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of New Notes by broker-dealers. New Notes received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the unitholders. Under the Partnership Agreement, special meetings of the limited partnersexchange offer may be called by GP or by limited partners owning 20% or more of the outstanding units of the class or classes for which a meeting is proposed. Such limited partners may call a special meeting by deliveringsold from time to GPtime in one or more requeststransactions in any of the following ways:

in theover-the-counter market;

in negotiated transactions;

through the writing statingof options on the New Notes or a combination of such methods of resale;

at market prices prevailing at the time of resale;

at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or

at negotiated prices.

Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer or the purchasers of any such New Notes. Any broker-dealer that resells New Notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the signing limited partners wish to callexchange offer in exchange for Old Notes that were acquired by such broker-dealer as a special meetingresult of market- making or other trading activities and indicating the generalany broker or specific purposes for whichdealer that participates in a distribution of such special meeting is to be called. However, limited partners are not allowed to vote on matters that would cause the limited partners toNew Notes may be deemed to be taking partan “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and must, therefore, deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of New Notes received by it in the managementexchange offer, and controlany profit on any such resale of New Notes and any commission or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker- dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the business and affairsSecurities Act.

We agreed to permit the use of this prospectus for a period of up to 90 days after the completion of the Partnership. Doingexchange offer by such broker-dealers to satisfy this prospectus delivery requirement. For a period of 90 days after the consummation of the exchange offer, we will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents as provided in the letter of transmittal. Furthermore, we agree to amend or supplement this prospectus during such period, if so would jeopardizerequested, in order to expedite or facilitate the limited partners’ limited liability under Delaware law or the lawdisposition of any New Notes by broker-dealers.

We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer, other statethan fees and expenses of counsel to the Holders and brokerage commissions and transfer taxes, if any, and will indemnify the Holders of the Old Notes (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. We have also agreed to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of one counsel for Holders whose Old Notes are included in which the Partnership is qualified to do business.a shelf registration statement.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the Company Shares to be issuedNew Notes offered in the Mergerthis exchange offer will be passed upon for GPus by VinsonDuane Morris LLP, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which will also pass upon for us certain matters of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia law. Certain matters under Alabama law will be passed upon for us by Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Elkins L.L.P., Houston, Texas.Berkowitz P.C. Certain matters of Arkansas law will be passed upon for us by Dover Dixon Horne PLLC. Certain matters of Colorado law will be passed upon for us by Holland and Hart LLP. Certain matters of Hawaii law will be passed upon for us by McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon LLP. Certain matters of Indiana law will be passed upon for us by May Oberfell Lorber. Certain matters of Iowa law will be passed upon for us by Nyemaster Goode, P.C. Certain matters of Kansas law will be passed upon for us by Gilliland Green LLC. Certain matters of Kentucky law will be passed upon for us by Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP. Certain matters of Michigan law will be passed upon for us by Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP. Certain matters of Mississippi law will be passed upon for us by Mitchell, McNutt & Sams, P.A. Certain matters of Missouri law will be passed upon for us by Husch Blackwell LLP. Certain matters of North Carolina law will be passed upon for us by Holland & Knight LLP. Certain matters of Oklahoma law will be passed upon for us by GableGotwals. Certain matters of Oregon and Washington law will be passed upon for us by Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. Certain matters of Puerto Rico law will be passed upon for us by Pietrantoni Méndez & Alvarez LLC. Certain matters of Rhode Island law will be passed upon for us by Brennan, Recupero, Cascione, Scungio & McAllister, LLP. Certain matters of South Carolina law will be passed upon for us by Fox Rothschild LLP. Certain matters of Tennessee law will be passed upon for us by Bass, Berry & Sims PLC. Certain matters of West Virginia law will be passed upon for us by Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC. Certain matters of Wisconsin law will be passed upon for us by DeWitt LLP.

EXPERTS

The audited 2017 financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017 (before retrospective adjustments to the financial statements to reflect the impact of adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), as disclosed in Part II “Item 8, Note 1 General under captionsReclassifications and Adjustments to Prior Period Financial StatementsandRecently Issued Accounting Standard Updates—Adopted in the Current Periodof the Partnership and its subsidiaries, (not presented herein) appearing in the Partnership’s Annual Report Amendment included herein as Annex B) have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein in Annex B and elsewhere in the registration statement (which report expresses an unqualified opinion on the financial statements). The retrospective adjustments to the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017 have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP. The 2017 financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017 appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A in Annex B included in this Prospectus have been so included in reliance upon the reports of Deloitte & Touche LLP and Grant Thornton LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

The audited financial statements as of and for the yearyears ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 containedincluded in Annex B to this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so incorporated by referenceincluded in reliance upon the reportsreport of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATIONAnnexA-1

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

FOR HOLDERS OF GLOBAL NOTES

TO TENDER

Old 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024

OF

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.

AND

CORNERSTONE FAMILY SERVICES OF WEST VIRGINIA

SUBSIDIARY, INC.

PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND

PROSPECTUS DATED JUNE     , 2020

THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON JULY     , 2020 (THE “EXPIRATION DATE”), UNLESS THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS EXTENDED BY THE ISSUERS.

The Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is:

Wilmington Trust, National Association

(Exchange Agent/Depositary addresses)

By Mail, Overnight Mail or Courier:

Wilmington Trust, National

Association c/o Wilmington Trust

Company Rodney Square North

1100 North Market Street

Wilmington, DE 19890-1626

Attn: Workflow Management – 5th Floor

By Facsimile: (302)636-4139

Attn: Workflow Management – 5th Floor

By Email: DTC@wilmingtontrust.com

If you wish to exchange currently outstanding 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024 for an equal aggregate principal amount at maturity of new 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024 pursuant to the Exchange Offer, you must validly tender (and not withdraw) outstanding notes to the Exchange Agent prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the Expiration Date by causing an agent’s message to be received by the Exchange Agent prior to such time.

The Partnership files annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC under the Exchange Act. The filings are also available to the public at the SEC’s website athttp://www.sec.gov. In addition, documents filed by the Partnership can be inspected at the officesundersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the New York Stock Exchange,Prospectus, dated June     , 2020 (the “Prospectus”), of StoneMor Partners L.P. and Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. (together, the “Issuers”), 20 Broad Street, New York, NY 10005.

The Partnership also makes available freeand this Letter of charge on its website,http://www.stonemor.comTransmittal (the “Letter of Transmittal”), its Annual Reports on Form10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form10-Qwhich together describe the Issuers’ offer (the “Exchange Offer”) to exchange their issued and Periodic Reports on Form8-K, and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after it electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC. Information contained on the Partnership’s website is not partoutstanding 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024 (the “Old Notes”) for a like principal amount of this proxy statement/prospectus.their 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATIONToggle Notes due 2024 (the “New Notes”) that have been registered under the Securities Act, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the respective meanings given to them in the Prospectus.

The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements have been derivedIssuers reserve the right, at any time or from time to time, to extend the Exchange Offer at their discretion, in which event the term “Expiration Date” shall mean the latest date to which the Exchange Offer is extended. To extend the Exchange Offer, we will notify the exchange agent of any extension. We will notify the registered holders of Old Notes of the extension by a press release issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the applicationbusiness day after the previously scheduled Expiration Date.

This Letter of pro forma adjustmentsTransmittal is to be used by holders of the Old Notes that were issued in book-entry form and are represented by global notes held for the account of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”). Tender of such Old Notes is to be made according to the Partnership’s historical audited consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018 included in the Partnership’s 2018 Annual Report Amendment on Form 10-K/A and the historical unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2019 and statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 included in the Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, which are attached as Annex B and C, respectively, to this proxy statement/prospectus.

The historical audited consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018 and the historical unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 give effect to the C-Corporation Conversion, as described in this Form S-4, as if the C-Corporation Conversion had occurred on January 1, 2018. The pro forma adjustments, which primarily consist of the conversion of the Partnership’s common and preferred units to common stock and the impact of the change in the Partnership’s tax status on its assets and deferred tax liabilities, are based upon available information and upon assumptions that management believes are reasonable in order to reflect, on a pro forma basis, the impact of the C-Corporation Conversion on our historical financial statements and are intended for informational purposes only. The pro forma adjustments are described in the accompanying notes to these unaudited consolidated pro forma financial statements.

The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements should not be considered indicative of actual results that would have been achieved had the C-Corporation Conversion been consummated on the date indicated and do not purport to indicate balance sheet data or results of operations as of any future date or for any future period. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Partnership’s historical consolidated financial statements and the related notes, which are included in Annexes B and C to this proxy statement/prospectus.

StoneMor Partners Inc.

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(in thousands)

   Actual  Adjustments resulting
from the Rights
Offering
and the C-Corporation
Conversion
(1)
  Pro Forma
Presentation
 

Revenues:

    

Cemetery

    

Interments

  $76,902  $—    $76,902 

Merchandise

   75,412   —     75,412 

Services

   67,278   —     67,278 

Investment and other

   42,343   —     42,343 

Funeral home

    

Merchandise

   25,652   —     25,652 

Services

   28,539   —     28,539 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total revenues

   316,126   —     316,126 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses:

    

Cost of goods sold

   54,647   —     54,647 

Cemetery expense

   78,708   —     78,708 

Selling expense

   62,538   —     62,538 

General and administrative expense

   43,081   (1,580)(1)   41,501 

Corporate overhead

   53,281   —     53,281 

Depreciation and amortization

   11,736   —     11,736 

Funeral home expense

    

Merchandise

   6,579   —     6,579 

Services

   22,159   —     22,159 

Other

   15,787   —     15,787 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

   348,516   (1,580  346,936 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gain/(loss) on acquisitions and divestitures

   691   —     691 

Legal settlement

   —     —     —   

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

   —     —     —   

Other losses

   (12,195  —     (12,195

Loss on impairment of long-lived assets

   —     —     —   

Interest expense

   (30,602  —     (30,602
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

   (74,496  1,580   (72,916

Income tax benefit (expense)

   1,797   (19,042)(2)   (17,245
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net loss

  $(72,699 $(17,462 $(90,161
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Represents legal costs incurred related to the C-Corporation, which are non-recurring.

(2)

The Merger Transaction created a change in tax status for the Partnership. This resulted in an increase in long-term deferred tax liabilities which could not be offset by net operating carryovers. The largest of these liabilities was the result of the book/tax differences in cemetery properties which are estimated to be recoverable over the next 100-300 years.

StoneMor Partners Inc.

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

(in thousands)

   Actual  Adjustments resulting
from the Rights Offering
and the C-Corporation
Conversion
  Pro Forma
Presentation
 

Revenues:

    

Cemetery

    

Interments

  $52,544  $    —    $52,544 

Merchandise

   51,870   —     51,870 

Services

   50,400   —     50,400 

Investment and other

   29,474   —     29,474 

Funeral home

    

Merchandise

   17,920   —     17,920 

Services

   20,907   —     20,907 
     —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total revenues

   223,115   —     223,115 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses:

    

Cost of goods sold

   31,263   —     31,263 

Cemetery expense

   57,245   —     57,245 

Selling expense

   44,839   —     44,839 

General and administrative expense

   33,430   (414)(1)   33,016 

Corporate overhead

   38,145   —     38,145 

Depreciation and amortization

   8,120   —     8,120 

Funeral home expense

    

Merchandise

   5,227   —     5,227 

Services

   16,363   —     16,363 

Other

   11,046   —     11,046 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

   245,678   (414  245,264 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gain/Loss on acquisitions and divestitures

   —     —     —   

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

   (8,478  —     (8,478

Other losses, net

   (3,558  —     (3,558

Loss on impairment of long-lived assets

   —     —     —   

Loss on impairment of goodwill

   (24,862   (24,862

Interest expense

   (35,282  —     (35,282
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

   (94,743  414   (94,329

Income tax benefit (expense)

   (4,841  (7,264)(2)   (12,105
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Loss

  $(99,584 $(6,850 $(106,434
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Represents legal costs incurred related to the Rights Offering andC-Corporation Conversion, which arenon-recurring.

(2)

The increase in income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, is due to the loss of the benefit for net operating loss carryovers under the Internal Revenue Service Section 382 Limitations as a result of the Recapitalization and Refinancing Transaction that occurred on June 27, 2019. The Merger Transaction created additional deferred tax liabilities primarily associated with the book/tax differences in cemetery properties, which are estimated to be recoverable over the next100-300 years.

StoneMor Partners Inc.

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

As of September 30, 2019

(in thousands except notes to pro forma data)

   Actual  Adjustments resulting
from the Rights Offering
and the C-Corporation

Conversion
  Pro Forma Presentation 

Assets

    

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

  $43,515  $(2,771)(1)  $40,744 

Restricted cash

   20,580   —     20,580 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance

   61,470   —     61,470 

Prepaid expenses

   5,630   —     5,630 

Other current assets

   18,148   —     18,148 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

   149,343   (2,771  146,572 

Long-term accounts receivable—net of allowance

   78,138   —     78,138 

Cemetery property

   328,612   —     328,612 

Property and Equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

   108,992   —     108,992 

Merchandise trusts, restricted, at fair value

   519,529   —     519,529 

Perpetual care trusts, restricted, at fair value

   343,028   —     343,028 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

   113,601   —     113,601 

Deferred tax assets

   55   106(2)   161 

Goodwill

   —     —     —   

Intangible assets

   56,562   —     56,562 

Other assets

   32,663   —     32,663 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $1,730,523  $(2,665 $1,727,858 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities and partners’ capital

    

Current liabilities

    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  $64,585  $—    $64,585 

Accrued interest

   —     —     —   

Current portion, long-term debt

   503   —     503 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   65,088   —     65,088 

Long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs

   362,173   —     362,173 

Deferred revenues

   943,555    943,555 

Deferred tax liabilities

   11,264   26,412(2)   37,676 

Perpetual care trust corpus

   343,028   —     343,028 

Other long term liabilities

   51,940   —     51,940 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   1,777,048   26,412   1,803,460 

Series A Preferred Units

   62,500   (62,500)(3)   —   

Original Issue Discount on Series A Preferred Units

   (5,000  5,000(3)   —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Preferred Units

   57,500   (57,500  —   

Total liabilities and Preferred Units

   1,834,548   (31,088  1,803,460 

Equity (deficit)

    

General partner

   (5,026  5,026(4)   —   

Common partner

   (98,999  98,999(4)   —   

Common Stock

   —     946(4)   946 

Additional paid in capital

   —     93,652(4)   93,652 

Retained Deficit

   —     (170,200)(5)   (170,200
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Deficit

   (104,025  28,423   (75,602

Total liabilities and partners’ equity

  $1,730,523  $(2,665 $1,727,858 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Merger Transaction expenses will be paid from current cash. The following reflects an estimate of those expenses

Legal Fees

  $2,100,000 

Accounting Fees

   250,000 

SEC Registration Fees

   13,758 

Other Fees

   407,500 
  

 

 

 

Total Transaction Fees

  $2,771,258 
  

 

 

 

(2)

The Merger Transaction created a change in tax status for the Partnership. The change required recording additional deferred tax liabilities associated with the Partnership’s activities. The most significant of those book/tax differences related to differences in cemetery properties, which are expected to be recovered of the next 100-300 years. In the pro forma income statement for the period ending September 30, 2019, the Recapitalization and Refinancing Transaction that occurred on June 27, 2019, resulted in the elimination of the benefit for the net operating loss carryovers under the Internal Revenue Service Section 382 Limitations. This further increased the book/tax differences associated with the Merger Transaction.

(3)

To record full conversion of the Series A Preferred Units upon the completion of the the Rights Offering and the C-Corporation conversion.

(4)

To remove the Partnership historical equity and reflect the conversion of the limited partnership common units to $0.01 par value common shares under the conversion provision of the Merger Agreement. The amount gives rise to all unvested units vesting, conversion of the full issuance of the Series A Preferred Units and issuance of the General Partner Shares. The amount reflected below does not include 515,625 unvested Executive Officer Unit Award.

Total shares issued and deemed outstanding as of September 30, 2019

   39,565,454 

Full Conversion of the Series A preferred

   52,083,334 

General Partner Shares

   2,950,000 
  

 

 

 
   94,598,788 

Par value

  $0.01 
  

 

 

 

Adjustment to Common Stock

   945,987.88 

(5)

Represents the net impact of Merger Agreement on retained deficit

ANNEX A

LOGO

September 26, 2018

Conflicts Committee of the Board of Directors

StoneMor Partners, L.P.

3600 Horizon Blvd

Trevose, PA 19053

Members of the Conflicts Committee of the Board of Directors:

We understand that StoneMor GP Holdings LLCAutomated Tender Offer Program (“GP Holdings”), StoneMor GP LLC (the “General Partner”) and StoneMor Partners, L.P. (StoneMor, or the “Company”) propose to enter into the Agreement (defined below) pursuant to which, among other things, (i) GP Holdings will contribute all of its common units in StoneMor to the General Partner, and immediately following receipt thereof, the General Partner will contribute all of such common units to StoneMor LP Holdings, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the General Partner (“LP Sub”) and LP Sub will be admitted as a limited partner of StoneMor, (ii) StoneMor will then convert to a Delaware corporation (the “Conversion”) to be named “StoneMor Inc.” (following the Conversion, the General Partner is referred to herein as the “Corporation”). Pursuant to the Agreement, GP Holdings will receive 2.95 million shares (the “Merger Consideration”ATOP”) of the common stock of the Corporation (“Common Stock”) with respect to its 1.04% General Partner interest in StoneMor, and the incentive distribution rights and the governance and all other economic and other rights associated with the General Partner interest, and (iii) a newly organized subsidiary of the Corporation will be merged with and into StoneMor (the “Merger”) with StoneMor surviving as a limited partnership and with the Corporation as its sole general partner and LP Sub as its sole limited partner and each outstanding common unit (other than those held by LP Sub), will be converted into the right to receive one share of Common Stock of the Corporation. In addition, GP Holdings will receive one share of Common Stock with respect to each common unit in StoneMor that had been contributed to the General Partner and then by the General Partner to LP Sub, which common units will therefore remain outstanding following the Merger and not be converted into Common Stock. The Conversion and the Merger, together, are referred to herein as the “Transaction”. The Conflicts Committee of the Board of Directors of the General Partner (the “Conflicts Committee”) has requested that Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (“Raymond James”) provide an opinion (the “Opinion”) to the Conflicts Committee as to whether, as of the date hereof, the Merger Consideration to be delivered to GP Holdings in the MergerDTC pursuant to the Agreement is fair fromprocedures set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering—Notes Represented by Global Notes Held in Book-Entry Form.” DTC participants that are accepting the Exchange Offer must transmit their acceptance to DTC, which will verify the acceptance and execute a financial point of viewbook-entry delivery to the holders (other thanExchange Agent’s DTC account. DTC will then send a computer-generated message known as an “agent’s message” to the General Partnerexchange agent for its acceptance. For you to validly tender your Old Notes in the Exchange Offer, the Exchange Agent must receive, prior to the Expiration Date, an agent’s message under the ATOP procedures that confirms that:

DTC has received your instructions to tender your Old Notes; and unitholders affiliated with

you agree to be bound by the General Partner) of the Company’s limited partnership units (the “Unitholders”).

In connection with our review of the proposed Transaction and the preparationterms of this Opinion, we have, among other things:Letter of Transmittal.

BY USING THE ATOP PROCEDURES TO TENDER OLD NOTES, YOU WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT. HOWEVER, YOU WILL BE BOUND BY ITS TERMS, AND YOU WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE MADE THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES IT CONTAINS, JUST AS IF YOU HAD SIGNED IT.

PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

 1.(1)

reviewed the financial terms and conditions as statedBy tendering Old Notes in the draftExchange Offer, you acknowledge receipt of the MergerProspectus and Reorganization Agreement by and among the Company, GP Holdings, the General Partner, and Hans Merger Sub, LLC dated asthis Letter of September 24th, 2018 (the “Agreement”)Transmittal.

 

 2.(2)

reviewed certain information relatedBy tendering Old Notes in the Exchange Offer, you represent and warrant that you have full authority to tender the historical, currentOld Notes described above and future operations, financial conditionwill, upon request, execute and prospects of the Company made available to usdeliver any additional documents deemed by the Company, including, but not limitedIssuers to

880 Carillon Parkway // St. Petersburg, FL 33716

T 727.567.1000 // raymondjames.com

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC

LOGO

Conflicts Committee of the Board of Directors

StoneMor Partners, L.P.

September 26, 2018

Page 2

financial projections prepared by be necessary or desirable to complete the managementtender of the Company relating to the Company for the periods ending December 31st, 2018 through 2022, as approved for our use by the Conflicts Committee (the “Projections”);

3.

reviewed the Company’s recent public filings and certain other publicly available information regarding the Company;Old Notes.

 

 4.(3)

reviewed financial, operating and other information regardingThe tender of the CompanyOld Notes pursuant to all of the procedures set forth in the Prospectus will constitute an agreement between the undersigned and the industryIssuers as to the terms and conditions set forth in which it operates;the Prospectus.

 

 5.(4)

reviewedThe Exchange Offer is being made in reliance upon interpretations contained inno-action letters issued to third parties by the financial and operating performancestaff of the CompanySecurities and thoseExchange Commission (the “SEC”), including Exxon Capital Holdings Corp., SECNo-Action Letter (available May 13, 1988), Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., SECNo-Action Letter (available June 5, 1991) and Shearman & Sterling, SECNo-Action Letter (available July 2, 1993), that the New Notes issued in exchange for the Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by holders thereof (other than a broker-dealer who purchased Old Notes exchanged for such New Notes directly from the Issuers to resell pursuant to Rule 144A or any other available exemption under the Securities Act, and any such holder that is an “affiliate” of the Issuers within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act)

without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such New Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such holders’ business and such holders are not participating in, and have no arrangement with any other selected public companies that we deemedperson to be relevant;participate in, the distribution of such New Notes.

(5)

By tendering Old Notes in the Exchange Offer, you hereby represent and warrant that:

 

 6.(a)

considered the publicly available financial termsNew Notes acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer are being obtained in the ordinary course of certain transactions we deemed to be relevant;business of the undersigned, whether or not you are the holder;

 

 7.(b)

reviewedneither you nor any such other person have any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the current and historical market prices and trading volume for the Common Units, and the current market pricesdistribution of the publicly traded securities of certain other companies that we deemed to be relevant;such New Notes;

 

 8.(c)

conductedneither you nor any such other financial studies, analyses and inquiries and consideredperson is engaging in or intends to engage in a distribution of such New Notes;

(d)

neither you nor any such other information and factorsperson is an “affiliate,” as we deemed appropriate;such term is defined under Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act, of either Issuer or a Guarantor; and

 

 9.(e)

discussedif you are a broker-dealer that will receive New Notes for your own account in exchange for Old Notes, you acquired those Old Notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, and you will deliver a prospectus, as required by law, in connection with membersany resale of such New Notes.

(6)

If you are a broker-dealer that will receive New Notes for your own account in exchange for Old Notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, you acknowledge, by tendering Old Notes in the Exchange Offer, that you will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, you will not be deemed to admit that you are an “underwriter” within the meaning of the senior managementSecurities Act.

(7)

If you are a broker-dealer and Old Notes held for your own account were not acquired as a result of the Company certain information relatingmarket-making or other trading activities, such Old Notes cannot be exchanged pursuant to the aforementioned and any other matters which we have deemed relevant to our inquiry.Exchange Offer.

With your consent, we have assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness

(8)

Any of your obligations hereunder shall be binding upon your successors, assigns, executors, administrators, trustees in bankruptcy, and legal and personal representatives.

INSTRUCTIONS

FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER

1.

Book-Entry Confirmations

Any confirmation of all information supplied by or on behalf of the Company or otherwise reviewed by or discussed with us, and we have undertaken no duty or responsibility to, nor did we, independently verify any of such information. We have not made or obtained an independent appraisal of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of the Company. With respecta book-entry transfer to the ProjectionsExchange Agent’s account at DTC of Old Notes tendered by book-entry transfer (a “Book-Entry Confirmation”), as well as an agent’s message and any other informationdocuments required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth herein prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.

2.

Partial Tenders

Tenders of Old Notes will be accepted only in minimum denominations of $1.00 and data providedintegral multiples of $1.00 in excess thereof. The entire principal amount of Old Notes delivered to or otherwise reviewed by or discussed with us, we have, with your consent, assumed that the Projections and such other information and dataExchange Agent will be deemed to have been reasonably preparedtendered unless otherwise communicated to the Exchange Agent. If the entire principal amount of all Old Notes is not tendered, then Old Notes for the principal amount of Old Notes not tendered and New Notes issued in good faith on bases reflectingexchange for any Old Notes accepted will be delivered to the best currently available estimatesholder via the facilities of DTC promptly after the Old Notes are accepted for exchange.

3.

Validity of Tenders

All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt), acceptance and judgmentswithdrawal of managementtendered Old Notes will be determined by the Issuers, in their sole discretion, which determination will be final and binding. The Issuers reserve the absolute right to reject any or all tenders not in proper form or the acceptance for exchange of which may, in the opinion of counsel for the Issuers, be unlawful. The Issuers also reserve the absolute right to waive any of the Company,conditions of the Exchange Offer or any defect or irregularity in the tender of any Old Notes. The Issuers’ interpretation of the terms and we have relied uponconditions of the CompanyExchange Offer (including the instructions on the Letter of Transmittal) will be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of Old Notes must be cured within such time as the Issuers shall determine. Although the Issuers intend to advise us promptly if any information previously provided became inaccuratenotify holders of defects or was required to be updated during the period of our review. We express no opinionirregularities with respect to tenders of Old Notes, neither the ProjectionsIssuers, the Exchange Agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give notification of any defects or irregularities in tenders or incur any liability for failure to give such notification. Tenders of Old Notes will not be deemed to have been made until such defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. Any Old Notes received by the Exchange Agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned by the Exchange Agent to the tendering holders, unless otherwise provided in the Letter of Transmittal, promptly following the Expiration Date.

4.

Waiver of Conditions

The Issuers reserve the absolute right to waive, in whole or part, up to the expiration of the Exchange Offer, any of the conditions to the Exchange Offer set forth in the Prospectus or in this Letter of Transmittal.

5.

No Conditional Tender

No alternative, conditional, irregular or contingent tender of Old Notes will be accepted.

6.

Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies

Requests for assistance or for additional copies of the Prospectus or this Letter of Transmittal may be directed to the Exchange Agent at the address or telephone number set forth on the cover page of this Letter of Transmittal. Holders may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Exchange Offer.

7.

Withdrawal

Tenders may be withdrawn only pursuant to the withdrawal rights set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “Exchange Offer—Withdrawal of Tenders.”

8.

No Guarantee of Late Delivery

There is no procedure for guarantee of late delivery in the Exchange Offer.

IMPORTANT: BY USING THE ATOP PROCEDURES TO TENDER OLD NOTES, YOU WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT. HOWEVER, YOU WILL BE BOUND BY ITS TERMS, AND YOU WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE MADE THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES IT CONTAINS, JUST AS IF YOU HAD SIGNED IT.

AnnexA-2

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

FOR HOLDERS OF DEFINITIVE NOTES

TO TENDER

Old 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024

OF

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.

AND

CORNERSTONE FAMILY SERVICES OF WEST VIRGINIA

SUBSIDIARY, INC.

PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND

PROSPECTUS DATED JUNE     , 2020

THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON JULY     , 2020 (THE “EXPIRATION DATE”), UNLESS THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS EXTENDED BY THE ISSUERS.

The Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is:

Wilmington Trust, National Association

(Exchange Agent/Depositary addresses)

By Mail, Overnight Mail or Courier:

Wilmington Trust, National

Association c/o Wilmington Trust

Company Rodney Square North

1100 North Market Street

Wilmington, DE 19890-

1626

Attn: Workflow Management – 5th Floor

By Facsimile: (302)636-4139

Attn: Workflow Management – 5th Floor

By Email: DTC@wilmingtontrust.com

If you wish to exchange currently outstanding 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024 for an equal aggregate principal amount at maturity of new 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024 pursuant to the Exchange Offer, you must validly tender (and not withdraw) outstanding notes to the Exchange Agent prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the Expiration Date by causing an agent’s message to be received by the Exchange Agent prior to such time.

The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Prospectus, dated June     , 2020 (the “Prospectus”), of StoneMor Partners L.P. and Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. (together, the “Issuers”), and this Letter of Transmittal (the “Letter of Transmittal”), which together describe the Issuers’ offer (the “Exchange Offer”) to exchange their issued and outstanding 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle

Notes due 2024 (the “Old Notes”) for a like principal amount of their 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024 (the “New Notes”) that have been registered under the Securities Act, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the respective meanings given to them in the Prospectus.

The Issuers reserve the right, at any time or from time to time, to extend the Exchange Offer at their discretion, in which event the term “Expiration Date” shall mean the latest date to which the Exchange Offer is extended. To extend the Exchange Offer, we will notify the exchange agent of any extension. We will notify the registered holders of Old Notes of the extension by a press release issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the business day after the previously scheduled Expiration Date.

This Letter of Transmittal is to be used by holders of the Old Notes who hold their Notes in definitive form. Tender of Old Notes is to be made according to the procedures set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering—Notes Held in Definitive Form.” For you to validly tender your Old Notes in the Exchange Offer, the Exchange Agent must receive, prior to the Expiration Date:

The certificate(s) representing the Old Notes to be exchanged in the Exchange Offer; and

A properly completed and duly executed copy of this Letter of Transmittal.

List below the Old Notes enclosed herewith to which this Letter of Transmittal relates. If the space below is inadequate, list the registered numbers and principal amounts on a separate signed schedule and affix the list to this Letter of Transmittal.

Name(s) and Address(es) of Registered Holder(s)

Exactly as

Name(s) Appear(s) on Old Notes

(Please Fill In, If Blank)

Old Note(s) Tendered

Registered

Number(s)

Aggregate
Principal Amount

Represented by
Old Notes(s)

Principal Amount
Tendered*

*   Unless otherwise indicated, any tendering holder of Old Notes will be deemed to have tendered the entire aggregate principal amount represented by such Old Notes. All tenders must be in minimum denominations of $1.00 and in integral multiples of $1.00 in excess thereof.

PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

(1)

By tendering Old Notes in the Exchange Offer, you acknowledge receipt of the Prospectus and this Letter of Transmittal.

(2)

By tendering Old Notes in the Exchange Offer, you represent and warrant that you have full authority to tender the Old Notes described above and will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Issuers to be necessary or desirable to complete the tender of Old Notes.

(3)

The tender of the Old Notes pursuant to all of the procedures set forth in the Prospectus will constitute an agreement between the undersigned and the Issuers as to the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus.

(4)

The Exchange Offer is being made in reliance upon interpretations contained inno-action letters issued to third parties by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including Exxon Capital Holdings Corp., SECNo-Action Letter (available May 13, 1988), Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., SECNo-Action Letter (available June 5, 1991) and Shearman & Sterling, SECNo-Action Letter (available July 2, 1993), that the New Notes issued in exchange for the Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by holders thereof (other than a broker-dealer who purchased Old Notes exchanged for such New Notes directly from the Issuers to resell pursuant to Rule 144A or any other available exemption under the Securities Act, and any such holder that is an “affiliate” of the Issuers within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such New Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such holders’ business and such holders are not participating in, and have no arrangement with any other person to participate in, the distribution of such New Notes.

(5)

By tendering Old Notes in the Exchange Offer, you hereby represent and warrant that:

(a)

the New Notes acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer are being obtained in the ordinary course of business of the undersigned, whether or not you are the holder;

(b)

neither you nor any such other person have any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of such New Notes;

(c)

neither you nor any such other person is engaging in or intends to engage in a distribution of such New Notes;

(d)

neither you nor any such other person is an “affiliate,” as such term is defined under Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act, of either Issuer or a Guarantor; and

(e)

if you are a broker-dealer that will receive New Notes for your own account in exchange for Old Notes, you acquired those Old Notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, and you will deliver a prospectus, as required by law, in connection with any resale of such New Notes.

(6)

If you are a broker-dealer that will receive New Notes for your own account in exchange for Old Notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, you acknowledge, by tendering Old Notes in the Exchange Offer, that you will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, you will not be deemed to admit that you are an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

(7)

If you are a broker-dealer and Old Notes held for your own account were not acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, such Old Notes cannot be exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offer.

(8)

Unless otherwise indicated under “Special Issuance Instructions,” please issue the New Notes issued in exchange for the Old Notes accepted for exchange and return any Old Notes not tendered or not exchanged, in the name(s) of the undersigned. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under “Special Delivery Instructions,” please mail or deliver the New Notes issued in exchange for the Old Notes accepted for exchange and any Old Notes not tendered or not exchanged (and accompanying documents, as appropriate) to the undersigned at the address shown below the undersigned’s signature(s). In the event that both “Special Issuance Instructions” and “Special Delivery Instructions” are completed, please issue the New Notes issued in exchange for the Old Notes accepted for exchange in the name(s) of, and return any Old Notes not tendered or not exchanged to, the person(s) so indicated. The undersigned recognizes that the Issuers have no obligation pursuant to the “Special Issuance Instructions” and “Special Delivery Instructions” to transfer any Old Notes from the name of the registered holder(s) thereof if the Issuers do not accept for exchange any of the Old Notes so tendered for exchange.

(9)

Any of your obligations hereunder shall be binding upon your successors, assigns, executors, administrators, trustees in bankruptcy, and legal and personal representatives.

SPECIAL ISSUANCE INSTRUCTIONS

(See Instructions 4 and 5)

To be completed only if Old Notes in a principal amount not tendered, or New Notes issued in exchange for Old Notes accepted for exchange, are to be issued in the name of someone other than the undersigned. Issue New Notes and/or Old Notes to:

Name: 
(Type or Print)
Address: 
(Zip Code)

(Tax Identification or Social Security Number)

(Complete Substitute Form W-9)

SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

(See Instructions 4 and 5)

To be completed ONLY if the New Notes are to be issued or sent to someone other than the undersigned or to the undersigned at an address other than as indicated above.

Mail    ☐      Issue    ☐  (check appropriate boxes)

Name: 
(Type or Print)
Address: 

(Zip Code)

(Tax Identification or Social Security Number)

IMPORTANT

PLEASE SIGN HERE

(Complete Accompanying Substitute FormW-9)

Signature(s) of Registered Holders of Old Notes: 
Dated: 

(The above lines must be signed by the registered holder(s) of Old Notes as name(s) appear(s) on the Old Notes, or by person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by a properly completed bond power from the registered holder(s), a copy of which must be transmitted with this Letter of Transmittal. If Old Notes to which this Letter of Transmittal relate are held of record by two or more joint holders, then all such holders must sign this Letter of Transmittal. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian,attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, then such person must (i) set forth his or her full title below and (ii) unless waived by the Issuers, submit evidence satisfactory to the Issuers of such person’s authority so to act. See Instruction 5 regarding completion of this Letter of Transmittal, printed below.)

Name: 

(Please Print)

Capacity: 

Address: 

(Including Zip Code)

Area Code and Telephone Number: 

SIGNATURE GUARANTEE (If Required by Instruction 4)

Certain Signatures Must be Guaranteed by an Eligible Institution

(Name of Eligible Institution Guaranteeing Signatures)

(Address (including zip code) and Telephone Number (including area code) of Firm)

(Authorized Signature)
(Printed Name)
(Title)

Dated: 

INSTRUCTIONS

FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER

1.

Delivery of This Letter of Transmittal and Old Notes.

All Old Notes in definitive form as well as a properly completed and duly executed copy of this Letter of Transmittal and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth herein prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.

The method of delivery of the tendered Old Notes, this Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents to the Exchange Agent is at the election and risk of the holder and, except as otherwise provided below, the delivery will be deemed made only when actually received or confirmed by the Exchange Agent. If such delivery is by mail, it is recommended that registered mail, properly insured, with return receipt requested, be used. Instead of delivery by mail, it is recommended that the holder use an overnight or hand delivery service. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to assure delivery to the Exchange Agent before the Expiration Date. No Letter of Transmittal or Old Notes should be sent to the Issuers.

2.

Tender by Holder.

Only a holder of Old Notes may tender such Old Notes in the Exchange Offer. Any beneficial holder of Old Notes who is not the registered holder and who wishes to tender should arrange with the registered holder to execute and deliver this Letter of Transmittal on his behalf or must, prior to completing and executing this Letter of Transmittal and delivering his Old Notes, either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the Old Notes in such holder’s name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder.

3.

Partial Tenders.

Tenders of Old Notes will be accepted only in minimum denominations of $1.00 and integral multiples of $1.00 in excess thereof. The entire principal amount of Old Notes delivered to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise communicated to the Exchange Agent. If the entire principal amount of all Old Notes is not tendered, then Old Notes for the principal amount of Old Notes not tendered and New Notes issued in exchange for any Old Notes accepted will be sent to the holder at his or her registered address promptly after the Old Notes are accepted for exchange.

4.

Signatures on this Letter of Transmittal; Bond Powers and Endorsements; Guarantee of Signatures.

If this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Old Notes tendered hereby, the signature must correspond with the name(s) as written on the face of the Old Notes without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever.

If this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) is signed by the registered holder or holders of Old Notes tendered hereby and the New Notes issued in exchange therefor are to be issued (or any untendered principal amount of Old Notes is to be reissued) to the registered holder, the said holder need not and should not endorse any tendered Old Notes, nor provide a separate bond power. In any other case, such holder must either properly endorse the Old Notes tendered or transmit a properly completed separate bond power with this Letter of Transmittal, with the signatures on the endorsement or bond power guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

If this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) is signed by a person other than the registered holder or holders of any Old Notes listed, such Old Notes must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate bond powers, in each case signed as the name of the registered holder or holders appears on the Old Notes.

If this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) or any Old Notes or bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians,attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and, unless waived by the Issuers, evidence satisfactory to the Issuers of their authority to act must be submitted with this Letter of Transmittal.

Endorsements on Old Notes or signatures on bond powers required by this Instruction 4 must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

No signature guarantee is required if (i) this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Old Notes tendered hereby and the New Notes are to be issued directly to such registered holder(s) and neither the box entitled “Special Delivery Instructions” nor the box entitled “Special Registration Instructions” has been completed, or (ii) such Old Notes are tendered for the account of an Eligible Institution. In all other cases, all signatures on this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

5.

Special Registration and Delivery Instructions.

Tendering holders should indicate, in the applicable box or boxes, the name and address to which New Notes or substitute Old Notes for principal amounts not tendered or not accepted for exchange are to be issued or sent, if different from the name and address of the person signing this Letter of Transmittal. In the case of issuance in a different name, the taxpayer identification or social security number of the person named must also be indicated.

6.

Transfer Taxes.

The Issuers will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. If, however, New Notes or Old Notes for principal amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be registered or issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the Old Notes tendered hereby, or if tendered Old Notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing this Letter of Transmittal, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer, then the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other persons) will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted with this Letter of Transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder.

7.

Important Tax Information.

Under U.S. federal income tax law, a holder of New Notes may be subject to backup withholding on reportable payments received in respect of the New Notes unless the holder provides the Exchange Agent with its correct taxpayer identification number (“TIN”) and certain other information on Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) FormW-9, which is included herein, or otherwise establishes an exemption. If the Exchange Agent is not provided with the correct TIN or an adequate basis for an exemption, a holder may be subject to a penalty imposed by the IRS, and backup withholding (currently at a rate of 24%) may apply to any reportable payments made to such holder. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the U.S. federal income tax liability of a person subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained, provided that the required information is timely provided to the IRS.

To prevent backup withholding on reportable payments in respect of the New Notes, each holder that is a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes must provide such holder’s correct TIN by completing the enclosed IRS FormW-9, certifying that (i) the TIN provided on the IRS FormW-9 is correct (or that the holder is awaiting a TIN), (ii) the holder is not subject to backup withholding because (x) the holder is exempt from backup withholding, (y) the holder has not been notified by the IRS that he or she is subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (z) the IRS has notified the holder that he or she is no longer subject to backup withholding, (iii) the holder is a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes (including a U.S. resident alien), and (iv) the FATCA code entered on the IRS FormW-9, if any, to indicate that the holder is exempt from FATCA reporting, is correct.

Certain holders (including, among others, corporations and certainnon-U.S. persons) are not subject to backup withholding. Exempt U.S. holders should indicate their exempt status on IRS FormW-9 by entering the appropriate exempt payee code. Please see the instructions to the enclosed IRS FormW-9 for more detailed information about how to complete the IRS FormW-9, including information regarding the exempt payee codes.

Anon-U.S. holder may qualify as an exempt recipient by submitting to the Exchange Agent a properly completed IRS FormW-8BEN or other appropriate IRS FormW-8, signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that holder’s exempt status.Non-U.S. holders are urged to consult with their tax advisors to determine which IRS FormW-8 is appropriate. The applicable IRS FormW-8 can be obtained from the Exchange Agent or the assumptionsIRS website at www.irs.gov.

8.

Validity of Tenders

All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt), acceptance and withdrawal of tendered Old Notes will be determined by the Issuers, in their sole discretion, which determination will be final and binding. The Issuers reserve the absolute right to reject any or all tenders not in proper form or the acceptance for exchange of which may, in the opinion of counsel for the Issuers, be unlawful. The Issuers also reserve the absolute right to waive any of the conditions of the Exchange Offer or any defect or irregularity in the tender of any Old Notes. The Issuers’ interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer (including the instructions on the Letter of Transmittal) will be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of Old Notes must be cured within such time as the Issuers shall determine. Although the Issuers intend to notify holders of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of Old Notes, neither the Issuers, the Exchange Agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give notification of any defects or irregularities in tenders or incur any liability for failure to give such notification. Tenders of Old Notes will not be deemed to have been made until such defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. Any Old Notes received by the Exchange Agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned by the Exchange Agent to the tendering holders, unless otherwise provided in the Letter of Transmittal, promptly following the Expiration Date.

9.

Waiver of Conditions

The Issuers reserve the absolute right to waive, in whole or part, up to the expiration of the Exchange Offer, any of the conditions to the Exchange Offer set forth in the Prospectus or in this Letter of Transmittal.

10.

No Conditional Tender

No alternative, conditional, irregular or contingent tender of Old Notes will be accepted.

11.

Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies

Requests for assistance or for additional copies of the Prospectus or this Letter of Transmittal may be directed to the Exchange Agent at the address or telephone number set forth on the cover page of this Letter of Transmittal. Holders may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Exchange Offer.

12.

Withdrawal

Tenders may be withdrawn only pursuant to the withdrawal rights set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “Exchange Offer—Withdrawal of Tenders.”

13.

No Guarantee of Late Delivery

There is no procedure for guarantee of late delivery in the Exchange Offer.

FormW-9

(Rev. October 2018)

Department of the Treasury

Internal Revenue Service

Request for Taxpayer

Identification Number and Certification

u Go towww.irs.gov/FormW9 for instructions and the latest information.

Give Form to the requester. Do not
send to the IRS.

Print or type

See

Specific Instructions

on page 2.

1  Name (as shown on your income tax return). Name is required on this line; do not leave this line blank.

2  Business name/disregarded entity name, if different from above

3  Check appropriate box for federal tax classification of the person whose name is entered on line 1. Check onlyone of the following seven boxes.

4 Exemptions (codes apply only to certain entities, not individuals; see instructions on page 3):

Exempt payee code (if any)    

Exemption from FATCA reporting

code (if any)    

(Applies to accounts maintained outside the U.S.)

  Individual/sole proprietor or

single-member LLC

C Corporation

S Corporation

Partnership    

Trust/estate

  Limited liability company. Enter the tax classification (C=C corporation, S=S corporation, P=Partnership)  u

Note: Check the appropriate box in the line above for the tax classification of the single-member owner. Do not check
LLC if the LLC is classified as a single-member LLC that is disregarded from the owner unless the owner of the LLC is
another LLC that isnot disregarded from the owner for U.S. federal tax purposes. Otherwise, a single-member LLC
that is disregarded from the owner should check the appropriate box for that classification of its owner.

  Other (see instructions)  u

5  Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.) See instructions.

    Requester’s name and address (optional)        

6  City, state, and ZIP code

7  List account number(s) here (optional)

  Part I  Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. The TIN provided must match the name given on line 1 to avoid backup withholding. For individuals, this is generally your social security number (SSN). However, for a resident alien, sole proprietor, or disregarded entity, see the instructions for Part I, later. For other entities, it is your employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have a number, seeHow to get a TIN, later.

Note. If the account is in more than one name, see the instructions for line 1. Also seeWhat Name and Number To Give the Requester for guidelines on whose number to enter.

Social security number

--
or

Employer identification number

-
  Part II  Certification

Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:

1.The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me); and

2.I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding; and

3.I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (defined below); and

4.The FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that I am exempt from FATCA reporting is correct.

Certification instructions.You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and generally, payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. See the instructions for Part II, later.

Sign
Here

Signature of
U.S. person  
u

Date  u

General Instructions

Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise noted.

Future developments. For the latest information about developments related to Form W-9 and its instructions, such as legislation enacted after they were published, go towww.irs.gov/FormW9.

Purpose of Form

An individual or entity (Form W-9 requester) who is required to file an information return with the IRS must obtain your correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) which may be your social security number (SSN), individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN), or employer identification number (EIN), to report on an information return the amount paid to you, or other amount reportable on an information return. Examples of information returns include, but are based. We have assumednot limited to, the following.

Form 1099-INT (interest earned or paid)

Form 1099-DIV (dividends, including those from stocks or mutual funds)

Form 1099-MISC (various types of income, prizes, awards, or gross proceeds)

Form 1099-B (stock or mutual fund sales and certain other transactions by brokers)

Form 1099-S (proceeds from real estate transactions)

Form 1099-K (merchant card and third party network transactions)
Form 1098 (home mortgage interest), 1098-E (student loan interest), 1098-T (tuition)

Form 1099-C (canceled debt)

Form 1099-A (acquisition or abandonment of secured property)

Use Form W-9 only if you are a U.S. person (including a resident alien), to provide your correct TIN.

If you do not return Form W-9 to the requester with a TIN, you might be subject to backup withholding. See What is backup withholding , later.

By signing the filled-out form, you:

1. Certify that the finalTIN you are giving is correct (or you are waiting for a number to be issued),

2. Certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, or

3. Claim exemption from backup withholding if you are a U.S. exempt payee. If applicable, you are also certifying that as a U.S. person, your allocable share of any partnership income from a U.S. trade or business is not subject to the withholding tax on foreign partners’ share of effectively connected income, and

4. Certify that FATCA code(s) entered on this form of(if any) indicating that you are exempt from the Agreement will beFATCA reporting, is correct. SeeWhat is FATCA reporting, later, for further information.

Cat. No. 10231XFormW-9 (Rev. 10-2018)


Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)Page 2

Note: If you are a U.S. person and a requester gives you a form other than FormW-9 to request your TIN, you must use the requester’s form if it is substantially similar to this FormW-9.

Definition of a U.S. person. For federal tax purposes, you are considered a U.S. person if you are:

• An individual who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien;

• A partnership, corporation, company, or association created or organized in the draft reviewed by us,United States or under the laws of the United States;

• An estate (other than a foreign estate); or

• A domestic trust (as defined in Regulations section301.7701-7).

Special rules for partnerships. Partnerships that conduct a trade or business in the United States are generally required to pay a withholding tax under section 1446 on any foreign partners’ share of effectively connected taxable income from such business. Further, in certain cases where a FormW-9 has not been received, the rules under section 1446 require a partnership to presume that a partner is a foreign person, and pay the section 1446 withholding tax. Therefore, if you are a U.S. person that is a partner in a partnership conducting a trade or business in the MergerUnited States, provide FormW-9 to the partnership to establish your U.S. status and Transaction willavoid section 1446 withholding on your share of partnership income.

In the cases below, the following person must give FormW-9 to the partnership for purposes of establishing its U.S. status and avoiding withholding on its allocable share of net income from the partnership conducting a trade or business in the United States.

• In the case of a disregarded entity with a U.S. owner, the U.S. owner of the disregarded entity and not the entity;

• In the case of a grantor trust with a U.S. grantor or other U.S. owner, generally, the U.S. grantor or other U.S. owner of the grantor trust and not the trust; and

• In the case of a U.S. trust (other than a grantor trust), the U.S. trust (other than a grantor trust) and not the beneficiaries of the trust.

Foreign person. If you are a foreign person or the U.S. branch of a foreign bank that has elected to be consummated substantiallytreated as a U.S. person, do not use FormW-9. Instead, use the appropriate FormW-8 or Form 8233 (see Pub. 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities).

Nonresident alien who becomes a resident alien. Generally, only a nonresident alien individual may use the terms of a tax treaty to reduce or eliminate U.S. tax on certain types of income. However, most tax treaties contain a provision known as a “saving clause.” Exceptions specified in accordance withthe saving clause may permit an exemption from tax to continue for certain types of income even after the payee has otherwise become a U.S. resident alien for tax purposes.

If you are a U.S. resident alien who is relying on an exception contained in the saving clause of a tax treaty to claim an exemption from U.S. tax on certain types of income, you must attach a statement to FormW-9 that specifies the following five items.

1. The treaty country. Generally, this must be the same treaty under which you claimed exemption from tax as a nonresident alien.

2. The treaty article addressing the income.

3. The article number (or location) in the tax treaty that contains the saving clause and its exceptions.

4. The type and amount of income that qualifies for the exemption from tax.

5. Sufficient facts to justify the exemption from tax under the terms of the Agreement without waiver or amendmenttreaty article.

Example.Article 20 of any conditions substantially thereto. Furthermore, we have assumed, in all respects material to our analysis, that the representations and warranties of each party containedU.S.-China income tax treaty allows an exemption from tax for scholarship income received by a Chinese student temporarily present in the AgreementUnited States. Under U.S. law, this student will become a resident alien for tax purposes if his or her stay in the United States exceeds 5 calendar years. However, paragraph 2 of the first Protocol to the U.S.-China treaty (dated April 30, 1984) allows the provisions of Article 20 to continue to apply even after the Chinese student becomes a resident alien of the United States. A Chinese student who qualifies for this exception (under paragraph 2 of the first protocol) and is relying on this exception to claim an exemption from tax on his or her scholarship or fellowship income would attach to FormW-9 a statement that includes the information described above to support that exemption.

If you are truea nonresident alien or a foreign entity, give the requester the appropriate completed FormW-8 or Form 8233.

Backup Withholding

What is backup withholding? Persons making certain payments to you must under certain conditions withhold and pay to the IRS 24% of such payments. This is called “backup withholding.” Payments that may be subject to backup withholding include interest,tax-exempt interest, dividends, broker and barter exchange transactions, rents, royalties, nonemployee pay, payments made in settlement of payment card and third party network transactions, and certain payments from fishing boat operators. Real estate transactions are not subject to backup withholding.

You will not be subject to backup withholding on payments you receive if you give the requester your correct TIN, make the proper certifications, and report all your taxable interest and dividends on your tax return.

Payments you receive will be subject to backup withholding if:

1. You do not furnish your TIN to the requester,

2. You do not certify your TIN when required (see the instructions for Part II for details),

3. The IRS tells the requester that you furnished an incorrect TIN,

4. The IRS tells you that you are subject to backup withholding because you did not report all your interest and dividends on your tax return (for reportable interest and dividends only), or

5. You do not certify to the requester that you are not subject to backup withholding under 4 above (for reportable interest and dividend accounts opened after 1983 only).

Certain payees and payments are exempt from backup withholding. SeeExempt payee code, later, and the separate Instructions for the Requester of Form W-9 for more information.

Also seeSpecial rules for partnerships,earlier.

What is FATCA reporting?

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requires a participating foreign financial institution to report all United States account holders that are specified United States persons. Certain payees are exempt from FATCA reporting. SeeExemption from FATCA reporting code, later, and the Instructions for the Requester of FormW-9 for more information.

Updating Your Information

You must provide updated information to any person to whom you claimed to be an exempt payee if you are no longer an exempt payee and anticipate receiving reportable payments in the future from this person. For example, you may need to provide updated information if you are a C corporation that elects to be an S corporation, or if you no longer are tax exempt. In addition, you must furnish a new FormW-9 if the name or TIN changes for the account; for example, if the grantor of a grantor trust dies.

Penalties

Failure to furnish TIN. If you fail to furnish your correct TIN to a requester, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such party will perform allfailure unless your failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.

Civil penalty for false information with respect to withholding. If you make a false statement with no reasonable basis that results in no backup withholding, you are subject to a $500 penalty.

Criminal penalty for falsifying information. Willfully falsifying certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.

Misuse of TINs. If the requester discloses or uses TINs in violation of federal law, the requester may be subject to civil and criminal penalties.

Specific Instructions

Line 1

You must enter one of the covenantsfollowing on this line;do not leave this line blank. The name should match the name on your tax return.

If this Form W-9 is for a joint account (other than an account maintained by a foreign financial institution (FFI)), list first, and agreementsthen circle, the name of the person or entity whose number you entered in Part I of Form W-9. If you are providing Form W-9 to an FFI to document a joint account, each holder of the account that is a U.S. person must provide a Form W-9.

a.Individual. Generally, enter the name shown on your tax return. If you have changed your last name without informing the Social Security Administration (SSA)


Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)Page 3

of the name change, enter your first name, the last name as shown on your social security card, and your new last name.

Note: ITIN applicant: Enter your Individual name as it was entered on your Form W-7 application, line 1a. This should also be the same as the name you entered on the Form 1040/1040A/1040EZ you filed with your application.

b.Sola proprietor or single-member LLC. Enter your individual name as shown on your 1040/1 040A/1040EZ on line 1. You may enter your business, trade, or “doing business as” (DBA) name on line 2.

c.Partnership, LLC that is not a single-member LLC, C corporation, or S corporation. Enter the entity’s name as shown on the entity’s tax return on line 1 and any business, trade, or DBA name on line 2.

d.Other entities. Enter your name as shown on required U.S. federal tax documents on line 1. This name should match the name shown on the charter or other legal document creating the entity. You may enter any business, trade, or DBA name on line 2.

e.Disregarded entity. For U.S. federal tax purposes, an entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner is treated as a “disregarded entity.” See Regulations section 301.7701-2(c)(2)(iii). Enter the owner’s name on line 1. The name of the entity entered on line 1 should never be a disregarded entity. The name on line 1 should be the name shown on the income tax return on which the Income should be reported. For example, if a foreign LLC that is treated as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal tax purposes has a single owner that is a U.S. person, the U.S. owner’s name is required to be performed by itprovided on line 1. If the direct owner of the entity is also a disregarded entity, enter the first owner that is not disregarded for federal tax purposes. Enter the disregarded entity’s name on line 2. “Business name/disregarded entity name.” If the owner of the disregarded entity is a foreign person, the owner must complete an appropriate Form W·S instead of a Form W-9. This is the case even if the foreign person has a U.S. TIN.

Line 2

If you have a business name, trade name, DBA name, or disregarded entity name, you may enter It on line 2.

Line 3

Check the appropriate e box on line 3 for the U.S. federal tax classification of the person whose name is entered on line 1. Check only one box on line 3.

IF the entity/person on line 1 is a(n) . . .THEN check the box for . . .

•  Corporation

Corporation

•  Individual

individual/sole proprietor or single- member LLC

•  Sole proprietorship, or

•  Single-member limited liability company (LLC) owned by an Individual and disregarded for U .S. federal tax purposes.

•  LLC treated as a partnership for U.S. federal tax purposes,

Limited liability company and enter the appropriate tax classification. (P= Partnership; C= C corporation; or S= S corporation)

•  LLC that has filed Form 8832 or 2553 to be taxed as a corporation, or

•  LLC that is disregarded as an entity separate from Its owner but the owner is another LLC that Is not disregarded for U.S. federal tax purposes.

•  Partnership

Partnership

•  Trust/estate

Trust/estate

Line 4, Exemptions

If you are exempt from backup withholding and/or FATCA reporting, enter in the appropriate space on line 4 any code(s) that may apply to you.

Exempt payee coda.

• Generally, individuals (including sole proprietors) are not exempt from backup withholding.

• Except as provided below, corporations are exempt from backup withholding for certain payments, including interest and dividends.

• Corporations are not exempt from backup withholding for payments made in settlement of payment card or third party network transactions.

• Corporations are not exempt from backup withholding with respect to attorneys’ fees or gross proceeds paid to attorneys, and corporations that provide medical or health care services are not exempt with respect to payments reportable on Form 1099-MISC.

The following codes identify payees that are exempt from backup withholding. Enter the appropriate code in the space in line 4.

1—An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), any IRA, or a custodial account under section 403(b)(7) if the account satisfies the requirements of section 401(1)(2)

2—The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities

3—A state, the District of Columbia, a U.S. commonwealth or possession, or any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities

4—A foreign government or any of its political subdivisions, agencies, or Instrumentalities

5—A corporation

6—A dealer in securities or commodities required to register in the United States, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. commonwealth or possession

7—A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission

8—A real estate investment trust

9—An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Agreement without being waived. We have relied uponInvestment Company Act of 1940

10—A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a)

11—A financial institution

12—A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or custodian

13—A trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in section 4947

The following chart shows types of payments that may be exempt from backup withholding. The chart applies to the exempt payees listed above, 1 through 13.

IF the payment is for . . .

THEN the payment Is exempt

for . . .

Interest and dividend paymentsAll exempt payees except for 7
Broker transactionsExempt payees 1 through 4 and 6 through 11 and all C corporations. S corporations must not enter an exempt payee code because they are exempt only for sales of noncovered securities acquired prior to 2012.
Barter exchange transactions and patronage dividendsExempt payees 1 through 4
Payments over $600 required to be reported and direct sales over $5,0001Generally, exempt payees 1
through 52
Payments made In settlement of payment card or third party network transactionsExempt payees 1 through 4

1 See Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, and assumed, without independent verification,its instructions.

2 However, the following payments made to a corporation and reportable on Form 1099-MISC are not exempt from backup withholding: medical and health care payments, attorneys’ fees, gross proceeds paid to an attorney reportable under section 6045(1), and payments for services paid by a federal executive agency.

Exemption from FATCA reporting code. The following codes identify payees that (i)are exempt from reporting under FATCA. These codes apply to persons submitting this form for accounts maintained outside of the MergerUnited States by certain foreign financial institutions. Therefore, if you are only submitting this form for an account you hold in the United States, you may leave this field blank. Consult with the person requesting this form if youare uncertain if the financial institution is subject to these requirements. A requester may indicate that a code is not required by providing you with a Form W-9 with “Not Applicable” (or any similar Indication) written or printed on the line for a FATCA exemption code.

A—An organization exempt from tax under section 501 (a) or any Individual retirement plan as defined in section 7701(a)(37)

B—The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities

C—A state, the District of Columbia, a U.S. commonwealth or possession, or any of their political subdivisions or Instrumentalities

D—A corporation the stock of which is regularly traded on one or more established securities markets, as described in Regulations section 1.1472-1(c)(1)(i)


Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)Page 4

E—A corporation !halls a member of the same expanded affiliated group as a corporation described in Regulations section 1.t472-1(c)(1)(i)

F—A dealer In securities, commodities, or derivative financial Instruments (Including notional principal contracts, futures, forwards, and Transactionoptions) that Is registered as such under the laws of the United States or any state

G—A real estate investment trust

H—A regulated investment company as defined in section 851 or an entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company Act of 1940

I—A common trust fund as defined in section 584(a)

J—A bank as defined in section 581

K—A broker

L—A trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in section 4947(a)(1)

M—A tax exempt trust under a section 403(b) plan or section 457(g) plan

Note: You may wish to consult with the financial institution requesting this form to determine whether the FATCA code and/or exempt payee code should be completed.

Line 5

Enter your address (number. street. and apartment or suite number). This is where the requester of this Form W-9 will mail your information returns. If this address differs from the one the requester already has on file, write NEW at the top. If a new address is provided, there is still a chance the old address will be consummatedused until the payor changes your address in their records.

Line 6

Enter your city, state, and ZIP code.

Part I. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. If you are a mannerresident alien and you do not have and are not eligible to get an SSN, your TIN is your IRS individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). Enter it in the social security number box. If you do not have an ITIN, seeHow to get a TINbelow.

If you are a sole proprietor and you have an EIN, you may enter either your SSN or EIN.

If you are a single-member LLC that compliesIs disregarded as an entity separate from its owner, enter the owner’s SSN (or EIN, If the owner has one). Do not enter the disregarded entity’s EIN. If the LLC is classified as a corporation or partnership, enter the entity’s EIN.

Note: SeeWhat NameandNumber ToGive theRequester,later, for further clarification of name and TIN combinations.

How to get a TIN. If you do not have a TIN, apply for one immediately. To apply for an SSN, get Form SS-5. Application for a Social Security Card, from your local SSA office or get this form online atwww.SSA.gov. You may also get this form by calling 1·800-772· 1213. Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, to apply for an EIN, or Form SS-4, Application for Employer identification Number, to apply for an EIN. You can apply for an EIN online by accessing the IRS website atwww.lrs.gov/Businessesand clicking on Employer Identification Number (EIN) under Starting a Business. Go towww.lrs.gov/Formsto view, download, or print Form W-7 and/or Form SS-4. Or, you can go towww.lrs.gov/OrdetFormsto place an order and have Form W-7 and/or SS-4 mailed to you within 10 business days.

If you are asked to complete Form W-9 but do not have a TIN, apply for a TIN and write “Applied For” in the space for the TIN, sign and date the form, and give it to the requester. For Interest and dividend payments, and certain payments made with respect to readily tradable instruments, generally you will have 60 days to get a TIN and give it to the requester before you are subject to backup withholding on payments. The 60-day rule does not apply to other types of payments. You will be subject to backup withholding on all respectssuch payments until you provide your TIN to the requester.

Note: Entering “Applied For” means that you have already applied for a TIN or that you intend to apply for one soon.

Caution: A disregarded U.S. entity that has a foreign owner must use the appropriate Form W-8.

Part II. Certification

To establish to the withholding agent that you are a u.s. person, or resident allen, sign Form W-9. You may be requested to sign by the Withholding agent even If itemt. 4, or 5 below indicates otherwise.

For a joint account, only the person whose TIN is shown in Part 1 should sign (when required). In the case of a disregarded entity, the person Identified on line 1 must sign. Exempt payees, seeExemptpayeecode, earlier.

Signature requirements. Complete the certification as indicated in items t through 5 below.

1. Interest, dividend, and barter exchange accounts opened before 1984 and broker accounts considered active during 1983. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification.

2. Interest, dividend, broker, and barter exchange accounts opened after 1983 and broker accounts considered inactive during 1983. You must sign the certification or backup withholding will apply. If you are subject to backup withholding and you are merely providing your correct TIN to the requester, you must cross out item 2 in the certification before signing the form.

3. Real estate transactions. You must sign the certification. You may cross out item 2 of the certification.

4. Other payments. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification unless you have been notified that you have previously given an incorrect TIN. “Other payments” include payments made in the course of the requester’s trade or business for rents, royalties, goods (other than bills for merchandise), medical and health care services (including payments to corporations), payments to a nonemployee for services, payments made in settlement of payment card and third party network transactions, payments to certain fishing boat crew members and fishermen, and gross proceeds paid to attorneys (including payments to corporations).

5. Mortgage interest paid by you, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, qualified tuition program payments (under section 529), IRA, Coverdell ESA, Archer MSA or HSA contributions or distributions, and pension distributions. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification.

What Name and Number To Give the Requester

For this type of account:Give name and SSN of:
1.

Individual

The individual
2.Two or more individuals (joint account) other than an account maintained by an FFIThe actual owner of the account or, if combined funds, the first individual on the account1
3.

Two or more U.S. persons

(joint account maintained by an FFI)

Each holder of the account
4.Custodian account of a minor (Uniform Gift to Minors Act)The minor2
5.a. The usual revocable savings trust (grantor is also trustee)The grantor-trustee1
b. So-called trust account that is not a legal or valid trust under state lawThe actual owner1
6.Sole proprietorship or disregarded entity owned by an individualThe owner3
7.Grantor trust filing under Optional Form 1099 Filing Method 1 (see Regulations section1.671-4(b)(2)(i) (A))

The grantor*

For this type of account:Give name and EIN of:
8.Disregarded entity not owned by an individualThe owner
9.A valid trust, estate, or pension trustLegal entity4
10.Corporation or LLC electing corporate status on Form 8832 or Form 2553The corporation
11.Association, club, religious, charitable, educational, or othertax- exempt organizationThe organization
12.Partnership or multi-member LLCThe partnership
13.A broker or registered nomineeThe broker or nominee
14.Account with the Department of Agriculture in the name of a public entity (such as a state or local government, school district, or prison) that receives agricultural program paymentsThe public entity


Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)Page 5

For this type of account:Give name and EIN of:
15.Grantor trust filing under the Form 1041 Filing Method or the Optional Form 1099 Filing Method 2 (see Regulations section1.671-4(b)(2)(i) (B))The trust

1List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish. If only one person on a joint account has an SSN, that person’s number must be furnished.

2Circle the minor’s name and furnish the minor’s SSN.

3You must show your individual name and you may also enter your business or DBA name on the “Business name/disregarded entity” name line. You may use either your SSN or EIN (if you have one), but the IRS encourages you to use your SSN.

4List first and circle the name of the trust, estate, or pension trust. (Do not furnish the TIN of the personal representative or trustee unless the legal entity itself is not designated in the account title.) Also seeSpecial rules for partnerships,earlier.

*Note. Grantor also must provide a FormW-9 to trustee of trust.

Note. If no name is circled when more than one name is listed, the number will be considered to be that of the first name listed.

Secure Your Tax Records from Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, SSN, or other identifying information, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. An identity thief may use your SSN to get a job or may file a tax return using your SSN to receive a refund.

To reduce your risk:

Protect your SSN,

Ensure your employer is protecting your SSN, and

Be careful when choosing a tax preparer.

If your tax records are affected by identity theft and you receive a notice from the IRS, respond right away to the name and phone number printed on the IRS notice or letter.

If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft but you think you are at risk due to a lost or stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity or credit report, contact the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at1-800-908-4490 or submit Form 14039.

For more information, see Publication 4535, Identity Theft Prevention and Victim Assistance.

Victims of identity theft who are experiencing economic harm or a system problem, or are seeking help in resolving tax problems that have not been resolved

through normal channels, may be eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the TAS toll-free case intake line at1-877-777-4778 or TTY/TDD1-800-829-4059.

Protect yourself from suspicious emails or phishing schemes. Phishing is the creation and use of email and websites designed to mimic legitimate business emails and websites. The most common act is sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft.

The IRS does not initiate contacts with all applicabletaxpayers via emails. Also, the IRS does not request personal detailed information through email or ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts.

If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, forward this message tophishing@irs.gov.You may also report misuse of the IRS name, logo, or other IRS property to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at1-800-366-4484. You can forward suspicious emails to the Federal Trade Commission at:spam@uce.govor contact them atwww.ftc.gov/idtheftor1-877-IDTHEFT(1-877-438-4338). If you have been the victim of Identity theft, seewww.ldenUtyThelt.govand Pub. 5027.

Visit IRS.gov to learn more about identity theft and how to reduce your risk.

 

 

880 Carillon Parkway // St. Petersburg, FL 33716Privacy Act Notice

T 727.567.1000 // raymondjames.com

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC

LOGO

Conflicts CommitteeSection 6109 of the BoardInternal Revenue Code requires you to provide your correct TIN to persons (including federal agencies) who are required to file information returns with the IRS to report interest, dividends, or certain other income paid to you; mortgage interest you paid; the acquisition or abandonment of Directors

StoneMor Partners, L.P.

September 26, 2018

Page 3

international,secured property; the cancellation of debt; or contributions you made to an IRA, Archer MSA, or HSA. The person collecting this form uses the information on the form to file information returns with the IRS, reporting the above information. Routine uses of this information include giving it to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation and to cities, states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. commonwealths and possessions for use in administering their laws. The information also may be disclosed to other countries under a treaty, to federal and state statutes, rulesagencies to enforce civil and regulations,criminal laws, or to federal law enforcement and (ii) all governmental, regulatory,intelligence agencies to combat terrorism. You must provide your TIN whether or not you are required to file a tax return. Under section 3406, payers must generally withhold a percentage of taxable interest, dividend, and certain other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the Merger and Transaction will be obtained and that no delay, limitations, restrictions or conditions will be imposed or amendments, modifications or waivers made that would have an effect on the Merger or Transaction or the Company that would be materialpayments to our analyses or this Opinion.

Our opinion is based upon market, economic, financial and other circumstances and conditions existing and disclosed to us as of September 25th, 2018 and any material change in such circumstances and conditions would require a reevaluation of this Opinion, which we are under no obligation to undertake. We have relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, that there has been no change in the business, assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects of the Company since the respective dates of the most recent financial statements and other information, financial or otherwise, provided to us that would be material to our analyses or this Opinion, and that there is no information or any facts that would make any of the information reviewed by us incomplete or misleading in any material respect.

We express no opinion aspayee who does not give a TIN to the underlying business decision to effect the Mergerpayer. Certain penalties may also apply for providing false or Transaction, the structure or tax consequences of the Merger or Transaction or the availability or advisability of any alternatives to the Transaction. We provided market intelligence for comparable MLP simplification transactions to the Conflicts Committee. We did not, however, make any recommendations to the Conflicts Committee with respect to the proposed Transaction. We did not, however, recommend any specific amount of consideration or that any specific consideration constituted the only appropriate consideration for the Merger. We did not solicit indications of interest with respect to a transaction involving the Company nor did we advise the Company with respect to its strategic alternatives. This letter does not express any opinion as to the likely trading range of StoneMor stock following the Transaction, which may vary depending on numerous factors that generally impact the price of securities or on the financial condition of StoneMor at that time. Our opinion is limited to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the Unitholders of the Merger Consideration to be delivered by the Company to GP Holdings.fraudulent information.

We express no opinion with respect to any other reasons, legal, business, or otherwise, that may support the decision of the Board of Directors to approve or consummate the Merger or Transaction. Furthermore, no opinion, counsel or interpretation is intended by Raymond James on matters that require legal, accounting or tax advice. It is assumed that such opinions, counsel or interpretations have been or will be obtained from the appropriate professional sources.

Furthermore, we have relied, with the consent of the Special Committee, on the fact that the Company has been assisted by legal, accounting and tax advisors and we have, with the consent of the Special Committee, relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of the assessments by the Company and its advisors as to all legal, accounting and tax matters with respect to the Company and the Merger and Transaction.

880 Carillon Parkway // St. Petersburg, FL 33716

T 727.567.1000 // raymondjames.com

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC


LOGO

Conflicts Committee of the Board of Directors

StoneMor Partners, L.P.

September 26, 2018

Page 4

In formulating our opinion, we have considered only what we understand to be the consideration to be paid by the Company as is described above and we did not consider and we express no opinion on the fairness of the amount or nature of any compensation to be paid or payable to any of the Company’s officers, directors or employees, or class of such persons, whether relative to the compensation received by the Company or otherwise. We have not been requested to opine as to, and this Opinion does not express an opinion as to or otherwise address, among other things: (1) the fairness of the Transaction to the holders of any class of securities, creditors, or other constituencies of the Company, or to any other party, except and only to the extent expressly set forth in the last sentence of this Opinion or (2) the fairness of the Merger or Transaction to any one class or group of the Company’s or any other party’s security holders or other constituenciesvis-a-vis any other class or group of the Company’s or such other party’s security holders or other constituents (including, without limitation, the allocation of any consideration to be received in the Merger or Transaction amongst or within such classes or groups of security holders or other constituents). We are not expressing any opinion as to the impact of the Transaction on the solvency or viability of the Company or the General Partner or the ability of the Company or the General Partner to pay their respective obligations when they come due.

The delivery of this opinion was approved by an opinion committee of Raymond James.

Raymond James will receive a fee upon the delivery of this Opinion, which is not contingent upon the successful completion of the Transaction or on the conclusion reached herein. In addition, the Company has agreed to reimburse certain of our expenses and to indemnify us against certain liabilities arising out of our engagement.

In the ordinary course of our business, Raymond James may trade in the securities of the Company for our own account or for the accounts of our customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities. Furthermore, Raymond James may provide investment banking, financial advisory and other financial services to the Company and/or the General Partner or other participants in the Transaction in the future, for which Raymond James may receive compensation; however, no agreement to provide any such services is currently in place or contemplated by us.

It is understood that this Opinion is for the information of the Conflicts Committee of the Board of Directors of StoneMor (solely in each director’s capacity as such) in evaluating the proposed Merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any unitholder of the Company regarding how said unitholder should vote on the proposed Transaction. Furthermore, this Opinion should not be construed as creating any fiduciary duty on the part of Raymond James to any such party. This Opinion may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose without our prior written consent, except that this Opinion may be disclosed in and filed with a proxy statement used in connection with the Transaction that is required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, provided that this Opinion is quoted in full in such proxy statement.

880 Carillon Parkway // St. Petersburg, FL 33716

T 727.567.1000 // raymondjames.com

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC

LOGO

Conflicts Committee of the Board of Directors

StoneMor Partners, L.P.

September 26, 2018

Page 5

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Merger Consideration to be delivered to StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC in the Merger pursuant to the Agreement is fair from a financial point of view, to the Unitholders.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Raymond James & Associates, Inc.

RAYMOND JAMES & ASSOCIATES, INC.

880 Carillon Parkway // St. Petersburg, FL 33716

T 727.567.1000 // raymondjames.com

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC

Annex B

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM10-K/A10-K

Amendment No. 1

 

 

(Mark One)

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20182019

or

 

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:001-32270001-39172

 

 

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware 80-010315980-0103152

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

3600 Horizon Boulevard

Trevose, Pennsylvania

 19053
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area codecode): (215) 826-2800

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

  

Trading
Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange
on which registered

Common UnitsStock, $0.01 par value per shareSTON  New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 ofRegulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of RegulationS-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form10-K/A or any amendment to this Form10-K/A.    ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   Accelerated filer 
Non-accelerated filer   Smaller reporting company 
   Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined inRule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

TheAs of June 30, 2019, the last business day of the most recent second quarter of the registrant’s predecessor, the aggregate market value of the common units of such predecessor held bynon-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $90.5$49.3 million as of June 30, 2018 based on $6.03,$2.20, the closing price per such common unit as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on June 29, 2018.28, 2019.

The numberAt March 31, 2020, the registrant had outstanding 94,477,102 shares of the registrant’s outstanding common units at March 29, 2019 was 38,260,471.Common Stock, par value $.01 per share.

Documents incorporated by reference: None

 

 

 

FORM10-K OF STONEMOR INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Item 1.

Business

B-4

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

B-12

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

B-26

Item 2.

Properties

B-27

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

B-29

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

B-29
PART II

Item 5.

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

B-30

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

B-30

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

B-31

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

B-54

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

B-55

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

B-119

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

B-119

Item 9B.

Other Information

B-123
PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

B-124

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

B-131

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

B-144

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

B-145

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

B-148
PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

B-149

Item 16.

Form10-K Summary

B-154

Signatures

B-155

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Amendment No. 1 on Form10-K/A (the “Amendment”) is being filed to amend the Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year endedEffective as of December 31, 2018 (the “Original10-K”2019, pursuant to that certain Merger and Reorganization Agreement (as amended, the “Merger Agreement”) by and among StoneMor GP LLC (“StoneMor GP”), filed by a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of StoneMor Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”) with, the U.S. SecuritiesPartnership, StoneMor GP Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and Exchange Commission on April 3, 2019 (the “Original Filing Date”), in two respects. First, we amended Note 1 in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data to add a tabular presentationformerly the sole member of the reclassification adjustments discussed in the paragraph captioned “Reclassifications and Adjustments to Prior Period Financial Statements.” Second, the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm issued by Grant Thornton LLPGP (“Grant Thornton”GP Holdings”) and included in such Item 8 has been amended to addHans Merger Sub, LLC, a new second paragraph regarding Grant Thornton’s auditDelaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of GP (“Merger Sub”), GP converted from a Delaware limited liability company into a Delaware corporation named StoneMor Inc. (the “Company”) and Merger Sub was merged with and into the reclassification adjustments described in such Note 1 and to specify thatPartnership (the “Merger”). The Company is the date of its report as to such Note 1 is August 28, 2019. This change to Grant Thornton’s report does not affect Grant Thornton’s unqualified opinion on the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements included in the Original10-K or the Amendment or Grant Thornton’s qualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018.

Except as described above, no changes have been madesuccessor registrant to the Original10-KPartnership pursuant to Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the Amendment does not modify, amend or update in any way any of the financial or other information contained in the Original10-K. The Amendment does not reflect events that may have occurred subsequent to the Original Filing Date.

Pursuant to Rule12b-1512g-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act:”).

As used in this Annual Report on Form10-K (the “Annual Report”), unless the Amendment also contains new certifications pursuantcontext otherwise requires, references to Section 302the terms the “Company,” “StoneMor,” “we,” “us,” and Section 906“our” refer to StoneMor Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries for all periods from and after the Merger and to StoneMor Partners L.P. and its consolidated subsidiaries for all periods prior to the Merger.

In addition, as used in this Annual Report, unless the context otherwise requires, references to (i) the term “Cornerstone” refers to Cornerstone Family Services, Inc.; (ii) the term “CFSI” refers to CFSI LLC; (iii) the term “CFS” refers to Cornerstone Family Services LLC; (iv) the term “LP Sub” refers to StoneMor LP Holdings, LLC; (v) the term “ACII” refers to American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors, LLC; (vi) the term “AUH” refers to AIM Universal Holdings, LLC; (vii) the term “AIM” refers to American Infrastructure MLP Funds; (viii) the term “AIM II” refers to American Infrastructure MLP Fund II, L.P.; (ix) the term AIM FFII refers to American Infrastructure MLP Founders Fund II, L.P.; (x) the term “AIM II StoneMor” refers to AIM II Delaware StoneMor, Inc.; (xi) the term AIM Management II refers to American Infrastructure MLP Management II, L.L.C.; and (xiv) the term AIM II Offshore refers to AIM II Offshore, L.P.

We are filing as a smaller reporting company within the meaning of Rule12b-2 under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which are filedExchange Act. As a smaller reporting company, we may choose to comply with certain scaled ornon-scaled financial and furnished herewith, respectively. Because the Amendment does not contain or amend anynon-financial disclosure with respect to Items 307 and 308 of RegulationS-K, paragraphs 4 and 5 of the certifications pursuant to Section 302 have been omitted.requirements on an item by item basis.

FORM10-K/A OF STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.PART I

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS

OVERVIEW

Our History

We were formed as a Delaware limited partnership in April 2004 and, since our formation, our general partner has been StoneMor GP, a Delaware limited liability company. From May 2014 until December 31, 2019, the sole member of StoneMor GP was GP Holdings.

Recent Developments

COVID-19 Pandemic

In December 2019, an outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus originated in Wuhan, China(“COVID-19”) and has since spread worldwide, including to the Unites States (the “U.S.”), posing public health risks that have reached pandemic proportions (the“COVID-19 Pandemic”). TheCOVID-19 Pandemic poses a threat to the health and economic wellbeing of our employees, customers and vendors. Currently, our operations have been deemed essential by the state and local governments in which we operate, with the exception of Puerto Rico, and we are actively working with federal, state and local government officials to ensure that we continue to satisfy their requirements for offering our essential services. The operation of all of our facilities is critically dependent on our employees who staff these locations. To ensure the wellbeing of our employees and their families, we have provided all of our employees with detailed health and safety literature onCOVID-19, such as the Center for Disease Control (the “CDC”)’s industry-specific guidelines for working with the deceased who were and may have been infected withCOVID-19. In addition, our procurement and safety teams have updated and developed new safety-oriented guidelines to support daily field operations and provided personal protection equipment to those employees whose positions necessitate them, and we have implemented work from home policies at our corporate office consistent with CDC guidance to reduce the risks of exposure toCOVID-19 while still supporting the families that we serve.

Our marketing and sales team has quickly responded to the sales challenges presented by theCOVID-19 Pandemic by implementing virtual meeting options using a variety ofweb-based tools to ensure that we can continue to connect with and meet our customers’ needs in a safe, effective and productive manner. Some of our locations have also started providing live video streaming of their funeral and burial services to our customers, so that family and friends can connect virtually during their time of grief.

Like most businesses world-wide, theCOVID-19 Pandemic has impacted us financially; however, we cannot presently predict the scope and severity with whichCOVID-19 will impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. As recently as early March 2020, we were experiencing sales growth for the first quarter of 2020, as compared to the first quarter of 2019. However, over the last two weeks, we have seen ourpre-need sales activity decline as Americans practice social distancing. In addition, ourpre-need customers with installment contracts could default on their installment contracts due to lost work or other financial stresses arising from theCOVID-19 Pandemic. While we expect ourpre-need sales to be challenged during the COVID 19 Pandemic, we believe the implementation of our virtual meeting tools is one of several key steps to mitigate this disruption. In addition, we expect that throughout this disruption our cemeteries and funeral homes will remain open and available to serve our families in all the locations in which we operate to the extent permitted by local authorities, with the exception of Puerto Rico.

C-Corporation Conversion

On December 31, 2019, pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, we completed the following series of reorganization transactions (which we sometimes refer to collectively as the“C-Corporation Conversion”):

GP Holdings contributed its entire equity interest in the Partnership to StoneMor GP and, in exchange, ultimately received an aggregate of 5,099,969 shares of our common stock;

StoneMor GP contributed the common units in the Partnership it received from GP Holdings to LP Sub, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of StoneMor GP;

Merger Sub merged with and into the Partnership, with the Partnership surviving as a Delaware limited partnership, and pursuant to which each outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Unit (defined below) and Common Unit (other than the common units held by LP Sub) was converted into the right to receive one share of our common stock; and

StoneMor GP converted from a Delaware limited liability company to a Delaware corporation called StoneMor Inc.

As a result of theC-Corporation Conversion, the Company remains the general partner of the Partnership and LP Sub is the sole limited partner of the Partnership such that, directly or indirectly, the Company owns 100% of the interests in the Partnership.

Divestitures and Early Debt Redemptions

On January 3, 2020, we sold substantially all of the assets of Oakmont Memorial Park, Oakmont Funeral Home, Redwood Chapel, Inspiration Chapel and Oakmont Crematory located in California pursuant to the terms of an asset sale agreement (the “Oakmont Agreement”) with Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc. for an aggregate cash purchase price of $33.0 million (the “Oakmont Sale”). The divested assets consisted of one cemetery, one funeral home and certain related assets. In March 2020, we entered into an asset purchase agreement for the sale of substantially all of the assets of the cemetery, funeral establishment and crematory commonly known as Olivet Memorial Park, Olivet Funeral and Cremation Services, and Olivet Memorial Park & Crematory pursuant to the terms of an asset sale agreement (the “Olivet Agreement”) with Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association for a net cash purchase price of $24.3 million, subject to certain adjustments (the “Olivet Sale”). In addition, in March 2020, we entered into an asset sale agreement (the “California Agreement”) with certain entities owned by John Yeatman and Guy Saxton to sell substantially all of our remaining California properties, consisting of five cemeteries, six funeral establishments and four crematories (the “Remaining California Assets”) for a cash purchase price of $7.1 million, subject to certain closing adjustments (the “Remaining California Sale”).

In January 2020, we redeemed an aggregate $30.4 million of principal of our 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024 (the “Senior Secured Notes”), primarily using the net proceeds from the Oakmont Sale. Per the indenture dated June 27, 2019 by and among the Partnership, Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company, the initial purchasers party thereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral agent (as amended, the “Indenture”), we anticipate using the first $23.7 million of net proceeds and 80% of the remaining net proceeds from the Olivet Sale along with 80% of the net proceeds from the Remaining California Sale to redeem additional portions of the outstanding Senior Secured Notes.

The information set forth in this Annual Report regarding our cemeteries and funeral homes is as of December 31, 2019 and does not give effect to the Oakmont Sale, the Olivet Sale or the Remaining California Sale.

Amendments to the Indenture and Capital Raise in 2020

On April 1, 2020, the Partnership, Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. (collectively with the Partnership, the “Issuers”) and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, entered into the

Third Supplemental Indenture (the “Supplemental Indenture”) to the Indenture. Pursuant to the terms of the Supplemental Indenture:

1.

The following financial covenants were amended:

a.

The Interest Coverage Ratio measurements at March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2020 were eliminated and replaced with a Minimum Operating Cash Flow covenant of $(25.0 million), $(35.0 million) and $(35.0 million), respectively;

b.

The required Interest Coverage Ratios at December 31, 2020, March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021 were reduced to 0.00x, 0.75x and 1.10x, respectively, from 1.15x, 1.25x and 1.30x; and

c.

The Asset Coverage tests at March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2020 were reduced to 1.40x from 1.60x;

2.

The premium payable upon voluntary redemption of the Senior Secured Notes on or after June 27, 2021 and before June 27, 2022 was increased from 4.0% to 5.0% and the premium payable upon any such voluntary redemption on or after June 27, 2022 and before June 27, 2023 was increased from 2.0% to 3.0%; and

3.

The Issuers agreed to use their best efforts to cause us to effectuate a rights offering on the terms described below as promptly as practicable with an expiration date no later than July 24, 2020 and to receive proceeds of not less than $8.2 million therefrom (in addition to the $8.8 million capital raise described below).

The foregoing amendments effected by the Supplemental Indenture will become operational when we pay a $5 million consent fee to the holders of the Senior Secured Notes, of which $3.5 million will be paid in cash and $1.5 million will be paid by increasing the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes outstanding, and satisfy other specified conditions.

Concurrently with the execution of the Supplemental Indenture, we entered into a letter agreement (the “Axar Commitment”) with Axar pursuant to which Axar committed to (a) purchase shares of our Series A Preferred Stock with an aggregate purchase price of $8.8 million on April 3, 2020, (b) exercise its basic rights in the rights offering by tendering the shares of Series A Preferred Stock so purchased for shares of our common stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Common Stock”) and (c) purchase any shares offered in the rights offering for which other stockholders do not exercise their rights, up to a maximum of an additional $8.2 million of such shares. We did not pay Axar any commitment, backstop or other fees in connection with the Axar Commitment.

On April 3, 2020, as contemplated by the Axar Commitment, the Company and Axar CL SPV LLC, Star V Partners LLC and Blackwell Partners LLC –Series E. (the “2020 Purchasers”) entered into a Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (the “2020 Preferred Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which we sold 176 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Shares”), for a cash price of $50,000 per share, an aggregate of $8.8 million. We offered and sold the Preferred Shares in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof. We relied on this exemption from registration based in part on representations made by the 2020 Purchasers in the 2020 Preferred Purchase Agreement.

Under the terms of the Supplemental Indenture and the Axar Commitment, we agreed to undertake an offering to holders of our Common Stock of transferable rights to purchase their pro rata share of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate exercise price of at least $17 million at a price of $0.73 per share. The rights offering period, during which the rights will be transferable, will be no less than 20 calendar days and no more than 45 calendar days. We agreed to use our best efforts to complete the rights offering with an expiration date no later than July 24, 2020.

Recapitalization Transactions in 2019

On June 27, 2019, we closed a $447.5 million recapitalization transaction, consisting of (i) the sale of an aggregate of 52,083,333 of the Partnership’s Series A Preferred Units (the “Series A Convertible Preferred Units”) representing limited partner interests in the Partnership at a purchase price of $1.1040 per Preferred Unit, reflecting an 8% discount to the liquidation preference of each Preferred Unit, for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million (the “Preferred Offering”) and (ii) a concurrent private placement of $385.0 million of Senior Secured Notes to certain financial institutions (collectively with the Preferred Offering, the “Recapitalization Transactions”). The net proceeds of the Recapitalization Transactions were used to fully repay our then-outstanding senior notes due in June 2021 and retire the revolving credit facility due in May 2020, as well as for associated transaction expenses, cash collateralization of existing letters of credit and other needs under the former credit facility, with the balance available for general corporate purposes.

Board Reconstitution

In connection with the closing of the Recapitalization Transactions, our Board of Directors was reconstituted. Directors Martin R. Lautman, Ph.D., Leo J. Pound, Robert A Sick and Fenton R. Talbott resigned as directors and the authorized number of directors was reduced to seven. Andrew Axelrod, David Miller and Spencer Goldenberg were elected to fill the vacancies created by the resignations. The reconstituted board is comprised of Messrs. Axelrod, Miller and Goldenberg, Robert B. Hellman, Jr., Stephen Negrotti, Patricia Wellenbach and Joseph M. Redling. Mr. Axelrod serves as the chairman of the board.

Strategic Partnership Agreement

On April 2, 2020, we entered into two multi-year Master Services Agreements (the “MSAs”) with Moon Landscaping, Inc. and its affiliate, Rickert Landscaping, Inc. (collectively “Moon”). Under the terms of the MSAs, Moon will provide all grounds and maintenance services at most of the funeral homes, cemeteries and other properties we own or manage including, but not limited to, landscaping, openings and closings, burials, installations, routine maintenance and janitorial services. Moon will hire all of our grounds and maintenance employees at the serviced locations and will perform all functions currently handled by those employees. We expect the implementation of the MSAs to take place on a clustered basis over the next three to four months, with full implementation expected no later than July 31, 2020.

We agreed to pay a total of approximately $241 million over the term of the contract, which runs through December 31, 2024, based upon an initial annual cost of $49 million and annual increases of 2%. The first year cost will be prorated based upon exact implementation androll-out schedule for each location. As part of the MSAs, we agreed to lease our landscaping and maintenance equipment to Moon for the duration of the agreements and to transfer title to any such equipment we own at the end of the term to Moon, in each case without any additional payment by Moon. As of December 31, 2019, the net book value of the equipment we will be leasing to Moon was approximately $7.4 million.

Each party has the right to terminate the MSAs at any time on six months’ prior written notice, provided that if we terminate the MSAs without cause, we will be obligated to pay Moon an equipment credit fee in the amount of $1.0 million for each year remaining in the term, prorated for the portion of the year in which any such termination occurs. The MSAs also contain representations, covenants and indemnity provisions that are customary for agreements of this nature.

Products and Service Offerings

We are currently one of the largest owners and operators of cemeteries and funeral homes in the U.S. As of December 31, 2019, we operated 321 cemeteries in 27 states and Puerto Rico. We own 291 of these cemeteries and we manage or operate the remaining 30 under lease, management or operating agreements with the nonprofit

cemetery companies that own the cemeteries. As of December 31, 2019, we also owned, operated or managed 90 funeral homes, including 42 located on the grounds of cemetery properties that we own, in 17 states and Puerto Rico.

The cemetery products and services that we sell include the following:

 

Interment Rights

Merchandise

Services

burial lotsburial vaultsinstallation of burial vaults
lawn cryptscasketsinstallation of caskets
mausoleum cryptsgrave markers and grave marker basesinstallation of other cemetery merchandise
cremation nichesmemorialsother service items
perpetual care rights
PART II

We sell these products and services both at the time of death, which we refer to asat-need, and prior to the time of death, which we refer to aspre-need. In 2019, we performed 52,010 burials and sold 25,963 interment rights (net of cancellations). Based on our sales of interment spaces in 2019, our cemeteries have an aggregate average remaining sales life of 243 years.

Our cemetery properties are located in Alabama, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Our cemetery operations accounted for approximately 82% and 83% of our revenues in 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The funeral home products and services that we sell include the following:

 

Item 8.

Merchandise

  

Services

caskets and related items

family consultation
removal and preparation of remains
insurance products
use of funeral home facilities for visitation and prayer services

Our funeral homes are located in Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Our funeral home operations accounted for approximately 18% and 17% of our consolidated revenues in 2019 and 2018, respectively.

OPERATIONS

Segment Reporting and Related Information

We have two distinct reportable segments, which are classified as Cemetery Operations and Funeral Home Operations segments, both of which are supported by corporate costs and expenses.

We have chosen this level of organization and disaggregation of reportable segments because: (a) each reportable segment has unique characteristics that set it apart from the other segment; (b) we have organized our management personnel at these two operational levels; and (c) it is the level at which our chief decision makers evaluates performance.

Cemetery Operations

As of December 31, 2019, we operated 321 cemeteries. Our Cemetery Operations include sales of cemetery interment rights, merchandise and services and the performance of cemetery maintenance and other services. An

interment right entitles a customer to a burial space in one of our cemeteries and the perpetual care of that burial space. Burial spaces, or lots, are parcels of property that hold interred human remains. A burial vault is a rectangular container, usually made of concrete but can also be made of steel or plastic, which sits in the burial lot and in which the casket is placed. The top of the burial vault is buried approximately 18 to 24 inches below the surface of the ground, and the casket is placed inside the vault. Burial vaults prevent ground settling that may create uneven ground surfaces. Ground settling typically results in higher maintenance costs and potential exposure for accidents on the property. Lawn crypts are a series of closely spaced burial lots with preinstalled vaults and may include other improvements, such as landscaping, sprinkler systems and drainage. A mausoleum crypt is an above ground structure that may be designed for a particular customer, which we refer to as a private mausoleum or it may be a larger building that serves multiple customers, which we refer to as a community mausoleum. Cremation niches are spaces in which the ashes remaining after cremation are stored. Cremation niches are often part of community mausoleums; although we sell a variety of cremation niches to accommodate our customers’ preferences.

Grave markers, monuments and memorials are above ground products that serve as memorials by showing who is remembered, the dates of birth and death and other pertinent information. These markers, monuments and memorials include simple plates, such as those used in a community mausoleum or cremation niche,flush-to-the-ground granite or bronze markers, headstones or large stone obelisks.

One of the principal services we provide at our cemeteries is an “opening and closing,” which is the digging and refilling of burial spaces to install the vault and place the casket into the vault. Withpre-need sales, there are usually two openings and closings, where permitted by applicable law. During the initial opening and closing, we install the burial vault in the burial space. Where permitted by applicable law, we usually perform this service shortly after the customer signs apre-need contract. Advance installation allows us to withdraw the related funds from our merchandise trusts, making the amount in excess of our cost to purchase and install the vault available to us for other uses and eliminates future merchandise trusting requirements for the burial vault and its installation. During the final opening and closing, we remove the dirt above the vault, open the lid of the vault, place the casket into the vault, close the vault lid and replace the ground cover. Withat-need sales, we typically perform the initial opening and closing at the time we perform the final opening and closing. Our other services include the installation of other cemetery merchandise and the perpetual care related to interment rights.

Funeral Home Operations

As of December 31, 2019, we owned, operated or managed 90 funeral homes, 42 of which are located on the grounds of cemetery properties that we own. Our funeral homes offer a range of services to meet a family’s funeral needs, including family consultation, final expense insurance products, the removal and preparation of remains, provision of caskets and related funeral merchandise, the use of funeral home facilities for visitation, worship and performance of funeral services and transportation services. Funeral Home Operations primarily generate revenues fromat-need sales.

Cremation Products and Services

We operate crematories at some of our cemeteries or funeral homes, but our primary crematory operations are sales of receptacles for cremated remains, such as urns, and the inurnment of cremated remains in niches or scattering gardens. Cremation products and services usually cost less than traditional burial products and services and take up less space than burials. We sell cremation products and services on both apre-need and anat-need basis.

Seasonality

Although the death care business is relatively stable and predictable, our results of operations may be subject to seasonal fluctuations in deaths due to weather conditions, illness and public health crises, such as theCOVID-19

Pandemic. Generally, more deaths occur during the winter months, primarily resulting from pneumonia and influenza. In addition, we generally perform fewer initial openings and closings in the winter, as the ground is frozen in many of the areas in which we operate. We may also experience declines in contracts written during the winter months due to increased inclement weather during which our sales staff would be unable to meet with customers.

Sales Contracts

Pre-need products and services are typically sold on an installment basis.At-need products and services are generally required to be paid for in full in cash by the customer at the time of sale. As a result of ourpre-need sales, the backlog of unfulfilledpre-need performance obligations recorded in deferred revenues was $949.4 million and $919.6 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Trusts

Sales of cemetery products and services are subject to a variety of state regulations. In accordance with these regulations, we are required to establish and fund two types of trusts: merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts, to ensure that we can meet our future obligations. Our funding obligations are generally equal to a percentage of the sales proceeds or costs of the products and services we sell.

Sales Personnel, Training and Marketing

As of December 31, 2019, we employed 455 full-time commissioned salespeople and four part-time commissioned salespeople, 125 salaried sales managers, 20 outside sales counselors and seven full-time sales support employees. We had two divisional sales vice presidents who report directly to our two divisional presidents. Individual salespersons are typically located at the cemeteries they serve and report directly to the cemetery sales manager. We have made a commitment to the ongoing education and training of our sales force and to salesperson retention in order to provide our customers high quality customer service and in an effort to comply with all applicable laws and requirements. Our salespeople are trained to prioritize our customers’ needs and sell merchandise and services that are in our customers’ best interests. Our training program includes classroom training at regional training locations, field training, periodically updated training materials that utilize media, such as web based modules, for interactive training and participation in industry seminars. Additionally, we place special emphasis on training property sales managers, who are key elements to a successfulpre-need sales program.

We generate sales leads through various methods including digital marketing, direct mail, websites, funeralfollow-up and sales force cold calling, with the assistance of database mining and other marketing resources. We have created a marketing department to allow us to use more sophisticated marketing techniques to focus more effectively on our lead generation and to direct sales efforts. Sales leads are referred to the sales force to schedule an appointment, either at the customer’s home or at the cemetery location.

Acquisitions

We did not complete any acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2019. On January 19, 2018, we acquired six cemetery properties in Wisconsin and their related assets, net of certain assumed liabilities, for cash consideration of $2.5 million, of which $0.8 million was paid at closing. We had been managing these properties since August 2016. We accounted for the purchase of these properties, which were not material individually or in the aggregate, under the acquisition method of accounting.

Competition

Our cemeteries and funeral homes generally serve customers that live within a 10 to15-mile radius of a property’s location. We face competition from other cemeteries and funeral homes located within this localized

area. Most of these cemeteries and funeral homes are independently owned and operated, and most of these owners and operators are smaller than we are and have fewer resources than we do. We have historically face limited competition from the two larger publicly held death care companies that have U.S. operations—Service Corporation International and Carriage Services, Inc.—as they do not directly operate cemeteries in the same local geographic areas in which we operate. Furthermore, these companies have historically generated the majority of their revenues from funeral home operations. Based on the relative levels of cemetery and funeral home operations of these publicly traded death care companies, which are disclosed in their filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), we believe that we are the only publicly held death care company that focuses a majority of its efforts on Cemetery Operations.

Within a localized area of competition, we compete primarily forat-need sales, because, in general, many of the independently owned, local competitors may not havepre-need sales programs. Most of these competitors do not have as many of the resources that are available to us to launch and grow a substantialpre-need sales program. The number of customers that cemeteries and funeral homes are able to attract is largely a function of reputation and heritage, although competitive pricing, professional service and attractive, well-maintained and conveniently located facilities are also important factors. The sale of cemetery and funeral home products and services on apre-need basis has increasingly been used by many companies as an important marketing tool. Due to the importance of reputation and heritage, increases in customer base are usually gained over a long period of time.

Competitors within a localized area have an advantage over us if a potential customer’s family members are already buried in the competitor’s cemetery. If either of the two publicly held death care companies identified above operated, or in the future were to operate, cemeteries within close proximity of our cemeteries, they may offer more competition than independent cemeteries and may have a competitive advantage over us to the extent they have greater financial resources available to them due to their size and access to the capital markets.

REGULATION

Our funeral operations are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act and a trade regulation rule for the funeral industry promulgated thereunder referred to as the “Funeral Rule.” The Funeral Rule defines certain acts or practices as unfair or deceptive and contains certain requirements to prevent these acts or practices. The preventive measures require a funeral provider to give consumers accurate, itemized price information and various other disclosures about funeral merchandise and services and prohibit a funeral provider from: (i) misrepresenting legal, crematory and cemetery requirements; (ii) embalming for a fee without permission; (iii) requiring the purchase of a casket for direct cremation; (iv) requiring consumers to buy certain funeral merchandise or services as a condition for furnishing other funeral merchandise or services; (v) misrepresenting state and local requirements for an outer burial container; and (vi) representing that funeral merchandise and services have preservative and protective value. Additionally, the Funeral Rule requires the disclosure ofmark-ups, commissions, additional charges and rebates related to cash advance items. Our operations are also subject to regulation, supervision and licensing under numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations, including those that impose trusting requirements

Our operations are subject to federal, regional, state and local laws and regulations related to environmental protection, such as the federal Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Emergency Planning and CommunityRight-to-Know Act and Comprehensive Environmental Response (“EPCRA”), Compensation, and Liability Act, that impose legal requirements governing air emissions, waste management and disposal and wastewater discharges.

We are subject to the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (“OSHA”) and comparable state statutes. OSHA’s regulatory requirement, known as the Hazard Communication Standard, and similar state statutes require us to provide information and training to our employees about hazardous materials used or maintained for our operations. We may also be subject to Tier 1 or Tier 2 Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory reporting requirements under the EPCRA, depending on the amount of hazardous materials maintained

on-site at a particular facility. We are also subject to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and similar laws, which, among other things, may require that we modify our facilities to comply with minimum accessibility requirements for disabled persons.

We take various measures to comply with the Funeral Rule and all other laws and regulations to which we are subject, and we believe we are substantially in compliance with these existing laws and regulations.

Federal, state and local legislative bodies and regulatory agencies frequently propose new laws and regulations, some of which could have a material effect on our operations and on the deathcare industry in general. We cannot accurately predict the outcome of any proposed legislation or regulation or the effect that any such legislation or regulation might have on us.

Employees

On January 31, 2019, we announced a profit improvement initiative, as part of our ongoing organizational review, designed to further integrate, streamline and optimize our operations. As part of this profit improvement initiative, during 2019 we undertook certain cost reduction initiatives, which included a reduction of approximately 200 positions of our workforce within our field operations and corporate functions in our headquarters located in Trevose, Pennsylvania.

As of December 31, 2019, we employed 2,313 full-time, 219 part-time and 14 seasonal employees. 40 of these full-time employees are represented by various unions in Pennsylvania, California, New Jersey and Illinois and are subject to collective bargaining agreements that have expiration dates ranging from September 2020 to May 2023. We believe that our relationship with our employees is generally favorable.

Available Information

We file annual reports on Form10-K, quarterly reports on Form10-Q, current reports on Form8-K and amendments to those reports with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us.

We maintain an Internet website with the address of http://www.stonemor.com. The information on this website is not, and should not be considered, part of this Annual Report and is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report. This website address is only intended to be an inactive textual reference. Copies of our reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC on Forms10-K, 10-Q and8-K, and any amendments to such reports, are available for viewing and copying at such Internet website, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material with, or furnishing it to, the SEC.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions that we believe are reasonable regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. All statements, other than statements of historical information, should be deemed to be forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “foresee,” “should,” “would,” “could” or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to, the risks set forth below. The risks described below are those that we have identified as material and is not an exhaustive list of all the risks we face. There may be others that we have not identified or that we have deemed to be immaterial. All forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf are qualified by the risks described below. If any events occur that give rise to the following risks, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely impacted. These risk factors, some of which are beyond our control or not readily predictable, should be read in conjunction with other information set forth in this Annual Report, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on our forward-looking statements.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDEBTEDNESS

Our level of indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and prevent us from fulfilling our debt obligations.

As of December 31, 2019, we had $393.4 million of total debt (excluding debt issuance costs, debt discounts and capital lease obligations), consisting of $392.8 million of the Senior Secured Notes and $0.6 million of financed vehicles. Our indebtedness requires significant interest and principal payments. Since December 31, 2019, we have redeemed an aggregate of $31.3 million of principal on the Senior Secured Notes, primarily with the net proceeds from the Oakmont Sale, and we anticipate using the first $23.7 million of net proceeds and 80% of the remaining net proceeds from the Olivet Sale along with 80% of the net proceeds from the Remaining California Sale to redeem additional portions of the outstanding Senior Secured Notes. Under the Indenture, we are obligated to pay a 2.0% premium for future redemptions of the principal of the Senior Secured Notes in excess of $23.7 million. We have the right and expect to pay quarterly interest at a fixed rate of 7.50% per annum in cash plus a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum payable in kind through January 30, 2022. The Senior Secured Notes will require cash interest payments at 9.875% for all interest periods after January 30, 2022.

Our level of indebtedness could have important consequences to us, including:

continuing to require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of the principal of and interest on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available for operations and any future business opportunities;

limiting flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business or the industry in which we operate;

placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less indebtedness;

increasing our vulnerability to adverse general economic or industry conditions; and

limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general corporate requirements and increasing our cost of borrowing.

In addition, the Indenture prohibits us from incurring additional debt or liens for working capital expenditures, acquisitions or other purposes (subject to very limited exceptions), requires us to maintain a minimum liquidity level on a rolling ten business day basis and requires us to meet minimum interest and asset coverage ratios as of the end of each fiscal quarter. Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future from operations, financings or asset sales. Our ability to repay our indebtedness and comply with the restrictive and financial maintenance covenants will be dependent on, among other things, the successful execution of our strategic plans. If we require additional capacity under the restrictive covenants to successfully execute our strategic plans or if we are unable to comply with the financial maintenance covenants, we will need to seek an amendment from a majority of the holders of the Senior Secured Notes. No assurances can be given that we will be successful in obtaining such an amendment, and any failure to obtain such an amendment will have a material adverse effect on our business operations and our financial results.

Our ability to generate cash is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. We may not generate sufficient funds to service our debt and meet our business needs, such as funding working capital or the expansion of our operations. If we are not able to repay or refinance our debt as it becomes due, we may be forced to take certain actions, including reducing spending onday-to-day operations, reducing future financing for working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes, selling assets or dedicating an unsustainable level of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness. The trustee or holders of our debt could also accelerate amounts due in the event that we default, which could potentially trigger a default or acceleration of the maturity of our debt.

In addition, our ability to withstand competitive pressures and to react to changes in our industry could be impaired, and our leverage could put us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that are less leveraged, as these competitors could have greater financial flexibility to pursue strategic acquisitions and secure additional financing for their operations. Our leverage could also impede our ability to withstand downturns in our industry or the economy in general.

The prohibition on incurring additional debt in the Indenture for the Senior Secured Notes, as well as future operating results, may require us to issue additional equity securities to finance our working capital and capital expenditure needs. Any such equity issuance may be at a price less than the then-current market price, which would result in dilution to our stockholders’ interest in us.

The Indenture prohibits us from incurring additional debt, including to fund working capital and capital expenditures, subject to very limited exceptions. This prohibition may require us to issue additional equity securities in order to provide us with sufficient cash to fund our working capital, liquidity and capital expenditure needs. There can be no assurance as to the price and terms on which such equity securities may be issued, and our stockholders’ equity interest in us may be materially diluted. For example, under the Supplemental Indenture and the Axar Commitment, we agreed to use our best efforts to effectuate a rights offering with an exercise price per shares of $0.73 per share with aggregate proceeds of not less than $17.0 million. Except as set forth in the Axar Commitment, there can be no assurances that we will be able to issue additional equity on any terms, in which case we may not have sufficient cash to fund our working capital, liquidity and capital expenditure needs and we may be unable to comply with one or more of the financial maintenance covenants in the Indenture.

We must comply with covenants in the Indenture. Failure to comply with these covenants, which may result from events that are not within our control, may result in an Event of Default under the Indenture, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition and on the trading price of our common shares.

The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in the Indenture restrict our ability to finance future operations or capital needs, including working capital and other liquidity, or to expand or pursue our business activities. For example, the Indenture requires us to comply with various affirmative covenants regarding, among other matters, maintenance and investment of trust funds and trust accounts into which certain sales proceeds are required by law to be deposited, minimum liquidity and other covenants. The Indenture also includes other restrictive and financial maintenance covenants including, but not limited to:

covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit our ability to:

incur additional indebtedness, including entering into a working capital facility;

grant liens;

engage in certain sale/leaseback, merger, consolidation or asset sale transactions;

make certain investments;

pay dividends or make distributions;

engage in affiliate transactions;

amend our organizational documents; and

make capital expenditures; and

covenants that require us to maintain:

a minimum liquidity level on a rolling ten business day basis;

a minimum interest coverage ratio on a trailing twelve month basis as of each fiscal quarter end; and

a minimum asset coverage ratio as of each fiscal quarter end.

The Indenture also provides for certain events of default, the occurrence and continuation of which could, subject to certain conditions, cause all amounts owing under the Senior Secured Notes to become due and payable, including but not limited to the following:

our failure to pay any interest on any senior secured note when it becomes due and payable that remains uncured for five business days;

our failure to pay the principal on any of the senior secured notes when it becomes due and payable, whether at the due date thereof, at a date fixed for redemption, by acceleration or otherwise;

our failure to comply with the agreements and covenants relating to maintenance of our legal existence, providing notice of any default or event of default or use of proceeds from the sale of the Senior Secured Notes or any of the restrictive or financial maintenance covenants in the Indenture;

our failure to comply with any other agreements or covenants contained in the Indenture or certain other agreements executed in connection with the Indenture that remains uncured for a period of 15 days after the earlier of written notice and request for cure from the Trustee or holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes;

the acceleration of, or the failure, to pay at final maturity indebtedness (other than the Senior Secured Notes) in a principal amount exceeding $5.0 million;

the occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined in the Indenture);

certain bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings involving an Issuer or any subsidiary; and

our failure to maintain one or more licenses, permits or similar approvals for the conduct of our business where the sum of the revenue associated therewith represents the lesser of (i) 15% of the Partnership’s and its subsidiaries’ consolidated revenue and (ii) $30.0 million, and such breach is not cured within 30 days.

At the option of holders holding a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes (and automatically upon any default for failure to pay principal of the Senior Secured Notes when due and payable or certain bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings involving an Issuer), the interest rate on the Senior Secured Notes will increase to 13.50% per annum, payable in cash.

Our ability to comply with the covenants and restrictions contained in the Indenture may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions and global health concerns. As a result of changes in market or other economic conditions, our ability to comply with these covenants may be impaired.

If we violate any of the restrictions, covenants, ratios or tests in our Indenture, or fail to pay amounts thereunder when due, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% of the outstanding principal amount of our Senior Secured Notes will be able to accelerate the maturity of all amounts due under the Senior Secured Notes and demand repayment of amounts outstanding. We might not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient funds to make these

accelerated payments, and the failure to make such payments would have a material adverse effect on our business operations and our financial results. Additionally, any subsequent replacement of our debt obligations or any new indebtedness could have similar or greater restrictions.

RISK FACTORS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS

Our ability to execute our strategic plans depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control.

Our strategic plans are focused on efforts to revitalize the business, grow our revenue and manage our operating andnon-recurring operating expenses. Many of the factors that impact our ability to execute our strategic plans, such as the number of deaths and general economic conditions, are beyond our control. Changes in operating conditions, such as supply disruptions and labor disputes, could negatively impact our operations. If we are unable to leverage scale to drive cost savings, productivity improvements,pre-need production or anticipated earnings growth, or if we are unable to deploy capital to maximize stockholder value, our financial performance could be affected. If we are unable to identify divestitures as planned or to realize expected synergies and strategic benefits, our financial performance could also be affected. We cannot give assurance that we will be able to execute any or all of our strategic plans. Failure to execute any or all of our strategic plans could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

In April 2019, we outlined and began implementing a turnaround strategy to return to profitability that is focused on four key goals: cash flow and liquidity, capital structure, strategic balance sheet/portfolio review and performance improvement from cost reductions and revenue enhancement. The turnaround strategy may negatively impact our operations, which could include disruptions from the realignment of operational functions within the home office, sales of selected properties, changes in the administrative reporting structure and changes in our product assortments or marketing strategies. The impact of these disruptions may be material, and these changes could adversely affect our business operations and financial results. These changes could also decrease the cash we have available to fund ongoing liquidity and working capital requirements, and we may experience periods of limited liquidity. In addition, we are currently not generating sufficient consistent cash flow to cover the interest payments on our debt and meet our operating liquidity needs. If our turnaround strategy is not successful, takes longer than initially projected or is not executed effectively, our business operations, financial results, liquidity and cash flow will be adversely affected. Furthermore, no assurances can be given that our turnaround strategy, even if implemented properly, will result in a return to profitability.

We are under leadership of a new Board of Directors, who collectively have a limited operating history with us.

In June 2019, in connection with the Recapitalization Transactions (as defined in Part II, Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Recent Events), our Board of Directors was reconstituted. Directors Martin R. Lautman, Ph.D., Leo J. Pound, Robert A. Sick and Fenton R. Talbott resigned as directors and the authorized number of directors was reduced to seven. Andrew Axelrod, David Miller and Spencer Goldenberg were elected as directors to fill the vacancies created by the resignations. The reconstituted Board of Directors is comprised of Messrs. Axelrod, Miller and Goldenberg, Robert Hellman, Stephen Negrotti, Patricia Wellenbach and Joe Redling. Certain of our new board members have limited experience with our management team and our business. The ability of our new directors to quickly understand our business plans, operations and turnaround strategies will be critical to their ability to make informed and effective decisions about our strategy and operations, particularly given the competitive environment in which our business operates.

Cemetery burial practice claims could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.

Our cemetery practices have evolved and improved over time. Most of our cemeteries have been operating for decades and may have used practices and procedures that are outdated in comparison to today’s standards. When cemetery disputes occur, we may be subject to litigation and liability for improper burial practices, including:

burial practices of a different era that are judged today in hindsight as being outdated; and

alleged violations of our practices and procedures by one or more of our associates.

In addition, since most of our cemeteries were acquired through various acquisitions, we may be subject to litigation and liability based upon actions or events that occurred before we acquired or managed the cemeteries. Claims or litigation based upon our cemetery burial practices could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our ability to generatepre-need sales depends on a number of factors, including sales incentives and local and general economic conditions.

Significant declines inpre-need sales would reduce our backlog and revenue and could reduce our future market share. On the other hand, a significant increase inpre-need sales could have a negative impact on cash flow as a result of commissions and other costs incurred initially without corresponding revenue.

We are continuing to refine the mix of service and product offerings in both our funeral and cemetery segments, including changes in our sales commission and incentive structure. These changes could cause us to experience declines inpre-need sales in theshort-run. In addition, economic conditions at the local or national level could cause declines inpre-need sales either as a result of less discretionary income or lower consumer confidence. Declines inpre-need cemetery property sales reduce current revenue, and declines in otherpre-need sales would reduce our backlog and future revenue and could reduce future market share.

Pre-need sales typically generate low or negative cash flow in the periods immediately following sales, which could adversely affect our liquidity and cash flow.

When we sell cemetery merchandise and services on apre-need basis, upon cash collection, we pay commissions on the sale to our salespeople and are required by state law to deposit a portion of the sales proceeds into a merchandise trust. In addition, most of our customers finance theirpre-need purchases under installment contracts payable over a number of years. Depending on the trusting requirements of the states in which we operate, the applicable sales commission rates and the amount of the down payment, our cash flow from sales to customers through installment contracts is typically negative until we have collected the related receivable or until we purchase the products or perform the services and are permitted to withdraw funds we have deposited in the merchandise trust. To the extent we increasepre-need sales, state trusting requirements are increased or we delay the performance of the services or delivery of merchandise we sell on apre-need basis, our cash flow frompre-need sales may be further reduced, and our liquidity could be adversely affected.

We have a history of operating losses and may not achieve or maintain profitability and positive cash flow.

We have incurred negative cash flows from operations and net losses for several years and have an accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2019, due to an increased competitive environment, increased expenses due to theC-Corporation Conversion and increases in professional fees and compliance costs. To the extent that we continue to have negative operating cash flow in future periods, we may not have sufficient liquidity and we may not be able to successfully implement our turnaround strategy. We cannot predict if or when we will operate profitably and generate positive cash flows.

Our merchandise and perpetual care trust funds own investments in equity securities, fixed income securities, mutual funds and master limited partnerships, which are affected by financial market conditions that are beyond our control.

Pursuant to state law, a portion of the proceeds frompre-need sales of merchandise and services is put into merchandise trusts until such time that we meet the requirements for releasing trust principal, which is generally delivery of merchandise or performance of services. In addition, the Indenture also provides certain limitations on how the assets in the merchandise trusts may be invested. Generally, a majority of the investment earnings generated by the assets in the merchandise trusts, including realized gains and losses, are deferred until the associated merchandise is delivered or the services are performed.

Also, pursuant to state law, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of cemetery property is required to be paid into perpetual care trusts. The perpetual care trust principal does not belong to us and must remain in this trust in perpetuity while interest and dividends may be released and used to defray cemetery maintenance costs.

These trust assets are managed by a trustee, which is advised by Cornerstone, our registered investment adviser subsidiary, all under the oversight of the Trust and Compliance Committee of our Board. Cornerstone has engaged two outsidesub-advisers to assist Cornerstone in providing investment recommendations with respect to certain trust assets. There is no guarantee that the trustee will achieve its objectives and deliver adequate returns, and the trustee’s investment choices may result in losses. In addition our returns on these investments are affected by financial market conditions that are beyond our control. If the investments in our trust funds experience significant declines, there could be insufficient funds in the trusts to cover the costs of delivering services and merchandise. Pursuant to state law, we may be required to cover any such shortfall in merchandise trusts with cash flows from operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. A substantial portion of our revenue is generated from investment returns that we realize from merchandise and perpetual care trusts. Unstable economic conditions have, at times, caused us to experience declines in the fair value of the assets held in these trusts. Moreover future cash flows could be negatively impacted if we are forced to liquidate any such investments that are in an impaired position.

If the fair market value of these trusts, plus any other amount due to us upon delivery of the associated contracts, were to decline below the estimated costs to deliver the underlying products and services, we would record a charge to earnings to record a liability for the expected losses on the delivery of the associated contracts.

For more information related to our trust investments, seeNote 7, Merchandise Trusts andNote 8, Perpetual Trusts to our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Dataof this Annual Report.

We may be required to replenish our funeral and cemetery trust funds in order to meet minimum funding requirements, which would have a negative effect on our earnings and cash flow.

In certain states, we have withdrawn allowable distributable earnings from our merchandise trusts, including gains prior to the maturity or cancellation of the related contract. Additionally, some states have laws that either require replenishment of investment losses under certain circumstances or impose various restrictions on withdrawals of future earnings when trust fund values drop below certain prescribed amounts. In the event of realized losses or market declines, we may be required to deposit portions or all of these amounts into the respective trusts in some future period. As of December 31, 2019, we had unrealized losses of approximately $4.2 million in the various trusts within these states, of which $3.1 million were in merchandise trust accounts and $1.1 million were in perpetual care trust accounts.

Any reductions in the earnings of the investments held in merchandise and perpetual care trusts could adversely affect our revenues and cash flow.

We invest our trust assets primarily for generation of realized income. We rely on the earnings, interest and dividends paid by the assets in our trusts to provide both revenue and cash flow. Interest income from fixed-

income securities is particularly susceptible to changes in interest rates and declines in credit worthiness while dividends from equity securities are susceptible to the issuer’s ability to make such payments. Declines in earnings from perpetual care trust funds would cause a decline in current revenue, while declines in earnings from other trust funds could cause a decline in future cash flows and revenue.

Unfavorable publicity could affect our reputation and business.

Since our operations relate to life events that are emotionally stressful for our client families, our business is dependent on customer trust and confidence. Unfavorable publicity about our business generally or in relation to any specific location could affect our reputation and customers’ trust and confidence in our products and services, thereby having an adverse impact upon our sales and financial results.

Our failure to attract and retain qualified sales personnel and management could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Our ability to attract and retain a qualified sales force and other personnel is an important factor in achieving future success. Buying cemetery and funeral home products and services, especiallyat-need products and services, is very emotional for most customers, so our sales force must be particularly sensitive to our customers’ needs. We cannot assure our stockholders that we will be successful in our efforts to attract and retain a skilled sales force. If we are unable to maintain a qualified and productive sales force, our revenues may decline and our cash available for distribution may decrease.

Our success also depends upon the services and capabilities of our management team. Management establishes the “tone at the top” by which an environment of ethical values, operating style and management philosophy is fostered. The inability of our senior management team to maintain a proper “tone at the top” or the loss of services of one or more members of senior management, as well as the inability to attract qualified managers or other personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may not be able to locate or employ on acceptable terms qualified replacements for senior management or key employees if their services were no longer available. We do not maintain key employee insurance on any of our executive officers.

Failure to effectively identify and manage divestitures and acquisitions could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

In the fourth quarter of 2019, we launched an asset sale program designed to divest assets at attractive multiples, reduce debt levels and improve our cash flow and liquidity. As of April 1, 2020, execution of this program has resulted in the consummation of the Oakmont Sale in January 2020 and the execution of two separate asset purchase agreements for the Olivet Sale and the Remaining California Sale in March 2020. However, we may not be successful in identifying additional divestiture opportunities on terms acceptable to us and the gains or losses on the divestiture of, or lost operating income from, such assets may affect our earnings.

In addition, we continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities that could strategically fit our business objectives. However, we may not be successful in identifying and acquiring cemeteries or funeral homes on terms favorable to us or at all and may face competition from other death care companies in making acquisitions. In addition, if we complete acquisitions, we may encounter various associated risks, including the inability to integrate an acquired business into our operations, diversion of management’s attention and unanticipated problems or liabilities, some or all of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial performance. Moreover, if we acquire cemeteries that do not have an existingpre-need sales program or a significant amount ofpre-need products and services that have been sold but not yet purchased or performed, the operation of the cemetery and implementation of apre-need sales program after acquisition may require significant amounts of working capital.

We are also limited by our Indenture, which prohibits us from incurring additional debt or liens for acquisitions and engaging in certain asset sale transactions (subject to very limited exceptions), as well as restricts our use of proceeds from asset sale transactions.

If our execution and implementation of divestitures and acquisitions is unsuccessful, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow could be adversely affected. We may also incur asset impairment charges related to divestitures or acquisitions that would reduce our earnings.

We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and determined that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective which could, if not remediated, result in additional material misstatements in our financial statements and may adversely affect our liquidity, the market for our common shares and our business.

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over our financial reporting, as defined in Rules13a- 15(e) and13a-15(f), respectively, under the Exchange Act. Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide timely, reliable and accurate financial reports, identify and proactively correct any deficiencies, material weaknesses or fraud and meet our reporting obligations. As disclosed in Part II, Item 9A.Controls and Procedures of this Annual Report, management identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and concluded our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2018. A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Our independent registered public accounting firm also expressed an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

We have commenced our remediation efforts as discussed in Part II, Item 9A.Controls and Procedures of this Annual Report to address the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and ineffective disclosure controls and procedures, which may include replacing and or enhancing our accounting systems in order to better perform the evaluation needed to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. If accounting systems are not successfully implemented or we encounter other difficulties, we might incur significant unexpected expenses in order to perform the Section 404 evaluation and our ability to file timely with the SEC may be adversely impacted. In addition, if our remedial measures are insufficient, or if additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal controls occur in the future, we could be required to further restate our financial results, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, restrict our ability to access the capital markets, require us to expend significant resources to correct the material weaknesses or deficiencies, harm our reputation or otherwise cause a decline in investor confidence.

We rely significantly on information technology and any failure, inadequacy, interruption or security lapse of that technology, including any cybersecurity incidents, could harm our ability to operate our business effectively.

Our ability to manage and maintain our internal reports effectively and integrate new business acquisitions depends significantly on our operational technology platform and other information systems. Some of our information technology systems may experience interruptions, delays or cessations of service or produce errors in connection with ongoing systems implementation work. Cybersecurity attacks in particular are evolving and include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in systems and corruption of data. The failure of our systems to operate effectively or to integrate with other systems or a breach in security or other unauthorized access of these systems may also result in reduced efficiency of our operations and could require significant capital investments to remediate any such failure, problem or breach and to comply with applicable regulations, all of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Any failure to maintain the security of the information relating to our customers, their loved ones, our employees and our vendors could damage our reputation, cause us to incur substantial additional costs and make us subject to litigation, all of which could adversely affect our operating results, financial condition or cash flow.

In the ordinary course of our business, we receive certain personal information, in both physical and electronic formats, about our customers, their loved ones, our employees and our vendors. In addition, our online operations depend upon the secure transmission of confidential information over public networks, including information permitting electronic payments. We maintain security measures and data backup systems to protect, store and prevent unauthorized access to such information. However, it is possible that computer hackers and others (through cyberattacks, which are rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly sophisticated, or by other means) might defeat our security measures in the future and obtain the personal information of customers, their loved ones, our employees and our vendors that we hold. In addition, our employees, contractors or third parties with whom we do business may attempt to circumvent our security measures to misappropriate such information and may purposefully or inadvertently cause a breach, corruption or data loss involving such information. A breach of our security measures or failure in our backup systems could adversely affect our reputation with our customers and their loved ones, our employees and our vendors, as well as our operations, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow. It could also result in litigation against us or the imposition of penalties. Moreover, a security breach could require that we expend significant additional resources to upgrade further the security measures that we employ to guard such important personal information against cyberattacks and other attempts to access such information and could result in a disruption of our operations.

The financial condition of third-party insurance companies that fund ourpre-need funeral contracts and the amount of benefits those policies ultimately pay may impact our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Where permitted, customers may arrange theirpre-need funeral contract by purchasing a life insurance or annuity policy from third-party insurance companies. The customer/policy holder assigns the policy benefits to our funeral home to pay for thepre-need funeral contract at the time of need. For the sales ofpre-need funeral contracts funded through life insurance policies, we receive commissions from third-party insurance companies. Additionally, there is a death benefit associated with the contract that may vary over the contract life. There is no guarantee that the value of the death benefit will increase or cover future increases in the cost of providing a funeral service. If the financial condition of the third-party insurance companies were to deteriorate materially because of market conditions or otherwise, there could be an adverse effect on our ability to collect all or part of the proceeds of the life insurance or annuity policy, including any increase in the death benefit. Failure to collect such proceeds could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Our liquidity may be impacted by our ability to negotiate bonding arrangements with third-party insurance companies.

Where permitted, we may enter into bonding arrangements with insurance companies, wherebypre-need performance obligations otherwise required to be trusted may be insured through a process called bonding. In the event that we are unable to deliver on bondedpre-need contract sales at the time of need, the insurance company will provide cash sufficient to deliver goods for the respectivepre-need sale item. On an ongoing basis, we must negotiate acceptable terms of these various bonding arrangements, and the insurance company may require us to provide cash collateral from time to time under certain circumstances. To the extent we are unable to negotiate acceptable terms for such arrangements and thus are no longer able to maintain existing bonds, we would need to deposit the corresponding amounts in the merchandise trusts. In addition, the insurance companies may increasingly require us to provide cash collateral for such surety bonds in light of our financial condition. We may be required to provide additional cash collateral from time to time under certain circumstances. Any of these actions would have an adverse impact on our liquidity.

Litigation or legal proceedings could expose us to significant liabilities and damage our reputation.

From time to time, we are party to various claims and legal proceedings, including, but not limited to, claims and proceedings regarding employment, cemetery or burial practices and other litigation. As set forth more fully in Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings and Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies of this Annual Report, we are currently subject to state law claims that certain of our officers and directors breached their fiduciary duty to the Company. We could also become subject to additional claims and legal proceedings relating to the factual allegations made in these actions. We are also subject to class or collective actions under the wage and hours provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and state wage and hour laws, including, but not limited to, national and state class or collective actions, or putative class or collective actions.

Adverse outcomes in some or all of our pending cases may result in significant monetary damages or injunctive relief against us, as litigation and other claims are subject to inherent uncertainties. Any such adverse outcomes, in pending cases or other lawsuits that may arise in the future, could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flow. While we hold insurance policies that may reduce cash outflows with respect to adverse outcomes of certain litigation matters, these insurance policies exclude certain claims, such as claims arising under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

In addition, litigation claims and legal proceedings could demand substantial amounts of our management’s time, resulting in the diversion of our management resources from effectively managing our business operations, and costs to defend litigation claims and legal proceedings could be material. Any adverse publicity resulting from allegations made in litigation claims or legal proceedings may also adversely affect our reputation. All these factors could negatively affect our business and results of operations.

Our ability to use our Net Operating Losses and other tax assets is uncertain.

As of December 31, 2019, we had net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $423.0 million for U.S. federal income tax purposes and substantial similar tax assets at the federal and state levels. Along with other previous transfers of our interests, we believe the Recapitalization Transactions caused an “ownership change” for income tax purposes, which may significantly limit our ability to use NOLs and certain other tax assets to offset future taxable income, possibly reducing the amount of cash available to us to satisfy our obligations.

A number of years may elapse before particular tax matters, for which we have established accruals, are audited and finally resolved.

We are subject to federal income tax laws and state tax laws. The number of tax years open to audit varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. The federal statutes of limitations have expired for all tax years prior to 2016, and we are not currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). Various state jurisdictions are conducting sales tax audits from years 2015 to 2019 and escheat audits from year 2005 to present day. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, we believe that our accruals reflect the probable outcome of known tax contingencies. However, unfavorable settlement of any particular issue may reduce a deferred tax asset or require the use of cash, which may have a material adverse impact to our financial statements. Favorable resolution could result in reduced income tax expense reported in the financial statements in the future. For further details, see Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 12 Income Taxesof this Annual Report.

Changes in taxation as well as the inherent difficulty in quantifying potential tax effects of business decisions could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

We make judgments regarding the utilization of existing income tax credits and the potential tax effects of various financial transactions and results of operations to estimate our obligations to taxing authorities. Tax

obligations include income, franchise, real estate, sales and use and employment-related taxes. These judgments include reserves for potential adverse outcomes regarding tax positions that have been taken. Changes in federal, state, or local tax laws, adverse tax audit results, or adverse tax rulings on positions taken could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations, financial condition or cash flow.

If the IRS makes audit adjustments to the Partnership’s income tax returns for 2018 or 2019 tax years, it (and some states) may assess and collect any taxes (including any applicable penalties and interest) resulting from such audit adjustment directly from us, in which case our financial condition could be adversely affected.

Pursuant to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, for our 2018 and 2019 tax years, if the IRS makes audit adjustments to the Partnership’s income tax returns, it (and some states) may assess and collect any taxes (including any applicable penalties and interest) resulting from such audit adjustment directly from us. To the extent possible under the new rules, we may elect to either pay the taxes (including any applicable penalties and interest) directly to the IRS or, if we are eligible, issue a revised ScheduleK-1 to each holder of the Partnership’s common units during the applicable year with respect to an unaudited and adjusted return. Although we may elect to have such unitholders take such audit adjustment into account in accordance with their interests in the Partnership during the tax year under audit, there can be no assurance the election will be practical, permissible or effective in all circumstances. As a result, StoneMor Inc. may be required to pay the necessary taxes, which would mean that our current stockholders may indirectly bear some or all of the impact of the tax liability resulting from such audit adjustment, even if they did not own units in us during the tax year under audit. If, as a result of any such audit adjustment, we are required to make payments of taxes, penalties and/or interest, our financial condition could be adversely affected. These rules were not applicable for tax years beginning on or prior to December 31, 2017.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDUSTRY

The cemetery and funeral home industry continues to be competitive, and if we are not able to respond effectively to changing consumer preferences, our market share, revenues and profitability could decrease.

Our ability to compete successfully depends on our management’s forward vision, timely responses to changes in the business environment and the ability of our cemeteries and funeral homes to maintain a good reputation and high professional standards as well as offer products and services at competitive prices. If we are unable to compete successfully, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

We experience price competition from independent funeral service location and cemetery operators, monument dealers, casket retailers,low-cost funeral providers and other nontraditional providers of merchandise and services. New market entrants tend to attempt to build market share by offering lower cost alternatives. In the past, this price competition has resulted in our losing market share in some markets. In other markets, we have had to reduce prices or offer discounts, thereby reducing profit margins in order to retain or recapture market share. Independent competitors tend to be aggressive in distinguishing themselves by their independent ownership, and they promote their independence through television, radio and print advertising, direct mailings and personal contact. Increasing pressures from new market entrants and continued advertising and marketing by competitors in local markets could cause us to lose market share and revenue. In addition, competitors may change the types or mix of products or services offered. These changes may attract customers, causing us to lose market share and revenue as well as to incur costs in response to this competition. Increased use of the internet by customers to research and/or purchase products and services could also have an adverse impact upon our sales and financial results.

Future market share, revenues and profits will depend in part on our ability to anticipate, identify and respond to changing consumer preferences ahead of and/or better than our competitors. In addition, any strategies we may implement to address these trends may prove incorrect or ineffective.

Broad-based business or economic disruptions caused by global health concerns and other crises could adversely affect our business, financial condition, profitability or cash flows.

Global health concerns, such as theCOVID-19 Pandemic, could result in social, economic and labor instability that adversely affect our employee and customer relationships,pre-need sales activity, the value of our trust investments and associated funding obligations, and in so doing adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. For example, governmental actions restricting public gatherings and interaction may result in our customers deferring making purchase decisions regardingpre-need arrangements or delay holding funeral services and may result in our inability to operate our cemeteries and funeral homes, which would have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, ourpre-need customers with installment contracts could default on their installment contracts due to lost work or other financial stresses arising from theCOVID-19 Pandemic. Having to adjust our policies and practices to respond to global health concerns could also result in increased operating expenses. We continue to monitor this public health crisis and its impact on our employees, customers and vendors and the overall economic environment within the U.S. and worldwide, but we cannot presently predict the full scope and severity of the disruptions caused by theCOVID-19 Pandemic on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Because fixed costs are inherent in our business, a decrease in our revenues can have a disproportionate effect on our cash flow and profits.

Our business requires us to incur many of the costs of operating and maintaining facilities, land and equipment regardless of the level of sales in any given period. For example, we must pay salaries, utilities, property taxes and maintenance costs on our cemetery properties and funeral homes regardless of the number of interments or funeral services we perform. If we cannot decrease these costs significantly or rapidly when we experience declines in sales, declines in sales can cause our margins, profits and cash flow to decline at a greater rate than the decline in our revenues.

If the trend toward cremation in the U.S. continues, our revenues may decline, which could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

We and other death care companies that focus on traditional methods of interment face competition from the increasing number of cremations in the U.S. Industry studies1 indicate that the percentage of cremations has steadily increased. In 2018, the U.S. cremation rate was 53%, with an annual growth rate from 2013 to 2018 of 1.58%. This percentage is expected to increase to 59% by 2023. Because the products and services associated with cremations, such as niches and urns, produce lower revenues than the products and services associated with traditional interments, a continuing trend toward cremation may reduce our revenues. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, sales related to cremations represented 7% and 5%, respectively, of our total consolidated revenues.

Declines in the number of deaths in our markets can cause a decrease in revenues.

Declines in the number of deaths could causeat-need sales of cemetery and funeral home merchandise and services to decline and could cause a decline in the number ofpre-need sales, both of which could decrease revenues. Changes in the number of deaths can vary among local markets and from quarter to quarter, and variations in the number of deaths in our markets or from quarter to quarter are not predictable. Generally, the number of deaths may fluctuate depending on weather conditions and illness.

Regulation and compliance could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.

Our operations are subject to regulation, supervision and licensing under numerous federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, including extensive regulations concerning trusts/escrows,pre-need sales, cemetery

1

Industry statistics were compiled by the Cremation Association of North America.

ownership, funeral home ownership, marketing practices, crematories, environmental matters and various other aspects of our business. For example, the funeral industry is regulated at the federal level by the FTC, which requires funeral service locations to take actions designed to protect consumers. Our facilities are also subject to stringent health, safety, and environmental regulations. Our pay practices, including wage and hour overtime pay, are also subject to federal and state regulations. Violations of applicable laws could result in fines or sanctions against us. We may experience significant increases in costs as a result of business regulations and laws, which are beyond our control, including increases in the cost of health care. Although we seek to control increases in these costs, continued upward pressure on costs could reduce the profitability of our business.

State laws impose licensing requirements and regulatepre-need sales. As such, we are subject to state trust fund andpre-need sales practice audits, which could result in audit adjustments as a result ofnon-compliance. In addition, we assume the liability for any audit adjustments for our acquired businesses for periods under audit prior to our ownership of these acquired businesses. These audit adjustments could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

In addition, from time to time, governments and agencies propose to amend or add regulations or reinterpret existing regulations, which could increase costs and decrease cash flows. For example, foreign, federal, state, local, and other regulatory agencies have considered and may enact additional legislation or regulations that could affect the deathcare industry. These include regulations that require more liberal refund and cancellation policies forpre-need sales of products and services, limit or eliminate our ability to use surety bonding, require the escheatment of trust funds, increase trust requirements, require the deposit of funds or collateral to offset unrealized losses of trusts, and/or prohibit the common ownership of funeral service locations and cemeteries in the same market. If adopted by the regulatory authorities of the jurisdictions in which we operate, these and other possible proposals could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Compliance with laws, regulations, industry standards, and customs concerning burial procedures and the handling and care of human remains is critical to the continued success of our business. We continually monitor and review our operations in an effort to ensure that we take the right actions necessary to remaining in compliance with these laws, regulations and standards. However, litigation and regulatory proceedings regarding these issues could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

For additional information regarding the regulation of the funeral and cemetery industry, see Part I, Item 1.Business, Regulation of this Annual Report.

We are subject to legal restrictions on our marketing practices that could reduce the volume of our sales, which could have an adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition.

The enactment or amendment of legislation or regulations relating to marketing activities may make it more difficult for us to sell our products and services. For example, the federal “do not call” legislation has adversely affected our ability to market our products and services using telephone solicitation, by limiting whom we may call and increasing our costs of compliance. As a result, we rely heavily on direct mail marketing and telephonefollow-up with existing contacts. Additional laws or regulations limiting our ability to market through direct mail, over the telephone, through Internet ande-mail advertising ordoor-to-door may make it difficult to identify potential customers, which could increase our costs of marketing. Both increases in marketing costs and restrictions on our ability to market effectively could reduce our revenues and could have an adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition, as well as our ability to make cash distributions to our stockholders.

RISK FACTORS RELATED TO OWNING OUR COMMON STOCK

Axar holds a majority of the voting power of our common stock.

Axar Capital Management L.P. and its affiliates (collectively, “Axar”) beneficially owns more than 52% of our outstanding common stock and, as a result, has the ability to elect all of the members of our Board of Directors other than one director whose nomination and election is the subject of a separate voting agreement. In addition, it will be able to determine the outcome of all other matters requiring stockholder approval, including certain mergers and other material transactions, and will be able to cause or prevent a change in the composition of our Board of Directors or a change in control of our Company that could deprive our stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their common stock as part of a sale of our Company. So long as Axar continues to own a significant amount of our outstanding shares, even if such amount is less than 50%, it will continue to be able to strongly influence all matters requiring stockholder approval, regardless of whether or not other stockholders believe that the transaction is in their own best interests. Axar’s ownership interest also makes us a “controlled company” within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) listing standards. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines, consistent with the listing standards applicable to companies that are not controlled companies, require that a majority of our directors and all of the members of our Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee be independent within the meaning of those standards. However, we can amend our Corporate Governance Guidelines in our Board’s discretion, and as a controlled company, we are not subject to the requirement that a majority of our directors and all of the members of our Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee be independent.

Economic, financial and stock market fluctuations could affect future potential earnings and cash flows and could result in future intangible asset and long-lived asset impairments.

In addition to an annual review, we assess the impairment of our goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be greater than fair value and therefore not fully recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to the future net cash flow, undiscounted and without interest, expected to be generated by the assets. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, a significant decline in the market value of our stock or debt values, significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results, and significant negative industry or economic trends. In 2019, we determined that the continued decline of our sales during 2019 was a triggering event that warranted an impairment assessment of our definite-lived and long-lived intangible assets. Based on the results of our interim goodwill impairment assessment for the third quarter of 2019, we concluded our goodwill was fully impaired as of September 30, 2019, and recorded a loss on goodwill impairment of $24.9 million in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. Based on the results of our impairment tests of our long-lived assets throughout 2019, we concluded certain of our long-lived assets were impaired by a total of $2.9 million during year ended December 31, 2019, which was included in Other losses, net in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 in Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

We do not expect to pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future.

Due to our continued high level of indebtedness and limited liquidity, we do not expect to pay dividends for the foreseeable future. In addition, the Indenture governing our Senior Secured Notes prohibits us from paying any dividends with limited exceptions.

ITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES

CEMETERIES AND FUNERAL HOMES

The following table summarizes the distribution of our cemetery and funeral home properties by state as of December 31, 2019 as well as the average estimated remaining sales life in years for our cemeteries based upon the number of interment spaces sold during the most recent three years:

   Cemeteries   Funeral
Homes
   Cemetery
Net
Acres
   Average
Estimated Net
Sales Life
in Years
   Number
of Interment
Spaces Sold
in 2019
 

Alabama

   9    6    305    204    753 

California

   7    7    272    67    1,238 

Colorado

   2    —      12    433    32 

Delaware

   1    —      12    216    8 

Florida

   9    28    278    101    861 

Georgia

   7    —      135    160    452 

Illinois

   11    2    438    57    1,043 

Indiana

   11    5    1,013    240    863 

Iowa

   1    —      89    479    77 

Kansas

   3    2    84    176    242 

Kentucky

   2    —      59    139    82 

Maryland

   10    1    716    202    1,067 

Michigan

   13    —      818    337    823 

Mississippi

   2    1    44    396    27 

Missouri

   6    3    277    279    376 

New Jersey

   6    —      341    76    1,076 

North Carolina

   19    2    619    189    996 

Ohio

   13    2    627    327    603 

Oregon

   7    10    162    260    406 

Pennsylvania

   68    8    5,319    352    8,090 

Puerto Rico

   7    4    209    97    593 

Rhode Island

   2    —      70    193    30 

South Carolina

   8    1    395    312    290 

Tennessee

   11    4    657    189    1,148 

Virginia

   34    2    1,183    246    1,737 

Washington

   3    —      33    62    125 

West Virginia

   33    2    1,404    617    650 

Wisconsin

   16    —      533    201    694 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   321    90    16,104    243    24,382 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

We calculated estimated remaining sales life for each of our cemeteries by dividing the number of unsold interment spaces as of December 31, 2019 by the average number of interment spaces sold at that cemetery in the three most recent fiscal years. For purposes of estimating remaining sales life, we defined unsold interment spaces as unsold burial lots and unsold spaces in existing mausoleum crypts as of December 31, 2019. We defined interment spaces sold in the three most recent fiscal years as:

the number of burial lots sold, net of cancellations, over such period;

the number of spaces sold over such period in existing mausoleum crypts, net of cancellations; and

the number of spaces sold over such period in mausoleum crypts that we have not yet built, net of cancellations.

We count the sale of a double-depth burial lot as the sale of two interment spaces since a double-depth burial lot includes two interment rights. For the same reason we count an unsold double-depth burial lot as two unsold interment spaces. Because our sales of cremation niches were immaterial, we did not include cremation niches in the calculation of estimated remaining sales life. When calculating estimated remaining sales life, we did not take into account any future cemetery expansion. In addition, sales of an unusually high or low number of interment spaces in a particular year affect our calculation of estimated remaining sales life. Future sales may differ from previous years’ sales, and actual remaining sales life may differ from our estimates. We calculated the average estimated remaining sales life by aggregating unsold interment spaces and interment spaces sold on astate-by-state or company-wide basis. Based on the average number of interment spaces sold in the last three fiscal years, we estimate that our cemeteries have an aggregate average remaining sales life of 243 years.

The following table shows the cemetery properties that we owned or operated as of December 31, 2019, grouped by estimated remaining sales life:

   0 - 25
years
   26 - 49
years
   50 - 100
years
   101 - 150
years
   151 - 200
years
   Over 200
years
 

Alabama

   —      —      1    4    2    2 

California

   1    2    3    —      —      1 

Colorado

   —      —      1    —      —      1 

Delaware

   —      —      —      —      —      1 

Florida

   1    1    3    2    1    1 

Georgia

   1    —      2    —      2    2 

Illinois

   2    2    2    1    1    3 

Indiana

   —      —      1    3    1    6 

Iowa

   —      —      —      —      —      1 

Kansas

   —      1    —      1    —      1 

Kentucky

   —      1    —      —      —      1 

Maryland

   2    —      —      2    1    5 

Michigan

   —      —      1    2    3    7 

Mississippi

   —      —      —      —      —      2 

Missouri

   —      —      1    2    —      3 

New Jersey

   2    —      1    3    —      —   

North Carolina

   —      3    —      4    1    11 

Ohio

   —      —      1    2    1    9 

Oregon

   —      —      1    1    —      5 

Pennsylvania

   9    1    6    6    —      46 

Puerto Rico

   —      —      4    2    —      1 

Rhode Island

   —      —      1    —      —      1 

South Carolina

   —      —      2    1    —      5 

Tennessee

   —      —      2    2    —      7 

Virginia

   3    1    —      6    2    22 

Washington

   —      —      3    —      —      —   

West Virginia

   6    —      2    1    1    23 

Wisconsin

   1    —      2    1    1    11 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   28    12    40    46    17    178 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

We believe that we have either satisfactory title to or valid rights to use all of our cemetery properties. The 30 cemetery properties that we manage or operate under long-term lease, operating or management agreements have nonprofit owners. We believe that these cemeteries have either satisfactory title to or valid rights to use these cemetery properties and that we have valid rights to use these properties under the long-term agreements. Although title to the cemetery properties is subject to encumbrances, such as liens for taxes, encumbrances

securing payment obligations, easements, restrictions and immaterial encumbrances, we do not believe that any of these burdens should materially detract from the value of these properties or from our interest in these properties nor should these burdens materially interfere with the use of our cemetery properties in the operation of our business as described above. Many of our cemetery properties are located in zoned regions, and we believe that cemetery use is permitted for those cemeteries: (i) as expressly permitted under applicable zoning ordinances; (ii) through a special exception to applicable zoning designations; or (iii) as an existingnon-conforming use.

OTHER

Our home office is located in a 57,000 square foot leased space in Trevose, Pennsylvania, with a lease that expires in 2028, with certain contractual renewal options. We are also tenants under various leases covering office spaces other than our corporate headquarters.

ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For information regarding our significant pending administrative and judicial proceedings involving regulatory, operating, transactional, environmental, and other matters, see Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies.

We and certain of our subsidiaries are parties to legal proceedings that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. We do not expect such matters to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We carry insurance with coverage and coverage limits that we believe to be customary in the cemetery and funeral home industry. Although there can be no assurance that such insurance will be sufficient to protect us against such contingencies, we believe that our insurance protection is reasonable in view of the nature and scope of our operations.

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

MARKET INFORMATION

Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “STON”.

HOLDERS

As of March 25, 2020, there were approximately 11 holders of record of our common stock. The number of record holders does not include persons who held our common stock in nominee or “street name” accounts through brokers.

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

As a smaller reporting company, we have elected not to provide the performance graph otherwise required by this Item.

RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES; USE OF PROCEEDS FROM REGISTERED SECURITIES

Purchases of Equity Securities

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Period

  (a)
Total
Number of
Units
Purchased(1)
   (b)
Average
Price Paid
per Unit(2)
   (c)
Total Number of
Units Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
   (d)
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Units that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
 

April 1, 2019 - April 25, 2019

   18,265   $3.91    —     $—   

May 1, 2019

   167    3.90    —      —   

June 1, 2019

   167    2.40    —      —   

July 1, 2019 - July 18, 2019

   17,438    1.97    —      —   

August 1, 2019

   376,518    1.80    —      —   

September 1, 2019

   167    1.10    —      —   

October 1, 2019 - October 18, 2019

   16,081    1.14    —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   428,803   $1.87    —     $—   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

All of these units represent units that were withheld upon the vesting of awards under the StoneMor 2019 Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”) to satisfy certain tax obligations of the recipients of such awards arising from the vesting thereof and thus may be deemed to have been repurchased by the Company.

(2)

The value of the units withheld was the closing price of the Company’s common units on the last trading day before the date on which such units were withheld.

ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

As a smaller reporting company, we have elected not to provide the disclosure otherwise required under this Item.

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management’s discussion and analysis presented below provides information to assist in understanding the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Dataof this Annual Report.

Certain statements contained in this Annual Report, including, but not limited to, information regarding our operating activities, the plans and objectives of our management and assumptions regarding our future performance and plans are forward-looking statements. When used in this Annual Report, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and estimates. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are made subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results stated or implied in this Annual Report. We believe the assumptions underlying the consolidated financial statements are reasonable.

Our risks and uncertainties are more particularly described in Part I, Item 1A.Risk Factors of this Annual Report. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. Except as required by applicable laws, we undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

We are one of the leading providers of funeral and cemetery products and services in the death care industry in the United States (“U.S.”). As of December 31, 2019, we operated 321 cemeteries in 27 states and Puerto Rico, of which 291 were owned and 30 were operated under leases, operating agreements or management agreements. We also owned, operated or managed 90 funeral homes in 17 states and Puerto Rico. On December 31, 2019, we consummated theC-Corporation Conversion for the purpose of transitioning the Partnership and its affiliates from a master limited partnership structure to a corporate form. See Part II. Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements���Note 1 General of this Annual Report for further information related to theC-Corporation Conversion.

Our revenue is derived from our Cemetery Operations and Funeral Home Operations segments. Our Cemetery Operations segment principally generates revenue from sales of interment rights, cemetery merchandise, which includes markers, bases, vaults, caskets and cremation niches and our cemetery services, which include opening and closing (“O&C”) services, cremation services and fees for the installation of cemetery merchandise. Our Funeral Home Operations segment principally generates revenue from sales of funeral home merchandise, which includes caskets and other funeral related items and service revenues, which include services such as family consultation, the removal of and preparation of remains and the use of funeral home facilities for visitation and prayer services. These sales occur both at the time of death, which we referto as at-need, and prior to the time of death, which we referto as pre-need. Our Funeral Home Operations segment also include revenues related to the sale of term and whole life insurance on an agency basis, in which we earn a commission from the sales of these insurance policies.

Thepre-need sales enhance our financial position by providing a backlog of future revenue from both trust and insurance-funded pre-need funeral and cemetery sales. We believepre-need sales add to the stability and predictability of our revenues and cash flows. Pre-need sales are typically sold on an installment plan. While revenue on the majority ofpre-need funeral sales is deferred until the time of need, sales ofpre-need cemetery property interment rights provide opportunities for full current revenue recognition when the property is available for use by the customer.

We also earn investment income on certain payments received from customerson pre-need contracts, which are required by law to be deposited into the merchandise and service trusts. Amounts are withdrawn from the merchandise and service trusts when we fulfill the performance obligations. Earnings on these trust funds, which are specifically identifiable for each performance obligation, are also included in the total transaction price. For sales of interment rights, a portion of the cash proceeds received are required to be deposited into a perpetual care trust. While the principal balance of the perpetual care trust must remain in the trust in perpetuity, we recognize investment income on such assets as revenue, excluding realized gains and losses from the sale of trustassets. Pre-need contracts are subject to financing arrangements on an installment basis, with a contractual term not to exceed 60 months. Interest income is recognized utilizing the effective interest method. For those contracts that do not bear a market rate of interest, we impute such interest based upon the prime rate at the time of origination plus 150 basis points in order to segregate the principal and interest components of the total contract value.

Our revenue depends upon the demand for funeral and cemetery services and merchandise, which can be influenced by a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our control including demographic trends, such as population growth, average age, death rates and number of deaths. Our operating results and cash flows could also be influenced by our ability to remain relevant to the customers. We provide a variety of unique product and service offerings to meet the needs of our customers’ families. The mix of services could influence operating results, as it influences the average revenue per contract. Expense management, which includes controlling salaries, merchandise costs, corporate overhead and other expense categories, could also impact operating results and cash flows. Lastly, economic conditions, legislative and regulatory changes and tax law changes, all of which are beyond our control, could impact our operating results and cash flows.

For further discussion of our key operating metrics, see our Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources sections below.

RECENT EVENTS

The following are key events and transactions that have occurred since January 1, 2019 that were material to us and/or facilitate an understanding of our consolidated financial statements contained in Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Dataof this Annual Report:

COVID-19 Pandemic. See the following section “General Trends and Outlook” of Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for discussion on the impact we have seen on our business as a result of theCOVID-19 Pandemic;

Divestitures.On January 3, 2020, we consummated the Oakmont Sale with Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc. for an aggregate cash purchase price of $33.0 million. The divested assets consisted of one cemetery, one funeral home and certain related assets. In March 2020, we entered into the Olivet Agreement with Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association to sell substantially all of the assets of the cemetery, funeral establishment and crematory commonly known as Olivet Memorial Park, Olivet Funeral and Cremation Services and Olivet Memorial Park & Crematory for a net cash purchase price of $24.3 million, subject to certain adjustments. In addition, in March 2020, we entered into the California Agreement with certain entities owned by John Yeatman and Guy Saxton to sell substantially all of our remaining California properties, consisting of five cemeteries, six funeral establishments and four crematories for a cash purchase price of $7.1 million, subject to certain closing adjustments. In January 2020, we redeemed an aggregate $30.4 million of principal on the Senior Secured Notes, primarily using the net proceeds from the Oakmont Sale. Per the Indenture, we anticipate using the first $23.7 million of net proceeds and 80% of the remaining net proceeds from the Olivet Sale along with 80% of the net proceeds from the Remaining California Sale to redeem additional portions of the outstanding Senior Secured Notes;

Amendments to Indenture and Capital Raise in 2020.On April 1, 2020, the Partnership, Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as

trustee, entered into the Supplemental Indenture. Pursuant to the terms of the Supplemental Indenture, several financial covenants were amended. The amendments effected by the Supplemental Indenture will become operational when we pay a $5 million consent fee to the holders of the Senior Secured Notes, of which $3.5 million will be paid in cash and $1.5 million will be paid by increasing the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes outstanding, and satisfy other specified conditions. Concurrently with the execution of the Supplemental Indenture, we entered the Axar Commitment pursuant to which Axar committed to (a) purchase shares of our Series A Preferred Stock with an aggregate purchase price of $8.8 million on April 3, 2020, (b) exercise its basic rights in the rights offering by tendering the shares of Series A Preferred Stock so purchased for shares of Common Stock and (c) purchase any shares offered in the rights offering for which other stockholders do not exercise their rights, up to a maximum of an additional $8.2 million of such shares. We did not pay Axar any commitment, backstop or other fees in connection with the Axar Commitment. As contemplated by the Axar Commitment, on April 3, 2020, we sold an aggregate of 176 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock to the 2020 Purchasers for an aggregate purchase price of $8.8 million. Under the terms of the Supplemental Indenture and the Axar Commitment, we agreed to undertake an offering to holders of our Common Stock of transferable rights to purchase their pro rata share of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate exercise price of at least $17 million at a price of $0.73 per share. The rights offering period, during which the rights will be transferable, will be no less than 20 calendar days and no more than 45 calendar days. We agreed to use our best efforts to complete the rights offering with an expiration date no later than July 24, 2020. For further details, see Part II. Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary DataData—Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 26 Subsequent Events of this Annual Report;

 

Reduction in Workforce.On January 31, 2019, we announced a profit improvement initiative as part of our ongoing organizational review. This profit improvement initiative is intended to further integrate, streamline and optimize our operations. As part of this profit improvement initiative, during 2019 we undertook certain cost reduction initiatives, which included a reduction of approximately 200 positions of our workforce within our field operations and corporate functions in our headquarters located in Trevose, Pennsylvania;

 B-4 

Recapitalization Transactions in 2019. On June 27, 2019, we closed a $447.5 million recapitalization transaction, consisting of (i) the sale of an aggregate of 52,083,333 of the Partnership’s Series A Preferred Units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership at a purchase price of $1.1040 per Preferred Unit, reflecting an 8% discount to the liquidation preference of each Preferred Unit, for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million and (ii) a concurrent private placement of the Senior Secured Notes to certain financial institutions. The net proceeds of the Recapitalization Transactions were used to fully repay our outstanding senior notes due in June 2021 and retire the revolving credit facility due in May 2020, as well as for associated transaction expenses, cash collateralization of existing letters of credit and other needs under the former credit facility, with the balance available for general corporate purposes;

PART IV

Board Reconstitution.In connection with the closing of the Recapitalization Transactions, our Board of Directors was reconstituted. Directors Martin R. Lautman, Ph.D., Leo J. Pound, Robert A Sick and Fenton R. Talbott resigned as directors and the authorized number of directors was reduced to seven. Andrew Axelrod, David Miller and Spencer Goldenberg were elected to fill the vacancies created by the resignations. The reconstituted board is comprised of Messrs. Axelrod, Miller and Goldenberg, Robert B. Hellman, Jr., Stephen Negrotti, Patricia Wellenbach and Joseph M. Redling. Mr. Axelrod serves as the chairman of the board;

Changes in Executive Management.On April 15, 2019, Garry P. Herdler became our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, replacing Mark Miller. On September 19, 2019,

Jeffrey DiGiovanni became our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, replacing Garry P. Herdler. With Mr. DiGiovanni’s promotion, the roles of Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Financial Officer were combined;

Jim Ford resigned from the Company, and the role of Chief Operating Officer was eliminated; and

Tom Connolly became our Senior Vice President of Business Planning and Operations;

C-Corporation Conversion. On December 31, 2019, we completed theC-Corporation Conversion; and

Lease Accounting Standard.Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted the new lease accounting standard as further discussed in Part II. Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 1 General of this Annual Report which resulted in an increase in other assets of $15.3 million and increases of $2.2 million and $13.1 million in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet. The adoption did not have a material impact on our results of operations or cash flows.

GENERAL TRENDS AND OUTLOOK

We expect our business to be affected by key trends in the death care industry, based upon assumptions made by us and information currently available. Death care industry factors affecting our financial position and results of operations include, but are not limited to, death rates, per capita disposable income, demographic trends in terms of number of adults aged 65 and older, cremation rates and trends ande-commerce sales. The number of deaths which is related to the age structure of the population, mortality rates, disease prevalence, natural disasters, sudden accidents, suicides and other causes drives industry revenue. With the aging of the U.S. population, the number of deaths is expected to increase over the next few years. Per the report by Max Roser titled,Future Population Growth, projected deaths per year in the U.S. are expected to increase by 12% from 2019 to 2028.

Number of births and deaths per year, United States

Source: Max Roser (2020)—“Future Population Growth”.Published online at OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: ‘https://ourworldindata.org/future-population-growth’ [Online Resource]

LOGO

The growth of per capita disposable income is positively correlated with industry performance, as with higher per capita income, consumers are more likely to choose full-service traditional funerals over cremation and purchase

additional expensive merchandise and services. The proportion of the population aged 65 and older is a positive indicator of demand for cemetery services, as this age segment of the population accounts for the majority of all deaths and are most likely to purchasepre-need services and merchandise. Per the report published by IBISWorld in June 2019 titled,IBISWorld Industry Report 81221:Funeral Homes in the US, individuals aged 65 and older are projected to account for 73.9% of market demand in the funeral operations industry in 2019. Per the report published by IBISWorld in April 2019 titled,IBISWorld Industry Report 81222:Cemetery Services in the US, individuals aged 55 and older are projected to account for 86.3% of market demand in the cemetery services industry in 2019.

Item 15.

Major Market Segmentation by Age (2019)

Funeral Homes Industry (U.S.)  Exhibits and Financial Statement SchedulesCemetery Operations Industry (U.S.)

LOGO

  

LOGO

Cremations typically cost significantly less than traditional burial services and bring in significantly less revenue and profit for cemeteries and funeral homes. The rising demand for cremations due to cost considerations, increased mobility of the population, environmental reasons, religious considerations and changing consumer preferences present a potential threat to the cemetery services and funeral homes industries. Per the National Funeral Directors Association’s2019 Cremation & Burial Report, the cremation rate within the U.S. began to exceed the burial rate within the U.S. around the year 2015, and is expected to be over 60% by the year 2025.

Rates of Burial and Cremation

Source: 2019 NFDA Cremation & Burial Report

LOGO

Funeral homes have traditionally benefited from limited competition for industry products, such as caskets and urns; however, online retailers are beginning to encroach on this market sector by offering these products to consumers at more cost-effective prices.

In addition, we are subject to fluctuations in the fair value of equity and fixed-maturity debt securities held in our trusts. These values can be negatively impacted by contractions in the credit market and overall downturns in economic activity. Our ability to make payments on our debt depends on our success at managing operations with respect to these industry trends. To the extent our underlying assumptions about or interpretations of available information prove to be incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from our expected results.

COVID-19 Pandemic

The outbreak ofCOVID-19 in Wuhan, China in December 2019 has since reached pandemic proportions, posing a significant threat to the health and economic wellbeing of our employees, customers and vendors. Currently, our operations have been deemed essential by the state and local governments in which we operate, with the exception of Puerto Rico, and we are actively working with federal, state and local government officials to ensure that we continue to satisfy their requirements for offering our essential services The operation of all of our facilities is critically dependent on the employees who staff these locations. To ensure the wellbeing of our employees and their families, we have provided all of our employees with detailed health and safety literature onCOVID-19, such as the CDC’s industry-specific guidelines for working with the deceased who were and may have been infected withCOVID-19. In addition, our procurement and safety teams have updated and developed new safety-oriented guidelines to support daily field operations and provided personal protection equipment to those employees whose positions necessitate them, and we have implemented work from home policies at our corporate office consistent with CDC guidance to reduce the risks of exposure toCOVID-19 while still supporting the families that we serve.

Our marketing and sales team has quickly responded to the sales challenges presented by theCOVID-19 Pandemic by implementing virtual meeting options using a variety ofweb-based tools to ensure that we can continue to connect with and meet our customers’ needs in a safe, effective and productive manner. Some of our locations have also started providing live video streaming of their funeral and burial services to our customers, so that family and friends can connect virtually during their time of grief.

Like most businesses world-wide, theCOVID-19 Pandemic has impacted us financially; however, we cannot presently predict the scope and severity with whichCOVID-19 will impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. As recently as early March 2020, we were experiencing sales growth for the first quarter of 2020, as compared to the first quarter of 2019. However, over the last two weeks, we have seen ourpre-need sales activity decline as Americans practice social distancing. In addition, ourpre-need customers with installment contracts could default on their installment contracts due to lost work or other financial stresses arising from theCOVID-19 Pandemic. While we expect ourpre-need sales to be challenged during the COVID 19 Pandemic, we believe the implementation of our virtual meeting tools is one of several key steps to mitigate this disruption. In addition, we expect that throughout this disruption our cemeteries and funeral homes will remain open and available to serve our families in all the locations in which we operate to the extent permitted by local authorities, with the exception of Puerto Rico.

Business Strategies

We believe the Recapitalization Transactions demonstrate both strong underlying values of our asset base as well as confidence in our ability to execute our turnaround plan. We believe the recapitalization of our balance sheet has reset our financial footing and helps position us to execute the following business strategies:

 B-67 

Execute on Financial Strategy. The Recapitalization Transactions have significantly extended our debt capital structure with a five-year maturity, which provides us with a meaningful liquidity improvement to execute our turnaround strategy, including the next phase of our performance improvement plans. In April 2019, we announced a turnaround strategy focused on four key goals: cash flow and liquidity, capital structure, strategic balance sheet/portfolio review, and performance improvement from cost reductions and revenue enhancement;

Implementation of New Strategic Initiatives. We view our substantial and diverse asset base as a strength, but we have prioritized the ways in which we view our assets. We believe that by tiering operating units by class and contribution, initiating a divestiture plan for select assets and prioritizing certain assets over others, we will be able to optimize results in our top tier properties and more efficiently manage our assets. From a portfolio review perspective, we continue to focus our resources on improving our “top tier” assets as we believe they possess the greatest potential for improved profitability. We are also minimizing costs and resources on our “lower-tier” assets to reduce the impact these assets have on profitability of the portfolio; and

Improve Operating Efficiencies. We believe we have identified significant expense reduction opportunities in the next phase of this operational turnaround strategy with additional“4-wall level” operational savings, identified projects and industry benchmarking. In addition, we are focused on improving performance through cost reductions and revenue enhancement and executing on other long and short-term turnaround strategies that will allow us to meet our primary objectives on a continuing basis. The next phase of cost reduction and operational performance improvement opportunities have now been identified with a focus on prioritizing identified opportunities in procurement, sourcing, product hierarchy, field labor efficiencies, shared services and outsourcing. We believe that the execution of these initiatives will result in improved profitability and cash flow across the asset base. In terms of revenue enhancements, we believe we have identified the primary drivers of our sales productivity andpre-need sales issues and, while it is in the early stages, we remain focused on improving retention of sales personnel and optimizing staffing levels across our asset base.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

We have two distinct reportable segments, Cemetery Operations and Funeral Home Operations, which are supported by corporate costs and expenses.

Cemetery Operations

Overview

We are currently one of the largest owners and operators of cemeteries in the United States of America. As of December 31, 2019, we operated 321 cemeteries in 27 states and Puerto Rico. We own 291 of these cemeteries, and we manage or operate the remaining 30 under leases, operating agreements or management agreements. Revenues from our Cemetery Operations segment accounted for approximately 82% and 83% of our total revenues during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018

The following table presents operating results for our Cemetery Operations segment for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

   Year Ended December 31, 
           Variance 
   2019   2018   $   % 

Interments

  $67,425   $76,902   $(9,477   (12%) 

Merchandise

   64,476    75,412    (10,936   (15%) 

Services

   65,494    67,278    (1,784   (3%) 

Interest income

   8,280    8,995    (715   (8%) 

Investment and other

   32,212    33,348    (1,136   (3%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

   237,887    261,935    (24,048   (9%) 

Cost of goods sold

   40,174    54,647    (14,473   (26%) 

Cemetery expense

   74,339    78,708    (4,369   (6%) 

Selling expense

   59,347    62,538    (3,191   (5%) 

General and administrative expense

   44,231    43,081    1,150    3

Depreciation and amortization

   7,420    8,037    (617   (8%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

   225,511    247,011    (21,500   (9%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment operating profit

  $12,376   $14,924   $(2,548   (17%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table presents supplemental operating data for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:

   Year Ended December 31, 
           Variance 
   2019   2018   #   % 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

        

Interments performed

   52,010    54,773    (2,763   (5%) 

Net interment rights sold(1)

        

Lots

   23,074    27,044    (3,970   (15%) 

Mausoleum crypts (includingpre-construction)

   1,210    1,334    (124   (9%) 

Niches

   1,679    1,685    (6   (0%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net interment rights sold(1)

   25,963    30,063    (4,100   (14%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cemetery contracts written

        

Number ofpre-need cemetery contracts written

   35,401    39,989    (4,588   (11%) 

Number ofat-need cemetery contracts written

   53,999    57,664    (3,665   (6%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Number of cemetery contracts written

   89,400    97,653    (8,253   (8%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Net of cancellations. Sales of double-depth burial lots are counted as two sales.

Cemetery interments revenues were $67.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $9.5 million and 12% from $76.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The change was due to decreases in thepre-need sales of lots of $3.9 million, lawn crypts of $2.7 million and mausoleums of $2.6 million. These decreases were partially offset by a net increase inat-need interment revenues of $0.9 million, a decrease in cancellations of $0.9 million primarily related to the decrease in interment revenues and a net increase in various otherpre-need revenues of $0.2 million. These changes were combined with a decrease of $2.3 million due to further refinement of our process for recording revenues in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 606,Revenue from Contracts with Customers(“ASC 606”).

Cemetery merchandise revenues were $64.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $10.9 million and 15% from $75.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The change was primarily due to a decrease inpre-need revenues from markers and bases of $7.7 million, a decline in contracts serviced that were acquired through acquisitions in prior years of $2.1 million, a net decrease inat-need merchandise revenues of $0.3 million and a net decrease in various otherpre-need merchandise revenues of $0.1 million. These decreases were partially offset by a decrease in cancellations of $0.7 million primarily related to the decrease in merchandise revenues. These changes were combined with a decrease of $1.4 million due to further refinement of our process for recording revenues in accordance with ASC 606.

Cemetery services revenues were $65.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $1.8 million and 3% from $67.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The change was due to a decrease inat-need opening and closing revenues of $0.9 million, a decline in contracts serviced that were acquired through acquisitions in prior years of $0.5 million and a decrease inpre-need marker installations of $0.4 million. These decreases were partially offset by a net increase in various otherpre-need andat-need service revenues of $0.8 million and a decrease in cancellations of $0.2 million primarily related to the decrease in service revenues. These changes were combined with a decrease of $1.0 million due to further refinement of our process for recording revenues in accordance with ASC 606.

Interest income was $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $0.7 million and 8% from $9.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The change was primarily due to a decrease in accounts receivable outstanding driven by the accelerated collection ofpre-need receivables.

Investment and other income was $32.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $1.1 million and 3% from $33.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The change was due to a decrease in land sales of $0.5 million combined with a net decrease of $1.5 million in various other sources of other income, partially offset by an increase in investment income of $0.9 million.

Cost of goods sold was $40.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $14.5 million and 26% from $54.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The change was due to a decrease of $4.7 million related to lower revenue activity and a $6.9 million decrease in costs primarily related to markers, the servicing of contacts acquired through acquisition, vaults and lots. These decreases were combined with $2.9 million of vault inventory adjustments and impairments that were recorded in the first and fourth quarters of 2018, but which did not recur in 2019.

Cemetery expenses were $74.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $4.4 million and 6% from $78.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The change was primarily due to a decrease in payroll and related taxes of $3.6 million resulting from a reduction in force in 2019 and the implementation of a general manager operating model, gains on insurance recoveries received of $1.1 million and a decrease in real estate taxes of $1.0 million resulting from the reassessment of certain properties under management in the prior year that did not recur in the current year. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase in repairs and maintenance of $1.0 million and a net increase in various other cemetery expenses of $0.3 million.

Selling expenses were $59.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $3.2 million and 5% from $62.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The change was due to a decrease in payroll and

related taxes of $5.4 million, resulting primarily from a decrease in contracts written during the current year, which resulted in reduced sales incentive compensation and the elimination of an annual sales trip bonus. This was combined with a net decrease of $0.5 million in various other expenses. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in marketing and advertising expense of $2.7 million.

General and administrative expenses were $44.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $1.2 million and 3% from $43.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The change was due to an increase in payroll and related taxes of $4.1 million primarily associated with the implementation of a general manager operating model, combined with an increase in the cost of surety bonds of $0.7 million. These increases were partially offset by decreases innon-general manager related payroll of $0.9 million resulting from a reduction in force in 2019, legal fees of $0.8 million, employee benefits of $0.4 million and a net decrease in various other expenses of $1.5 million.

Depreciation and amortization expenses were $7.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $0.6 million and 8% from $8.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The change was due to routine depreciation and amortization of the associated asset base.

Funeral Home Operations

Overview

As of December 31, 2019, we owned, operated or managed 90 funeral homes located in 17 states and Puerto Rico. Revenues from Funeral Home Operations accounted for approximately 18% and 17% of our total revenues during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018

The following table presents operating results for our Funeral Home Operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

   Year Ended December 31, 
           Variance 
   2019   2018   $   % 

Merchandise

  $23,774   $25,652   $(1,878   (7%) 

Services

   27,861    28,539    (678   (2%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

   51,635    54,191    (2,556   (5%) 

Merchandise

   7,013    6,579    434    7

Services

   21,659    22,159    (500   (2%) 

Depreciation and amortization

   2,376    2,744    (368   (13%) 

Other

   14,643    15,787    (1,144   (7%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

   45,691    47,269    (1,578   (3%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment operating profit

  $5,944   $6,922   $(978   (14%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funeral home merchandise revenues were $23.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $1.9 million and 7% from $25.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The change was due to a $1.0 million decrease in revenues frompre-need contracts that matured during the current year, a $0.5 million decrease inat-need casket sales and a net decrease in various other merchandise revenues of $0.4 million.

Funeral home services revenues were $27.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $0.7 million and 2% from $28.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The change was due to a $0.7 million decrease related to a reduction inat-need services during the current year and a net decrease in various other funeral home service revenues of $0.3 million. Partially offsetting these decreases was increased revenue frompre-need contracts that matured during the current year of $0.3 million.

Funeral home expenses were $45.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $1.6 million and 3% from $47.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The change was due to savings of $1.9 million achieved with the elimination of the insurance sales group and a decrease in payroll and related costs of $0.8 million. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase in casket costs of $0.8 million and a net increase in various other expenses of $0.3 million.

Corporate

Operating Results

Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018

Corporate Overhead

The following table summarizes our corporate overhead by expense category for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

   Year Ended December 31, 
           Variance 
   2019   2018   $   % 

Corporate overhead

  $51,107   $53,281   $(2,174   (4%) 

Non-recurring adjustments

        

Severance

   1,459    1,792    (333   (19%) 

C-Corporation Conversion fees

   2,378    2,158    220    10

Other professional fees

   5,641    6,903    (1,262   (18%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totalnon-recurring adjustments

   9,478    10,853    (1,375   (13%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Corporate overhead, adjusted

  $41,629   $42,428   $(799   (2%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Corporate overhead expense was $51.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $2.2 million and 4% from $53.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The change was due to the following:

savings in payroll and payroll-related benefits of $2.5 million resulting primarily from a reduction in workforce in 2019;

a decrease of $2.0 million in various other expenses, primarily driven by reductions in telecom, recruiting and employee benefits provider fees;

a decrease in accounting fees of $0.9 million primarily related to nonrecurring costs incurred in 2018 associated with the implementation of ASC 606 and nonrecurring accounting-related consulting fees and internal audit fees associated with our delayed 2018 periodic filings and material weakness identified in 2018;

an increase of $0.3 million in severance and bonus expenses;

an increase in legal fees and legal settlements of $0.7 million;

an increase in stock compensation expense of $1.1 million; and

an increase of $1.1 million in other professional fees primarily resulting from financial advisory and consulting fees, partially offset by nonrecurring fees paid to an interim executive in 2018.

Other Losses, Net

Other losses, net were $8.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $3.4 million and 30% from $11.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Other losses, net for the year ended December 31, 2019 consisted of a $2.8 million impairment of cemetery property, a $2.6 million impairment charge related to

damaged and excess inventory and damaged allocated merchandise, a $2.1 million loss on the termination of a management agreement and $0.6 million related to other loss events. Other losses, net for the year ended December 31, 2018 consisted of $9.7 million of impairment charges related to damaged and excess inventory and damaged allocated merchandise and $2.8 million impairment of cemetery property, partially offset by gains of $1.0 million from the termination of a management agreement and sales of certain funeral homes and unused buildings.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $48.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $17.9 million and 59% from $30.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The change was primarily due to the following:

an increase of $17.2 million related to a higher interest rate and principal on our Senior Secured Notes compared to the interest rate and principal under our prior revolving credit facility and senior notes;

an increase of $3.4 million due to thewrite-off and amortization of deferred financing fees in connection with our Recapitalization Transactions; and

a decrease of $2.7 million resulting from the payoff of the revolving credit facility in the second quarter of 2019.

Loss on Debt Extinguishment

Loss on debt extinguishment was $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. This related to thewrite-off of deferred financing fees of $6.9 million and original issue discounts of $1.6 million associated with the refinancing of the senior notes and revolving credit facilities. For the year ended December 31, 2018, there was no loss on debt extinguishment.

Loss on Goodwill Impairment

We recorded a loss on goodwill impairment of $24.9 million related to our Cemetery Operations reporting unit for the year ended December 31, 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2018 there was no impairment of goodwill. For further information, see Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 9 Goodwill and Intangible Assets of this Annual Report.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense was $28.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to a $1.8 million income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2018. The variance was primarily due to the change in our tax status from a partnership to aC-corporation, which resulted in us recognizing deferred tax assets and liabilities created by differences in the book versus tax basis of the Partnership’s assets and liabilities. The provision for the year ended December 31, 2019 was net of the future benefit expected to be realized upon filing a consolidated federal tax return for Stonemor Inc. and its subsidiaries. The primary book versus tax basis difference was the result of our cemetery properties that for tax purposes are depreciated over the average life of the cemeteries, which range from 100 to 300 years. The benefit for the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily driven by changes in the Tax Act, which allowed us to use post-December 31, 2017 NOLs against long life deferred tax liabilities. Our effective tax rate differs from our statutory tax rate, primarily because our legal entity structure includes different tax filing entities that are not subject to entity level income taxes. The effective rate for 2019 is not expected to continue into future tax years, because it reflected adjustments triggered by our change in tax status from a partnership to aC-corporation on December 31, 2019. Additionally, our “ownership change” for income tax purposes that was triggered by the Recapitalization Transactions in June 2019 provided us with the opportunity to reevaluate our ability to offset our NOLs and certain other deferred tax assets against future deferred tax liabilities.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

General

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations and the remaining balance of the proceeds from the sale of the Senior Secured Notes. Our primary cash requirements, in addition to normal operating expenses, are for capital expenditures, net contributions to the merchandise and perpetual care trust funds and debt service. In general, as part of our operating strategy, we expect to fund:

working capital deficits through available cash, including the remaining balance of the proceeds from the sale of the Senior Secured Notes, cash generated from operations and proceeds from asset sales; and

expansion capital expenditures, net contributions to the merchandise and perpetual care trust funds and debt service obligations through available cash, cash generated from operations or proceeds from asset sales. Amounts contributed to the merchandise trust funds will be withdrawn at the time of the delivery of the product or service sold to which the contribution related, which will reduce the amount of additional borrowings or asset sales needed.

any maintenance capital expenditures through available cash and cash flows from operating activities.

While we rely heavily on our available cash and cash flows from operating activities to execute our operational strategy and meet our financial commitments and other short-term financial needs, we cannot be certain that sufficient capital will be generated through operations or be available to us to the extent required and on acceptable terms. We have experienced negative financial trends, including use of cash in operating activities, which, when considered in the aggregate, raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. These negative financial trends include:

we have continued to incur net losses for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 and have an accumulated deficit and negative cash flow from operating activities as of December 31, 2019, due to an increased competitive environment, increased expenses due to the consummatedC-Corporation Conversion and increases in professional fees and compliance costs; and

a decline in billings coupled with the increase in professional, compliance and consulting expenses tightened our liquidity position and increased reliance on long-term financial obligations.

During 2018 and 2019, we implemented (and will continue to implement) various actions to improve profitability and cash flows to fund operations. A summary of these actions is as follows:

sold an aggregate of 52,083,333 of the Partnership’s Preferred Units for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million and completed a private placement of $385.0 million of the Senior Secured Notes. The net proceeds of both transactions were used to fully repay the then-outstanding senior notes due in June 2021 and retire our revolving credit facility that was due in May 2020;

continue to manage recurring operating expenses and seek to limitnon-recurring operating expenses; and

identify and complete sales of select assets to provide supplemental liquidity.

On April 1, 2020, we entered into the Supplemental Indenture that amended three financial covenants and the premium payable upon voluntary redemption of the Senior Secured Notes in the Indenture, and we agreed to use our best efforts to effectuate an offering to holders of our Common Stock of transferable rights to purchase their pro rata share of shares of our Common Stock with an aggregate exercise price of at least $17 million at a price of $0.73 per share, as promptly as practicable with an expiration date no later than July 24, 2020 and to receive proceeds of not less than $8.2 million therefrom (in addition to the $8.8 million capital raise described next). Concurrently with the execution of the Supplemental Indenture, we entered into the Axar Commitment pursuant to which Axar committed to (a) purchase shares of our Series A Preferred Stock with an aggregate purchase price

of $8.8 million on April 3, 2020, (b) exercise its basic rights in the rights offering by tendering the shares of Series A Preferred Stock so purchased for shares of our Common Stock and (c) purchase any shares offered in the rights offering for which other stockholders do not exercise their rights, up to a maximum of an additional $8.2 million of such shares. As contemplated by the Axar Commitment, on April 3, 2020, we sold an aggregate of 176 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock to the 2020 Purchasers for an aggregate purchase price of $8.8 million.

There is no certainty that our actual operating performance and cash flows will not be substantially different from forecasted results, and there is no certainty we will not need amendments to the Indenture in the future. Factors that could impact the significant assumptions used by us in assessing our ability to satisfy our financial covenants include the following:

operating performance not meeting reasonably expected forecasts;

failing to generate profitable sales;

investments in our trust funds experiencing significant declines due to factors outside our control;

being unable to compete successfully with other cemeteries and funeral homes in our markets;

the number of deaths in our markets declining; and

an adverse change in the mix of funeral and cemetery revenues between burials and cremations.

If our planned, implemented and not yet implemented actions are not completed or implemented and cash savings are not realized, or we fail to improve our operating performance and cash flows or we are not able to comply with the covenants under the Indenture, we may be forced to limit our business activities, limit our ability to implement further modifications to our operations or limit the effectiveness of some actions that are included in our forecasts, amend the Indenture and/or seek other sources of capital, and we may be unable to continue as a going concern. Additionally, a failure to generate additional liquidity could negatively impact our access to inventory or services that are important to the operation of our business. Our ability to meet our obligations as of December 31, 2019 and to continue as a going concern is dependent upon achieving the action plans noted above.

Based on our forecasted operating performance, planned actions to improve our profitability and cash flows, the execution of the Supplemental Indenture and the Axar Commitment and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including receipt of not less than $17.0 million in proceeds from the contemplated rights offering, together with plans to file financial statements on a timely basis consistent with the debt covenants, we do not believe it is probable that we will breach the covenants under the Indenture or be unable to continue as a going concern for the next twelve-month period. As such, the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were prepared on the basis of a going concern, which contemplates that we will be able to realize assets and discharge liabilities in the normal course of business. Accordingly, they do not give effect to adjustments, if any, that would be necessary should we be required to liquidate our assets.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our consolidated statements of cash flows by class of activities (in thousands):

   Year Ended
December 31,
 
   2019   2018 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

  $(37,986  $26,457 

Net cash used in investing activities

   (163   (12,563

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   76,769    (2,568

Significant sources and uses of cash during the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

Operating Activities

Net cash used in operations was $38.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $26.5 million of net cash provided by operations during the year ended December 31, 2018. The $64.4 million change in operating cash flow was primarily due to the following:

Change in cash from accounts payable and accrued liabilities—$19.8 million: We aggressively managed our working capital in 2019 to maximize cash flows, while upon completion of the Recapitalization Transaction in June 2019, we made significant paydowns on our payables, which resulted in a net increase in operating cash outflows of $19.8 million in 2019.

Cash interest—$6.6 million: Our cash interest paid in 2019 increased by $6.6 million as our total debt and associated debt service costs increased under the Senior Secured Notes as compared to our prior revolving credit facility and senior notes.

Impact of early payoff—$14.1 million: In order to improve the liquidity profile of the business in 2019 and 2018, we ran an early payoff program during the fourth quarter of 2019 and throughout 2018. The early payoff program offered customers with outstandingpre-need receivable contracts the opportunity topre-pay their outstanding balance at a 15% discount. The change in cash flows generated by each year’s early payoff program accounted for a net decrease in operating cash inflows of $14.1 million in 2019.

Merchandise trust distributions—$19.1 million: We received $2.0 million of excess income distributions from our merchandise trusts in 2019 compared to $21.1 million of excess income distributions from our merchandise trusts in 2018, which resulted in a net decrease in operating cash inflows of $19.1 million in 2019.

Sales production,non-recurring expenses and other working capital items—4.8 million: Our cash flows in 2019 were further impacted by the continued contraction in sales production and other working capital items, partially offset by decreases in ournon-recurring expenses, which resulted in a net increase in operating cash outflows of $4.8 million.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $0.2 million as compared to $12.6 million in the comparable 2018 period. The cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily attributable to capital expenditures of $6.4 million, offset by proceeds from divestitures of $6.3 million, which consisted of the $5.0 million letter of intent deposit we received in connection with the Oakmont Sale and $1.3 million from the termination of one of our management agreements. Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2018 consisted of $12.2 million used for capital expenditures and $1.7 million used for property acquisitions, offset by proceeds from asset sales of $1.3 million.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $76.8 million, an increase of $79.3 million from net cash used in financing activities of $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to net proceeds of $406.1 million and $57.5 million from the issuance of the Senior Secured Notes and the Preferred Offering, respectively, which were both related to our comprehensive recapitalization, as described inNote 10 Long-Term Debt andNote 11 Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units and Partners’ Deficit of the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report. These investing proceeds were offset by the repayment in full of the prior senior notes and revolving credit facilities of $366.9 million, the payment of $17.4 million in financing costs related to the debt refinancing and debt amendments, principal payments of $1.4 million for our finance

leases, payments of $0.8 million for employee tax withholdings on the units that vested in 2019 and a $0.3 million intercompany advance that was effectively repaid by a reduction in the units issued to GP Holdings in theC-Corporation Conversion to comply with our settlement with the SEC. Net cash used in financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2018 consisted primarily of $4.0 million of financing costs partially offset by $1.4 million of net proceeds from borrowings.

Capital Expenditures

The following table summarizes maintenance and expansion capital expenditures, excluding amounts paid for acquisitions, for the periods presented (in thousands):

   Year Ended
December 31,
 
   2019   2018 

Maintenance capital expenditures

  $1,590   $4,383 

Expansion capital expenditures

   4,828    7,789 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capital expenditures

  $6,418   $12,172 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contractual Obligations

In the normal course of business, we enter into various contractual and contingent obligations that impact or could impact our liquidity. We have contractual obligations requiring future cash payments related to debt maturities, interest on debt, operating lease and finance lease agreements, liabilities to purchase merchandise related to ourpre-need sales contracts and capital commitments to private credit funds.

A summary of our total contractual and contingent obligations as of December 31, 2019 is presented in the table below (in thousands):

   Total   Less than
1 year
   1-3 years   3-5 years   More
than 5
years
 

Contractual Obligations:

          

Debt(1)

  $592,824   $30,293   $72,592   $489,939   $—   

Cemetery land purchase obligations(2)

   17,070    2,447    5,344    6,004    3,275 

Operating leases

   19,201    3,304    5,280    4,269    6,348 

Finance leases

   6,488    1,773    3,892    823    —   

Lease and management agreements(3)

   37,507    —      —      —      37,507 

Deferred revenues(4)

   949,375    —      —      —      —   

Self-insurance-related liabilities:

          

Workers compensation

   11,923    4,219    4,141    1,432    2,131 

General liability

   7,256    2,584    3,128    851    693 

Medical

   2,156    2,156    —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total contractual obligations

   1,643,800    46,776    94,377    503,318    49,954 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contingent Obligations:

          

Other investment funds(5)

   119,755    119,755    —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total contingent obligations

   119,755    119,755    —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $1,763,555   $166,531   $94,377   $503,318   $49,954 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Represents the interest payable and par value of our financed vehicles and of our Senior Secured Notes outstanding as of December 31, 2019, exclusive of the unamortized debt discounts and unamortized

deferred financing fees as of December 31, 2019 of $14.3 million and $12.9 million, respectively. This table assumes that we pay the fixed rate of 7.50% per annum in cash plus the fixed rate of 4.00% per annum payable in kind through January 30, 2022 and cash interest payments at 9.875% for all interest periods after January 30, 2022, and that current principal amounts outstanding under the Senior Secured Notes are not repaid until the maturity date of June 30, 2024. Since December 31, 2019, an aggregate of $31.3 million of principal on our Senior Secured Notes has been redeemed, primarily with the net proceeds from the Oakmont Sale. Per the Indenture, we anticipate using the first $23.7 million of net proceeds and 80% of the remaining net proceeds from the Olivet Sale along with 80% of the net proceeds from the Remaining California Sale to redeem additional portions of the outstanding Senior Secured Notes.
(2)

Represents the amounts due related to an agreement we entered into in 2017 to purchase cemetery land in annual installments beginning January 26, 2018 through January 26, 2025. Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association has agreed to assume the obligations under this agreement in connection with the Olivet Sale.

(3)

Represents the aggregate rent payments pertaining to our lease and management agreements with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. This table assumes that we defer the rent payments, together with accrued interest compounded quarterly, that are related to the periods from June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2025. This table does not include any associated unamortized discount. For further details, see “Agreements with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia” section below.

(4)

Total cannot be separated into periods, because we are unable to anticipate when the merchandise and services will be delivered. This balance represents the revenues to be recognized from the total performance obligations on our customer contracts.

(5)

Represents unfunded capital commitments to private credit funds that are callable at any time during the lockup periods, which range from four to ten years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners and which will be funded using existing trust assets.

Not included in the above table are potential funding obligations related to our merchandise and service trusts. In certain states and provinces, we have withdrawn allowable distributable earnings including unrealized gains prior to the maturity or cancellation of the related contract. Additionally, some states have laws that either require replenishment of investment losses under certain circumstances or impose various restrictions when trust fund values drop below certain prescribed amounts. In the event that our trust investments do not recover from market declines, we may be required to deposit portions or all of these amounts into the respective trusts in some future period. As of December 31, 2019, we had unrealized losses of $4.2 million in the various trusts within these states.

Agreements with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

In accordance with the lease and management agreements with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, we have agreed to pay to the Archdiocese aggregate fixed rent of $36.0 million in the following amounts:

Lease Years1-5 (May 28,2014-May 31, 2019)

  Signatures

None

Lease Years6-20 (June 1,2019-May 31, 2034)

  

$1,000,000 per Lease Year

B-76

Lease Years21-25 (June 1,2034-May 31, 2039)

  

$1,200,000 per Lease Year

Lease Years26-35 (June 1,2039-May 31, 2049)

$1,500,000 per Lease Year

Lease Years36-60 (June 1,2049-May 31, 2074)

None

The fixed rent for lease years 6 through 11, an aggregate of $6.0 million is deferred. If prior to May 31, 2025, the Archdiocese terminates the agreements pursuant to its terms during lease year 11 or we terminate the agreements as a result of a default by the Archdiocese, we are entitled to retain the deferred fixed rent. If the agreements are not terminated, the deferred fixed rent will become due and payable on or before June 30, 2025.

PARTLong-Term Debt and Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units

Senior Secured Notes

On June 27, 2019, StoneMor Partners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. and, collectively with the Company, certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company, the initial purchasers party thereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral agent, entered into an indenture with respect to the 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024.

For further detail on our Senior Secured Notes, seeNote 10 Long-Term Debt of Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Dataof this Annual Report.

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units

On June 27, 2019, funds and accounts affiliated with Axar Capital Management LP and certain other investors entered into the Series A Purchase Agreement pursuant to which the Partnership sold to such purchasers an aggregate of 52,083,333 of the Partnership’s Series A Convertible Preferred Units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership with certain rights, preferences and privileges as were set forth in the Partnership’s Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership dated as of June 27, 2019. The purchase price for the Preferred Units sold pursuant to the Series A Purchase Agreement was $1.1040 per Preferred Unit, reflecting an 8% discount to the liquidation preference of each Preferred Unit, for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million. The terms of the sale of the Preferred Units were determined based on arms-length negotiations between the Partnership and Axar.

Pursuant to the Series A Purchase Agreement, the Partnership filed a registration statement on FormS-1 with the SEC to effect a $40.2 million rights offering of common units representing limited partnership interests in the Company (“Common Units”) to all holders of Common Units (other than the Purchasers, American Infrastructure Funds LP and their respective affiliates). The offering entitled each unitholder to onenon-transferable subscription right for each common unit held by the unitholder on the record date for the offering. Each subscription right entitled the unitholder to purchase 1.24 common units for each common unit held by the unitholder at a purchase price of $1.20 per Common Unit (the “Rights Offering”). The Rights Offering was completed in 2019 with the sale of 3,039,380 common units for an aggregate price of $3.6 million. The proceeds from the Rights Offering were used to redeem 3,039,380 of Partnership’s outstanding Preferred Units on October 25, 2019 at a price of $1.20 per Preferred Unit.

For further detail on our Preferred Units, seeNote 11 Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units and Owners’ Equity of Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Dataof this Annual Report.

Surety Bonds

We have entered into arrangements with certain surety companies, whereby such companies agree to issue surety bonds on our behalf as financial assurance and/or as required by existing state and local regulations. The surety bonds are used for various business purposes; however, the majority of the surety bonds issued and outstanding have been used to support ourpre-need sales activities.

When sellingpre-need contracts, we may post surety bonds where allowed by state law. We post the surety bonds in lieu of trusting a certain amount of funds received from the customer. If we were not able to renew or replace any such surety bond, we would be required to fund the trust only for the portion of the applicablepre-need contracts for which we have received payments from the customers, less any applicable retainage, in accordance with state law. We have provided cash collateral to secure these surety bond obligations and may be required to provide additional cash collateral in the future under certain circumstances.

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had $92.3 million and $91.4 million, respectively, of cash receipts from sales attributable to related bond contracts. These amounts do not consider reductions associated with taxes, obtaining costs or other costs.

Surety bond premiums are paid annually and the bonds are automatically renewable until maturity of the underlyingpre-need contracts, unless we are given prior notice of cancellation. Except for cemeterypre-construction bonds (which are irrevocable), the surety companies generally have the right to cancel the surety bonds at any time with appropriate notice. In the event a surety company were to cancel the surety bond, we would be required to obtain replacement surety assurance from another surety company or fund a trust for an amount generally less than the posted bond amount. We do not expect that we will be required to fund material future amounts related to these surety bonds due to a lack of surety capacity or surety companynon-performance.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related notes included within Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Dataof this Annual Report in conformity with general accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities that arose during the reporting period and through the date our financial statements are filed with the SEC. Although we base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions we believe to be reasonable, actual results may differ from these estimates.

A critical accounting estimate or policy is one that requires a high level of subjective judgement by management and could have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows if actual results vary significantly from our estimates.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled for the transfer of goods and services to our customers. We account for individual products and services separately as distinct performance obligations. Our performance obligations include the delivery of funeral and cemetery merchandise and services and cemetery property interment rights. Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer and is net of any sales incentives and amounts collected on behalf of third parties. The consideration (including any discounts) is allocated among separate products and services in a package based on their relative stand-alone selling prices. The stand-alone selling price is determined by management based upon local market conditions and reasonable ranges for both merchandise and services, which is the best estimate of the stand-alone price. For items that are not sold separately (e.g., second interment rights), we estimate stand-alone selling prices using the best estimate of market value, using inputs such as average selling price and list price broken down by each geographic location. Additionally, we consider typical sales promotions that could impact the stand-alone selling price estimates.

Pursuant to state law, all or a portion of the proceeds from funeral and cemetery merchandise or services sold on apre-need basis may be required to be paid into trust funds. We defer investment earnings related to these merchandise and service trusts until the associated merchandise is delivered or services are performed. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of cemetery property interment rights is required by state law to be paid by us into perpetual care trust funds to maintain the cemetery. The portion of these proceeds are not recognized as revenue. Investment earnings from these trusts are distributed to us regularly and recognized in current cemetery revenue.

Inaccuracies in our records of the timing of physical delivery of our merchandise and services can have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Deferred Revenues

Revenues from the sale of services and merchandise, as well as any investment income from the merchandise trusts, are deferred until such time as the services are performed or the merchandise is delivered. In addition to amounts deferred on new contracts, investment income and unrealized gains and losses on our merchandise trusts

are recognized as deferred revenues. Deferred revenues also include deferred revenues frompre-need sales that we acquired through our various acquisitions, and we provide a profit margin for these deferred revenues to account for the projected future costs of delivering products and providing services on these acquiredpre-need contracts.

Inaccuracies in our records of the timing of physical delivery of our merchandise and services can have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

For further details on our deferred revenues, see Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 1 GeneralandNote 13 Deferred Revenues and Costs.

Loss Contract Analysis

We perform an analysis annually to determine whether ourpre-need contracts are in a loss position, which would necessitate a charge to earnings. For this analysis, we add the sales prices of the underlying contracts and net realized earnings, then subtract net unrealized losses to derive the net amount of estimated proceeds for contracts as of the balance sheet date. We consider unrealized gains and losses based on current market prices quoted for the investments, and we do not include future expected returns on the investments in our analysis. We compare our estimated proceeds to the estimated direct costs to deliver our contracts, which consist primarily of funeral and cemetery merchandise costs along with salaries, supplies and equipment related to the delivery of apre-need contract. If a deficiency were to exist, we would record a charge to earnings and a corresponding liability for the expected loss on delivery of those contracts from our backlog.

Inaccuracies in the judgements made in determining the net amount of estimated proceeds and estimated direct costs can have a material impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable is presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined by applying a cancellation rate to amounts included in accounts receivable. The cancellation rate is based upon a five year average rate by each specific location.

Inaccuracies in the judgements made in determining the cancelation rate can have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

For further details on our allowance for doubtful accounts, see Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 1 GeneralandNote 4 Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Trust Assets

Assets held in our merchandise trusts are carried at fair value. Any change in unrealized gains and losses is reflected in the carrying value of the assets and is recognized as deferred revenue. Any and all investment income streams, including interest, dividends or gains and losses from the sale of trust assets, are offset against deferred revenue until such time that we deliver the underlying merchandise. Investment income generated from our merchandise trust is included in “Cemetery investment and other revenues”.

Pursuant to state law, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of cemetery property is required to be paid into perpetual care trusts. All principal must remain in this trust in perpetuity while interest and dividends may be released and used to defray cemetery maintenance costs, which are expensed as incurred. Assets in our perpetual care trusts are carried at fair value. Any change in unrealized gains and losses is reflected in the carrying value of the assets and is offset against perpetual care trust corpus.

We evaluate whether or not the assets in our merchandise and perpetual care trusts have an other-than-temporary impairment on asecurity-by-security basis. We determine whether or not the impairment of a fixed maturity debt security is other-than-temporary by evaluating each of the following:

 

Whether it is our intent to sell the security. If there is intent to sell, the impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary.

If there is no intent to sell, we evaluate whether it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. If we determine that it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell an impaired investment before its anticipated recovery, the impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary.

We further evaluate whether or not all assets in the trusts have other-than-temporary impairments based upon a number of criteria including the severity of the impairment, length of time a security has been in a loss position, changes in market conditions and concerns related to the specific issuer.

If an impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the security is adjusted downward to its fair value. For assets held in the perpetual care trusts, any reduction in the cost basis due to an other-than-temporary impairment is offset with an equal and opposite reduction in the perpetual care trust corpus and has no impact on earnings. For assets held in the merchandise trusts, any reduction in the cost basis due to an other-than-temporary impairment is recorded in deferred revenue.

Inaccuracies in the judgements made in assessing our intent to sell and severity of impairment and in analyzing the changes in market conditions and concerns related to an asset’s issuer can have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

For further details on our other-than-temporary impairment of our trust assets, see Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 1 General, Note 7 Merchandise TrustsandNote 8 Perpetual Care Trusts.

Asset Acquisitions

Asset acquisitions are measured based on their cost to us, including transaction costs incurred by us. An asset acquisition’s cost or the consideration transferred by us is assumed to be equal to the fair value of the net assets acquired. If the consideration transferred is cash, measurement is based on the amount of cash we paid to the seller, as well as transaction costs incurred by us. Consideration given in the form of nonmonetary assets, liabilities incurred or equity interests issued is measured based on either the cost to us or the fair value of the assets or net assets acquired, whichever is more clearly evident. The cost of an asset acquisition is allocated to the assets acquired based on their estimated relative fair values. Goodwill is not recognized in an asset acquisition.

Inaccuracies made in the judgements made in determining the fair value of the nonmonetary assets acquired can have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Valuation of long-lived assets

We assess our long-lived assets, such as definite-lived intangible assets and property and equipment, for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We assess our goodwill and indefinite-lived assets for impairment annually, as of October 1st, or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill or the indefinite-lived assets may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value, we record an impairment charge that reduces our earnings.

We apply the discounted cash flow method (the “DCF method”) to determine the fair value of our goodwill, utilizing a number of factors, such as actual operating results, future business plans and forecasted cash flows, economic projections, volatility of earnings, changes in senior management, market data, terminal values and discount rates. These factors used to determine the fair value of our goodwill are highly subjective and very sensitive to changes in the underlying assumptions, such as

a prolonged downturn in the business environment in which the reporting unit operates;

underperformance of the reporting unit performance compared to our forecasts;

volatility in equity and debt markets resulting in higher discount rates; and

unexpected regulatory changes.

We apply various valuation techniques, such as the income approach or sales comparison approach, to determine the fair values of our long-lived assets. In evaluating our long-lived assets for recoverability, we consider current market conditions and our intent with respect to holding or disposing of the assets. The factors used in our evaluations for recoverability and the inputs we use in applying the valuation technique we select are highly subjective and very sensitive to changes in the underlying assumptions. Changes in economic and operating conditions or our intent with regard to our long-lived assets that occurs subsequent to our impairment analyses could impact these assumptions and result in future impairments of our long-lived assets.

Inaccuracies made in the judgements discussed above in determining the fair value of goodwill, indefinite-lived assets and long-lived assets can have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows

For further details on our intangible assets see Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 1 General.

Income Taxes

Effective December 31, 2019, in connection with theC-Corporation Conversion, we are subject to both federal and state income taxes. We record deferred tax assets and liabilities to recognize temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities in our tax and GAAP balance sheets and for federal and state NOL carryforwards and alternative minimum tax credits. We record a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, if we deem that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realizable in future periods.

In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including our past operating results, recent cumulative losses and our forecast of future taxable income. In determining future taxable income, we make assumptions regarding the amount of taxable income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require us to make significant judgments about our forecasts of our future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates we use to manage our business. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require us to record an additional valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. An increase in the valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in the period and could have a significant impact on our future earnings.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law. The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code by, among other things, (i) reducing the federal corporate income tax rate, (ii) creating a new limitation on deductible interest expense, (iii) creating bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing on qualified property and (iv) imposing limitations on deductibility of certain executive compensation. We evaluated the provisions of the Tax Act and determined the primary impact of the Tax Act was the reduction in corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, which required us to remeasure our deferred tax assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Subsequently, in February 2018, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting for the income tax effects of certain elements of the Tax Act. In accordance with SAB 118, we recognized the provisional tax impacts related to the remeasurement of our deferred tax assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. Upon completion of our analysis of the Tax Act in 2018, we noted there were no material adjustments.

As of December 31, 2019, we had federal and state NOL carryforwards of approximately $423.0 million and $542.0 million, respectively, a portion of which expires annually. We believe the Recapitalization Transactions caused an “ownership change for income tax purposes under the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which may significantly limit our ability to use such federal NOL carryforwards to offset future taxable income. TheC-Corporation Conversion did not impact our ability to use existing NOLs.

For further details on our income taxes, see Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 1 GeneralandNote 12 Income Taxes.

Contingencies

We are party to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our business, as well as class and collective actions under the Exchange Act and for related state law claims that certain of our officers and directors breached their fiduciary duty to the Partnership and its unitholders. We accrue for contingencies when the occurrence of a material loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, based on our best estimate of the expected liability. The accuracy of the estimates used to determine probability and amount of a potential future liability is impacted by, among other things, the complexity of the issues and the amount of due diligence we have been able to perform.

Differences between the actual settlement costs, final judgments or fines and our estimates could have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

For further details on our contingencies, see Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies.

Insurance loss reserves

We purchase comprehensive general liability, professional liability, automobile liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverages structured with high deductibles. This high-deductible insurance program means we are primarily self-insured for claims and associated costs and losses covered by these policies. Historical insurance industry experience indicates a high degree of inherent variability in assessing the ultimate amount of losses associated with casualty insurance claims. This is especially true with respect to liability and workers’ compensation exposures due to the extended period of time that transpires between when the claim might occur and the full settlement of such claim, which is often many years. We continually evaluate loss estimates associated with claims and losses related to these insurance coverages falling within the deductible of each coverage.

We analyze and adjust our insurance loss reserve, using assumptions based on factors such as claim settlement patterns, claim development trends, claim frequency and severity patterns, inflationary trends and data reasonableness that impact our analysis and determination of the “best estimate” of the projected ultimate claim losses.

Differences between actual insurance loss settlements and our insurance loss reserves could have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Accounting Changes

For discussion of recent accounting pronouncements and accounting changes, see Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 1 General.

ITEM 7A.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The primary objective of the following information is to provide forward-looking quantitative and qualitative information about our potential exposure to market risks. The term “market” risk refers to the risk of gains or losses arising from changes in interest rates and prices of marketable securities. The disclosures are not meant to be precise indicators of expected future gains or losses, but rather indicators of reasonably possible gains or losses. This forward-looking information provides indicators of how we view and manage our ongoing market risk exposures. All of our market risk-sensitive instruments were entered into for purposes other than trading.

The trusts are invested in assets with the primary objective of maximizing income and distributable cash flow for trust distributions, while maintaining an acceptable level of risk. Certain asset classes in which we invest for the purpose of maximizing yield are subject to an increased market risk. This increased market risk will create volatility in the unrealized gains and losses of the trust assets from period to period.

For additional information on the investments in our merchandise trusts and perpetual trusts, see Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 7 Merchandise Trustsand Note 8 Perpetual Care Trustsof this Annual Report.

INTEREST-BEARING INVESTMENTS

The interest-bearing investments in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts that are subject to interest rate sensitivity consist of fixed-income securities, money market investments and other short-term investments. As of December 31, 2019, the accumulated fair value of the interest-bearing investments in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts was $145.7 million and $53.3 million, respectively or 27.8% and 15.4% of the fair value of our total trust assets, respectively.

MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES

The marketable equity securities in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts that are subject to market price sensitivity consist of individual equity securities as well as closed and open-ended mutual funds. As of December 31, 2019, $25.7 million and $31.7 million, respectively or 4.9% and 9.2% of the fair value of our total trust assets, respectively.

OTHER INVESTMENT FUNDS

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have a redemption period ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods ranging from one to eight years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. This asset class has an inherent valuation risk as the values provided by investment fund managers may not represent the liquidation values obtained by the trusts upon redemption or liquidation of the fund assets. As of December 31, 2019, the fair value of other investment funds in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts represented 41.3% and 55.3%, respectively, of the fair value of total trust assets. The fair market value of the holdings in these funds was $216.4 million and $191.4 million in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts, respectively, as of December 31, 2019, based on net asset value quotes.

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

STONEMOR INC.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

B-56

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018

B-57

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December  31, 2019 and 2018

B-58

Consolidated Statements of Preferred Units and Owners’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

B-59

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the Years Ended December  31, 2019 and 2018

B-60

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

B-61

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Unitholders

Stockholders of StoneMor Partners L.P.Inc.

Opinion on the financial statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets of StoneMor Inc. (formerly StoneMor Partners L.P.) (a Delaware Partnership)corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Partnership”“Company”) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of operations, partners’ capital,preferred units and owners’ equity, and cash flows for each of the yeartwo years in the period ended December 31, 2018,2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the PartnershipCompany as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the yeartwo years in the period ended December 31, 2018,2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited the reclassification adjustmentsChange in accounting principle

As discussed in Notes 1 and 17 to the 2017consolidated financial statements, to conform the presentationCompany has changed its method of consolidated results of operationsaccounting for leases for the year ended December 31, 2019 due to the current year presentation, as described inadoption of ASUNo. 2016-02,Leases (Topic 842).

COVID-19 Outbreak

We draw attention to Note 1 under the captionReclassifications and Adjustments to Prior Period Financial Statements. In our opinion, such reclassification adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. We were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures26 to the 2017consolidated financial statements, which describes the uncertainty related to theCOVID-19 pandemic and impact on the Company’s business.

Basis for opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company other than with respectCompany’s management. Our responsibility is to such reclassification adjustments and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 2017Company’s consolidated financial statements taken asbased on our audits. We are a whole.

We also have audited, in accordancepublic accounting firm registered with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in the 2013Internal Control—Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated April 2, 2019 expressed an adverse opinion.

Change in accounting principle

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Partnership has changed its method of accounting for revenue recognition for the year ended December 31, 2018 due to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (Topic 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

Basis for opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the PartnershipCompany in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our auditaudits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our auditaudits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our auditaudits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit providesaudits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Grant ThorntonGRANT THORNTON LLP

We have served as the Partnership’sCompany’s auditor since 2018.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

April 2, 2019 (except for Note 1, as to which the date is August 28, 2019)7, 2020

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors of StoneMor GP LLC and Unitholders of StoneMor Partners L.P.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited, before the effects of the retrospective adjustments to reflect the impact of adoption of Accounting Standards Update2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), as disclosed in Note 1 under captionsReclassifications and Adjustments to Prior Period Financial Statements andRecently Issued Accounting Standard Updates—Adopted in the Current Period (“Note 1”) to the consolidated financial statements, the consolidated balance sheet of StoneMor Partners L.P. and subsidiaries (the “Partnership”) as of December 31, 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, partners’ capital, and cash flows, for the year ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”) (the 2017 financial statements before the effects of the retrospective adjustments discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements are not presented herein). In our opinion, the 2017 financial statements, before the effects of the adjustments to retrospectively apply the change in accounting discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Partnership as of December 31, 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the adjustments to retrospectively apply the change in accounting discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, and accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance about whether such retrospective adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. Those retrospective adjustments were audited by other auditors.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Partnership in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

July 16, 2018

We began serving as the Partnership’s auditor in 1999. In 2018 we became the predecessor auditor.

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

 

  December 31, 
  2018 2017   December 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
 

Assets

      

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $18,147  $6,821 

Cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash

  $34,867  $18,147 

Restricted cash

   21,900   —   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance

   57,928  79,116    55,794  57,928 

Prepaid expenses

   4,475  4,580    4,778  4,475 

Assets held for sale

   757  1,016    23,858  757 

Other current assets

   17,009  21,453    17,142  17,009 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total current assets

   98,316  112,986    158,339  98,316 

Long-term accounts receivable, net of allowance

   87,148  105,935    75,549  87,148 

Cemetery property

   330,841  333,404    320,605  331,137 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

   112,716  114,090    103,400  112,716 

Merchandise trusts, restricted, at fair value

   488,248  515,456    517,192  488,248 

Perpetual care trusts, restricted, at fair value

   330,562  339,928    343,619  330,562 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

   112,660  126,398    114,944  113,644 

Deferred tax assets

   86  84    81  86 

Goodwill

   24,862  24,862    —    24,862 

Intangible assets

   61,421  63,244    56,246  61,421 

Other assets

   22,241  19,695    29,393  22,241 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total assets

  $1,669,101  $1,756,082   $1,719,368  $1,670,381 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

   

Liabilities and Owners’ Equity

   

Current liabilities:

      

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  $59,035  $43,023   $55,134  $59,035 

Liabilities held for sale

   20,668   —   

Accrued interest

   1,967  1,781    125  1,967 

Current portion, long-term debt

   798  1,002    374  798 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total current liabilities

   61,800  45,806    76,301  61,800 

Long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs

   320,248  317,693    367,963  320,248 

Deferred revenues

   914,286  912,626    949,375  919,606 

Deferred tax liabilities

   6,675  9,638    34,613  6,675 

Perpetual care trust corpus

   330,562  339,928    343,619  330,562 

Other long-term liabilities

   42,108  38,695    49,987  42,108 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities

   1,675,679  1,664,386    1,821,858  1,680,999 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

      

Partners’ (deficit) capital:

   

General partner interest

   (4,008 (2,959

Common limited partners’ interest

   (2,570 94,655 

Owners’ equity:

   

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 200,000 shares authorized, 94,447 shares issued and outstanding

   944,474   —   

Paid-in capital in excess of par value

   (1,046,964  —   

Retained deficit

   —     —   

Members’ equity

   —    (10,618
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total partners’ (deficit) capital

   (6,578 91,696 

Total owners’ equity

   (102,490 (10,618
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

  $1,669,101  $1,756,082 

Total liabilities and owners’ equity

  $1,719,368  $1,670,381 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share and per unit data)

 

  Years Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31, 
         2018              2017          2019 2018 

Revenues:

      

Cemetery:

      

Interments

  $76,902  $75,077   $67,425  $76,902 

Merchandise

   75,412  75,602    64,476  75,412 

Services

   67,278  70,704    65,494  67,278 

Investment and other

   42,343  55,313    40,492  42,343 

Funeral home:

      

Merchandise

   25,652  27,767    23,774  25,652 

Services

   28,539  33,764    27,861  28,539 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total revenues

   316,126  338,227    289,522  316,126 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Costs and Expenses:

      

Cost of goods sold

   54,647  51,899    40,174  54,647 

Cemetery expense

   78,708  76,857    74,339  78,708 

Selling expense

   62,538  66,083    59,347  62,538 

General and administrative expense

   43,081  39,111    44,231  43,081 

Corporate overhead

   53,281  51,964    51,107  53,281 

Depreciation and amortization

   11,736  13,183    10,782  11,736 

Funeral home expenses:

      

Merchandise

   6,579  7,131    7,013  6,579 

Services

   22,159  22,929    21,659  22,159 

Other

   15,787  19,743    14,643  15,787 

Loss on goodwill impairment

   24,862   —   
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total costs and expenses

   348,516  348,900    348,157  348,516 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Gain on acquisitions and divestitures

   691  858 

Loss on goodwill impairment

   —    (45,574

Other losses, net

   (12,195 (2,045   (8,106 (11,504
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Operating loss

   (43,894 (57,434   (66,741 (43,894
  

 

  

 

 

Interest expense

   (30,602 (27,345   (48,519 (30,602

Loss on debt extinguishment

   (8,478  —   
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Loss from operations before income taxes

   (74,496 (84,779   (123,738 (74,496
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Income tax benefit

   1,797  9,621 

Income tax (expense) benefit

   (28,204 1,797 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net loss

  $(72,699 $(75,158   (151,942 (72,699

Net loss attributable to StoneMor Partners L.P. (predecessor)

   (151,942 (72,699
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

General partner’s interest

  $(757 $(782

Limited partners’ interest

  $(71,942 $(74,376

Net loss per limited partner unit (basic and diluted)

  $(1.90 $(1.96

Weighted average number of limited partners’ units outstanding (basic and diluted)

   37,959  37,948 

Net loss attributable to StoneMor Inc.

  $—    $—   
  

 

  

 

 

Net loss per common share (basic)(1)

  $(3.84 $(1.92

Net loss per common share (diluted)(1)

  $(3.83 $(1.92

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding—basic(2)

   39,614  37,959 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding—diluted(2)

   39,677  37,959 

(1)

For the period prior to theC-Corporation Conversion, represents net loss divided by weighted average number of common limited partner units outstanding and for the period following theC-Corporation Conversion, represents net loss divided by weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

(2)

For the period prior to theC-Corporation Conversion, represents weighted average number of common limited partner units outstanding and for the period following theC-Corporation Conversion, represents weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

See Accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS’ CAPITALCHANGES IN OWNERS’ EQUITY

(dollars in thousands)thousands, except units and shares)

 

  Partners’ Capital  Redeemable Convertible
Preferred Unit
 Partners’ Deficit Common Stock   
  Outstanding
Common Units
   Common
Limited Partners
 General
Partner
 Total  Series A               

December 31, 2016

   37,863,496   $192,268  $(1,914 $190,354 

Issuance of common units

   —      744   —    744 

Common unit awards under incentive plans

   16,098    1,045   —    1,045 

Net loss

   —      (74,376 (782 (75,158

Cash distributions

   —      (24,282 (263 (24,545

Unit distributions paid in kind

   78,342    (744  —    (744
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  Number of
Outstanding
Preferred
Units
 Value of
Outstanding
Preferred
Units
 Outstanding
Common
Units
 Members’
Equity
 Number
of
Common
Shares
 Par
Value of
Common
Shares
 Paid-in
Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
 Retained
Deficit
 Total 

December 31, 2017

   37,957,936   $94,655  $(2,959 $91,696   —    $—    37,957,936  $91,696   —    $—    $—    $—    $91,696 
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Cumulative effect of accounting change

   —      (27,805 (292 (28,097  —     —     —    (28,097  —     —     —     —    (28,097
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

January 1, 2018

   37,957,936   $66,850  $(3,251 $63,599   —     —    37,957,936  63,599   —     —     —     —    63,599 
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Common unit awards under incentive plans

   709    2,522   —    2,522   —     —    709  2,522   —     —     —     —    2,522 

Net loss

   —      (71,942 (757 (72,699  —     —     —    (72,699  —     —     —     —    (72,699

Cumulative effect of accounting change

  —     —     —    (4,040  —     —     —     —    (4,040
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

December 31, 2018

   37,958,645   $(2,570 $(4,008 $(6,578  —     —    37,958,645  (10,618  —     —     —     —    (10,618

Issuance of Series A Preferred Units

 11,322,465  12,500   —     —     —     —     —     —    12,500 

Issuance of Series A Preferred Units—related party

 40,760,868  45,000   —     —     —     —     —     —    45,000 

Rights offering—related party

 (3,039,380 (3,647 3,039,380  3,647   —     —     —     —     —   

GP Holdings’ Merger consideration

  —     —    2,950,000  4,032   —     —    (4,032  —     —   

Reduction to GP Holdings’ Merger consideration related to SEC settlement—related party

  —     —    (182,909 (250  —     —     —     —    (250

Unit-based compensation

  —     —    2,067,088  3,623   —     —     —     —    3,623 

Units repurchased related to unit-based compensation

  —     —    (428,802 (803  —     —     —     —    (803

Net loss prior to theC-Corporation Conversion (attributable to StoneMor Partners L.P. (predecessor))

  —     —     —    (151,942  —     —     —     —    (151,942

Effect of theC-Corporation Conversion on owners’ equity

 (49,043,953 (53,853 (45,403,402 152,311  94,447,356  944,474  (1,042,932  —     —   
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

December 31, 2019

  —    $—     —     —    94,447,356  944,474  (1,046,964  —    $(102,490
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

  Years Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31, 
         2018               2017               2019           2018      

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

      

Net loss

  $(72,699 $(75,158  $(151,942 $(72,699

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Cost of lots sold

   7,808  10,525    7,027  7,808 

Depreciation and amortization

   11,736  13,183    10,782  11,736 

Provision for cancellations

   7,358  6,244 

Provision for bad debt

   7,559  7,358 

Non-cash compensation expense

   2,523  1,045    3,623  2,523 

Loss on debt extinguishment

   8,478   —   

Loss on goodwill impairment

   24,862   —   

Non-cash interest expense

   5,985  4,479    18,095  5,985 

Gain on acquisitions and divestitures

   (691 (858

Loss on goodwill impairment

   —    45,574 

Other losses, net

   12,195  1,843    8,106  11,504 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable, net of allowance

   4,498  (17,074   (8,633 4,498 

Merchandise trust fund

   4,295  46,695    (17,916 4,295 

Other assets

   2,618  1,410    (56 2,618 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

   (4,819 (9,508   (3,598 (4,819

Deferred revenues

   37,405  (9,049   36,656  37,405 

Deferred taxes, net

   (2,591 (10,439   27,943  (2,591

Payables and other liabilities

   10,836  6,064    (8,972 10,836 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   26,457  14,976 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

   (37,986 26,457 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

      

Cash paid for capital expenditures

   (12,172 (10,789   (6,418 (12,172

Cash paid for acquisitions

   (1,667  —      —    (1,667

Proceeds from divestitures

   —    1,241    6,255   —   

Proceeds from asset sales

   1,276  627    —    1,276 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

   (12,563 (8,921   (163 (12,563
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

      

Cash distributions

   —    (24,545

Proceeds from issuance of redeemable convertible preferred units

   12,500   —   

Proceeds from issuance of redeemable convertible preferred units—related party

   45,000   —   

Proceeds from borrowings

   29,880  103,292    406,087  29,880 

Repayments of debt

   (28,493 (88,951   (366,905 (28,493

Principal payment on finance leases

   (1,464  —   

Cost of financing activities

   (3,955 (1,600   (17,396 (3,955

Reduction to GP Holdings’ Merger consideration due to SEC settlement—related party

   (250  —   

Units repurchased related to unit-based compensation

   (803  —   
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

   (2,568 (11,804

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   76,769  (2,568
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   11,326  (5,749

Cash and cash equivalents—Beginning of period

   6,821  12,570 

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

   38,620  11,326 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—Beginning of period

   18,147  6,821 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents—End of period

  $18,147  $6,821 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—End of period

  $56,767  $18,147 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

      

Cash paid during the period for interest

  $25,606  $22,901   $32,239  $25,606 

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

  $1,725  $2,756    1,419  1,725 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

   

Operating cash flows from operating leases

  $3,638  $—   

Operating cash flows from finance leases

   495   —   

Financing cash flows from finance leases

   1,464   —   

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

      

Acquisition of assets by financing

  $2,673  $2,705   $2,277  $2,673 

Classification of assets as held for sale

  $543  $1,016 

Net transfers within assets held for sale

   23,340  543 

Accruedpaid-in-kind interest on Senior Secured Notes (defined within)

   7,867   —   

See Accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.

GENERAL

As used in this Annual Report on Form10-K (the “Annual Report”), unless the context otherwise requires, references to the terms the “Company,” “StoneMor,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to StoneMor Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries for all periods from and after the Merger and to StoneMor Partners L.P. and its consolidated subsidiaries for all periods prior to the Merger.

In addition, as used in this Annual Report, unless the context otherwise requires, references to (i) the term “Cornerstone” refers to Cornerstone Family Services, Inc.; (ii) the term “CFSI” refers to CFSI LLC; (iii) the term “CFS” refers to Cornerstone Family Services LLC; (iv) the term “LP Sub” refers to StoneMor LP Holdings, LLC; (v) the term “ACII” refers to American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors, LLC; (vi) the term “AUH” refers to AIM Universal Holdings, LLC; (vii) the term “AIM” refers to American Infrastructure MLP Funds; (viii) the term “AIM II” refers to American Infrastructure MLP Fund II, L.P.; (ix) the term AIM FFII refers to American Infrastructure MLP Founders Fund II, L.P.; (x) the term “AIM II StoneMor” refers to AIM II Delaware StoneMor, Inc.; (xi) the term AIM Management II refers to American Infrastructure MLP Management II, L.L.C.; and (xiv) the term AIM II Offshore refers to AIM II Offshore, L.P.

Nature of Operations

StoneMor Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”)Inc. is a leading provider of funeral and cemetery products and services in the death care industry in the United States.U.S. As of December 31, 2018,2019, the PartnershipCompany operated 322321 cemeteries in 27 states and Puerto Rico, of which 291 were owned and 3130 were operated under lease, management or operating agreements. The PartnershipCompany also owned and operated 90 funeral homes, including 42 located on the grounds of cemetery properties that we own,the Company owns, in 17 states and Puerto Rico.

The Company’s cemeteries provide cemetery property interment rights, such as burial lots, lawn and mausoleum crypts, and cremation niches. Cemetery merchandise is comprised of burial vaults, caskets, grave markers and memorials and cemetery services, which include the installation of this merchandise and other service items. The Company sells these products and services both at the time of death, which is referred to asat-need, and prior to the time of death, which is referred to aspre-need.

The Company’s funeral home services include family consultation, the removal and preparation of remains, insurance products and the use of funeral home facilities for visitation and memorial services.

C-Corporation Conversion

On December 31, 2019, pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company completed the following series of reorganization transactions (which the Company sometimes refer to collectively as the“C-Corporation Conversion”):

GP Holdings contributed its entire equity interest in the Partnership to StoneMor GP and, in exchange, ultimately received an aggregate of 5,099,969 shares of the Company’s common stock;

StoneMor GP contributed the common units in the Partnership it received from GP Holdings to LP Sub, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of StoneMor GP;

Merger Sub merged with and into the Partnership, with the Partnership surviving as a Delaware limited partnership, and pursuant to which each outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Unit (defined within) and Common Unit (defined within) (other than the common units held by LP Sub) was converted into the right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock; and

StoneMor GP converted from a Delaware limited liability company to a Delaware corporation called StoneMor Inc.

As a result of theC-Corporation Conversion, the Company remains the general partner of the Partnership and LP Sub is the sole limited partner of the Partnership such that, directly or indirectly, the Company owns 100% of the interests in the Partnership.

TheC-Corporation Conversion represented a transaction between entities under common control and was accounted for similarly to pooling of interests in a business combination. The common stock of the Company issued to the holders of the common units and preferred units of the Partnership and to GP Holdings for its general partner interest in the Partnership was recognized by the Company at the carrying value of the equity interests in the Partnership. In addition, the Company became the successor and the Partnership the predecessor for the purposes of financial reporting.

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form10-K/Ahave been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of AmericaGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

PrinciplesThe consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ConsolidationStoneMor Inc. and StoneMor Partnership L.P., each together with their consolidated subsidiaries. Financial results as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are the financial results of StoneMor Inc. and StoneMor Partners L.P., the Company’s predecessor for accounting purposes, as there was no activity under StoneMor Inc. prior to December 31, 2019. Earnings per share and weighted-average common shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 have been presented giving pro forma effect toC-Corporation Conversion, as if it had occurred on January 1, 2018.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of each of the Partnership’sCompany’s 100% owned subsidiaries. These statements also include the accounts of the merchandise and perpetual care trusts in which the PartnershipCompany has a variable interest and is the primary beneficiary. The PartnershipCompany operates 3130 cemeteries under long-term lease,leases, operating oragreements and management agreements. The operations of 16 of these managed cemeteries have been consolidated. On May 10, 2019, the Company terminated one of the management agreements and recorded a $2.1 million loss upon the termination, which is included in Other losses, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

The PartnershipCompany operates 1514 cemeteries under long-term leases and other agreements that do not qualify as acquisitions for accounting purposes. As a result, the PartnershipCompany did not consolidate all of the existing assets and liabilities related to these cemeteries. The PartnershipCompany has consolidated the existing assets and liabilities of the merchandise and perpetual care trusts associated with these cemeteries as variable interest entities, since the PartnershipCompany controls and receives the benefits and absorbs any losses from operating these trusts. Under the long-term leases and other agreements associated with these properties, which are subject to certain termination provisions, the PartnershipCompany is the exclusive operator of these cemeteries and earns revenues related to sales of merchandise, services and interment rights and incurs expenses related to such sales, including the maintenance and upkeep of these cemeteries. Upon termination of these agreements, the PartnershipCompany will retain all of the benefits and related contractual obligations incurred from sales generated during the agreement period. The PartnershipCompany has also recognized the existing customer contract-related performance obligations that it assumed as part of these agreements.

Total revenues derived fromCorrection of a prior period error related to the cemeteries under these agreements totaled approximately $52.3 million and $59.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Reclassifications and Adjustments to Prior Period Financial Statementspredecessor

The following reclassifications outlined in the table below were made to the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 to conform the presentation of revenues for Cemetery Operations to the corresponding presentation in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018. These reclassifications were made primarily to (1) present revenue related to interment rights separately from Merchandise revenue and (2) to reclassify revenue related to the installation of certain cemetery merchandise items from Merchandise revenue to Services revenue. These reclassifications had no further impact on the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 and had no impact on the previously reportedCompany has revised its consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 20172018 for the correction of the accounting related to the implementation of Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 606,Revenue from

Contracts with Customers(“ASC 606”), with respect to the recognition of revenue on sales of lawn crypt products in Maryland. Per Maryland state law, vaults cannot bepre-installed and as such per ASC 606, revenue cannot be recognized upon the sale of vaults; however, lawn crypt gardens, which are burial spaces withpre-installed, fully constructed vaults and irrigation, can be sold and revenue immediately recognized upon sale per ASC 606. During the third quarter of 2019, the Company identified that in its implementation of ASC 606 in 2018, it had incorrectly recognized revenue on sales of uninstalled lawn crypt products in Maryland, as if they had been installed. The Company concluded based on quantitative and qualitative analysis that the adjustments recorded to correct this prior period error were immaterial to the Company’s financial condition as of December 31, 2018 and 2019.

The following table presents the corrections that were made to the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018:

  2018     2018 
  As Previously Reported  Reclassifications  As Adjusted 

Assets

   

Cemetery property

 $330,841  $296  $331,137 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

 $112,660  $984  $113,644 
  

 

 

  

Total assets

 $1,669,101  $1,280  $1,670,381 

Liabilities

   

Deferred revenues

 $914,286  $5,320  $919,606 
  

 

 

  

Total liabilities

 $1,675,679  $5,320  $1,680,999 

Members’ Equity

   

Members’ equity

 $(6,578 $(4,040 $(10,618

Recapitalization Transactions

Series A Preferred Offering

On June 27, 2019, funds and accounts affiliated with Axar Capital, a related party and as of the date of the transaction and December 31, 2019, the largest holder of the Company’s outstanding common shares of record, and certain other investors and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Financial Statement Line Item  2017 As
Previously
Reported
   Reclassifications   2017 As
Adjusted
 

Revenues:

      

Cemetery:

      

Interments

  $—     $75,077   $75,077 

Merchandise

   159,546    (83,944   75,602 

Services

   62,435    8,269    70,704 

Investment and other

   54,715    598    55,313 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Cemetery Revenues

  $276,696   $—     $276,696 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Merger and Reorganization Agreement

On September 27, 2018, the Partnership, StoneMor GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of the Partnership (“GP”), StoneMor GP Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the sole member of GP (“GP Holdings”), and Hans Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of GP (“Merger Sub”),Company entered into a Merger and Reorganizationthe Series A Purchase Agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which among other things, GP will convert from a Delaware limited liability company into a Delaware corporation to be named StoneMor Inc. (the “Company” when referring to StoneMor Inc. subsequent to such conversion), the Partnership will become a wholly owned subsidiarysold to the Purchasers an aggregate of 52,083,333 of the Company and the unitholders of the Partnership will become stockholders in the Company.

Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, GP Holdings shall contribute the 2,332,878 common unitsPartnership’s Series A Convertible Preferred Units (the “Preferred Units”) representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (the “Common Units”) owned by it (the “GP Holdings’ Common Units”) to GPwith certain rights, preferences and immediately following receipt thereof, GP shall contribute the GP Holdings’ Common Units to StoneMor LP Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of GP (“LP Sub”) and LP Sub shall be admitted as a limited partner of the Partnership; (ii) GP shall convert into the Company (the “Conversion”) and all of the limited liability company interests of GP held by GP Holdings prior to the Conversion shall be canceled; (iii) as part of the Conversion and before giving effect to the Merger (as defined below), GP Holdings will be the sole stockholder of StoneMor Inc. and, as consideration for the Conversion and the Merger, will receive 2,332,878 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of StoneMor Inc. (the “Company Shares”) (subject to adjustment as provided in the Merger Agreement) with respect to the 2,332,878 Common Units held by LP Sub immediately prior to the Conversion, and 2,950,000 Company Shares (the “General Partner Shares”) (also subject to adjustment as provided in the Merger Agreement) with respect to the 1.04% general partner interest, the incentive distribution rights and the governance and all other economic and other rights associated with the general partner interest held indirectly by GP Holdings through the GP immediately prior to the Conversion.

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, (i) any then outstanding awards of phantom units granted to a member of the GP Board under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan(as amended April 19, 2010) (the “2004 Partnership Equity Plan”), (ii) any then outstanding award of Phantom Units granted to a member of the GP Board under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2014 Partnership Equity Plan”),

which was also renamed the StoneMor Amended and Restated 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Restated Plan”), (iii) any then outstanding award of Phantom Units that is not a 2004 Director Deferred Phantom Unit Award or a 2014 Director Deferred Phantom Unit Award granted under either the 2004 Partnership Equity Plan or the 2014 Partnership Equity Plan (a “Phantom Award”), (iv) any then outstanding award of restricted units (“Restricted Units”) granted under the 2014 Partnership Equity Plan, (v) any then outstanding award of unit appreciation rights (“UARs”) granted under the 2004 Partnership Equity Plan (a “UAR Award”) shall, without any required action on the part of the holder thereof, be assumed by the Company and converted into an award denominated in Company Shares.

At the Effective Time, Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Partnership (the “Merger”), with the Partnership surviving and with the Company as its sole general partner and LP Sub as its sole holder of Common Units and each outstanding Common Unit, including certain phantom units granted to members of the GP Board under the 2004 Partnership Equity Plan but excluding any Common Units held by LP Sub, being converted into the right to receive one Company Share. All of the limited liability company interests in Merger Sub outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and become limited partner interests in the surviving entity. Following the Effective Time, the general partnership interests in the Partnership issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain outstanding and unchanged subject to such changesprivileges as are set forth in the SecondPartnership’s Third Amended and RestatedPartnership Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated as of September 9, 2008, as amended asJune 27, 2019 at a purchase price of November 3, 2017$1.1040 per Preferred Unit, reflecting an 8% discount to the liquidation preference of each Preferred Unit, for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million (the “LPA”“Preferred Offering”), and.

Senior Secured Notes

Concurrently with the closing of the Preferred Offering, the Company shall continuecompleted a private placement of $385.0 million of 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured Notes (the “Senior Secured Notes”) to becertain financial institutions (collectively with the sole general partnerPreferred Offering, the “Recapitalization Transactions”). The net proceeds of the Partnership.

PerRecapitalization Transactions were used to fully repay the terms ofthen-outstanding senior notes due in June 2021, retire the Merger Agreement each Party shall bear its ownCompany’s revolving credit facility due in May 2020 and pay the associated transaction expenses, costs and fees (including attorneys’, auditors’ and financing fees, if any) in connection with the preparationremaining balance reserved for general corporate purposes. The Company has the right and deliveryexpects to pay quarterly interest at a fixed rate of the Merger Agreement and compliance therewith, whether or not the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are effected.7.50% per annum in cash plus a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum payable in kind through January 30, 2022. The Partnership has incurred $2.1 million in legal and other expensesSenior Secured Notes will require cash interest payments at 9.875% for the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement through December 31, 2018.all interest periods after January 30, 2022.

Uses and Sources of Liquidity

The Partnership’sCompany’s primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations, the remaining balance of the proceeds from the sale of the Senior Secured Notes and borrowings under its revolving credit facility. As a master limited partnership (“MLP”), the Partnership’sproceeds from asset sales. The Company’s primary cash requirements, in addition to normal operating expenses, are for capital expenditures, net contributions to the merchandise and perpetual care trust funds and debt service and cash distributions.service. In general, as part of its operating strategy, the PartnershipCompany expects to fund:

 

working capital deficits through available cash, including the remaining balance of the proceeds from the sale of the Senior Secured Notes, cash generated from operations additional borrowings, and sales of underperforming properties;proceeds from asset sales;

 

expansion capital expenditures, net contributions to the merchandise and perpetual care trust funds and debt service obligations through available cash, cash generated from operations additional borrowings or proceeds from asset sales. Amounts contributed to the merchandise trust funds will be withdrawn at the time of the delivery of the product or service sold to which the contribution relatesrelated (see “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” section below regarding revenue recognition), which will reduce the amount of additional borrowings or asset sales needed; and

 

any cash distributions the Partnership is permitted and determines to pay in accordance with its partnership agreement and maintenance capital expenditures through available cash and cash flows from operating activities.

While the PartnershipCompany relies heavily on its available cash and cash flows from operating activities and borrowings under its credit facility to execute its operational strategy and meet its financial commitments and other short-term financial needs, the PartnershipCompany cannot be certain that sufficient capital will be generated through operations or be available to the PartnershipCompany to the extent required and on acceptable terms. Moreover, although the Partnership’s cash flows from operating activities have been positive, the PartnershipThe Company has experienced negative financial trends, including use of cash in operating activities, which, when considered in the aggregate, could raise substantial doubt about the Partnership’sCompany’s ability to continue as a going concern. These negative financial trends include:

 

the Partnership has continued to incur net losses for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 and has an accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2018, due to an increased competitive environment, an increase in professional fees and compliance costs and an increase in consulting fees associated with the Partnership’s adoption and implementation of the Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 606,Revenue from Contracts with Customersincurred in the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017;

the Company has continued to incur net losses for the year ended December 31, 2019 and has an accumulated deficit and negative cash flow from operating activities as of December 31, 2019, due to an increased competitive environment, increased expenses due to the consummatedC-Corporation Conversion and increases in professional fees and compliance costs; and

 

a decline in billings coupled with the increase in professional, compliance and consulting expenses that tightened the Partnership’sCompany’s liquidity position and increased reliance on long-term financial obligations, which, in turn, eliminated the Partnership’s ability to pay distributions;

the Partnership’s failure to comply with certain debt covenants required by the Partnership’s credit facility due to the Partnership’s inability to complete a timely filing of its Annual Reports on Form10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q, as well as exceeding of the maximum consolidated leverage ratio financial covenant for the quarters ended December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2018, exceeding the maximum consolidated secured net leverage ratio financial covenant for the periods ended June 30, 2018, September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2018 and not being able to achieve the minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio for the periods ended June 30, 2018, September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2018. As further disclosed in the credit facility subsection in Note 10 Long-Term Debt, these failures constituted defaults that the Partnership’s lenders agreed to waive; and

the provision for ticking fees assessed on the amount of outstanding loans made under the Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility (the “Tranche A Revolving Loans”) and payable to the Tranche A Revolving Lenders(i) in-kind, by increasing the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s Tranche A Revolving Loans (“PIK”) or (ii) in cash in the following amounts and on the following dates:

3.00% on July 1, 2019, of which (x) 2.00% shall PIK and (y) 1.00% shall be payable in cash, unless Required Lenders agree to PIK;

1.00% on August 1, 2019, payable in cash, unless the Required Lenders agree to PIK;

1.00% on September 1, 2019, payable in cash, unless the Required Lenders agree to PIK; and

1.00% on October 1, 2019, PIK;obligations.

During 2018 and to date in 2019, the Partnership hasCompany implemented (and will continue to implement) various actions to improve profitability and cash flows to fund operations. A summary of these actions is as follows:

 

sold an aggregate of 52,083,333 Preferred Units for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million and completed a private placement of $385.0 million of the Senior Secured Notes. The net proceeds of both transactions were used to fully repay the then-outstanding senior notes due in June 2021 and retire the Company’s revolving credit facility due in May 2020;

continue to manage recurring operating expenses and seek to limitnon-recurring operating expenses over the next twelve-month period, which includes the January 2019 Restructuring actions as further discussed in Note 19 Subsequent Events;

the Partnership engaged a financial advisor to advise the Partnership in the arrangement of the refinancing in full of the obligations with respect to the Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility including debt and equity financing vehicles, however, at this time the Partnership has no commitments to obtain any additional funds, and there can be no such assurance such funds will be available on acceptable terms or at all;

complete sales of certain assets and businesses to provide supplemental liquidity;expenses; and

 

foridentify and complete sales of select assets to provide supplemental liquidity.

In addition, there is no certainty that the reasons disclosed above,Company’s actual operating performance and cash flows will not be substantially different from forecasted results and no certainty the Partnership wasCompany will not need amendments to the Indenture in compliance with certain of its amended credit facility covenants as of December 31, 2017, March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018, September 30, 2018

and December 31, 2018. These failures constituted defaults that the lenders agreed to waive pursuant to the Sixth Amendment and Waiver, the Seventh Amendment and Waiver and the Eighth Amendment and Waiver to the Partnership’s credit facility on June 12, 2018, July 13, 2018 and February 4, 2019, respectively, as disclosed in the credit facility subsection in Note 10 Long-Term Debt and in Note 19 Subsequent Events. Moreover, based on the Partnership’s forecasted operating performance, cash flows and projected plans to file financial statements on a timely basis consistent with the debt covenants, the Partnership does not believe it is probable that the Partnership will further breach the covenants under its amended credit facility for the next twelve-month period. However, there is no certainty that the Partnership’s actual operating performance and cash flows will not be substantially different from forecasted results, and no certainty the Partnership will not need further amendments to its credit facility in the future. Factors that could impact the significant assumptions used by the Partnershipthe future and such amendments will be granted. Factors that could impact the significant assumptions used by the Company in assessing its ability to satisfy its financial covenants include the following:

 

operating performance not meeting reasonably expected forecasts;

 

failing to generate profitable sales;

 

investments in the Partnership’sCompany’s trust funds experiencing significant declines due to factors outside its control;

being unable to compete successfully with other cemeteries and funeral homes in the Partnership’sCompany’s markets;

 

the number of deaths in the Partnership’sCompany’s markets declining; and

 

the mix of funeral and cemetery revenues between burials and cremations.

If the Partnership’sCompany’s planned, implemented and not yet implemented actions are not completed or implemented and cash savings are not realized, andor the PartnershipCompany fails to improve its operating performance and cash flows or the PartnershipCompany is not able to comply with the covenants under its amended credit facility, the PartnershipIndenture, the Company may be forced to limit its business activities, limit its ability to implement further modifications to its operations furtheror limit the effectiveness of some actions that are included in its forecasts, amend its credit facilityIndenture and/or seek other sources of capital, and the PartnershipCompany may be unable to continue as a going concern. Additionally, a failure to generate additional liquidity could negatively impact the Partnership’sCompany’s access to inventory or services that are important to the operation of the Partnership’sCompany’s business. Given the Partnership’s level of cash and cash equivalents, to preserve capital resources and liquidity, the Board of Directors of the General Partner concluded that it was not in the best interest of unitholders to pay distributions to unitholders after the first quarter of 2017. In addition, the Partnership’s revolving credit facility prohibits the Partnership from making distributions to unitholders. Any of these events may have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’sCompany’s results of operations and financial condition. The ability of the Partnership to meets its obligations at December 31, 2018, andCompany to continue as a going concern is dependent upon achieving the action plans noted above. The

Based on the Company’s forecasted operating performance, planned actions to improve the Company’s profitability and cash flows, the execution of the Supplemental Indenture and the Axar Commitment and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including receipt of not less than $17.0 million in proceeds from the contemplated rights offering, together with plans to file its financial statements on a timely basis consistent with the debt covenants and commitment to filing its periodic reports on a timely basis consistent with the debt covenants, the Company does not believe it is probable that it will breach the covenants under the Indenture or be unable to continue as a going concern for the next twelve-month period. As such, the consolidated financial statements for the yearyears ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were prepared on the basis of a going concern, which contemplates that the PartnershipCompany will be able to realize assets and discharge liabilities in the normal course of business. Accordingly, they do not give effect to adjustments, if any, that would be necessary should the PartnershipCompany be required to liquidate its assets. The ability of the Partnership to meet its obligations at December 31, 2018, and to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the availability of a refinancing in full of the obligations with respect to the Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility, continued ability to manage expenses and increased sales. As such, the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form10-K/A do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Partnership’sCompany’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions thatas described in this Annual Report. These estimates and assumptions may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosuredisclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as ofat the date of the consolidated financial statements as well asand the

reported amounts of revenue and expenseexpenses during the reporting periods. The Partnership’s consolidated financial statements are based on a number of significant estimates, including revenue and expense accruals, depreciation and amortization, merchandise trust and perpetual care trust asset valuation, allowance for cancellations, unit-based compensation, deferred revenues, deferred merchandise trust investment earnings, deferred selling and obtaining costs, assets and liabilities obtained through business combinations, income taxes, hurricane-related losses and goodwill including any interim assessment for impairment. As a result, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less from the time they are acquired to be cash equivalents. Cash and Cash Equivalents was $34.9 million and $18.1 million as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

Restricted Cash

Cash that is restricted from withdrawal or use under the terms of certain contractual agreements is recorded as restricted cash. Restricted cash was $21.9 million as of December 31, 2019, primarily related to cash collateralization of the Company’s letters of credit and surety bonds and the $5.0 million refundable deposit the Company received in October 2019, in connection with thenon-binding letter of intent it signed for the sale of one of its properties. There was no restricted cash as of December 31, 2018.

Revenues

The Partnership’sCompany’s revenues are derived from contracts with customers through sale and delivery of death care products and services. Primary sources of revenue are derived from (1) cemetery and funeral home operations generated both at the time of death(“at-need”)at-need and prior to the time of death(“pre-need”),pre-need, which are classified on the Statementsconsolidated statements of Operationsoperations as Interments, Merchandise and Services, and (2) investment income, which includes income earned on assets maintained in perpetual care and merchandise trusts related topre-need sales of cemetery and funeral home merchandise and services occurring prior to the time of death andthat are required to be maintained in the trust by state law as well asand (3) interest earned onpre-need installment contracts. Investment income is presented within Investment and other for Cemetery revenue and Services for Funeral home revenue

Cemetery and Funeral Home Operations

revenue. Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer and is net of any sales incentives and amounts collected on behalf of third parties.Pre-need contracts are price guaranteed, providing for future merchandise and services at prices prevailing when the agreements are signed. The Partnership recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a customer.

Sales taxes assessed by a governmental authority are excluded from revenue.

Any shipping and handling costs that are incurred after control over a product has transferred to a customer are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are included in cost of goods sold.

Investment income is earned on certain payments received from the customercustomers onpre-need contracts, which are required by law to be deposited into the merchandise and service trusts. Amounts are withdrawn from the merchandise trusts when the PartnershipCompany fulfills the performance obligations. Earnings on these trust funds, which are specifically identifiable for each performance obligation, are also included in total transaction price.Pre-need contracts are generally subject to financing arrangements on an installment basis, with a contractual term not to exceed 60 months. Interest income is recognized utilizing the effective interest method. For those contracts that do not bear a market rate of interest, the PartnershipCompany imputes such interest based upon the prime rate at the time of origination plus 375 basis points in order to segregate the principal and interest component of the total contract value. The PartnershipCompany has elected to not adjust the transaction price for the effects of a significant financing component for contracts that have payment terms under one year.

At the time of anon-cancellablepre-need sale, the PartnershipCompany records an account receivable in an amount equal to the total contract value less unearned finance income and any cash deposit paid. The revenue from both the sales and interest income from trusted funds are deferred until the merchandise is delivered or the services are performed. For a sale in a cancellable state, an account receivable is only recorded to the extent control has transferred to the customer for interment rights, merchandise or services for which the PartnershipCompany has not collected cash. The amounts collected from customers in states in whichpre-need contracts are cancellable may be subject to refund provisions. The PartnershipCompany estimates the fair value of its refund obligation under such contracts on a quarterly basis and records such obligations within the other long-term liabilities line item on its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.consolidated balance sheets.

In accordance with ASC 606, the Company recognizes revenue in the amount to which the Company expect to be entitled to when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a customer. The Company only recognizes amounts due from a customer for unfulfilled performance obligations on a cancellablepre-need contract to the extent that control has transferred to the customer for interments, merchandise or services for which the Company has not collected cash. The Company defers the recognition of any nonrefundableup-front fees and incremental direct selling costs associated with its sales contracts with a customer (i.e., commissions and bonuses) until the underlying goods or services have been delivered to the customer if the amortization period associated with the deferred nonrefundableup-front fees and incremental direct selling is greater than a year; otherwise, these nonrefundableup-front fees and incremental direct selling costs are expensed immediately. Incremental direct selling costs are recognized by specific identification. The Company calculates the deferred selling costs asset by dividing total deferred selling and obtaining expenses by total deferrable revenues and multiplying such percentage by the periodic change in gross deferred revenues. Such costs are recognized when the associated performance obligation is fulfilled based upon the net change in deferred revenues. All other selling costs are expensed as incurred

In addition, the Company maintains a reserve representing the fair value of the refund obligation that may arise due to state law provisions that include a guarantee of customer funds collected on unfulfilled performance

obligations and maintained in trust to the extent that the funds are refundable upon a customer’s exercise of any cancellation rights.

Sales taxes assessed by governmental authorities are excluded from revenue. Any shipping and handling costs that are incurred after control over a product has transferred to a customer are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are included in cost of goods sold.

Nature of Goods and Services

The following is a description of the principal activities separated bywithin the Company’s two reportable segments from which the PartnershipCompany generates its revenue. As discussed more fully in Note 18 Segment Information, the Partnership operates two reportable segments: Cemetery Operations and Funeral Home Operations.

Cemetery Operations

The Company generates revenues in its Cemetery Operations segment principally generates revenue from (1) providing rights to inter remains in a specific cemetery property inventory space such as burial lots and constructed mausoleum crypts (“Interments”), (2) sales of cemetery merchandise which includes markers (i.e., method of identifying a deceased person in a burial space, crypt or niche), base (i.e., the substrate upon which a marker is placed), vault (i.e., a container installed in the burial lot in which the casket is placed), caskets, cremation niches and other cemetery related items (“Merchandise”) and (3) service revenues, including opening and closing, (“O&C”), a service of digging and refilling burial spaces to install the burial vault and place the casket into the vault, cremation services and fees for installation of cemetery merchandise (“Services”).merchandise. Products and services may be sold separately or in packages. For packages, the PartnershipCompany accounts for individual products and services separately as they are distinct (i.e., the product or service is separately identifiable from other items in the package and the customer can benefit from it on its own or with other resources that are readily available to the customer). The consideration (including any discounts) is allocated among separate products and services in a package based on their relative stand-alone selling prices. The stand-alone selling price is determined by management based upon local market conditions and reasonable ranges for both merchandise and services which is the best estimate of the stand-alone price. For items that are not sold separately (e.g., second interment rights), the PartnershipCompany estimates stand-alone selling prices using the best estimate of market value. The Partnership estimated the stand-alone selling pricevalue, using inputs such as average selling price and list price broken down by each geographic location. Additionally, the Partnership consideredCompany considers typical sales promotions that could have impacted the stand-alone selling price estimates.

Interments revenue is recognized when control transfers, which is when the property is available for use by the customer. Forpre-construction mausoleum contracts, the PartnershipCompany will only recognize revenue once the property is constructed and the customer has obtained substantially all of the remaining benefits of the property. Sales taxes collected are recognized on a net basis in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Merchandise revenue and deferred investment earnings on merchandise trusts are recognized when a customer obtains control of the product. This usually occurs when the customer takes possession of the product (title has transferred to the customer and the merchandise is either installed or stored, at the direction of the customer, at the vendor’s warehouse or a third-party warehouse at no additional cost to the Partnership)Company). The amount of revenue recognized is adjusted for expected refunds, which are estimated based on applicable law, general business practices and historical experience observed specific to the respective performance obligation. The estimate of the refund obligation is reevaluated on a quarterly basis. In addition, we arethe Company is entitled to retain, in certain jurisdictions, a portion of collected customer payments when a customer cancels apre-need contract; these amounts are also recognized in revenue at the time the contract is cancelled.

Service revenue is recognized when the services are performed and the performance obligation is thereby satisfied.

The cost of goods sold related to merchandise and services reflects the actual cost of purchasing products and performing services and the value of cemetery property depleted through the recognized sales of interment rights.

The costs related to the sales of lots and crypts are determined systematically using a specific identification method under which the total value of the underlying cemetery property and the lots available to be sold at the location are used to determine the cost per lot.

Funeral Home Operations

OurThe Company generates revenues in its Funeral Home Operations segment principally generates revenue from (1) sales of funeral home merchandise which includes caskets and other funeral related items (“Merchandise”) and (2) service revenues, including services such as family consultation, the removal of and preparation of remains and the use of funeral home facilities for visitation and services of remembrance (“Services”). Our funeral home operationsremembrance. The Funeral Home Operations segment also include revenues related to the sale of term and whole life insurance on an agency basis, in which we earnthe Company earns a commission from the sales of these policies. Insurance commission revenue is reported within service revenues. Products and services may be sold separately or in packages. For packages, the PartnershipCompany accounts for individual products and services separately as they are distinct (i.e., the product or service is separately identifiable from other items in the package and the customer can benefit from it on its own or with other resources that are readily available to the customer). The consideration (including any discounts) is allocated among separate products and services based on their relative stand-alone selling prices. The relative stand-alone selling price is determined by management’s best estimate of the stand-alone price based upon the list price at each location. The revenue generated by the Company through its Funeral Home Operations primarily generate revenuessegment is principally derived fromat-need sales.

Merchandise revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of the product. This usually occurs when the customer takes possession of the product (title has transferred to the customer and the merchandise is either installed or stored, at the direction of the customer, at the vendor’s warehouse or a third-party warehouse). The amount of revenue recognized is adjusted for expected refunds, which are estimated based on applicable law, general business practices and historical experience observed specific to the respective performance obligations. The estimate of the refund obligation is reevaluated on a quarterly basis.

Service revenue is recognized when the services are performed and the performance obligation is thereby satisfied.

Costs related to the delivery or performance of merchandise and services are charged to expense when merchandise is delivered or services are performed.

Deferred SellingRevenues

Revenues from the sale of services and Obtaining Costs

The Partnership defers certain costs (i.e., commissionsmerchandise as well as any investment income from the merchandise trusts is deferred until such time that the services are performed or the merchandise is delivered. In addition, for amounts deferred on new contracts and bonuses) that are incremental to obtaininginvestment income and unrealized gains on the Company’s merchandise trusts, deferred revenues include deferred revenues frompre-need cemeterysales that were entered into by entities prior to the Company’s acquisition of the assets of those entities. The Company provides for a profit margin for these deferred revenues to account for the projected future costs of delivering products and funeral contracts. The Partnership calculatesproviding services onpre-need contracts that the deferred selling costs asset by dividing total deferred selling and obtaining expenses by total deferrableCompany acquired through acquisition. These revenues and multiplying such percentage by the periodic change in gross deferred revenues. Suchtheir associated costs are recognized when the associated performance obligationrelated merchandise is fulfilled based upondelivered or services are performed and are presented on a gross basis on the net change in deferred revenues. All other selling costs are expensed as incurred. Additionally, the Partnership has elected the practical expedientconsolidated statements of not recognizing incremental costs to obtain as incurred when the amortization period otherwise would have been one year or less.

As of December 31, 2018, we had $112.7 million in deferred incremental direct selling costs included in Deferred charges and other assets. These deferred costs are classified as long-term on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet because the Partnership does not control the timing of the delivery of the merchandise or performance of the services as they are generally provided at the time of need. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Partnership recognized $4.8 million from deferred incremental direct selling costs.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Partnership considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less from the time they are acquired to be cash equivalents.operations.

Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance

The PartnershipCompany sellspre-need cemetery contracts whereby the customer enters into arrangements for futurepre-need merchandise and services prior to the time of need.services. These sales are usually made using interest-bearing

installment contracts not to exceed 60 months. The interest income is recorded as revenue when the interest amount is considered realizable and collectible, which typically coincides with cash payment. Interest income is not recognized until

payments are collected in accordance with the contract. At the time of apre-need sale, the PartnershipCompany records an account receivable in an amount equal to the total contract value less unearned finance income, unfulfilled performance obligations on cancellable contracts, and any cash deposit paid, net of an estimated allowance for customer cancellations.paid. The PartnershipCompany recognizes an allowance for doubtful accounts by applying a cancellation of these receivables based upon its historical experience,rate to amounts included in accounts receivable, which is recorded as a reduction in accounts receivable and a corresponding offset to deferred revenues. The Partnership recognizes an allowance for cancellation of receivables related to recognized contracts as an offset to revenue.

rate is based on a five year average rate by each specific location. Management evaluates customer receivables for impairment based upon its historical experience, including the age of the receivables and the customers’ payment histories.

Cemetery Property

Cemetery property consists of developed and undeveloped cemetery land, constructed mausoleum crypts and lawn crypts and other cemetery property. Cemetery property is stated at cost or, upon acquisition of a business, at the fair value of the assets acquired.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost or, upon acquisition of a business, at the fair value of the assets acquired and depreciated on a straight-line basis. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, whereas additions and major replacements are capitalized and depreciation is recorded over their estimated useful lives. Major classifications of property and equipment and their respective useful lives are as follows:

Buildings and improvements

10 to 40 years

Software and computer hardware

3 years

Furniture and equipment

3 to 10 years

Leasehold improvements

over the shorter of the term of the lease or the life  of the asset

Assets Held for Sale

We classify our assetsFor a long-lived asset or entitiesdisposal group to be classified as held for sale in the period in which all of the following criteria are met:must be met

 

management,Management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the long-lived asset or entity;disposal group;

 

theThe long-lived asset or entitydisposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition;condition, subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such long-lived assets (disposal groups);

 

anAn active program to locate a buyerbuyer(s) and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the long-lived asset (disposal group) have been initiated;

 

The sale of the salelong-lived asset (disposal group) is probable and transfer of the long-lived asset (disposal group) is expected to bequalify for recognition as a completed sale within one year;

 

theThe long-lived asset or entity(disposal group) is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and

 

actionsActions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.

WhenThe determination to classify a site (or group of sites) as an asset held for sale requires significant estimates by the disposalsCompany about the site and the level of market activity in which the site is based. Such estimates are based on factors that include recent sales of comparable sites, the extent of buyers’ interest in the site and the site’s condition. Based on these factors, the Company assesses the probability of divesting of the site under current market conditions at an entity or componentsacceptable price within one year. After the Company identifies a site to be held for sale, the Company discontinues depreciating the long-lived assets associated with the site and estimates the assets’ fair

value, net of an entity that areselling costs. If the carrying value of the assets to be classified as held for sale represent a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results, we account for such disposals as discontinued operations. Otherwise, whenexceeds the held for sale criteria is met butCompany’s estimated net fair value, the disposal does not meet the criteria to be treated as discontinued operations,Company writes the assets or disposal group are reclassified fromdown to the corresponding balance sheet line itemsestimated net fair value. Assets and liabilities associated with the site to held for sale. Assetsbe classified as held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market, with any gain or loss recorded in “Other losses, net”presented separately in the condensedCompany’s consolidated statement of operations.

The Partnership classified certain assets of two cemeteries and two funeral homes at December 31, 2018 and two cemeteries and three funeral homes at December 31, 2017balance sheets beginning with the period in which the Company decided to classify the site as held for sale. The contributionsFor further details of revenues and earnings by thesethe Company’s assets in 2018 and 2017 were not material. Assets held for sale, consisted seeNote 22 Assets Held For Saleof the following at the date indicated (in thousands):this Annual Report.

   2018   2017 

Cemetery property

  $350   $128 

Buildings and improvements

   407    718 

Funeral home land

   —      170 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Assets held for sale

  $757   $1,016 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cemetery Property

Cemetery property consists of developed and undeveloped cemetery land, constructed mausoleum crypts and lawn crypts and other cemetery property. Cemetery property is stated at cost or, upon acquisition of a business, at the fair value of the assets acquired.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost or, upon acquisition of a business, at the fair value of the assets acquired and depreciated on a straight-line basis. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, whereas additions and major replacements are capitalized and depreciation is recorded over their estimated useful lives as follows:

      Buildings and improvements                    10 to 40 years
      Furniture and equipment3 to 10 years
      Leasehold improvementsover the shorter of the term of the lease or the life of the asset

Merchandise Trusts

Pursuant to state law, a portion of the proceeds frompre-need sales of merchandise and services is put into trust (the “merchandise trust”) until such time that the PartnershipCompany meets the requirements for releasing trust principal, which is generally delivery of merchandise or performance of services. All investment earnings generated by the assets in the merchandise trusts (including realized gains and losses) are deferred until the associated merchandise is delivered or the services are performed (see performed. For further details of the Company’s merchandise trusts, seeNote 7).7 Merchandise Trustsof this Annual Report.

Perpetual Care Trusts

Pursuant to state law, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of cemetery property is required to be paid into perpetual care trusts. The perpetual care trust principal does not belong to the PartnershipCompany and must remain in this trust in perpetuity, while interest and dividends may be released and used to defray cemetery maintenance costs, which are expensed as incurred. The PartnershipCompany consolidates the trust into its financial statements because the trust is considered a variable interest entity for which the PartnershipCompany is the primary beneficiary. Earnings from the perpetual care trusts are recognized in current cemetery revenues (see revenues. For further details of the Company’s perpetual care trusts, seeNote 8).8 Perpetual Care Trustsof this Annual Report.

Fair Value Measurements

The PartnershipCompany measures theavailable-for-sale securities held by its merchandise and perpetual care trusts at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The PartnershipCompany utilizes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of the asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

 

Level 1—inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;

 

Level 2—inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; and

 

Level 3—inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

The categorization of the asset or liability within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Reclassifications of fair value between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, if applicable, are made at the end of each quarter. For additional disclosures for all of ouron the Company’savailable-for-sale securities, see refer toNote 7 Merchandise TrustsandNote 8.8 Perpetual Care Trusts.

Inventories

Inventories are classified within otherOther current assets on the Partnership’sCompany’s consolidated balance sheets and include cemetery and funeral home merchandise valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined

primarily on a specific identification basis using afirst-in,first-out method. Inventories were approximately $7.5$5.9 million and $12.1$7.5 million at December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. Refer toNote 3 Impairment and Other Losses for further information regarding impairment of inventories.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The PartnershipCompany monitors the recoverability of long-lived assets, including cemetery property, property and equipment and other assets, based on estimates using factors such as current market value, future asset utilization, business and regulatory climate and future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the related assets, at a location level. The Partnership’sCompany’s policy is to evaluateperform step 1 of the long-lived asset impairment test prescribed by ASC 360,Property, Plant and Equipment (the “ASC 360 Asset Impairment Test”) every reporting period for all of its cemetery property and funeral home locations; for any location that has an assetoperating loss for impairment when events the current reporting period, a trend of operating losses over the current fiscal year and/or circumstances indicate that a long-lived asset’strend of operating losses over the previous five fiscal years, the Company then performs step 2 of the ASC 360 Asset Impairment Test. If step 2 indicates the carrying value mayof any of the Company’s locations is not be recovered. An impairment charge is recorded to write-down the asset to its fair value ifrecoverable, as a result of the sum of expected future undiscounted cash flows isfor the location being less than the carrying value of the asset.location, the Company records an impairment charge to write-down the location to its fair value.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Trust Assets

The PartnershipCompany determines whether or not the impairment of a fixed maturity debt security is other-than-temporary by evaluating each of the following:

 

Whether it is the Partnership’sCompany’s intent to sell the security. If there is intent to sell, the impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary.

 

If there is no intent to sell, the PartnershipCompany evaluates if it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. If the PartnershipCompany determines that it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell an impaired investment before its anticipated recovery, the impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary.

The PartnershipCompany further evaluates whether or not all assets in the trusts have other-than-temporary impairments based upon a number of criteria including the severity of the impairment, length of time a security has been in a loss position, changes in market conditions and concerns related to the specific issuer.

If an impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the security is adjusted downward to its fair value.

For assets held in the perpetual care trusts, any reduction in the cost basis due to an other-than-temporary impairment is offset with an equal and opposite reduction in the perpetual care trust corpus and has no impact on earnings.

For assets held in the merchandise trusts, any reduction in the cost basis due to an other-than-temporary impairment is recorded in deferred revenue.

Goodwill

The Partnership testsCompany tested goodwill for impairment at least annually or if impairment indicators arisearose by comparing its reporting units’ estimated fair values to carrying values. Because quoted market prices for the reporting units arewere not available, the Partnership’sCompany’s management musthad to apply judgment in determining the estimated fair value of theseits reporting units.

The Partnership’s management uses

Management used all available information to make these fair value determinations, including the present values of expected future cash flows using discount rates commensurate with the risks involved in the Partnership’sCompany’s assets and the available market data of the industry group. A key component of these fair value determinations iswas a reconciliation of the sum of the fair value calculations to the Partnership’sCompany’s market capitalization. The observed market prices of individual trades of an entity’s equity securities (and thus its

computed market capitalization) may not be representative of the fair value of the entity as a whole. Management will continue

Due to evaluatea decline in the market value of the Company’s unit values and the Company’s significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results noted during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, management conducted an interim goodwill at least annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicateimpairment assessment as of September 30, 2019. As a result of such assessment, management concluded on November 4, 2019 that the carrying value of athe only reporting unit exceeds its fair value.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Partnership early adoptedASU 2017-04,Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, impairment is defined as the amount byto which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceedsCompany allocated its goodwill, Cemetery Operations, exceeded its fair value, up toand the total amount of goodwill. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2018, we changed our annualCompany’s goodwill impairment test date from December 31st to October 1st, which necessitated completing a testwas fully impaired as of October 1, 2018 so that no more than 12 months elapsed between annual tests.September 30, 2019. For further details on the Company’s impairment of its goodwill, seeNote 3 Impairment and Other Losses andNote 9 Goodwill and Intangible Assetsof this Annual Report.

Intangible Assets

The PartnershipCompany has other acquired intangible assets, most of which have been recognized as a result of acquisitions and long-term lease, management and operating agreements. The PartnershipCompany amortizes these intangible assets over their estimated useful lives and periodically tests them for impairment.

Accounts Payable and Accrued LiabilitiesTaxes

The Partnership records liabilitiesCompany is subject to U.S. federal income taxes, and a provision for expenses incurred related to the current periodU.S. federal income tax has been provided in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, accounts payable and accrued liabilities was comprised of accounts payable of $29.8 million and $18.5 million, respectively, accrued expenses of $21.7 million and $15.9 million, respectively, benefits and payroll liabilities of $6.9 million and $5.7 million, respectively, and tax liabilities of $3.1 million and $2.9 million, respectively. The $5.6 million increase in accrued expenses related to professional fee expenses.

Deferred Revenues

Revenues from the sale of services and merchandise as well as any investment income from the merchandise trusts is deferred until such time that the services are performed or the merchandise is delivered.

In addition to amounts deferred on new contracts and investment income and unrealized gains on our merchandise trusts, deferred revenues include deferred revenues frompre-need sales that were entered into by entities prior to the Partnership’s acquisition of those entities or the assets of those entities. The Partnership provides for a profit margin for these deferred revenues to account for the projected future costs of delivering products and providing services onpre-need contracts that the Partnership acquired through acquisition. These revenues and their associated costs are recognized when the related merchandise is delivered or services are performed and are presented on a gross basis on the consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes

operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. The PartnershipCompany is not subject to U.S. federal and mostalso responsible for certain state income taxes. The partners of the Partnership are liable for income tax in regard to their distributive share of the Partnership’s taxable income. Such taxable income may vary substantially from net income reportedand franchise taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Certain corporate subsidiaries are subject to federal and state income tax. states in which it operates.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and tax carryforwards.carryforwards, if applicable. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in incomeearnings in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Partnership recordsCompany recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

For further details, seeNote 12 Income Taxesof this Annual Report.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets if it deems thatlong-term incentive plan under which it is more likely than not that some portionauthorized to grant stock-based compensation awards, such as restricted stock or allrestricted units to be settled in common stock andnon-qualified stock options (“stock options”). The Company recognizes compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realizable in future periods.stock-based awards on the date of grant over the requisite service period. The fair value of restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards is determined based on the number of restricted stock or restricted stock units granted and the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options is determined by applying the Black-Scholes model to the grant-date market value of the underlying common stock of the Company. The Company has elected to recognize forfeiture credits for these stock-based compensation awards as they are incurred, as this method best reflects actual stock-based compensation expense.

On December 22, 2017,Tax deductions on the Tax Cutsstock-based compensation awards are not realized until the stock-based compensation awards are vested or exercised. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets for stock-based compensation awards that will result in future deductions on its income tax returns, based on the amount of stock-based compensation recognized at the statutory tax rate in the jurisdiction in which the Company will receive a tax deduction. If the tax deduction for a stock-based compensation award is greater than the cumulative GAAP compensation expense for that stock-based compensation award upon realization of a tax deduction, an excess tax benefit will be recognized and Jobs Actrecorded as a favorable impact on the effective tax rate. If the tax deduction for a stock-based compensation award is less than the cumulative GAAP compensation expense for that stock-based compensation award upon realization of 2017 (the “Tax Act”the tax deduction, a tax shortfall will be recognized and recorded as an unfavorable impact on the effective tax rate. Any excess tax benefits or shortfalls will be recorded discretely in the period in which they occur. The cash flows resulting from any excess tax benefit will be classified as financing cash flows in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

The Company provides its employees with the election to settle the income tax obligations arising from the vesting of their restricted stock-based compensation awards by the Company withholding stock equal to such income tax obligations. Stock acquired from employees in connection with the settlement of the employees’ income tax obligations on these stock-based compensation awards are accounted for as treasury shares that are subsequently retired. Restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock options are not considered issued and outstanding for purposes of earnings per share calculations until vested.

For further details on the Company’s stock-based compensation plans, seeNote 14 Long-Term Incentive Planof this Annual Report.

Leases

The Company leases a variety of assets throughout its organization, such as office space, funeral homes, warehouses and equipment. The Company has both operating and finance leases. The Company’s operating leases primarily include office space, funeral homes and equipment. The Company’s finance leases primarily consist of vehicles and certain IT equipment. The Company determines whether an arrangement is or contains a lease at the inception of the arrangement based on the facts and circumstances in each contract. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For lease agreements with an initial term in excess of 12 months, the Company records the lease liability and Right of Use (“ROU”) was signed into law. The Tax Act made broad and complex changesasset at commencement date based upon the present value of the sum of the remaining minimum rental payments, which exclude executory costs. Certain adjustments to the U.S. tax codeROU asset may be required for items such as initial direct costs paid or incentives received.

Certain leases provide the Company with the option to renew for additional periods, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term for periods ranging from 1 to 30 years. Where leases contain escalation clauses, rent abatements and/or concessions, the Company applies them in the determination of lease expense. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company’s sole discretion, and the Company only includes the renewal option in the lease term when the Company can be reasonably certain that it will exercise the additional options.

As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company evaluates the term of the lease, type of asset and its weighted average cost of capital to determine its incremental borrowing rate used to measure the ROU asset and lease liability.

The Company calculates operating lease expense ratably over the lease term plus any reasonably assured renewal periods. The Company considers reasonably assured renewal options, fixed escalation provisions and residual value guarantees in its calculation. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or asset life, which may include renewal periods where the renewal is reasonably assured, and are included in the

determination of straight-line rent expense. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are generally limited by among other things, reducing the federal corporate income tax rate, creating a new limitation on deductible interest expense, creating bonus depreciation that will allowexpected lease term.

The Company’s leases also typically have lease andnon-lease components, which are generally accounted for full expensing on qualified property, changingseparately and not included in the livesmeasurement of post-2017 net operating loss carryoversthe ROU asset and imposing limitations on deductibility of certain executive compensation.lease liability.

Net Loss per Common UnitShare (Basic and Diluted)

Basic net income (loss) attributable toloss per common limited partners per unitshare is computed by dividing net income (loss)loss attributable to common limited partners, which is determined after the deduction of the general partner’s interest,stockholders by the weighted average number of common limited partner unitsshares outstanding during the period. Net income (loss) attributable to common limited partners is determined by deducting net income (loss) attributable to participating securities, if applicable, and net income (loss) attributable to the general partner’s units. The general partner’s interest in net income (loss) is calculated on a quarterly basis based upon its units and incentive distributions to be distributed for the quarter, with a priority allocation of net income to the general partner’s incentive distributions, if any, in accordance with the partnership agreement, and the remaining net income (loss) allocated with respect to the general partner’s and limited partners’ ownership interests.

The Partnership presents net income (loss) per unit under thetwo-class method for master limited partnerships, which considers whether the incentive distributions of a master limited partnership represent a participating security when considered in the calculation of earnings per unit under thetwo-class method. Thetwo-class method considers whether the partnership agreement contains any contractual limitations concerning distributions to the incentive distribution rights that would impact the amount of earnings to allocate to the incentive distribution rights for each reporting period. If distributions are contractually limited to the incentive distribution rights’ share of currently designated available cash for distributions as defined under the partnership agreement, undistributed earnings in excess of available cash should not be allocated to the incentive distribution rights. Under thetwo-class method, management of the Partnership believes the partnership agreement contractually limits cash distributions to available cash; therefore, undistributed earnings in excess of available cash are not allocated to the incentive distribution rights.

The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) allocated to the common limited partners for purposes of calculating net income (loss) attributable to common limited partners per unit (in thousands):

   Years Ended December 31, 
           2018                  2017         

Net loss

  $(72,699 $(75,158

Less: Incentive distribution right (“IDR”) payments to general partner

   —     —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net loss to allocate to general and limited partners

   (72,699  (75,158

General partner’s interest excluding IDRs

   (757  (782
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to common limited partners

  $(71,942 $(74,376
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Diluted net income (loss) attributable toloss per common limited partners per unitshare is calculated by dividing net income (loss)loss attributable to common limited partners, less income allocable to participating securities,shares by the sum of the weighted averageweighted-average number of outstanding common limited partner units outstandingshares and the dilutive effect of unitshare-based awards, as calculated by the treasury stock or if converted methods, as applicable. These awards consist of common unitsshares that are contingently issuable upon the satisfaction of certain vesting conditions and common units issuable upon the exercise of certain unit appreciation rightsfor stock awards granted under the terms of the Partnership’s long-term incentive plans (see Note 13).2019 Plan.

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the Partnership’s weighted averageCompany’s weighted-average number of outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2019 and common limited partner units as of December 31, 2018 used to compute basic net income (loss)loss attributable to common shares and common limited partners per unit,

respectively, with those used to compute diluted net income (loss) attributable toloss per common share and per common limited partners per unit, respectively, (in thousands):

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
           2018                   2017         

Weighted average number of common limited partner units—basic

   37,959    37,948 

Add effect of dilutive incentive awards (1)

   —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common limited partner units—diluted

   37,959    37,948 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Year Ended December 31, 
       2019           2018     

Weighted average number of outstanding common shares—basic(1)

   39,614    37,959 

Plus effect of dilutive incentive awards(2)

    

Restricted shares

   —      —   

Stock options

   63    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of outstanding common shares—diluted(1)

   39,677    37,959 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

TheFor the period following theC-Corporation Conversion, represents common shares, and for the period prior to theC-Corporation Conversion, represents limited common partner units.

(2)

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the diluted weighted averageweighted-average number of outstanding common shares and limited partners’partner units outstanding presented, respectively, on the consolidated statement of operations does not include 515,625 restricted common shares and 1,333,572 common limited partners units, and 289,937 units for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, as their effects would behave been anti-dilutive.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, advertising costs were $9.2 million and $6.9 million, respectively.

Recently IssuedAdopted Accounting Standard Updates—Adopted in the Current PeriodStandards

RevenueLeases

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issuedThe Company adopted Accounting Standards Update(“ASU”) 2014-09,No. 2016-02, Revenue from Contracts with CustomersLeases (Topic 606)842). (“ASUASU No. 2014-09 outlines2016-02”), a single comprehensive model for companies to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. In addition, these updates enhancesubsequently-issued related ASUs, using the disclosure requirements relating to revenue recognition and related cash flows. Additionally, the new revenue standard (“ASC 606”) requires the deferral of incremental direct selling costs to the period in which the related revenue is recognized. ASC 606, the new revenue standard, was effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning January 1, 2018.

The Partnership adopted the new revenue standardmodified retrospective approach, as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method and applying the new standard to all contracts with customers. Therefore, the comparative financial information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect that period. The Partnership elected to aggregate the effects of all contract modifications that occurred prior to the date of adoption when (i) identifying the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, (ii) determining the transaction price and (iii) allocating the transaction price to the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, rather than retrospectively restating the contracts for those modifications.

The new revenue standard, as amended, requires that we recognize revenue in the amount to which we expect to be entitled for delivery of promised goods and services to our customers. The new revenue standard also resulted in enhanced revenue-related disclosures, including any significant judgments and changes in judgments. Additionally, the new revenue standard requires the deferral of incremental direct selling costs to the period in which the related revenue is recognized.

The standard primarily impacts the manner in which we recognize (a) certainnonrefundable up-front fees and (b) incremental costs toacquire pre-needand at-need contracts (i.e., selling costs). The nonrefundable fees will be deferred and recognized as revenue when the underlying goods and services are delivered to the customer. The incremental direct selling costs will be deferred and recognized by specific identification upon the delivery of the underlying goods and services. The Partnership recorded a total net impact of $28.1 million decrease to the opening balance sheet of partners’ capital which was comprised of the adjustment to deferred revenue, the adjustment to deferred selling expense, establishment of the refund liability and the corresponding tax impact. Further, under the new revenue standard, the amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations oncancellable pre-need contracts may only be recognized to the extent that control has transferred to the customer for interments, merchandise or services for which the Partnership has not collected cash. Accordingly, we reclassified approximately $11.4 million of accounts receivable, net of allowance and $14.1 million of long-term receivables, net of allowance for a total of $25.5 million for unfulfilled performance

obligations on cancelable preneed contracts to deferred revenue, net. As a result of adoption of the new revenue standard, we have also eliminated our previous cancellation reserve on these performance obligations in the amount of $12.9 million, which resulted in an increase in deferred revenue and accounts receivable.

As noted above, due to the adoption of ASC 606, the Partnership recorded a $6.4 million decrease to the opening balance of partners’ capital primarily related to the timing of the recognition of nonrefundable upfront fees partially offset by an increase to the opening balance of partners’ capital due to the timing of revenue recognition for interment rights which are now recognized when the property is available for use by the customer.

The Partnership recorded an $18.6 million decrease to the opening balance of partners’ capital due to the write-down of certain recoverable selling and obtaining costs that were determined not to be incremental costs to acquire under ASC 606.

In addition, the Partnership established a $2.1 million reserve representing the fair value of the refund obligation that may arise due to state law provisions that include a guarantee of customer funds collected on unfulfilled performance obligations and maintained in trust, which may be refundable due to the exercise of customer cancellation rights. As a result, the Partnership recorded a $3.5 million decrease to the opening balance of partners’ capital and an increase in Other Long-Term Liabilities.

Additionally, the Partnership recognized a tax benefit of $0.4 million as a result of adoption, which was an increase to the opening balance of partners’ capital.

The information presented for the period prior to January 1, 2018 has not been restated and is reported under FASB ASC 605.

The cumulative effect of adopting the new revenue standard impacted the Partnership’s consolidated January 1, 2018 balance sheet as follows (in thousands):

Balance Sheet

  Balance as of
December 31, 2017
  Impact of
Adoption of FASB
ASC 606
  Balance as of
January 1, 2018
 

Assets

    

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

  $6,821  $—    $6,821 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance

   79,116   (6,122  72,994 

Prepaid expenses

   4,580   —     4,580 

Assets held for sale

   1,016   —     1,016 

Other current assets

   21,453   —     21,453 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

   112,986   (6,122  106,864 

Long-term accounts receivable—net of allowance

   105,935   (6,527  99,408 

Cemetery property

   333,404   (2,020  331,384 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

   114,090   —     114,090 

Merchandise trusts, restricted, at fair value

   515,456   —     515,456 

Perpetual care trusts, restricted, at fair value

   339,928   —     339,928 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

   126,398   (18,557  107,841 

Deferred tax assets

   84   7   91 

Goodwill

   24,862   —     24,862 

Intangible assets

   63,244   —     63,244 

Other assets

   19,695   —     19,695 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $1,756,082  $(33,219 $1,722,863 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities and partners’ capital

    

Current liabilities

    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  $43,023  $1,329  $44,352 

Accrued interest

   1,781   —     1,781 

Current portion, long-term debt

   1,002   —     1,002 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   45,806   1,329   47,135 

Long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs

   317,693   —     317,693 

Deferred revenues, net

   912,626   (9,558  903,068 

Deferred tax liabilities

   9,638   (367  9,271 

Perpetual care trust corpus

   339,928   —     339,928 

Other long term liabilities

   38,695   3,474   42,169 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   1,664,386   (5,122  1,659,264 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Partners’ capital

    

General partner

   (2,959  (292  (3,251

Common partner

   94,655   (27,805  66,850 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total partners’ equity

   91,696   (28,097  63,599 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and partners’ equity

  $1,756,082  $(33,219 $1,722,863 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

In accordance with FASB ASC 606 under the modified retrospective approach, the Partnership is required to disclose the impact of the new revenue standard by comparing the results of the current reporting period under FASB ASC 605. The impact of adopting ASC 606 on the Partnership’s condensed consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018 is as follows:

   Year Ended December 31, 2018 

Statement of Operations

  As Reported
Under FASB ASC
606
   Balances if
Reported Under
FASB ASC 605
   Impact of
Adoption
 

Revenues:

      

Cemetery:

      

Interments

  $76,902   $69,111   $7,791 

Merchandise

   75,412    69,578    5,834 

Services

   67,278    68,642    (1,364

Investment and other

   42,343    53,787    (11,444

Funeral home:

   —       

Merchandise

   25,652    25,540    112 

Services

   28,539    28,998    (459
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

  $316,126   $315,656   $470 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses:

      

Cost of goods sold

  $54,647   $55,934   $(1,287

Cemetery expenses

   78,708    78,708    —   

Selling expense

   62,538    60,763    1,775 

General and administrative expense

   43,081    42,720    361 

Corporate overhead

   53,281    53,281    —   

Depreciation and amortization

   11,736    11,736    —   

Funeral home expenses:

   —       

Merchandise

   6,579    6,579    —   

Services

   22,159    22,201    (42

Other

   15,787    15,755    32 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

  $348,516   $347,677   $839 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gain on acquisitions and divestitures

  $691   $691   

Other losses, net

   (12,195   (12,195   —   

Interest expense

   (30,602   (30,602   —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

   (74,496   (74,127   (369

Income tax benefit (expense)

   1,797    1,314    483 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

  $(72,699  $(72,813  $114 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The impact of the adoption on the December 31, 2018 balance sheet was not material. The cumulative impact of the adoption on the statement of cash flows only impacted certain line items in cash flows from operating activities. Total net cash provided by operating activities did not change as a result of the adoption. The decreased net loss of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, respectively, was offset by changes in costs of lots sold, provision for bad debt, and changes in the balances of accounts receivable, deferred selling and obtaining cost, deferred revenues and deferred taxes, net.

Financial Instruments

In the first quarter of 2016, the FASB issued Update No.2016-01, Financial Instruments (Subtopic825-10) (“ASU2016-01”). The core principle of ASU2016-01 is that all equity investments should be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through operations. The amendment was effective for annual

reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application was not permitted for the key aspects of the amendment. The adoption ofASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial position, results of operations and related disclosures. These changes in fair value will be offset by a corresponding change in deferred merchandise trust gains (losses) within “Deferred revenues, net” and in “Perpetual care trust corpus” on the Partnership’s condensed consolidated balance sheet.

In the first quarter of 2018, the FASB issued UpdateNo. 2018-03, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU2018-03”). The amendments clarify certain aspects of the guidance in Update2016-01. The adoption ofASU 2018-03 on January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial position, results of operations and related disclosures.

Cash Flows

In the third quarter of 2016, the FASB issued UpdateNo. 2016-15,Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU2016-15”). The core principle of ASU2016-15 is to provide cash flow statement classification guidance. The amendment was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial position, results of operations and related disclosures.

In the fourth quarter of 2016, the FASB issuedUpdate No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (“ASU 2016-18”). The core principle of ASU2016-18 is to provide guidance on the presentation of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The amendment was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial position, results of operations and related disclosures.

Business Combinations

In the first quarter of 2017, the FASB issued UpdateNo. 2017-01,Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarifies the definition of a business. The amendments affect all companies and other reporting organizations that must determine whether they have acquired or sold a business. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The amendments are intended to help companies and other organizations evaluate whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendments were effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial position, results of operations and related disclosures.

Income Taxes

In the first quarter of 2018, the FASB issuedUpdate No. 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“ASU 2018-05”). The amendments in this update added various SEC paragraphs pursuant to the issuance of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118. The amendment was effective upon issuance. The adoption ofASU 2018-05 on January 1, 2018, did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial position, results of operations and related disclosures.

Recently Issued Accounting Standard Updates—Not Yet Effective as of December 31, 2018

Presentation

In August 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the final rule under SEC Release No.33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, amending certain disclosure requirements that were redundant,

duplicative, overlapping, outdated or superseded. In addition, the amendments expanded the disclosure requirements on the analysis of shareholders’ equity for interim financial statements. Under the amendments, an analysis of changes in each caption of shareholders’ equity presented in the balance sheet must be provided in a note or separate statement. The analysis should present a reconciliation of the beginning balance to the ending balance of each period for which a statement of comprehensive income is required to be filed. The final rule was effective on November 5, 2018, as such, the Partnership plans to use the new presentation of a condensed consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity within its interim financial statements beginning in its Form10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2019. Other than the new presentation, the Partnership does not anticipate any material impact to its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures upon adoption.

Leases

In the first quarter of 2016, the FASB issued UpdateNo. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU2016-02”). The core principle of ASU2016-02 is that all leases create an asset and a liability for lessees and recognition of those lease assets and lease liabilities represents an improvement over previous GAAP, which did not require lease assets and lease liabilities to be recognized for most leases or disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. In addition, the new standard offers specific accounting guidance for a lessee, a lessor,lessees and

lessors, including for sale and leaseback transactions. Lessees and lessors are required to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements to enable a user of the financial statements to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. This new standard will be effective for the Partnership on January 1, 2019.

In the first quarter of 2018, the FASB issued UpdateNo. 2018-01, Leases (Topic 842): Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842 (“ASU2018-01”). The amendments in this update provide an optional transition practical expedient to not evaluate under Topic 842 existing or expired land easements that were not previously accounted for as leases under Topic 840, Leases. An entity that elects the practical expedient must evaluate new or modified land easements under Topic 842 beginning at the date that the entity adopts Topic 842. An entity that does not elect this practical expedient must evaluate all existing or expired land easements in connection with the adoption of the new lease requirements in Topic 842 to assess whether they meet the definition of a lease. The amendments in this Update affect the amendments in Update2016-02, which are not yet effective but may be early adopted. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments are the same as the effective date and transition requirements in Update2016-02. An entity that early adopted Topic 842 should apply the amendments in this Update upon issuance.

In July 2018, the FASB issued UpdateNo. 2018-10 Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases (“ASU2018-10”) and issued UpdateNo. 2018-11 Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements (“ASU2018-11”). ASU2018-10 provides certain amendments that affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU2016-02. ASU2018-11 provides companies an option to apply the transition provisions of ASU2016-02 at its adoption date instead of at the earliest comparative period presented in its financial statements and to provide lessors with a practical expedient to reduce the cost and complexity of implementing ASU2016-02.

ASU2016-02 provides for certain practical expedients when adopting the guidance. The Partnership plans to electCompany elected the package of practical expedients allowing the PartnershipCompany to not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, the lease classification for any expired or existing leases or initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases. The Partnership doesCompany did not plan to apply the hindsight practical expedient allowing the Partnership to use hindsight when determining the lease term (i.e., evaluating the Partnership’s option to renew or terminate the lease or to purchase the underlying asset) and assessing impairment of expired or existing leases.expedient. The Partnership plans to applyCompany applied the land easements practical expedient allowing the PartnershipCompany to not assess whether any expired or existing land easements are or contain leases, if they were not previously accounted for as leases under the existing leasing guidance. Instead, the PartnershipCompany will continue to apply its existing accounting policies to historical land easements. The Partnership electsCompany elected to apply the short-term lease exception; therefore, the Partnership willit did not record aright-of-use ROU asset or corresponding lease liability for leases

with a term of twelve12 months or less and instead recognizerecognized a single lease cost allocated over the lease term, generally on a straight-line basis. The Partnership plans to elect the practical expedient to not separateCompany is separating lease components fromnon-lease components, as it did not elect the applicable practical expedient. The Company excluded maintenance, taxes and instead accountinsurance costs from the calculation of the initial lease liability in the transition period.Non-lease components are accounted for bothseparately from the lease, recorded as maintenance expense, taxes or insurance expense and expensed as incurred.

The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2019 and as a single lease component for all asset classes.

The Partnership plans to adopt this guidanceresult of the adoption, the Company recorded in the first quarter of 2019 using the optional transition method. Consequently, the Partnership’s reporting for the comparative periods presented in theits consolidated financial statements will continuefor fiscal year 2019 the following adjustments as of January 1, 2019:

a $1.1 million reclassification from Intangible assets to beOther assets for below market lease intangibles;

a $0.1 million and $0.2 million reclassification from Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, to Other assets for a deferred gain on a sale leaseback transaction;

a $0.3 million and $3.5 million reclassification from Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, to Other assets for a rent incentive;

a $15.3 million increase to Other assets for operating leaseright-of-use assets; and

a $2.2 million and $13.1 million increase to Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, for operating lease liabilities.

The foregoing adjustments resulted in accordance with ASC Topic 840, Leases. The Partnership has reviewed its existing leases and has begun the implementationcreation of a net ROU asset of $12.3 million and operating lease module that interfaces with our current general ledger system. This module will serveliability of $15.3 million as our lease repository and ensure completeness of our lease population. The Partnership is completing our valuation of the rightadoption date.

In connection with the adoption of use assetthese new lease standards, the Company implemented internal controls to ensure that its contracts are properly evaluated to determine applicability under ASU2016-02 and lease liability basedthat the Company properly applies ASU2016-02 in accounting for and reporting on all its qualifying leases.

Stock Compensation

In June 2018, the present value ofFinancial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASUNo. 2018-07,Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, to simplify the lease payments.accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees by aligning it with the accounting for share-based payments to employees. This amendment is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2019. The adoption of this guidance will result in the addition ofright-of-use assets and corresponding lease obligations to the consolidated balance sheet and willstandard did not have a materialan impact on the Partnership’s resultsCompany’s consolidated financial statements, as the Company had only issued units to employees and nonemployee directors and had previously recognized its nonemployee directors unit-based payments in line with its recognition of operationsunit-based payments to employees, using the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued, amortized over the requisite service period.

Variable Interest Entities

In October 2018, FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-17,Consolidation (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities(“ASU2018-17”). The core principle of ASU2018-17 is that indirect interests held through related parties in common control arrangements should be considered on a proportional basis for determining whether fees paid to decision makers and service providers are variable interests. ASU2018-17 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the requirements of this amendment upon its effective date of January 1, 2020 retrospectively. The adoption of this standard did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements or cash flows.related disclosures upon adoption, because the Company did not, and currently does not, have any indirect interests through related parties under common control for which it receives decision-making fees.

Fair Value Measurement

In August 2018, FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-13,Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement(“ASU2018-13”). This standard removed, modified and added disclosure requirements from ASC 820,Fair Value Measurements. ASU2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020, as this standard primarily addresses disclosure requirements for Level 3 fair value measurements. Currently, the Company does not have any fair value instruments that would be classified as Level 3 on the fair value hierarchy.

Internal-Use Software

In August 2018, FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-15,Intangibles—Goodwill andOther—Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract. The amendments in this standard aligned the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtaininternal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include aninternal-use software license). ASUNo. 2018-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the requirements of this amendment upon its effective date of January 1, 2020 prospectively. The Company will apply the requirements of this standard to the costs it incurs implementing its new enterprise resource planning software in 2020.

Recently Issued Accounting Standard Updates—Not Yet Effective

Credit Losses

In the second quarter ofJune 2016, the FASB issued UpdateASUNo. 2016-13,Credit Losses (Topic 326) (“ASU2016-13”). The core principle of ASU2016-13 is that all assets measured at amortized cost basis should be presented at the net amount expected to be collected using historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts as a basis for credit loss estimates, instead of the probable initial recognition threshold used under current GAAP. In November 2018, FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-19,Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses(“ASU2018-09”),which clarified that receivables arising from operating leases are not within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)326-20,Financial Instruments-Credit Losses-Measured at Amortized Cost, and should be accounted for in accordance with ASC 842,Leases. In April 2019, FASB issued ASUNo. 2019-04,Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, FinancialInstruments (“ASU2019-04”), which includes clarifications to the amendments issued in ASU2016-13. In May 2019, FASB issued ASUNo. 2019-05,Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326),which provides entities that have certain instruments within the scope of ASC326-20 with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option in ASC 825,Financial Instruments, upon adoption of ASU2016-13. In November 2019, FASB issued ASUNo. 2019-10,Financial

Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU2019-10”), which modifies the effective dates for ASU2016-13, ASU2017-12 and ASU2016-02 to reflect the FASB’s new policy of staggering effective dates between larger public companies and all other companies. With the issuance of ASU2019-10, the Company’s effective date for adopting all amendments related to the new credit loss standard has been extended to January 1, 2023. In November 2019, FASB also issued ASUNo. 2019-11,Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (“ASU2019-11”), which includes clarifications to and addresses specific stakeholders’ issues concerning the amendments issued in ASU2016-13.The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application is permitted. The PartnershipCompany plans to adopt the requirements of these amendments upon their effective date of January 1, 2023, using the modified-retrospective method and is evaluating the potential impact of the adoption on its financial position, results of operations and related disclosures.

Taxes

In December 2019, FASB issued ASU2016-13No. 2019-12,Income Taxes (Topic 340) (“ASU2019-12”), with the intent to simplify the accounting for income taxes. ASU2019-12 removes certain exceptions for recognizing deferred taxes for investments, performing intraperiod allocation and calculating income taxes in interim periods. ASU2019-12 also adds guidance to reduce complexity in certain tax accounting areas, including recognizing deferred taxes for tax goodwill and allocating taxes to members of a consolidated group. ASU2019-12 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company plans to adopt the requirements of this amendment upon its effective date of January 1, 2020,2022 retrospectively and is evaluating the potential impact of the adoption on its financial position, results of operations and related disclosures.

 

2.

ACQUISITIONS

The Company did not complete any acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2019. On January 19, 2018, the PartnershipCompany acquired six cemetery properties in Wisconsin and their related assets, net of certain assumed liabilities, for cash consideration of $2.5 million, of which $0.8 million was paid at closing. These properties had been managed by the PartnershipCompany since August 2016. The Partnership hasCompany accounted for the purchase of these properties, which were not material individually or in the aggregate, under the acquisition method of accounting. The Partnership did not complete any acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

3.

IMPAIRMENT &AND OTHER LOSSES

Goodwill Impairment Assessment

Due to a decline in the market value of the Company’s unit values and the Company’s significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results noted during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, management conducted an interim goodwill impairment assessment as of September 30, 2019. As a result of such assessment, management concluded on November 4, 2019 that the carrying value of the only reporting unit to which the Company allocated its goodwill, Cemetery Operations, exceeded its fair value, and the Company’s goodwill was fully impaired as of September 30, 2019. The Company recognized a $24.9 million impairment charge included in Loss on impairment of goodwill in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. Refer toNote 9 Goodwill and Intangible Assets for further details on the Company’s goodwill.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

During each reporting period for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company performed step 1 of the ASC 360 Asset Impairment Test and identified all cemetery property and funeral home locations with an operating loss for the current reporting period, a trend of operating losses over the current fiscal year and/or a trend of operating losses over the previous five fiscal years. Of those locations identified during step 1, the Company recorded impairments for those locations for which step 2 of the ASC 360 Asset Impairment Test indicated the locations’ carrying values may not be recoverable. As a result of performing step 1 and step 2 of the

ASC 360 Asset Impairment Test, the Company recorded a $2.8 million impairment charge for certain cemetery property locations, which is included in Other losses, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, during each of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Termination of Management Agreement

The Company operates certain of its cemeteries under long-term leases, operating agreements and management agreements. On May 10, 2019, the Company terminated one of the management agreements and recorded a $2.1 million loss, which is included in Other losses, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Inventory

Merchandise is sold toboth at-need and pre-need customers. Merchandise allocated toservicepre-need contractual contractual obligations is recorded at cost and managed and stored by the PartnershipCompany until the PartnershipCompany services the underlying customer contract.

Merchandise stored at certain locations may be exposed to changes in weather conditions. Primarily due to weather related deterioration over a number of years, the PartnershipCompany recorded inventory impairment charges of approximately $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This impairment loss related to damaged and excess inventory and is included in costCost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2018 in the accompanying consolidated statementsstatement of operations as this merchandise was utilized to fulfill the Partnership’sCompany’s contractual obligationstoat-need and pre-need customers. andpre-need customers.

Due to enhanced inventory control procedures implemented in late 2018, the PartnershipCompany determined that certain merchandise inventory allocatedto pre-need customers had been damaged due to weather related deterioration

occurring over a number of years or had otherwise been deemed impractical for use by management as a result of past operating practices relating to inventory. During the2019 and 2018, the PartnershipCompany recorded an estimated impairment losslosses of approximately $2.6 million and $8.9 million, respectively, related to this damaged and unusable merchandise. The impairment loss islosses are included in otherOther losses in the accompanying consolidated statementstatements of operations for the yearyears ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. The losslosses recorded representsrepresent management’s best estimate. This impairment wasestimate, and were based on estimates and assumptions that have been deemed reasonable by management and included percentages of merchandise deemed unusable. Management’s assessment process relied on estimates and assumptions that are inherently uncertain, and unanticipated events or circumstances may occur that might cause the PartnershipCompany to change those estimates and assumptions.

Impairment of Long-Lived AssetsSoftware

During 2017 and 2018, the Company initiated two software implementation projects to enhance its Lawson ERP System with a cash reconciliation module and lease accounting module, respectively. However, during the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company determined these two software implementation projects were not viable and terminated them. The Partnership recorded an impairment of cemetery property due to circumstances which indicated that the assets carrying value may not be recovered. The Partnership recordedCompany recognized a $2.8$0.5 million impairment charge included in “Other losses, net on the consolidated statement of operations during the year ended December 31, 2018, as the sum of future undiscounted cash flows were less than the carrying value of the asset.related to these two unviable software implementation projects.

Assets Held for Sale

The Partnership recorded a loss on impairment of $0.2 million and $1.0 million in “Other losses, net” in December 31, 2018 and 2017 respectively because the net book value of the assets of two of these funeral home properties exceeded their estimated fair value.

In addition, for those assets that do not currently meet the classification as discontinued operations or held for sale but where, as a result of strategic discussions with third parties, information is identified that an asset may be impaired, an interim assessment of impairment is performed to determine whether the carrying value is impaired. During 2018 and 2017, the Partnership conducted an interim assessment with regards to certain assets held for use. As a result of 2017 assessment of two funeral homes with a net book value of $0.9 million and recognized a loss on impairment of $0.4 million in “Other losses, net” on the consolidated statement of operations during the year ended December 31, 2017, resulting in an updated net book value of $0.5 million. During the year ended December 31, 2018, there was no loss on impairment recognized by Partnership.

4.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET OF ALLOWANCE

Long-term accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):

 

   December 31, 
   2018   2017 

Customer receivables (1)

  $167,017   $225,380 

Unearned finance income (1)

   (17,000   (20,534

Allowance for contract cancellations (1)

   (4,941   (19,795
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance

   145,076    185,051 

Less: Current portion, net of allowance

   57,928    79,116 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term portion, net of allowance

  $87,148   $105,935 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

  December 31, 2019  December 31, 2018 

Customer receivables

 $153,530  $167,017 

Unearned finance income

  (16,303  (17,000

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  (5,884  (4,941
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance

  131,343   145,076 

Less: Current portion, net of allowance

  55,794   57,928 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-term portion, net of allowance

 $75,549  $87,148 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Activity in the allowance for contract cancellationsdoubtful accounts was as follows (in thousands):

 

  Years Ended December 31,   December 31, 2019   December 31, 2018 
          2018                   2017         

Balance, beginning of period (1)

  $19,795   $26,153 

Balance, beginning of period

  $4,941   $19,795 

Cumulative effect of accounting changes

   (12,876   —      —      (12,876

Provision for bad debt (1)

   7,358    6,244 

Provision for doubtful accounts

   7,559    7,358 

Charge-offs, net

   (9,336   (12,602   (6,616   (9,336
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance, end of period

  $4,941   $19,795   $5,884   $4,941 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Management evaluates customer receivables for impairment based upon its historical experience, including the age of the receivables and the customers’ payment histories.

(1)

Upon adoption of ASC 606, the Partnership reclassified amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations oncancellable pre-need contracts to deferred revenue, net. As a result, the Partnership also eliminated the allowance for cancellation of these performance obligations. As the Partnership is now presenting the accounts receivable net of cancellable contracts, the allowance for cancellations was removed and the allowance on accounts receivable is represented by the provision for bad debt.

 

5.

CEMETERY PROPERTY

Cemetery property consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):

 

  December 31, 
  2018   2017   December 31, 2019   December 31, 2018 

Cemetery land

  $255,708   $256,856   $249,260   $255,708 

Mausoleum crypts and lawn crypts

   75,133    76,548    71,345    75,429 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Cemetery property

  $330,841   $333,404   $320,605   $331,137 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Due toThe Company recorded an impairment of cemetery property during the hurricanes in Floridayears ended December 31, 2019 and Puerto Rico during September 2017, the Partnership incurred damages at certain locations 2018. For further details seeNote 3 Impairment and Other Lossesof $0.8 million, which was substantially covered by insurance proceeds.this Annual Report.

 

6.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):

 

  December 31, 
  2018   2017   December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 

Buildings and improvements

  $129,971   $125,337   $125,382  $129,971 

Furniture and equipment

   58,706    57,514    57,674  58,706 

Funeral home land

   14,185    14,185    14,185  14,185 
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Property and equipment, gross

   202,862    197,036    197,241  202,862 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

   (90,146   (82,946   (93,841 (90,146
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

  $112,716   $114,090   $103,400  $112,716 
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Depreciation expense was $9.9$9.4 million and $10.9$9.9 million for the years ended December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively.

 

7.

MERCHANDISE TRUSTS

At December 31, 2019 and 2018 and 2017, the Partnership’sCompany’s merchandise trusts consisted of investments in debt and equity marketable securities and cash equivalents, both directly as well asand through mutual and investment funds.

All of these investments are carried at fair value. All of these investments are subject to the fair value hierarchy areand considered either Level 1 or Level 2 assets pursuant to the three-level hierarchy described inNote 15.18 Fair Value of Financial Instruments. There were no Level 3 assets.

As discussedassets in Note 1, when we receivethe Company’s merchandise trusts. When the Company receives a payment from apre-need customer, we depositthe Company deposits the amount required by law into the merchandise trusts that may be subject to cancellation on demand by thepre-need customer. The Partnership’sCompany’s merchandise trusts related to states in whichpre-need customers may cancel contracts with us comprise 53.3%the Company comprises 53.6% of the total merchandise trust as of December 31, 2018.

2019. The merchandise trusts are variable interest entities (“VIE”) of which the PartnershipCompany is deemed the primary beneficiary. The assets held in the merchandise trusts are required to be used to purchase the merchandise and provide the services to which they relate. If the value of these assets falls below the cost of purchasing such merchandise and providing such services, the PartnershipCompany may be required to fund this shortfall.

The PartnershipCompany included $8.7$9.7 million and $9.1$8.7 million of investments held in trust as required by law by the West Virginia Funeral Directors Association at December 31, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018 respectively, in its merchandise trust assets. These trusts are recognized at their account value, which approximates fair value.

A reconciliation of the Partnership’sCompany’s merchandise trust activities for the years ended December 31, 20182019 and 20172018 is presented below (in thousands):

 

  Years Ended December 31,   Year ended December 31, 
        2018               2017         2019   2018 

Balance—beginning of period

  $515,456   $507,079   $488,248   $515,456 

Contributions

   66,408    59,983    54,742    66,408 

Distributions

   (79,862   (81,634   (59,776   (79,862

Interest and dividends

   27,228    24,762    29,367    27,228 

Capital gain distributions

   543    1,149    1,699    543 

Realized gains and losses, net

   (1,012   17,762    3,246    (1,012

Other than temporary impairment

   (28,555   —      (6,056   (28,555

Taxes

   (347   (1,272   (556   (347

Fees

   (3,855   (3,095   (4,268   (3,855

Unrealized change in fair value

   (7,756   (9,278   17,219    (7,756
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   523,865    488,248 

Less: Assets held for sale

   (6,673   —   
  

 

   

 

 

Balance—end of period

  $488,248   $515,456   $517,192   $488,248 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

During the years ended December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, purchases of available for sale securities were approximately $117.7$54.4 million and $374.5$117.7 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, sales, maturities and paydowns of available for sale securities were approximately $109.5$38.1 million and $368.1$109.5 million, respectively. Cash flows frompre-need contracts are presented as operating cash flows in ourthe Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows.

The cost and market value associated with the assets held in the merchandise trusts as of December 31, 20182019 and 20172018 were as follows (in thousands):

 

December 31, 2018

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 

December 31, 2019

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 

Short-term investments

   1   $16,903   $—     $—    $16,903    1   $144,610  $—    $—    $144,610 

Fixed maturities:

                

U.S. governmental securities

   2    392    —      (147 245    2    456  6  (65 397 

Corporate debt securities

   2    1,311    29    (328 1,012    2    783  14  (133 664 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     1,703    29    (475 1,257      1,239  20  (198 1,061 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   1    187,840    262    (2,645 185,457    1    67,801  1,857  (6 69,652 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1    45,023    110    (18 45,115    1    46,609  1,744   —    48,353 

Other investment funds (1)

     210,655    388    (7,784 203,259      213,024  6,366  (2,953 216,437 

Equity securities

   1    18,097    1,327    (213 19,211    1    24,386  1,327  (4 25,709 

Other invested assets

   2    8,398    2    (17 8,383    2    8,360  32   —    8,392 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total investments

    $488,619   $2,118   $(11,152 $479,585      506,029  11,346  (3,161 514,214 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

West Virginia Trust Receivable

     8,663    —      —    8,663      9,651   —     —    9,651 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

    $497,282   $2,118   $(11,152 $488,248     $515,680  $11,346  $(3,161 $523,865 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Less: Assets held for sale

     (6,369 (304  —    (6,673
    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

    $509,311  $11,042  $(3,161 $517,192 
    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have redemption periods ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods of one to six years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. As of December 31, 2019, there were $57.3 million in unfunded investment commitments to the private credit funds, which are callable at any time.

December 31, 2018

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
 

Short-term investments

   1   $16,903   $—     $—    $16,903 

Fixed maturities:

         

U.S. governmental securities

   2    392    —      (147  245 

Corporate debt securities

   2    1,311    29    (328  1,012 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     1,703    29    (475  1,257 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   1    187,840    262    (2,645  185,457 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1    45,023    110    (18  45,115 

Other investment funds(1)

     210,655    388    (7,784  203,259 

Equity securities

   1    18,097    1,327    (213  19,211 

Other invested assets

   2    8,398    2    (17  8,383 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total investments

    $488,619   $2,118   $(11,152 $479,585 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

West Virginia Trust Receivable

     8,663    —      —     8,663 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

    $497,282   $2,118   $(11,152 $488,248 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have redemption periods ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods of two to seven years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. As of December 31, 2018, there were $71.0 million in unfunded investment commitments to the private credit funds, which are callable at any time.

December 31, 2017

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
 

Short-term investments

   1   $10,421   $—     $—    $10,421 

Fixed maturities:

         

U.S. governmental securities

   2    196    1    (65  132 

Corporate debt securities

   2    1,204    52    (242  1,014 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     1,400    53    (307  1,146 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   1    222,450    1,522    (1,211  222,761 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1    71,500    2,399    (6,292  67,607 

Other investment funds (1)

     171,044    522    (401  171,165 

Equity securities

   1    21,808    2,715    (277  24,246 

Other invested assets

   2    9,013    —      —     9,013 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total investments

    $507,636   $7,211   $(8,488 $506,359 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

West Virginia Trust Receivable

     9,097    —      —     9,097 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

    $516,733   $7,211   $(8,488 $515,456 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the balance sheet.

This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds which have redemption periods ranging from 1 to 90 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods of four to eight years with two potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. As of December 31, 2017, there were $52.1 million in unfunded commitments to the private credit funds, which are callable at any time.

The contractual maturities of debt securities as of December 31, 20182019 and 20172018 were as follows below (in thousands):

 

December 31, 2018

  Less than
1 year
   1 year
through
5 years
   6 years
through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

December 31, 2019

  Less than
1 year
   1 year
through
5 years
   6 years
through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $137   $108   $—     $112   $78   $193   $13 

Corporate debt securities

   68    873    55    16    101    546    16    —   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total fixed maturities

  $68   $1,010   $163   $16   $213   $624   $209   $13 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

  Less than
1 year
   1 year
through
5 years
   6 years
through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

December 31, 2018

  Less than
1 year
   1 year
through
5 years
   6 years
through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $78   $54   $—     $—     $137   $108   $—   

Corporate debt securities

   76    801    125    11    68    873    55    16 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total fixed maturities

  $76   $879   $179   $11   $68   $1,010   $163   $16 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Temporary Declines in Fair Value

The PartnershipCompany evaluates declines in fair value below cost for each asset held in the merchandise trusts on a quarterly basis.

An aging of unrealized losses on the Partnership’sCompany’s investments in debt and equity securities within the merchandise trusts as of December 31, 20182019 and 20172018 is presented below (in thousands):

 

  Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total   Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total 

December 31, 2018

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

December 31, 2019

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturities:

                        

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $—     $243   $147   $243   $147   $90   $1   $397   $64   $487   $65 

Corporate debt securities

   103    2    549    326    652    328    198    29    424    104    622    133 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   103    2    792    473    895    475    288    30    821    168    1,109    198 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   46,005    2,011    1,195    634    47,200    2,645    241    6    —      —      241    6 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   131    18    —      —      131    18    —      —      —      —      —      —   

Other investment funds

   169,929    7,784    —      —      169,929    7,784    54,782    2,953    —      —      54,782    2,953 

Equity securities

   —      —      597    213    597    213    3    4    —      —      3    4 

Other invested assets

   —      4    790    13    790    17    —      —      —      —      —      —   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $216,168   $9,819   $3,374   $1,333   $219,542   $11,152   $55,314   $2,993   $821   $168   $56,135   $3,161 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

  Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total   Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total 

December 31, 2017

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

December 31, 2018

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturities:

                        

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $—     $112   $65   $112   $65   $—     $—     $243   $147   $243   $147 

Corporate debt securities

   150    50    361    192    511    242    103    2    549    326    652    328 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   150    50    473    257    623    307    103    2    792    473    895    475 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   102,526    912    1,462    299    103,988    1,211    46,005    2,011    1,195    634    47,200    2,645 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   51,196    6,292    —      —      51,196    6,292    131    18    —      —      131    18 

Other investment funds

   48,140    401    —      —      48,140    401    169,929    7,784    —      —      169,929    7,784 

Equity securities

   2,906    255    390    22    3,296    277    —      —      597    213    597    213 

Other invested assets

   —      4    790    13    790    17 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $204,918   $7,910   $2,325   $578   $207,243   $8,488   $216,168   $9,819   $3,374   $1,333   $219,542   $11,152 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

For all securities in an unrealized loss position, the PartnershipCompany evaluated the severity of the impairment and length of time that a security has been in a loss position and concluded the decline in fair value below the asset’s cost was temporary in nature. In addition, the PartnershipCompany is not aware of any circumstances that would prevent the future market value recovery for these securities.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Trust Assets

The PartnershipCompany assesses its merchandise trust assets for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company determined, based on its review, that there were 102 securities with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $178.2 million and an aggregate fair value of approximately $172.2 million, resulting in an impairment of $6.1 million, with such impairment considered to be other-than-temporary due to credit indicators. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the PartnershipCompany determined, based on its review, that there were 214 securities with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $285.5 million and an aggregate fair value of approximately $256.9 million, resulting in an impairment of $28.6 million, with such impairment considered to be other-than-temporary due to credit indicators. Accordingly, the PartnershipCompany adjusted the cost basis of these assets to their current value and offset this changethese changes against deferred merchandise trust revenue. This adjustmentThese adjustments to deferred revenue will be reflected within the Partnership’sCompany’s consolidated statementstatements of operations in future periods as the underlying merchandise is delivered or the underlying service is performed. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Partnership determined that there were no other than temporary impairments to the investment portfolio in the merchandise trust.

 

8.

PERPETUAL CARE TRUSTS

At December 31, 2019 and 2018 and 2017, the Partnership’sCompany’s perpetual care trusts consisted of investments in debt and equity marketable securities and cash equivalents, both directly as well as through mutual and investment funds.

All of these investments are carried at fair value. All of the investments subject to the fair value hierarchy are considered either Level 1 or Level 2 assets pursuant to the three-level hierarchy described inNote 15.18 Fair Value of Financial Instruments. There were no Level 3 assets.assets in the Company’s perpetual care trusts. The perpetual care trusts are VIEs for which the PartnershipCompany is the primary beneficiary.

A reconciliation of the Partnership’sCompany’s perpetual care trust activities for the yearsyear ended December 31, 20182019 and 20172018 is presented below (in thousands):

 

  Years Ended December 31,   Year ended December 31,  
        2018               2017         2019   2018 

Balance—beginning of period

  $339,928   $333,780   $330,562   $339,928 

Contributions

   13,162    9,505    7,575    13,162 

Distributions

   (18,390   (17,491   (20,598   (18,390

Interest and dividends

   22,198    17,978    20,201    22,198 

Capital gain distributions

   808    708    2,112    808 

Realized gains and losses, net

   473    1,061    3,121    473 

Other than temporary impairment

   (18,038   —      (3,941   (18,038

Taxes

   (237   (252   (547   (237

Fees

   (4,412   (2,280   (3,176   (4,412

Unrealized change in fair value

   (4,930   (3,081   10,780    (4,930
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   346,089    330,562 

Less: Assets held for sale

   (2,470   —   
  

 

   

 

 

Balance—end of period

  $330,562   $339,928   $343,619   $330,562 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

During the yearsyear ended December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, purchases of available for sale securities were approximately $59.4$46.4 million and $86.0$59.4 million, respectively. During the yearsyear ended December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, sales, maturities and paydowns of available for sale securities were approximately $51.1$29.0 million and $69.2$51.1 million, respectively. Cash flows from perpetual care trust related contracts are presented as operating cash flows in ourthe Company’s consolidated statementstatements of cash flows.

The cost and market value associated with the assets held in the perpetual care trusts as of December 31, 20182019 and 20172018 were as follows (in thousands):

 

December 31, 2018

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 

December 31, 2019

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 

Short-term investments

   1   $12,835   $—     $—    $12,835    1   $50,358  $—    $—    $50,358 

Fixed maturities:

                

U.S. governmental securities

   2    960    4    (121 843    2    1,069  32  (52 1,049 

Corporate debt securities

   2    4,883    161    (321 4,723    2    2,020  22  (142 1,900 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     5,843    165    (442 5,566      3,089  54  (194 2,949 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   1    108,451    227    (837 107,841    1    49,963  1,439  (38 51,364 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1    19,660    304    (142 19,822    1    16,698  1,617  (66 18,249 

Other investment funds (1)

     165,284    3,039    (4,607 163,716      186,355  10,526  (5,472 191,409 

Equity securities

   1    20,025    826    (145 20,706    1    30,423  1,333  (12 31,744 

Other invested assets

   2    56    20    —    76    2    16   —     —    16 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total investments

    $332,154   $4,581   $(6,173 $330,562     $336,902  $14,969  $(5,782 $346,089 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Less: Assets held for sale

     (2,416 (54  —    (2,470
    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

    $334,486  $14,915  $(5,782 $343,619 
    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have a redemption period ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods

ranging from one to seven years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. As of December 31, 2019 there were $62.4 million in unfunded investment commitments to the private credit funds, which are callable at any time.

December 31, 2018

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
 

Short-term investments

   1   $12,835   $—     $—    $12,835 

Fixed maturities:

         

U.S. governmental securities

   2    960    4    (121  843 

Corporate debt securities

   2    4,883    161    (321  4,723 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     5,843    165    (442  5,566 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   1    108,451    227    (837  107,841 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1    19,660    304    (142  19,822 

Other investment funds(1)

     165,284    3,039    (4,607  163,716 

Equity securities

   1    20,025    826    (145  20,706 

Other invested assets

   2    56    20    —     76 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total investments

    $332,154   $4,581   $(6,173 $330,562 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have a redemption period ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods ranging from two to eight years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. As of December 31, 2018 there were $94.5 million in unfunded commitments to the private credit funds, which are callable at any time.

December 31, 2017

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
 

Short-term investments

   1   $9,456   $—     $—    $9,456 

Fixed maturities:

         

U.S. governmental securities

   2    506    4    (46  464 

Corporate debt securities

   2    5,365    148    (191  5,322 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     5,871    152    (237  5,786 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   1    141,511    1,974    (712  142,773 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1    32,707    1,757    (1,771  32,693 

Other investment funds (1)

     124,722    2,630    (533  126,819 

Equity securities

   1    22,076    1,648    (1,570  22,154 

Other invested assets

   2    247    —      —     247 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total investments

    $336,590   $8,161   $(4,823 $339,928 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the balance sheet. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have a redemption period ranging from 1 to 90 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods ranging from four to ten years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. As of December 31, 2017 there were $92.2 million in unfunded commitments to the private credit funds, which are callable at any time.

The contractual maturities of debt securities as of December 31, 20182019 and 2017,December 31, 2018, were as follows below (in thousands):

 

December 31, 2018

  Less than
1 year
   1 year through
5 years
   6 years through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

December 31, 2019

  Less than
1 year
   1 year through
5 years
   6 years through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $416   $395   $32   $60   $192   $684   $114 

Corporate debt securities

   705    3,702    265    51    294    1,522    84    —   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total fixed maturities

  $705   $4,118   $660   $83   $354   $1,714   $768   $114 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

  Less than
1 year
   1 year through
5 years
   6 years through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

December 31, 2018

  Less than
1 year
   1 year through
5 years
   6 years through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $263   $163   $38   $—     $416   $395   $32 

Corporate debt securities

   708    4,280    338    97    705    3,702    265    51 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total fixed maturities

  $708   $4,543   $501   $135   $705   $4,118   $660   $83 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Temporary Declines in Fair Value

The PartnershipCompany evaluates declines in fair value below cost of each individual asset held in the perpetual care trusts on a quarterly basis.

An aging of unrealized losses on the Partnership’sCompany’s investments in debt and equity securities within the perpetual care trusts as of December 31, 20182019 and 20172018 is presented below (in thousands):

 

  Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total   Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total 

December 31, 2018

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

December 31, 2019

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturities:

                        

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $—     $790   $121   $790   $121   $291   $4   $942   $48   $1,233   $52 

Corporate debt securities

   405    15    2,902    306    3,307    321    463    46    1,887    96    2,350    142 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   405    15    3,692    427    4,097    442    754    50    2,829    144    3,583    194 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   21,867    591    2,814    246    24,681    837    2,856    38    —      —      2,856    38 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1,382    141    —      1    1,382    142    566    66    —      —      566    66 

Other investment funds

   101,536    4,607    —      —      101,536    4,607    53,426    5,472    —      —      53,426    5,472 

Equity securities

   241    16    583    129    824    145    121    12    —      —      121    12 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $125,431   $5,370   $7,089   $803   $132,520   $6,173   $57,723   $5,638   $2,829   $144   $60,552   $5,782 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

  Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total   Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total 

December 31, 2017

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

December 31, 2018

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturities:

                        

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $—     $399   $46   $399   $46   $—     $—     $790   $121   $790   $121 

Corporate debt securities

   994    20    2,271    171    3,265    191    405    15    2,902    306    3,307    321 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   994    20    2,670    217    3,664    237    405    15    3,692    427    4,097    442 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   37,090    289    12,793    423    49,883    712    21,867    591    2,814    246    24,681    837 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   16,668    1,754    36    17    16,704    1,771    1,382    141    —      1    1,382    142 

Other investment funds

   42,606    533    —      —      42,606    533    101,536    4,607    —      —      101,536    4,607 

Equity securities

   9,516    1,510    112    60    9,628    1,570    241    16    583    129    824    145 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $106,874   $4,106   $15,611   $717   $122,485   $4,823   $125,431   $5,370   $7,089   $803   $132,520   $6,173 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

For all securities in an unrealized loss position, the PartnershipCompany evaluated the severity of the impairment and length of time that a security has been in a loss position and concluded the decline in fair value below the asset’s cost was temporary in nature. In addition, the PartnershipCompany is not aware of any circumstances that would prevent the future market value recovery for these securities.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Trust Assets

The PartnershipCompany assesses its perpetual care trust assets for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company determined that there were 79 securities with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $85.7 million and an aggregate fair value of approximately $81.8 million, resulting in an impairment of $3.9 million, with such impairment considered to be other-than-temporary. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the PartnershipCompany determined that there were 176 securities with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $181.4 million and an aggregate fair value of approximately $163.3 million, resulting in an impairment of $18.1 million, with such impairment considered to be other-than-temporary. Accordingly, the PartnershipCompany adjusted the cost basis of these assets to their current value andwith the offset this changegoing against the liability for perpetual care trust corpus. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Partnership determined that there were no other-than-temporary impairments to the investment portfoliocorpus in the perpetual care trusts.its consolidated balance sheet.

9.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

The Partnership has recorded goodwill of approximately $24.9 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. This amountGoodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. Due to a decline in the market value of the Company and its significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results noted during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, management conducted an interim goodwill impairment assessment as of September 30, 2019. As a result of such assessment, management concluded on November 4, 2019 that the carrying value of the only reporting unit to which the Company allocated its goodwill, Cemetery Operations, exceeded its fair value, and the Company’s goodwill was fully impaired as of September 30, 2019. The Company recognized a $24.9 million impairment charge included in Loss on goodwill impairment in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. In 2018, the Company concluded goodwill was not impaired as part of its 2018 annual goodwill impairment testing.

The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by reportable segment were as follows (in thousands):

 

   Cemetery
Operations
   Funeral Home
Operations
   Total 

December 31, 2016

   24,862    45,574    70,436 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Impairment of goodwill

   —      (45,574   (45,574
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

  $24,862   $—     $24,862 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Activity

   —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

  $24,862   $—     $24,862 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Partnership tests goodwill for impairment at each year end by comparing its reporting units’ estimated fair values to carrying values. The Partnership completed its annual goodwill impairment assessment as of October 1, 2018 and concluded that goodwill was not impaired. The Partnership will continue to evaluate the goodwill at least annually or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.

As a result of such assessment during 2017, management concluded that the carrying amount of the goodwill related to the Funeral Home Operations reporting unit was greater than its fair value. Based on the discounted cash flow method of the income approach to valuation, management and the audit committee determined the fair value of the Funeral Home Operations reporting unit and concluded that the goodwill was fully impaired. This impairment charge will not result in any current or future cash expenditures. Consideration was given within the valuation of the Funeral Home Operations reporting unit to the changes made during 2017 to thepre-need sales funding structure, erosion of market capitalization and achievability of the reporting unit’s forecasted EBITDA margin relative to its historical operating performance.

   Cemetery
Operations
 

December 31, 2017

  $24,862 

Activity

   —   
  

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

   24,862 

Impairment of goodwill

   (24,862
  

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

  $—   
  

 

 

 

Intangible Assets

The PartnershipCompany has intangible assets with finite lives recognized in connection with acquisitions and long-term lease, management and operating agreements. The PartnershipCompany amortizes these intangible assets over their estimated useful lives.

The following table reflects the components of intangible assets at December 31, 20182019 and 20172018 (in thousands):

 

  December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017   December 31, 2019   December 31, 2018 
  Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Intangible
Assets
   Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Intangible
Assets
   Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Intangible
Assets
   Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Intangible
Assets
 

Lease and management agreements

  $59,758   $(4,565 $55,193   $59,758   $(3,569 $56,189   $59,758   $(5,561 $54,197   $59,758   $(4,565 $55,193 

Underlying contract value

   6,239    (1,482 $4,757    6,239    (1,326 4,913    2,593    (681 1,912    6,239    (1,482 4,757 

Non-compete agreements

   2,853    (2,603 $250    5,016    (4,156 860    406    (341 65    2,853    (2,603 250 

Other intangible assets

   1,577    (356 $1,221    1,777    (495 1,282    269    (197 72    1,577    (356 1,221 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total intangible assets

  $70,427   $(9,006 $61,421   $72,790   $(9,546 $63,244   $63,026   $(6,780 $56,246   $70,427   $(9,006 $61,421 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

As a result of the adoption of ASU2016-02 on January 1, 2019, the Company recorded a $1.1 million reclassification from Other intangible assets to Other assets for below market lease intangibles. On May 10, 2019, the Company terminated one of its management agreements and therefore reduced the carrying amount of its underlying contract value intangible balance by $2.7 million. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $1.8$1.4 million and $2.2$1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively.

The following is estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets with finite lives for the periodsfiscal years noted below (in thousands):

 

2019

  $1,398 

2020

  $1,278 

2021

  $1,213 

2022

  $1,210 

2023

  $1,206 

2020

  $1,142 

2021

  $1,077 

2022

  $1,074 

2023

  $1,071 

2024

  $1,071 

10.

LONG-TERM DEBT

Total debt consisted of the following at the dates indicatedas of December 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

 

  December 31,   December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 
  2018   2017 

9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes, due June 2024

  $380,619  $—   

7.875% Senior Notes, due June 2021

   —    173,613 

Credit facility

  $155,739   $153,423    —    155,739 

7.875% Senior Notes, due June 2021

   173,613    173,098 

Notes payable—acquisition debt

   92    304    —    92 

Notes payable—acquisitionnon-competes

   —      378 

Insurance and vehicle financing

   1,294    1,280    574  1,294 

Less deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization

   (9,692   (9,788   (12,856 (9,692
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total debt

   321,046    318,695    368,337  321,046 

Less current maturities

   (798   (1,002   (374 (798
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total long-term debt

  $320,248   $317,693   $367,963  $320,248 
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Credit FacilitySenior Secured Notes

On August 4, 2016, our 100% owned subsidiary,June 27, 2019, StoneMor Operating LLCPartners L.P. (the “Operating Company”“Partnership”), Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. (collectively with the Partnership, the “Issuers”), certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Partnership, the initial purchasers party thereto (the “Initial Purchasers”) and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”) and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”) entered into a Credit Agreementan indenture (the “Original Credit Agreement”Indenture”) among each ofwith respect to the Subsidiaries of the Operating Company (together with the Operating Company, “Borrowers”), the Lenders identified therein, Capital One, National Association (“Capital One”), as Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender, Citizens Bank N.A., as Syndication Agent, and TD Bank, N.A. and Raymond James Bank, N.A., asCo-Documentation Agents. In addition, on the same date, the Partnership, the Borrowers and Capital One, as Administrative Agent, entered into the Guaranty and Collateral Agreement (the “Guaranty Agreement,” and together with the Credit Agreement, “New Agreements”). Capitalized terms which are not defined in the following description of the New Agreements shall have the meaning assigned to such terms in the New Agreements, as amended.9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024.

On March 15, 2017,December 31, 2019, the Borrowers, Capital One, as Administrative AgentCompany, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, the Issuers and acting in accordance with the written consent of the Required Lenders,Trustee entered into the First Amendment to Credit Agreement. Those parties subsequentlySupplemental Indenture (the “First Supplemental Indenture”) and on January 30, 2020, the Company, LP Sub, the Issuers and the Trustee entered into athe Second AmendmentSupplemental Indenture (the “Second Supplemental Indenture” and, Limited Waiver on July 26, 2017, a Third Amendmentcollectively with the Original Indenture and Limited Waiver effective as of August 15, 2017, a Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated September 29, 2017, a Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of December 22, 2017 but effective as of September 29, 2017, a Sixth Amendment and Waiver to Credit Agreement dated June 12, 2018 and a Seventh Amendment and Waiverthe First Supplemental Indenture, the “Indenture”).

Pursuant to the Credit Agreement dated July 13, 2018. We refer to the Original Credit Agreement, as so amended, as the “Original Amended Agreement.” On February 4, 2019, the Partnership, the Borrowers, Capital One, as Administrative Agent and the Lenders entered into an Eighth Amendment and Waiver to Credit Agreement (the “Eighth Amendment”). See Note 19 for a detailed discussionterms of the changes toIndenture, the Original Amended Agreement effected by the Eighth Amendment.

The Original Amended Agreement provided for up to $175.0 million initial aggregate amount of Revolving Commitments, which were subject to borrowing base limitations. Prior to the Eighth Amendment, the Operating Company could also request the issuance of Letters of Credit for up to $15.0 millionInitial Purchasers purchased Senior Secured Notes in the aggregate principal amount of which there were $9.4$385.0 million outstanding at December 31, 2018in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof. The gross proceeds from the sale of the Senior Secured Notes was $371.5 million, less advisor fees (including a placement agent fee of approximately $7.0 million), legal fees, mortgage costs and $7.5 million outstanding at December 31, 2017. Prior to the Eighth Amendment, the Maturity Dateother closing expenses, as well as cash funds for collateralization of existing letters of credit and credit card needs under the Original Amended Agreement wasformer credit facility.

The Issuers can elect to pay interest at either a fixed rate of 9.875% per annum in cash or, at their option through January 30, 2022, a fixed rate of 7.50% per annum in cash plus a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum payable in kind by increasing the earlier of (i) August 4, 2021 and (ii) the date that is six months prior to the earliest scheduled maturity date of any outstanding Permitted Unsecured Indebtedness (at present, such date is December 1, 2020, which is six months prior to the June 1, 2021 maturity date of outstanding 7.875% senior notes).

As of December 31, 2018, the outstandingprincipal amount of borrowings under the Original Amended Agreement was $155.7 million, which was usedSenior Secured Notes or by issuing additional Senior Secured Notes. The Senior Secured Notes will require cash interest payments at 9.875% for all interest periods after January 30, 2022. The Company has the right and expects to pay down outstanding obligations under the Partnership’s prior creditquarterly interest at a fixed rate of 7.50% per annum in cash

agreement, to pay fees, costsplus a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum payable in kind through January 30, 2022. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears on the 30th day of each March, June, September and expenses related to the New Agreements and to fund working capital needs. Prior to the Eighth Amendment, proceedsDecember, commencing September 30, 2019. The Senior Secured Notes mature on June 30, 2024.

The Senior Secured Notes are senior secured obligations of the Loans under the Original Amended Agreement could be used to finance the working capital needsIssuers. The Issuers’ joint and for other general corporate purposes of the Borrowers and Guarantors, including acquisitions and distributions permitted under the Original Amended Agreement.

Each Borrowing under the Original Amended Credit Agreement is comprised of Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Loans. The Loans comprising each Base Rate Borrowing (including each Swingline Loan) bear interest at the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate, and the Loans comprising each Eurodollar Borrowing bear interest at the Eurodollar Rate plus the Applicable Rate.

Prior to the Sixth Amendment and Waiver, the Applicable Rate was determined based on the Consolidated Leverage Ratio of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries and ranged from 1.75% to 3.75% for Eurodollar Rate Loans and 0.75% to 2.75% for Base Rate Loans and between 0.30% and 0.50% for unused commitment fee. The Sixth Amendment and Waiver redetermined the Applicable Rate based on the Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries and increased the minimum and maximum Applicable Rate by 0.50% to be in the range between 2.25% to 4.25% for Eurodollar Rate Loans and 1.25% to 3.75% for Base Rate Loans (but in no event less that the Applicable Rate that would be in effect if calculated as set forth in the Original Amended Agreement not giving effect to the Sixth Amendment and Waiver and the Seventh Amendment and Waiver). As of December 31, 2018, the Applicable Rate for Eurodollar Rate Loans was 4.25% and for Base Rate Loans was 3.25%. Prior to the Eighth Amendment, the Original Amended Agreement also required the Borrowers to pay a quarterly unused commitment fee, which accrued at the Applicable Rate on the amount by which the commitments under the Original Amended Agreement exceeded the usage of such commitments, and which is included within interest expense on the Partnership’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. On December 31, 2018, the weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Original Amended Agreement was 7.2%

Prior to the Eighth Amendment, the Original Amended Agreement contained financial covenants, pursuant to which the Partnership will not permit:

until June 12, 2018, the ratio of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness (net of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents in an of up to $5.0 million) to Consolidated EBITDA, or the Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, commencing on September 30, 2016, determined for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on such date (the “Measurement Period”), to be greater than 4.25 to 1.00 for periods ended in 2018 and 4.00 to 1:00 for the period ended March 31, 2018;

after June 12, 2018, the ratio of Consolidated Secured Funded Indebtedness to Consolidated EBITDA, or the Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio, to be greater than 5.75:1.00 for the period ended June 30, 2018 and the period ended September 30, 2018, 5.50:1.00 for the period ended December 31, 2018, 5.00:1.00 for periods ending in fiscal 2019 and 4.50:1.00 for periods ending in fiscal 2020;

until June 12, 2018, the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Debt Service, or the Consolidated Debt Service Coverage Ratio, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, commencing on September 30, 2016 to be less than 2.50 to 1.00 for any Measurement Period; and

the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA (reduced, among other things, by the amount of maintenance and growth capital expenditures not financed with debt (other than Revolving Commitments), taxes and certain restricted payments including distributions paid in cash) to Consolidated Fixed Charges, or the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, commencing on December 31, 2017, to be less than 1:00 to 1:00 for any Measurement Period in 2018, 1:10 to 1:00 for any Measurement Period in 2019 and 1.20 to 1.00 for any Measurement Period in 2020.

Additional covenants include customary limitations, subject to certain exceptions, on, among others: (i) the incurrence of Indebtedness; (ii) granting of Liens; (iii) fundamental changes and dispositions; (iv) investments, loans, advances, guarantees and acquisitions; (v) swap agreements; (vi) transactions with Affiliates;

(vii) Restricted Payments; (viii) restrictive agreements; (ix) amendments to organizational documents and indebtedness; (x) prepayment of indebtedness; and (xi) Sale and Leaseback Transactions. The Original Amended Agreement also prohibited distributions to the Partnership’s partners unless the Consolidated Leverage Ratio (determined based on Consolidated EBITDA calculated giving effect to amendments under the Sixth Amendment) was not greater than 7.50:1.00 and the Revolving Credit Availability was at least $25.0 million.

The Borrowers’several obligations under the Original Amended AgreementSenior Secured Notes and the Indenture are jointly and severally guaranteed (the “Note Guarantees”) by the PartnershipCompany and by each subsidiary of the Company (other than the Issuers except as to each other’s obligations under the Senior Secured Notes) that the Company has caused or will cause to become a guarantor pursuant to the terms of the Indenture (collectively, the “Guarantors”). In addition, the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Borrowers.Collateral Agent entered into a Collateral Agreement (as supplemented, the “Collateral Agreement”). Pursuant to the GuarantyIndenture and the Collateral Agreement, the Borrowers’Issuers’ obligations under the Original Amended AgreementIndenture and the Senior Secured Notes and the Guarantors’ Note Guarantees are secured by a first priority lien and security interest (subject to permitted liens and security interests) in substantially all of the Partnership’sassets of the Issuers and Borrowers’ assets,the Guarantors (other than the Company), whether thennow owned or thereafterhereafter acquired, excluding certain excluded assets which include, among others: (i) Trust Accounts, certain proceeds(a) trust and other fiduciary accounts and amounts required by law to be placed into such Trust Accountsdeposited or held therein and funds held in such Trust Accounts; and (ii) Excluded Real Property, including(b) unless encumbered by a mortgage existing on the date of the Indenture, owned and leased real property that (i) may not be pledged as a matter of law.law or without governmental approvals, (ii) is not operated or intended to be operated as a cemetery, crematory or funeral home or (iii) is the subject of specified immaterial leases.

The Partnership was notIssuers may redeem the Senior Secured Notes at their option, in compliance with the facility’s maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratiowhole or in part, at any time for the periods ended March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, which constituted defaults that the lenders agreed to waive pursuanta redemption price equal to the Sixth Amendmentprincipal balance thereof, accrued and Waiver. In addition,unpaid interest thereon and, if applicable, a premium (the “Applicable Premium”) calculated as follows:

If redeemed before June 27, 2021, the Partnership’s failure to timely file its 2017 Annual Report onForm 10-K and its Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q forsum of 4% of the period ended March 31, 2018 constituted defaults under its revolving credit facility. Under the Sixth Amendment and Waiver, the lenders agreed to waive such defaults and extend the dates by which certain reports were required to be filed, and under the Seventh Amendment and Waiver, the lenders agreed to waive our failure to timely file the 2017 Annual Report onForm 10-K on or before the previously extended filing deadline and agreed to further extend the dates by which certain reports were required to be filed. Under the Eighth Amendment and Waiver, the lenders agreed to waive defaults resulting from our failure to comply with the facility’s maximum Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio and minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the periods ended June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2018 and our failure to timely file the Quarterly Reports onForm 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018 on or before the previously extended filing deadlines and agreed to further extend the dates by which these reports were required to be filed. See Note 19 in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, for further detail regarding the extended filing deadlines for our Quarterly Reports onForm 10-Q for the quarters ended June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018.

Senior Notes

On May 28, 2013, the Partnership issued $175.0 million aggregate principal amount so redeemed plus the excess of 7.875% Senior Notes due 2021 (the “Senior Notes”). The Partnership pays 7.875%(i) the interest per annumthat would have accrued on the principal amount of the redeemed Senior Secured Notes from the redemption date through June 27, 2021 assuming an interest rate of 11.500% per annum over (ii) the interest that would have accrued on the principal amount of the redeemed Senior Secured Notes from the redemption date through June 27, 2021 at an interest rate equal to the then-applicable rate on United States Treasury securities for the period most nearly equaling that time period plus 0.50%;

If redeemed on or after June 27, 2021 and before June 27, 2022, 4% of the principal amount so redeemed;

If redeemed on or after June 27, 2022 and before June 27, 2023, 2% of the principal amount so redeemed; and

If redeemed on or after June 27, 2023, no premium will be payable.

The Issuers are obligated to redeem the Senior Secured Notes with the net cash proceeds of certain dispositions described in the Indenture, tax refunds, insurance or condemnation proceeds and certain other extraordinary receipts. The redemption price for such redemptions is the principal balance of the Senior Secured Notes being redeemed, all accrued and unpaid interest thereon plus, with respect to redemptions from asset dispositions with net proceeds in excess of $55.0 million, an Applicable Premium of 2% of the principal amount so redeemed.

The Issuers are also obligated to use 75% of any Excess Cash Flow, less any amount paid in any voluntary redemption of the Senior Secured Notes during the applicable period or subsequent thereto and prior to the applicable redemption date, to redeem the Senior Secured Notes at a redemption price equal to the principal balance thereof and all accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

All interest payable in cash semi-annuallyconnection with the redemption of any the Senior Secured Notes is payable in arrears on June 1cash.

The Indenture requires the Issuers and the Guarantors, as applicable, to comply with various affirmative covenants regarding, among other matters, delivery to the Trustee of financial statements and certain other

information or reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the maintenance and investment of trust funds and trust accounts into which certain sales proceeds are required by law to be deposited.

The Indenture includes financial covenants pursuant to which the Issuers will not permit:

the Operating Cash Flow Amount for the six months ending December 131, 2019 to be less than $20.0 million;

the ratio of the sum of the Operating Cash Flow Amount plus Cash Interest Expense to Cash Interest Expense, or the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio, for the nine months ended March 31, 2020 and the twelve months ending as of each year. date from June 30, 2020 onwards, as set forth below, to be less than:

March 31, 2020

0.40x

June 30, 2020

0.75x

September 30, 2020

1.00x

December 31, 2020

1.15x

March 31, 2021

1.25x

June 30, 2021

1.30x

September 30, 2021

1.35x

December 31, 2021

1.45x

March 31, 2022 and each quarter end thereafter

1.50x

the aggregate amount of Capital Expenditures for the prior four fiscal quarters as of the last day of any fiscal quarter beginning with the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2019 to be more than $20.0 million;

the average daily balance of Unrestricted Cash and unrestricted Permitted Investments of the Company and its subsidiaries as of the end of any day for any10-business day period to be less than $20.0 million during the quarter ending September 30, 2019, $15.0 million during the quarter ending December 31, 2019 and $12.5 million during any subsequent quarter; or

the ratio of the (a) the sum of Unrestricted Cash, accounts receivable and merchandise trust account balances to (b) the aggregate principal or face amount of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness, or Asset Coverage Test, for the applicable measurement period as of the last day of any fiscal quarter beginning with the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2019, to be less than 1.60:1.00.

The netIndenture requires the Issuers and the Guarantors, as applicable, to comply with certain other covenants including, but not limited to, covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ ability to: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) grant liens; (iii) engage in certain sale/leaseback, merger, consolidation or asset sale transactions; (iv) make certain investments; (v) pay dividends or make distributions; (vi) engage in affiliate transactions and (vii) amend its organizational documents.

The Indenture provides for certain events of default, the occurrence and continuation of which could, subject to certain conditions, cause all amounts owing under the Senior Secured Notes to become due and payable, including but not limited to the following:

failure by the Issuers to pay any interest on any Senior Secured Note when it becomes due and payable that remains uncured for five business days;

failure by the Issuers to pay the principal of any of the Senior Secured Notes when it becomes due and payable, whether at the due date thereof, at a date fixed for redemption, by acceleration or otherwise;

failure by the Issuers to comply with the agreement and covenants relating to maintenance of its legal existence, providing notice of any default or event of default or use of proceeds from the offeringsale of the Senior Secured Notes were usedor any of the negative covenants in the Indenture;

failure by the Issuers to retirecomply with any other agreement or covenant contained in the Indenture, the Collateral Agreement or any other Note Document that remains uncured for a $150.0 millionperiod of 15 days after the earlier of written notice and request for cure from the Trustee or holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of 10.25%the Senior Secured Notes;

the acceleration of or the failure to pay at final maturity indebtedness (other than the Senior Secured Notes) in a principal amount exceeding $5.0 million;

the occurrence of a Change in Control;

certain bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings involving an Issuer or any subsidiary; and

failure by the Company or any subsidiary to maintain one or more licenses, permits or similar approvals for the conduct of its business where the sum of the revenue associated therewith represents the lesser of (i) 15% of the Company and its subsidiaries consolidated revenue and (ii) $30.0 million, and such breach is not cured within 30 days.

At the option of holders holding a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes (and automatically upon any default for failure to pay principal of the Senior Secured Notes when due 2017and payable or certain bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings involving an Issuer), the interest rate on the Senior Secured Notes will increase to 13.50% per annum, payable in cash.

As of December 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with the covenants of the Indenture.

On April 1, 2020, the Issuers and the remaining proceedsTrustee entered into the Third Supplemental Indenture to the Indenture (the “Supplemental Indenture”), pursuant to which certain financial covenants and the premium payable upon voluntary redemption of the Senior Secured Notes in the Indenture were usedamended. For further details, seeNote 26 Subsequent Events of this Annual Report.

Registration Rights Agreement

In connection with the sale of the Senior Secured Notes, on June 27, 2019, the Issuers, the Guarantors party thereto and the Initial Purchasers entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Notes Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Issuers and the Guarantors agreed, for general corporate purposes.the benefit of the holders of the Notes, to use their commercially reasonable efforts to file a registration statement with the SEC with respect to a registered offer to exchange the Senior Secured Notes for new “exchange” notes having terms substantially identical in all material respects to the Senior Secured Notes, with certain exceptions (the “Exchange Offer”). The SeniorIssuers agreed to use their commercially reasonable efforts (i) to consummate the Exchange Offer on or before July 14, 2020 (the “Exchange Date”) and (ii) upon the occurrence of certain events described in the Notes were issuedRegistration Rights Agreement which result in the inability to consummate the Exchange Offer, to cause a shelf registration statement covering resales of the Notes to be declared effective.

If the Issuers had failed to comply with their obligations under the Notes Registration Rights Agreement, additional interest would have accrued on the Notes at 97.832%a rate of par resulting in gross proceeds0.25% per annum (increasing by an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to eachsubsequent 90-day period that occurs after the date on which such default occurs, up to a maximum additional interest rate of $171.2 million1.00%) from and including the date on which any such default shall occur to but excluding the earlier of (x) the date on which all such defaults have been cured and (y) the date on which the Notes are freely tradeable by persons other than affiliates of the Issuers pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

Deferred Financing Costs

In February 2019, the Company entered into the Eighth Amendment and Waiver to the original agreement for its revolving credit facility dated August 4, 2016 (the “Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility”). In connection with an original issue discount of approximately $3.8 million. The Partnership

the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility, the Company incurred debt issuance costs and fees of approximately $4.6 million. These$3.1 million, which was being amortized over the life of the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility, using the effective interest method. In connection with the issuance of the Senior Secured Notes, the Company incurred debt issuance costs and fees areof approximately $14.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2019, which have been deferred and will beare being amortized over the life of the Senior Notes. The SeniorSecured Notes, matureusing the effective interest method.

In connection with the retirement of all of its revolving credit facilities and its $175.0 million 7.875% senior notes due 2021, the Companywrote-off unamortized deferred financing fees of $6.9 million, during the year ended December 31, 2019, which is presented in Loss on June 1, 2021.debt extinguishment in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

The Partnership may redeem the Senior Notes at any time, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth below, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, if redeemed during the12-month period beginning June 1 ofFor the years indicated:

Year

  Percentage 

2018

   101.969

2019 and thereafter

   100.000

Subject to certain exceptions, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in the Indenture), each holder of the Senior Notes will have the right to require the Partnership to purchase that holder’s Senior Notes for a cash price equal to 101% of the principal amounts to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by certain of the Partnership’s subsidiaries. The Indenture governing the Senior Notes contains covenants, including limitations of the Partnership’s ability to incur additional indebtedness and liens, make certain dividends, distributions, redemptions or investments, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, make certain asset sales, and engage in certain mergers, consolidations or sales of all or substantially all of the Partnership’s assets, among other items. As ofended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Partnership was in compliance with these covenants.Company recognized $7.3 million and $3.2 million of amortization of deferred financing fees on its various debt facilities.

 

11.

REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED UNITS AND OWNERS’ EQUITY

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units

On June 27, 2019, the Partnership completed the Preferred Offering pursuant to which it sold an aggregate of 52,083,333 Preferred Units at a purchase price of $1.1040 per Preferred Unit, reflecting an 8% discount to the liquidation preference of each Preferred Unit, for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million.

Pursuant to the Series A Purchase Agreement, the Partnership filed a registration statement on FormS-1 with the SEC to effect the Rights Offering, which was completed on October 25, 2019 with 3,039,380 common units being purchased for a total of $3.6 million. The gross proceeds from the Rights Offering were used to redeem 3,039,380 of the Partnership’s outstanding Preferred Units on October 25, 2019 at a price of $1.20 per Preferred Unit.

On December 31, 2019, in connection with the consummation of theC-Corporation Conversion, all of the remaining outstanding Preferred Units were converted into common shares of the Company at a conversion rate of one share of common stock for each Preferred Unit.

Capital Stock

Effective as of theC-Corporation Conversion, the Company is authorized to issue two classes of capital stock: common stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Common Stock”) and preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Preferred Stock”). At December 31, 2019, 94,447,356 million shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding and no shares of Preferred Stock were issued or outstanding. At December 31, 2019, there were 105,552,644 shares of Common Stock available for issuance, including 986,552 shares available for issuance as stock-based incentive compensation under the 2019 Plan, and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock available for issuance.

Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s stockholders, will have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and do not have cumulative voting rights. In the event of any liquidation, dissolutionor winding-up of the Company’s affairs, the holders of the Company’s Common Stock will be entitled to share ratably in the Company’s assets that are remaining after payment or provision for payment of all of the Company’s debts and obligations and after liquidation payments to and subject to any continuing participation by holders of outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, if any.

The Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) is authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further stockholder approval, to establish and to issue from time to time one or more classes or series of

Preferred Stock covering up to an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. Each class or series of Preferred Stock will cover the number of shares and will have the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions determined by the Board, which may include, among others, dividend rights, liquidation preferences, voting rights, conversion rights, preemptive rights and redemption rights. Except as provided by law or in a preferred stock designation, the holders of Preferred Stock will not be entitled to vote at or receive notice of any meeting of stockholders.

Subsequent Events

On April 1, 2020, the Issuers and the Trustee entered into the Supplemental Indenture, pursuant to which the Issuers agreed to cause the Company to use its best efforts to effectuate an offering to holders of Common Stock of transferable rights to purchase their pro rata share of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate exercise price of at least $17 million at a price of $0.73 per share, as promptly as practicable with an expiration date no later than July 24, 2020 and to receive proceeds of not less than $8.2 million therefrom. Concurrently, the Company entered into a letter agreement with Axar (the “Axar Commitment”), pursuant to which Axar agreed to purchase shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock with an aggregate purchase price of $8.8 million on April 3, 2020. As contemplated by the Axar Commitment, on April 3, 2020, the Company sold an aggregate of 176 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to the 2020 Purchasers for an aggregate purchase price of $8.8 million pursuant to the terms of a Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (the “2020 Preferred Purchase Agreement”) by and among the Company and the purchasers party thereto. For further details, seeNote 26 Subsequent Events of this Annual Report.

12.

INCOME TAXES

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law. The Tax Act made broad and complex changesPrior to the U.S. tax code by, among other things, reducing the federal corporate income tax rate, creating a new limitation on deductible interest expense, creating bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing on qualified property, changing the lives of post-2017 net operating loss carryovers and imposing limitations on deductibility of certain executive compensation.

The Tax Act reduced the U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate, effective January 1, 2018. As a result of the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate, the Partnershipre-measured its ending net deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2017 at2019, the rate at which they are expected to reverse in the future and recognized anon-cash tax benefit of $6.5 million, in 2017. As of December 31, 2018, there-measurement of the ending net deferred tax liabilities are completed in accordance with SAB 118 and no material adjustment related to there-measurement were noted. In 2018 the partnership recognized a benefit for post 2017 federal net operating losses and deferred tax assets which offset long life deferred tax liabilities of approximately of $3.1 million.

The Partnership isCompany was not subject to U.S. federal income tax and most state income taxes.taxes, as it was structured as a master limited partnership. The partners of the Partnership are liable for income tax in regard to their distributive share of the Partnership’s taxable income. Such taxable income mayfor the Company flowed through to the partners for the fiscal years prior to January 1, 2020 and could vary substantially from the net income reported on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. Since the Company consummated theC-Corporation Conversion on December 31, 2019, the Company’s taxable income for the year ended December 31, 2019 continued to flow through to the partners. Per ASC 740, theC-Corporation Conversion is considered a change in tax status, and therefore, the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Certain corporate subsidiaries are subjectCompany had to federal and state income tax. Deferredrecord deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax basis of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and tax carryforwards.on its consolidated balance sheets as of the consummation date of theC-Corporation Conversion. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.date for the new tax rates. The Partnership recordsCompany also recognized a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, ifas the Company deemed it deems that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realizable in future periods.

Additionally, prior to theC-corporation Conversion, corporate subsidiaries of the Partnership were historically subject to federal income tax and most state income taxes, and the Partnership was required to file separate federal income tax returns for many of its corporate subsidiaries. Deferred tax assets of the individual corporate subsidiaries could not be offset against the deferred liabilities of other individual corporate subsidiaries. As a result of theC-Corporation Conversion, the Company will file a consolidated federal income tax return for StoneMor Inc. for all fiscal periods post the consummation date of theC-Corporation Conversion. The Company recognized a $7.5 million tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2019 related to the projected tax consequences of filing a consolidated federal income tax return for StoneMor Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Income tax (expense) benefit for the years ended December 31, 20182019 and 20172018 consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

  Years Ended December 31,   Years Ended December 31, 
          2018                   2017                 2019               2018       

Current provision:

        

State

  $(693  $(681  $(73  $(693

Federal

   —      —      —      —   

Foreign

   (101   (137   (187   (101
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   (794   (818   (260   (794
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Deferred provision:

        

State

   (23   (373   (6,704   (23

Federal

   2,725    10,898    (21,210   2,725 

Foreign

   (111   (86   (30   (111
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   2,591    10,439    (27,944   2,591 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total income tax benefit

  $1,797   $9,621 

Total income tax (expense) benefit

  $(28,204  $1,797 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

A reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to the Partnership’sCompany’s effective tax rate is as follows:

 

  Years Ended December 31,   Years Ended December 31, 
        2018             2017               2019             2018       

Computed tax provision (benefit) at the applicable statutory tax rate

   21.0 35.0   21.0 21.0

State and local taxes net of federal income tax benefit

   (1.1)%  (1.1)%    (4.5)%  (1.1)% 

Tax exempt (income) loss

   (1.5)%  (1.2)%    (1.2)%  (1.5)% 

Change in current year valuation allowance

   (18.3)%  (24.1)%    (8.0)%  (18.3)% 

Partnership earnings not subject to tax

   2.0 6.3

Company’s earnings not subject to tax

   (0.2)%  2.0

Changes in tax due to Tax Act and ASC 606 retroactive impact

   0.5 (7.7)%    —   0.5

Changes in valuation allowance due to Tax Act

   —   15.1

Change in tax status

   (27.2)%  —  

Permanent differences

   (0.1)%  (10.9)%    (2.7)%  (0.1)% 

Other

   —   —     —   —  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Effective tax rate

   2.5 11.4   (22.8)%  2.5
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

The effective tax rate adjustmentincreased as a result of the deferred tax liabilities the Company had to record in connection with theC-Corporation Conversion. The temporary differences related to the change in valuation allowance due to the Tax Act was caused by changes in the federal tax rate and effective state rates and the creation of future unlimited-lifethese deferred tax assets that are availableliabilities will reverse over the lives of the various cemeteries, which range from an average 100 to offset existing long-term deferred tax liabilities.300 years.

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

 

  December 31,   December 31, 
  2018   2017   2019   2018 

Deferred tax assets:

        

Prepaid expenses

  $5,102   $5,538   $13,010   $5,102 

State net operating loss

   24,162    19,305    26,121    24,162 

Federal net operating loss

   84,017    74,109    88,818    84,017 

Foreign net operating loss

   2,106    2,306    8,656    2,106 

Other

   55    55    55    55 

Valuation allowance

   (89,066   (73,759   (103,336   (89,066
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

   26,376    27,554    33,324    26,376 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

        

Property, plant and equipment

   2,119    4,104    28,399    2,119 

Deferred revenue related to future revenues and accounts receivable

   25,021    27,175    33,582    25,021 

Deferred revenue related to cemetery property

   5,825    5,829    5,875    5,825 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

   32,965    37,108    67,856    32,965 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

  $6,589   $9,554   $34,532   $6,589 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net deferred tax assets and liabilities were classified on the consolidated balance sheets as follows (in thousands):

 

  December 31,   December 31, 
  2018   2017   2019   2018 

Deferred tax assets

  $86   $84   $81   $86 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Noncurrent assets

   86    84    81    86 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Deferred tax assets

   26,290    27,470    33,243    26,290 

Deferred tax liabilities

   32,965    37,108    67,856    32,965 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Noncurrent liabilities

   6,675    9,638    34,613    6,675 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

  $6,589   $9,554   $34,532   $6,589 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

At December 31, 2018,2019, the PartnershipCompany had available approximately $0.1 million of alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards and approximately $396.6$423.0 million and $500.7$542.0 million of federal and state net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, respectively, a portion of which expires annually.

Management periodically evaluates all evidence both positive and negative in determining whether a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets is required. The vast majority of the Partnership’sCompany’s taxable subsidiaries continue to accumulate deferred tax assets that on a more likely than not basis will not be realized. A full valuation allowance continues to be maintained on these taxable subsidiaries. Along with other previous transfers of the Company’s interests, the Company believes the Recapitalization Transactions in June 2019 caused an “ownership change” for income tax purposes, which significantly limits the Company’s ability to use NOLs and certain other tax assets to offset future taxable income. The valuation allowance decreasedincreased in 2017 primarily2019 due to a decrease inmanagement’s evaluation of the future limitation on the Company’s ability to offset future deferred tax liabilities that will reverse outside the carryforward period for ourwith net operating loss carryovers and certain other deferred tax assets, partially offset by an increase in net deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not to be realized.assets. The valuation allowance increased in 2018 due to increases in deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not expected to be realized.

At December 31, 2018,2019, based on the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believed it was more likely than not

that the PartnershipCompany will realize the benefits of these deductible differences. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable could be reduced in the future if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced.

In accordance with applicable accounting standards, the PartnershipCompany recognizes only the impact of income tax positions that, based upon their merits, are more likely than not to be sustained upon audit by a taxing authority. To evaluate its current tax positions in order to identify any material uncertain tax positions, the PartnershipCompany developed a policy of identifying and evaluating uncertain tax positions that considers support for each tax position, industry standards, tax return disclosures and schedules and the significance of each position. It is the Partnership’sCompany’s policy to recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.expense in the consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, the PartnershipCompany had no material uncertain tax positions.

The PartnershipCompany is not currently under tax examination by any federal jurisdictions or state income tax jurisdictions. TheIn general, the federal statute of limitations and certain state statutes of limitations are open from 2016 forward. For entities with net operating loss carryovers the statute of limitations is extended to 2013 forward.to the extent of the net operating loss carryover.

 

12.13.

DEFERRED REVENUES AND COSTS

The PartnershipCompany defers revenues and all direct costs associated with the sale ofpre-need cemetery merchandise and services until the merchandise is delivered or the services are performed. The PartnershipCompany recognizes deferred merchandise and service revenues as deferred revenuescustomer contract liabilities within long-term liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets. The PartnershipCompany recognizes deferred direct costs associated withpre-need cemetery merchandise and service revenues as deferred selling and obtaining costs within long-term assets on its consolidated balance sheets. The PartnershipCompany also defers the costs to obtain newpre-need cemetery and new prearranged funeral business as well as the investment earnings on the prearranged services and merchandise trusts. Such costs are recognized when the associated performance obligation is fulfilled based upon the net change in the customer contract liabilities. All other selling costs are expensed as incurred. Additionally, the Company has elected the practical expedient of not recognizing incremental costs to obtain a contract as incurred, as the associated amortization period is typically one year or less.

Deferred revenues and related costs consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):

 

   December 31, 
   2018   2017 

Deferred contract revenues

  $830,602   $808,549 

Deferred merchandise trust revenue

   92,718    105,354 

Deferred merchandise trust unrealized gains (losses)

   (9,034   (1,277
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred revenues

  $914,286   $912,626 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

  $112,660   $126,398 

Deferred revenues presented in the table above are net of the allowance for contract cancellations disclosed in Note 4.

The activity in deferred selling and obtaining costs was as follows (in thousands):

   December 31,
2018
 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs, beginning of period

  $126,398 

Cumulative effect of accounting change

   (18,557

Change in deferred selling and obtaining costs

   4,819 
  

 

 

 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs, end of period

  $112,660 
  

 

 

 
   December 31, 2019   December 31, 2018 

Deferred contract revenues

  $837,190   $835,922 

Deferred merchandise trust revenue

   104,304    92,718 

Deferred merchandise trust unrealized gains (losses)

   7,881    (9,034
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred revenues

  $949,375   $919,606 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

  $114,944   $113,644 

For the yearyears ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the PartnershipCompany recognized $64.1 million and $58.7 million, respectively, of the deferred revenuecustomer contract liabilities balance that existed at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, as revenue. Also during the year ended December 31, 2018, the Partnership recognized $4.8 million from deferred incremental direct selling costs.

The components of deferred revenues,the customer contract liabilities, net in the Partnership’s Condensed Consolidated Balance SheetCompany’s consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018 were as follows (in thousands):

 

   December 31,
2018
  December 31,
2017
 

Deferred revenue

  $937,708  $912,626 

Amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations on cancellablepre-need contracts (1)

   (23,422  —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Deferred revenue, net

  $914,286  $912,626 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Prior to the adoption of “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” on January 1, 2018, amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations oncancellable pre-need contracts were included in “Accounts Receivable and Long-term accounts receivable, net of allowance.”

   December 31, 2019  December 31, 2018 

Customer contract liabilities, gross

  $974,927  $943,028 

Amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations on cancellablepre-need contracts

   (25,552  (23,422
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Customer contract liabilities, net

  $949,375  $919,606 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The PartnershipCompany expects to service approximately 55% of its deferred revenue that existed at December 31, 2019 and 2018 in thefirst 4-5 years and approximately 80% of its deferred revenue that existed at December 31, 2019 and 2018 within 18 years. The Company cannot estimate the period when it expects its remaining performance obligations will be recognized, because certain performance obligations will only be satisfied at the time of death. The Partnership expects to service 55% of its deferred revenue in thefirst 4-5 years and approximately 80% of its deferred revenue within 18 years.

 

13.14.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE AND RETIREMENT PLANSPLAN

2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan

Effective August 22, 2018, the General Partner’sThe Board of Directors (the “Board”)previously adopted the Stonemor Amended and Restated 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2018 LTIP”), which amended and restated the StonemorStoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2014 LTIP”(the “2014 Plan”) that had been approved by. Effective August 22, 2018, the Board amended and restated the Partnership’s unitholders in 2014. The2014 Plan (the “2018 Plan”). On March 27, 2019, the Board amended and restated the 2018 LTIP increasedPlan (the “2019 Plan”) to (i) increase the number of common units thatof the Company reserved for issuance under the 2019 Plan and (ii) make certain other clarifying changes and updates to the 2019 Plan. The 2019 Plan permitted the grant of awards covering a total of 4,000,000 common units of the Company. A “unit” under the 2019 Plan was defined as a common unit of the Company and such other securities as may be delivered with respect to awards from 1,500,000substituted or resubstituted for common units plan to 2,000,000 common units. The Compensation and Nominating and Governance Committee of the Company, including but not limited to shares of the Company’s common stock.

On December 18, 2019, the Board (the “Compensation Committee”) administersapproved the 2018 LTIP.

The 2018 LTIPfirst amendment to the 2019 Plan, which permits the grant of awards covering a total of 8,500,000 common units of the Company. On December 31, 2019, the Board approved the assumption of the 2019 Plan and all outstanding awards thereunder by the Company in connection with theC-Corporation Conversion. The 2019 Plan is intended to promote the interests of the Company by providing to employees, consultants and directors of the Company incentive compensation awards to encourage superior performance and enhance the Company’s ability to attract and retain the services of individuals who are essential for its growth and profitability and to encourage them to devote their best efforts to advancing the Company’s business.

Phantom unit and restricted unit awards

On April 15, 2019, the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) approved the award of 1,015,047 phantom unit awards consisting of 494,421 phantom units subject to time-based vesting (“TVUs”) and 520,626 phantom units subject to performance-based vesting (“PVUs”) to certain members of the Company’s senior management.

The TVUs had a vesting period equal to three equal annual installments on each April 3 (or first business day thereafter) commencing on April 3, 2020. The PVUs vested based on the extent, if any, to which may bethe Compensation Committee determines that the performance conditions established by the Compensation Committee for calendar years 2019, 2020 and 2021 have been achieved or waived in writing, as follows:

if the “threshold” performance condition with respect to a calendar year has been achieved or waived but not the “target” condition, then 25% of the PVUs subject to vesting with respect to such year (rounded down to the nearest whole phantom unit) shall vest;

if the “target” performance condition with respect to a calendar year has been achieved or waived, then 50% of the PVUs subject to vesting with respect to such year shall vest; and

if the “maximum” performance condition with respect to a calendar year has been achieved or waived, then 100% of the PVUs subject to vesting with respect to such year shall vest.

Also on April 15, 2019, an additional 275,000 restricted units were awarded to an officer of the Company pursuant to his employment agreement that were scheduled to vest in equal quarterly installments over a four year period commencing July 15, 2019, the three month anniversary of the grant date.

The Recapitalization Transactions, described inNote 1 General, resulted in a Change of Control as defined in the form2019 Plan. The Change of phantom units, restricted units, unit appreciation rights (“UAR”), options, performance awards, cash awards, distribution equivalent rights or other equityControl accelerated the vesting of certain awards, including performance factors for each, covering an aggregateall those granted on April 15, 2019, resulting in the immediate vesting of 2,000,000 common1,351,493 phantom and restricted units. These awards were net settled with 376,351 units withheld to satisfy the participants’ tax withholding obligations, resulting in a number that the Board may increase by up to 100,000 common units per year. At December 31, 2018, the estimatednet number of 975,142 common units to be issued. The Company recognized $2.2 million in stock-based compensation expense related to this accelerated vesting. These units were delivered in the third quarter of 2019.

In addition, an aggregate of 238,554 phantom units issued upon vesting of outstanding awards under this plan, assuming the satisfactionLTIP and held in deferred compensation accounts for certain directors that either became payable as a result of the maximum conditions for performance factors, was 1,122,601. AsRecapitalization Transactions or had previously become payable were issued in the third quarter of 2019.

A rollforward of phantom unit and restricted unit awards as of December 31, 2018, a cumulative number of 34,036 common units had been issued, leaving 843,363 common units available for future grants under the plan, assuming no increases by the Board.2019 is as follows:

Phantom Unit Awards

   Number of
Phantom
Unit and
Restricted
Unit
Awards
   Weighted
Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
 

Totalnon-vested at December 31, 2018

   1,029,638   $7.49 

Units issued

   1,381,572    2.86 

Units vested

   (1,819,131   5.16 

Units forfeited

   (32,861   6.68 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totalnon-vested at December 31, 2019

   559,218   $3.67 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Phantom units represent contingent rights to receive a common unit or an amount of cash, or a combination of both, based upon the value of a common unit. Phantom units become payable, in cash or common units, at the Partnership’s election, upon the separation of directors and executives from service or upon the occurrence of certain other events specified in the underlying agreements. Phantom units are subject to terms and conditions determined by the Compensation Committee. In tandem with phantom unit grants, the Compensation Committee may grant distribution equivalent rights (“DERs”), which are the right to receive an amount in cash or common units equal to the cash distributions made by the Partnership with respect to common unit during the period that the underlying phantom unit is outstanding. All phantom units outstanding under the 2018 LTIP at December 31, 2018 contain tandem DERs to the extent there were distributions.

The following table sets forth the 2018 LTIP phantom unit award activity forFor the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized $3.6 million and 2017, respectively:

   Years Ended December 31, 
       2018           2017     

Outstanding, beginning of period

   108,602    117,630 

Granted (1)

   354,104    41,732 

Settled in common units or cash (1)

   (709   (16,098

Forfeiture

   (87,536  

Performance vesting forfeiture

   (29,512   (34,662
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding, end of period (2)

   344,949    108,602 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

The weighted-average grant date fair value for the$2.4 million, respectively, ofnon-cash stock compensation expense related to phantom unit awards on the date of grant was $6.72 and $8.11 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The intrinsic values of unit awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $2.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

(2)

Based on the closing price of the common units on December 31, 2018, the estimated intrinsic value of the outstanding unit awards was $2.4 million at December 31, 2018.

Restricted Unit Awards

A restricted unit is a common unit that is subjectawards into earnings. As of December 31, 2019, total unamortized compensation cost related to aunvested restricted stock awards was $0.5 million, which the Company expects to recognize over the remaining weighted-average period established byof 2.75 years.

Non-qualified stock options

On December 18, 2019, the Compensation Committee during whichapproved the award remains subjectgranting of unit options to forfeiture or is either not exercisable by or payableemployees of the Company, including certain members of senior management to purchase an aggregate of 5.5 million common units at an exercise price of $1.20 per unit. The option awards vest in three equal annual installments on each December 18 (or first business day thereafter) commencing on December 18, 2020, provided that the recipient ofremains employed by the award.Company. The Compensation Committee determinesCompany measured the number of restricted unitsoption awards at their grant-date fair value utilizing the Black-Scholes model and will recognize stock compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the weighted-average service period, which is expected to be granted,three years. The option awards expire no later than 10 years from the perioddate of time when the restricted units are subject to vesting or forfeiture conditions, which may include accelerated vesting upon the achievementgrant.

A rollforward of certain performance goals, and such other terms and conditions the Compensation Committee may establish. Upon orstock options as soon as reasonably practical following the vesting of a restricted unit, the participant is entitled to receive a certificate evidencing ownership of the unit or to have the restrictions removed from any certificate that may have previously been delivered so that the unit will be unrestricted. Recipients of restricted unit awards are entitled to unit distributions rights (“UDRs”), representing the right to receive distributions made with respect to the Partnership’s common units. Such UDRs may be payable in cash or as additional restricted units and may be subject to forfeiture and withheld until the restricted units to which they relate cease to be subject to forfeiture, all as determined by the Compensation Committee. All restricted units outstanding under the 2018 LTIP at December 31, 2018 provided for current payment of UDRs in cash at the time the related distributions were paid to the Partnership’s unitholders.2019 is as follows:

The following table sets forth the 2018 LTIP restricted unit award activity for

   Number of
Stock
Options
   Weighted
Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 

Total outstanding at December 31, 2018

   —     $—     $—   

Options granted

   5,500,000    0.34    1.20 

Options exercisable

   —      —      —   

Options exercised

   —      —      —   

Options forfeited

   —      —      —   

Options expired

   —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total outstanding at December 31, 2019

   5,500,000   $0.34   $1.20 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31, 20182019 and 2017, respectively:

   Years Ended December 31, 
       2018           2017     

Outstanding, beginning of period

   —      —   

Granted (1)

   780,949    —   

Settled in common units or cash (1)

   —      —   

Performance vesting forfeiture

   —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding, end of period (2)

   780,949    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

The weighted-average grant date fair value for the unit awards on the date of grant was $3.98 for the year ended December 31, 2018.

2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan

The Compensation Committee administers the Partnership’s 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2004 LTIP”). The 2004 LTIP permitted the grant of awards, which were permitted to be in the form of phantom units, restricted

units, unit appreciation rights (“UAR”) or other equity awards. At December 31, 2018, the estimated number of common units to be issued upon vesting and exercise of outstanding awards under this plan was 219,306, based upon the closing price of our common units at December 31, 2018. A cumulative number of 626,188 common units had been issued under the 2004 LTIP as of December 31, 2018. There were no awards available for grant under the 2004 LTIP at December 31, 2017 because no new awards were permitted to be made after its expiration on September 10, 2014.

Phantom Unit Awards

Phantom units were credited to participants’ mandatory deferred compensation accounts in connection with DERs accruing on phantom units received under the 2004 LTIP. These DERs continue to accrue until the underlying securities are issued. The following table sets forth the 2004 LTIP activity related to DERs credited as phantom units to the participant’s accounts for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively:

   Years Ended December 31, 
       2018           2017     

Outstanding, beginning of period

   219,306    205,510 

Granted (1)

   —      13,796 

Settled in common units or cash

   —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding, end of period (2)

   219,306    219,306 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

The weighted-average grant date fair value for the phantom unit awards on the date of grant was $9.70 for the year ended December 31, 2017.

(2)

Based on the closing price of the common units on December 31, 2018, the estimated intrinsic value of the outstanding restricted phantom units was $0.5 million.

Unit Appreciation Rights Awards

UAR awards represent a right to receive an amount equal to the closing price of the Partnership’s common units on the date preceding the exercise date less the exercise price of the UARs, to the extent the closing price of the Partnership’s common units on the date preceding the exercise date is in excess of the exercise price. This amount is then divided by the closing price of the Partnership’s common units on the date preceding the exercise date to determine the number of common units to be issued to the participant. UAR awards are subject to terms and conditions determined by the Compensation Committee, which may include vesting restrictions. UAR awards granted through December 31, 2018 have a five-year contractual term beginning on the grant date and vest ratably over a period of 48 months beginning on the grant date. All of the UARs outstanding at December 31, 2018 are vested. The following table sets forth the UAR award activity for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively:

   Years Ended December 31, 
       2018           2017     

Outstanding, beginning of period

   58,646    66,355 

Granted

   —      —   

Exercised

   —      —   

Forfeited

   (43,646   (7,709
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding, end of period (1)

   15,000    58,646 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Exercisable, end of period

   15,000    57,081 

Based on the closing price of the common units on December 31, 2018 the outstanding UARs had no intrinsic value and the weighted average remaining contractual life for outstanding UAR awards at December 31, 2018 was 0.1 years.

Total compensation expense for restricted unit award activity for the year ended December 31, 2018, was approximately $0.4 million. Total compensation expense for phantom unit awards under both the 2004 LTIP and the 2018 LTIP was approximately $2.0 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively

At December 31, 2018, the Partnership had no unrecognizednon-cash stock compensation expense related to stock options was not material. As of December 31, 2019, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested UAR awards. The Partnership recognized total compensation expense for UAR awardsstock options was $1.9 million, which the Company expects to recognize over the remaining weighted-average period of $0.1 million for each3 years.

Assumptions used in calculating the fair value of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.stock options granted during the year are summarized below:

   2019 

Valuation assumptions:

  

Expected dividend yield

   None 

Expected volatility

   23.41

Expected term (years)

   6.0 

Risk-free interest rate

   1.78

Weighted average:

  

Exercise price per stock option

  $1.20 

Market price per share

  $1.23 

Weighted average fair value per stock option

  $0.34 

 

14.15.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal

The Partnership is currentlyremains subject to class or collective actions under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and for related state law derivative claims that certain of ourthe Partnership’s officers and directors breached their fiduciary duty to the Partnership and its unitholders. The PartnershipCompany could also become subject to additional claims and legal proceedings relating to the factual allegations made in these actions. While management cannot reasonably estimate the potential exposure in these matters at this time, if the Partnership doeswe do not prevail in any such proceedings, the Partnershipwe could be required to pay substantial damages or settlement costs, subject to certain insurance coverages. Management has determined that, based on the status of the claims and legal proceedings against us,the Company, the amount of the potential losses cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. These actions are summarized below.

Anderson v. StoneMor Partners, LP, et al., No.2:16-cv-6111, filed on November 21, 2016, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The plaintiffs in this case (as well as Klein v. StoneMor Partners, LP, et al., No.2:16-cv-6275, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on December 2, 2016, which has been consolidated with this case) brought an action on behalf of a putative class of the holders of Partnership units and allege that the Partnership made misrepresentations to investors in violation of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by, among other things and in general, failing to clearly disclose the use of proceeds from debt and equity offerings by making allegedly false or misleading statements concerning (a) the Partnership’s strength or health in connection with a particular quarter’s distribution announcement, (b) the connection between operations and distributions and (c) the Partnership’s use of cash from equity offerings and its credit facility. Plaintiffs sought damages from the Partnership and certain of its officers and directors on behalf of the class of Partnership unitholders, as well as costs and attorneys’ fees. Lead plaintiffs have been appointed in this case, and filed a Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint on April 24, 2017. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss that Consolidated Amended Complaint on June 8, 2017. The motion was granted on October 31, 2017, and the court entered judgment dismissing the case on November 30, 2017. Plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal on December 29, 2017. Oral argument was held before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on November 1, 2018. The Partnership expects the court to render a decision in the near future, but there can be no assurance as to when the court will issue its ruling.

 

Bunim v. Miller, et al., No.2:17-cv-519-ER, pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and filed on February 6, 2017. The plaintiff in this case brought, derivatively on behalf of the Partnership, claims that StoneMor GP’sthe officers and directors of the Partnership’s general partner aided and abetted in breaches of StoneMor GP’sthe general partner’s purported fiduciary duties by, among other things and in general, allegedly making misrepresentations through the use ofnon-GAAP accounting standards in its public filings, by allegedly failing to clearly disclose the use of proceeds from debt and equity offerings, and by allegedly approving unsustainable distributions. The plaintiff also claims that these actions and misrepresentations give rise to causes of action for gross mismanagement, unjust enrichment, and (in connection with a purportedly misleading proxy statement filed in 2014) violations of Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The derivative plaintiff seeks an award of damages, attorneys’

 

equity offerings, and by allegedly approving unsustainable distributions. The plaintiff also claims that these actions and misrepresentations give rise to causes of action for gross mismanagement, unjust enrichment, and (in connection with a purportedly misleading proxy statement filed in 2014) violations of Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The derivative plaintiff seeks an award of damages, attorneys’ fees and costs in favor of the Partnership as nominal plaintiff, as well as general compliance and governance changes. This case has been stayed, by the agreement of the parties, pending final resolution of the motion to dismiss filed in the Anderson case, provided that either party may terminate the stay on 30 days’ notice.

 

Muth v. StoneMor G.P. LLC, et al., December Term, 2016, No. 1196 and Binder v. StoneMor G.P. LLC, et al., January Term, 2017, No. 4872, both pending in the Court of Common Pleas for Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and filed on December 20, 2016 and February 3, 2017, respectively. In these cases, the plaintiffs brought, derivatively on behalf of the Partnership, claims that StoneMor GP’sthe officers and directors of the Partnership’s general partner aided and abetted in breaches of StoneMor GP’sthe general partner’s purported fiduciary duties by, among other things and in general, allegedly making misrepresentations through the use ofnon-GAAP accounting standards in its public filings and by failing to clearly disclose the use of proceeds from debt and equity offerings, as well as approving unsustainable distributions. The plaintiffs also claim that these actions and misrepresentations give rise to a cause of action for unjust enrichment. The derivative plaintiffs seek an award of damages, attorneys’ fees and costs in favor of the Partnership as nominal plaintiff, as well as alterations to the procedures for electing members to the board of StoneMor GP,the Partnership’s general partner, and other compliance and governance changes. These cases have been consolidated and stayed, by the agreement of the parties, pending final resolution of the motion to dismiss filed in the Anderson case, providedwhich has now been dismissed. In November 2019, the court issued a dormant case notice under which the plaintiffs were required to file a statement of intent to proceed by January 21, 2020. The plaintiffs have not filed any such notice, and we anticipate that either party may terminate the stay on 30 days’ notice.court will dismiss this case for failure to proceed in the near future.

The Partnership had also been subject to consolidated class actions in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Philadelphia Regional Officealleging various violations under the Exchange Act. Anderson v. StoneMor Partners, LP, et al., No.2:16-cv-6111, filed on November 21, 2016, and consolidated with Klein v. StoneMor Partners, LP, et al., No.2:16-cv-6275, filed on December 2, 2016. On October 31, 2017, the court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint and entered judgment dismissing the case on November 30, 2017. On June 20, 2019, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of the Securitiescase and Exchange Commission, Enforcement Division, is continuing its investigationthe plaintiffs did not seek discretionary review of that decision before the United States Supreme Court, thereby terminating the case.

On December 11, 2019, the Company entered into a settlement with the SEC with respect to alleged violations of the Partnership as to whether violationsreporting, books and records, internal accounting controls and related provisions of the federal securities laws have occurred. Thethat occurred prior to 2017 under the Company’s former management team (the “Settlement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Settlement, which resolved the matters that were the subject of the previously reported investigation relatesby the SEC’s Enforcement Division, and without admitting or denying the findings in the Settlement: (i) the Company and GP Holdings consented to among other things, our prior restatements, financial statements, internal control over financial reporting, public disclosures, usea cease and desist order with respect to violations ofnon-GAAP financial measures, matters pertaining to unitholder distributions Sections 13(a), 13(b)(2)(A) and 13(b)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act and the sourcesregulations promulgated thereunder, and (ii) GP Holdings agreed to pay a civil penalty of funds therefor and information relating to protection of our confidential information and our policies regarding insider trading. We are continuing to cooperate$250,000, which was paid with the SEC staff.proceeds of an intercompany loan.

The PartnershipCompany is party to other legal proceedings in the ordinary course of its business, but does not expect the outcome of any proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The PartnershipCompany carries insurance with coverage and coverage limits that it believes to be customary in the cemetery and funeral home industry. Although there can be no assurance that such insurance will be sufficient to protect the PartnershipCompany against all contingencies, managementManagement believes that the insurance protection is reasonable in view of the nature and scope of the Company’s operations.

Leases

In 2017, the Partnership entered into capital leases that had aggregate gross and net asset values of $1.9 million and $1.8 million, respectively, at December 31, 2018. The Partnership has noncancelable leases for equipment and office space that expire at various dates with initial terms ranging from one to twenty-four years. Certain leases provide the Partnership with the option to renew for additional periods. Where leases contain escalation clauses, rent abatements, and/or concessions, the Partnership applies them in the determination of straight-line rent expense over the lease term. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or asset life, which may include renewal periods where the renewal is reasonably assured, and is included in the determination of straight-line rent expense. Rent expense for operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $4.9 million and $4.5, respectively. The aggregate amount of remaining future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows (in thousands):

   Operating   Capital 

2019

  $4,349   $1,499 

2020

   2,765    1,196 

2021

   2,130    949 

2022

   1,539    558 

2023

   1,184    89 

Thereafter

   5,737    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $17,704   $4,291 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Interest on capital leases

     (875
    

 

 

 

Total principal payable on capital leases

    $3,416 
    

 

 

 

Other

In connection with the Partnership’s 2014 lease and management agreements with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, it has committed to pay aggregate fixed rent of $36.0 million in the following amounts:

 

Lease Years1-5 (May 28,2014-May 31, 2019)

  None

Lease Years6-20 (June 1,2019-May 31, 2034)

  $1,000,000 per Lease Year

Lease Years21-25 (June 1,2034-May 31, 2039)

  $1,200,000 per Lease Year

Lease Years26-35 (June 1,2039-May 31, 2049)

  $1,500,000 per Lease Year

Lease Years36-60 (June 1,2049-May 31, 2074)

  None

The fixed rent for lease years 6six through 11, an aggregate of $6.0 million, is deferred. If prior to May 31, 2024,2025, the Archdiocese terminates the agreements pursuant to ain accordance with their terms during lease year 11 termination or the PartnershipCompany terminates the agreements as a result of a default by the Archdiocese, the PartnershipCompany is entitled to retain the deferred fixed rent. If the agreements are not terminated, the deferred fixed rent will become due and payable on or before June 30, 2024.2025.

 

15.16.

EXIT AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES

On January 31, 2019, the Company announced a profit improvement initiative as part of its ongoing organizational review. This profit improvement initiative was intended to further integrate, streamline and optimize the Company’s operations. As part of this profit improvement initiative, during 2019 the Company undertook certain cost reduction initiatives, which included a reduction of approximately 200 positions of its workforce within its field operations and corporate functions in its headquarters located in Trevose, Pennsylvania. The Company recognized severance expense of $1.5 million for this reduction in workforce, which is included in Cemetery expense, Funeral home services expense and Corporate overhead in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. The following table summarizes the activity in the severance liability recognized for this reduction in workforce in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019, by reportable segment (in thousands):

   Cemetery
Operations
   Funeral Home
Operations
   Corporate   Consolidated 

Balance at January 1, 2019

  $—     $—     $—     $—   

Accruals

   935    25    583    1,543 

Cash payments

   (849   (25   (519   (1,393
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2019

  $86   $—     $64   $150 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company expects to settle the remaining severance liability for this reduction in workforce during the first quarter of 2020, and it does not expect to incur any additional charges related to this reduction in workforce.

17.

LEASES

The Company leases a variety of assets throughout its organization, such as office space, funeral homes, warehouses and equipment. In addition the Company has a sale-leaseback related to one of its warehouses. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, and the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For lease agreements with an initial term of more than 12 months, the Company measures the lease liability at the present value of the sum of the remaining minimum rental payments, which exclude executory costs.

Certain leases provide the Company with the option to renew for additional periods, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term for periods ranging from 1 to 30 years. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company’s sole discretion, and the Company is only including the renewal option in the lease term when the Company can be reasonably certain that it will exercise the renewal options. The Company does have residual value guarantees on the finance leases for its vehicles, but no residual guarantees on any of its operating leases.

Certain of the Company’s leases have variable payments with annual escalations based on the proportion by which the consumer price index (“CPI”) for all urban consumers increased over the CPI index for the prior comparative year.

The Company has the following balances recorded on its consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 related to leases (in thousands):

   December 31,
2019
 

Assets:

  

Operating

  $10,570 

Finance

   5,685 
  

 

 

 

Total ROU assets(1)

  $16,255 
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

  

Current

  

Operating

  $2,022 

Finance

   1,200 

Long-term

  

Operating

   11,495 

Finance

   4,302 
  

 

 

 

Total lease liabilities(2)

  $19,019 
  

 

 

 

(1)

The Company’s ROU operating assets and finance assets are presented within Other assets and Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, respectively in its consolidated balance sheet.

(2)

The Company’s current and long-term lease liabilities are presented within Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, in its consolidated balance sheet.

As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate, based on the information available at commencement date, in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company used the incremental borrowing rate on January 1, 2019 for operating leases that commenced prior to that date. The weighted average borrowing rates for operating and finance leases were 9.9% and 8.5%, respectively as of December 31, 2019.

The components of lease expense were as follows (in thousands):

      Year ended
December 31,
2019
 

Lease cost

  Classification  

Operating lease costs(1)

  General and administrative expense  $3,628 

Finance lease costs

    

Amortization of leased assets

  Depreciation and Amortization   1,282 

Interest on lease liabilities

  Interest expense   495 

Short-term lease costs(2)

  General and administrative expense   —   
    

 

 

 

Net Lease costs

    $5,405 
    

 

 

 

(1)

The Company includes its variable lease costs under operating lease costs as these variable lease costs are immaterial.

(2)

The Company does not have any short-term leases with lease terms greater than one month.

Maturities of the Company’s lease labilities as of December 31, 2019, per ASC 842,Leases, were as follows (in thousands):

Year ending December 31,  Operating   Finance 

2020

  $3,283   $1,759 

2021

   2,783    1,838 

2022

   2,455    2,026 

2023

   2,190    708 

2024

   2,046    106 

Thereafter

   6,348    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $19,105   $6,437 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Interest

   (5,588   (935
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Present value of lease liabilities

  $13,517   $5,502 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Minimum lease commitments remaining under the Company’s operating leases and capital leases, per ASC 840,Leases,as of December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):

Year ending December 31,  Operating   Capital 

2019

  $4,349   $1,499 

2020

   2,765    1,196 

2021

   2,130    949 

2022

   1,539    558 

2023

   1,184    89 

Thereafter

   5,737    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $17,704   $4,291 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Interest

     (875
    

 

 

 

Present value of lease liabilities

    $3,416 
    

 

 

 

Operating and finance lease payments include $3.3 million related to options to extend lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised and $2.0 million related to residual value guarantees. The weighted-average remaining lease term for the Company’s operating and finance leases was 7.1 years and 2.8 years, respectively, as of December 31, 2019.

As of December 31, 2019, the Company had one additional operating lease that has not yet commenced, which was valued at $0.1 million, but did not have any lease transactions with its related parties. In addition, as of December 31, 2019, the Company had not entered into any new sale-leaseback arrangements.

18.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Management has established a hierarchy to classify the inputs used to measure the Partnership’sCompany’s financial instruments at fair value, pursuant to which requires itthe Company is required to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs represent market data obtained from independent sources; whereas, unobservable inputs reflect the Partnership’sCompany’s own market assumptions, which are used if observable inputs are not reasonably available without undue cost and effort. The hierarchy defines three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1—Unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset and liability or can be corroborated with observable market data for substantially the same contractual term of the asset or liability.

Level 3—Unobservable inputs thatbased on the entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in the pricing of the asset or liability and are consequently not based on market activity but rather through particular valuation techniques.

The Partnership’scarrying value of the Company’s current assets and current liabilities and customer receivables on its consolidated balance sheets are similar to cash basis financial instruments, andapproximated or equaled their estimated fair values approximate their carrying values due to their short-term nature or imputed interest rates.

Recurring Fair Value Measurement

At December 31, 2019 and thus are categorized as Level 1. The Partnership’s2018, the two financial instruments measured by the Company at fair value on a recurring basis were its merchandise and perpetual care trusts, which consist of investments in debt and equity marketable securities and cash equivalents that are carried at fair value and are consideredclassified as either Level 1 or Level 2 (see2. For further details, see Note 7 Merchandise Trusts and Note 8). 8 Perpetual Care Trustsof this Annual Report.

Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified as Level 1 investments pursuant to the fair value measurement hierarchy.

Where quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, fair values are estimated by using either quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or an income approach fair value model with observable inputs that include a combination of interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, prepayment speeds, rating andtax-exempt status. These securities are classified as Level 2 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. Certain investments in the merchandise and perpetual care trusts are excluded from the fair value leveling hierarchy in accordance with GAAP. These funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy.

The Partnership’s other financial instruments at December 31, 2018 and 2017 consist of its Senior Notes and outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility (see Note 10). The estimated fair values of the Partnership’s Senior Notes at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $162.50 million and $173.30 million, respectively, based on trades made on those dates, compared with the carrying amounts of $173.6 million and $173.1 million, respectively. At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , the carrying values of outstanding borrowings under the Partnership’s revolving credit facility (see Note 10), which bears interest at variable interest rates with maturities of 90 days or less, approximated their estimated fair values. The Senior Notes and the credit facility are valued using Level 2 inputs.Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurement

The PartnershipCompany may be required to measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value, such as its indefinite-lived assets and long-lived assets, on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP from time to time. These adjustments to fair value usually result from impairment charges. In 2017,As of December 31, 2019, the Company adjusted the fair value of two of its funeral homes sold in 2019 to mark them down to the selling prices which were lower than the carrying value of the funeral homes on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets The resulting impairment charges were recorded in Other losses, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations during the year ended December 31, 2019. As the Company’s determination of the fair value of these assets were based on the quoted prices the Company received from the sellers, these assets held for sale were classified as discussedLevel 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

Other Financial Instruments

The Company’s other financial instruments at December 31, 2019 consisted of its Senior Secured Notes (seeNote 9,10Long-Term Debt of this Annual Report) and at December 31, 2018 consisted of its Senior Notes and outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility. Both these financial instruments are classified as Level 1 in connection with its annual goodwill impairment assessment, the Partnership recorded a lossfair value hierarchy, as their fair value measurements are based on goodwill impairment of $45.6 million relatedquoted market prices, obtained from Bloomberg, specific to our Funeral Home Operations reporting unit. This impairment was recorded by comparingthe Company’s outstanding borrowings.

At December 31, 2019, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to itsCompany’s Senior Secured Notes was $383.2 million, based on trades made on that date, compared with the carrying value. Theamount of $392.8 million.

At December 31, 2018, the estimated fair value of the reporting unitCompany’s Senior Notes was derived using discounted$162.5 million, based on trades made on that date, compared with the carrying amount of $173.6 million.

Credit and Market Risk

The Company’s financial instruments exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of its cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts.

The Company’s cash balances on deposit with financial institutions totaled $34.9 million and $18.1 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which exceeded Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limits. The Company regularly monitors these institutions’ financial condition.

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the majority of the Company’s trade receivables were long-term trade account receivables, which typically consisted of interest-bearing installment contracts not to exceed 60 months. Significant customers are those that individually account for greater than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenue or total accounts receivable. Due to the inherent nature of the Company’s business and consumermake-up, there were no customers whose trade receivables with the Company represented more than 10% of the Company’s total accounts receivable as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. The Company mitigates the credit risk associated with its long-term trade account receivables by performing credit evaluations and monitoring the payment patterns of its customers. Management continually evaluates customer receivables for impairment based on historical experience, including the age of the receivables and the customers’ payment pattern. The Company has a process in place to collect all receivables within 30 to 60 days of aging. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had $5.9 million and $4.9 million, respectively, in allowance for doubtful accounts, based on historical cancellation rate trends. The Company wrote off $6.6 million and $9.3 million in bad debts during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

The Company’s merchandise and perpetual care trusts are invested in assets, such as individual equity securities and closed and open-ended mutual funds, with the primary objective of maximizing income and distributable cash flow analyses based on Level 3 inputs.for trust distributions, while maintaining an acceptable level of risk. Certain asset classes in which the Company invests for the purpose of maximizing yield are subject to an increased market risk. This increased market risk creates volatility in the unrealized gains and losses of the trust assets from period to period. For further details of the market risk to which the Company’s merchandise and perpetual care trusts are subjected, see Part II. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The lowerCompany purchases comprehensive general liability, professional liability, automobile liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverages structured with high deductibles. While these high-deductible insurance programs mean the Company is primarily self-insured for claims and associated costs and losses covered by these policies, it is possible that insurers could seek to avoid or be financially unable to meet their obligations under, or a court may decline to enforce such provisions of, cost or estimated fair value of assets held for sale at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $0.8 million and $1.0 million respectively with an original net book value of $1.9 million prior to an adjustment of $0.2 million and $0.9 million during December 31, 2018 and 2017 respectively. Assets held for sale are valued at lower of cost or estimated fair value based on broker comparables and estimates at the time the assets are classified as held for sale. These assets held for sale are classified as Level 3 pursuant to the fair value measurement hierarchy. In addition, the Partnership had $0.9 million of assets held for use that were impaired by $0.4 million during 2017, resulting in an updated net book value of $0.5 million.Company’s insurance programs.

 

16.19.

SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The Partnership’sCompany’s Senior Secured Notes are guaranteed by StoneMor Operating LLC and itsthe Company’s 100% owned subsidiaries, other than theco-issuer,co-issuers, (except as to each other’s obligations thereunder), as described below.inNote 10 Long-Term Debt. The guarantees are full, unconditional, joint and several. The

Partnership or the “Parent,” and its 100% owned subsidiary, Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary Inc., (“CFS West Virginia”) are theco-issuers of the Senior Secured Notes. As of December 31, 2019, StoneMor Inc. is also a guarantor of the Senior Secured Notes.

In accordance with the disclosures made inNote 1 General, Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidationof this Annual Report, StoneMor Inc. is the “Parent” for the consolidated financial statements presented as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, while the Partnership is the “Parent” for the consolidated financial statements presented as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Partnership’sCompany’s consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the years ended December 31, 20182019 and 20172018 include the accounts of cemeteries operated under long-term lease,leases, operating oragreements and management agreements. For the purposes of this note, these entities are deemednon-guarantor subsidiaries, as they are not 100% owned by the Partnership.Company. The Partnership’sCompany’s consolidated financial statements also contain merchandise and perpetual care trusts that are alsonon-guarantor subsidiaries for the purposes of this note.

The financial information presented below reflects the Partnership’sCompany’s standalone accounts, the combined accounts of the subsidiaryco-issuer,co-issuers, the combined accounts of the guarantor subsidiaries, the combined accounts of thenon-guarantor subsidiaries, the consolidating adjustments and eliminations and the Partnership’sCompany’s consolidated accounts as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the years ended December 31, 20182019 and 20172018. For the purpose of the following financial information, the Partnership’sCompany’s investments in its subsidiaries and the guarantor subsidiaries’ investments in their respective subsidiaries are presented in accordance with the equity method of accounting (in thousands):

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETSSeries A Preferred Offering

December 31, 2018  Parent  Subsidiary
Issuer
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Assets

        

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  $—    $—    $16,298   $1,849  $—    $18,147 

Assets held for sale

   —     —     757    —     —     757 

Other current assets

   —     3,718   64,167    11,527   —     79,412 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

   —     3,718   81,222    13,376   —     98,316 

Long-term accounts receivable

   —     3,118   71,708    12,322   —     87,148 

Cemetery and funeral home property and equipment

   —     806   409,201    33,550   —     443,557 

Merchandise trusts

   —     —     —      488,248   —     488,248 

Perpetual care trusts

   —     —     —      330,562   —     330,562 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

   —     5,511   88,705    18,444   —     112,660 

Goodwill and intangible assets

   —     —     25,676    60,607   —     86,283 

Other assets

   —     —     19,403    2,924   —     22,327 

Investments in and amounts due from affiliates eliminated upon consolidation

   61,875   (586  539,997    —     (601,286  —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $61,875  $12,567  $1,235,912   $960,033  $(601,286 $1,669,101 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

        

Current liabilities

  $—    $184  $60,216   $1,400  $—    $61,800 

Long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs

   68,453   105,160   146,635    —     —     320,248 

Deferred revenues

   —     32,147   770,337    111,802   —     914,286 

Perpetual care trust corpus

   —     —     —      330,562   —     330,562 

Other long-term liabilities

   —     —     33,553    15,230   —     48,783 

Due to affiliates

   —     —     173,613    543,543   (717,156  —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   68,453   137,491   1,184,354    1,002,537   (717,156  1,675,679 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Partners’ capital

   (6,578  (124,924  51,556    (42,502  115,870   (6,578
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

  $61,875  $12,567  $1,235,910   $960,035  $(601,286 $1,669,101 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (continued)

December 31, 2017  Parent   Subsidiary
Issuer
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Assets

         

Current assets:

         

Cash and cash equivalents

  $—     $—    $4,216   $2,605  $—    $6,821 

Assets held for sale

   —      —     1,016    —     —     1,016 

Other current assets

   —      3,882   83,901    17,366   —     105,149 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

   —      3,882   89,133    19,971   —     112,986 

Long-term accounts receivable

   —      2,179   89,275    14,481   —     105,935 

Cemetery and funeral home property and equipment

   —      738   411,936    34,820   —     447,494 

Merchandise trusts

   —      —     —      515,456   —     515,456 

Perpetual care trusts

   —      —     —      339,928   —     339,928 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

   —      6,171   98,639    21,588   —     126,398 

Goodwill and intangible assets

   —      —     26,347    61,759   —     88,106 

Other assets

   —      —     16,995    2,784   —     19,779 

Investments in and amounts due from affiliates eliminated upon consolidation

   159,946    82,836   556,783    —     (799,565  —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $159,946   $95,806  $1,289,108   $1,010,787  $(799,565 $1,756,082 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

         

Current liabilities

  $—     $72  $44,380   $1,354  $—    $45,806 

Long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs

   68,250    104,848   144,595    —     —     317,693 

Deferred revenues

   —      33,469   773,516    105,641   —     912,626 

Perpetual care trust corpus

   —      —     —      339,928   —     339,928 

Other long-term liabilities

   —      —     34,149    14,184   —     48,333 

Due to affiliates

   —      —     173,098    576,025   (749,123  —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   68,250    138,389   1,169,738    1,037,132   (749,123  1,664,386 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Partners’ capital

   91,696    (42,583  119,370    (26,345  (50,442  91,696 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

  $159,946   $95,806  $1,289,108   $1,010,787  $(799,565 $1,756,082 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended December 31, 2018  Parent  Subsidiary
Issuer
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Total revenues

  $—    $6,382  $266,550  $52,271  $(9,077 $316,126 

Total costs and expenses

   —     (13,666  (285,578  (58,349  9,077   (348,516

Other loss

   —     (445  (9,510  (1,549  —     (11,504

Net loss from equity investment in subsidiaries

   (63,084  (54,573  —     —     117,657   —   

Interest expense

   (5,434  (8,348  (15,787  (1,033  —     (30,602
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

   (68,518  (70,650  (44,325  (8,660  117,657   (74,496

Income tax benefit

   —     —     1,797   —     —     1,797 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $(68,518 $(70,650 $(42,528 $(8,660 $117,657  $(72,699
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2017  Parent  Subsidiary
Issuer
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Total revenues

  $—    $7,788  $279,399  $58,981  $(7,941 $338,227 

Total costs and expenses

   —     (12,306  (290,850  (53,685  7,941   (348,900

Other loss

   —     —     (46,761  —     —     (46,761

Net loss from equity investment in subsidiaries

   (69,724  (71,281  —     —     141,005   —   

Interest expense

   (5,434  (8,348  (12,623  (940  —     (27,345
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

   (75,158  (84,147  (70,835  4,356   141,005   (84,779

Income tax benefit

   —     —     9,621   —     —     9,621 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $(75,158 $(84,147 $(61,214 $4,356  $141,005  $(75,158
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Year Ended December 31, 2018 Parent  Subsidiary
Issuer
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 $—    $370  $39,943  $(73 $(13,783 $26,457 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

      

Cash paid for acquisitions and capital expenditures, net of proceeds from divestitures and asset sales

  —     (370  (11,510  (683  —     (12,563
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

  —     (370  (11,510  (683  —     (12,563
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

      

Cash distributions

  —     —     —     —     —     —   

Payments to affiliates

  —     —     (13,782  —     13,782   —   

Net borrowings and repayments of debt

  —     —     1,387   —     —     1,387 

Other financing activities

  —     —     (3,955  —     —     (3,955
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

  —     —     (16,350  —     13,782   (2,568
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

  —     —     12,082   (756  —     11,326 

Cash and cash equivalents—Beginning of period

  —     —     4,216   2,605   —     6,821 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents—End of period

 $—    $—    $16,298  $1,849  $—    $18,147 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2017 Parent  Subsidiary
Issuer
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 $24,545  $103  $28,488  $167  $(38,327 $14,976 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

      

Cash paid for acquisitions and capital expenditures, net of proceeds from divestitures and asset sales

  —     (103  (7,831  (987  —     (8,921
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

  —     (103  (7,831  (987  —     (8,921
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

      

Cash distributions

  (24,545  —     —     —     —     (24,545

Payments to affiliates

  —     —     (38,327  —     38,327   —   

Net borrowings and repayments of debt

  —     —     14,341   —     —     14,341 

Other financing activities

  —     —     (1,600  —     —     (1,600
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

  (24,545  —     (25,586  —     38,327   (11,804
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

  —     —     (4,929  (820  —     (5,749

Cash and cash equivalents—Beginning of period

  —     —     9,145   3,425   —     12,570 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents—End of period

 $—    $—    $4,216  $2,605  $—    $6,821 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

17.

ISSUANCES OF LIMITED PARTNER UNITS

On November 19, 2015,June 27, 2019, funds and accounts affiliated with Axar Capital, a related party and as of the date of the transaction and December 31, 2019, the largest holder of the Company’s outstanding common shares of record, and certain other investors and the Company entered into the Series A Purchase Agreement pursuant to which the Partnership entered intosold to the Purchasers an equity distribution agreement (“ATM Equity Program”) with a groupaggregate of banks52,083,333 of the Partnership’s Series A Convertible Preferred Units (the “Agents”“Preferred Units”) whereby it may sell, from time to time, common units representing limited partner interests having an aggregate offering price of up to $100,000,000. No common units were issued under the ATM Equity Program during the year ended December 31, 2018 or 2017.

Pursuant to a Common Unit Purchase Agreement, dated May 19, 2014, by and betweenin the Partnership with certain rights, preferences and American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ACII”), the Partnership issued 78,342paid-in-kind units to ACII in lieu of cash distributions of $0.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2017.

18.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Partnership’s operations include two reportable operating segments, Cemetery Operations and Funeral Home Operations. These operating segments reflect the way the Partnership manages its operations and makes business decisionsprivileges as of December 31, 2018. Operating segment data for the periods indicated was as follows (in thousands):

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:

    

Cemetery Operations:

    

Revenues

  $261,935   $276,696 

Operating costs and expenses

   (238,974   (233,950

Depreciation and amortization

  $(8,037   (8,909
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment income

  $14,924   $33,837 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funeral Home Operations:

    

Revenues

  $54,191   $61,531 

Operating costs and expenses

   (44,525   (49,803

Depreciation and amortization

   (2,744   (3,080
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment income

  $6,922   $8,648 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reconciliation of segment income to net loss:

    

Cemetery Operations

  $14,924   $33,837 

Funeral Home Operations

   6,922    8,648 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total segment income

   21,846    42,485 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Corporate overhead

   (53,281   (51,964

Corporate depreciation and amortization

   (955   (1,194

Loss on goodwill impairment

   —      (45,574

Other losses, net

   (11,504   (1,187

Interest expense

   (30,602   (27,345

Income tax benefit (expense)

   1,797    9,621 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

  $(72,699  $(75,158
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOW DATA:

    

Capital expenditures:

    

Cemetery Operations

  $9,025   $10,048 

Funeral Home Operations

   2,839    426 

Corporate

   308    315 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capital expenditures

  $12,172   $10,789 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

   December 31, 
   2018   2017 

BALANCE SHEET DATA:

    

Assets:

    

Cemetery Operations

  $1,508,667   $1,594,091 

Funeral Home Operations

   136,064    152,934 

Corporate

   24,370    9,057 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

  $1,669,101   $1,756,082 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goodwill:

    

Cemetery Operations

  $24,862   $24,862 

Funeral Home Operations

   —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total goodwill

  $24,862   $24,862 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

19.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Credit Agreements

On February 4, 2019, StoneMor Operating LLC (the “Operating Company”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Partnership, the Subsidiaries (as definedare set forth in the Partnership’s Third Amended Credit Agreement) of the Operating Company (together with the Operating Company, “Borrowers”), the Lenders party thereto and Capital One, National Association (“Capital One”), as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”), entered into the Eighth Amendment and Waiver to Credit Agreement (the “Eighth Amendment” and the Original Amended Agreement, as further amended by the Eighth Amendment, the “Amended Credit Agreement”) which further amended the Credit Agreement dated August 4, 2016 (as previously amended by that certain First Amendment to CreditPartnership Agreement dated as of March 15, 2017, Second Amendment and Limited Waiver dated July 26, 2017, Third Amendment and Limited Waiver effective August 15, 2017, Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated asJune 27, 2019 at a purchase price of September 29, 2017, Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of December 22, 2017 but effective as of September 29, 2017, Sixth Amendment and Waiver to Credit Agreement dated June 12, 2018 and Seventh Amendment and Waiver to Credit Agreement dated July 13, 2018, the “Original Amended Agreement”), dated as of August 4, 2016, among the Borrowers, the Lenders, Capital One, as Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender, Citizens Bank N.A., as Syndication Agent, and TD Bank, N.A. and Raymond James Bank, N.A.,as Co-Documentation Agents. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the same meanings as specified in the Amended Credit Agreement.

The Eighth Amendment added$1.1040 per Preferred Unit, reflecting an 8% discount to the Amended Credit Agreementliquidation preference of each Preferred Unit, for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million (the “Preferred Offering”).

Senior Secured Notes

Concurrently with the closing of the Preferred Offering, the Company completed a separate last outprivate placement of $385.0 million of 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured Notes (the “Senior Secured Notes”) to certain financial institutions (collectively with the Preferred Offering, the “Recapitalization Transactions”). The net proceeds of the Recapitalization Transactions were used to fully repay the then-outstanding senior notes due in June 2021, retire the Company’s revolving credit facility (the “Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility”)due in the aggregate amount of $35.0 million to be provided by certain affiliates of Axar Capital Management as the initial lenders under the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility (the “Tranche B Revolving Lenders”) on the following terms (as further detailed in the Eighth Amendment):

the aggregate amount of the Tranche B Revolving Commitments is $35.0 million; such Commitments were utilized in the amount of $15.0 million, which is reduced by a $0.7 million Original Issue Discount on the Eighth Amendment effective date. The remaining $20 million in commitments may be utilized in the amount of $5.0 million (or any integral multiple thereof) from time to time until April 30, 2019, provided that any borrowings resulting in the outstanding principal amount of the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility being in excess of $25.0 million require, as a condition to such borrowings, that the Partnership receive a fairness opinion with respect to the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility;

Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility Maturity Date is one business day after the maturity date of the original revolving credit facility (the “Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility”);

the interest rate applicable to the loans made under the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility is 8.00% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears;

borrowings under the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility on the effective date of the Eighth Amendment (the “Eighth Amendment Effective Date”) were subject to an original issue discount in the amount of $0.7 million; and

upon the repayment or prepayment of the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility in full, the Tranche B Revolving Lenders will receive additional interest in the amount of $0.7 million.

The Eighth Amendment also amended certain terms of the Original Amended Agreement to:

reduce the Tranche A Revolving Credit Availability Period to end on the Eighth Amendment Effective Date, which precludes borrowings under the Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility after such date;

reduce the amount of the Letter of Credit Sublimit from $15.0 million to $9.4 million, plus the principal amount of loans under the Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility that become subject to optional prepayment after the Eighth Amendment Effective Date, and permit the issuance of letters of credit under the Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility after the Eight Amendment Effective Date;

modify the Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility Maturity Date to be the earlier of (i) May 1, 2020 and (ii)pay the date that is six months prior to the earliest scheduled maturity date of any outstanding Permitted Unsecured Indebtedness;

redetermine the Applicable Rate to be 4.50% for Eurodollar Rate Loans and 3.50% for Base Rate Loans from the Eighth Amendment Effective Date to February 28, 2019; 4.75% and 3.75%, respectively, from March 1, 2019 to March 31, 2019; 5.50% and 4.50%, respectively, from April 1, 2019 to April 30, 2019; 5.75% and 4.75%, respectively, from May 1, 2019 to May 31, 2019; and 6.00% and 5.00%, respectively, from June 1, 2019;

discontinue the accrual of the commitment fee after the Eighth Amendment Effective Date;

provide for ticking fees assessed on the amount of outstanding loans made under the Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility (the “Tranche A Revolving Loans”) and payable to the Tranche A RevolvingLenders (i) in-kind, by increasing the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s Tranche A Revolving Loans (“PIK”) or (ii) in cash, in the following amounts and on the following dates:

3.00% on July 1, 2019, of which (x) 2.00% shall PIK and (y) 1.00% shall be payable in cash, unless the Required Lenders agree to PIK;

1.00% on August 1, 2019, payable in cash, unless the Required Lenders agree to PIK;

1.00% on September 1, 2019, payable in cash, unless the Required Lenders agree to PIK; and

1.00% on October 1, 2019, PIK;

amend the definition of “Consolidated Net Income” for purposes of calculating the Consolidated EBITDA to exclude, for the time period from January 1, 2018 to January 1, 2019, (i) anynon-recurring charges for adjustments made to cost of goods sold for merchandise inventory impairment related to excess and damaged inventory of the Partnership or a subsidiary of the Partnership (and any reversal thereof) incurred during the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2018 in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5.0 million and(ii) any non-recurring charges for the establishment of liability reserves required for future obligations of the Partnership or a Subsidiary of the Partnership to deliver allocated merchandise to customers (and any reversal thereof) incurred during the Fiscal Year ended December 2018 in an aggregate amount not to exceed $15.0 million;

amend the definition of “Consolidated EBITDA” for purposes of calculating the financial covenant to (i) adjust the limit on add backsfor non-recurring cashassociated transaction expenses, losses, costs and charges to $17.0 million for each Measurement Period ended on or after April 1, 2018 and (ii) remove a separate add backfor non-recurring cash expenses, costs and charges relatingto “non-ordinary course of business” legal matters;

remove the Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio and Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and replace them with a covenant requiring the Partnership to ensure that its Consolidated EBITDA is not less than the following amounts for the four quarters ending on the following dates: (i) $18.0 million for the period ended March 31, 2018; (ii) $13.0 million for the period ended June 30, 2018; (iii) $2.5 million for the period ended September 30, 2018; (iv) ($3.0 million) for the period ended December 31, 2018; (v) $1.0 million for the period ending March 31, 2019; (vi) $3.5 million for the period ending June 30, 2019; (vii) $8.0 million for the period ending September 30, 2019; (viii) $8.25 million for the period ending December 31, 2019; and (ix) $9.25 million for the period ending March 31, 2020;

provide for mandatory prepayments in an amount equal to 100% of the net cash proceeds from (i) sale/leaseback transactions and certain other permitted dispositions of assets and (ii) incurrence of certain indebtedness (including any indebtedness not permitted under the Amended Credit Agreement) in an amount exceeding $5.0 million;

extend the deadline for filing the Partnership’sForm 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2018 to the later of February 6, 2019 and the date that is two Business Days following the Eighth Amendment Effective Date and for the periods ended June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018 to February 15, 2019;

add a covenant requiring the Partnership and the Administrative Borrower to use their reasonable best efforts to consummate the transactions contemplated under the Merger Agreement (as defined below) by May 15, 2019(the “C-Corporation Conversion”); modify the definition of “Change in Control” and several covenants, including but not limited to reporting covenants and covenants restricting fundamental changes, dispositions, investments, acquisitions and transactions with affiliates to permitthe C-Corporation Conversion and to permit the Partnership to be a wholly-owned subsidiary of StoneMor Inc. (as defined below);

add a covenant requiring the Administrative Borrower to engage Houlihan Lokey or any other acceptable financial advisor by no later than the second business day after the Eighth Amendment Effective Date to advise it in the arrangement of the refinancing in full of the obligations with respect to the Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility (such refinancing, the “Refinancing”);

add a covenant requiring the Administrative Borrower to retain Carl Marks & Co. or another acceptable consultant of recognized national standing on or prior to the Eighth Amendment Effective Date, who shall (i) assist the Administrative Borrower in further developing its financial planning and analysis function; (ii) prepare a detailed analysis of G&A expenses and other overhead and develop cost savings initiatives and (iii) present a monthly written update to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders on progress; and

amend other provisions of the Original Amended Agreement in connection with the foregoing.

In addition, inremaining balance reserved for general corporate purposes. The Company has the Eighth Amendment, the Administrative Agentright and Lenders party thereto waived existing defaults under the Original Amended Agreement as a result of the Partnership’s failureexpects to (i) deliver the financial statements for the periods ended March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018 and the related compliance certificates; (ii) comply with the facility’s maximum Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio for each period ended June 30, 2018, September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2018 (iii) comply with the facility’s minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for each period ended June 30, 2018, September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2018; and (iv) inaccuracies in representations and warranties resulting from such defaults. The effectiveness of the Eighth Amendment was subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the payment to the Tranche A Revolving Lenders of a fee in the aggregate amount of $0.8 million.

Loan Agreement with a Related Party

On February 4, 2019, the Partnership entered into the Eighth Amendment with, among other parties, certain affiliates of Axar Capital Management (collectively, “Axar”) to provide an up to $35.0 million bridge financing

in the form of the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility, of which $15.0 million was drawn down immediately. Borrowings under the financing arrangement are collateralized by a perfected first priority security interest in substantially all assets of the Partnership and the Borrowers held for the benefit of the existing Tranche A Revolving Lenders and bearpay quarterly interest at a fixed rate of 8.0%. Borrowings under Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility “Eighth Amendment Effective Date”7.50% per annum in cash plus a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum payable in kind through January 30, 2022. The Senior Secured Notes will require cash interest payments at 9.875% for all interest periods after January 30, 2022.

Uses and Sources of Liquidity

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are subject to an original issue discount incash generated from operations, the amount of $0.7 million, which was recorded as original issue discount and will pay additional interest in the amount $0.7 million at the termination and payment in fullremaining balance of the financing arrangement, which will be accreted to interest expense overproceeds from the termsale of the financing arrangement, As of March 15, 2019, Axar beneficially owned approximately 20.2% of the Partnership’s outstanding common units. Axar also has exposureSenior Secured Notes and proceeds from asset sales. The Company’s primary cash requirements, in addition to an additional 1,520,149 Common Units pursuant to certain cash-settled equity swaps which mature on June 20, 2022 in accordance with information included in Axar’s filing on Form 4 which was filed with the SEC on March 18, 2019. In addition, the Partnership’s board of directors has separately approved an amendmentnormal operating expenses, are for capital expenditures, net contributions to the votingmerchandise and standstill agreementperpetual care trust funds and director voting agreement with Axar to permit Axar to acquire up to 27.5% of the Partnership common units outstanding.

On March 29, 2019, the Partnership had additional borrowing of $10.0 million under the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility.

January 2019 Restructuring

On January 31, 2019, the Partnership announced a restructuring initiative implementeddebt service. In general, as part of its ongoing organizational review. This restructuring is intended to further integrate, streamline and optimizeoperating strategy, the Partnership’s operations.

As part of this restructuring, the Partnership will undertake certain cost reduction initiatives, including a reduction of approximately 45 positions of its workforce, primarily related to corporate functions in Trevose, a streamlining of general and administrative expenses and an optimization of location spend. The PartnershipCompany expects to incurfund:

working capital deficits through available cash, chargesincluding the remaining balance of approximately $0.5 millionthe proceeds from the sale of the Senior Secured Notes, cash generated from operations and proceeds from asset sales;

expansion capital expenditures, net contributions to $0.7 millionthe merchandise and perpetual care trust funds and debt service obligations through available cash, cash generated from operations or proceeds from asset sales. Amounts contributed to the merchandise trust funds will be withdrawn at the time of employee separationthe delivery of the product or service sold to which the contribution related (see “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” section below regarding revenue recognition), which will reduce the amount of additional borrowings or asset sales needed; and

any maintenance capital expenditures through available cash and cash flows from operating activities.

While the Company relies heavily on its available cash and cash flows from operating activities to execute its operational strategy and meet its financial commitments and other benefit-related costs in connection withshort-term financial needs, the January 2019 restructuring initiative. Substantially all of these cash payments are anticipated toCompany cannot be made by the end of 2019 and the Partnership anticipatescertain that substantially all of the actions associated with this restructuringsufficient capital will be completed bygenerated through operations or be available to the endCompany to the extent required and on acceptable terms. The Company has experienced negative financial trends, including use of 2019. Under this restructuring, separation costs are expensed overcash in operating activities, which, when considered in the requisite service period, if any. There were no expenses recordedaggregate, could raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. These negative financial trends include:

the Company has continued to incur net losses for the year ended December 31, 2018 related to the January 2019 restructuring initiative.

Amendment and Restatement of 2018 LTIP

On March 27, 2019, the Board of Directors of our General Partner approved the amendmenthas an accumulated deficit and restatement of the 2018 LTIP, which was renamed the StoneMor Amended and Restated 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2019 Plan”). The amendments were made to (i) increase the number of common units of the Partnership reserved for delivery under the plannegative cash flow from 2,000,000 to 4,000,000 and (ii) make certain other clarifying changes and updates to the 2018 LTIP.

The 2019 LTIP provides for the grant, from time to time, at the discretion of the board of directors of the General Partner or the Compensation, Nominating and Governance and Compliance Committee of the board of directors, of equity-based incentive compensation awards. Subject to adjustments in the event of certain transactions or changes in capitalization in accordance with 2019 LTIP, 4,000,000 common units of the Partnership have been reserved for delivery pursuant to awards under the 2019 LTIP. Common units that have been forfeited, cancelled, exercised, settled in cash, or otherwise terminated or expired without deliver will be available for future deliver.

20.

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

The following summarizes certain quarterly results of operations:

   First Quarter  Second Quarter  Third Quarter  Fourth Quarter 
   (in thousands, except per unit data) 

Year Ended December 31, 2018

     

Revenues

  $77,945  $81,571  $73,185  $83,425 

Gross loss

   (8,026  (8,738  (10,016  (5,610

Net loss

   (17,923  (17,017  (17,225  (20,534

General partner’s interest in net loss for the period

   (187  (177  (179  (214

Limited partners’ interest in net loss for the period

   (17,736  (16,840  (17,046  (20,320

Net loss per limited partner unit (basic and diluted)

  $(0.47 $(0.44 $(0.45 $(0.54

Year Ended December 31, 2017

     

Revenues

  $82,946  $85,952  $84,034  $85,295 

Gross profit (loss)

   (1,049  (3,113  (2,348  (4,163

Net loss (1)

   (8,561  (11,582  (9,576  (45,439

General partner’s interest in net income (loss) for the period

   (89  (121  (99  (473

Limited partners’ interest in net loss for the period

   (8,472  (11,461  (9,477  (44,966

Net loss per limited partner unit (basic and diluted)

  $(0.22 $(0.30 $(0.25 $(1.18

(1)

Net loss in the fourth quarter of 2017 includes loss on goodwill impairment of $45.6 million.

Gross profit (loss) is computed based upon total revenues less total costs and expenses per the consolidated statements of operations for each quarter.

Net income (loss) per limited partner unit is computed independently for each quarter and the full year based upon respective average units outstanding. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly per unit amounts may not equal the annual per share amounts.

21.

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW INFORMATION

The tables presented below provide supplemental information to the consolidated statements of cash flows regarding contract origination and maturity activity included in the pertinent captions on the Partnership’s consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2018  2017 

Pre-need/at-need contract originations (sales on credit)

  $(126,199 $(104,896

Cash receipts from sales on credit (post-origination)

   130,697   87,822 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Changes in Accounts receivable, net of allowance

  $4,498  $(17,074
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Deferrals:

   

Cash receipts from customer deposits at origination, net of refunds

  $146,279  $146,624 

Withdrawals of realized income from merchandise trusts during the period

   15,582   12,551 

Pre-need/at-need contract originations (sales on credit)

   126,199   104,896 

Undistributed merchandise trust investment earnings, net

   (2,725  (36,461

Recognition:

   

Merchandise trust investment income, net withdrawn as of end of period

   (9,618  (11,738

Recognized maturities of customer contracts collected as of end of period

   (188,897  (199,074

Recognized maturities of customer contracts uncollected as of end of period

   (49,415  (25,847
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Changes in Deferred revenues

  $37,405  $(9,049
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

PART IV

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)

Financial Statements

(1)

The following financial statements of StoneMor Partners L.P. are included in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

Consolidated Balance Sheetsoperating activities as of December 31, 2019, due to an increased competitive environment, increased expenses due to the consummatedC-Corporation Conversion and increases in professional fees and compliance costs; and

a decline in billings coupled with the increase in professional, compliance and consulting expenses that tightened the Company’s liquidity position and increased reliance on long-term financial obligations.

During 2018 and 20172019, the Company implemented (and will continue to implement) various actions to improve profitability and cash flows to fund operations. A summary of these actions is as follows:

Consolidated Statements

sold an aggregate of Operations52,083,333 Preferred Units for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million and completed a private placement of $385.0 million of the Senior Secured Notes. The net proceeds of both transactions were used to fully repay the then-outstanding senior notes due in June 2021 and retire the Company’s revolving credit facility due in May 2020;

continue to manage recurring operating expenses and seek to limitnon-recurring operating expenses; and

identify and complete sales of select assets to provide supplemental liquidity.

In addition, there is no certainty that the Company’s actual operating performance and cash flows will not be substantially different from forecasted results and no certainty the Company will not need amendments to the Indenture in the future and such amendments will be granted. Factors that could impact the significant assumptions used by the Company in assessing its ability to satisfy its financial covenants include the following:

operating performance not meeting reasonably expected forecasts;

failing to generate profitable sales;

investments in the Company’s trust funds experiencing significant declines due to factors outside its control;

being unable to compete successfully with other cemeteries and funeral homes in the Company’s markets;

the number of deaths in the Company’s markets declining; and

the mix of funeral and cemetery revenues between burials and cremations.

If the Company’s planned, implemented and not yet implemented actions are not completed or implemented and cash savings are not realized, or the Company fails to improve its operating performance and cash flows or the Company is not able to comply with the covenants under the Indenture, the Company may be forced to limit its business activities, limit its ability to implement further modifications to its operations or limit the effectiveness of some actions that are included in its forecasts, amend its Indenture and/or seek other sources of capital, and the Company may be unable to continue as a going concern. Additionally, a failure to generate additional liquidity could negatively impact the Company’s access to inventory or services that are important to the operation of the Company’s business. Any of these events may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon achieving the action plans noted above.

Based on the Company’s forecasted operating performance, planned actions to improve the Company’s profitability and cash flows, the execution of the Supplemental Indenture and the Axar Commitment and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including receipt of not less than $17.0 million in proceeds from the contemplated rights offering, together with plans to file its financial statements on a timely basis consistent with the debt covenants and commitment to filing its periodic reports on a timely basis consistent with the debt covenants, the Company does not believe it is probable that it will breach the covenants under the Indenture or be unable to continue as a going concern for the next twelve-month period. As such, the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were prepared on the basis of a going concern, which contemplates that the Company will be able to realize assets and 2017discharge liabilities in the normal course of business. Accordingly, they do not give effect to adjustments, if any, that would be necessary should the Company be required to liquidate its assets.

Consolidated StatementsSummary of Partners’ Capital forSignificant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the years endedCompany’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions as described in this Annual Report. These estimates and assumptions may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. As a result, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less from the time they are acquired to be cash equivalents. Cash and Cash Equivalents was $34.9 million and $18.1 million as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

Restricted Cash

Cash that is restricted from withdrawal or use under the terms of certain contractual agreements is recorded as restricted cash. Restricted cash was $21.9 million as of December 31, 2019, primarily related to cash collateralization of the Company’s letters of credit and 2017

Consolidated Statementssurety bonds and the $5.0 million refundable deposit the Company received in October 2019, in connection with thenon-binding letter of Cash Flowsintent it signed for the years endedsale of one of its properties. There was no restricted cash as of December 31, 2018 and 2017

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2)

Other schedules have not been included either because they are not applicable or because the information is included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form10-K.

(b)

Exhibits are listed in the Exhibit Index, which is included below.

Exhibit Index

Exhibit

Number

Description
    3.1*Certificate of Limited Partnership of StoneMor Partners L.P. (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on FormS-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 9, 2004 (Exhibit 3.1)).
    3.2*Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of StoneMor Partners L.P. dated as of September 9, 2008, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended Agreement of Limited Partnership of StoneMor Partners L.P. dated as of November 3, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2017).
    4.1.1*Indenture, dated as of May 28, 2013, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Wilmington Trust, National Association, including Form of 7 7/8% Senior Note due 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on May 28, 2013).
    4.1.2*Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 28, 2013, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., the Initial Guarantors party thereto, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the initial purchasers listed on Schedule A to the Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on May 28, 2013).
    4.1.3*Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of August 8, 2014, by and among Kirk & Nice, Inc., Kirk & Nice Suburban Chapel, Inc., StoneMor Operating LLC, and Osiris Holding of Maryland Subsidiary, Inc., subsidiaries of StoneMor Partners L.P. (or its successor), and Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., the Guarantors under the Indenture, dated as of May 28, 2013, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014).

Exhibit

Number

Description
    4.1.4*Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of September 1, 2016, by and among StoneMor Wisconsin LLC, StoneMor Wisconsin Subsidiary LLC, subsidiaries of StoneMor Partners L.P., and Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., the Guarantors under the Indenture, dated as of May 28, 2013, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016).
    4.2*Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 21, 2014, by and between StoneMor Partners L.P. and American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 23, 2014).
  10.1*†StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended April 19, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed on June 4, 2010).
  10.2*†Form of the Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement Under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated November 8, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on November 15, 2006).
  10.3*†Form of the Key Employee Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement Under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated November 8, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on November 15, 2006).
  10.4*†Form of the Unit Appreciation Rights Agreement Under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of November 27, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on December 1, 2006).
  10.5*†Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Robert Hellman dated June 23, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on June 23, 2009).
  10.6*†Form of the Unit Appreciation Rights Agreement Under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of December 16, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on December 22, 2009).
  10.7*†Form of the Executive Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement Under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of December 16, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on December 22, 2009).
  10.8*†Director Unit Appreciation Rights Agreement Under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2.8 of Registrant’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009).
  10.9*†Form of the Unit Appreciation Rights Agreement Under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of April 2, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012).
  10.10*†Executive Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement Under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of November 7, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on November 13, 2012).
  10.11*†Unit Appreciation Rights Agreement Under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of October 22, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7.11 of Registrant’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013).
  10.12*†Form of Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of November 11, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7.12 of Registrant’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014).

Exhibit

Number

Description
  10.13*†Employee Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of December 31, 2015 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and David L. Meyers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7.15 of Registrant’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015).
  10.14*†Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, executed July 22, 2013 and retroactive to January 1, 2013, by and between StoneMor GP, LLC and Lawrence Miller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on July 26, 2013).
  10.15*†Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Lawrence Miller, Robert B. Hellman, Jr., Fenton R. Talbott, Martin R. Lautman, William Shane, Allen R. Freedman, effective September 20, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).
  10.16*†Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Howard Carver and Peter Grunebaum, effective February 16, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).
  10.17*†Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Leo J. Pound and Jonathan Contos, dated February 26, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015).
  10.18*†Settlement Agreement by and among StoneMor Indiana LLC, StoneMor Operating LLC, StoneMor Partners L.P., Chapel Hill Associates, Inc., Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Inc., Covington Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., Covington Memorial Gardens, Inc., Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel Inc., Forest Lawn Memory Gardens Inc., Fred W. Meyer, Jr. by James R. Meyer as Special Administrator to the Estate of Fred W. Meyer, Jr., James R. Meyer, Thomas E. Meyer, Nancy Cade, and F.T.J. Meyer Associates, LLC dated June 21, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on June 25, 2010).
  10.19*†Omnibus Agreement by and among McCown De Leeuw & Co. IV, L.P., McCown De Leeuw & Co. IV Associates, L.P., MDC Management Company IV, LLC, Delta Fund LLC, Cornerstone Family Services LLC, CFSI LLC, StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP LLC, StoneMor Operating LLC, dated as of September 20, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).
  10.20*†Amendment No. 1 to Omnibus Agreement entered into on, and effective as of, January 24, 2011 by and among MDC IV Trust U/T/A November 30, 2010, MDC IV Associates Trust U/T/A November 30, 2010, Delta Trust U/T/A November 30, 2010 (successors respectively to McCown De Leeuw & Co. IV, L.P., a California limited partnership, McCown De Leeuw IV Associates, L.P., a California limited partnership, Delta Fund LLC, a California limited liability company, and MDC Management Company IV, LLC, a California limited liability company), Cornerstone Family Services LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, CFSI LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, StoneMor Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, StoneMor GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, for itself and on behalf of the Partnership in its capacity as general partner of the Partnership, and StoneMor Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on January 28, 2011).
  10.21*†Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP LLC, CFSI LLC, StoneMor Operating LLC, dated as of September 20, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).

Exhibit

Number

Description
  10.22*†Letter Agreement by and between Austin So and StoneMor GP LLC, dated January 28, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016).
  10.23*Lease Agreement, dated as of September 26, 2013, by and among StoneMor Operating, LLC, StoneMor Pennsylvania LLC and StoneMor Pennsylvania Subsidiary LLC, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and StoneMor Partners L.P., solely in its capacity as guarantor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on October 2, 2013).
  10.24*Amendment No. 1 to Lease Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2014, by and among StoneMor Operating, LLC, StoneMor Pennsylvania LLC and StoneMor Pennsylvania Subsidiary LLC, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and StoneMor Partners L.P., solely in its capacity as guarantor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on March 26, 2014).
  10.25*Amendment No. 2 to Lease Agreement, dated as of May 28, 2014, by and among StoneMor Operating, LLC, StoneMor Pennsylvania LLC, StoneMor Pennsylvania Subsidiary LLC, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and StoneMor Partners L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014).
  10.26*Asset Sale Agreement dated April 2, 2014, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, StoneMor Florida LLC, StoneMor Florida Subsidiary LLC, StoneMor North Carolina LLC, StoneMor North Carolina Subsidiary LLC, StoneMor North Carolina Funeral Services, Inc., Loewen [Virginia] LLC, Loewen [Virginia] Subsidiary, Inc., Rose Lawn Cemeteries LLC, Rose Lawn Cemeteries Subsidiary, Incorporated, StoneMor Pennsylvania LLC, StoneMor Pennsylvania Subsidiary LLC, CMS West Subsidiary LLC, S.E. Funeral Homes of Florida, LLC, S.E. Cemeteries of Florida, LLC, S.E. Combined Services of Florida, LLC, S.E. Cemeteries of North Carolina, Inc., S.E. Funeral Homes of North Carolina, Inc., Montlawn Memorial Park, Inc., S.E. Cemeteries of Virginia, LLC, SCI Virginia Funeral Services, Inc., George Washington Memorial Park, Inc., Sunset Memorial Park Company and S.E.Mid- Atlantic Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on April 8, 2014).
  10.27*†Asset Sale Agreement dated April 2, 2014, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, StoneMor North Carolina LLC, StoneMor North Carolina Subsidiary LLC, Laurel Hill Memorial Park LLC, Laurel Hill Memorial Park Subsidiary, Inc., StoneMor Pennsylvania LLC, StoneMor Pennsylvania Subsidiary LLC, S.E. Cemeteries of North Carolina, Inc., Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery, Inc., and S.E. Acquisition of Pennsylvania, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 8, 2014).
  10.28*Common Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2014, by and between StoneMor Partners L.P. and American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on May 23, 2014).
  10.29*Underwriting Agreement, dated April 15, 2016, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP LLC, StoneMor Operating LLC, and Raymond James & Associates, Inc., as representative of the underwriters named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on April 20, 2016).
  10.30*Letter Agreement by and between Austin So and StoneMor GP LLC, dated May 26, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016).
  10.31*Confidentiality, Nondisclosure and Restrictive Covenant Agreement by and between Austin So and StoneMor GP LLC, dated May 26, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016).

Exhibit

Number

Description
  10.32*Key Employee Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, entered into as of July 5, 2016, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Lawrence Miller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016).
  10.33*Key Employee Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, entered into as of July 5, 2016, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Austin So (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016).
  10.34*Credit Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2016, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, the other Borrowers party thereto, the Lenders party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender, Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, as Syndication Agent, and TD Bank, N.A. and Raymond James Bank, N.A., asCo-Documentation Agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016).
  10.35*First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2017, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, the other Borrowers party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the Required Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 16, 2017).
  10.36*Second Amendment and Limited Waiver to Credit Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2017, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, the other Borrowers party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the Required Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on July 28, 2017).
  10.37*Third Amendment and Limited Waiver to Credit Agreement, effective as of August 15, 2017, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, the other Borrowers party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the Required Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on August 17, 2017).
  10.38*Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of September 29, 2017, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, the other Borrowers party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent and the Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on October 5, 2017).
  10.39*Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2017 but effective as of September 29, 2017, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, the other Borrowers party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent and the Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on June 18, 2018).
  10.40*Sixth Amendment and Waiver to Credit Agreement, effective as of June 12, 2018, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, the other Borrowers party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the Required Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on June 18, 2018).
  10.41*Seventh Amendment and Waiver to Credit Agreement, effective as of July 13, 2018, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, the other Borrowers party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the Required Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.49 of Registrant’s Annual Report on Form10-K filed on July 17, 2018).

Exhibit

Number

Description
  10.42*Eighth Amendment and Waiver to Credit Agreement, effective as of February 4, 2019, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor Operating LLC, the other Borrowers party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the Required Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on February 4, 2018).
  10.43*Guaranty and Collateral Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2016, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor Operating LLC, the other Grantors party thereto and Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016).
  10.44*Common Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2016, by and between StoneMor Partners L.P. and StoneMor GP Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on January 4, 2017).
  10.45*†Separation Agreement and General Release, dated as of March 27, 2017, by and between StoneMor GP Holdings LLC and Lawrence Miller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 28, 2017).
  10.46*†Summary of Oral Agreement between StoneMor GP LLC and Leo J. Pound (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on April 17, 2017).
  10.47*†Employment Agreement dated May 16, 2017, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and R. Paul Grady (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on May 22, 2017).
  10.48*†Indemnification Agreement, dated May 16, 2017, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and R. Paul Grady (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on May 22, 2017).
  10.49*†Employment Agreement, effective May 16, 2017, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Mark Miller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on May 22, 2017).
  10.50*†Indemnification Agreement, effective May 16, 2017, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Mark Miller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on May 22, 2017).
  10.51*†Indemnification Agreement, effective May 16, 2017, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Robert A. Sick (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on May 22, 2017).
  10.52*†Employment Agreement dated March 1, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and James Ford (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 2, 2018).
  10.53*†Executive Restricted Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, entered into as of March 1, 2018, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and James Ford (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 2, 2018)
  10.54*†Key Employee Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of March 19, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Mark L. Miller (2017 Award) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 23, 2018).

Exhibit

Number

Description
  10.55*†Key Employee Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of March 19, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Mark L. Miller (2018 Award) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 23, 2018).
  10.56*†Key Employee Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of March 19, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Austin K. So (2017 Award) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 23, 2018).
  10.57*†Key Employee Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of March 19, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Austin K. So (2018 Award) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 23, 2018).
  10.58*†Executive Restricted Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, entered into as of March 19, 2018, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Mark L. Miller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 23, 2018).
  10.59*†Form of 2017 Key Employee Unit Award Agreement under StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 23, 2018).
  10.60*†Form of Key Employee Unit Award Agreement under StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on March 23, 2018).
  10.61*†Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement effective June 15, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Patricia D. Wellenbach (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on June 18, 2018).
  10.62*†Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement effective June 15, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Stephen J. Negrotti (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on June 18, 2018).
  10.63*†Indemnification Agreement effective June 15, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Patricia D. Wellenbach (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on June 18, 2018).
  10.64*†Indemnification Agreement effective June 15, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Stephen J. Negrotti (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on June 18, 2018).
  10.65*†Employment Agreement by and between Austin K. So and StoneMor GP LLC, dated June 15, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on June 18, 2018).
  10.66*†Employment Agreement by and between Joseph M. Redling and StoneMor GP LLC, dated June 29, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on July 3, 2018).
  10.67*†Executive Restricted Unit Award Agreement dated July 18, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Joseph M. Redling (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on July 24, 2018).
  10.68*†Agreement dated July 26, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Leo J. Pound (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on July 30, 2018).

Exhibit

Number

Description
  10.69*†Letter Agreement, dated September 5, 2018, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Jeffrey DiGiovanni (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on September 11, 2018).
  10.70*†StoneMor Amended and Restated 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on September 21, 2018).
  10.71*Voting and Support Agreement, dated September 27, 2018, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP LLC, and the unitholders of StoneMor Partners L.P. named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on September 28, 2018).
  10.72*†Summary of Oral Agreement between StoneMor GP LLC and Leo J. Pound (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on October 12, 2018).
  10.73*†Letter Agreement dated October 12, 2018 between StoneMor Partners L.P. and Lawrence Miller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on October 12, 2018).
  10.74*First Amendment to Voting and Support Agreement, dated February 4, 2019, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP LLC, and the unitholders of StoneMor Partners L.P. named therein (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on February 4, 2019).
  10.75*Merger and Reorganization Agreement, dated September 27, 2018, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP Holdings LLC, StoneMor GP LLC and Hans Merger Sub, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.75 of Registrant’s Annual Report on Form10-K filed on April 3, 2019).
  10.76*†StoneMor Amended and Restated 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on April 2, 2019).
  16.1*Letter from Deloitte & Touche LLP date December 6, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on December 6, 2018).
  21.1*Subsidiaries of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 of Registrant’s Annual Report on Form10-K filed on April 3, 2019).
  23.1Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.
  23.2Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
  31.1Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rule13a-14(a) of Joseph M. Redling, President and Chief Executive Officer.
  31.2Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rule13a-14(a) of Garry P. Herdler, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President.
  32.1Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C.§ 1350) and Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b) of Joseph M. Redling, President and Chief Executive Officer (furnished herewith).
  32.2Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C.§ 1350) and Exchange Act Rule13a-14(b) of Garry P. Herdler, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President (furnished herewith).
  99.1*Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of StoneMor GP LLC, dated as of May 21, 2014, entered into by StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 23, 2014).

Exhibit

Number

Description
  99.2*Amendment No. 1, dated as of November 17, 2015, to the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of StoneMor GP LLC, dated as of May 21, 2014, entered into by StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015).
  99.3*Amendment No. 2, dated as of May 17, 2017, to the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 of Registrant’s Annual Report on Form10-K filed on July 17, 2018).
  99.4*Amendment No. 3, dated as of March 19, 2018, to the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 of Registrant’s Annual Report on Form10-K filed on July 17, 2018).
101Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following Interactive Data Files formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Partners’ Capital; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016; and (v) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 401 ofRegulation S-T that the information contained in the XBRL documents is unaudited and these are not the official publicly filed financial statements of StoneMor Partners L.P.

*

Incorporated by reference, as indicated

Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.
By:StoneMor GP LLC, its General Partner
August 28, 2019By:

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

Joseph M. Redling
President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Joseph M. Redling, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Amendment No. 1 to Annual Report on Form10-K/A, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, of StoneMor Partners L.P.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report.

Date: August 28, 2019By:

    /s/Joseph M. Redling

    Joseph M. Redling
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    (Principal Executive Officer)

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Garry P. Herdler, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Amendment No. 1 to Annual Report on Form10-K/A, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, of StoneMor Partners L.P.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report.

Date: August 28, 2019By:

    /s/Garry P. Herdler

    Garry P. Herdler
    Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President
    (Principal Financial Officer)

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code), the undersigned officer of StoneMor GP, LLC, the general partner of StoneMor Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”), does hereby certify with respect to Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report of the Partnership on Form10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “Report”) that:

1.

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.

Date: August 28, 2019By:

    /s/Joseph M. Redling

    Joseph M. Redling
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    (Principal Executive Officer)

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.2018.

Exhibit 32.2Revenues

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350The Company’s revenues are derived from contracts with customers through sale and delivery of death care products and services. Primary sources of revenue are derived from (1) cemetery and funeral home operations generated bothat-need andpre-need, which are classified on the consolidated statements of operations as Interments, Merchandise and Services, (2) investment income, which includes income earned on assets maintained in perpetual care and merchandise trusts related topre-need sales of cemetery and funeral home merchandise and services that are required to be maintained in the trust by state law and (3) interest earned onpre-need installment contracts. Investment income is presented within Investment and other for Cemetery revenue and Services for Funeral home revenue. Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer and is net of any sales incentives and amounts collected on behalf of third parties.Pre-need contracts are price guaranteed, providing for future merchandise and services at prices prevailing when the agreements are signed.

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

PursuantInvestment income is earned on certain payments received from customers onpre-need contracts, which are required by law to Section 906be deposited into the merchandise and service trusts. Amounts are withdrawn from the merchandise trusts when the Company fulfills the performance obligations. Earnings on these trust funds, which are specifically identifiable for each performance obligation, are also included in total transaction price.Pre-need contracts are generally subject to financing arrangements on an installment basis, with a contractual term not to exceed 60 months. Interest income is recognized utilizing the effective interest method. For those contracts that do not bear a market rate of interest, the Company imputes such interest based upon the prime rate at the time of origination plus 375 basis points in order to segregate the principal and interest component of the Sarbanes-Oxley Acttotal contract value. The Company has elected to not adjust the transaction price for the effects of 2002 (Section 1350a significant financing component for contracts that have payment terms under one year.

At the time of Chapter 63anon-cancellablepre-need sale, the Company records an account receivable in an amount equal to the total contract value less unearned finance income and any cash deposit paid. The revenue from both the sales and interest income from trusted funds are deferred until the merchandise is delivered or the services are performed. For a sale in a cancellable state, an account receivable is only recorded to the extent control has transferred to the customer for interment rights, merchandise or services for which the Company has not collected cash. The amounts collected from customers in states in whichpre-need contracts are cancellable may be subject to refund provisions. The Company estimates the fair value of Title 18its refund obligation under such contracts on a quarterly basis and records such obligations within other long-term liabilities line item on its consolidated balance sheets.

In accordance with ASC 606, the Company recognizes revenue in the amount to which the Company expect to be entitled to when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a customer. The Company only recognizes amounts due from a customer for unfulfilled performance obligations on a cancellablepre-need contract to the extent that control has transferred to the customer for interments, merchandise or services for which the Company has not collected cash. The Company defers the recognition of any nonrefundableup-front fees and incremental direct selling costs associated with its sales contracts with a customer (i.e., commissions and bonuses) until the underlying goods or services have been delivered to the customer if the amortization period associated with the deferred nonrefundableup-front fees and incremental direct selling is greater than a year; otherwise, these nonrefundableup-front fees and incremental direct selling costs are expensed immediately. Incremental direct selling costs are recognized by specific identification. The Company calculates the deferred selling costs asset by dividing total deferred selling and obtaining expenses by total deferrable revenues and multiplying such percentage by the periodic change in gross deferred revenues. Such costs are recognized when the associated performance obligation is fulfilled based upon the net change in deferred revenues. All other selling costs are expensed as incurred

In addition, the Company maintains a reserve representing the fair value of the United States Code), the undersigned officerrefund obligation that may arise due to state law provisions that include a guarantee of StoneMor GP, LLC, the general partner of StoneMor Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”), does hereby certify with respect to Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report of the Partnershipcustomer funds collected on Form10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “Report”) that:

1.

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.

Date: August 28, 2019By:

    /s/Garry P. Herdler

    Garry P. Herdler
    Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President
    (Principal Financial Officer)

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.unfulfilled performance

ANNEX Cobligations and maintained in trust to the extent that the funds are refundable upon a customer’s exercise of any cancellation rights.

Sales taxes assessed by governmental authorities are excluded from revenue. Any shipping and handling costs that are incurred after control over a product has transferred to a customer are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are included in cost of goods sold.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM10-QNature of Goods and Services

(Mark One)

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

ForThe following is a description of the quarterly period ended September 30, 2019principal activities within the Company’s two reportable segments from which the Company generates its revenue.

orCemetery Operations

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period fromto.

Commission File Number:001-32270

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.

(Exact name of registrant as specifiedThe Company generates revenues in its charter)

Delaware80-0103159

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

3600 Horizon Boulevard

Trevose, Pennsylvania

19053
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

(Registrant’s telephone number,Cemetery Operations segment principally from (1) providing rights to inter remains in a specific cemetery property inventory space such as burial lots and constructed mausoleum crypts (“Interments”), (2) sales of cemetery merchandise which includes markers (i.e., method of identifying a deceased person in a burial space, crypt or niche), base (i.e., the substrate upon which a marker is placed), vault (i.e., a container installed in the burial lot in which the casket is placed), caskets, cremation niches and other cemetery related items and (3) service revenues, including area code):(215) 826-2800

Securities registered pursuantopening and closing, a service of digging and refilling burial spaces to Section 12(b)install the burial vault and place the casket into the vault, cremation services and fees for installation of cemetery merchandise. Products and services may be sold separately or in packages. For packages, the Company accounts for individual products and services separately as they are distinct (i.e., the product or service is separately identifiable from other items in the package and the customer can benefit from it on its own or with other resources that are readily available to the customer). The consideration (including any discounts) is allocated among separate products and services in a package based on their relative stand-alone selling prices. The stand-alone selling price is determined by management based upon local market conditions and reasonable ranges for both merchandise and services which is the best estimate of the Act:stand-alone price. For items that are not sold separately (e.g., second interment rights), the Company estimates stand-alone selling prices using the best estimate of market value, using inputs such as average selling price and list price broken down by each geographic location. Additionally, the Company considers typical sales promotions that could have impacted the stand-alone selling price estimates.

Title of each class

Trading

Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common unitsSTONNYSE

IndicateInterments revenue is recognized when control transfers, which is when the property is available for use by check mark whether the registrant (1)customer. Forpre-construction mausoleum contracts, the Company will only recognize revenue once the property is constructed and the customer has filedobtained substantially all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 ofRegulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule12b-2remaining benefits of the Exchange Act.property.

Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a)Merchandise revenue and deferred investment earnings on merchandise trusts are recognized when a customer obtains control of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whetherproduct. This usually occurs when the registrant is a shell company (as defined inRule 12b-2customer takes possession of the Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark whetherproduct (title has transferred to the registrant has filed all documentscustomer and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13the merchandise is either installed or 15(d)stored, at the direction of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequentcustomer, at the vendor’s warehouse or a third-party warehouse at no additional cost to the distributionCompany). The amount of securities underrevenue recognized is adjusted for expected refunds, which are estimated based on applicable law, general business practices and historical experience observed specific to the respective performance obligation. The estimate of the refund obligation is reevaluated on a plan confirmed byquarterly basis. In addition, the Company is entitled to retain, in certain jurisdictions, a court.    Yes  ☐    No  ☐portion of collected customer payments when a customer cancels apre-need contract; these amounts are also recognized in revenue at the time the contract is cancelled.

Service revenue is recognized when the services are performed and the performance obligation is thereby satisfied.

The numbercost of goods sold related to merchandise and services reflects the registrant’s outstanding common units at November 6, 2019 was 42,636,311.

actual cost of purchasing products and performing services and the value of cemetery property depleted through the recognized sales of interment rights.

FORM10-Q OF STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART IFinancial Information
Item 1.Financial Statements (Unaudited)C-3
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsC-46
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market RiskC-64
Item 4.Controls and ProceduresC-66
PART IIOther Information
Item 1.Legal ProceedingsC-69
Item 1A.Risk FactorsC-69
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of ProceedsC-75
Item 3.Defaults upon Senior SecuritiesC-75
Item 4.Mine Safety DisclosuresC-75
Item 5.Other InformationC-75
Item 6.ExhibitsC-76
SignaturesC-78

PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

   September 30,
2019
  December 31,
2018
 

Assets

   

Current assets:

   

Cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash

  $43,515  $18,147 

Restricted cash

   20,580   —   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance

   61,470   57,928 

Prepaid expenses

   5,630   4,475 

Other current assets

   18,148   17,766 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

   149,343   98,316 

Long-term accounts receivable, net of allowance

   78,138   87,148 

Cemetery property

   328,612   330,841 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

   108,992   112,716 

Merchandise trusts, restricted, at fair value

   519,529   488,248 

Perpetual care trusts, restricted, at fair value

   343,028   330,562 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

   113,601   112,660 

Deferred tax assets

   55   86 

Goodwill

   —     24,862 

Intangible assets

   56,562   61,421 

Other assets

   32,663   22,241 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $1,730,523  $1,669,101 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities, Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units and Partners’ Deficit

   

Current liabilities:

   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  $64,585  $59,035 

Accrued interest

   —     1,967 

Current portion, long-term debt

   503   798 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   65,088   61,800 

Long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs

   362,173   320,248 

Deferred revenues

   943,555   914,286 

Deferred tax liabilities

   11,264   6,675 

Perpetual care trust corpus

   343,028   330,562 

Other long-term liabilities

   51,940   42,108 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   1,777,048   1,675,679 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

   

Redeemable convertible preferred units:

   

Series A

   57,500   —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total redeemable convertible preferred units

   57,500   —   

Partners’ deficit:

   

General partner interest

   (5,026  (4,008

Common limited partners’ interest

   (98,999  (2,570
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total partners’ deficit

   (104,025  (6,578
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred units and partners’ deficit

  $1,730,523  $1,669,101 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See Accompanying NotesThe costs related to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, exceptsales of lots and crypts are determined systematically using a specific identification method under which the total value of the underlying cemetery property and the lots available to be sold at the location are used to determine the cost per unit data)lot.

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2019  2018  2019  2018 

Revenues:

     

Cemetery:

     

Interments

  $15,605  $17,716  $52,544  $58,130 

Merchandise

   18,014   18,023   51,870   51,766 

Services

   17,068   16,419   50,400   50,647 

Investment and other

   10,063   9,247   29,474   30,785 

Funeral home:

     

Merchandise

   5,572   5,581   17,920   19,532 

Services

   6,829   6,199   20,907   21,841 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total revenues

   73,151   73,185   223,115   232,701 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses:

     

Cost of goods sold

   10,677   12,866   31,263   39,387 

Cemetery expense

   18,362   19,407   57,245   57,828 

Selling expense

   14,609   14,251   44,839   47,673 

General and administrative expense

   11,033   10,916   33,430   32,037 

Corporate overhead

   11,595   12,876   38,145   39,868 

Depreciation and amortization

   2,647   2,737   8,120   8,853 

Funeral home expenses:

     

Merchandise

   1,896   1,341   5,227   4,927 

Services

   5,351   5,493   16,363   16,593 

Other

   3,422   3,314   11,046   12,315 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

   79,592   83,201   245,678   259,481 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other gains (losses), net

   (129  702   (3,558  (4,503
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating loss

   (6,570  (9,314  (26,121  (31,283

Interest expense

   (12,765  (7,638  (35,282  (22,858

Loss on debt extinguishment

   —     —     (8,478  —   

Loss on impairment of goodwill

   (24,862  —     (24,862  —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loss from operations before income taxes

   (44,197  (16,952  (94,743  (54,141

Income tax benefit (expense)

   1,545   (273  (4,841  1,976 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net loss

  $(42,652 $(17,225 $(99,584 $(52,165
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

General partner’s interest

  $(426 $(179 $(1,018 $(543

Limited partners’ interest

  $(42,226 $(17,046 $(98,566 $(51,622

Net loss per limited partner unit (basic and diluted)

  $(1.09 $(0.45 $(2.56 $(1.36

Weighted average number of limited partners’ units outstanding (basic and diluted)

   38,916   37,959   38,438   37,959 

Accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PREFERRED UNITS AND PARTNERS’ EARNINGS (DEFICIT) (UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except units)

   Redeemable Convertible
Preferred Unit
   Partners’ Deficit 
   Series A              
   Number of
Outstanding
Preferred
Units
   Value of
Outstanding
Preferred
Units
   Outstanding
Common
Units
  Common
Limited
Partners
  General
Partner
  Total 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

         

December 31, 2018

   —     $—      37,958,645  $(2,570 $(4,008 $(6,578

Common unit awards under incentive plans

   —      —      301,826   277   —     277 

Net loss

   —      —      —     (22,300  (234  (22,534
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

March 31, 2019

   —     $—      38,260,471  $(24,593 $(4,242 $(28,835
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2019

         

March 31, 2019

   —     $—      38,260,471  $(24,593 $(4,242 $(28,835

Common unit awards under incentive plans

   —      —      1,273,376   2,287   2   2,289 

Issuance of Series A convertible preferred units, net of issuance

   52,083,333    57,500    —     —     —     57,500 

Net loss

   —      —      —     (34,041  (357  (34,398
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

June 30, 2019

   52,083,333   $57,500    39,533,847  $(56,347 $(4,597 $(3,444
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

         

June 30, 2019

   52,083,333   $57,500    39,533,847  $(56,347 $(4,597 $(3,444

Common unit awards under incentive plans

   —      —      31,983   250   (2  248 

Units repurchased and retired related to unit-based compensation

   —      —      (376  (677  —     (677

Net loss

   —      —      —     (42,225  (427  (42,652
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

September 30, 2019

   52,083,333   $57,500    39,565,454  $(98,999 $(5,026 $(46,525
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

   Redeemable Convertible
Preferred Unit
   Partners’ Earnings (Deficit) 
   Series A               
   Number of
Outstanding
Preferred
Units
   Value of
Outstanding
Preferred
Units
   Outstanding
Common
Units
   Common
Limited
Partners
  General
Partner
  Total 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

          

December 31, 2017

   —     $—      37,957,936   $94,655  $(2,959 $91,696 

Cumulative effect of accounting change

   —      —      —      (27,805  (292  (28,097
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

January 1, 2018

   —     $—      37,957,936   $66,850  $(3,251 $63,599 

Common unit awards under incentive plans

   —      —      709    158   —     158 

Net loss

   —      —      —      (17,736  (187  (17,923
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

March 31, 2018

   —     $—      37,958,645   $49,272  $(3,438 $45,834 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2018

          

March 31, 2018

   —     $—      37,958,645   $49,272  $(3,438 $45,834 

Common unit awards under incentive plans

   —      —      —      1,755   —     1,755 

Net loss

   —      —      —      (16,840  (177  (17,017
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

June 30, 2018

   —     $—      37,958,645   $34,187  $(3,615 $30,572 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

          

June 30, 2018

   —     $—      37,958,645   $34,187  $(3,615 $30,572 

Common unit awards under incentive plans

   —      —      —      113   —     113 

Net loss

   —      —      —      (17,046  (179  (17,225
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

September 30, 2018

   —      —      37,958,645   $17,254  $(3,794 $13,460 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 
           2019                  2018         

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

   

Net loss

  $(99,584 $(52,165

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

   

Cost of lots sold

   5,339   5,850 

Depreciation and amortization

   8,120   8,853 

Provision for bad debt

   5,380   3,776 

Non-cash compensation expense

   2,814   2,026 

Loss on debt extinguishment

   8,478   —   

Loss on impairment of goodwill

   24,862   —   

Non-cash interest expense

   12,435   4,576 

Non-cash impairment charge and other losses, net

   3,558   4,503 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance

   (14,305  5,574 

Merchandise trust fund

   (11,137  (6,917

Other assets

   (1,339  (2,047

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

   (1,850  (4,780

Deferred revenues

   23,860   40,361 

Deferred taxes, net

   4,620   (2,545

Payables and other liabilities

   1,994   12,346 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

   (26,755  19,411 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

   

Cash paid for capital expenditures

   (5,743  (10,164

Cash paid for acquisitions

   —     (1,667

Proceeds from divestitures

   1,250   —   

Proceeds from asset sales

   —     954 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

   (4,493  (10,877
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

   

Proceeds from issuance of redeemable convertible preferred units, net

   57,500   —   

Proceeds from borrowings

   406,087   23,880 

Repayments of debt

   (366,644  (27,924

Principal payment on finance leases

   (1,098  —   

Cost of financing activities

   (17,972  (3,268

Units repurchased and retired related to unit-based compensation

   (677  —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   77,196   (7,312
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

   45,948   1,222 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—Beginning of period

   18,147   6,821 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—End of period

  $64,095  $8,043 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

   

Cash paid during the period for interest

  $24,444  $15,809 

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

   1,470   1,517 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

   

Operating cash flows from operating leases

  $2,759  $—   

Operating cash flows from finance leases

   370   —   

Financing cash flows from finance leases

   1,098   —   

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

   

Acquisition of assets by financing

  $2,234  $1,620 

Classification of assets as held for sale

   —     543 

See Accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1.

GENERAL

Nature ofFuneral Home Operations

StoneMor Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”) is a providerThe Company generates revenues in its Funeral Home Operations segment principally generates revenue from (1) sales of funeral home merchandise which includes caskets and cemetery productsother funeral related items and services in the death care industry in the United States. As of September 30, 2019, the Partnership operated 321 cemeteries in 27 states and Puerto Rico, of which 291 were owned and 30 were operated under lease, management or operating agreements. The Partnership also owned and operated 89 funeral homes,(2) service revenues, including 42 located on the grounds of cemetery properties that the Partnership owns, in 17 states and Puerto Rico.

The Partnership’s cemeteries provide cemetery property interment rights,services such as burial lots, lawn and mausoleum crypts, and cremation niches. Cemetery merchandise is comprised of burial vaults, caskets, grave markers and memorials and cemetery services, which include the installation of this merchandise and other service items. The Partnership sells these products and services both at the time of death, which is referred to asat-need, and prior to the time of death, which is referred to aspre-need.

The Partnership’s funeral home services include family consultation, the removal of and preparation of remains insurance products and the use of funeral home facilities for visitation and memorial services.services of remembrance. The Funeral Home Operations segment also include revenues related to the sale of term and whole life insurance on an agency basis, in which the Company earns a commission from the sales of these policies. Insurance commission revenue is reported within service revenues. Products and services may be sold separately or in packages. For packages, the Company accounts for individual products and services separately as they are distinct (i.e., the product or service is separately identifiable from other items in the package and the customer can benefit from it on its own or with other resources that are readily available to the customer). The consideration (including any discounts) is allocated among separate products and services based on their relative stand-alone selling prices. The relative stand-alone selling price is determined by management’s best estimate of the stand-alone price based upon the list price at each location. The revenue generated by the Company through its Funeral Home Operations segment is principally derived fromat-need sales.

BasisMerchandise revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of Presentationthe product. This usually occurs when the customer takes possession of the product (title has transferred to the customer and the merchandise is either installed or stored, at the direction of the customer, at the vendor’s warehouse or a third-party warehouse). The amount of revenue recognized is adjusted for expected refunds, which are estimated based on applicable law, general business practices and historical experience observed specific to the respective performance obligations. The estimate of the refund obligation is reevaluated on a quarterly basis.

Service revenue is recognized when the services are performed and the performance obligation is thereby satisfied.

Costs related to the delivery or performance of merchandise and services are charged to expense when merchandise is delivered or services are performed.

Deferred Revenues

Revenues from the sale of services and merchandise as well as any investment income from the merchandise trusts is deferred until such time that the services are performed or the merchandise is delivered. In addition, for amounts deferred on new contracts and investment income and unrealized gains on the Company’s merchandise trusts, deferred revenues include deferred revenues frompre-need sales that were entered into by entities prior to the Company’s acquisition of the assets of those entities. The Company provides for a profit margin for these deferred revenues to account for the projected future costs of delivering products and providing services onpre-need contracts that the Company acquired through acquisition. These revenues and their associated costs are recognized when the related merchandise is delivered or services are performed and are presented on a gross basis on the consolidated statements of operations.

Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements,Company sellspre-need cemetery contracts whereby the customer enters into arrangements for futurepre-need merchandise and services. These sales are usually made using interest-bearing installment contracts not to exceed 60 months. The interest income is recorded as revenue when the interest amount is considered realizable and collectible, which typically coincides with cash payment. Interest income is not recognized until

payments are unaudited have been preparedcollected in accordance with the requirementscontract. At the time of apre-need sale, the Company records an account receivable in an amount equal to the total contract value less unearned finance income, unfulfilled performance obligations on cancellable contracts, and any cash deposit paid. The Company recognizes an allowance for doubtful accounts by applying a cancellation rate to amounts included in accounts receivable, which is recorded as a reduction in accounts receivable and a corresponding offset to deferred revenues. The cancellation rate is based on a five year average rate by each specific location. Management evaluates customer receivables for impairment based upon its historical experience, including the age of the Quarterly Reportreceivables and the customers’ payment histories.

Cemetery Property

Cemetery property consists of developed and undeveloped cemetery land, constructed mausoleum crypts and lawn crypts and other cemetery property. Cemetery property is stated at cost or, upon acquisition of a business, at the fair value of the assets acquired.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost or, upon acquisition of a business, at the fair value of the assets acquired and depreciated on Form10-Qa straight-line basis. Maintenance and accounting principles generally acceptedrepairs are charged to expense as incurred, whereas additions and major replacements are capitalized and depreciation is recorded over their estimated useful lives. Major classifications of property and equipment and their respective useful lives are as follows:

Buildings and improvements

10 to 40 years

Software and computer hardware

3 years

Furniture and equipment

3 to 10 years

Leasehold improvements

over the shorter of the term of the lease or the life  of the asset

Assets Held for Sale

For a long-lived asset or disposal group to be classified as held for sale all of the following criteria must be met

Management, having authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the long-lived asset or disposal group;

The long-lived asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition, subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such long-lived assets (disposal groups);

An active program to locate a buyer(s) and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the long-lived asset (disposal group) have been initiated;

The sale of the long-lived asset (disposal group) is probable and transfer of the long-lived asset (disposal group) is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year;

The long-lived asset (disposal group) is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and

Actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.

The determination to classify a site (or group of sites) as an asset held for sale requires significant estimates by the Company about the site and the level of market activity in which the site is based. Such estimates are based on factors that include recent sales of comparable sites, the extent of buyers’ interest in the United States (“GAAP”site and the site’s condition. Based on these factors, the Company assesses the probability of divesting of the site under current market conditions at an acceptable price within one year. After the Company identifies a site to be held for sale, the Company discontinues depreciating the long-lived assets associated with the site and estimates the assets’ fair

value, net of selling costs. If the carrying value of the assets to be classified as held for sale exceeds the Company’s estimated net fair value, the Company writes the assets down to the estimated net fair value. Assets and liabilities associated with the site to be classified as held for sale are presented separately in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets beginning with the period in which the Company decided to classify the site as held for sale. For further details of the Company’s assets held for sale, seeNote 22 Assets Held For Saleof this Annual Report.

Merchandise Trusts

Pursuant to state law, a portion of the proceeds frompre-need sales of merchandise and services is put into trust (the “merchandise trust”) until such time that the Company meets the requirements for interim reporting. They doreleasing trust principal, which is generally delivery of merchandise or performance of services. All investment earnings generated by the assets in the merchandise trusts (including realized gains and losses) are deferred until the associated merchandise is delivered or the services are performed. For further details of the Company’s merchandise trusts, seeNote 7 Merchandise Trustsof this Annual Report.

Perpetual Care Trusts

Pursuant to state law, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of cemetery property is required to be paid into perpetual care trusts. The perpetual care trust principal does not include all disclosures normally madebelong to the Company and must remain in this trust in perpetuity, while interest and dividends may be released and used to defray cemetery maintenance costs, which are expensed as incurred. The Company consolidates the trust into its financial statements containedbecause the trust is considered a variable interest entity for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Earnings from the perpetual care trusts are recognized in Annual Reports on Form10-K. In management’s opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentationcurrent cemetery revenues. For further details of the Partnership’sCompany’s perpetual care trusts, seeNote 8 Perpetual Care Trustsof this Annual Report.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company measures theavailable-for-sale securities held by its merchandise and perpetual care trusts at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company utilizes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of the asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1—inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;

Level 2—inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial position, resultsinstrument; and

Level 3—inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

The categorization of operationsthe asset or liability within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Reclassifications of fair value between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, if applicable, are made at the end of each quarter. For additional disclosures on the Company’savailable-for-sale securities, refer toNote 7 Merchandise Trusts andNote 8 Perpetual Care Trusts.

Inventories

Inventories are classified within Other current assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and include cemetery and funeral home merchandise valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined

primarily on a specific identification basis using afirst-in,first-out method. Inventories were approximately $5.9 million and $7.5 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Refer toNote 3 Impairment and Other Losses for further information regarding impairment of inventories.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company monitors the recoverability of long-lived assets, including cemetery property, property and equipment and other assets, based on estimates using factors such as current market value, future asset utilization, business and regulatory climate and future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the related assets, at a location level. The Company’s policy is to perform step 1 of the long-lived asset impairment test prescribed by ASC 360,Property, Plant and Equipment (the “ASC 360 Asset Impairment Test”) every reporting period for all of its cemetery property and funeral home locations; for any location that has an operating loss for the current reporting period, a trend of operating losses over the current fiscal year and/or a trend of operating losses over the previous five fiscal years, the Company then performs step 2 of the ASC 360 Asset Impairment Test. If step 2 indicates the carrying value of any of the Company’s locations is not recoverable, as a result of the sum of expected future undiscounted cash flows for the periods disclosedlocation being less than the carrying value of the location, the Company records an impairment charge to write-down the location to its fair value.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Trust Assets

The Company determines whether or not the impairment of a fixed maturity debt security is other-than-temporary by evaluating each of the following:

Whether it is the Company’s intent to sell the security. If there is intent to sell, the impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary.

If there is no intent to sell, the Company evaluates if it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell an impaired investment before its anticipated recovery, the impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary.

The Company further evaluates whether or not all assets in the trusts have been made. The balance sheet at December 31, 2018other-than-temporary impairments based upon a number of criteria including the severity of the impairment, length of time a security has been derived fromin a loss position, changes in market conditions and concerns related to the audited consolidated financial statement asspecific issuer.

If an impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of December 31, 2018, as presentedthe security is adjusted downward to its fair value.

For assets held in the Partnership’s Amendment No. 1perpetual care trusts, any reduction in the cost basis due to Annual Reportan other-than-temporary impairment is offset with an equal and opposite reduction in the perpetual care trust corpus and has no impact on Form10-Kearnings.

For assets held in the merchandise trusts, any reduction in the cost basis due to an other-than-temporary impairment is recorded in deferred revenue.

Goodwill

The Company tested goodwill for impairment at least annually or if impairment indicators arose by comparing its reporting units’ estimated fair values to carrying values. Because quoted market prices for the year ended December 31, 2018, which was filed with Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on August 28, 2019 (the “Amended Annual Report”). The interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be readreporting units were not available, the Company’s management had to apply judgment in conjunctiondetermining the estimated fair value of its reporting units.

Management used all available information to make these fair value determinations, including the present values of expected future cash flows using discount rates commensurate with the audited financial statementsrisks involved in the Company’s assets and the related notes thereto presentedavailable market data of the industry group. A key component of these fair value determinations was a reconciliation of the sum of the fair value calculations to the Company’s market capitalization. The observed market prices of individual trades of an entity’s equity securities (and thus its computed market capitalization) may not be representative of the fair value of the entity as a whole.

Due to a decline in the Amended Annual Report. Themarket value of the Company’s unit values and the Company’s significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results of operations fornoted during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, may not necessarily be indicativemanagement conducted an interim goodwill impairment assessment as of September 30, 2019. As a result of such assessment, management concluded on November 4, 2019 that the carrying value of the resultsonly reporting unit to which the Company allocated its goodwill, Cemetery Operations, exceeded its fair value, and the Company’s goodwill was fully impaired as of September 30, 2019. For further details on the Company’s impairment of its goodwill, seeNote 3 Impairment and Other Losses andNote 9 Goodwill and Intangible Assetsof this Annual Report.

Intangible Assets

The Company has other acquired intangible assets, most of which have been recognized as a result of acquisitions and long-term lease, management and operating agreements. The Company amortizes these intangible assets over their estimated useful lives and periodically tests them for impairment.

Taxes

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income taxes, and a provision for U.S. federal income tax has been provided in the consolidated statements of operations for the fullyears ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. The Company is also responsible for certain state income and franchise taxes in the states in which it operates.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and tax carryforwards, if applicable. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

For further details, seeNote 12 Income Taxesof this Annual Report.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has a long-term incentive plan under which it is authorized to grant stock-based compensation awards, such as restricted stock or restricted units to be settled in common stock andnon-qualified stock options (“stock options”). The Company recognizes compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the stock-based awards on the date of grant over the requisite service period. The fair value of restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards is determined based on the number of restricted stock or restricted stock units granted and the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options is determined by applying the Black-Scholes model to the grant-date market value of the underlying common stock of the Company. The Company has elected to recognize forfeiture credits for these stock-based compensation awards as they are incurred, as this method best reflects actual stock-based compensation expense.

Tax deductions on the stock-based compensation awards are not realized until the stock-based compensation awards are vested or exercised. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets for stock-based compensation awards that will result in future deductions on its income tax returns, based on the amount of stock-based compensation recognized at the statutory tax rate in the jurisdiction in which the Company will receive a tax deduction. If the tax deduction for a stock-based compensation award is greater than the cumulative GAAP compensation expense for that stock-based compensation award upon realization of a tax deduction, an excess tax benefit will be recognized and recorded as a favorable impact on the effective tax rate. If the tax deduction for a stock-based compensation award is less than the cumulative GAAP compensation expense for that stock-based compensation award upon realization of the tax deduction, a tax shortfall will be recognized and recorded as an unfavorable impact on the effective tax rate. Any excess tax benefits or shortfalls will be recorded discretely in the period in which they occur. The cash flows resulting from any excess tax benefit will be classified as financing cash flows in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

The Company provides its employees with the election to settle the income tax obligations arising from the vesting of their restricted stock-based compensation awards by the Company withholding stock equal to such income tax obligations. Stock acquired from employees in connection with the settlement of the employees’ income tax obligations on these stock-based compensation awards are accounted for as treasury shares that are subsequently retired. Restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock options are not considered issued and outstanding for purposes of earnings per share calculations until vested.

For further details on the Company’s stock-based compensation plans, seeNote 14 Long-Term Incentive Planof this Annual Report.

Leases

The Company leases a variety of assets throughout its organization, such as office space, funeral homes, warehouses and equipment. The Company has both operating and finance leases. The Company’s operating leases primarily include office space, funeral homes and equipment. The Company’s finance leases primarily consist of vehicles and certain IT equipment. The Company determines whether an arrangement is or contains a lease at the inception of the arrangement based on the facts and circumstances in each contract. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For lease agreements with an initial term in excess of 12 months, the Company records the lease liability and Right of Use (“ROU”) asset at commencement date based upon the present value of the sum of the remaining minimum rental payments, which exclude executory costs. Certain adjustments to the ROU asset may be required for items such as initial direct costs paid or incentives received.

Certain leases provide the Company with the option to renew for additional periods, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term for periods ranging from 1 to 30 years. Where leases contain escalation clauses, rent abatements and/or concessions, the Company applies them in the determination of lease expense. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company’s sole discretion, and the Company only includes the renewal option in the lease term when the Company can be reasonably certain that it will exercise the additional options.

As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company evaluates the term of the lease, type of asset and its weighted average cost of capital to determine its incremental borrowing rate used to measure the ROU asset and lease liability.

The Company calculates operating lease expense ratably over the lease term plus any reasonably assured renewal periods. The Company considers reasonably assured renewal options, fixed escalation provisions and residual value guarantees in its calculation. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or asset life, which may include renewal periods where the renewal is reasonably assured, and are included in the

determination of straight-line rent expense. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are generally limited by the expected lease term.

The Company’s leases also typically have lease andnon-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately and not included in the measurement of the ROU asset and lease liability.

Net Loss per Common Share (Basic and Diluted)

Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is calculated by dividing net loss attributable to common shares by the sum of the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares and the dilutive effect of share-based awards, as calculated by the treasury stock or if converted methods, as applicable. These awards consist of common shares that are contingently issuable upon the satisfaction of certain vesting conditions for stock awards granted under the 2019 Plan.

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the Company’s weighted-average number of outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2019 and common limited partner units as of December 31, 2018 used to compute basic net loss attributable to common shares and common limited partners per unit, respectively, with those used to compute diluted net loss per common share and per common limited partners unit, respectively, (in thousands):

   Year Ended December 31, 
       2019           2018     

Weighted average number of outstanding common shares—basic(1)

   39,614    37,959 

Plus effect of dilutive incentive awards(2)

    

Restricted shares

   —      —   

Stock options

   63    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of outstanding common shares—diluted(1)

   39,677    37,959 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

For the period following theC-Corporation Conversion, represents common shares, and for the period prior to theC-Corporation Conversion, represents limited common partner units.

(2)

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the diluted weighted-average number of outstanding common shares and limited partner units presented, respectively, on the consolidated statement of operations does not include 515,625 restricted common shares and 1,333,572 common limited partners units, respectively, as their effects would have been anti-dilutive.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, advertising costs were $9.2 million and $6.9 million, respectively.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Leases

The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”)No. 2016-02,Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU2016-02”), and subsequently-issued related ASUs, using the modified retrospective approach, as of January 1, 2019. The core principle of ASU2016-02 is that all leases create an asset and a liability for lessees and recognition of those lease assets and lease liabilities represents an improvement over previous GAAP, which did not require lease assets and lease liabilities to be recognized for most leases or disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. In addition, the new standard offers specific accounting guidance for lessees and

lessors, including for sale and leaseback transactions. Lessees and lessors are required to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements to enable a user of the financial statements to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases.

ASU2016-02 provides for certain practical expedients when adopting the guidance. The Company elected the package of practical expedients allowing the Company to not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, the lease classification for any expired or existing leases or initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases. The Company did not apply the hindsight practical expedient. The Company applied the land easements practical expedient allowing the Company to not assess whether any expired or existing land easements are or contain leases, if they were not previously accounted for as leases under the existing leasing guidance. Instead, the Company will continue to apply its existing accounting policies to historical land easements. The Company elected to apply the short-term lease exception; therefore, it did not record a ROU asset or corresponding lease liability for leases with a term of 12 months or less and instead recognized a single lease cost allocated over the lease term, generally on a straight-line basis. The Company is separating lease components fromnon-lease components, as it did not elect the applicable practical expedient. The Company excluded maintenance, taxes and insurance costs from the calculation of the initial lease liability in the transition period.Non-lease components are accounted for separately from the lease, recorded as maintenance expense, taxes or insurance expense and expensed as incurred.

The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2019 and as a result of the adoption, the Company recorded in its consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2019 the following adjustments as of January 1, 2019:

a $1.1 million reclassification from Intangible assets to Other assets for below market lease intangibles;

a $0.1 million and $0.2 million reclassification from Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, to Other assets for a deferred gain on a sale leaseback transaction;

a $0.3 million and $3.5 million reclassification from Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, to Other assets for a rent incentive;

a $15.3 million increase to Other assets for operating leaseright-of-use assets; and

a $2.2 million and $13.1 million increase to Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, for operating lease liabilities.

The foregoing adjustments resulted in the creation of a net ROU asset of $12.3 million and operating lease liability of $15.3 million as of the adoption date.

In connection with the adoption of these new lease standards, the Company implemented internal controls to ensure that its contracts are properly evaluated to determine applicability under ASU2016-02 and that the Company properly applies ASU2016-02 in accounting for and reporting on all its qualifying leases.

Stock Compensation

In June 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASUNo. 2018-07,Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, to simplify the accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees by aligning it with the accounting for share-based payments to employees. This amendment is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, as the Company had only issued units to employees and nonemployee directors and had previously recognized its nonemployee directors unit-based payments in line with its recognition of unit-based payments to employees, using the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued, amortized over the requisite service period.

Variable Interest Entities

In October 2018, FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-17,Consolidation (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities(“ASU2018-17”). The core principle of ASU2018-17 is that indirect interests held through related parties in common control arrangements should be considered on a proportional basis for determining whether fees paid to decision makers and service providers are variable interests. ASU2018-17 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the requirements of this amendment upon its effective date of January 1, 2020 retrospectively. The adoption of this standard did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures upon adoption, because the Company did not, and currently does not, have any indirect interests through related parties under common control for which it receives decision-making fees.

Fair Value Measurement

In August 2018, FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-13,Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement(“ASU2018-13”). This standard removed, modified and added disclosure requirements from ASC 820,Fair Value Measurements. ASU2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020, as this standard primarily addresses disclosure requirements for Level 3 fair value measurements. Currently, the Company does not have any fair value instruments that would be classified as Level 3 on the fair value hierarchy.

Internal-Use Software

In August 2018, FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-15,Intangibles—Goodwill andOther—Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract. The amendments in this standard aligned the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtaininternal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include aninternal-use software license). ASUNo. 2018-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the requirements of this amendment upon its effective date of January 1, 2020 prospectively. The Company will apply the requirements of this standard to the costs it incurs implementing its new enterprise resource planning software in 2020.

Principles of ConsolidationRecently Issued Accounting Standard Updates—Not Yet Effective

Credit Losses

In June 2016, FASB issued ASUNo. 2016-13,Credit Losses (Topic 326) (“ASU2016-13”).The unaudited condensedcore principle of ASU2016-13 is that all assets measured at amortized cost basis should be presented at the net amount expected to be collected using historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts as a basis for credit loss estimates, instead of the probable initial recognition threshold used under current GAAP. In November 2018, FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-19,Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses(“ASU2018-09”),which clarified that receivables arising from operating leases are not within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)326-20,Financial Instruments-Credit Losses-Measured at Amortized Cost, and should be accounted for in accordance with ASC 842,Leases. In April 2019, FASB issued ASUNo. 2019-04,Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, FinancialInstruments (“ASU2019-04”), which includes clarifications to the amendments issued in ASU2016-13. In May 2019, FASB issued ASUNo. 2019-05,Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326),which provides entities that have certain instruments within the scope of ASC326-20 with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option in ASC 825,Financial Instruments, upon adoption of ASU2016-13. In November 2019, FASB issued ASUNo. 2019-10,Financial

Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU2019-10”), which modifies the effective dates for ASU2016-13, ASU2017-12 and ASU2016-02 to reflect the FASB’s new policy of staggering effective dates between larger public companies and all other companies. With the issuance of ASU2019-10, the Company’s effective date for adopting all amendments related to the new credit loss standard has been extended to January 1, 2023. In November 2019, FASB also issued ASUNo. 2019-11,Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (“ASU2019-11”), which includes clarifications to and addresses specific stakeholders’ issues concerning the amendments issued in ASU2016-13. The Company plans to adopt the requirements of these amendments upon their effective date of January 1, 2023, using the modified-retrospective method and is evaluating the potential impact of the adoption on its financial position, results of operations and related disclosures.

Taxes

In December 2019, FASB issued ASUNo. 2019-12,Income Taxes (Topic 340) (“ASU2019-12”), with the intent to simplify the accounting for income taxes. ASU2019-12 removes certain exceptions for recognizing deferred taxes for investments, performing intraperiod allocation and calculating income taxes in interim periods. ASU2019-12 also adds guidance to reduce complexity in certain tax accounting areas, including recognizing deferred taxes for tax goodwill and allocating taxes to members of a consolidated group. ASU2019-12 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company plans to adopt the requirements of this amendment upon its effective date of January 1, 2022 retrospectively and is evaluating the potential impact of the adoption on its financial position, results of operations and related disclosures.

2.

ACQUISITIONS

The Company did not complete any acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2019. On January 19, 2018, the Company acquired six cemetery properties in Wisconsin and their related assets, net of certain assumed liabilities, for cash consideration of $2.5 million, of which $0.8 million was paid at closing. These properties had been managed by the Company since August 2016. The Company accounted for the purchase of these properties, which were not material individually or in the aggregate, under the acquisition method of accounting.

3.

IMPAIRMENT AND OTHER LOSSES

Goodwill Impairment Assessment

Due to a decline in the market value of the Company’s unit values and the Company’s significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results noted during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, management conducted an interim goodwill impairment assessment as of September 30, 2019. As a result of such assessment, management concluded on November 4, 2019 that the carrying value of the only reporting unit to which the Company allocated its goodwill, Cemetery Operations, exceeded its fair value, and the Company’s goodwill was fully impaired as of September 30, 2019. The Company recognized a $24.9 million impairment charge included in Loss on impairment of goodwill in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. Refer toNote 9 Goodwill and Intangible Assets for further details on the Company’s goodwill.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

During each reporting period for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company performed step 1 of the ASC 360 Asset Impairment Test and identified all cemetery property and funeral home locations with an operating loss for the current reporting period, a trend of operating losses over the current fiscal year and/or a trend of operating losses over the previous five fiscal years. Of those locations identified during step 1, the Company recorded impairments for those locations for which step 2 of the ASC 360 Asset Impairment Test indicated the locations’ carrying values may not be recoverable. As a result of performing step 1 and step 2 of the

ASC 360 Asset Impairment Test, the Company recorded a $2.8 million impairment charge for certain cemetery property locations, which is included in Other losses, net in the accompanying consolidated statements include the accounts of operations, during each of the Partnership’s 100% owned subsidiaries. These statements also include the accountsyears ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Termination of the merchandise and perpetual care trusts in which the Partnership has a variable interest and is the primary beneficiary. Management Agreement

The PartnershipCompany operates 30certain of its cemeteries under long-term leases, operating agreements and management agreements. The operations of 16 of these managed cemeteries have been consolidated. On May 10, 2019, the PartnershipCompany terminated one of the management agreements and recorded a $2.1 million loss, upon the termination, which is included in Other losses, net in the accompanying unaudited condensedconsolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Inventory

Merchandise is sold toboth at-need and pre-need customers. Merchandise allocated toservice pre-need contractual obligations is recorded at cost and managed and stored by the Company until the Company services the underlying customer contract.

Merchandise stored at certain locations may be exposed to changes in weather conditions. Primarily due to weather related deterioration over a number of years, the Company recorded inventory impairment charges of approximately $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This impairment loss related to damaged and excess inventory and is included in Cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2018 in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations as this merchandise was utilized to fulfill the Company’s contractual obligationsto at-need and pre-need customers.

Due to enhanced inventory control procedures implemented in late 2018, the Company determined that certain merchandise inventory allocatedto pre-need customers had been damaged due to weather related deterioration occurring over a number of years or had otherwise been deemed impractical for use by management as a result of past operating practices relating to inventory. During 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded estimated impairment losses of approximately $2.6 million and $8.9 million, respectively, related to this damaged and unusable merchandise. The impairment losses are included in Other losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. The losses recorded represent management’s best estimate, and were based on estimates and assumptions that have been deemed reasonable by management and included percentages of merchandise deemed unusable. Management’s assessment process relied on estimates and assumptions that are inherently uncertain, and unanticipated events or circumstances may occur that might cause the Company to change those estimates and assumptions.

Software

During 2017 and 2018, the Company initiated two software implementation projects to enhance its Lawson ERP System with a cash reconciliation module and lease accounting module, respectively. However, during the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company determined these two software implementation projects were not viable and terminated them. The Company recognized a $0.5 million impairment related to these two unviable software implementation projects.

4.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET OF ALLOWANCE

Long-term accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):

  December 31, 2019  December 31, 2018 

Customer receivables

 $153,530  $167,017 

Unearned finance income

  (16,303  (17,000

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  (5,884  (4,941
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance

  131,343   145,076 

Less: Current portion, net of allowance

  55,794   57,928 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-term portion, net of allowance

 $75,549  $87,148 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows (in thousands):

   December 31, 2019   December 31, 2018 

Balance, beginning of period

  $4,941   $19,795 

Cumulative effect of accounting changes

   —      (12,876

Provision for doubtful accounts

   7,559    7,358 

Charge-offs, net

   (6,616   (9,336
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

  $5,884   $4,941 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Management evaluates customer receivables for impairment based upon its historical experience, including the age of the receivables and the customers’ payment histories.

5.

CEMETERY PROPERTY

Cemetery property consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):

   December 31, 2019   December 31, 2018 

Cemetery land

  $249,260   $255,708 

Mausoleum crypts and lawn crypts

   71,345    75,429 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cemetery property

  $320,605   $331,137 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company recorded an impairment of cemetery property during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. For further details seeNote 3 Impairment and Other Lossesof this Annual Report.

6.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):

   December 31, 2019  December 31, 2018 

Buildings and improvements

  $125,382  $129,971 

Furniture and equipment

   57,674   58,706 

Funeral home land

   14,185   14,185 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, gross

   197,241   202,862 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

   (93,841  (90,146
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

  $103,400  $112,716 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Depreciation expense was $9.4 million and $9.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

7.

MERCHANDISE TRUSTS

At December 31, 2019 and 2018 the Company’s merchandise trusts consisted of investments in debt and equity marketable securities and cash equivalents, both directly and through mutual and investment funds. All of these investments are carried at fair value. All of these investments are subject to the fair value hierarchy and considered either Level 1 or Level 2 assets pursuant to the three-level hierarchy described inNote 18 Fair Value of Financial Instruments. There were no Level 3 assets in the Company’s merchandise trusts. When the Company receives a payment from apre-need customer, the Company deposits the amount required by law into the merchandise trusts that may be subject to cancellation on demand by thepre-need customer. The Company’s merchandise trusts related to states in whichpre-need customers may cancel contracts with the Company comprises 53.6% of the total merchandise trust as of December 31, 2019. The merchandise trusts are variable interest entities (“VIE”) of which the Company is deemed the primary beneficiary. The assets held in the merchandise trusts are required to be used to purchase the merchandise and provide the services to which they relate. If the value of these assets falls below the cost of purchasing such merchandise and providing such services, the Company may be required to fund this shortfall.

The Company included $9.7 million and $8.7 million of investments held in trust as required by law by the West Virginia Funeral Directors Association at December 31, 2019 and 2018 respectively, in its merchandise trust assets. These trusts are recognized at their account value, which approximates fair value.

A reconciliation of the Company’s merchandise trust activities for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is presented below (in thousands):

   Year ended December 31, 
   2019   2018 

Balance—beginning of period

  $488,248   $515,456 

Contributions

   54,742    66,408 

Distributions

   (59,776   (79,862

Interest and dividends

   29,367    27,228 

Capital gain distributions

   1,699    543 

Realized gains and losses, net

   3,246    (1,012

Other than temporary impairment

   (6,056   (28,555

Taxes

   (556   (347

Fees

   (4,268   (3,855

Unrealized change in fair value

   17,219    (7,756
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   523,865    488,248 

Less: Assets held for sale

   (6,673   —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance—end of period

  $517,192   $488,248 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, purchases of available for sale securities were approximately $54.4 million and $117.7 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, sales, maturities and paydowns of available for sale securities were approximately $38.1 million and $109.5 million, respectively. Cash flows frompre-need contracts are presented as operating cash flows in the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows.

The cost and market value associated with the assets held in the merchandise trusts as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in thousands):

December 31, 2019

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
 

Short-term investments

   1   $144,610  $—    $—    $144,610 

Fixed maturities:

       

U.S. governmental securities

   2    456   6   (65  397 

Corporate debt securities

   2    783   14   (133  664 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     1,239   20   (198  1,061 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   1    67,801   1,857   (6  69,652 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1    46,609   1,744   —     48,353 

Other investment funds(1)

     213,024   6,366   (2,953  216,437 

Equity securities

   1    24,386   1,327   (4  25,709 

Other invested assets

   2    8,360   32   —     8,392 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total investments

     506,029   11,346   (3,161  514,214 

West Virginia Trust Receivable

     9,651   —     —     9,651 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

    $515,680  $11,346  $(3,161 $523,865 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Less: Assets held for sale

     (6,369  (304  —     (6,673
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

    $509,311  $11,042  $(3,161 $517,192 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have redemption periods ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods of one to six years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. As of December 31, 2019, there were $57.3 million in unfunded investment commitments to the private credit funds, which are callable at any time.

December 31, 2018

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
 

Short-term investments

   1   $16,903   $—     $—    $16,903 

Fixed maturities:

         

U.S. governmental securities

   2    392    —      (147  245 

Corporate debt securities

   2    1,311    29    (328  1,012 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     1,703    29    (475  1,257 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   1    187,840    262    (2,645  185,457 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1    45,023    110    (18  45,115 

Other investment funds(1)

     210,655    388    (7,784  203,259 

Equity securities

   1    18,097    1,327    (213  19,211 

Other invested assets

   2    8,398    2    (17  8,383 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total investments

    $488,619   $2,118   $(11,152 $479,585 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

West Virginia Trust Receivable

     8,663    —      —     8,663 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

    $497,282   $2,118   $(11,152 $488,248 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have redemption periods ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods of two to seven years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. As of December 31, 2018, there were $71.0 million in unfunded investment commitments to the private credit funds, which are callable at any time.

The contractual maturities of debt securities as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows below (in thousands):

December 31, 2019

  Less than
1 year
   1 year
through
5 years
   6 years
through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

U.S. governmental securities

  $112   $78   $193   $13 

Corporate debt securities

   101    546    16    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

  $213   $624   $209   $13 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

  Less than
1 year
   1 year
through
5 years
   6 years
through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $137   $108   $—   

Corporate debt securities

   68    873    55    16 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

  $68   $1,010   $163   $16 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Temporary Declines in Fair Value

The Company evaluates declines in fair value below cost for each asset held in the merchandise trusts on a quarterly basis.

An aging of unrealized losses on the Company’s investments in debt and equity securities within the merchandise trusts as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 is presented below (in thousands):

   Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total 

December 31, 2019

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturities:

            

U.S. governmental securities

  $90   $1   $397   $64   $487   $65 

Corporate debt securities

   198    29    424    104    622    133 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   288    30    821    168    1,109    198 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   241    6    —      —      241    6 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   —      —      —      —      —      —   

Other investment funds

   54,782    2,953    —      —      54,782    2,953 

Equity securities

   3    4    —      —      3    4 

Other invested assets

   —      —      —      —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $55,314   $2,993   $821   $168   $56,135   $3,161 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total 

December 31, 2018

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturities:

            

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $—     $243   $147   $243   $147 

Corporate debt securities

   103    2    549    326    652    328 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   103    2    792    473    895    475 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   46,005    2,011    1,195    634    47,200    2,645 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   131    18    —      —      131    18 

Other investment funds

   169,929    7,784    —      —      169,929    7,784 

Equity securities

   —      —      597    213    597    213 

Other invested assets

   —      4    790    13    790    17 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $216,168   $9,819   $3,374   $1,333   $219,542   $11,152 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For all securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company evaluated the severity of the impairment and length of time that a security has been in a loss position and concluded the decline in fair value below the asset’s cost was temporary in nature. In addition, the Company is not aware of any circumstances that would prevent the future market value recovery for these securities.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Trust Assets

The Company assesses its merchandise trust assets for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company determined, based on its review, that there were 102 securities with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $178.2 million and an aggregate fair value of approximately $172.2 million, resulting in an impairment of $6.1 million, with such impairment considered to be other-than-temporary due to credit indicators. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company determined, based on its review, that there were 214 securities with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $285.5 million and an aggregate fair value of approximately $256.9 million, resulting in an impairment of $28.6 million, with such impairment considered to be other-than-temporary due to credit indicators. Accordingly, the Company adjusted the cost basis of these assets to their current value and offset these changes against deferred merchandise trust revenue. These adjustments to deferred revenue will be reflected within the Company’s consolidated statements of operations in future periods as the underlying merchandise is delivered or the underlying service is performed.

8.

PERPETUAL CARE TRUSTS

At December 31, 2019 and 2018 the Company’s perpetual care trusts consisted of investments in debt and equity marketable securities and cash equivalents, both directly as well as through mutual and investment funds.

All of these investments are carried at fair value. All of the investments subject to the fair value hierarchy are considered either Level 1 or Level 2 assets pursuant to the three-level hierarchy described inNote 18 Fair Value of Financial Instruments. There were no Level 3 assets in the Company’s perpetual care trusts. The perpetual care trusts are VIEs for which the Company is the primary beneficiary.

A reconciliation of the Company’s perpetual care trust activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is presented below (in thousands):

   Year ended December 31,  
   2019   2018 

Balance—beginning of period

  $330,562   $339,928 

Contributions

   7,575    13,162 

Distributions

   (20,598   (18,390

Interest and dividends

   20,201    22,198 

Capital gain distributions

   2,112    808 

Realized gains and losses, net

   3,121    473 

Other than temporary impairment

   (3,941   (18,038

Taxes

   (547   (237

Fees

   (3,176   (4,412

Unrealized change in fair value

   10,780    (4,930
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   346,089    330,562 

Less: Assets held for sale

   (2,470   —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance—end of period

  $343,619   $330,562 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, purchases of available for sale securities were approximately $46.4 million and $59.4 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, sales, maturities and paydowns of available for sale securities were approximately $29.0 million and $51.1 million, respectively. Cash flows from perpetual care trust related contracts are presented as operating cash flows in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

The cost and market value associated with the assets held in the perpetual care trusts as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in thousands):

December 31, 2019

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
 

Short-term investments

   1   $50,358  $—    $—    $50,358 

Fixed maturities:

       

U.S. governmental securities

   2    1,069   32   (52  1,049 

Corporate debt securities

   2    2,020   22   (142  1,900 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     3,089   54   (194  2,949 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   1    49,963   1,439   (38  51,364 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1    16,698   1,617   (66  18,249 

Other investment funds(1)

     186,355   10,526   (5,472  191,409 

Equity securities

   1    30,423   1,333   (12  31,744 

Other invested assets

   2    16   —     —     16 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total investments

    $336,902  $14,969  $(5,782 $346,089 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Less: Assets held for sale

     (2,416  (54  —     (2,470
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

    $334,486  $14,915  $(5,782 $343,619 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have a redemption period ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods

ranging from one to seven years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. As of December 31, 2019 there were $62.4 million in unfunded investment commitments to the private credit funds, which are callable at any time.

December 31, 2018

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
 

Short-term investments

   1   $12,835   $—     $—    $12,835 

Fixed maturities:

         

U.S. governmental securities

   2    960    4    (121  843 

Corporate debt securities

   2    4,883    161    (321  4,723 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     5,843    165    (442  5,566 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   1    108,451    227    (837  107,841 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1    19,660    304    (142  19,822 

Other investment funds(1)

     165,284    3,039    (4,607  163,716 

Equity securities

   1    20,025    826    (145  20,706 

Other invested assets

   2    56    20    —     76 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total investments

    $332,154   $4,581   $(6,173 $330,562 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have a redemption period ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods ranging from two to eight years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. As of December 31, 2018 there were $94.5 million in unfunded investment commitments to the private credit funds, which are callable at any time.

The contractual maturities of debt securities as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, were as follows below (in thousands):

December 31, 2019

  Less than
1 year
   1 year through
5 years
   6 years through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

U.S. governmental securities

  $60   $192   $684   $114 

Corporate debt securities

   294    1,522    84    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

  $354   $1,714   $768   $114 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

  Less than
1 year
   1 year through
5 years
   6 years through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $416   $395   $32 

Corporate debt securities

   705    3,702    265    51 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

  $705   $4,118   $660   $83 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Temporary Declines in Fair Value

The Company evaluates declines in fair value below cost of each individual asset held in the perpetual care trusts on a quarterly basis.

An aging of unrealized losses on the Company’s investments in debt and equity securities within the perpetual care trusts as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 is presented below (in thousands):

   Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total 

December 31, 2019

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturities:

            

U.S. governmental securities

  $291   $4   $942   $48   $1,233   $52 

Corporate debt securities

   463    46    1,887    96    2,350    142 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   754    50    2,829    144    3,583    194 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   2,856    38    —      —      2,856    38 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   566    66    —      —      566    66 

Other investment funds

   53,426    5,472    —      —      53,426    5,472 

Equity securities

   121    12    —      —      121    12 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $57,723   $5,638   $2,829   $144   $60,552   $5,782 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total 

December 31, 2018

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturities:

            

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $—     $790   $121   $790   $121 

Corporate debt securities

   405    15    2,902    306    3,307    321 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   405    15    3,692    427    4,097    442 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   21,867    591    2,814    246    24,681    837 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1,382    141    —      1    1,382    142 

Other investment funds

   101,536    4,607    —      —      101,536    4,607 

Equity securities

   241    16    583    129    824    145 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $125,431   $5,370   $7,089   $803   $132,520   $6,173 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For all securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company evaluated the severity of the impairment and length of time that a security has been in a loss position and concluded the decline in fair value below the asset’s cost was temporary in nature. In addition, the Company is not aware of any circumstances that would prevent the future market value recovery for these securities.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Trust Assets

The Company assesses its perpetual care trust assets for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company determined that there were 79 securities with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $85.7 million and an aggregate fair value of approximately $81.8 million, resulting in an impairment of $3.9 million, with such impairment considered to be other-than-temporary. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company determined that there were 176 securities with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $181.4 million and an aggregate fair value of approximately $163.3 million, resulting in an impairment of $18.1 million, with such impairment considered to be other-than-temporary. Accordingly, the Company adjusted the cost basis of these assets to their current value with the offset going against the liability for perpetual care trust corpus in its consolidated balance sheet.

9.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. Due to a decline in the market value of the Company and its significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results noted during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

The Partnership operates 14 cemeteries under long-term leases and other agreements that do not qualify2019, management conducted an interim goodwill impairment assessment as acquisitions for accounting purposes.of September 30, 2019. As a result of such assessment, management concluded on November 4, 2019 that the carrying value of the only reporting unit to which the Company allocated its goodwill, Cemetery Operations, exceeded its fair value, and the Company’s goodwill was fully impaired as of September 30, 2019. The Company recognized a $24.9 million impairment charge included in Loss on goodwill impairment in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. In 2018, the Company concluded goodwill was not impaired as part of its 2018 annual goodwill impairment testing.

The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by reportable segment were as follows (in thousands):

   Cemetery
Operations
 

December 31, 2017

  $24,862 

Activity

   —   
  

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

   24,862 

Impairment of goodwill

   (24,862
  

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

  $—   
  

 

 

 

Intangible Assets

The Company has intangible assets with finite lives recognized in connection with acquisitions and long-term lease, management and operating agreements. The Company amortizes these intangible assets over their estimated useful lives.

The following table reflects the components of intangible assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

   December 31, 2019   December 31, 2018 
   Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
  Net
Intangible
Assets
   Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
  Net
Intangible
Assets
 

Lease and management agreements

  $59,758   $(5,561 $54,197   $59,758   $(4,565 $55,193 

Underlying contract value

   2,593    (681  1,912    6,239    (1,482  4,757 

Non-compete agreements

   406    (341  65    2,853    (2,603  250 

Other intangible assets

   269    (197  72    1,577    (356  1,221 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total intangible assets

  $63,026   $(6,780 $56,246   $70,427   $(9,006 $61,421 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

As a result of the adoption of ASU2016-02 on January 1, 2019, the Company recorded a $1.1 million reclassification from Other intangible assets to Other assets for below market lease intangibles. On May 10, 2019, the Company terminated one of its management agreements and therefore reduced the carrying amount of its underlying contract value intangible balance by $2.7 million. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $1.4 million and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The following is estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets with finite lives for the fiscal years noted below (in thousands):

2020

  $1,142 

2021

  $1,077 

2022

  $1,074 

2023

  $1,071 

2024

  $1,071 

10.

LONG-TERM DEBT

Total debt consisted of the following as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

   December 31, 2019  December 31, 2018 

9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes, due June 2024

  $380,619  $—   

7.875% Senior Notes, due June 2021

   —     173,613 

Credit facility

   —     155,739 

Notes payable—acquisition debt

   —     92 

Insurance and vehicle financing

   574   1,294 

Less deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization

   (12,856  (9,692
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total debt

   368,337   321,046 

Less current maturities

   (374  (798
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

  $367,963  $320,248 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Senior Secured Notes

On June 27, 2019, StoneMor Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”), Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. (collectively with the Partnership, did not consolidatethe “Issuers”), certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Partnership, the initial purchasers party thereto (the “Initial Purchasers”) and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”) and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”) entered into an indenture (the “Original Indenture”) with respect to the 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024.

On December 31, 2019, the Company, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, the Issuers and the Trustee entered into the First Supplemental Indenture (the “First Supplemental Indenture”) and on January 30, 2020, the Company, LP Sub, the Issuers and the Trustee entered into the Second Supplemental Indenture (the “Second Supplemental Indenture” and, collectively with the Original Indenture and the First Supplemental Indenture, the “Indenture”).

Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Initial Purchasers purchased Senior Secured Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $385.0 million in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof. The gross proceeds from the sale of the Senior Secured Notes was $371.5 million, less advisor fees (including a placement agent fee of approximately $7.0 million), legal fees, mortgage costs and other closing expenses, as well as cash funds for collateralization of existing letters of credit and credit card needs under the former credit facility.

The Issuers can elect to pay interest at either a fixed rate of 9.875% per annum in cash or, at their option through January 30, 2022, a fixed rate of 7.50% per annum in cash plus a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum payable in kind by increasing the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes or by issuing additional Senior Secured Notes. The Senior Secured Notes will require cash interest payments at 9.875% for all interest periods after January 30, 2022. The Company has the right and expects to pay quarterly interest at a fixed rate of 7.50% per annum in cash

plus a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum payable in kind through January 30, 2022. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears on the 30th day of each March, June, September and December, commencing September 30, 2019. The Senior Secured Notes mature on June 30, 2024.

The Senior Secured Notes are senior secured obligations of the Issuers. The Issuers’ joint and several obligations under the Senior Secured Notes and the Indenture are jointly and severally guaranteed (the “Note Guarantees”) by the Company and by each subsidiary of the Company (other than the Issuers except as to each other’s obligations under the Senior Secured Notes) that the Company has caused or will cause to become a guarantor pursuant to the terms of the Indenture (collectively, the “Guarantors”). In addition, the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Collateral Agent entered into a Collateral Agreement (as supplemented, the “Collateral Agreement”). Pursuant to the Indenture and the Collateral Agreement, the Issuers’ obligations under the Indenture and the Senior Secured Notes and the Guarantors’ Note Guarantees are secured by a first priority lien and security interest (subject to permitted liens and security interests) in substantially all of the assets of the Issuers and the Guarantors (other than the Company), whether now owned or hereafter acquired, excluding certain assets which include, among others: (a) trust and other fiduciary accounts and amounts required to be deposited or held therein and (b) unless encumbered by a mortgage existing on the date of the Indenture, owned and leased real property that (i) may not be pledged as a matter of law or without governmental approvals, (ii) is not operated or intended to be operated as a cemetery, crematory or funeral home or (iii) is the subject of specified immaterial leases.

The Issuers may redeem the Senior Secured Notes at their option, in whole or in part, at any time for a redemption price equal to the principal balance thereof, accrued and unpaid interest thereon and, if applicable, a premium (the “Applicable Premium”) calculated as follows:

If redeemed before June 27, 2021, the sum of 4% of the principal amount so redeemed plus the excess of (i) the interest that would have accrued on the principal amount of the redeemed Senior Secured Notes from the redemption date through June 27, 2021 assuming an interest rate of 11.500% per annum over (ii) the interest that would have accrued on the principal amount of the redeemed Senior Secured Notes from the redemption date through June 27, 2021 at an interest rate equal to the then-applicable rate on United States Treasury securities for the period most nearly equaling that time period plus 0.50%;

If redeemed on or after June 27, 2021 and before June 27, 2022, 4% of the principal amount so redeemed;

If redeemed on or after June 27, 2022 and before June 27, 2023, 2% of the principal amount so redeemed; and

If redeemed on or after June 27, 2023, no premium will be payable.

The Issuers are obligated to redeem the Senior Secured Notes with the net cash proceeds of certain dispositions described in the Indenture, tax refunds, insurance or condemnation proceeds and certain other extraordinary receipts. The redemption price for such redemptions is the principal balance of the Senior Secured Notes being redeemed, all accrued and unpaid interest thereon plus, with respect to redemptions from asset dispositions with net proceeds in excess of $55.0 million, an Applicable Premium of 2% of the principal amount so redeemed.

The Issuers are also obligated to use 75% of any Excess Cash Flow, less any amount paid in any voluntary redemption of the Senior Secured Notes during the applicable period or subsequent thereto and prior to the applicable redemption date, to redeem the Senior Secured Notes at a redemption price equal to the principal balance thereof and all accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

All interest payable in connection with the redemption of any the Senior Secured Notes is payable in cash.

The Indenture requires the Issuers and the Guarantors, as applicable, to comply with various affirmative covenants regarding, among other matters, delivery to the Trustee of financial statements and certain other

information or reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the maintenance and investment of trust funds and trust accounts into which certain sales proceeds are required by law to be deposited.

The Indenture includes financial covenants pursuant to which the Issuers will not permit:

the Operating Cash Flow Amount for the six months ending December 31, 2019 to be less than $20.0 million;

the ratio of the sum of the Operating Cash Flow Amount plus Cash Interest Expense to Cash Interest Expense, or the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio, for the nine months ended March 31, 2020 and the twelve months ending as of each date from June 30, 2020 onwards, as set forth below, to be less than:

March 31, 2020

0.40x

June 30, 2020

0.75x

September 30, 2020

1.00x

December 31, 2020

1.15x

March 31, 2021

1.25x

June 30, 2021

1.30x

September 30, 2021

1.35x

December 31, 2021

1.45x

March 31, 2022 and each quarter end thereafter

1.50x

the aggregate amount of Capital Expenditures for the prior four fiscal quarters as of the last day of any fiscal quarter beginning with the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2019 to be more than $20.0 million;

the average daily balance of Unrestricted Cash and unrestricted Permitted Investments of the Company and its subsidiaries as of the end of any day for any10-business day period to be less than $20.0 million during the quarter ending September 30, 2019, $15.0 million during the quarter ending December 31, 2019 and $12.5 million during any subsequent quarter; or

the ratio of the (a) the sum of Unrestricted Cash, accounts receivable and merchandise trust account balances to (b) the aggregate principal or face amount of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness, or Asset Coverage Test, for the applicable measurement period as of the last day of any fiscal quarter beginning with the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2019, to be less than 1.60:1.00.

The Indenture requires the Issuers and the Guarantors, as applicable, to comply with certain other covenants including, but not limited to, covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ ability to: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) grant liens; (iii) engage in certain sale/leaseback, merger, consolidation or asset sale transactions; (iv) make certain investments; (v) pay dividends or make distributions; (vi) engage in affiliate transactions and (vii) amend its organizational documents.

The Indenture provides for certain events of default, the occurrence and continuation of which could, subject to certain conditions, cause all amounts owing under the Senior Secured Notes to become due and payable, including but not limited to the following:

failure by the Issuers to pay any interest on any Senior Secured Note when it becomes due and payable that remains uncured for five business days;

failure by the Issuers to pay the principal of any of the Senior Secured Notes when it becomes due and payable, whether at the due date thereof, at a date fixed for redemption, by acceleration or otherwise;

failure by the Issuers to comply with the agreement and covenants relating to maintenance of its legal existence, providing notice of any default or event of default or use of proceeds from the sale of the Senior Secured Notes or any of the negative covenants in the Indenture;

failure by the Issuers to comply with any other agreement or covenant contained in the Indenture, the Collateral Agreement or any other Note Document that remains uncured for a period of 15 days after the earlier of written notice and request for cure from the Trustee or holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes;

the acceleration of or the failure to pay at final maturity indebtedness (other than the Senior Secured Notes) in a principal amount exceeding $5.0 million;

the occurrence of a Change in Control;

certain bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings involving an Issuer or any subsidiary; and

failure by the Company or any subsidiary to maintain one or more licenses, permits or similar approvals for the conduct of its business where the sum of the revenue associated therewith represents the lesser of (i) 15% of the Company and its subsidiaries consolidated revenue and (ii) $30.0 million, and such breach is not cured within 30 days.

At the option of holders holding a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes (and automatically upon any default for failure to pay principal of the Senior Secured Notes when due and payable or certain bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings involving an Issuer), the interest rate on the Senior Secured Notes will increase to 13.50% per annum, payable in cash.

As of December 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with the covenants of the Indenture.

On April 1, 2020, the Issuers and the Trustee entered into the Third Supplemental Indenture to the Indenture (the “Supplemental Indenture”), pursuant to which certain financial covenants and the premium payable upon voluntary redemption of the Senior Secured Notes in the Indenture were amended. For further details, seeNote 26 Subsequent Events of this Annual Report.

Registration Rights Agreement

In connection with the sale of the Senior Secured Notes, on June 27, 2019, the Issuers, the Guarantors party thereto and the Initial Purchasers entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Notes Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Issuers and the Guarantors agreed, for the benefit of the holders of the Notes, to use their commercially reasonable efforts to file a registration statement with the SEC with respect to a registered offer to exchange the Senior Secured Notes for new “exchange” notes having terms substantially identical in all material respects to the Senior Secured Notes, with certain exceptions (the “Exchange Offer”). The Issuers agreed to use their commercially reasonable efforts (i) to consummate the Exchange Offer on or before July 14, 2020 (the “Exchange Date”) and (ii) upon the occurrence of certain events described in the Notes Registration Rights Agreement which result in the inability to consummate the Exchange Offer, to cause a shelf registration statement covering resales of the Notes to be declared effective.

If the Issuers had failed to comply with their obligations under the Notes Registration Rights Agreement, additional interest would have accrued on the Notes at a rate of 0.25% per annum (increasing by an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to eachsubsequent 90-day period that occurs after the date on which such default occurs, up to a maximum additional interest rate of 1.00%) from and including the date on which any such default shall occur to but excluding the earlier of (x) the date on which all such defaults have been cured and (y) the date on which the Notes are freely tradeable by persons other than affiliates of the Issuers pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

Deferred Financing Costs

In February 2019, the Company entered into the Eighth Amendment and Waiver to the original agreement for its revolving credit facility dated August 4, 2016 (the “Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility”). In connection with

the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility, the Company incurred debt issuance costs and fees of approximately $3.1 million, which was being amortized over the life of the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility, using the effective interest method. In connection with the issuance of the Senior Secured Notes, the Company incurred debt issuance costs and fees of approximately $14.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2019, which have been deferred and are being amortized over the life of the Senior Secured Notes, using the effective interest method.

In connection with the retirement of all of its revolving credit facilities and its $175.0 million 7.875% senior notes due 2021, the Companywrote-off unamortized deferred financing fees of $6.9 million, during the year ended December 31, 2019, which is presented in Loss on debt extinguishment in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized $7.3 million and $3.2 million of amortization of deferred financing fees on its various debt facilities.

11.

REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED UNITS AND OWNERS’ EQUITY

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units

On June 27, 2019, the Partnership completed the Preferred Offering pursuant to which it sold an aggregate of 52,083,333 Preferred Units at a purchase price of $1.1040 per Preferred Unit, reflecting an 8% discount to the liquidation preference of each Preferred Unit, for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million.

Pursuant to the Series A Purchase Agreement, the Partnership filed a registration statement on FormS-1 with the SEC to effect the Rights Offering, which was completed on October 25, 2019 with 3,039,380 common units being purchased for a total of $3.6 million. The gross proceeds from the Rights Offering were used to redeem 3,039,380 of the Partnership’s outstanding Preferred Units on October 25, 2019 at a price of $1.20 per Preferred Unit.

On December 31, 2019, in connection with the consummation of theC-Corporation Conversion, all of the remaining outstanding Preferred Units were converted into common shares of the Company at a conversion rate of one share of common stock for each Preferred Unit.

Capital Stock

Effective as of theC-Corporation Conversion, the Company is authorized to issue two classes of capital stock: common stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Common Stock”) and preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Preferred Stock”). At December 31, 2019, 94,447,356 million shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding and no shares of Preferred Stock were issued or outstanding. At December 31, 2019, there were 105,552,644 shares of Common Stock available for issuance, including 986,552 shares available for issuance as stock-based incentive compensation under the 2019 Plan, and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock available for issuance.

Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s stockholders, will have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and do not have cumulative voting rights. In the event of any liquidation, dissolutionor winding-up of the Company’s affairs, the holders of the Company’s Common Stock will be entitled to share ratably in the Company’s assets that are remaining after payment or provision for payment of all of the Company’s debts and obligations and after liquidation payments to and subject to any continuing participation by holders of outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, if any.

The Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) is authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further stockholder approval, to establish and to issue from time to time one or more classes or series of

Preferred Stock covering up to an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. Each class or series of Preferred Stock will cover the number of shares and will have the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions determined by the Board, which may include, among others, dividend rights, liquidation preferences, voting rights, conversion rights, preemptive rights and redemption rights. Except as provided by law or in a preferred stock designation, the holders of Preferred Stock will not be entitled to vote at or receive notice of any meeting of stockholders.

Subsequent Events

On April 1, 2020, the Issuers and the Trustee entered into the Supplemental Indenture, pursuant to which the Issuers agreed to cause the Company to use its best efforts to effectuate an offering to holders of Common Stock of transferable rights to purchase their pro rata share of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate exercise price of at least $17 million at a price of $0.73 per share, as promptly as practicable with an expiration date no later than July 24, 2020 and to receive proceeds of not less than $8.2 million therefrom. Concurrently, the Company entered into a letter agreement with Axar (the “Axar Commitment”), pursuant to which Axar agreed to purchase shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock with an aggregate purchase price of $8.8 million on April 3, 2020. As contemplated by the Axar Commitment, on April 3, 2020, the Company sold an aggregate of 176 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to the 2020 Purchasers for an aggregate purchase price of $8.8 million pursuant to the terms of a Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (the “2020 Preferred Purchase Agreement”) by and among the Company and the purchasers party thereto. For further details, seeNote 26 Subsequent Events of this Annual Report.

12.

INCOME TAXES

Prior to December 31, 2019, the Company was not subject to U.S. federal income tax and most state income taxes, as it was structured as a master limited partnership. The taxable income for the Company flowed through to the partners for the fiscal years prior to January 1, 2020 and could vary from the net income reported on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. Since the Company consummated theC-Corporation Conversion on December 31, 2019, the Company’s taxable income for the year ended December 31, 2019 continued to flow through to the partners. Per ASC 740, theC-Corporation Conversion is considered a change in tax status, and therefore, the Company had to record deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to differences between the carrying amounts and tax basis of existing assets and liabilities related to these cemeteries. The Partnership hason its consolidated balance sheets as of the existingconsummation date of theC-Corporation Conversion. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date for the new tax rates. The Company also recognized a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, as the Company deemed it more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realizable in future periods.

Additionally, prior to theC-corporation Conversion, corporate subsidiaries of the Partnership were historically subject to federal income tax and most state income taxes, and the Partnership was required to file separate federal income tax returns for many of its corporate subsidiaries. Deferred tax assets of the individual corporate subsidiaries could not be offset against the deferred liabilities of other individual corporate subsidiaries. As a result of theC-Corporation Conversion, the Company will file a consolidated federal income tax return for StoneMor Inc. for all fiscal periods post the consummation date of theC-Corporation Conversion. The Company recognized a $7.5 million tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2019 related to the projected tax consequences of filing a consolidated federal income tax return for StoneMor Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Income tax (expense) benefit for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 consisted of the following (in thousands):

   Years Ended December 31, 
         2019               2018       

Current provision:

    

State

  $(73  $(693

Federal

   —      —   

Foreign

   (187   (101
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (260   (794
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred provision:

    

State

   (6,704   (23

Federal

   (21,210   2,725 

Foreign

   (30   (111
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (27,944   2,591 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income tax (expense) benefit

  $(28,204  $1,797 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

A reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:

   Years Ended December 31, 
         2019              2018       

Computed tax provision (benefit) at the applicable statutory tax rate

   21.0  21.0

State and local taxes net of federal income tax benefit

   (4.5)%   (1.1)% 

Tax exempt (income) loss

   (1.2)%   (1.5)% 

Change in current year valuation allowance

   (8.0)%   (18.3)% 

Company’s earnings not subject to tax

   (0.2)%   2.0

Changes in tax due to Tax Act and ASC 606 retroactive impact

   —    0.5

Change in tax status

   (27.2)%   —  

Permanent differences

   (2.7)%   (0.1)% 

Other

   —    —  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Effective tax rate

   (22.8)%   2.5
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The effective tax rate increased as a result of the deferred tax liabilities the Company had to record in connection with theC-Corporation Conversion. The temporary differences related to these deferred tax liabilities will reverse over the lives of the various cemeteries, which range from an average 100 to 300 years.

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

   December 31, 
   2019   2018 

Deferred tax assets:

    

Prepaid expenses

  $13,010   $5,102 

State net operating loss

   26,121    24,162 

Federal net operating loss

   88,818    84,017 

Foreign net operating loss

   8,656    2,106 

Other

   55    55 

Valuation allowance

   (103,336   (89,066
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

   33,324    26,376 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Property, plant and equipment

   28,399    2,119 

Deferred revenue related to future revenues and accounts receivable

   33,582    25,021 

Deferred revenue related to cemetery property

   5,875    5,825 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

   67,856    32,965 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

  $34,532   $6,589 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets and liabilities were classified on the consolidated balance sheets as follows (in thousands):

   December 31, 
   2019   2018 

Deferred tax assets

  $81   $86 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noncurrent assets

   81    86 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets

   33,243    26,290 

Deferred tax liabilities

   67,856    32,965 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noncurrent liabilities

   34,613    6,675 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

  $34,532   $6,589 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2019, the Company had available approximately $0.1 million of alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards and approximately $423.0 million and $542.0 million of federal and state net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, respectively, a portion of which expires annually.

Management periodically evaluates all evidence both positive and negative in determining whether a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets is required. The vast majority of the Company’s taxable subsidiaries continue to accumulate deferred tax assets that on a more likely than not basis will not be realized. A full valuation allowance continues to be maintained on these taxable subsidiaries. Along with other previous transfers of the Company’s interests, the Company believes the Recapitalization Transactions in June 2019 caused an “ownership change” for income tax purposes, which significantly limits the Company’s ability to use NOLs and certain other tax assets to offset future taxable income. The valuation allowance increased in 2019 due to management’s evaluation of the future limitation on the Company’s ability to offset future deferred tax liabilities with net operating loss carryovers and certain other deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance increased in 2018 due to increases in deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not expected to be realized.

At December 31, 2019, based on the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believed it was more likely than not

that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable could be reduced in the future if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced.

In accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Company recognizes only the impact of income tax positions that, based upon their merits, are more likely than not to be sustained upon audit by a taxing authority. To evaluate its current tax positions in order to identify any material uncertain tax positions, the Company developed a policy of identifying and evaluating uncertain tax positions that considers support for each tax position, industry standards, tax return disclosures and schedules and the significance of each position. It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had no material uncertain tax positions.

The Company is not currently under tax examination by any federal jurisdictions or state income tax jurisdictions. In general, the federal statute of limitations and certain state statutes of limitations are open from 2016 forward. For entities with net operating loss carryovers the statute of limitations is extended to 2013 to the extent of the net operating loss carryover.

13.

DEFERRED REVENUES AND COSTS

The Company defers revenues and all direct costs associated with the sale ofpre-need cemetery merchandise and services until the merchandise is delivered or the services are performed. The Company recognizes deferred merchandise and service revenues as customer contract liabilities within long-term liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognizes deferred direct costs associated withpre-need cemetery merchandise and service revenues as deferred selling and obtaining costs within long-term assets on its consolidated balance sheets. The Company also defers the costs to obtain newpre-need cemetery and new prearranged funeral business as well as the investment earnings on the prearranged services and merchandise trusts. Such costs are recognized when the associated performance obligation is fulfilled based upon the net change in the customer contract liabilities. All other selling costs are expensed as incurred. Additionally, the Company has elected the practical expedient of not recognizing incremental costs to obtain a contract as incurred, as the associated amortization period is typically one year or less.

Deferred revenues and related costs consisted of the following (in thousands):

   December 31, 2019   December 31, 2018 

Deferred contract revenues

  $837,190   $835,922 

Deferred merchandise trust revenue

   104,304    92,718 

Deferred merchandise trust unrealized gains (losses)

   7,881    (9,034
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred revenues

  $949,375   $919,606 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

  $114,944   $113,644 

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized $64.1 million and $58.7 million, respectively, of the customer contract liabilities balance that existed at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, as revenue.

The components of the customer contract liabilities, net in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):

   December 31, 2019  December 31, 2018 

Customer contract liabilities, gross

  $974,927  $943,028 

Amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations on cancellablepre-need contracts

   (25,552  (23,422
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Customer contract liabilities, net

  $949,375  $919,606 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The Company expects to service approximately 55% of its deferred revenue that existed at December 31, 2019 and 2018 in thefirst 4-5 years and approximately 80% of its deferred revenue that existed at December 31, 2019 and 2018 within 18 years. The Company cannot estimate the period when it expects its remaining performance obligations will be recognized, because certain performance obligations will only be satisfied at the time of death.

14.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

The Board previously adopted the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”). Effective August 22, 2018, the Board amended and restated the 2014 Plan (the “2018 Plan”). On March 27, 2019, the Board amended and restated the 2018 Plan (the “2019 Plan”) to (i) increase the number of common units of the Company reserved for issuance under the 2019 Plan and (ii) make certain other clarifying changes and updates to the 2019 Plan. The 2019 Plan permitted the grant of awards covering a total of 4,000,000 common units of the Company. A “unit” under the 2019 Plan was defined as a common unit of the Company and such other securities as may be substituted or resubstituted for common units of the Company, including but not limited to shares of the Company’s common stock.

On December 18, 2019, the Board approved the first amendment to the 2019 Plan, which permits the grant of awards covering a total of 8,500,000 common units of the Company. On December 31, 2019, the Board approved the assumption of the 2019 Plan and all outstanding awards thereunder by the Company in connection with theC-Corporation Conversion. The 2019 Plan is intended to promote the interests of the Company by providing to employees, consultants and directors of the Company incentive compensation awards to encourage superior performance and enhance the Company’s ability to attract and retain the services of individuals who are essential for its growth and profitability and to encourage them to devote their best efforts to advancing the Company’s business.

Phantom unit and restricted unit awards

On April 15, 2019, the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) approved the award of 1,015,047 phantom unit awards consisting of 494,421 phantom units subject to time-based vesting (“TVUs”) and 520,626 phantom units subject to performance-based vesting (“PVUs”) to certain members of the Company’s senior management.

The TVUs had a vesting period equal to three equal annual installments on each April 3 (or first business day thereafter) commencing on April 3, 2020. The PVUs vested based on the extent, if any, to which the Compensation Committee determines that the performance conditions established by the Compensation Committee for calendar years 2019, 2020 and 2021 have been achieved or waived in writing, as follows:

if the “threshold” performance condition with respect to a calendar year has been achieved or waived but not the “target” condition, then 25% of the PVUs subject to vesting with respect to such year (rounded down to the nearest whole phantom unit) shall vest;

if the “target” performance condition with respect to a calendar year has been achieved or waived, then 50% of the PVUs subject to vesting with respect to such year shall vest; and

if the “maximum” performance condition with respect to a calendar year has been achieved or waived, then 100% of the PVUs subject to vesting with respect to such year shall vest.

Also on April 15, 2019, an additional 275,000 restricted units were awarded to an officer of the Company pursuant to his employment agreement that were scheduled to vest in equal quarterly installments over a four year period commencing July 15, 2019, the three month anniversary of the grant date.

The Recapitalization Transactions, described inNote 1 General, resulted in a Change of Control as defined in the 2019 Plan. The Change of Control accelerated the vesting of certain awards, including all those granted on April 15, 2019, resulting in the immediate vesting of 1,351,493 phantom and restricted units. These awards were net settled with 376,351 units withheld to satisfy the participants’ tax withholding obligations, resulting in a net number of 975,142 common units to be issued. The Company recognized $2.2 million in stock-based compensation expense related to this accelerated vesting. These units were delivered in the third quarter of 2019.

In addition, an aggregate of 238,554 phantom units issued under the LTIP and held in deferred compensation accounts for certain directors that either became payable as a result of the Recapitalization Transactions or had previously become payable were issued in the third quarter of 2019.

A rollforward of phantom unit and restricted unit awards as of December 31, 2019 is as follows:

   Number of
Phantom
Unit and
Restricted
Unit
Awards
   Weighted
Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
 

Totalnon-vested at December 31, 2018

   1,029,638   $7.49 

Units issued

   1,381,572    2.86 

Units vested

   (1,819,131   5.16 

Units forfeited

   (32,861   6.68 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totalnon-vested at December 31, 2019

   559,218   $3.67 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized $3.6 million and $2.4 million, respectively, ofnon-cash stock compensation expense related to phantom unit and restricted unit awards into earnings. As of December 31, 2019, total unamortized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards was $0.5 million, which the Company expects to recognize over the remaining weighted-average period of 2.75 years.

Non-qualified stock options

On December 18, 2019, the Compensation Committee approved the granting of unit options to employees of the Company, including certain members of senior management to purchase an aggregate of 5.5 million common units at an exercise price of $1.20 per unit. The option awards vest in three equal annual installments on each December 18 (or first business day thereafter) commencing on December 18, 2020, provided that the recipient remains employed by the Company. The Company measured the option awards at their grant-date fair value utilizing the Black-Scholes model and will recognize stock compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the weighted-average service period, which is expected to be three years. The option awards expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant.

A rollforward of stock options as of December 31, 2019 is as follows:

   Number of
Stock
Options
   Weighted
Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 

Total outstanding at December 31, 2018

   —     $—     $—   

Options granted

   5,500,000    0.34    1.20 

Options exercisable

   —      —      —   

Options exercised

   —      —      —   

Options forfeited

   —      —      —   

Options expired

   —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total outstanding at December 31, 2019

   5,500,000   $0.34   $1.20 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018,non-cash stock compensation expense related to stock options was not material. As of December 31, 2019, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options was $1.9 million, which the Company expects to recognize over the remaining weighted-average period of 3 years.

Assumptions used in calculating the fair value of the stock options granted during the year are summarized below:

   2019 

Valuation assumptions:

  

Expected dividend yield

   None 

Expected volatility

   23.41

Expected term (years)

   6.0 

Risk-free interest rate

   1.78

Weighted average:

  

Exercise price per stock option

  $1.20 

Market price per share

  $1.23 

Weighted average fair value per stock option

  $0.34 

15.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal

The Partnership remains subject to state law derivative claims that certain of the Partnership’s officers and directors breached their fiduciary duty to the Partnership and its unitholders. The Company could also become subject to additional claims and legal proceedings relating to the factual allegations made in these actions. While management cannot reasonably estimate the potential exposure in these matters at this time, if we do not prevail in any such proceedings, we could be required to pay substantial damages or settlement costs, subject to certain insurance coverages. Management has determined that, based on the status of the claims and legal proceedings against the Company, the amount of the potential losses cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. These actions are summarized below.

Bunim v. Miller, et al., No.2:17-cv-519-ER, pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and filed on February 6, 2017. The plaintiff in this case brought, derivatively on behalf of the Partnership, claims that the officers and directors of the Partnership’s general partner aided and abetted in breaches of the general partner’s purported fiduciary duties by, among other things and in general, allegedly making misrepresentations through the use ofnon-GAAP accounting standards in its public filings, by allegedly failing to clearly disclose the use of proceeds from debt and

equity offerings, and by allegedly approving unsustainable distributions. The plaintiff also claims that these actions and misrepresentations give rise to causes of action for gross mismanagement, unjust enrichment, and (in connection with a purportedly misleading proxy statement filed in 2014) violations of Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The derivative plaintiff seeks an award of damages, attorneys’ fees and costs in favor of the Partnership as nominal plaintiff, as well as general compliance and governance changes. This case has been stayed, by the agreement of the parties, provided that either party may terminate the stay on 30 days’ notice.

Muth v. StoneMor G.P. LLC, et al., December Term, 2016, No. 1196 and Binder v. StoneMor G.P. LLC, et al., January Term, 2017, No. 4872, both pending in the Court of Common Pleas for Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and filed on December 20, 2016 and February 3, 2017, respectively. In these cases, the plaintiffs brought, derivatively on behalf of the Partnership, claims that the officers and directors of the Partnership’s general partner aided and abetted in breaches of the general partner’s purported fiduciary duties by, among other things and in general, allegedly making misrepresentations through the use ofnon-GAAP accounting standards in its public filings and by failing to clearly disclose the use of proceeds from debt and equity offerings, as well as approving unsustainable distributions. The plaintiffs also claim that these actions and misrepresentations give rise to a cause of action for unjust enrichment. The derivative plaintiffs seek an award of damages, attorneys’ fees and costs in favor of the Partnership as nominal plaintiff, as well as alterations to the procedures for electing members to the board of the Partnership’s general partner, and other compliance and governance changes. These cases have been consolidated and stayed, by the agreement of the parties, pending final resolution of the motion to dismiss filed in the Anderson case, which has now been dismissed. In November 2019, the court issued a dormant case notice under which the plaintiffs were required to file a statement of intent to proceed by January 21, 2020. The plaintiffs have not filed any such notice, and we anticipate that the court will dismiss this case for failure to proceed in the near future.

The Partnership had also been subject to consolidated class actions in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Philadelphia alleging various violations under the Exchange Act. Anderson v. StoneMor Partners, LP, et al., No.2:16-cv-6111, filed on November 21, 2016, and consolidated with Klein v. StoneMor Partners, LP, et al., No.2:16-cv-6275, filed on December 2, 2016. On October 31, 2017, the court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint and entered judgment dismissing the case on November 30, 2017. On June 20, 2019, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of the case and the plaintiffs did not seek discretionary review of that decision before the United States Supreme Court, thereby terminating the case.

On December 11, 2019, the Company entered into a settlement with the SEC with respect to alleged violations of the reporting, books and records, internal accounting controls and related provisions of the federal securities laws that occurred prior to 2017 under the Company’s former management team (the “Settlement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Settlement, which resolved the matters that were the subject of the previously reported investigation by the SEC’s Enforcement Division, and without admitting or denying the findings in the Settlement: (i) the Company and GP Holdings consented to a cease and desist order with respect to violations of Sections 13(a), 13(b)(2)(A) and 13(b)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and (ii) GP Holdings agreed to pay a civil penalty of $250,000, which was paid with the proceeds of an intercompany loan.

The Company is party to other legal proceedings in the ordinary course of its business, but does not expect the outcome of any proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company carries insurance with coverage and coverage limits that it believes to be customary in the cemetery and funeral home industry. Although there can be no assurance that such insurance will be sufficient to protect the Company against all contingencies, Management believes that the insurance protection is reasonable in view of the nature and scope of the Company’s operations.

Other

In connection with the Partnership’s 2014 lease and management agreements with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, it has committed to pay aggregate fixed rent of $36.0 million in the following amounts:

Lease Years1-5 (May 28,2014-May 31, 2019)

None

Lease Years6-20 (June 1,2019-May 31, 2034)

$1,000,000 per Lease Year

Lease Years21-25 (June 1,2034-May 31, 2039)

$1,200,000 per Lease Year

Lease Years26-35 (June 1,2039-May 31, 2049)

$1,500,000 per Lease Year

Lease Years36-60 (June 1,2049-May 31, 2074)

None

The fixed rent for lease years six through 11, an aggregate of $6.0 million, is deferred. If prior to May 31, 2025, the Archdiocese terminates the agreements in accordance with their terms during lease year 11 or the Company terminates the agreements as a result of a default by the Archdiocese, the Company is entitled to retain the deferred fixed rent. If the agreements are not terminated, the deferred fixed rent will become due and payable on or before June 30, 2025.

16.

EXIT AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES

On January 31, 2019, the Company announced a profit improvement initiative as part of its ongoing organizational review. This profit improvement initiative was intended to further integrate, streamline and optimize the Company’s operations. As part of this profit improvement initiative, during 2019 the Company undertook certain cost reduction initiatives, which included a reduction of approximately 200 positions of its workforce within its field operations and corporate functions in its headquarters located in Trevose, Pennsylvania. The Company recognized severance expense of $1.5 million for this reduction in workforce, which is included in Cemetery expense, Funeral home services expense and Corporate overhead in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. The following table summarizes the activity in the severance liability recognized for this reduction in workforce in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019, by reportable segment (in thousands):

   Cemetery
Operations
   Funeral Home
Operations
   Corporate   Consolidated 

Balance at January 1, 2019

  $—     $—     $—     $—   

Accruals

   935    25    583    1,543 

Cash payments

   (849   (25   (519   (1,393
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2019

  $86   $—     $64   $150 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company expects to settle the remaining severance liability for this reduction in workforce during the first quarter of 2020, and it does not expect to incur any additional charges related to this reduction in workforce.

17.

LEASES

The Company leases a variety of assets throughout its organization, such as office space, funeral homes, warehouses and equipment. In addition the Company has a sale-leaseback related to one of its warehouses. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, and the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For lease agreements with an initial term of more than 12 months, the Company measures the lease liability at the present value of the sum of the remaining minimum rental payments, which exclude executory costs.

Certain leases provide the Company with the option to renew for additional periods, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term for periods ranging from 1 to 30 years. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company’s sole discretion, and the Company is only including the renewal option in the lease term when the Company can be reasonably certain that it will exercise the renewal options. The Company does have residual value guarantees on the finance leases for its vehicles, but no residual guarantees on any of its operating leases.

Certain of the Company’s leases have variable payments with annual escalations based on the proportion by which the consumer price index (“CPI”) for all urban consumers increased over the CPI index for the prior comparative year.

The Company has the following balances recorded on its consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 related to leases (in thousands):

   December 31,
2019
 

Assets:

  

Operating

  $10,570 

Finance

   5,685 
  

 

 

 

Total ROU assets(1)

  $16,255 
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

  

Current

  

Operating

  $2,022 

Finance

   1,200 

Long-term

  

Operating

   11,495 

Finance

   4,302 
  

 

 

 

Total lease liabilities(2)

  $19,019 
  

 

 

 

(1)

The Company’s ROU operating assets and finance assets are presented within Other assets and Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, respectively in its consolidated balance sheet.

(2)

The Company’s current and long-term lease liabilities are presented within Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, in its consolidated balance sheet.

As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate, based on the information available at commencement date, in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company used the incremental borrowing rate on January 1, 2019 for operating leases that commenced prior to that date. The weighted average borrowing rates for operating and finance leases were 9.9% and 8.5%, respectively as of December 31, 2019.

The components of lease expense were as follows (in thousands):

      Year ended
December 31,
2019
 

Lease cost

  Classification  

Operating lease costs(1)

  General and administrative expense  $3,628 

Finance lease costs

    

Amortization of leased assets

  Depreciation and Amortization   1,282 

Interest on lease liabilities

  Interest expense   495 

Short-term lease costs(2)

  General and administrative expense   —   
    

 

 

 

Net Lease costs

    $5,405 
    

 

 

 

(1)

The Company includes its variable lease costs under operating lease costs as these variable lease costs are immaterial.

(2)

The Company does not have any short-term leases with lease terms greater than one month.

Maturities of the Company’s lease labilities as of December 31, 2019, per ASC 842,Leases, were as follows (in thousands):

Year ending December 31,  Operating   Finance 

2020

  $3,283   $1,759 

2021

   2,783    1,838 

2022

   2,455    2,026 

2023

   2,190    708 

2024

   2,046    106 

Thereafter

   6,348    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $19,105   $6,437 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Interest

   (5,588   (935
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Present value of lease liabilities

  $13,517   $5,502 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Minimum lease commitments remaining under the Company’s operating leases and capital leases, per ASC 840,Leases,as of December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):

Year ending December 31,  Operating   Capital 

2019

  $4,349   $1,499 

2020

   2,765    1,196 

2021

   2,130    949 

2022

   1,539    558 

2023

   1,184    89 

Thereafter

   5,737    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $17,704   $4,291 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Interest

     (875
    

 

 

 

Present value of lease liabilities

    $3,416 
    

 

 

 

Operating and finance lease payments include $3.3 million related to options to extend lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised and $2.0 million related to residual value guarantees. The weighted-average remaining lease term for the Company’s operating and finance leases was 7.1 years and 2.8 years, respectively, as of December 31, 2019.

As of December 31, 2019, the Company had one additional operating lease that has not yet commenced, which was valued at $0.1 million, but did not have any lease transactions with its related parties. In addition, as of December 31, 2019, the Company had not entered into any new sale-leaseback arrangements.

18.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Management has established a hierarchy to classify the inputs used to measure the Company’s financial instruments at fair value, pursuant to which the Company is required to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs represent market data obtained from independent sources; whereas, unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own market assumptions, which are used if observable inputs are not reasonably available without undue cost and effort. The hierarchy defines three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1—Unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset and liability or can be corroborated with observable market data for substantially the same contractual term of the asset or liability.

Level 3—Unobservable inputs based on the entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in the pricing of the asset or liability and are consequently not based on market activity but rather through particular valuation techniques.

The carrying value of the Company’s current assets and current liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets approximated or equaled their estimated fair values due to their short-term nature or imputed interest rates.

Recurring Fair Value Measurement

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the two financial instruments measured by the Company at fair value on a recurring basis were its merchandise and perpetual care trusts, which consist of investments in debt and equity marketable securities and cash equivalents that are carried at fair value and are classified as either Level 1 or Level 2. For further details, see Note 7 Merchandise Trusts and Note 8 Perpetual Care Trustsof this Annual Report.

Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified as Level 1 investments pursuant to the fair value measurement hierarchy. Where quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, fair values are estimated by using either quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or an income approach fair value model with observable inputs that include a combination of interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, prepayment speeds, rating andtax-exempt status. These securities are classified as Level 2 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. Certain investments in the merchandise and perpetual care trusts are excluded from the fair value leveling hierarchy in accordance with GAAP. These funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy.

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurement

The Company may be required to measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value, such as its indefinite-lived assets and long-lived assets, on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP from time to time. These adjustments to fair value usually result from impairment charges. As of December 31, 2019, the Company adjusted the fair value of two of its funeral homes sold in 2019 to mark them down to the selling prices which were lower than the carrying value of the funeral homes on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets The resulting impairment charges were recorded in Other losses, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations during the year ended December 31, 2019. As the Company’s determination of the fair value of these assets were based on the quoted prices the Company received from the sellers, these assets held for sale were classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

Other Financial Instruments

The Company’s other financial instruments at December 31, 2019 consisted of its Senior Secured Notes (seeNote 10Long-Term Debt of this Annual Report) and at December 31, 2018 consisted of its Senior Notes and outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility. Both these financial instruments are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy, as their fair value measurements are based on quoted market prices, obtained from Bloomberg, specific to the Company’s outstanding borrowings.

At December 31, 2019, the estimated fair value of the Company’s Senior Secured Notes was $383.2 million, based on trades made on that date, compared with the carrying amount of $392.8 million.

At December 31, 2018, the estimated fair value of the Company’s Senior Notes was $162.5 million, based on trades made on that date, compared with the carrying amount of $173.6 million.

Credit and Market Risk

The Company’s financial instruments exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of its cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts.

The Company’s cash balances on deposit with financial institutions totaled $34.9 million and $18.1 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which exceeded Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limits. The Company regularly monitors these institutions’ financial condition.

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the majority of the Company’s trade receivables were long-term trade account receivables, which typically consisted of interest-bearing installment contracts not to exceed 60 months. Significant customers are those that individually account for greater than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenue or total accounts receivable. Due to the inherent nature of the Company’s business and consumermake-up, there were no customers whose trade receivables with the Company represented more than 10% of the Company’s total accounts receivable as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. The Company mitigates the credit risk associated with these cemeteriesits long-term trade account receivables by performing credit evaluations and monitoring the payment patterns of its customers. Management continually evaluates customer receivables for impairment based on historical experience, including the age of the receivables and the customers’ payment pattern. The Company has a process in place to collect all receivables within 30 to 60 days of aging. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had $5.9 million and $4.9 million, respectively, in allowance for doubtful accounts, based on historical cancellation rate trends. The Company wrote off $6.6 million and $9.3 million in bad debts during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

The Company’s merchandise and perpetual care trusts are invested in assets, such as variable interest entities, sinceindividual equity securities and closed and open-ended mutual funds, with the Partnership controlsprimary objective of maximizing income and receivesdistributable cash flow for trust distributions, while maintaining an acceptable level of risk. Certain asset classes in which the benefits and absorbs any losses from operating these trusts. UnderCompany invests for the long-term leases, and other agreements associated with these properties, whichpurpose of maximizing yield are subject to certain terminationan increased market risk. This increased market risk creates volatility in the unrealized gains and losses of the trust assets from period to period. For further details of the market risk to which the Company’s merchandise and perpetual care trusts are subjected, see Part II. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The Company purchases comprehensive general liability, professional liability, automobile liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverages structured with high deductibles. While these high-deductible insurance programs mean the Company is primarily self-insured for claims and associated costs and losses covered by these policies, it is possible that insurers could seek to avoid or be financially unable to meet their obligations under, or a court may decline to enforce such provisions of, the Company’s insurance programs.

19.

SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The Company’s Senior Secured Notes are guaranteed by the Company’s 100% owned subsidiaries, other than theco-issuers, (except as to each other’s obligations thereunder), as described inNote 10 Long-Term Debt. The guarantees are full, unconditional, joint and several. The Partnership and Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary Inc. (“CFS West Virginia”) are theco-issuers of the Senior Secured Notes. As of December 31, 2019, StoneMor Inc. is also a guarantor of the Senior Secured Notes.

In accordance with the disclosures made inNote 1 General, Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidationof this Annual Report, StoneMor Inc. is the “Parent” for the consolidated financial statements presented as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, while the Partnership is the exclusive operator“Parent” for the consolidated financial statements presented as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company’s consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 include the accounts of cemeteries operated under long-term leases, operating agreements and management agreements. For the purposes of this note, these cemeteriesentities are deemednon-guarantor subsidiaries, as they are not 100% owned by the Company. The Company’s consolidated financial statements also contain merchandise and earns revenues related to salesperpetual care trusts that are alsonon-guarantor subsidiaries for the purposes of merchandise, services and interment rights and incurs expenses related to such sales, includingthis note.

The financial information presented below reflects the maintenance and upkeepCompany’s standalone accounts, the combined accounts of these cemeteries. Upon termination of these agreements,theco-issuers, the Partnership will retain allcombined accounts of the benefitsguarantor subsidiaries, the combined accounts of thenon-guarantor subsidiaries, the consolidating adjustments and related contractual obligations incurred from sales generated duringeliminations and the agreement period. The Partnership has also recognizedCompany’s consolidated accounts as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the existing customer contract-related performance obligations that it assumed as partyears ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. For the purpose of these agreements.the following financial information, the Company’s investments in its subsidiaries and the guarantor subsidiaries’ investments in their respective subsidiaries are presented in accordance with the equity method of accounting (in thousands):

Recapitalization Transactions

Series A Preferred Offering

On June 27, 2019, funds and accounts affiliated with Axar Capital, a related party and as of the date of the transaction and December 31, 2019, the largest holder of the Partnership’sCompany’s outstanding common unitsshares of record, and certain other investors (individually a “Purchaser” and collectively the “Purchasers”) and the PartnershipCompany entered into the Series A Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement (the “Series A Purchase Agreement” and the transactions contemplated thereby, the “Preferred Offering”) pursuant to which the Partnership sold to the Purchasers an aggregate of 52,083,333 of the Partnership’s Series A Convertible Preferred Units (the “preferred units”“Preferred Units”) representing limited partner interests in the Partnership with certain rights, preferences and privileges as are set forth in the Partnership’s Third Amended and RestatedPartnership Agreement of Limited Partnership dated as of June 27, 2019 (the “Third Amended Partnership Agreement”). Theat a purchase price for the preferred units sold pursuant to the Series A Purchase Agreement wasof $1.1040 per preferred unit,Preferred Unit, reflecting an 8% discount to the liquidation preference of each preferred unit,Preferred Unit, for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million.million (the “Preferred Offering”).

Senior Secured Notes

Concurrently with the closing of the Preferred Offering, discussed above, the PartnershipCompany completed a private placement of $385.0 million of 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024 (the “Senior Secured Notes”) of the Partnership to certain financial institutions (the “Notes Offering,” and collectively(collectively with the Preferred Offering, the “Recapitalization Transactions”) pursuant to the terms of an indenture dated June 27, 2019 by and among the Partnership, Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. (“Cornerstone” and, collectively with the Partnership, the “Issuers”), certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Partnership (the “Guarantors”), the initial purchasers party thereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the “Indenture”). The net proceeds of the Recapitalization Transactions were used to fully repay the then-outstanding senior notes due in June 2021, retire the Partnership’sCompany’s revolving credit facility due in May 2020 and pay the associated transaction expenses, with the remaining balance reserved for general corporate purposes. The Partnership isCompany has the right and expects to pay quarterly interest at either a fixed rate of 9.875% per annum in cash or, at their periodic option through January 30, 2022, a fixed rate of 7.50% per annum in cash plus a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum payable in kind.kind through January 30, 2022. The Senior Secured Notes will require cash interest payments at 9.875% for all interest periods after January 30, 2022.

ProposedC-Corporation Conversion

On September 27, 2018, StoneMor GP LLC (the “general partner”) and the Partnership publicly announced a plan to convert from a master limited partnership structure to a more traditionalC-Corporation structure. Accordingly, the general partner and the Partnership entered into a Merger and Reorganization Agreement (as amended to date, the “Merger Agreement”) with StoneMor GP Holdings and Hans Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the general partner, providing for a series of transactions and resulting in (i) the general partner converting into a Delaware corporation to be named “StoneMor Inc.” and (ii) Hans Merger Sub merging with and into the Partnership (the “Merger”) with the

Partnership surviving and with StoneMor Inc. as its sole general partner, in each case, pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement (collectively, the“C-Corporation Conversion”). At the consummation of the Merger, which is anticipated to be no later than the end of the fourth quarter of 2019, the general partner will complete its transition to a new publicly traded Delaware corporation, StoneMor Inc.

Going Concern and Uses and Sources of Liquidity

The Partnership’sCompany’s primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations, and the remaining balance of the proceeds from the sale of the Senior Secured Notes. As a master limited partnership (“MLP”), the Partnership’sNotes and proceeds from asset sales. The Company’s primary cash requirements, in addition to normal operating expenses, are for capital expenditures, net contributions to the merchandise and perpetual care trust funds and debt service and cash distributions.service. In general, as part of its operating strategy, the PartnershipCompany expects to fund:

 

working capital deficits through available cash, including the remaining balance of the proceeds from the sale of the Senior Secured Notes, cash generated from operations and divestitures ofnon-core assets;proceeds from asset sales;

 

expansion capital expenditures, net contributions to the merchandise and perpetual care trust funds and debt service obligations through available cash, cash generated from operations or proceeds from asset sales. Amounts contributed to the merchandise trust funds will be withdrawn at the time of the delivery of the product or service sold to which the contribution relatesrelated (see “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” section below regarding revenue recognition), which will reduce the amount of additional borrowings or asset sales needed; and

 

any cash distributions the Partnership is permitted and determines to pay in accordance with its partnership agreement and maintenance capital expenditures through available cash and cash flows from operating activities.

While the PartnershipCompany relies heavily on its available cash and cash flows from operating activities to execute its operational strategy and meet its financial commitments and other short-term financial needs, the PartnershipCompany cannot be certain that sufficient capital will be generated through operations or be available to the PartnershipCompany to the extent required and on acceptable terms. The PartnershipCompany has experienced negative financial trends, including use of cash in operating activities, which, when considered in the aggregate, could raise substantial doubt about the Partnership’sCompany’s ability to continue as a going concern. These negative financial trends include:

 

the PartnershipCompany has continued to incur net losses for the nine monthsyear ended September 30,December 31, 2019 and has an accumulated deficit and negative cash flowsflow from operating activities as of September 30,December 31, 2019, due to an increased competitive environment, increased expenses due to the proposedconsummatedC-Corporation Conversion and increases in professional fees and compliance costs; and

 

a decline in billings coupled with the increase in professional, compliance and consulting expenses that tightened the Partnership’sCompany’s liquidity position and increased reliance on long-term financial obligations, which, in turn, eliminated the Partnership’s ability to pay distributions.obligations.

During 2018 and 2019, the PartnershipCompany implemented (and will continue to implement) various actions to improve profitability and cash flows to fund operations. A summary of these actions is as follows:

 

sold an aggregate of 52,083,333 of the Partnership’s preferred units, representing limited partner interests in the Partnership,Preferred Units for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million and completed a private placement of $385.0 million of the Senior Secured Notes. The net proceeds of both transactions were used to fully repay the then-outstanding senior notes due in June 2021 and retire the Partnership’sCompany’s revolving credit facility due in May 2020;

 

continue to manage recurring operating expenses and seek to limitnon-recurring operating expenses over the next twelve-month period;expenses; and

 

identify and complete sales of select assets to provide supplemental liquidity.

Based on the Partnership’s forecasted operating performance, planned actions to improve profitability, cash flows and projected plans to file financial statements on a timely basis consistent with the debt covenants, the Partnership does not believe it is probable that the Partnership will breach the covenants under the Indenture for the next twelve-month period. However,In addition, there is no certainty that the Partnership’sCompany’s actual operating performance and cash flows will not be substantially different from forecasted results and no certainty the PartnershipCompany will not need amendments to the Indenture in the future and such amendments will be granted. Factors that could impact the significant assumptions used by the PartnershipCompany in assessing its ability to satisfy its financial covenants include the following:

 

operating performance not meeting reasonably expected forecasts;

 

failing to generate profitable sales;

 

failing to achieve cost reduction targets;

inability to achieve and capitalize on its divestiture strategy;

investments in the Partnership’sCompany’s trust funds experiencing significant declines due to factors outside its control;

inabilitybeing unable to compete successfully with other cemeteries and funeral homes in the Partnership’sCompany’s markets;

 

the number of deaths in the Partnership’sCompany’s markets declining; and

 

the mix of funeral and cemetery revenues between burials and cremations.

If the Partnership’sCompany’s planned, implemented and not yet implemented actions are not completed or implemented and cash savings are not realized, or the PartnershipCompany fails to improve its operating performance and cash flows or the PartnershipCompany is not able to comply with the covenants under the Indenture, the PartnershipCompany may be forced to limit its business activities, limit its ability to implement further modifications to its operations or limit the effectiveness of some actions that are included in its forecasts, amend its Indenture and/or seek other sources of capital, and the PartnershipCompany may be unable to continue as a going concern. Additionally, a failure to generate additional liquidity could negatively impact the Partnership’sCompany’s access to inventory or services that are important to the operation of the Partnership’sCompany’s business. Given the Partnership’s level of cash and cash equivalents, to preserve capital resources and liquidity, the Board of Directors of the General Partner concluded that it was not in the best interest of unitholders to pay distributions to unitholders after the first quarter of 2017. In addition, the Indenture effectively prohibits the Partnership from making distributions to unitholders. Any of these events may have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’sCompany’s results of operations and financial condition. The ability of the PartnershipCompany to continue as a going concern is dependent upon achieving the action plans noted above. The unaudited condensed

Based on the Company’s forecasted operating performance, planned actions to improve the Company’s profitability and cash flows, the execution of the Supplemental Indenture and the Axar Commitment and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including receipt of not less than $17.0 million in proceeds from the contemplated rights offering, together with plans to file its financial statements on a timely basis consistent with the debt covenants and commitment to filing its periodic reports on a timely basis consistent with the debt covenants, the Company does not believe it is probable that it will breach the covenants under the Indenture or be unable to continue as a going concern for the next twelve-month period. As such, the consolidated financial statements for the threeyears ended December 31, 2019 and nine months ended September 30, 20192018 were prepared on the basis of a going concern, which contemplates that the PartnershipCompany will be able to realize assets and discharge liabilities in the normal course of business. Accordingly, they do not give effect to adjustments, if any, that would be necessary should the PartnershipCompany be required to liquidate its assets.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Refer to Note 1 to the Partnership’s audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of its Amended Annual Report for the complete summary of significant accounting policies.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Partnership’s unaudited condensedCompany’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions as described in its Amendedthis Annual Report. These estimates and assumptions may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. As a result, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The PartnershipCompany considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less from the time they are acquired to be cash equivalents. Cash and Cash Equivalents was $43.5$34.9 million and $18.1 million as of September 30,December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

Restricted Cash

Cash that is restricted from withdrawal or use under the terms of certain contractual agreementagreements is recorded as restricted cash. Restricted cash was $20.6$21.9 million as of September 30,December 31, 2019, primarily related to cash collateralization of the Partnership’sCompany’s letters of credit and surety bonds.bonds and the $5.0 million refundable deposit the Company received in October 2019, in connection with thenon-binding letter of intent it signed for the sale of one of its properties. There was no restricted cash as of December 31, 2018.

Revenues

The Partnership’sCompany’s revenues are derived from contracts with customers through sale and delivery of death care products and services. Primary sources of revenue are derived from (1) cemetery and funeral home operations generated both at the time of death(“at-need”)at-need and prior to the time of death(“pre-need”),pre-need, which are classified on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations as Interments, Merchandise and Services, (2) investment income, which includes income earned on assets maintained in perpetual care and merchandise trusts related topre-need sales of cemetery and funeral home merchandise and services occurring prior to the time of death that are required to be maintained in the trust by state law and (3) interest earned onpre-need installment contracts. Investment income is presented within Investment and other for Cemetery revenue and Services for Funeral home revenue. Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer and is net of any sales incentives and amounts collected on behalf of third parties.Pre-need contracts are price guaranteed, providing for future merchandise and services at prices prevailing when the agreements are signed.

Investment income is earned on certain payments received from customers onpre-need contracts, which are required by law to be deposited into the merchandise and service trusts. Amounts are withdrawn from the merchandise trusts when the Company fulfills the performance obligations. Earnings on these trust funds, which are specifically identifiable for each performance obligation, are also included in total transaction price.Pre-need contracts are generally subject to financing arrangements on an installment basis, with a contractual term not to exceed 60 months. Interest income is recognized utilizing the effective interest method. For those contracts that do not bear a market rate of interest, the Company imputes such interest based upon the prime rate at the time of origination plus 375 basis points in order to segregate the principal and interest component of the total contract value. The PartnershipCompany has elected to not adjust the transaction price for the effects of a significant financing component for contracts that have payment terms under one year.

At the time of anon-cancellablepre-need sale, the Company records an account receivable in an amount equal to the total contract value less unearned finance income and any cash deposit paid. The revenue from both the sales and interest income from trusted funds are deferred until the merchandise is delivered or the services are performed. For a sale in a cancellable state, an account receivable is only recorded to the extent control has transferred to the customer for interment rights, merchandise or services for which the Company has not collected cash. The amounts collected from customers in states in whichpre-need contracts are cancellable may be subject to refund provisions. The Company estimates the fair value of its refund obligation under such contracts on a quarterly basis and records such obligations within other long-term liabilities line item on its consolidated balance sheets.

In accordance with ASC 606, the Company recognizes revenue in the amount to which the Company expect to be entitled to when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a customer. The Company only recognizes amounts due from a customer for unfulfilled performance obligations on a cancellablepre-need contract to the extent that control has transferred to the customer for interments, merchandise or services for which the Company has not collected cash. The Company defers the recognition of any nonrefundableup-front fees and incremental direct selling costs associated with its sales contracts with a customer (i.e., commissions and bonuses) until the underlying goods or services have been delivered to the customer if the amortization period associated with the deferred nonrefundableup-front fees and incremental direct selling is greater than a year; otherwise, these nonrefundableup-front fees and incremental direct selling costs are expensed immediately. Incremental direct selling costs are recognized by specific identification. The Company calculates the deferred selling costs asset by dividing total deferred selling and obtaining expenses by total deferrable revenues and multiplying such percentage by the periodic change in gross deferred revenues. Such costs are recognized when the associated performance obligation is fulfilled based upon the net change in deferred revenues. All other selling costs are expensed as incurred

In addition, the Company maintains a reserve representing the fair value of the refund obligation that may arise due to state law provisions that include a guarantee of customer funds collected on unfulfilled performance

obligations and maintained in trust to the extent that the funds are refundable upon a customer’s exercise of any cancellation rights.

Sales taxes assessed by a governmental authorityauthorities are excluded from revenue. Any shipping and handling costs that are incurred after control over a product has transferred to a customer are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are included in cost of goods sold.

Nature of Goods and Services

The following is a description of the principal activities within the Company’s two reportable segments from which the Company generates its revenue.

Cemetery Operations

The Company generates revenues in its Cemetery Operations segment principally from (1) providing rights to inter remains in a specific cemetery property inventory space such as burial lots and constructed mausoleum crypts (“Interments”), (2) sales of cemetery merchandise which includes markers (i.e., method of identifying a deceased person in a burial space, crypt or niche), base (i.e., the substrate upon which a marker is placed), vault (i.e., a container installed in the burial lot in which the casket is placed), caskets, cremation niches and other cemetery related items and (3) service revenues, including opening and closing, a service of digging and refilling burial spaces to install the burial vault and place the casket into the vault, cremation services and fees for installation of cemetery merchandise. Products and services may be sold separately or in packages. For packages, the Company accounts for individual products and services separately as they are distinct (i.e., the product or service is separately identifiable from other items in the package and the customer can benefit from it on its own or with other resources that are readily available to the customer). The consideration (including any discounts) is allocated among separate products and services in a package based on their relative stand-alone selling prices. The stand-alone selling price is determined by management based upon local market conditions and reasonable ranges for both merchandise and services which is the best estimate of the stand-alone price. For items that are not sold separately (e.g., second interment rights), the Company estimates stand-alone selling prices using the best estimate of market value, using inputs such as average selling price and list price broken down by each geographic location. Additionally, the Company considers typical sales promotions that could have impacted the stand-alone selling price estimates.

Interments revenue is recognized when control transfers, which is when the property is available for use by the customer. Forpre-construction mausoleum contracts, the Company will only recognize revenue once the property is constructed and the customer has obtained substantially all of the remaining benefits of the property.

Merchandise revenue and deferred investment earnings on merchandise trusts are recognized when a customer obtains control of the product. This usually occurs when the customer takes possession of the product (title has transferred to the customer and the merchandise is either installed or stored, at the direction of the customer, at the vendor’s warehouse or a third-party warehouse at no additional cost to the Company). The amount of revenue recognized is adjusted for expected refunds, which are estimated based on applicable law, general business practices and historical experience observed specific to the respective performance obligation. The estimate of the refund obligation is reevaluated on a quarterly basis. In addition, the Company is entitled to retain, in certain jurisdictions, a portion of collected customer payments when a customer cancels apre-need contract; these amounts are also recognized in revenue at the time the contract is cancelled.

Service revenue is recognized when the services are performed and the performance obligation is thereby satisfied.

The cost of goods sold related to merchandise and services reflects the actual cost of purchasing products and performing services and the value of cemetery property depleted through the recognized sales of interment rights.

The costs related to the sales of lots and crypts are determined systematically using a specific identification method under which the total value of the underlying cemetery property and the lots available to be sold at the location are used to determine the cost per lot.

Funeral Home Operations

The Company generates revenues in its Funeral Home Operations segment principally generates revenue from (1) sales of funeral home merchandise which includes caskets and other funeral related items and (2) service revenues, including services such as family consultation, the removal of and preparation of remains and the use of funeral home facilities for visitation and services of remembrance. The Funeral Home Operations segment also include revenues related to the sale of term and whole life insurance on an agency basis, in which the Company earns a commission from the sales of these policies. Insurance commission revenue is reported within service revenues. Products and services may be sold separately or in packages. For packages, the Company accounts for individual products and services separately as they are distinct (i.e., the product or service is separately identifiable from other items in the package and the customer can benefit from it on its own or with other resources that are readily available to the customer). The consideration (including any discounts) is allocated among separate products and services based on their relative stand-alone selling prices. The relative stand-alone selling price is determined by management’s best estimate of the stand-alone price based upon the list price at each location. The revenue generated by the Company through its Funeral Home Operations segment is principally derived fromat-need sales.

Merchandise revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of the product. This usually occurs when the customer takes possession of the product (title has transferred to the customer and the merchandise is either installed or stored, at the direction of the customer, at the vendor’s warehouse or a third-party warehouse). The amount of revenue recognized is adjusted for expected refunds, which are estimated based on applicable law, general business practices and historical experience observed specific to the respective performance obligations. The estimate of the refund obligation is reevaluated on a quarterly basis.

Service revenue is recognized when the services are performed and the performance obligation is thereby satisfied.

Costs related to the delivery or performance of merchandise and services are charged to expense when merchandise is delivered or services are performed.

Deferred Revenues

Revenues from the sale of services and merchandise as well as any investment income from the merchandise trusts is deferred until such time that the services are performed or the merchandise is delivered. In addition, for amounts deferred on new contracts and investment income and unrealized gains on ourthe Company’s merchandise trusts, deferred revenues include deferred revenues frompre-need sales that were entered into by entities prior to the Partnership’sCompany’s acquisition of those entities or the assets of those entities. The PartnershipCompany provides for a profit margin for these deferred revenues to account for the projected future costs of delivering products and providing services onpre-need contracts that the PartnershipCompany acquired through acquisition. These revenues and their associated costs are recognized when the related merchandise is delivered or services are performed and are presented on a gross basis on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance

The PartnershipCompany sellspre-need cemetery contracts whereby the customer enters into arrangements for futurepre-need merchandise and services prior to the time of need.services. These sales are usually made using interest-bearing installment contracts not to exceed 60 months. The interest income is recorded as revenue when the interest amount is considered realizable and collectible, which typically coincides with cash payment. Interest income is not recognized until

payments are collected in accordance with the contract. At the time of apre-need sale, the PartnershipCompany records an account receivable in an amount equal to the total contract value less unearned finance income, unfulfilled performance obligations on cancellable contracts, and any cash deposit paid, net of an estimated allowance for customer cancellations.paid. The PartnershipCompany recognizes an allowance for doubtful accounts by applying a cancellation of these receivables based upon its historical experience,rate to amounts included in accounts receivable, which is recorded as a reduction in accounts receivable and a corresponding offset to deferred revenues. The Partnership

recognizes an allowance for cancellation of receivables related to recognized contracts as an offset to revenue.rate is based on a five year average rate by each specific location. Management evaluates customer receivables for impairment based upon its historical experience, including the age of the receivables and the customers’ payment historieshistories.

Cemetery Property

Cemetery property consists of developed and undeveloped cemetery land, constructed mausoleum crypts and lawn crypts and other cemetery property. Cemetery property is stated at cost or, upon acquisition of a business, at the fair value of the assets acquired.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost or, upon acquisition of a business, at the fair value of the assets acquired and depreciated on a straight-line basis. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, whereas additions and major replacements are capitalized and depreciation is recorded over their estimated useful lives. Major classifications of property and equipment and their respective useful lives are as follows:

Buildings and improvements

10 to 40 years

Software and computer hardware

3 years

Furniture and equipment

3 to 10 years

Leasehold improvements

over the shorter of the term of the lease or the life  of the asset

Assets Held for Sale

For a long-lived asset or disposal group to be classified as held for sale all of the following criteria must be met

Management, having authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the long-lived asset or disposal group;

The long-lived asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition, subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such long-lived assets (disposal groups);

An active program to locate a buyer(s) and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the long-lived asset (disposal group) have been initiated;

The sale of the long-lived asset (disposal group) is probable and transfer of the long-lived asset (disposal group) is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year;

The long-lived asset (disposal group) is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and

Actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.

The determination to classify a site (or group of sites) as an asset held for sale requires significant estimates by the Company about the site and the level of market activity in which the site is based. Such estimates are based on factors that include recent sales of comparable sites, the extent of buyers’ interest in the site and the site’s condition. Based on these factors, the Company assesses the probability of divesting of the site under current market conditions at an acceptable price within one year. After the Company identifies a site to be held for sale, the Company discontinues depreciating the long-lived assets associated with the site and estimates the assets’ fair

value, net of selling costs. If the carrying value of the assets to be classified as held for sale exceeds the Company’s estimated net fair value, the Company writes the assets down to the estimated net fair value. Assets and liabilities associated with the site to be classified as held for sale are presented separately in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets beginning with the period in which the Company decided to classify the site as held for sale. For further details of the Company’s assets held for sale, seeNote 22 Assets Held For Saleof this Annual Report.

Merchandise Trusts

Pursuant to state law, a portion of the proceeds frompre-need sales of merchandise and services is put into trust (the “merchandise trust”) until such time that the Company meets the requirements for releasing trust principal, which is generally delivery of merchandise or performance of services. All investment earnings generated by the assets in the merchandise trusts (including realized gains and losses) are deferred until the associated merchandise is delivered or the services are performed. For further details of the Company’s merchandise trusts, seeNote 7 Merchandise Trustsof this Annual Report.

Perpetual Care Trusts

Pursuant to state law, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of cemetery property is required to be paid into perpetual care trusts. The perpetual care trust principal does not belong to the Company and must remain in this trust in perpetuity, while interest and dividends may be released and used to defray cemetery maintenance costs, which are expensed as incurred. The Company consolidates the trust into its financial statements because the trust is considered a variable interest entity for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Earnings from the perpetual care trusts are recognized in current cemetery revenues. For further details of the Company’s perpetual care trusts, seeNote 8 Perpetual Care Trustsof this Annual Report.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company measures theavailable-for-sale securities held by its merchandise and perpetual care trusts at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company utilizes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of the asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1—inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;

Level 2—inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; and

Level 3—inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

The categorization of the asset or liability within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Reclassifications of fair value between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, if applicable, are made at the end of each quarter. For additional disclosures on the Company’savailable-for-sale securities, refer toNote 7 Merchandise Trusts andNote 8 Perpetual Care Trusts.

Inventories

Inventories are classified within Other current assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and include cemetery and funeral home merchandise valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined

primarily on a specific identification basis using afirst-in,first-out method. Inventories were approximately $5.9 million and $7.5 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Refer toNote 3 Impairment and Other Losses for further information regarding impairment of inventories.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company monitors the recoverability of long-lived assets, including cemetery property, property and equipment and other assets, based on estimates using factors such as current market value, future asset utilization, business and regulatory climate and future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the related assets, at a location level. The Company’s policy is to perform step 1 of the long-lived asset impairment test prescribed by ASC 360,Property, Plant and Equipment (the “ASC 360 Asset Impairment Test”) every reporting period for all of its cemetery property and funeral home locations; for any location that has an operating loss for the current reporting period, a trend of operating losses over the current fiscal year and/or a trend of operating losses over the previous five fiscal years, the Company then performs step 2 of the ASC 360 Asset Impairment Test. If step 2 indicates the carrying value of any of the Company’s locations is not recoverable, as a result of the sum of expected future undiscounted cash flows for the location being less than the carrying value of the location, the Company records an impairment charge to write-down the location to its fair value.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Trust Assets

The Company determines whether or not the impairment of a fixed maturity debt security is other-than-temporary by evaluating each of the following:

Whether it is the Company’s intent to sell the security. If there is intent to sell, the impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary.

If there is no intent to sell, the Company evaluates if it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell an impaired investment before its anticipated recovery, the impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary.

The Company further evaluates whether or not all assets in the trusts have other-than-temporary impairments based upon a number of criteria including the severity of the impairment, length of time a security has been in a loss position, changes in market conditions and concerns related to the specific issuer.

If an impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the security is adjusted downward to its fair value.

For assets held in the perpetual care trusts, any reduction in the cost basis due to an other-than-temporary impairment is offset with an equal and opposite reduction in the perpetual care trust corpus and has no impact on earnings.

For assets held in the merchandise trusts, any reduction in the cost basis due to an other-than-temporary impairment is recorded in deferred revenue.

Goodwill

The Company tested goodwill for impairment at least annually or if impairment indicators arose by comparing its reporting units’ estimated fair values to carrying values. Because quoted market prices for the reporting units were not available, the Company’s management had to apply judgment in determining the estimated fair value of its reporting units.

Management used all available information to make these fair value determinations, including the present values of expected future cash flows using discount rates commensurate with the risks involved in the Company’s assets and the available market data of the industry group. A key component of these fair value determinations was a reconciliation of the sum of the fair value calculations to the Company’s market capitalization. The observed market prices of individual trades of an entity’s equity securities (and thus its computed market capitalization) may not be representative of the fair value of the entity as a whole.

Due to a decline in the market value of the Company’s unit values and the Company’s significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results noted during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, management conducted an interim goodwill impairment assessment as of September 30, 2019. As a result of such assessment, management concluded on November 4, 2019 that the carrying value of the only reporting unit to which the Company allocated its goodwill, Cemetery Operations, exceeded its fair value, and the Company’s goodwill was fully impaired as of September 30, 2019. For further details on the Company’s impairment of its goodwill, seeNote 3 Impairment and Other Losses andNote 9 Goodwill and Intangible Assetsof this Annual Report.

Intangible Assets

The Company has other acquired intangible assets, most of which have been recognized as a result of acquisitions and long-term lease, management and operating agreements. The Company amortizes these intangible assets over their estimated useful lives and periodically tests them for impairment.

Taxes

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income taxes, and a provision for U.S. federal income tax has been provided in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. The Company is also responsible for certain state income and franchise taxes in the states in which it operates.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and tax carryforwards, if applicable. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

For further details, seeNote 12 Income Taxesof this Annual Report.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has a long-term incentive plan under which it is authorized to grant stock-based compensation awards, such as restricted stock or restricted units to be settled in common stock andnon-qualified stock options (“stock options”). The Company recognizes compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the stock-based awards on the date of grant over the requisite service period. The fair value of restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards is determined based on the number of restricted stock or restricted stock units granted and the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options is determined by applying the Black-Scholes model to the grant-date market value of the underlying common stock of the Company. The Company has elected to recognize forfeiture credits for these stock-based compensation awards as they are incurred, as this method best reflects actual stock-based compensation expense.

Tax deductions on the stock-based compensation awards are not realized until the stock-based compensation awards are vested or exercised. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets for stock-based compensation awards that will result in future deductions on its income tax returns, based on the amount of stock-based compensation recognized at the statutory tax rate in the jurisdiction in which the Company will receive a tax deduction. If the tax deduction for a stock-based compensation award is greater than the cumulative GAAP compensation expense for that stock-based compensation award upon realization of a tax deduction, an excess tax benefit will be recognized and recorded as a favorable impact on the effective tax rate. If the tax deduction for a stock-based compensation award is less than the cumulative GAAP compensation expense for that stock-based compensation award upon realization of the tax deduction, a tax shortfall will be recognized and recorded as an unfavorable impact on the effective tax rate. Any excess tax benefits or shortfalls will be recorded discretely in the period in which they occur. The cash flows resulting from any excess tax benefit will be classified as financing cash flows in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

The Company provides its employees with the election to settle the income tax obligations arising from the vesting of their restricted stock-based compensation awards by the Company withholding stock equal to such income tax obligations. Stock acquired from employees in connection with the settlement of the employees’ income tax obligations on these stock-based compensation awards are accounted for as treasury shares that are subsequently retired. Restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock options are not considered issued and outstanding for purposes of earnings per share calculations until vested.

For further details on the Company’s stock-based compensation plans, seeNote 14 Long-Term Incentive Planof this Annual Report.

Leases

The PartnershipCompany leases a variety of assets throughout its organization, such as office space, funeral homes, warehouses and equipment. The PartnershipCompany has both operating and finance leases. The Partnership’sCompany’s operating leases primarily include office space, funeral homes and equipment. The Partnership’sCompany’s finance leases primarily consist of vehicles and certain IT equipment. The PartnershipCompany determines whether an arrangement is or contains a lease at the inception of the arrangement based on the facts and circumstances in each contract. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and the PartnershipCompany recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For lease agreements with an initial term in excess of 12 months, the PartnershipCompany records the lease liability and Right of Use (“ROU”) asset at commencement date based upon the present value of the sum of the remaining minimum rental payments, which exclude executory costs. Certain adjustments to the ROU asset may be required for items such as initial direct costs paid or incentives received.

Certain leases provide the PartnershipCompany with the option to renew for additional periods, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term for periods ranging from 1 to 30 years. Where leases contain escalation clauses, rent abatements and/or concessions, the PartnershipCompany applies them in the determination of lease expense. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Partnership’sCompany’s sole discretion, and the Partnership isCompany only includingincludes the renewal option in the lease term when the PartnershipCompany can be reasonably certain that the Partnershipit will exercise the additional options.

As most of the Partnership’sCompany’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the PartnershipCompany uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The PartnershipCompany evaluates the term of the lease, type of asset and its weighted average cost of capital to determine its incremental borrowing rate used to measure the ROU asset and lease liability.

The PartnershipCompany calculates operating lease expense ratably over the lease term plus any reasonably assured renewal periods. The PartnershipCompany considers reasonably assured renewal options, fixed escalation provisions and residual value guarantees in its calculation. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or asset life, which may include renewal periods where the renewal is reasonably assured, and are included in the

determination of straight-line rent expense. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are generally limited by the expected lease term.

The Partnership’sCompany’s leases also typically have lease andnon-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately and not included in the measurement of the ROU asset and lease liability.

Net Loss per Common UnitShare (Basic and Diluted)

Basic net loss attributable toper common limited partners per unitshare is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common limited partners, which is determined after the deduction of the general partner’s interest,stockholders by the weighted average number of common limited partner unitsshares outstanding during the period. Net loss attributable to common limited partners is determined by deducting net loss attributable to participating securities, if applicable, and net loss attributable to the general partner’s units. The general partner’s interest in net loss is calculated on a quarterly basis based upon its units and incentive distributions to be distributed for the quarter, with a priority allocation of net income to the general partner’s incentive distributions, if any, in accordance with the partnership agreement and the remaining net loss allocated with respect to the general partner’s and limited partners’ ownership interests.

The Partnership presentsDiluted net loss per unit under thetwo-class method for MLP, which considers whether the incentive distributions of an MLP represent a participating security when considered in the calculation of earnings per unit under thetwo-class method. Thetwo-class method considers whether the partnership agreement contains any contractual limitations concerning distributions to the incentive distribution rights that would impact the amount of earnings to allocate to the incentive distribution rights for each reporting period. If distributions are contractually limited to the incentive distribution rights’common share of currently designated available cash for distributions, as defined under the partnership agreement, undistributed earnings in excess of available cash should not be allocated to the incentive distribution rights. Under thetwo-class method, management believes the partnership agreement contractually limits cash distributions to available cash; therefore, undistributed earnings in excess of available cash are not allocated to the incentive distribution rights.

The following is a reconciliation of net loss allocated to the common limited partners for purposes of calculating net loss attributable to common limited partners per unit (in thousands):

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2019  2018  2019  2018 

Net loss

  $(42,652 $(17,225 $(99,584 $(52,165

Less: Incentive distribution right (“IDR”) payments to general partner

   —     —     —     —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net loss to allocate to general and limited partners

   (42,652  (17,225  (99,584  (52,165

General partner’s interest excluding IDRs

   (426  (179  (1,018  (543
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to common limited partners

  $(42,226 $(17,046 $(98,566 $(51,622
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Diluted net loss attributable to common limited partners per unit is calculated by dividing net loss attributable to common limited partners, less income allocable to participating securities,shares by the sum of the weighted averageweighted-average number of outstanding common limited partner units outstandingshares and the dilutive effect of unitshare-based awards, as calculated by the treasury stock or if converted methods, as applicable. These awards consist of common unitsshares that are contingently issuable upon the satisfaction of certain vesting conditions and common units issuable upon the exercise of certain unit appreciation rightsfor stock awards granted under the terms of the Partnership’s long-term incentive plans.2019 Plan.

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the Partnership’s weighted averageCompany’s weighted-average number of outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2019 and common limited partner units as of December 31, 2018 used to compute basic net loss attributable to common shares and common limited partners per unit, respectively, with those used to compute diluted net loss attributable toper common share and per common limited partners per unit, respectively, (in thousands):

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
       2019           2018           2019           2018     

Weighted average number of common limited partner units—basic

   38,916    37,959    38,438    37,959 

Effect of dilutive incentive awards(1)

   —      —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common limited partner units—diluted

   38,916    37,959    38,438    37,959 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Year Ended December 31, 
       2019           2018     

Weighted average number of outstanding common shares—basic(1)

   39,614    37,959 

Plus effect of dilutive incentive awards(2)

    

Restricted shares

   —      —   

Stock options

   63    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of outstanding common shares—diluted(1)

   39,677    37,959 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

For the threeperiod following theC-Corporation Conversion, represents common shares, and nine monthsfor the period prior to theC-Corporation Conversion, represents limited common partner units.

(2)

For the years ended September 30,December 31, 2019 and 2018, the diluted weighted averageweighted-average number of outstanding common shares and limited partner units outstanding presented, respectively, on the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations does not include 563,183515,625 restricted common shares and 1,333,572 common limited partners units, respectively, as their effects would behave been anti-dilutive. In addition, all outstanding Preferred Units are exempt for purposes of calculating the diluted weighted average number of common limited partner units, as their conversion is not based on meeting a contingency derived from the Partnership’s unit price. The Preferred Units are convertible upon the completion of the Rights Offering (defined herein), which occurred early in the fourth quarter of 2019. For further detail on the Rights Offering, see Note 17 Subsequent Events. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the diluted weighted average

Advertising Costs

number of limited partner units outstanding presented on the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations does not include 560,839 units, as their effects would be anti-dilutive.
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, advertising costs were $9.2 million and $6.9 million, respectively.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Leases

The PartnershipCompany adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”)No. 2016-02,Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU2016-02”), and subsequently-issued related ASUs, using the modified retrospective approach, as of January 1, 2019. The core principle of ASU2016-02 is that all leases create an asset and a liability for lessees and recognition of those lease assets and lease liabilities represents an improvement over previous GAAP, which did not require lease assets and lease liabilities to be recognized for most leases or disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. In addition, the new standard offers specific accounting guidance for a lessee, a lessorlessees and

lessors, including for sale and leaseback transactions. Lessees and lessors are required to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements to enable a user of the financial statements to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases.

ASU2016-02 provides for certain practical expedients when adopting the guidance. The PartnershipCompany elected the package of practical expedients allowing the PartnershipCompany to not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, the lease classification for any expired or existing leases or initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases. The PartnershipCompany did not apply the hindsight practical expedient. The PartnershipCompany applied the land easements practical expedient allowing the PartnershipCompany to not assess whether any expired or existing land easements are or contain leases, if they were not previously accounted for as leases under the existing leasing guidance. Instead, the PartnershipCompany will continue to apply its existing accounting policies to historical land easements. The PartnershipCompany elected to apply the short-term lease exception; therefore, the Partnershipit did not record a ROU asset or corresponding lease liability for leases with a term of twelve12 months or less and instead recognized a single lease cost allocated over the lease term, generally on a straight-line basis. The PartnershipCompany is separating lease components fromnon-lease components, as it did not elect the applicable practical expedient. The Partnership hasCompany excluded maintenance, taxes and insurance costs from the calculation of the initial lease liability in the transition.transition period.Non-lease components are accounted for separately from the lease, recorded as maintenance expense, taxes andor insurance expense and expensed as incurred.

The PartnershipCompany adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2019 and as a result of the adoption, the Partnership recorded:Company recorded in its consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2019 the following adjustments as of January 1, 2019:

 

a $1.1 million reclassification from Intangible assets to Other assets for below market lease intangibles;

 

a $0.1 million and $0.2 million reclassification from Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, to Other assets for a deferred gain on a sale leaseback transaction;

 

a $0.3 million and $3.5 million reclassification from Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, to Other assets for a rent incentive;

 

a $15.3 million increase to Other assets for operating leaseright-of-use assets; and

 

a $2.2 million and $13.1 million increase to Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, for operating lease liabilities.

The foregoing adjustments resulted in the creation of a net ROU asset of $12.3 million and operating lease liability of $15.3 million as of the adoption date.

In connection with the adoption of these new lease standards, the PartnershipCompany implemented internal controls to ensure that its contracts are properly evaluated to determine applicability under ASU2016-02 and that the PartnershipCompany properly applies ASU2016-02 in accounting for and reporting on all its qualifying leases.

Stock Compensation

In June 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASUNo. 2018-07,Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, to simplify the accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees by aligning it with the accounting for share-based payments to employees. This amendment wasis effective for fiscal years and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The PartnershipCompany adopted this standard effective January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Partnership’s unaudited condensedCompany’s consolidated financial statements, as the Partnership hasCompany had only issued units to employees orand nonemployee directors and hashad previously recognized its nonemployee directors unit-based payments in line with its recognition of unit-based payments to employees, using the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued, amortized over the requisite service period.

Presentation

Variable Interest Entities

In October 2018, FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-17,Consolidation (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities(“ASU2018-17”). The core principle of ASU2018-17 is that indirect interests held through related parties in common control arrangements should be considered on a proportional basis for determining whether fees paid to decision makers and service providers are variable interests. ASU2018-17 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the requirements of this amendment upon its effective date of January 1, 2020 retrospectively. The adoption of this standard did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures upon adoption, because the Company did not, and currently does not, have any indirect interests through related parties under common control for which it receives decision-making fees.

Fair Value Measurement

In August 2018, FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-13,Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the SECDisclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement(“ASU2018-13”). This standard removed, modified and added disclosure requirements from ASC 820,Fair Value Measurements. ASU2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020, as this standard primarily addresses disclosure requirements for Level 3 fair value measurements. Currently, the Company does not have any fair value instruments that would be classified as Level 3 on the fair value hierarchy.

Internal-Use Software

In August 2018, FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-15,Intangibles—Goodwill andOther—Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract. The amendments in this standard aligned the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtaininternal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include aninternal-use software license). ASUNo. 2018-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the final rule under SEC Release No.33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, amending certain disclosure requirements that were redundant, duplicative, overlapping, outdated or superseded. In addition,of this amendment upon its effective date of January 1, 2020 prospectively. The Company will apply the amendments expanded the disclosure requirements on the analysis of partners’ deficit for interim financial statements. Under the amendments, an analysis of changes in each caption of shareholders’ equity presented in the balance sheet must be provided in a note or separate statement. The analysis should present a reconciliation of the beginning balancethis standard to the ending balance of each period for which a statement of comprehensive income is required to be filed. The final rule was effective on November 5, 2018; as such, the Partnership used thecosts it incurs implementing its new presentation of a condensed consolidated statement of Partners’ deficit within its interim financial statementsenterprise resource planning software in this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.2020.

Recently Issued Accounting Standard Updates—Not Yet Effective

Credit Losses

In June 2016, FASB issued ASUNo. 2016-13,Credit Losses (Topic 326) (“ASU2016-13”). The core principle of ASU2016-13 is that all assets measured at amortized cost basis should be presented at the net amount expected to be collected using historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts as a basis for credit loss estimates, instead of the probable initial recognition threshold used under current GAAP. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-19,Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses(“ASU2018-09”),which clarified that receivables arising from operating leases are not within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)326-20,Financial Instruments-Credit Losses-Measured at Amortized Cost, and should be accounted for in accordance with ASC 842.842,Leases. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2019-04,Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, FinancialInstruments (“ASU2019-04”), which includeincludes clarifications to the amendments issued in ASU2016-13. In May 2019, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2019-05,Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326),which provides entities that have certain instruments within the scope of ASC326-20 with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option in ASC 825,Financial Instruments, upon adoption of ASU2016-13. EachIn November 2019, FASB issued ASUNo. 2019-10,Financial

Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU2019-10”), which modifies the effective dates for ASU2016-13, ASU2017-12 and ASU2016-02 to reflect the FASB’s new policy of thesestaggering effective dates between larger public companies and all other companies. With the issuance of ASU2019-10, the Company’s effective date for adopting all amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption is permitted.related to the new credit loss standard has been extended to January 1, 2023. In November 2019, FASB also issued ASUNo. 2019-11,Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (“ASU2019-11”), which includes clarifications to and addresses specific stakeholders’ issues concerning the amendments issued in ASU2016-13. The PartnershipCompany plans to adopt the requirements of these amendments upon their effective date of January 1, 2023, using the modified-retrospective method and is evaluating the potential impact of the adoption on its financial position, results of operations and related disclosures.

Variable Interest EntitiesTaxes

In October 2018, theDecember 2019, FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-17,2019-12,ConsolidationIncome Taxes (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements340) (“ASU2019-12”), with the intent to Related Party Guidancesimplify the accounting for Variable Interest Entities(“income taxes. ASU2018-17”).2019-12 The core principleremoves certain exceptions for recognizing deferred taxes for investments, performing intraperiod allocation and calculating income taxes in interim periods. ASU2019-12 also adds guidance to reduce complexity in certain tax accounting areas, including recognizing deferred taxes for tax goodwill and allocating taxes to members of a consolidated group. ASU2018-17 is

that indirect interests held through related parties in common control arrangements should be considered on a proportional basis for determining whether fees paid to decision makers and service providers are variable interests. ASU2018-172019-12 is effective for fiscal yearsannual periods beginning after December 15, 2019.2021. The PartnershipCompany plans to adopt the requirements of these amendmentsthis amendment upon theirits effective date of January 1, 20202022 retrospectively and is evaluating the potential impact of the adoption on its financial position, results of operations and related disclosures.

Fair Value Measurement

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-13,Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement(“ASU2018-13”). This standard removed, modified and added disclosure requirements from ASC 820,Fair Value Measurements. The Partnership plans to adopt the requirements of this amendment upon its effective date of January 1, 2020 prospectively and does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements, as this standard primarily addresses disclosure requirements for Level 3 fair value measurements, and it has no Level 3 fair value instruments.

Internal-Use Software

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-15,Intangibles—Goodwill andOther—Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract. The amendments in this standard aligned the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtaininternal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include aninternal-use software license). The Partnership plans to adopt the requirements of this amendment upon its effective date of January 1, 2020 prospectively and does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

2.

ACQUISITIONS

The Company did not complete any acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2019. On January 19, 2018, the Company acquired six cemetery properties in Wisconsin and their related assets, net of certain assumed liabilities, for cash consideration of $2.5 million, of which $0.8 million was paid at closing. These properties had been managed by the Company since August 2016. The Company accounted for the purchase of these properties, which were not material individually or in the aggregate, under the acquisition method of accounting.

3.

IMPAIRMENT &AND OTHER LOSSES

Goodwill Impairment Assessment

Due to a decline in the market value of the Partnership’sCompany’s unit values and the Partnership’sCompany’s significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results noted during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, management conducted an interim goodwill impairment assessment as of September 30, 2019. As a result of such assessment, management concluded on November 4, 2019 that the carrying value of the only reporting unit to which the Company allocated its goodwill, Cemetery Operations, reporting unit exceeded its fair value, and the Partnership’sCompany’s goodwill was fully impaired as of September 30, 2019. The PartnershipCompany recognized a $24.9 million impairment charge included in Loss on impairment of goodwill in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations duringfor the threeyear ended December 31, 2019. Refer toNote 9 Goodwill and nine months ended September 30, 2019.Intangible Assets for further details on the Company’s goodwill.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Partnership recorded an impairmentDuring each reporting period for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company performed step 1 of the ASC 360 Asset Impairment Test and identified all cemetery property due to circumstances thatand funeral home locations with an operating loss for the current reporting period, a trend of operating losses over the current fiscal year and/or a trend of operating losses over the previous five fiscal years. Of those locations identified during step 1, the Company recorded impairments for those locations for which step 2 of the ASC 360 Asset Impairment Test indicated the assets’locations’ carrying valuevalues may not be recovered. The Partnershiprecoverable. As a result of performing step 1 and step 2 of the

ASC 360 Asset Impairment Test, the Company recorded a $1.5$2.8 million impairment charge for certain cemetery property locations, which is included in Other losses, net onin the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statementstatements of operations, during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as the sum of future undiscounted cash flows was less than the carrying valueeach of the assets.years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Termination of Management Agreement

The PartnershipCompany operates certain of its cemeteries under long-term leases, operating agreements and management agreements. On May 10, 2019, the PartnershipCompany terminated one of the management agreements and recorded a $2.1 million loss, which is included in Other losses, net onin the unaudited condensedaccompanying consolidated statement of operations for the nine monthsyear ended September 30,December 31, 2019.

Inventory

Merchandise is sold toboth at-need and pre-need customers. Merchandise allocated toservice pre-need contractual obligations is recorded at cost and managed and stored by the Company until the Company services the underlying customer contract.

Merchandise stored at certain locations may be exposed to changes in weather conditions. Primarily due to weather related deterioration over a number of years, the Company recorded inventory impairment charges of approximately $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This impairment loss related to damaged and excess inventory and is included in Cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2018 in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations as this merchandise was utilized to fulfill the Company’s contractual obligationsto at-need and pre-need customers.

Due to enhanced inventory control procedures implemented in late 2018, the Company determined that certain merchandise inventory allocatedto pre-need customers had been damaged due to weather related deterioration occurring over a number of years or had otherwise been deemed impractical for use by management as a result of past operating practices relating to inventory. During 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded estimated impairment losses of approximately $2.6 million and $8.9 million, respectively, related to this damaged and unusable merchandise. The impairment losses are included in Other losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. The losses recorded represent management’s best estimate, and were based on estimates and assumptions that have been deemed reasonable by management and included percentages of merchandise deemed unusable. Management’s assessment process relied on estimates and assumptions that are inherently uncertain, and unanticipated events or circumstances may occur that might cause the Company to change those estimates and assumptions.

Software

During 2017 and 2018, the Company initiated two software implementation projects to enhance its Lawson ERP System with a cash reconciliation module and lease accounting module, respectively. However, during the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company determined these two software implementation projects were not viable and terminated them. The Company recognized a $0.5 million impairment related to these two unviable software implementation projects.

3.4.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET OF ALLOWANCE

Long-term accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):

 

  September 30, 2019   December 31, 2018  December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 

Customer receivables

  $162,967   $167,017  $153,530  $167,017 

Unearned finance income

   (17,254   (17,000 (16,303 (17,000

Allowance for bad debt

   (6,105   (4,941

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 (5,884 (4,941
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance

   139,608    145,076  131,343  145,076 

Less: Current portion, net of allowance

   61,470    57,928  55,794  57,928 
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Long-term portion, net of allowance

  $78,138   $87,148  $75,549  $87,148 
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Activity in the allowance for bad debtdoubtful accounts was as follows (in thousands):

 

  September 30, 2019   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2019   December 31, 2018 

Balance, beginning of period

  $4,941   $19,795   $4,941   $19,795 

Cumulative effect of accounting changes

   —      (12,876   —      (12,876

Provision for bad debt

   5,380    7,358 

Provision for doubtful accounts

   7,559    7,358 

Charge-offs, net

   (4,216   (9,336   (6,616   (9,336
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance, end of period

  $6,105   $4,941   $5,884   $4,941 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Management evaluates customer receivables for impairment based upon its historical experience, including the age of the receivables and the customers’ payment histories.

 

4.5.

CEMETERY PROPERTY

Cemetery property consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):

 

  September 30, 2019   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2019   December 31, 2018 

Cemetery land

  $255,624   $255,708   $249,260   $255,708 

Mausoleum crypts and lawn crypts

   72,988    75,133    71,345    75,429 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Cemetery property(1)

  $328,612   $330,841   $320,605   $331,137 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

The Company recorded an impairment of cemetery property during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. For further details seeNote 3 Impairment and Other Lossesof this Annual Report.

 

(1)

The Partnership recorded an impairment of cemetery property during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. For further details see Note 2 Impairment & Other Losses.

5.6.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):

 

  September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018   December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 

Buildings and improvements

  $130,181  $129,971   $125,382  $129,971 

Furniture and equipment

   59,883  58,706    57,674  58,706 

Funeral home land

   14,185  14,185    14,185  14,185 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Property and equipment, gross

   204,249  202,862    197,241  202,862 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

   (95,257 (90,146   (93,841 (90,146
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

  $108,992  $112,716   $103,400  $112,716 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Depreciation expense was $2.3$9.4 million and $9.9 million for the three monthsyears ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 and $7.1 million and $7.5 million for the nine months ended September 30,December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

6.7.

MERCHANDISE TRUSTS

At September 30,December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 the Partnership’sCompany’s merchandise trusts consisted of investments in debt and equity marketable securities and cash equivalents, both directly and through mutual and investment funds. All of these investments are carried at fair value. All of these investments are subject to the fair value hierarchy and considered either Level 1 or Level 2 assets pursuant to the three-level hierarchy described inNote 1318 Fair Value of Financial Instruments.Instruments. There were no Level 3 assets.assets in the Company’s merchandise trusts. When the PartnershipCompany receives a payment from apre-need customer, the PartnershipCompany deposits the amount required by law into the merchandise trusts that may be subject to cancellation on demand by thepre-need customer. The Partnership’sCompany’s merchandise trusts related to states in whichpre-need customers may cancel contracts with the PartnershipCompany comprises 53.6% of the total merchandise trust as of September 30,December 31, 2019. The merchandise trusts are variable interest entities (“VIE”) of which the PartnershipCompany is deemed the primary beneficiary. The assets held in the merchandise trusts are required to be used to purchase the merchandise and provide the services to which they relate. If the value of these assets falls below the cost of purchasing such merchandise and providing such services, the PartnershipCompany may be required to fund this shortfall.

The PartnershipCompany included $9.3$9.7 million and $8.7 million of investments held in trust as required by law by the West Virginia Funeral Directors Association at September 30,December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 respectively, in its merchandise trust assets. These trusts are recognized at their account value, which approximates fair value.

A reconciliation of the Partnership’sCompany’s merchandise trust activities for the nine monthsyears ended September 30,December 31, 2019 and 2018 is presented below (in thousands):

 

  Nine months ended September 30,   Year ended December 31, 
          2019                   2018           2019   2018 

Balance—beginning of period

  $488,248   $515,456   $488,248   $515,456 

Contributions

   40,440    49,762    54,742    66,408 

Distributions

   (45,256   (53,321   (59,776   (79,862

Interest and dividends

   22,537    20,486    29,367    27,228 

Capital gain distributions

   363    405    1,699    543 

Realized gains and losses, net

   2,063    (258   3,246    (1,012

Other than temporary impairment

   (2,816   (11,977   (6,056   (28,555

Taxes

   (655   (337   (556   (347

Fees

   (3,206   (3,049   (4,268   (3,855

Unrealized change in fair value

   17,811    2,860    17,219    (7,756
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   523,865    488,248 

Less: Assets held for sale

   (6,673   —   
  

 

   

 

 

Balance—end of period

  $519,529   $520,027   $517,192   $488,248 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

During the nine monthsyears ended September 30,December 31, 2019 and 2018, purchases of available for sale securities were approximately $42.2$54.4 million and $78.3$117.7 million, respectively. During the nine monthsyears ended September 30,December 31, 2019 and 2018, sales, maturities and paydowns of available for sale securities were approximately $30.7$38.1 million and $66.6$109.5 million, respectively. Cash flows frompre-need contracts are presented as operating cash flows in the Partnership’s unaudited condensedCompany’s consolidated statement of cash flows.

The cost and market value associated with the assets held in the merchandise trusts as of September 30,December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):

 

September 30, 2019

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 

December 31, 2019

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 

Short-term investments

   1   $182,560   $—     $—    $182,560    1   $144,610  $—    $—    $144,610 

Fixed maturities:

                

U.S. governmental securities

   2    488    10    (95 403    2    456  6  (65 397 

Corporate debt securities

   2    816    13    (116 713    2    783  14  (133 664 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     1,304    23    (211 1,116      1,239  20  (198 1,061 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   1    117,566    4,937    (79 122,424    1    67,801  1,857  (6 69,652 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1    47,346    3,035    (1 50,380    1    46,609  1,744   —    48,353 

Other investment funds(1)

     130,952    2,410    (2,524 130,838      213,024  6,366  (2,953 216,437 

Equity securities

   1    13,293    1,175    (4 14,464    1    24,386  1,327  (4 25,709 

Other invested assets

   2    8,403    16    —    8,419    2    8,360  32   —    8,392 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total investments

    $501,424   $11,596   $(2,819 $510,201      506,029  11,346  (3,161 514,214 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

West Virginia Trust Receivable

     9,328    —      —    9,328      9,651   —     —    9,651 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

    $510,752   $11,596   $(2,819 $519,529     $515,680  $11,346  $(3,161 $523,865 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Less: Assets held for sale

     (6,369 (304  —    (6,673
    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

    $509,311  $11,042  $(3,161 $517,192 
    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have redemption periods ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods of one to sevensix years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. As of September 30,December 31, 2019, there were $63.3$57.3 million in unfunded investment commitments to the private credit funds, which are callable at any time.

 

December 31, 2018

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
 

Short-term investments

   1   $16,903   $—     $—    $16,903 

Fixed maturities:

         

U.S. governmental securities

   2    392    —      (147  245 

Corporate debt securities

   2    1,311    29    (328  1,012 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     1,703    29    (475  1,257 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   1    187,840    262    (2,645  185,457 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1    45,023    110    (18  45,115 

Other investment funds(1)

     210,655    388    (7,784  203,259 

Equity securities

   1    18,097    1,327    (213  19,211 

Other invested assets

   2    8,398    2    (17  8,383 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total investments

    $488,619   $2,118   $(11,152 $479,585 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

West Virginia Trust Receivable

     8,663    —      —     8,663 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

    $497,282   $2,118   $(11,152 $488,248 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have redemption periods ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods of two to seven years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. As of December 31, 2018, there were $71.0 million in unfunded investment commitments to the private credit funds, which are callable at any time.

The contractual maturities of debt securities as of September 30,December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows below (in thousands):

 

September 30, 2019

  Less than
1 year
   1 year
through
5 years
   6 years
through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

December 31, 2019

  Less than
1 year
   1 year
through
5 years
   6 years
through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

U.S. governmental securities

  $112   $30   $246   $16   $112   $78   $193   $13 

Corporate debt securities

   96    598    18    —      101    546    16    —   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total fixed maturities

  $208   $628   $264   $16   $213   $624   $209   $13 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

  Less than
1 year
   1 year
through
5 years
   6 years
through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $137   $108   $—   

Corporate debt securities

   68    873    55    16 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

  $68   $1,010   $163   $16 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Temporary Declines in Fair Value

The PartnershipCompany evaluates declines in fair value below cost for each asset held in the merchandise trusts on a quarterly basis.

An aging of unrealized losses on the Partnership’sCompany’s investments in debt and equity securities within the merchandise trusts as of September 30,December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 is presented below (in thousands):

 

  Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total   Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total 

September 30, 2019

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

December 31, 2019

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturities:

                        

U.S. governmental securities

  $110   $—     $397   $95   $507   $95   $90   $1   $397   $64   $487   $65 

Corporate debt securities

   75    6    424    110    499    116    198    29    424    104    622    133 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   185    6    821    205    1,006    211    288    30    821    168    1,109    198 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   15,178    79    —      —      15,178    79    241    6    —      —      241    6 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   242    1    —      —      242    1    —      —      —      —      —      —   

Other investment funds

   69,464    2,524    —      —      69,464    2,524    54,782    2,953    —      —      54,782    2,953 

Equity securities

   5    4    —      —      5    4    3    4    —      —      3    4 

Other invested assets

   —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $85,074   $2,614   $821   $205   $85,895   $2,819   $55,314   $2,993   $821   $168   $56,135   $3,161 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

   Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total 

December 31, 2018

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturities:

            

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $—     $243   $147   $243   $147 

Corporate debt securities

   103    2    549    326    652    328 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   103    2    792    473    895    475 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   46,005    2,011    1,195    634    47,200    2,645 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   131    18    —      —      131    18 

Other investment funds

   169,929    7,784    —      —      169,929    7,784 

Equity securities

   —      —      597    213    597    213 

Other invested assets

   —      4    790    13    790    17 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $216,168   $9,819   $3,374   $1,333   $219,542   $11,152 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For all securities in an unrealized loss position, the PartnershipCompany evaluated the severity of the impairment and length of time that a security has been in a loss position and concluded the decline in fair value below the asset’s cost was temporary in nature. In addition, the PartnershipCompany is not aware of any circumstances that would prevent the future market value recovery for these securities.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Trust Assets

The PartnershipCompany assesses its merchandise trust assets for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. During the three monthsyear ended September 30,December 31, 2019, the PartnershipCompany determined, based on its review, that there were 62102 securities with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $4.8$178.2 million and an aggregate fair value of approximately $4.3$172.2 million, resulting in an impairment of $0.5$6.1 million, with such impairment considered to be other-than-temporary.other-than-temporary due to credit indicators. During the three monthsyear ended September 30,December 31, 2018, the PartnershipCompany determined, based on its review, that there were 37214 securities with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $62.1$285.5 million and an aggregate fair value of approximately $61.3$256.9 million, resulting in an impairment of $0.8 million, with such impairment considered to be other-than-temporary. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Partnership determined, based on its review, that there were 87 securities with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $96.7 million and an aggregate fair value of approximately $93.9 million, resulting in an impairment of $2.8 million, with such impairment considered to be other-than-temporary. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Partnership determined, based on its review, that there were 122 securities with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $227.9 million and an aggregate fair value of approximately $215.9 million, resulting in an impairment of $12.0$28.6 million, with such impairment considered to be other-than-temporary due to credit indicators. Accordingly, the PartnershipCompany adjusted the cost basis of these assets to their current value and offset these changes against deferred merchandise trust revenue. These adjustments to deferred revenue will be reflected within the Partnership’s unaudited condensedCompany’s consolidated statements of operations in future periods as the underlying merchandise is delivered or the underlying service is performed.

 

7.8.

PERPETUAL CARE TRUSTS

At September 30,December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 the Partnership’sCompany’s perpetual care trusts consisted of investments in debt and equity marketable securities and cash equivalents, both directly as well as through mutual and investment funds.

All of these investments are carried at fair value. All of the investments subject to the fair value hierarchy are considered either Level 1 or Level 2 assets pursuant to the three-level hierarchy described inNote 1418 Fair Value of Financial Instruments.Instruments. There were no Level 3 assets.assets in the Company’s perpetual care trusts. The perpetual care trusts are VIEs for which the PartnershipCompany is the primary beneficiary.

A reconciliation of the Partnership’sCompany’s perpetual care trust activities for the nine monthsyear ended September 30,December 31, 2019 and 2018 is presented below (in thousands):

 

  Nine months ended September 30,   Year ended December 31,  
          2019                   2018           2019   2018 

Balance—beginning of period

  $330,562   $339,928   $330,562   $339,928 

Contributions

   5,520    10,795    7,575    13,162 

Distributions

   (16,709   (13,790   (20,598   (18,390

Interest and dividends

   15,621    17,416    20,201    22,198 

Capital gain distributions

   1,134    612    2,112    808 

Realized gains and losses, net

   2,303    353    3,121    473 

Other than temporary impairment

   (1,297   (7,449   (3,941   (18,038

Taxes

   (634   (292   (547   (237

Fees

   (2,388   (4,087   (3,176   (4,412

Unrealized change in fair value

   8,916    1,536    10,780    (4,930
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   346,089    330,562 

Less: Assets held for sale

   (2,470   —   
  

 

   

 

 

Balance—end of period

  $343,028   $345,022   $343,619   $330,562 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

During the nine monthsyear ended September 30,December 31, 2019 and 2018, purchases of available for sale securities were approximately $42.5$46.4 million and $56.4$59.4 million, respectively. During the nine monthsyear ended September 30,December 31, 2019 and 2018, sales, maturities and paydowns of available for sale securities were approximately $28.1$29.0 million and $49.4$51.1 million, respectively. Cash flows from perpetual care trust related contracts are presented as operating cash flows in Partnership’s unaudited condensedthe Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

The cost and market value associated with the assets held in the perpetual care trusts as of September 30,December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):

 

September 30, 2019

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 

December 31, 2019

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 

Short-term investments

   1   $87,453   $—     $—    $87,453    1   $50,358  $—    $—    $50,358 

Fixed maturities:

                

U.S. governmental securities

   2    1,081    44    (54 1,071    2    1,069  32  (52 1,049 

Corporate debt securities

   2    2,025    21    (145 1,901    2    2,020  22  (142 1,900 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     3,106    65    (199 2,972      3,089  54  (194 2,949 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   1    70,425    2,730    (59 73,096    1    49,963  1,439  (38 51,364 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1    16,685    1,528    (18 18,195    1    16,698  1,617  (66 18,249 

Other investment funds(1)

     143,050    7,143    (5,024 145,169      186,355  10,526  (5,472 191,409 

Equity securities

   1    14,968    1,177    (18 16,127    1    30,423  1,333  (12 31,744 

Other invested assets

   2    16    —      —    16    2    16   —     —    16 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total investments

    $335,703   $12,643   $(5,318 $343,028     $336,902  $14,969  $(5,782 $346,089 
    

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Less: Assets held for sale

     (2,416 (54  —    (2,470
    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

    $334,486  $14,915  $(5,782 $343,619 
    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have a redemption period ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods

ranging from one to seven years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. As of September 30,December 31, 2019 there were $41.2$62.4 million in unfunded investment commitments to the private credit funds, which are callable at any time.

 

December 31, 2018

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
 

Short-term investments

   1   $12,835   $—     $—    $12,835 

Fixed maturities:

         

U.S. governmental securities

   2    960    4    (121  843 

Corporate debt securities

   2    4,883    161    (321  4,723 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     5,843    165    (442  5,566 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   1    108,451    227    (837  107,841 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1    19,660    304    (142  19,822 

Other investment funds(1)

     165,284    3,039    (4,607  163,716 

Equity securities

   1    20,025    826    (145  20,706 

Other invested assets

   2    56    20    —     76 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total investments

    $332,154   $4,581   $(6,173 $330,562 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

(1)

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have a redemption period ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods ranging from two to eight years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. As of December 31, 2018 there were $94.5 million in unfunded investment commitments to the private credit funds, which are callable at any time.

The contractual maturities of debt securities as of September 30,December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, were as follows below (in thousands):

 

September 30, 2019

  Less than
1 year
   1 year through
5 years
   6 years through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

December 31, 2019

  Less than
1 year
   1 year through
5 years
   6 years through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

U.S. governmental securities

  $60   $70   $821   $119   $60   $192   $684   $114 

Corporate debt securities

   203    1,536    163    —      294    1,522    84    —   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total fixed maturities

  $263   $1,606   $984   $119   $354   $1,714   $768   $114 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

  Less than
1 year
   1 year through
5 years
   6 years through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $416   $395   $32 

Corporate debt securities

   705    3,702    265    51 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

  $705   $4,118   $660   $83 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Temporary Declines in Fair Value

The PartnershipCompany evaluates declines in fair value below cost of each individual asset held in the perpetual care trusts on a quarterly basis.

An aging of unrealized losses on the Partnership’sCompany’s investments in debt and equity securities within the perpetual care trusts as of September 30,December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 is presented below (in thousands):

 

  Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total   Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total 

September 30, 2019

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

December 31, 2019

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturities:

                        

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $—     $1,021   $54   $1,021   $54   $291   $4   $942   $48   $1,233   $52 

Corporate debt securities

   76    45    1,889    100    1,965    145    463    46    1,887    96    2,350    142 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   76    45    2,910    154    2,986    199    754    50    2,829    144    3,583    194 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   11,348    59    3    —      11,351    59    2,856    38    —      —      2,856    38 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   505    18    —      —      505    18    566    66    —      —      566    66 

Other investment funds

   67,147    5,024    —      —      67,147    5,024    53,426    5,472    —      —      53,426    5,472 

Equity securities

   176    18    —      —      176    18    121    12    —      —      121    12 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $79,252   $5,164   $2,913   $154   $82,165   $5,318   $57,723   $5,638   $2,829   $144   $60,552   $5,782 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

   Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total 

December 31, 2018

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturities:

            

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $—     $790   $121   $790   $121 

Corporate debt securities

   405    15    2,902    306    3,307    321 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   405    15    3,692    427    4,097    442 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   21,867    591    2,814    246    24,681    837 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1,382    141    —      1    1,382    142 

Other investment funds

   101,536    4,607    —      —      101,536    4,607 

Equity securities

   241    16    583    129    824    145 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $125,431   $5,370   $7,089   $803   $132,520   $6,173 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For all securities in an unrealized loss position, the PartnershipCompany evaluated the severity of the impairment and length of time that a security has been in a loss position and concluded the decline in fair value below the asset’s cost was temporary in nature. In addition, the PartnershipCompany is not aware of any circumstances that would prevent the future market value recovery for these securities.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Trust Assets

The PartnershipCompany assesses its perpetual care trust assets for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. During the three monthsyear ended September 30,December 31, 2019, the PartnershipCompany determined that there were 4979 securities with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $6.6$85.7 million and an aggregate fair value of approximately $6.0$81.8 million, resulting in an impairment of $0.6$3.9 million, with such impairment considered to be other-than-temporary. During the three monthsyear ended September 30,December 31, 2018, the PartnershipCompany determined that there were 49176 securities with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $40.0$181.4 million and an aggregate fair value of approximately $39.4$163.3 million, resulting in an impairment of $0.6$18.1 million, with such impairment considered to be other-than-temporary. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Partnership determined that there were 68 securities with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $35.8 million and an aggregate fair value of approximately $34.5 million, resulting in an impairment of $1.3 million, with such impairment considered to be other-than-temporary. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Partnership determined that there were 116 securities with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $158.0 million and an aggregate fair value of approximately $150.6 million, resulting in an impairment of $7.4 million, with such impairment

considered to be other-than-temporary. Accordingly, the PartnershipCompany adjusted the cost basis of these assets to their current value with the offset going against the liability for perpetual care trust corpus.corpus in its consolidated balance sheet.

9.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. Due to a decline in the market value of the Company and its significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results noted during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, management conducted an interim goodwill impairment assessment as of September 30, 2019. As a result of such assessment, management concluded on November 4, 2019 that the carrying value of the only reporting unit to which the Company allocated its goodwill, Cemetery Operations, exceeded its fair value, and the Company’s goodwill was fully impaired as of September 30, 2019. The Company recognized a $24.9 million impairment charge included in Loss on goodwill impairment in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. In 2018, the Company concluded goodwill was not impaired as part of its 2018 annual goodwill impairment testing.

The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by reportable segment were as follows (in thousands):

   Cemetery
Operations
 

December 31, 2017

  $24,862 

Activity

   —   
  

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

   24,862 

Impairment of goodwill

   (24,862
  

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

  $—   
  

 

 

 

Intangible Assets

The Company has intangible assets with finite lives recognized in connection with acquisitions and long-term lease, management and operating agreements. The Company amortizes these intangible assets over their estimated useful lives.

The following table reflects the components of intangible assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

   December 31, 2019   December 31, 2018 
   Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
  Net
Intangible
Assets
   Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
  Net
Intangible
Assets
 

Lease and management agreements

  $59,758   $(5,561 $54,197   $59,758   $(4,565 $55,193 

Underlying contract value

   2,593    (681  1,912    6,239    (1,482  4,757 

Non-compete agreements

   406    (341  65    2,853    (2,603  250 

Other intangible assets

   269    (197  72    1,577    (356  1,221 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total intangible assets

  $63,026   $(6,780 $56,246   $70,427   $(9,006 $61,421 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

As a result of the adoption of ASU2016-02 on January 1, 2019, the Company recorded a $1.1 million reclassification from Other intangible assets to Other assets for below market lease intangibles. On May 10, 2019, the Company terminated one of its management agreements and therefore reduced the carrying amount of its underlying contract value intangible balance by $2.7 million. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $1.4 million and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The following is estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets with finite lives for the fiscal years noted below (in thousands):

2020

  $1,142 

2021

  $1,077 

2022

  $1,074 

2023

  $1,071 

2024

  $1,071 

 

8.10.

LONG-TERM DEBT

Total debt consisted of the following at the dates indicatedas of December 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

 

  September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018   December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 

9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes, due June 2024

   376,166  $—     $380,619  $—   

7.875% Senior Notes, due June 2021

   —    173,613    —    173,613 

Credit facility

   —    155,739    —    155,739 

Notes payable—acquisition debt

   —    92    —    92 

Insurance and vehicle financing

   790  1,294    574  1,294 

Less deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization

   (14,280 (9,692   (12,856 (9,692
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total debt

   362,676  321,046    368,337  321,046 

Less current maturities

   (503 (798   (374 (798
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total long-term debt

  $362,173  $320,248   $367,963  $320,248 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Senior Secured Notes

On June 27, 2019, StoneMor Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”), Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. (“Cornerstone” and, collectively(collectively with the Partnership, the “Issuers”), certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Partnership, (the “Guarantors”), the initial purchasers party thereto (the “Initial Purchasers”) and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”) and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”) entered into an indenture (the “Indenture”“Original Indenture”) with respect to the 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024.

On December 31, 2019, the Company, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, the Issuers and the Trustee entered into the First Supplemental Indenture (the “First Supplemental Indenture”) and on January 30, 2020, the Company, LP Sub, the Issuers and the Trustee entered into the Second Supplemental Indenture (the “Second Supplemental Indenture” and, collectively with the Original Indenture and the First Supplemental Indenture, the “Indenture”).

Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Initial Purchasers purchased Senior Secured Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $385.0 million in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof. The gross proceeds from the sale of the Senior Secured Notes was $371.5 million, less advisor fees (including a placement agent fee of approximately $7.0 million), legal fees, mortgage costs and other closing expenses, as well as cash funds for collateralization of existing letters of credit and credit card needs under the former credit facility.

The Issuers can elect to pay interest at either a fixed rate of 9.875% per annum in cash or, at their option through January 30, 2022, a fixed rate of 7.50% per annum in cash plus a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum payable in kind by increasing the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes or by issuing additional Senior Secured Notes. The Senior Secured Notes will require cash interest payments at 9.875% for all interest periods after January 30, 2022. The Company has the right and expects to pay quarterly interest at a fixed rate of 7.50% per annum in cash

plus a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum payable in kind through January 30, 2022. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears on the 30th day of each March, June, September and December, commencing September 30, 2019. The Partnership elected the cash plus payable in kind option to pay its September 30, 2019 interest payment, resulting in a $4.0 million increase in the outstanding principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes. The Senior Secured Notes mature on June 30, 2024.

The Senior Secured Notes are senior secured obligations of the Issuers. The Issuers’ joint and several obligations under the Senior Secured Notes and the Indenture are jointly and severally guaranteed (the “Note Guarantees”) by the Company and by each subsidiary of the PartnershipCompany (other than Cornerstone)the Issuers except as to each other’s obligations under the Senior Secured Notes) that the PartnershipCompany has caused or will cause to become a Guarantorguarantor pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.Indenture (collectively, the “Guarantors”). In addition, the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Collateral Agent entered into a Collateral Agreement (the(as supplemented, the “Collateral Agreement”). Pursuant to the Indenture and the Collateral Agreement, the Issuers’ obligations under the Indenture and the Senior Secured Notes and the Guarantors’ Note Guarantees are secured by a first priority lien and security interest (subject to permitted liens and security interests) in substantially all of the Issuers’assets of the Issuers and the Guarantors’ assets,Guarantors (other than the Company), whether now owned or

hereafter acquired, excluding certain assets which include, among others: (a) trust and other fiduciary accounts and amounts required to be deposited or held therein and (b) unless encumbered by a mortgage existing on the date of the Indenture, owned and leased real property that (i) may not be pledged as a matter of law or without governmental approvals, (ii) is not operated or intended to be operated as a cemetery, crematory or funeral home or (iii) is the subject of specified immaterial leases.

The Issuers may redeem the Senior Secured Notes at their option, in whole or in part, at any time for a redemption price equal to the principal balance thereof, accrued and unpaid interest thereon and, if applicable, a premium (the “Applicable Premium”) calculated as follows:

 

If redeemed before June 27, 2021, the sum of 4% of the principal amount so redeemed plus the excess of (i) the interest that would have accrued on the principal amount of the redeemed Senior Secured Notes from the redemption date through June 27, 2021 assuming an interest rate of 11.500% per annum over (ii) the interest that would have accrued on the principal amount of the redeemed Senior Secured Notes from the redemption date through June 27, 2021 at an interest rate equal to the then-applicable rate on United States Treasury securities for the period most nearly equaling that time period plus 0.50%;

 

If redeemed on or after June 27, 2021 and before June 27, 2022, 4% of the principal amount so redeemed;

 

If redeemed on or after June 27, 2022 and before June 27, 2023, 2% of the principal amount so redeemed; and

 

If redeemed on or after June 27, 2023, no premium will be payable.

The Issuers are obligated to redeem the Senior Secured Notes with the net cash proceeds of certain dispositions described in the Indenture, tax refunds, insurance or condemnation proceeds and certain other extraordinary receipts. The redemption price for such redemptions is the principal balance of the Senior Secured Notes being redeemed, all accrued and unpaid interest thereon plus, with respect to redemptions from asset dispositions with net proceeds in excess of $55.0 million, an Applicable Premium of 2% of the principal amount so redeemed.

The Issuers are also obligated to use 75% of any Excess Cash Flow, less any amount paid in any voluntary redemption of the Senior Secured Notes during the applicable period or subsequent thereto and prior to the applicable redemption date, to redeem the Senior Secured Notes at a redemption price equal to the principal balance thereof and all accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

All interest payable in connection with the redemption of any the Senior Secured Notes is payable in cash.

The Indenture requires the Issuers and the Guarantors, as applicable, to comply with various affirmative covenants regarding, among other matters, delivery to the Trustee of financial statements and certain other

information or reports filed with the SECSecurities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the maintenance and investment of trust funds and trust accounts into which certain sales proceeds are required by law to be deposited.

The Indenture includes financial covenants pursuant to which the Issuers will not permit:

 

the Operating Cash Flow Amount for the six months ending December 31, 2019 to be less than $20.0 million;

the ratio of the sum of the Operating Cash Flow Amount plus Cash Interest Expense to Cash Interest Expense, or the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio, for the nine months ended March 31, 2020 and the twelve months ending as of each date from June 30, 2020 onwards, as set forth below, to be less than:

 

March 31, 2020

   0.40x 

June 30, 2020

   0.75x 

September 30, 2020

   1.00x 

December 31, 2020

   1.15x 

March 31, 2021

   1.25x 

June 30, 2021

   1.30x 

September 30, 2021

   1.35x 

December 31, 2021

   1.45x 

March 31, 2022 and each quarter end thereafter

   1.50x 

 

the aggregate amount of Capital Expenditures for the prior four fiscal quarters as of the last day of any fiscal quarter beginning with the fiscal quarter endedending September 30, 2019 to be more than $20.0 million;

 

the average daily balance of Unrestricted Cash and unrestricted Permitted Investments of the PartnershipCompany and its subsidiaries as of the end of any day for any10-business day period to be less than $20.0 million during the quarter endedending September 30, 2019, $15.0 million during the quarter ending December 31, 2019 and $12.5 million during any subsequent quarter; or

 

the ratio of the (a) the sum of Unrestricted Cash, accounts receivable and merchandise trust account balances to (b) the aggregate principal or face amount of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness, or Asset Coverage Test, for the applicable measurement period as of the last day of any fiscal quarter beginning with the fiscal quarter endedending September 30, 2019, to be less than 1.60:1.00.

The Indenture requires the Issuers and the Guarantors, as applicable, to comply with certain other covenants including, but not limited to, covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ ability to: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) grant liens; (iii) engage in certain sale/leaseback, merger, consolidation or asset sale transactions; (iv) make certain investments; (v) pay dividends or make distributions; (vi) engage in affiliate transactions and (vii) amend its organizational documents.

The Indenture provides for certain events of default, the occurrence and continuation of which could, subject to certain conditions, cause all amounts owing under the Senior Secured Notes to become due and payable, including but not limited to the following:

 

failure by the Issuers to pay any interest on any Senior Secured Note when it becomes due and payable that remains uncured for five business days;

 

failure by the Issuers to pay the principal onof any of the Senior Secured Notes when it becomes due and payable, whether at the due date thereof, at a date fixed for redemption, by acceleration or otherwise;

 

failure by the Issuers to comply with the agreement and covenants relating to maintenance of its legal existence, providing notice of any default or event of default or use of proceeds from the sale of the Senior Secured Notes or any of the negative covenants in the Indenture;

failure by the Issuers to comply with any other agreement or covenant contained in the Indenture, the Collateral Agreement or any other Note Document that remains uncured for a period of 15 days after the earlier of written notice and request for cure from the Trustee or holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes;

 

the acceleration of or the failure to pay at final maturity indebtedness (other than the Senior Secured Notes) in a principal amount exceeding $5.0 million;

the occurrence of a Change in Control;

 

certain bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings involving an Issuer or any subsidiary;

theC-Corporation Conversion shall not have occurred on or before March 31, 2020 and such default remains uncured for a period of five business days; and

 

failure by the PartnershipCompany or any subsidiary to maintain one or more licenses, permits or similar approvals for the conduct of its business where the sum of the revenue associated therewith represents the lesser of (i) 15% of the Partnership’sCompany and its Subsidiaries’subsidiaries consolidated revenue and (ii) $30.0 million, and such breach is not cured within 30 days.

At the option of holders holding a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes (and automatically upon any default for failure to pay principal of the Senior Secured Notes when due and payable or certain bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings involving an Issuer), the interest rate on the Senior Secured Notes will increase to 13.50% per annum, payable in cash.

As of December 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with the covenants of the Indenture.

On April 1, 2020, the Issuers and the Trustee entered into the Third Supplemental Indenture to the Indenture (the “Supplemental Indenture”), pursuant to which certain financial covenants and the premium payable upon voluntary redemption of the Senior Secured Notes in the Indenture were amended. For further details, seeNote 26 Subsequent Events of this Annual Report.

Registration Rights Agreement

In connection with the sale of the Senior Secured Notes, on June 27, 2019, the Issuers, the Guarantors party thereto and the Initial Purchasers entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Notes Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Issuers and the Guarantors agreed, for the benefit of the holders of the Notes, to use their commercially reasonable efforts to file a registration statement with the SEC with respect to a registered offer to exchange the Senior Secured Notes for new “exchange” notes having terms substantially identical in all material respects to the Senior Secured Notes, with certain exceptions (the “Exchange Offer”). The Issuers have agreed to use their commercially reasonable efforts (i) to consummate the Exchange Offer on or before July 14, 2020 (the “Exchange Date”) and (ii) upon the occurrence of certain events described in the Notes Registration Rights Agreement which result in the inability to consummate the Exchange Offer, to cause a shelf registration statement covering resales of the Notes to be declared effective.

If the Issuers failhad failed to comply with their obligations under the Notes Registration Rights Agreement, additional interest will accruewould have accrued on the Notes at a rate of 0.25% per annum (increasing by an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to eachsubsequent 90-day period that occurs after the date on which such default occurs, up to a maximum additional interest rate of 1.00%) from and including the date on which any such default shall occur to but excluding the earlier of (x) the date on which all such defaults have been cured and (y) the date on which the Notes are freely tradeable by persons other than affiliates of the Issuers pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

Deferred Financing Costs

In February 2019, the Company entered into the Eighth Amendment and Waiver to the original agreement for its revolving credit facility dated August 4, 2016 (the “Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility”). In connection with

the Tranche B revolving credit facility established in February 2019,Revolving Credit Facility, the PartnershipCompany incurred debt issuance costs and fees of approximately $3.0$3.1 million, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, which was being amortized over the life of the Tranche B revolving credit facility,Revolving Credit Facility, using the straight-lineeffective interest method. In connection with the issuance of itsthe Senior Secured Notes, the PartnershipCompany incurred debt issuance costs and fees of approximately $14.3 million during nine monthsthe year ended September 30,December 31, 2019, which have been deferred and are being amortized over the life of the Senior Secured Notes, using the effective interest method. No debt issuance costs or fees were incurred during the three months ended September 30, 2019.

In connection with the retirement of all of its revolving credit facilities and its $175.0 million 7.875% senior notes due 2021, the PartnershipCompanywrote-off unamortized deferred financing fees of $6.9 million, during the nine monthsyear ended September 30,December 31, 2019, which is presented in lossLoss on debt extinguishment in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations.

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized $7.3 million and $3.2 million of amortization of deferred financing fees on its various debt facilities.

9.11.

REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED UNITS AND PARTNERS’ DEFICITOWNERS’ EQUITY

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units

On June 27, 2019, funds and accounts affiliated with Axar Capital Management LP (“Axar”) and certain other investors (individually a “Purchaser” and collectively the “Purchasers”) and the Partnership entered intocompleted the Series A Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement (the “Series A Purchase Agreement”)Offering pursuant to which the Partnershipit sold to the Purchasers an aggregate of 52,083,333 of the Partnership’s Series A Preferred Units (the “Preferred Units”) representing limited partner interests in the Partnership with certain rights, preferences and privileges as are set forth in the Partnership’s Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership dated as of June 27, 2019 (the “Third Amended Partnership Agreement”). Theat a purchase price for the Preferred Units sold pursuant to the Series A Purchase Agreement (the “Purchased Units”) wasof $1.1040 per PurchasedPreferred Unit, reflecting an 8% discount to the liquidation preference of each Preferred Unit, for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million.

Pursuant to the Series A Purchase Agreement, the Partnership agreed to filefiled a registration statement on FormS-1 with the SEC as promptly as practicable to effect a $40.2 million rights offering of common units representing limited partnership interests in the Partnership (“Common Units”) to all holders of Common Units (other than the Purchasers, American Infrastructure Funds LP and their respective affiliates) with a purchase price of $1.20 per Common Unit (the “Rights Offering”), and agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to complete the Rights Offering, within 100 days after the Closing Date.which was completed on October 25, 2019 with 3,039,380 common units being purchased for a total of $3.6 million. The Rights Offering occurred early in the fourth quarter of 2019, and thegross proceeds from the Rights Offering were used to redeem certain3,039,380 of the Partnership’s outstanding Preferred Units as described below. For further detail on October 25, 2019 at a price of $1.20 per Preferred Unit.

On December 31, 2019, in connection with the Rights Offering andconsummation of the related redemptionC-Corporation Conversion, all of certainthe remaining outstanding Preferred Units see Note 17 Subsequent Events.

Underwere converted into common shares of the Series A Purchase Agreement, the Partnership also granted the PurchasersCompany at a preemptive right to purchase a pro rataconversion rate of one share of any subsequent issuance of Common Units or shares of common stock for each Preferred Unit.

Capital Stock

Effective as of the corporationC-Corporation Conversion, the Company is authorized to issue two classes of capital stock: common stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Common Stock”) into which the General Partner is converted in theC-Corporation Conversion or rights to acquire any such securities, for so long as the Purchaser continues to hold any and preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Preferred Units, any Common Units orStock”). At December 31, 2019, 94,447,356 million shares of Common Stock were issued upon conversion thereof.and outstanding and no shares of Preferred Stock were issued or outstanding. At December 31, 2019, there were 105,552,644 shares of Common Stock available for issuance, including 986,552 shares available for issuance as stock-based incentive compensation under the 2019 Plan, and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock available for issuance.

Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s stockholders, will have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and do not have cumulative voting rights. In the event of any liquidation, dissolutionor winding-up of the Company’s affairs, the holders of the Company’s Common Stock will be entitled to share ratably in the Company’s assets that are remaining after payment or provision for payment of all of the Company’s debts and obligations and after liquidation payments to and subject to any continuing participation by holders of outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, if any.

The Preferred Units have the following rights, preferencesCompany’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) is authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further stockholder approval, to establish and privileges, among others as set forth in the Third Amended Partnership Agreement:to issue from time to time one or more classes or series of

Conversion: The Preferred Units are convertible at the option of the holders thereof at any time beginning 10 days after completion of the Rights Offering and shall automatically be converted upon consummation of theC-Corporation Conversion, in each case at an initial conversion rate of one Common Unit or one share of Common Stock, as applicable, for each Preferred Unit. Subject to customary exceptions, the conversion rate for each Preferred Unit is subject to adjustment (a) proportionately, in the event of distributions made in the form of interests in the Partnership, any split, combination or similar recapitalization of Common Units and certain other specified transactions with respect to interests in the Partnership, (b) upon any issuance or deemed issuance by the Partnership prior to consummation of the Rights Offering of Common Units for a price per Common Unit less than the Series A Liquidation Preference (as defined below), to the rate determined by dividing the Series A Liquidation Preference by the price per Common Unit in such issuance or deemed issuance and (c) upon any issuance or deemed issuance by the Partnership after consummation of the Rights Offering of Common Units for a price per Common Unit less than the Series A Liquidation Preference, to a rate determined on a weighted average anti-dilution adjustment basis.

Voting: The holder of a Preferred Unit is entitled to one vote for each Common Unit into which such Preferred Unit is convertible (whether or not such right to convert is exercisable at such time). The holders of Preferred Units are entitled to vote as a single class with the holders of Common Units on all

matters submitted to the limited partners for a vote. In addition, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 60% of the outstanding Preferred Units is required to:

Amend the Third Amended Partnership Agreement or the Partnership’s CertificatePreferred Stock covering up to an aggregate of Limited Partnership if such amendment would be adverse (other than in a de minimus manner) to any10,000,000 shares of the rights, preferences or privileges of the Preferred Units;

Pay any distribution from Capital Surplus (as defined in the Third Amended Partnership Agreement); or

Issue anyStock. Each class or series of interestPreferred Stock will cover the number of shares and will have the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions determined by the Board, which may include, among others, dividend rights, liquidation preferences, voting rights, conversion rights, preemptive rights and redemption rights. Except as provided by law or in a preferred stock designation, the Partnership that, with respectholders of Preferred Stock will not be entitled to distributions, is senior tovote at or pari passu with the Preferred Units, or modify the termsreceive notice of any existing class or seriesmeeting of interest instockholders.

Subsequent Events

On April 1, 2020, the Partnership to so provide.

Distributions: Holders of Preferred Units are entitled to participate in any distributions made to holders of Common Units on anas-converted basis (whether or not such right to convert is exercisable at such time), and any such distributions with respect to Preferred Units shall be excluded in calculating the distributions or allocations of income or gain to holders of incentive distribution rights under the Third Amended Partnership Agreement.

Redemption: Upon completion of the Rights Offering, the Partnership is obligated to use 100% of the net proceeds thereof to redeem up to 33,487,904 Preferred Units held by Axar and the other Purchasers at a redemption price of $1.20 per Preferred Unit.

Liquidation: Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Partnership, holders of Preferred Units are entitled to receive a payment of $1.20 per Preferred Unit (the “Series A Liquidation Preference”) before payments are made to any other class or series of interest in the Partnership ranking junior to the Preferred Units, including Common Units.

Restrictions on Transfer:Holders of Preferred Units may not transfer such Preferred Units other than to one or more affiliates without the approval of the Partnership.

The Series A Purchase Agreement included various representations, warranties, covenants, indemnificationIssuers and other provisions which are customary for a transaction of this nature.

The Partnership offered and sold the Purchased Units in reliance uponTrustee entered into the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities ActSupplemental Indenture, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof. The Partnership relied on this exemption from registration based in part on representations made bywhich the Purchasers inIssuers agreed to cause the Series A Purchase Agreement.

Contingent Beneficial Conversion Feature

The Partnership accounts for potential beneficial conversion features under FASB ASC Topic470-20, Debt – Debt with conversion and Other Options (“ASC470-20”), which states that conversion terms of preferred units triggered by future events not controlled by the issuer shall be accounted for as contingent conversion options. Accordingly, the conversion feature of the Preferred Units is not considered an embedded derivative that requires bifurcation. The Partnership determined that its commitment in connection with the sale of the Preferred UnitsCompany to use its best efforts to completeeffectuate an offering to holders of Common Stock of transferable rights to purchase their pro rata share of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate exercise price of at least $17 million at a price of $0.73 per share, as promptly as practicable with an expiration date no later than July 24, 2020 and to receive proceeds of not less than $8.2 million therefrom. Concurrently, the Rights Offering is analogousCompany entered into a letter agreement with Axar (the “Axar Commitment”), pursuant to an initial public offering and consideredwhich Axar agreed to be a contingency outside the controlpurchase shares of the holder. The guidance in ASC 470 states that a contingent beneficial conversion feature in an instrument shall not be recognized in earnings until the contingency is resolved. The beneficial conversion will be measured using the intrinsic value calculated at the date the contingency is resolved using the conversion price and trading value of the Partnership’s Common Units at the date the Preferred Units were issued. Accordingly, the Partnership will evaluate any discounts and any beneficial conversion features upon the resolution of the contingency. TheCompany’s Series A Preferred is convertible uponStock with an aggregate purchase price of $8.8 million on April 3, 2020. As contemplated by the completionAxar Commitment, on April 3, 2020, the Company sold an aggregate of the Rights Offering, which occurred early in the fourth quarter176 shares of 2019.

The Partnership has the obligation to redeem a portion of the Series A Preferred Stock to the 2020 Purchasers for an aggregate purchase price of $8.8 million pursuant to the terms of a Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (the “2020 Preferred Purchase Agreement”) by and among the Company and the purchasers party thereto. For further details, seeNote 26 Subsequent Events of this Annual Report.

12.

INCOME TAXES

Prior to December 31, 2019, the Company was not subject to U.S. federal income tax and most state income taxes, as it was structured as a master limited partnership. The taxable income for the Company flowed through to the partners for the fiscal years prior to January 1, 2020 and could vary from the net proceedsincome reported on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. Since the Company consummated theC-Corporation Conversion on December 31, 2019, the Company’s taxable income for the year ended December 31, 2019 continued to flow through to the partners. Per ASC 740, theC-Corporation Conversion is considered a change in tax status, and therefore, the Company had to record deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to differences between the carrying amounts and tax basis of existing assets and liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets as of the Rights Offering. Upon exerciseconsummation date of the redemption right, any previouslyC-Corporation Conversion. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized accretionin income in the period that includes the enactment date for the new tax rates. The Company also recognized a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, as the Company deemed it more likely than not that some portion or all of deemedthe recorded deferred tax assets will not be realizable in future periods.

Additionally, prior to theC-corporation Conversion, corporate subsidiaries of the Partnership were historically subject to federal income tax and most state income taxes, and the Partnership was required to file separate federal income tax returns for many of its corporate subsidiaries. Deferred tax assets of the individual corporate subsidiaries could not be offset against the deferred liabilities of other individual corporate subsidiaries. As a result of theC-Corporation Conversion, the Company will file a consolidated federal income tax return for StoneMor Inc. for all fiscal periods post the consummation date of theC-Corporation Conversion. The Company recognized a $7.5 million tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2019 related to the projected tax consequences of filing a consolidated federal income tax return for StoneMor Inc. and its subsidiaries.

dividendsIncome tax (expense) benefit for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 consisted of the following (in thousands):

   Years Ended December 31, 
         2019               2018       

Current provision:

    

State

  $(73  $(693

Federal

   —      —   

Foreign

   (187   (101
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (260   (794
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred provision:

    

State

   (6,704   (23

Federal

   (21,210   2,725 

Foreign

   (30   (111
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (27,944   2,591 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income tax (expense) benefit

  $(28,204  $1,797 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

A reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:

   Years Ended December 31, 
         2019              2018       

Computed tax provision (benefit) at the applicable statutory tax rate

   21.0  21.0

State and local taxes net of federal income tax benefit

   (4.5)%   (1.1)% 

Tax exempt (income) loss

   (1.2)%   (1.5)% 

Change in current year valuation allowance

   (8.0)%   (18.3)% 

Company’s earnings not subject to tax

   (0.2)%   2.0

Changes in tax due to Tax Act and ASC 606 retroactive impact

   —    0.5

Change in tax status

   (27.2)%   —  

Permanent differences

   (2.7)%   (0.1)% 

Other

   —    —  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Effective tax rate

   (22.8)%   2.5
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The effective tax rate increased as a result of the deferred tax liabilities the Company had to record in connection with theC-Corporation Conversion. The temporary differences related to these deferred tax liabilities will reverse over the lives of the various cemeteries, which range from an average 100 to 300 years.

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

   December 31, 
   2019   2018 

Deferred tax assets:

    

Prepaid expenses

  $13,010   $5,102 

State net operating loss

   26,121    24,162 

Federal net operating loss

   88,818    84,017 

Foreign net operating loss

   8,656    2,106 

Other

   55    55 

Valuation allowance

   (103,336   (89,066
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

   33,324    26,376 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Property, plant and equipment

   28,399    2,119 

Deferred revenue related to future revenues and accounts receivable

   33,582    25,021 

Deferred revenue related to cemetery property

   5,875    5,825 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

   67,856    32,965 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

  $34,532   $6,589 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets and liabilities were classified on the consolidated balance sheets as follows (in thousands):

   December 31, 
   2019   2018 

Deferred tax assets

  $81   $86 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noncurrent assets

   81    86 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets

   33,243    26,290 

Deferred tax liabilities

   67,856    32,965 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noncurrent liabilities

   34,613    6,675 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

  $34,532   $6,589 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2019, the Company had available approximately $0.1 million of alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards and approximately $423.0 million and $542.0 million of federal and state net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, respectively, a portion of which expires annually.

Management periodically evaluates all evidence both positive and negative in determining whether a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets is required. The vast majority of the Company’s taxable subsidiaries continue to accumulate deferred tax assets that on a more likely than not basis will not be reversedrealized. A full valuation allowance continues to be maintained on these taxable subsidiaries. Along with other previous transfers of the Company’s interests, the Company believes the Recapitalization Transactions in June 2019 caused an “ownership change” for income tax purposes, which significantly limits the Company’s ability to use NOLs and certain other tax assets to offset future taxable income. The valuation allowance increased in 2019 due to management’s evaluation of the future limitation on the Company’s ability to offset future deferred tax liabilities with net operating loss carryovers and certain other deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance increased in 2018 due to increases in deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not expected to be realized.

At December 31, 2019, based on the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believed it was more likely than not

that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable could be reduced in the future if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced.

In accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Company recognizes only the impact of redemptionincome tax positions that, based upon their merits, are more likely than not to be sustained upon audit by a taxing authority. To evaluate its current tax positions in order to identify any material uncertain tax positions, the Company developed a policy of identifying and reflected asevaluating uncertain tax positions that considers support for each tax position, industry standards, tax return disclosures and schedules and the significance of each position. It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income attributable to common unitholderstax expense in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of operations, alongoperations. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had no material uncertain tax positions.

The Company is not currently under tax examination by any federal jurisdictions or state income tax jurisdictions. In general, the federal statute of limitations and certain state statutes of limitations are open from 2016 forward. For entities with net operating loss carryovers the related per unit amounts.

For further detail onstatute of limitations is extended to 2013 to the Rights Offering, see Note 17 Subsequent Events.extent of the net operating loss carryover.

 

10.13.

DEFERRED REVENUES AND COSTS

The PartnershipCompany defers revenues and all direct costs associated with the sale ofpre-need cemetery merchandise and services until the merchandise is delivered or the services are performed. The PartnershipCompany recognizes deferred merchandise and service revenues as customer contract liabilities within long-term liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets. The PartnershipCompany recognizes deferred direct costs associated withpre-need cemetery merchandise and service revenues as deferred selling and obtaining costs within long-term assets on its consolidated balance sheets. The PartnershipCompany also defers the costs to obtain newpre-need cemetery and new prearranged funeral business as well as the investment earnings on the prearranged services and merchandise trusts. Such costs are recognized when the associated performance obligation is fulfilled based upon the net change in the customer contract liabilities. All other selling costs are expensed as incurred. Additionally, the PartnershipCompany has elected the practical expedient of not recognizing incremental costs to obtain a contract as incurred, whenas the associated amortization period otherwise would have beenis typically one year or lessless.

Deferred revenues and related costs consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):

 

  September 30, 2019   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2019   December 31, 2018 

Deferred contract revenues

  $830,038   $830,602   $837,190   $835,922 

Deferred merchandise trust revenue

   104,740    92,718    104,304    92,718 

Deferred merchandise trust unrealized gains (losses)

   8,777    (9,034   7,881    (9,034
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Deferred revenues

  $943,555   $914,286   $949,375   $919,606 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

  $113,601   $112,660   $114,944   $113,644 

For the threeyears ended December 31, 2019 and nine months ended September 30, 2019,2018, the PartnershipCompany recognized $13.7$64.1 million and $54.7$58.7 million, respectively, of the customer contract liabilities balance that existed at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, as revenue.

The components of the customer contract liabilities, net in the Partnership’sCompany’s consolidated balance sheets at September 30,December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):

 

  September 30, 2019   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 

Customer contract liabilities

  $972,767   $937,708 

Customer contract liabilities, gross

  $974,927  $943,028 

Amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations on cancellablepre-need contracts

   (29,212   (23,422   (25,552 (23,422
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Customer contract liabilities, net

  $943,555   $914,286   $949,375  $919,606 
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

The PartnershipCompany expects to service approximately 55% of its deferred revenue that existed at December 31, 2019 and 2018 in thefirst 4-5 years and approximately 80% of its deferred revenue that existed at December 31, 2019 and 2018 within 18 years. The PartnershipCompany cannot estimate the period when it expects its remaining performance obligations will be recognized, because certain performance obligations will only be satisfied at the time of death.

 

11.14.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

The Board previously adopted the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”). Effective August 22, 2018, the Board amended and restated the 2014 Plan (the “2018 Plan”). On March 27, 2019, the Board amended and restated the 2018 Plan (the “2019 Plan”) to (i) increase the number of common units of the Company reserved for issuance under the 2019 Plan and (ii) make certain other clarifying changes and updates to the 2019 Plan. The 2019 Plan permitted the grant of awards covering a total of 4,000,000 common units of the Company. A “unit” under the 2019 Plan was defined as a common unit of the Company and such other securities as may be substituted or resubstituted for common units of the Company, including but not limited to shares of the Company’s common stock.

On December 18, 2019, the Board approved the first amendment to the 2019 Plan, which permits the grant of awards covering a total of 8,500,000 common units of the Company. On December 31, 2019, the Board approved the assumption of the 2019 Plan and all outstanding awards thereunder by the Company in connection with theC-Corporation Conversion. The 2019 Plan is intended to promote the interests of the Company by providing to employees, consultants and directors of the Company incentive compensation awards to encourage superior performance and enhance the Company’s ability to attract and retain the services of individuals who are essential for its growth and profitability and to encourage them to devote their best efforts to advancing the Company’s business.

Phantom unit and restricted unit awards

On April 15, 2019, the Compensation, and Nominating and Governance Committee (the “Committee”“Compensation Committee”) of the Board approved the award of 1,015,047 phantom unit awards consisting of 494,421 phantom units subject to

time-based vesting (“TVUs”) and 520,626 phantom units subject to performance-based vesting (“PVUs”) to certain members of the general partner’sCompany’s senior management. The awards of phantom units were made under the Partnership’s Amended and Restated 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”).

The TVUs shall vest, if at all, inhad a vesting period equal to three equal annual installments on each April 3 (or first business day thereafter) commencing on April 3, 2020. The PVUs shall vestvested based on the extent, if any, to which the Compensation Committee determines that the performance conditions established by the Compensation Committee for calendar years 2019, 2020 and 2021 have been achieved or waived in writing, as follows:

 

if the “threshold” performance condition with respect to a calendar year has been achieved or waived but not the “target” condition, then 25% of the PVUs subject to vesting with respect to such year (rounded down to the nearest whole phantom unit) shall vest;

if the “target” performance condition with respect to a calendar year has been achieved or waived, then 50% of the PVUs subject to vesting with respect to such year shall vest; and

 

if the “maximum” performance condition with respect to a calendar year has been achieved or waived, then 100% of the PVUs subject to vesting with respect to such year shall vest.

Also on April 15, 2019, an additional 275,000 restricted units were awarded to an officer of the general partnerCompany pursuant to his employment agreement which unitsthat were scheduled to vest in equal quarterly installments over a four year period commencing July 15, 2019, the three month anniversary of the grant date.

The Recapitalization Transactions, described inNote 1 General, resulted in a Change of Control as defined in the LTIP.2019 Plan. The Change of Control accelerated the vesting of certain awards, including all those granted on April 15, 2019, resulting in the immediate vesting of 1,351,493 phantom and restricted units. These awards were net settled with 376,351 units withheld to satisfy the participants’ tax withholding obligations, resulting in a net number of 975,142 common units beingto be issued. The PartnershipCompany recognized $2.2 million in unit-basedstock-based compensation expense related to this accelerated vesting. These units were delivered in the third quarter of 2019.

AnIn addition, an aggregate of 238,553238,554 phantom units issued under the LTIP and held in deferred compensation accounts for certain directors that either became payable as a result of the Recapitalization Transactions or had previously become payable were issued in the third quarter of 2019.

AnA rollforward of phantom unit and restricted unit awards as of December 31, 2019 is as follows:

   Number of
Phantom
Unit and
Restricted
Unit
Awards
   Weighted
Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
 

Totalnon-vested at December 31, 2018

   1,029,638   $7.49 

Units issued

   1,381,572    2.86 

Units vested

   (1,819,131   5.16 

Units forfeited

   (32,861   6.68 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totalnon-vested at December 31, 2019

   559,218   $3.67 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized $3.6 million and $2.4 million, respectively, ofnon-cash stock compensation expense related to phantom unit and restricted unit awards into earnings. As of December 31, 2019, total unamortized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards was $0.5 million, which the Company expects to recognize over the remaining weighted-average period of 2.75 years.

Non-qualified stock options

On December 18, 2019, the Compensation Committee approved the granting of unit options to employees of the Company, including certain members of senior management to purchase an aggregate of 48,924 restricted units vested in the second quarter of 2019 in accordance with the awards’ contractual vesting schedule, which were net settled with 17,629 units withheld to satisfy the participants’ tax withholding obligations, resulting in a net number of 31,2955.5 million common units being issued. In addition, 49,379 restricted units vestedat an exercise price of $1.20 per unit. The option awards vest in three equal annual installments on each December 18 (or first business day thereafter) commencing on December 18, 2020, provided that the third quarterrecipient remains employed by the Company. The Company measured the option awards at their grant-date fair value utilizing the Black-Scholes model and will recognize stock compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the weighted-average service period, which is expected to be three years. The option awards expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant.

A rollforward of stock options as of December 31, 2019 is as follows:

   Number of
Stock
Options
   Weighted
Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 

Total outstanding at December 31, 2018

   —     $—     $—   

Options granted

   5,500,000    0.34    1.20 

Options exercisable

   —      —      —   

Options exercised

   —      —      —   

Options forfeited

   —      —      —   

Options expired

   —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total outstanding at December 31, 2019

   5,500,000   $0.34   $1.20 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018,non-cash stock compensation expense related to stock options was not material. As of December 31, 2019, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options was $1.9 million, which the Company expects to recognize over the remaining weighted-average period of 3 years.

Assumptions used in accordance withcalculating the awards’ contractual vesting schedule, which were net settled with 17,772 units withheld to satisfyfair value of the participants’ tax withholding obligations, resulting in a net number of 31,607 common units being issued.stock options granted during the year are summarized below:

   2019 

Valuation assumptions:

  

Expected dividend yield

   None 

Expected volatility

   23.41

Expected term (years)

   6.0 

Risk-free interest rate

   1.78

Weighted average:

  

Exercise price per stock option

  $1.20 

Market price per share

  $1.23 

Weighted average fair value per stock option

  $0.34 

 

12.15.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal

The Partnership is currentlyremains subject to class or collective actions under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and for related state law derivative claims that certain of ourthe Partnership’s officers and directors breached their fiduciary duty to the Partnership and its unitholders. The PartnershipCompany could also become subject to additional claims and legal proceedings relating to the factual allegations made in these actions. While management cannot reasonably estimate the potential exposure in these matters at this time, if the Partnership doeswe do not prevail in any such proceedings, the Partnershipwe could be required to pay substantial damages or settlement costs, subject to certain insurance coverages. Management has determined that, based on the status of the claims and legal proceedings

against us,the Company, the amount of the potential losses cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. These actions are summarized below.

Anderson v. StoneMor Partners, LP, et al., No.2:16-cv-6111, filed on November 21, 2016, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The plaintiffs in this case (as well as Klein v. StoneMor Partners, LP, et al., No.2:16-cv-6275, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on December 2, 2016, which has been consolidated with this case) brought an action on behalf of a putative class of the holders of Partnership units and allege that the Partnership made misrepresentations to investors in violation of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by, among other things and in general, failing to clearly disclose the use of proceeds from debt and equity offerings by making allegedly false or misleading statements concerning (a) the Partnership’s strength or health in connection with a particular quarter’s distribution announcement, (b) the connection between operations and distributions and (c) the Partnership’s use of cash from equity offerings and its credit facility. Plaintiffs sought damages from the Partnership and certain of its officers and directors on behalf of the class of Partnership unitholders, as well as costs and attorneys’ fees. Lead plaintiffs have been appointed in this case, and filed a Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint on April 24, 2017. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss that Consolidated Amended Complaint on June 8, 2017. The motion was granted on October 31, 2017, and the court entered judgment dismissing the case on November 30, 2017. Plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal on December 29, 2017. Oral argument was held before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on November 1, 2018. On June 20, 2019, the Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of plaintiffs’ case. On July 11, 2019, the plaintiffs filed a petition to have the appeal reheard by the entire Third Circuit, which the Third Circuit denied on September 16, 2019. Plaintiffs have 90 days from that date to file a petition for certiorari with the United States Supreme Court to seek discretionary review of the Third Circuit’s decision.

 

Bunim v. Miller, et al., No.2:17-cv-519-ER, pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and filed on February 6, 2017. The plaintiff in this case brought, derivatively on behalf of the Partnership, claims that the officers and directors of the Partnership’s general partner aided and abetted in breaches of the general partner’s purported fiduciary duties by, among other things and in general, allegedly making misrepresentations through the use ofnon-GAAP accounting standards in its public filings, by allegedly failing to clearly disclose the use of proceeds from debt and equity offerings, and by allegedly approving unsustainable distributions. The plaintiff also claims that these actions and misrepresentations give rise to causes of action for gross mismanagement, unjust enrichment, and (in connection with a purportedly misleading proxy statement filed in 2014) violations of Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The derivative plaintiff seeks an award of damages, attorneys’ fees and costs in favor of the Partnership as nominal plaintiff, as well as general compliance and governance changes. This case has been stayed, by the agreement of the parties, pending final resolution of the motion to dismiss filed in the Anderson case, provided that either party may terminate the stay on 30 days’ notice.

equity offerings, and by allegedly approving unsustainable distributions. The plaintiff also claims that these actions and misrepresentations give rise to causes of action for gross mismanagement, unjust enrichment, and (in connection with a purportedly misleading proxy statement filed in 2014) violations of Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The derivative plaintiff seeks an award of damages, attorneys’ fees and costs in favor of the Partnership as nominal plaintiff, as well as general compliance and governance changes. This case has been stayed, by the agreement of the parties, provided that either party may terminate the stay on 30 days’ notice.

 

Muth v. StoneMor G.P. LLC, et al., December Term, 2016, No. 1196 and Binder v. StoneMor G.P. LLC, et al., January Term, 2017, No. 4872, both pending in the Court of Common Pleas for Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and filed on December 20, 2016 and February 3, 2017, respectively. In these cases, the plaintiffs brought, derivatively on behalf of the Partnership, claims that the officers and directors of the Partnership’s general partner aided and abetted in breaches of the general partner’s purported fiduciary duties by, among other things and in general, allegedly making misrepresentations through the use ofnon-GAAP accounting standards in its public filings and by failing to clearly disclose the use of proceeds from debt and equity offerings, as well as approving unsustainable distributions. The plaintiffs also claim that these actions and misrepresentations give rise to a cause of action for unjust enrichment. The derivative plaintiffs seek an award of damages, attorneys’ fees and costs in favor of the Partnership as nominal plaintiff, as well as alterations to the procedures for electing members to the board of the Partnership’s general partner, and other

compliance and governance changes. These cases have been consolidated and stayed, by the agreement of the parties, pending final resolution of the motion to dismiss filed in the Anderson case, which has now been dismissed. In November 2019, the court issued a dormant case notice under which the plaintiffs were required to file a statement of intent to proceed by January 21, 2020. The plaintiffs have not filed any such notice, and we anticipate that the court will dismiss this case for failure to proceed in the near future.

The Partnership had also been subject to consolidated class actions in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Philadelphia alleging various violations under the Exchange Act. Anderson v. StoneMor Partners, LP, et al., No.2:16-cv-6111, filed on November 21, 2016, and consolidated with Klein v. StoneMor Partners, LP, et al., No.2:16-cv-6275, filed on December 2, 2016. On October 31, 2017, the court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint and entered judgment dismissing the case on November 30, 2017. On June 20, 2019, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of the case and the plaintiffs did not seek discretionary review of that decision before the United States Supreme Court, thereby terminating the case.

On December 11, 2019, the Company entered into a settlement with the SEC with respect to alleged violations of the reporting, books and records, internal accounting controls and related provisions of the parties, pending final resolution of the motion to dismiss filed in the Anderson case, provided that either party may terminate the stay on 30 days’ notice.

The Philadelphia Regional Office of the SEC, Enforcement Division, is continuing its investigation of the Partnership as to whether violations of federal securities laws have occurred. Thethat occurred prior to 2017 under the Company’s former management team (the “Settlement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Settlement, which resolved the matters that were the subject of the previously reported investigation relatesby the SEC’s Enforcement Division, and without admitting or denying the findings in the Settlement: (i) the Company and GP Holdings consented to among other things, our prior restatements, financial statements, internal control over financial reporting, public disclosures, usea cease and desist order with respect to violations ofnon-GAAP financial measures, matters pertaining to unitholder distributions Sections 13(a), 13(b)(2)(A) and 13(b)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act and the sourcesregulations promulgated thereunder, and (ii) GP Holdings agreed to pay a civil penalty of funds therefor and information relating to protection of our confidential information and our policies regarding insider trading. We are continuing to cooperate$250,000, which was paid with the SEC staff.proceeds of an intercompany loan.

The PartnershipCompany is party to other legal proceedings in the ordinary course of its business, but does not expect the outcome of any proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The PartnershipCompany carries insurance with coverage and coverage limits that it believes to be customary in the cemetery and funeral home industry. Although there can be no assurance that such insurance will be sufficient to protect the PartnershipCompany against all contingencies, managementManagement believes that the insurance protection is reasonable in view of the nature and scope of the Company’s operations.

Other

In connection with the Partnership’s 2014 lease and management agreements with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, it has committed to pay aggregate fixed rent of $36.0 million in the following amounts:

 

Lease Years1-5 (May 28,2014-May 31, 2019)

  None

Lease Years6-20 (June 1,2019-May 31, 2034)

  $1,000,000 per Lease Year

Lease Years21-25 (June 1,2034-May 31, 2039)

  $1,200,000 per Lease Year

Lease Years26-35 (June 1,2039-May 31, 2049)

  $1,500,000 per Lease Year

Lease Years36-60 (June 1,2049-May 31, 2074)

  None

The fixed rent for lease years 6six through 11, an aggregate of $6.0 million, is deferred. If prior to May 31, 2024,2025, the Archdiocese terminates the agreements pursuant to ain accordance with their terms during lease year 11 termination or the PartnershipCompany terminates the agreements as a result of a default by the Archdiocese, the PartnershipCompany is entitled to retain the deferred fixed rent. If the agreements are not terminated, the deferred fixed rent will become due and payable on or before June 30, 2024.2025.

 

13.16.

EXIT AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES

On January 31, 2019, the Company announced a profit improvement initiative as part of its ongoing organizational review. This profit improvement initiative was intended to further integrate, streamline and optimize the Company’s operations. As part of this profit improvement initiative, during 2019 the Company undertook certain cost reduction initiatives, which included a reduction of approximately 200 positions of its workforce within its field operations and corporate functions in its headquarters located in Trevose, Pennsylvania. The Company recognized severance expense of $1.5 million for this reduction in workforce, which is included in Cemetery expense, Funeral home services expense and Corporate overhead in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. The following table summarizes the activity in the severance liability recognized for this reduction in workforce in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019, by reportable segment (in thousands):

   Cemetery
Operations
   Funeral Home
Operations
   Corporate   Consolidated 

Balance at January 1, 2019

  $—     $—     $—     $—   

Accruals

   935    25    583    1,543 

Cash payments

   (849   (25   (519   (1,393
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2019

  $86   $—     $64   $150 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company expects to settle the remaining severance liability for this reduction in workforce during the first quarter of 2020, and it does not expect to incur any additional charges related to this reduction in workforce.

17.

LEASES

The PartnershipCompany leases a variety of assets throughout its organization, such as office space, funeral homes, warehouses and equipment. In addition the PartnershipCompany has a sale-leaseback related to one of its warehouses. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, and the PartnershipCompany recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For lease agreements with an initial term of more than 12 months, the PartnershipCompany measures the lease liability at the present value of the sum of the remaining minimum rental payments, which exclude executory costs.

Certain leases provide the PartnershipCompany with the option to renew for additional periods, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term for periods ranging from 1 to 30 years. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Partnership’sCompany’s sole discretion, and the PartnershipCompany is only including the renewal option in the lease term when the PartnershipCompany can be reasonably certain that it will exercise the renewal options. The PartnershipCompany does have residual value guarantees on the finance leases for its vehicles, but no residual guarantees on any of its operating leases.

Certain of the Partnership’sCompany’s leases have variable payments with annual escalations based on the proportion by which the consumer price index (“CPI”) for all urban consumers increased over the CPI index for the prior comparative year.

The PartnershipCompany has the following balances recorded on its unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 related to leases:leases (in thousands):

 

  September 30, 2019   December 31,
2019
 

Assets:

    

Operating

  $11,321   $10,570 

Finance

   6,211    5,685 
  

 

   

 

 

Total ROU assets(1)

  $17,532   $16,255 
  

 

   

 

 

Liabilities:

    

Current

    

Operating

  $2,080   $2,022 

Finance

   1,236    1,200 

Long-term

    

Operating

   12,246    11,495 

Finance

   4,656    4,302 
  

 

   

 

 

Total lease liabilities(2)

  $20,218   $19,019 
  

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

The Partnership’sCompany’s ROU operating assets and finance assets are presented within Other assets and Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, respectively in its unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

(2)

The Partnership’sCompany’s current and long-term lease liabilities and long-term are presented within Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, in its unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

As most of the Partnership’sCompany’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the PartnershipCompany uses its incremental borrowing rate, based on the information available at commencement date, in determining the present value of lease payments. The PartnershipCompany used the incremental borrowing rate on January 1, 2019 for operating leases that commenced prior to that date. The weighted average borrowing rates for operating and finance leases were 9.9% and 8.4%8.5%, respectively as of September 30,December 31, 2019.

The components of lease expense were as follows:follows (in thousands):

 

     Nine months ended
September 30, 2019
      Year ended
December 31,
2019
 

Lease cost

  Classification    Classification  

Operating lease costs(1)

  General and administrative expense  $2,687   General and administrative expense  $3,628 

Finance lease costs

        

Amortization of leased assets

  Depreciation and Amortization   899   Depreciation and Amortization   1,282 

Interest on lease liabilities

  Interest expense   370   Interest expense   495 

Variable lease costs

  General and administrative expense   —   

Short-term lease costs

  General and administrative expense   —   

Short-term lease costs(2)

  General and administrative expense   —   
    

 

     

 

 

Net Lease costs

    $3,956     $5,405 
    

 

     

 

 

 

(1)

The PartnershipCompany includes its variable lease costs under operating lease costs as these variable lease costs are immaterial.

(2)

The Company does not have any short-term leases with lease terms greater than one month.

Maturities of the Partnership’sCompany’s lease labilities as of September 30,December 31, 2019, per ASC 842,Leases, were as follows:follows (in thousands):

 

Year ending December 31,  Operating   Finance   Operating   Finance 

2019

  $867   $484 

2020

   3,320    1,761   $3,283   $1,759 

2021

   2,830    1,922    2,783    1,838 

2022

   2,532    1,978    2,455    2,026 

2023

   2,279    763    2,190    708 

2024

   2,046    106 

Thereafter

   8,495    43    6,348    —   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $20,323   $6,951   $19,105   $6,437 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Less: Interest

   5,997    1,059    (5,588   (935
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Present value of lease liabilities

  $14,326   $5,892   $13,517   $5,502 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Minimum lease commitments remaining under the Partnership’sCompany’s operating leases and capital leases, per ASC 840,Leases,as of December 31, 2018 were as follows:follows (in thousands):

 

Year ending December 31,  Operating   Capital 

2019

  $4,349   $1,499 

2020

   2,765    1,196 

2021

   2,130    949 

2022

   1,539    558 

2023

   1,184    89 

Thereafter

   5,737    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $17,704   $4,291 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Interest

     (875
    

 

 

 

Present value of lease liabilities

    $3,416 
    

 

 

 

Operating and finance lease payments include $3.3 million related to options to extend lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised and $2.0 million related to residual value guarantees. The weighted averageweighted-average remaining lease term for the Company’s operating and finance leases was 7.27.1 years and 3.02.8 years, respectively, as of September 30,December 31, 2019.

As of September 30,December 31, 2019, the Partnership does not haveCompany had one additional operating and finance leaseslease that havehas not yet commenced, norwhich was valued at $0.1 million, but did not have any lease transactions with its related parties. In addition, as of September 30,December 31, 2019, the Partnership hasCompany had not entered into any new sale-leaseback arrangements.

 

14.18.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Management has established a hierarchy to classify the inputs used to measure the Partnership’sCompany’s financial instruments at fair value, pursuant to which the PartnershipCompany is required to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs represent market data obtained from independent sources; whereas, unobservable inputs reflect the Partnership’sCompany’s own market assumptions, which are used if observable inputs are not reasonably available without undue cost and effort. The hierarchy defines three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1 – 1—Unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

 

Level 2 – 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset and liability or can be corroborated with observable market data for substantially the same contractual term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 – 3—Unobservable inputs based on the entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in the pricing of the asset or liability and are consequently not based on market activity but rather through particular valuation techniques.

The carrying value of the Partnership’sCompany’s current assets and current liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets approximated or equaled their estimated fair values due to their short-term nature or imputed interest rates.

Recurring Fair Value Measurement

At September 30,December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the two financial instruments measured by the PartnershipCompany at fair value on a recurring basis were its merchandise and perpetual care trusts, which consist of investments in debt and equity marketable securities and cash equivalents that are carried at fair value and are classified as either Level 1 or Level 2 (see2. For further details, see Note 7 Merchandise Trusts and Note 8 Perpetual Care Trusts).Trustsof this Annual Report.

Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified as Level 1 investments pursuant to the fair value measurement hierarchy. Where quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, fair values are estimated by using either quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or an income approach fair value model with observable inputs that include a combination of interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, prepayment speeds, rating andtax-exempt status. These securities are classified as Level 2 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. Certain investments in the merchandise and perpetual care trusts are excluded from the fair value leveling hierarchy in accordance with GAAP. These funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy.

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurement

The PartnershipCompany may be required to measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value, such as its indefinite-lived assets and long-lived assets, on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP from time to time. These adjustments to fair value usually result from impairment charges. As of December 31, 2019, the Company adjusted the fair value of two of its funeral homes sold in 2019 to mark them down to the selling prices which were lower than the carrying value of the funeral homes on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets The resulting impairment charges were recorded in Other losses, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations during the year ended December 31, 2019. As the Company’s determination of the fair value of these assets were based on the quoted prices the Company received from the sellers, these assets held for sale were classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

Other Financial Instruments

The Partnership’sCompany’s other financial instruments at September 30,December 31, 2019 consisted of its Senior Secured Notes (seeNote 8 10Long-Term Debt)Debt of this Annual Report) and at December 31, 2018 consisted of its Senior Notes and outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility. Both these financial instruments are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy, as their fair value measurements are based on quoted market prices, obtained from Bloomberg, specific to the Company’s outstanding borrowings.

 

At September 30,December 31, 2019, the estimated fair value of the Partnership’sCompany’s Senior Secured Notes was $386.5$383.2 million, based on trades made on that date, compared with the carrying amount of $376.2$392.8 million.

 

At December 31, 2018, the estimated fair value of the Partnership’sCompany’s Senior Notes was $162.5 million, based on trades made on that date, compared with the carrying amount of $173.6 million.

Credit and Market Risk

The Company’s financial instruments exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of its cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts.

The Company’s cash balances on deposit with financial institutions totaled $34.9 million and $18.1 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which exceeded Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limits. The Company regularly monitors these institutions’ financial condition.

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the majority of the Company’s trade receivables were long-term trade account receivables, which typically consisted of interest-bearing installment contracts not to exceed 60 months. Significant customers are those that individually account for greater than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenue or total accounts receivable. Due to the inherent nature of the Company’s business and consumermake-up, there were no customers whose trade receivables with the Company represented more than 10% of the Company’s total accounts receivable as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. The Company mitigates the credit risk associated with its long-term trade account receivables by performing credit evaluations and monitoring the payment patterns of its customers. Management continually evaluates customer receivables for impairment based on historical experience, including the age of the receivables and the customers’ payment pattern. The Company has a process in place to collect all receivables within 30 to 60 days of aging. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had $5.9 million and $4.9 million, respectively, in allowance for doubtful accounts, based on historical cancellation rate trends. The Company wrote off $6.6 million and $9.3 million in bad debts during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

The Company’s merchandise and perpetual care trusts are invested in assets, such as individual equity securities and closed and open-ended mutual funds, with the primary objective of maximizing income and distributable cash flow for trust distributions, while maintaining an acceptable level of risk. Certain asset classes in which the Company invests for the purpose of maximizing yield are subject to an increased market risk. This increased market risk creates volatility in the unrealized gains and losses of the trust assets from period to period. For further details of the market risk to which the Company’s merchandise and perpetual care trusts are subjected, see Part II. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The Company purchases comprehensive general liability, professional liability, automobile liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverages structured with high deductibles. While these high-deductible insurance programs mean the Company is primarily self-insured for claims and associated costs and losses covered by these policies, it is possible that insurers could seek to avoid or be financially unable to meet their obligations under, or a court may decline to enforce such provisions of, the Company’s insurance programs.

 

15.19.

SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The Partnership’sCompany’s Senior Secured Notes are guaranteed by the Partnership’sCompany’s 100% owned subsidiaries, other than theco-issuer,co-issuers, (except as to each other’s obligations thereunder), as described inNote 810 Long-Term Debt.Debt. The guarantees are full, unconditional, joint and several. The Partnership or the “Parent,” and its 100% owned subsidiary, Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary Inc., (“CFS West Virginia”) are theco-issuers of the Senior Secured Notes. As of December 31, 2019, StoneMor Inc. is also a guarantor of the Senior Secured Notes.

In accordance with the disclosures made inNote 1 General, Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidationof this Annual Report, StoneMor Inc. is the “Parent” for the consolidated financial statements presented as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, while the Partnership is the “Parent” for the consolidated financial statements presented as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Partnership’s unaudited condensedCompany’s consolidated financial statements as of September 30,December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 and for the three and nine monthsyears ended September 30,December 31, 2019 and 2018 include the accounts of cemeteries operated under long-term leases, operating agreements and management agreements. For the purposes of this note, these entities are deemednon-guarantor subsidiaries, as they are not 100% owned by the Partnership.Company. The Partnership’s unaudited condensedCompany’s consolidated financial statements also contain merchandise and perpetual care trusts that are alsonon-guarantor subsidiaries for the purposes of this note.

The financial information presented below reflects the Partnership’sCompany’s standalone accounts, the combined accounts of the subsidiaryco-issuer,co-issuers, the combined accounts of the guarantor subsidiaries, the combined accounts of thenon-guarantor subsidiaries, the consolidating adjustments and eliminations and the Partnership’sCompany’s consolidated accounts as of September 30,December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 and for the three and nine monthsyears ended September 30,December 31, 2019 and 2018. For the purpose of the following financial information, the Partnership’sCompany’s investments in its subsidiaries and the guarantor subsidiaries’ investments in their respective subsidiaries are presented in accordance with the equity method of accounting (in thousands):

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

 

September 30, 2019 Parent Subsidiary
Issuer
 Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated 
December 31, 2019 Parent Partnership CFS
West
Virginia
 Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated 

Assets

             

Current assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash

 $—    $—    $42,066  $1,449  $—    $43,515  $—    $—    $—    $33,553  $1,314   $34,867 

Restricted cash

  —     —    20,580   —     —    20,580   —     —     —    21,900   —     21,900 

Assets held for sale

  —     —     —    23,858   —     23,858 

Other current assets

  —    3,470  69,812  11,966   —    85,248   —     —    3,497  62,686  11,531   77,714 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total current assets

  —    3,470  132,458  13,415   —    149,343   —     —    3,497  141,997  12,845   —    158,339 

Long-term accounts receivable

  —    2,906  64,918  10,314   —    78,138   —     —    2,557  63,124  9,868   75,549 

Cemetery and funeral home property and equipment

  —    696  404,948  31,960   —    437,604   —     —    609  391,626  31,770   424,005 

Merchandise trusts

  —     —     —    519,529   —    519,529   —     —     —     —    517,192   517,192 

Perpetual care trusts

  —     —     —    343,028   —    343,028   —     —     —     —    343,619   343,619 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

  —    5,580  90,236  17,785   —    113,601   —     —    5,654  91,243  18,047   114,944 

Intangible assets

  —     —    187  56,375   —    56,562   —     —     —    136  56,110   56,246 

Other assets

  —     —    29,939  2,779   —    32,718   —     —     —    26,907  2,567   29,474 

Investments in and amounts due from affiliates eliminated upon consolidation

  —     —    649,920   —    (649,920  —     —    301,531   —    648,359   —    (949,890  —   
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total assets

 $—    $12,652  $1,372,606  $995,185  $(649,920 $1,730,523  $—    $301,531  $12,317  $1,363,392  $992,018  $(949,890 $1,719,368 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Liabilities, Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units and Partners’ Capital (Deficit)

      

Liabilities and Owners’ Equity

       

Current liabilities

  —    150  63,418  1,520   —    65,088   —     —    161  74,674  1,466   76,301 

Long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs

  —     —    362,173   —     —    362,173   —    301,531  66,239  193   —     367,963 

Deferred revenues

  —    32,926  797,538  113,091   —    943,555   —     —    33,349  802,528  113,498   949,375 

Perpetual care trust corpus

  —     —     —    343,028   —    343,028   —     —     —     —    343,619   343,619 

Other long-term liabilities

  —     —    46,820  16,384   —    63,204   —     —     —    68,227  16,373   84,600 

Investments in and amounts due to affiliates eliminated upon consolidation

 46,525  259,737   —    570,954  (877,216  —    102,490  102,490  183,611  367,770  567,666  (1,324,027  —   
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities

 46,525  292,813  1,269,949  1,044,977  (877,216 1,777,048  102,490  404,021  283,360  1,313,392  1,042,622  (1,324,027 1,821,858 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Redeemable convertible preferred units

 57,500   —     —     —     —    57,500 

Owners’ equity

 (102,490 (102,490 (271,043 50,000  (50,604 374,137  (102,490
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Partners’ capital (deficit)

 (104,025 (280,161 102,657  (49,792 227,296  (104,025

Total liabilities and owners’ equity

 $—    $301,531  $12,317  $1,363,392  $992,018  $(949,890 $1,719,368 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred units and partners’ capital (deficit)

 $—    $12,652  $1,372,606  $995,185  $(649,920 $1,730,523 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET (continued)

 

December 31, 2018 Parent Subsidiary
Issuer
 Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated  Parent Subsidiary
Issuer
 Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated 

Assets

            

Current assets:

            

Cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash

 $—    $—    $16,298  $1,849  $—    $18,147  $—    $—    $16,298  $1,849  $—    $18,147 

Restricted cash

  —     —     —     —     —     —   

Assets held for sale

  —     —    757   —     —    757 

Other current assets

  —    3,718  64,924  11,527   —    80,169   —    3,718  64,167  11,527   —    79,412 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total current assets

  —    3,718  81,222  13,376   —    98,316   —    3,718  81,222  13,376   —    98,316 

Long-term accounts receivable

  —    3,118  71,708  12,322   —    87,148   —    3,118  71,708  12,322   —    87,148 

Cemetery and funeral home property and equipment

  —    806  409,201  33,550   —    443,557   —    806  409,497  33,550   —    443,853 

Merchandise trusts

  —     —     —    488,248   —    488,248   —     —     —    488,248   —    488,248 

Perpetual care trusts

  —     —     —    330,562   —    330,562   —     —     —    330,562   —    330,562 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

  —    5,511  88,705  18,444   —    112,660   —    5,511  89,689  18,444   —    113,644 

Goodwill and intangible assets

  —     —    25,676  60,607   —    86,283   —     —    25,676  60,607   —    86,283 

Other assets

  —     —    19,403  2,924   —    22,327   —     —    19,401  2,926   —    22,327 

Investments in and amounts due from affiliates eliminated upon consolidation

 61,875  (586 539,997   —    (601,286  —    57,835  (4,626 539,997   —    (593,206  —   
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total assets

 $61,875  $12,567  $1,235,912  $960,033  $(601,286 $1,669,101  $57,835  $8,527  $1,237,190  $960,035  $(593,206 $1,670,381 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Liabilities, Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units and Partners’ Capital (Deficit)

            

Current liabilities

 $—    $184  $60,216  $1,400  $—    $61,800  $—    $184  $60,216  $1,400  $—    $61,800 

Long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs

 68,453  105,160  146,635   —     —    320,248  68,453  105,160  146,635   —     —    320,248 

Deferred revenues

  —    32,147  770,337  111,802   —    914,286   —    32,147  775,657  111,802   —    919,606 

Perpetual care trust corpus

  —     —     —    330,562   —    330,562   —     —     —    330,562   —    330,562 

Other long-term liabilities

  —     —    33,553  15,230   —    48,783   —     —    33,553  15,230   —    48,783 

Due to affiliates

  —     —    173,613  543,543  (717,156  —     —     —    173,613  543,543  (717,156  —   
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities

 68,453  137,491  1,184,354  1,002,537  (717,156 1,675,679  68,453  137,491  1,189,674  1,002,537  (717,156 1,680,999 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Redeemable convertible preferred units

  —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —   
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Partners’ capital (deficit)

 (6,578 (124,924 51,556  (42,502 115,870  (6,578 (10,618 (128,964 47,516  (42,502 123,950  (10,618
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred units and partners’ capital (deficit)

 $61,875  $12,567  $1,235,910  $960,035  $(601,286 $1,669,101  $57,835  $8,527  $1,237,190  $960,035  $(593,206 $1,670,381 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Parent Subsidiary
Issuer
 Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated 
Year Ended December 31, 2019 Parent Partnership CFS West
Virginia
 Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated 

Total revenues

 $—    $1,257  $61,520  $12,154  $(1,780 $73,151  $—    $—    $5,041  $242,339  $49,068  $(6,926 $289,522 

Total costs and expenses

  —    (3,336 (64,596 (13,440 1,780  (79,592  —     —    (15,181 (285,292 (54,610 6,926  (348,157

Other loss

  —     —    (129  —     —    (129

Other losses, net

  —     —    (46 (5,761 (2,299  —    (8,106

Net loss from equity investment in subsidiaries

 (42,652 (33,050  —    .  75,702   —    (151,942 (125,840 (120,653  —     —    398,435   —   

Interest expense

  —     —    (12,486 (279  —    (12,765  —    (25,164 (10,505 (11,726 (1,124  —    (48,519

Loss on debt extinguishment

  —     —     —     —     —     —     —    (938 (1,441 (6,099  —     —    (8,478

Loss on impairment of goodwill

  —     —    (24,206 (656  —    (24,862
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 (42,652 (35,129 (39,897 (2,221 75,702  (44,197

Income tax benefit

  —     —    1,545   —     —    1,545 

Income (loss) from operations before income taxes

 (151,942 (151,942 (142,785 (66,539 (8,965 398,435  (123,738

Income tax expense

  —     —     —    (28,204  —     —    (28,204
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net income (loss)

 $(42,652 $(35,129 $(38,352 $(2,221 $75,702  $(42,652 $(151,942 $(151,942 $(142,785 $(94,743 $(8,965 $398,435  $(151,942
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Parent  Subsidiary
Issuer
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Total revenues

 $—    $1,513  $61,254  $12,116  $(1,698  73,185 

Total costs and expenses

  —     (3,192  (68,979  (12,728  1,698   (83,201

Other income

  —     —     702   —     —     702 

Net loss from equity investment in subsidiaries

  (15,867  (13,280  —     —     29,147   —   

Interest expense

  (1,358  (2,087  (3,935  (258   (7,638
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

  (17,225  (17,046  (10,958  (870  29,147   (16,952

Income tax expense

  —     —     (273  —     —     (273
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 $(17,225 $(17,046 $(11,231 $(870 $29,147  $(17,225
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Parent Subsidiary
Issuer
 Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated 
Year Ended December 31, 2018 Parent Subsidiary
Issuer
 Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated 

Total revenues

 $—    $4,260  $187,021  $36,354  $(4,520 $223,115  $—    $6,382  $266,550  $52,271  $(9,077 $316,126 

Total costs and expenses

  —    (11,894 (197,511 (40,793 4,520  (245,678  —    (13,666 (285,578 (58,349 9,077  (348,516

Other loss

  —     —    (1,475 (2,083  —    (3,558  —    (445 (9,510 (1,549  —    (11,504

Net loss from equity investment in subsidiaries

 (94,405 (74,333  —     —    168,738   —    (63,084 (54,573  —     —    117,657   —   

Interest expense

 (4,241 (5,909 (24,311 (821  —    (35,282 (5,434 (8,348 (15,787 (1,033  —    (30,602

Loss on debt extinguishment

 (938 (1,441 (6,099  —     —    (8,478

Loss on impairment of goodwill

  —     —    (24,206 (656  —    (24,862
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 (99,584 (89,317 (66,581 (7,999 168,738  (94,743 (68,518 (70,650 (44,325 (8,660 117,657  (74,496

Income tax expense

  —     —    (4,841  —     —    (4,841

Income tax benefit

  —     —    1,797   —     —    1,797 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net income (loss)

 $(99,584 $(89,317 $(71,422 $(7,999 $168,738  $(99,584 $(68,518 $(70,650 $(42,528 $(8,660 $117,657  $(72,699
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Parent  Subsidiary
Issuer
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Total revenues

 $—    $4,563  $196,638  $38,390  $(6,890 $232,701 

Total costs and expenses

  —     (10,278  (214,804  (41,289  6,890   (259,481

Other loss

  —     —     (4,503  —     —     (4,503

Net loss from equity investment in subsidiaries

  (48,090  (40,382  —     —     88,472   —   

Interest expense

  (4,075  (6,261  (11,755  (767  —     (22,858
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

  (52,165  (52,358  (34,424  (3,666  88,472   (54,141

Income tax benefit

  —     —     1,976   —     —     1,976 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 $(52,165 $(52,358 $(32,448 $(3,666 $88,472  $(52,165
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Parent Subsidiary
Issuer
 Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated 

Net cash used in (provided by) operating activities

 $—    $212  $(16,712 $(105 $(10,150 $(26,755
Year Ended December 31, 2019 Parent Partnership CFS
West
Virginia
 Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 $—    $—    $280  $(1,662 $(935 $(35,669 $(37,986

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

             

Cash paid for acquisitions and capital expenditures, net of proceeds from divestitures and asset sales

  —    (188 (4,158 (147  —    (4,493  —     —    (232 (644 713   —    (163

Payments to affiliates

 (57,500  —     —     —    57,500   —     —    (390,238 (73,087  —     —    463,325   —   
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 (57,500 (188 (4,158 (147 57,500  (4,493  —    (390,238 (73,319 (644 713  463,325  (163
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

             

Cash distributions

  —     —     —     —     —     —   

Payments from affiliates

  —     —    47,350   —    (47,350  —     —     —     —    427,656   —    (427,656  —   

Proceeds from issuance of redeemable convertible preferred units, net

 57,500   —     —     —     —    57,500   —    57,500   —     —     —     —    57,500 

Net borrowings and repayments of debt

  —    (24 38,517  (148  —    38,345   —    332,738  73,039  (367,746 (313  —    37,718 

Other financing activities

  —     —    (18,649  —     —    (18,649  —     —     —    (18,449  —     —    (18,449
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 57,500  (24 67,218  (148 (47,350 77,196 

Net cash used in financing activities

  —    390,238  73,039  41,461  (313 (427,656 76,769 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

  —     —    46,348  (400  —    45,948   —     —     —    39,155  (535  —    38,620 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash—Beginning of period

  —     —    16,298  1,849   —    18,147   —     —     —    16,298  1,849   —    18,147 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash—End of period

 $—    $—    $62,646  $1,449  $—    $64,095  $—    $—    $—    $55,453  $1,314  $—    $56,767 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Parent Subsidiary
Issuer
 Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 $—    $363  $29,462  $(78 $(10,336 $19,411 
Year Ended December 31, 2018  Parent   Subsidiary
Issuer
 Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $—     $370  $39,942  $(73 $(13,782 $26,457 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

              

Cash paid for acquisitions and capital expenditures, net of proceeds from divestitures and asset sales

  —    (363 (9,888 (626  —    (10,877   —      (370 (11,510 (683  —    (12,563
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

  —    (363 (9,888 (626  —    (10,877   —      (370 (11,510 (683  —    (12,563
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

              

Cash distributions

  —     —     —     —     —     —      —      —     —     —     —     —   

Payments to affiliates

  —     —    (10,336  —    10,336   —      —      —    (13,782  —    13,782   —   

Proceeds from issuance of redeemable convertible preferred units, net

  —     —     —     —     —     —      —      —     —     —     —     —   

Net borrowings and repayments of debt

  —     —    (4,044  —     —    (4,044   —      —    1,387   —     —    1,387 

Other financing activities

  —     —    (3,268  —     —    (3,268   —      —    (3,955  —     —    (3,955
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  —     —    (17,648  —    10,336  (7,312

Net cash used in financing activities

   —      —    (16,350  —    13,782  (2,568
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

  —     —    1,926  (704  —    1,222 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash—Beginning of period

  —     —    4,216  2,605   —    6,821 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   —      —    12,082  (756  —    11,326 

Cash and cash equivalents—Beginning of period

   —      —    4,216  2,605   —    6,821 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash—End of period

 $—    $—    $6,142  $1,901  $—    $8,043 

Cash and cash equivalents—End of period

  $—     $—    $16,298  $1,849  $—    $18,147 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

16.20.

SEGMENT INFORMATIONSIGNIFICANT RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS

ManagementThe Company operates the Partnership’s in two reportable operating segments: Cemetery Operations and Funeral Home Operations. These operating segments reflectOperations, with significant concentration in the wayCemetery Operations segment. During the Partnership manages its operationsyears ended December 31, 2019 and makes business decisions. Management evaluates2018, revenues from the performanceCompany’s Cemetery Operations represented 82% and 83% of these operating segments based on interments performed, interment rights sold, pre-need cemeterythe Company’s consolidated revenue, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2019 andat-need cemetery contracts written, revenue and 2018, sales from the Company’s Cemetery Operations contributed 68% of the Company’s consolidated segment profit (loss). As a percentage of revenue and assets, the Partnership’s major operations consist of its cemetery operations.profit.

The following tables present financial information with respect toAlthough the Partnership’s segments (in thousands). Corporate costs represent those not directly associated with an operating segment, such as corporate overhead, interest expensedeath care business is relatively stable and income taxes. Corporate assets primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash.

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2019  2018  2019  2018 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:

     

Cemetery Operations:

     

Revenues

  $60,750  $61,405  $184,288  $191,328 

Operating costs and expenses

   (54,681  (57,440  (166,777  (176,925

Depreciation and amortization

   (1,853  (1,858  (5,735  (6,043
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment operating profit

  $4,216  $2,107  $11,776  $8,360 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Funeral Home Operations:

     

Revenues

   12,401   11,780   38,827   41,373 

Operating costs and expenses

   (10,669  (10,148  (32,636  (33,835

Depreciation and amortization

   (602  (652  (1,788  (2,066
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment operating profit

  $1,130  $980  $4,403  $5,472 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Reconciliation of segment operating profit to net loss:

     

Cemetery Operations

   4,216   2,107   11,776   8,360 

Funeral Home Operations

   1,130   980   4,403   5,472 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total segment profit

   5,346   3,087   16,179   13,832 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Corporate overhead

   (11,595  (12,876  (38,145  (39,868

Corporate depreciation and amortization

   (192  (227  (597  (744

Other gains (losses), net

   (129  702   (3,558  (4,503

Loss on debt extinguishment

   —     —     (8,478  —   

Loss on impairment of goodwill

   (24,862  —     (24,862 

Interest expense

   (12,765  (7,638  (35,282  (22,858

Income tax benefit (expense)

   1,545   (273  (4,841  1,976 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net loss

  $(42,652 $(17,225 $(99,584 $(52,165
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

CASH FLOW DATA:

     

Capital expenditures:

     

Cemetery Operations

  $411  $2,105  $4,222  $9,378 

Funeral Home Operations

   465   246   1,447   465 

Corporate

   29   187   74   321 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total capital expenditures

  $905  $2,538  $5,743  $10,164 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

   September 30, 2019   December 31, 2018 

BALANCE SHEET DATA:

    

Assets:

    

Cemetery Operations

  $1,507,873   $1,508,667 

Funeral Home Operations

   146,708    136,064 

Corporate

   75,942    24,370 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

  $1,730,523   $1,669,101 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goodwill:

    

Cemetery Operations

  $—     $24,862 

17.

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW INFORMATION

The tables presented below provide supplemental information topredictable, the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows regarding contract origination and maturity activity included in the pertinent captions on the Partnership’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):

   Nine months ended September 30, 
           2019                  2018         

Accounts Receivable

   

Pre-need/at-need contract originations (sales on credit)

   (88,296 $(95,267

Cash receipts from sales on credit (post-origination)

   73,991   100,841 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Changes in accounts receivable, net of allowance

  $(14,305 $5,574 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Customer Contract Liabilities

   

Deferrals:

   

Cash receipts from customer deposits at origination, net of refunds

  $107,847  $114,132 

Withdrawals of realized income from merchandise trusts during the period

   6,699   13,815 

Pre-need/at-need contract originations (sales on credit)

   88,296   95,267 

Undistributed merchandise trust investment earnings, net

   8,367   357 

Recognition:

   

Merchandise trust investment income, net withdrawn as of end of period

   (6,985  (7,211

Recognized maturities of customer contracts collected as of end of period

   (155,915  (137,265

Recognized maturities of customer contracts uncollected as of end of period

   (24,449  (38,734
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Changes in customer contract liabilities

  $23,860  $40,361 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

18.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Rights Offering

On September 25, 2019, the Partnership commenced its Rights Offering that entitled each unitholder of record (the “unitholder”) on September 26, 2019 (the “Record Date”) onenon-transferable subscription right for each common unit held by the unitholder on the Record Date. Each subscription right entitled the unitholder to purchase 1.24 common units for each common unit held by the unitholder at a subscription price of $1.20 per common unit. Through the Rights Offering, which expired on October 25, 2019, 3,039,380 common units were purchased for a total of $3.6 million. The gross proceeds from the Rights Offering were used to redeem 3,039,380 of the Partnership’s outstanding Preferred Units on October 25, 2019 at a price of $1.20 per Preferred Unit.

Divestitures

As part of the Partnership’s recently launched asset sale program in the fourth quarter of 2019, the Partnership signed anon-binding letter of intent on one of its properties in October 2019 and received a $5.0 million refundable deposit. This asset sale is expected to be consummated in the first quarter of 2020.

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management’s discussion and analysis presented below provides information to assist in understanding the Partnership’s financial condition andCompany’s results of operations and shouldmay be read in conjunction with the Partnership’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “StoneMor,” the “Company,” or the “Partnership” are to StoneMor Partners L.P. and its subsidiaries.

Certain statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q, including, but not limited to, information regarding our operating activities, the plans and objectives of our management and assumptions regarding our future performance and plans are forward-looking statements. When used in this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and estimates. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are made subject to certain risksseasonal fluctuations in deaths due to weather conditions and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materiallyillness. Generally, more deaths occur during the winter months, primarily resulting from pneumonia and influenza. In addition, the results stated or implied in this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q. We believe the assumptions underlying the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

We are a publicly-traded Delaware master-limited partnership (“MLP”)Company generally performs fewer initial openings and provider of funeral and cemetery products and servicesclosings in the death care industrywinter, as the ground is frozen in many of the United States. As of September 30,areas in which the Company operates. The Company may also experience declines in contracts written during the winter months due to inclement weather, which makes it more difficult for the Company’s sales staff to meet with customers.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, we operated 321 cemeteries in 27 states and Puerto Rico, of which 291 were owned and 30 were operated under leases, operating agreements or management agreements. We also owned, operated or managed 89 funeral homes in 17 states and Puerto Rico. We are proposing to convert to a “C” Corporation which, if approved, is expected to be effective at the end of 2019. See Part 1. Item 1.Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 1 General of this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for further information related to the Merger and Reorganization Agreement.

Our revenue is derived from our Cemetery Operations and Funeral Home Operations segments. Our Cemetery Operations segment principally generates revenue from salesone location represented more than 10% of interment rights, cemetery merchandise, which includes markers, bases, vaults, casketsthe Company’s consolidated revenue and cremation niches and our cemetery services, which include opening and closing (“O&C”) services, cremation services and fees for the installation of cemetery merchandise. Our Funeral Home Operations segment principally generates revenue from salesfive locations collectively represented approximately 49% of funeral home merchandise, which includes caskets and other funeral related items and service revenues, which include services such as family consultation, the removal of and preparation of remains andCompany’s consolidated revenue. For the use of funeral home facilities for visitation and prayer services. These sales occur both at the time of death, which we referto as at-need, and prior to the time of death, which we referto as pre-need. Our Funeral Home Operations segment also include revenues related to the sale of term and whole life insurance on an agency basis, in which we earn a commission from the sales of these insurance policies.

The pre-need sales enhance our financial position by providing a backlog of futureyear ended December 31, 2018, revenue from both trustand insurance-funded pre-need funeral and cemetery sales. Webelieve pre-need sales add to the stability and predictability of our revenues andcash flows. Pre-need sales are typically sold on an installment plan. While revenue on themajority of pre-need funeral sales is deferred until the time of need,sales of pre-need cemetery property interment rights provide opportunities for full current revenue recognition when the property is available for use by the customer.

We also earn investment income on certain payments received from customerson pre-need contracts, which are required by law to be deposited into the merchandise and service trusts. Amounts are withdrawn from the merchandise and service trusts when the Partnership fulfills the performance obligations. Earnings on these trust

funds, which are specifically identifiable for each performance obligation, are also included in the total transaction price. For sales of interment rights, a portionone location represented more than 10% of the cash proceeds received are required to be deposited into a perpetual care trust. While the principal balanceCompany’s consolidated revenue and revenue from six locations collectively represented approximately 52% of the perpetual care trust must remain in the trust in perpetuity, we recognize investment income on such assets as revenue, excluding realized gains and losses from the sale of trustassets. Pre-need contracts are subject to financing arrangements on an installment basis, with a contractual term not to exceed 60 months. Interest income is recognized utilizing the effective interest method. For those contracts that do not bear a market rate of interest, the Partnership imputes such interest based upon the prime rate at the time of origination plus 150 basis points in order to segregate the principal and interest components of the total contract value.

Our revenue depends upon the demand for funeral and cemetery services and merchandise, which can be influenced by a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our control including demographic trends, such as population growth, average age, death rates and number of deaths. Our operating results and cash flows could also be influenced by our ability to remain relevant to the customers. We provide a variety of unique product and service offerings to meet the needs of our customers’ families. The mix of services could influence operating results, as it influences the average revenue per contract. Expense management, which includes controlling salaries, merchandise costs, corporate overhead and other expense categories, could also impact operating results and cash flows. Lastly, economic conditions, legislative and regulatory changes and tax law changes, all of which are beyond our control, could impact our operating results and cash flows.

For further discussion of our key operating metrics, see our Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources sections below.

RECENT EVENTS

The following are key events and transactions that occurred during 2019 through the date of issuance of the unaudited condensedCompany’s consolidated financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q:revenue.

 

21.

Recapitalization Transactions. On June 27, 2019, we closed a $447.5 million recapitalization transaction, consisting of (i) a private placement (the “Preferred Offering”) of $62.5 million of liquidation value of Series A Convertible Preferred Units of the Partnership (“Preferred Units”) and (ii) a concurrent private placement of $385.0 million of 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024 (the “Senior Secured Notes”) of the Partnership to certain financial institutions (the “Notes Offering” and together with the Preferred Offering, the “Recapitalization Transactions”). The net proceeds of the Recapitalization Transactions were used to fully repay our outstanding senior notes due in June 2021 and retire the revolving credit facility due in May 2020, as well as for associated transaction expenses, cash collateralization of existing letters of credit and other needs under the former credit facility, with the balance available for general corporate purposes;

Board Reconstitution.In connection with the closing of the Recapitalization Transactions, the board of directors of our general partner was reconstituted. Directors Martin R. Lautman, Ph.D., Leo J. Pound, Robert A Sick and Fenton R. Talbott resigned as directors and the authorized number of directors was reduced to seven. Andrew Axelrod, David Miller and Spencer Goldenberg were elected to the board of directors of the General Partner to fill the vacancies created by the resignations. The reconstituted board of directors is comprised of Messrs. Axelrod, Miller and Goldenberg, Robert B. Hellman, Jr., Stephen Negrotti, Patricia Wellenbach and Joseph M. Redling. Mr. Axelrod serves as the chairman of the board of directors of our general partner;RELATED PARTIES

On June 27,February 4, 2019, also in connection with the closing of the Recapitalization Transactions, the general partner, StoneMor GP Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and formerly the sole member of GP (“GP Holdings”) and Axar Special Member LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Axar (“Axar Special Member”),Partnership entered into the Third AmendedEighth Amendment and Restated Limited Liability Company

Wavier to Credit Agreement of the General Partner, pursuant to which the Axar Special Member was admitted as a member with, the right to designate three-sevenths of the board of directors of the general partner and through such interest holds a number of control rights;

Change in Chief Financial Officer.On September 19, 2019, Jeffrey DiGiovanni became our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, replacing Garry P. Herdler;

Reduction in Workforce.On January 31, 2019, we announced a profit improvement initiative as part of our ongoing organizational review. This profit improvement initiative is intended to further integrate, streamline and optimize our operations. As part of this profit improvement initiative, during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we have undertaken certain cost reduction initiatives, including a reduction of approximately 216 positions of our workforce, related to corporate functions in Trevose, Pennsylvania as well as our field operations, a streamlining of general and administrative expenses and an optimization of location spend; and

Lease accounting standard.Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted the new lease accounting standard as further discussed in Part 1. Item 1.Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 1 General of this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q which resulted in an increase in other assets of $15.3 million and increases of $2.2 million and $13.1 million in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. The adoption did not have a material impact on our results of operations or cash flows.

Rights offering. On September 25, 2019, we commenced our Rights Offering that entitled each unitholder of record (the “unitholder”) on September 26, 2019 (the “Record Date”) to onenon-transferable subscription right for each common unit held by the unitholder on the Record Date. Each subscription right entitled the unitholder to purchase 1.24 common units for each common unit held by the unitholder at a subscription price of $1.20 per common unit. Through the Rights Offering, which expired on October 25, 2019, 3,039,380 common units were purchased for a total of $3.6 million. The gross proceeds from the Rights Offering were used to redeem 3,039,380 of our outstanding Preferred Units on October 25, 2019 at a price of $1.20 per Preferred Unit.

Divestitures. As part of the Partnership’s recently launched asset sale program in the fourth quarter of 2019, the Partnership signed anon-binding letter of intent on one of its properties in October 2019 and received a $5.0 million refundable deposit. This asset sale is expected to be consummated in the first quarter of 2020.

GENERAL TRENDS AND OUTLOOK

We expect our business to be affected by key trends in the death care industry, based upon assumptions made by us and information currently available. Death care industry factors affecting our financial position and results of operations include, but are not limited to, demographic trends in terms of population growth, average age, death rates and cremation trends. In addition, we are subject to fluctuations in the fair value of equity and fixed-maturity debt securities held in our trusts. These values can be negatively impacted by contractions in the credit market and overall downturns in economic activity. Our ability to make payments on our debt depends on our success at managing operations with respect to these industry trends. To the extent our underlying assumptions about or interpretations of available information prove to be incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from our expected results.

Business Strategies

We believe the Recapitalization Transactions demonstrate both strong underlying values of our asset base, as well as confidence in our ability to execute our turnaround plan. We believe the recapitalization of our balance sheet has reset our financial footing and helps position us to execute the following business strategies:

Execute on Financial Strategy. The Recapitalization Transactions have significantly extended our debt capital structure with a five-year maturity, which provides us with a meaningful liquidity improvement to execute our turnaround strategy, including the next phase of our performance improvement plans. In April 2019, we announced a turnaround strategy focused on four key goals: cash flow and liquidity, capital structure, strategic balance sheet/portfolio review, and performance improvement from cost reductions and revenue enhancement;

Implementation of New Strategic Initiatives. We view our substantial and diverse asset base as a strength, but we have prioritized the ways in which we view our assets. We believe that by tiering operating units by class and contribution, identifying and initiating a divestiture plan for select assets and prioritizing certain assets over others, we will be able to optimize results in our top tier properties and more efficiently manage our assets. From a portfolio review perspective, we continue to focus our resources on improving our “top tier” assets as we believe they possess the greatest potential for improved profitability. We are also minimizing costs and resources on our “lower-tier” assets to reduce the impact these assets have on profitability of the portfolio.

Improve Operating Efficiencies. We believe we have identified significant expense reduction opportunities in the next phase of this operational turnaround strategy with additional“4-wall level” operational savings, identified projects and industry benchmarking. In addition, we are focused on improving performance through cost reductions and revenue enhancement and executing on other long and short-term turnaround strategies that will allow us to meet our primary objectives on a continuing basis. The next phase of cost reduction and operational performance improvement opportunities have now been identified with a focus on prioritizing identified opportunities in procurement, sourcing, product hierarchy, field labor efficiencies, shared services and outsourcing. We believe that the execution of these initiatives will result in improved profitability and cash flow across the asset base. In terms of revenue enhancements, we believe we have identified the primary drivers of our sales productivity andpre-need sales issues and, while it is in the early stages, we remain focused on improving retention of sales personnel and optimizing staffing levels across our asset base; and

CompleteC-Corporation Conversion. The Recapitalization Transactions, together with our cost structure and performance improvement efforts and the contemplatedC-Corporation Conversion, are important steps to revitalizing our business and positioning us for future success.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

We have two distinct reportable segments, Cemetery Operations and Funeral Home Operations, which are supported by corporate costs and expenses.

Cemetery Operations

Overview

We are currently the second largest owner and operator of cemeteries in the United States of America. As of September 30, 2019, we operated 321 cemeteries in 27 states and Puerto Rico. We own 291 of these cemeteries, and we manage or operate the remaining 30 under leases, operating agreements or management agreements. Revenues from our Cemetery Operations segment accounted for approximately 83% of our total revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Operating Results

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

The following table presents operating results for our Cemetery Operations segment for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

   Three Months Ended September 30, 
           Variance 
   2019   2018   $  % 

Interments

  $15,605   $17,716   $(2,111  (12%) 

Merchandise

   18,014    18,023    (9  (0%) 

Services

   17,068    16,419    649   4

Interest income

   2,040    2,119    (79  (4%) 

Investment and other

   8,023    7,128    895   13
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total revenues

   60,750    61,405    (655  (1%) 

Cost of goods sold

   10,677    12,866    (2,189  (17%) 

Cemetery expense

   18,362    19,407    (1,045  (5%) 

Selling expense

   14,609    14,251    358   3

General and administrative expense

   11,033    10,916    117   1

Depreciation and amortization

   1,853    1,858    (5  (0%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

   56,534    59,298    (2,764  (5%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment operating profit

  $4,216   $2,107   $2,109   100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

The following table presents supplemental operating data for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
           Variance 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:  2019   2018   #  % 

Interments performed

   12,510    12,876    (366  (3%) 

Net interment rights sold(1)

       

Lots

   5,614    4,787    827   17

Mausoleum crypts (includingpre-construction)

   347    235    112   48

Niches

   379    336    43   13
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total net interment rights sold(1)

   6,340    5,358    982   18
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Number ofpre-need cemetery contracts written

   8,836    9,067    (231  (3%) 

Number ofat-need cemetery contracts written

   13,191    13,892    (701  (5%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Number of cemetery contracts written

   22,027    22,959    (932  (4%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Net of cancellations. Sales of double-depth burial lots are counted as two sales.

Cemetery interments revenues were $15.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $2.1 million and 12% from $17.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to a decrease inpre-need lawn crypt sales of $1.9 million and a decrease inpre-need mausoleum revenue of $1.4 million, primarily driven by a reduction in the completion of construction projects of private estates and mausoleums. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in allat-need revenues totaling $0.6 million and a decrease in the cancellation reserve of $0.6 million.

Cemetery service revenues were $17.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, an increase of $0.6 million and 4% from $16.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to an increase inpre-need grave openings.

Investment andamong other income was $8.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, an increase of $0.9 million and 13% from $7.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to an increase in investment income of $1.2 million, partially offset by a net decrease of $0.3 million in various other sources of other income.

Cost of goods sold was $10.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $2.2 million and 17% from $12.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to a decrease in costs primarily related to markers, lots and mausoleums with an impact of $1.4 million, combined with lower revenue activity with an impact of $0.8 million.

Cemetery expenses were $18.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $1.0 million and 5% from $19.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to a decrease in payroll and related taxes of $0.8 million, a decrease in landscaping and lawncare of $0.6 million and a decrease in employee benefits of $0.4 million. These decreases were partially offset by increases in real estate taxes of $0.2 million, repairs and maintenance of $0.2 million, and various other expenses of $0.4 million.

Selling expenses were $14.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, an increase of $0.4 million and 3% from $14.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The change was primarily due to an increase in marketing and advertising expenses of $0.9 million and an increase in regional overhead salaries and wages of $0.2 million. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in sales incentive compensation of $0.3 million as a result of a decrease in contracts written, a decrease in employee benefits of $0.3 million and a net decrease in various other expenses of $0.1 million.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

The following table presents operating results for our Cemetery Operations segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 
           Variance 
   2019   2018   $  % 

Interments

  $52,544   $58,130   $(5,586  (10%) 

Merchandise

   51,870    51,766    104   0

Services

   50,400    50,647    (247  (0%) 

Interest income

   5,815    6,671    (856  (13%) 

Investment and other

   23,659    24,114    (455  (2%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total revenues

   184,288    191,328    (7,040  (4%) 

Cost of goods sold

   31,263    39,387    (8,124  (21%) 

Cemetery expense

   57,245    57,828    (583  (1%) 

Selling expense

   44,839    47,673    (2,834  (6%) 

General and administrative expense

   33,430    32,037    1,393   4

Depreciation and amortization

   5,735    6,043    (308  (5%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

   172,512    182,968    (10,456  (6%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment operating profit

  $11,776   $8,360   $3,416   41
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

The following table presents supplemental operating data for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 
           Variance 
   2019   2018   #  % 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

       

Interments performed

   39,048    41,550    (2,502  (6%) 

Net interment rights sold(1)

       

Lots

   17,295    20,264    (2,969  (15%) 

Mausoleum crypts (includingpre-construction)

   904    1,082    (178  (16%) 

Niches

   1,269    1,195    74   6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total net interment rights sold(1)

   19,468    22,541    (3,073  (14%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Number ofpre-need cemetery contracts written

   27,336    30,776    (3,440  (11%) 

Number ofat-need cemetery contracts written

   41,063    43,895    (2,832  (6%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Number of cemetery contracts written

   68,399    74,671    (6,272  (8%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Net of cancellations. Sales of double-depth burial lots are counted as two sales.

Cemetery interments revenues were $52.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $5.6 million and 10% from $58.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to a decrease inpre-need lot sales of $2.5 million, a decrease inpre-need lawn crypt sales of $2.4 million and a decrease inpre-need mausoleum revenue of $1.3 million, primarily driven by a reduction in the completion ofpre-construction projects of private estates and mausoleums. These decreases were partially offset by a net increase in various other interment revenues of $0.6 million.

Cemetery services revenues were $50.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $0.2 million from $50.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to a decrease inat-need openings and closings of $1.5 million and a decrease innon-opening and closingpre-need services of $0.5 million. These decreases were partially offset by an increase inpre-need openings and closings of $1.2 million and an increase in revenues fromnon-opening and closingat-need services of $0.6 million.

Interest income was $5.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $0.9 million and 13% from $6.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change was primarily due to a decrease in accounts receivable outstanding driven by the accelerated collection ofpre-need receivables in 2018.

Investment and other income was $23.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $0.5 million and 2% from $24.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to land sales of $0.5 million in the prior period that did not recur in the current period, combined with a net decrease of $1.0 million in various other sources of other income. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in investment income of $1.0 million.

Cost of goods sold was $31.3 million the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $8.1 million and 21% from $39.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to a decrease of $2.9 million related to lower revenue activity and a $3.3 million decrease in costs primarily related to markers, caskets, lots and the servicing of contacts acquired through acquisition. These decreases were combined with $1.9 million of vault inventory adjustments and impairments that were recorded in the first quarter of 2018, but which did not recur in 2019.

Cemetery expenses were $57.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $0.6 million and 1% from $57.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to decreases in

payroll and related taxes of $2.3 million, employee benefits of $0.2 million and various other expenses of $0.1 million. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in repairs and maintenance of $0.9 million, an increase in landscaping and lawncare expense of $0.6 million, and an increase in real estate taxes of $0.5 million.

Selling expenses were $44.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $2.8 million and 6% from $47.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to a decrease in sales incentive compensation of $2.6 million related to a decrease in contracts written in the current period and the elimination of an annual sales trip bonus, a decrease in other payroll of $0.5 million partially due to elimination of a telemarketing group, a decrease in related payroll taxes and benefits of $0.6 million and a decrease in various other expenses of $0.4 million. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in marketing and advertising expense of $1.3 million.

General and administrative expenses were $33.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, an increase of $1.4 million and 4% from $32.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to an increase in payroll and related taxes of $3.6 million associated with the implementation of a general manager operating model, combined with an increase in the cost of surety bonds of $0.5 million. These increases were partially offset by decreases in insurance expense of $0.8 million, legal fees of $0.7 million,non-general manager related payroll of $0.5 million, employee benefits of $0.4 million and a net decrease in various other expenses of $0.3 million.

Depreciation and amortization expenses were $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $0.3 million and 5% from $6.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to routine depreciation and amortization of the associated asset base.

Funeral Home Operations

Overview

As of September 30, 2019, we owned, operated or managed 89 funeral homes. These properties are located in 17 states and Puerto Rico. Revenues from Funeral Home Operations accounted for approximately 17% of our total revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

The following table presents operating results for our Funeral Home Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

   Three Months Ended September 30, 
           Variance 
   2019   2018   $  % 

Merchandise

  $5,572   $5,581   $(9  (0%) 

Services

   6,829    6,199    630   10
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total revenues

   12,401    11,780    621   5

Merchandise

   1,896    1,341    555   41

Services

   5,351    5,493    (142  (3%) 

Depreciation and amortization

   602    652    (50  (8%) 

Other

   3,422    3,314    108   3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total expenses

   11,271    10,800    471   4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment operating profit

  $1,130   $980   $150   15
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Funeral home services revenues were $6.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, an increase of $0.6 million and 10% from $6.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to

an increase inat-need service revenues of $0.4 million combined with a net increase in various other funeral home service revenues of $0.2 million.

Funeral home expenses were $11.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, an increase of $0.5 million and 4% from $10.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to an increase in casket costs of $0.5 million, a gain on the disposal of assets of $0.2 million in 2018 that did not recur in 2019, and a net increase in various other expenses of $0.2 million. These increases were offset by a $0.4 million decrease in expenses driven by divestitures in 2018.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

The following table presents operating results for our Funeral Home Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 
           Variance 
   2019   2018   $  % 

Merchandise

  $17,920   $19,532   $(1,612  (8%) 

Services

   20,907    21,841    (934  (4%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total revenues

   38,827    41,373    (2,546  (6%) 

Merchandise

   5,227    4,927    300   6

Services

   16,363    16,593    (230  (1%) 

Depreciation and amortization

   1,788    2,066    (278  (13%) 

Other

   11,046    12,315    (1,269  (10%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total expenses

   34,424    35,901    (1,477  (4%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment operating profit

  $4,403   $5,472   $(1,069  (20%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Funeral home merchandise revenues were $17.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $1.6 million and 8% from $19.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to a decrease in revenues from the maturing ofpre-need contracts with an impact of $1.0 million, a net decrease in revenues from various other products of $0.4 million and a $0.2 million decrease in revenues driven by divestitures in 2018.

Funeral home services revenues were $20.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $0.9 million and 4% from $21.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to a decrease in insurance commission revenue of $0.3 million, a decrease in revenues from the maturing ofpre-need contracts with an impact of $0.2 million, a net decrease inat-need services of $0.2 million, and a net decrease in revenues from various other products and divestitures of $0.2 million.

Funeral home expenses were $34.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $1.5 million and 4% from $35.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to savings of $1.8 million achieved with the elimination of the insurance sales group and a decrease in depreciation and amortization of $0.3 million related to routine depreciation and amortization of the associated asset base. In addition, there was a $0.4 million decrease in funeral home expenses related to divestitures in 2018. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase in casket costs of $0.7 million, a gain on the disposal of assets of $0.2 million in 2018 that did not recur in 2019 and a net increase in various other expenses of $0.1 million.

Corporate

Operating Results

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

Corporate Overhead

We categorize corporate overhead as the following:

payroll related to employees operating at the corporate headquarters;

professional fees primarily consisting of legal fees, auditing and accounting fees, and fees for other third party service providers;

information technology;

stock compensation; and

expenses to operate the corporate headquarters.

In the current and prior year we incurred a number of expenses that are likely to not recur. They primarily consisted of severance from corporate reductions in force,C-Corporation conversion fees, ASC 606 implementation costs, financial advisory fees, executive placement fees and retention incentives, and are summarized in the following table:

   Three Months Ended September 30, 
           Variance 
   2019   2018   $  % 

Corporate overhead

  $11,595   $12,876   $(1,281  (10%) 

Non-recurring adjustments

       

Severance

   457    434    23   5

C-Corporation Conversion fees

   614    982    (368  (37%) 

Other professional fees and other

   1,124    1,741    (617  (35%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Totalnon-recurring adjustments

   2,195    3,157    (962  (30%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Corporate overhead, adjusted

  $9,400   $9,719   $(319  (3%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Corporate overhead expense was $11.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $1.3 million and 10% from $12.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to the following:

savings in payroll and benefits of $0.6 million resulting primarily from a reduction in workforce earlier in the year;

a reduction in professional fees of $0.9 million primarily resulting from completion of the ASC 606 implementation project andC-Corporation conversion fees; and

an increase in payroll of $0.2 million due to severance and bonuses

Other Gains (Losses), Net

Other gains (losses), net was a loss of $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, an increase of $0.8 million and 118% compared to a gain of $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to a gain from the sale of a funeral home and an unused cemetery building in the prior year that did not recur in the current period.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $12.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, an increase of $5.1 million and 67% from $7.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to the following:

an increase of $8.2 million related to a higher interest rate and principal on the Senior Secured Notes compared to the interest rate and principal under the prior revolving credit facility;

a decrease of $2.8 million resulting from the payoff of the revolving credit facility in the second quarter of 2019; and

a decrease of $0.3 million due to a longer amortization period for deferred financing fees.

Loss on Impairment of Goodwill

Loss on impairment of goodwill was $24.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. During the current quarter, management conducted an interim goodwill impairment assessment. As a result of such assessment, management concluded on November 4, 2019 that the carrying value of our Cemetery Operations reporting unit exceeded its fair value, and our goodwill was fully impaired as of September 30, 2019, resulting in a $24.9 million impairment charge. This impairment charge will not result in any current or future cash expenditures. There was no goodwill impairment for the three months ended September 30, 2018.

Income Tax Benefit (Expense)

Income tax benefit was $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $0.3 million of income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The income tax benefit in the three months ended September 30, 2019 was due to our ability to use our net operating loss carryovers to offset deferred tax liabilities recorded in the second quarter of 2019. The income tax expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 was primarily driven by changes in the 2017 Tax Act, which allowed us to use post December 31, 2017 net operating losses against long-life deferred tax liabilities. Our effective tax rate differs from our statutory tax rate primarily, because our legal entity structure includes different tax filing entities, including partnerships with significant income that are not subject to entity level income taxes.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

Corporate Overhead

The following table summarizes our corporate overhead by expense category for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 
           Variance 
   2019   2018   $  % 

Corporate overhead

  $38,145   $39,868   $(1,723  (4%) 

Non-recurring adjustments

       

Severance

   1,433    1,023    410   40

C-Corporation Conversion fees

   1,671    1,670    1   0

Other professional fees and other

   4,842    5,185    (343  (7%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Totalnon-recurring adjustments

   7,946    7,878    68   1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Corporate overhead, adjusted

  $30,199   $31,990   $(1,791  (6%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Corporate overhead expense was $38.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $1.7 million and 4% from $39.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to the following:

savings in payroll and benefits of $3.0 million resulting from a reduction in workforce earlier in the year;

a decrease in accounting fees of $1.2 million primarily related to accounting consulting and completion of the ASC 606 implementation project;

a decrease of $1.2 million in various other expenses, with the largest being recruiting with an impact of $0.5 million;

an increase in stock compensation expense of $0.8 million;

an increase in legal settlements of $0.9 million;

an increase in payroll of $1.0 million due to severance and bonuses; and

an increase of $1.0 million in other professional fees primarily resulting from fees paid to a financial advisor and fees paid to consultants; partially offset by fees paid to an interim executive in the prior year that were not incurred in the current period.

Corporate Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense was $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 20199, a decrease of $0.1 million and 20% from $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to routine depreciation and amortization of the associated asset base.

Other Losses, Net

Other losses, net was $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $0.9 million and 21% from $4.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Other losses, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 consisted primarily of a $2.1 loss on the termination of a management agreement and a $1.3 million impairment of cemetery property, both of which occurred in the second quarter of 2019. Other losses, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 consisted primarily of losses related to damaged merchandise of approximately $5.0 million, partially offset by a gain of $0.7 million from the sale of a funeral home and an unused cemetery building.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $35.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, an increase of $12.4 million and 54% from $22.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due to the following:

an increase of $8.8 million related to a higher interest rate and principal on the Senior Secured Notes compared to the interest rate and principal under the prior revolving credit facility;

an increase of $3.4 million due to thewrite-off and amortization of deferred financing fees; and

an increase of $0.2 million related to higher interest and increased borrowings on the revolving credit facilities in the first half of 2019.

Loss on Debt Extinguishment

Loss on debt extinguishment was $8.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. This related to thewrite-off of deferred financing fees of $6.9 million and original issue discounts of $1.6 million associated with the refinancing of the senior notes and revolving credit facilities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 there was no loss on debt extinguishment.

Loss on Impairment of Goodwill

Loss on impairment of goodwill was $24.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. During the current quarter management conducted an interim goodwill impairment assessment. As a result of such assessment, management concluded on November 4, 2019 that the carrying value of our Cemetery Operations reporting unit exceeded its fair value, and our goodwill was fully impaired as of September 30, 2019, resulting in a $24.9 million impairment charge. This impairment charge will not result in any current or future cash expenditures. There was no goodwill impairment for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense was $4.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $2.0 million income tax benefit for nine months ended September 30, 2018. The income tax expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was primarily due to IRC Section 382 limitations created by the Preferred Offering on our ability to use our net operating loss carryovers to offset existing deferred tax liabilities. The income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily driven by changes in the 2017 Tax Act with allowed us to use post December 31, 2017 net operating losses against long-life deferred tax liabilities. Our effective tax rate differs from our statutory tax rate primarily, because our legal entity structure includes different tax filing entities, including partnerships with significant income that are not subject to entity level income taxes.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

General

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations and the remaining balance of the proceeds from the sale of the Senior Secured Notes. As a MLP, our primary cash requirements, in addition to normal operating expenses, are for capital expenditures, net contributions to the merchandise and perpetual care trustparties, certain funds debt service and cash distributions. In general, as part of our operating strategy, we expect to fund:

working capital deficits through available cash, including the remaining balance of the proceeds from the sale of the Senior Secured Notes, cash generated from operations and divestitures ofnon-core assets;

expansion capital expenditures, net contributions to the merchandise and perpetual care trust funds and debt service obligations through available cash, cash generated from operations or asset sales. Amounts contributed to the merchandise trust funds will be withdrawn at the time of the delivery of the product or service sold to which the contribution, which will reduce the amount of additional borrowings or asset sales needed; and

any cash distributions we are permitted and determine to pay in accordance with our partnership agreement and maintenance capital expenditures through available cash and cash flows from operating activities.

While we rely heavily on our available cash and cash flows from operating activities to execute our operational strategy and meet our financial commitments and other short-term financial needs, we cannot be certain that sufficient capital will be generated through operations or be available to us to the extent required and on acceptable terms. We have experienced negative financial trends, including use of cash in operating activities, which, when considered in the aggregate, raise substantial doubt about the Partnership’s ability to continue as a going concern. These negative financial trends include:

we have continued to incur net losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and have an accumulated deficit and negative cash flows from operating activities as of September 30, 2019, due to an increased competitive environment, increased expenses due to the proposedC-Corporation Conversion and increases in professional fees and compliance costs; and

a decline in billings coupled with the increase in professional, compliance and consulting expenses tightened our liquidity position and increased reliance on long-term financial obligations, which, in turn, eliminated our ability to pay distributions.

During 2018 and 2019, we implemented (and will continue to implement) various actions to improve profitability and cash flows to fund operations. A summary of these actions is as follows:

sold an aggregate of 52,083,333 of the Partnership’s preferred units, representing limited partner interests in the Partnership, for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million and completed a private placement of $385.0 million of the Senior Secured Notes. The net proceeds of both transactions were used to fully repay the then-outstanding senior notes due in June 2021 and retire our revolving credit facility due in May 2020;

continue to manage recurring operating expenses and seek to limitnon-recurring operating expenses over the next twelve-month period; and

identify and complete sales of select assets to provide supplemental liquidity.

Based on our forecasted operating performance, planned actions to improve profitability, cash flows and projected plans to file financial statements on a timely basis consistent with the debt covenants, we do not believe it is probable that we will breach the covenants under the Indenture for the next twelve-month period. However, there is no certainty that our actual operating performance and cash flows will not be substantially different from forecasted results, and no certainty we will not need amendments to the Indenture in the future. Factors that could impact the significant assumptions used by us in assessing our ability to satisfy its financial covenants include the following:

operating performance not meeting reasonably expected forecasts;

failing to generate profitable sales;

failing to achieve cost reduction targets;

inability to achieve and capitalize on its divestiture strategy;

investments in the Partnership’s trust funds experiencing significant declines due to factors outside its control;

inability to compete successfully with other cemeteries and funeral homes in the Partnership’s markets;

the number of deaths in the Partnership’s markets declining; and

the mix of funeral and cemetery revenues between burials and cremations.

If our planned, implemented and not yet implemented actions are not completed or implemented and cash savings are not realized, or we fail to improve our operating performance and cash flows or we are not able to comply with the covenants under the Indenture, we may be forced to limit our business activities, limit our ability to implement further modifications to our operations or limit the effectiveness of some actions that are included in our forecasts, amend the Indenture and/or seek other sources of capital, and we may be unable to continue as a going concern. Additionally, a failure to generate additional liquidity could negatively impact our access to inventory or services that are important to the operation of our business. Given our level of cash and cash equivalents, to preserve capital resources and liquidity, the Board of Directors of the General Partner concluded that it was not in the best interest of unitholders to pay distributions to unitholders after the first quarter of 2017. In addition, the Indenture effectively prohibits the Partnership from making distributions to unitholders. Any of these events may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Our ability to meet our obligations at September 30, 2019, and to continue as a going concern, is dependent upon achieving the action plans noted above. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 were prepared on the basis of a going concern, which contemplates that we will be able to realize assets and discharge liabilities in the normal course of business. Accordingly, they do not give effect to adjustments, if any, that would be necessary should we be required to liquidate its assets.

Goodwill

The Partnership’s goodwill balance was $24.9 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. Due to a decline in the market value of the Partnership’s unit values and the Partnership’s significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results noted during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, management conducted an interim goodwill impairment assessment as of September 30, 2019. This impairment charge will not result in any current or future cash expenditures. As a result of such assessment, management concluded on November 3, 2019 that the carrying value of the Partnership’s Cemetery Operations reporting unit exceeded its fair value, and the Partnership’s goodwill was fully impaired as of September 30, 2019. We recognized a $24.9 million impairment charge included in Other losses, net in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows by class of activities in thousands:

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2019   2018 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

  $(26,755  $19,411 

Net cash used in investing activities

   (4,493   (10,877

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   77,196    (7,312

Significant sources and uses of cash during the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

Operating Activities

Net cash used in operations was $26.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $19.4 million of net cash provided by operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The following attributed to the decrease in cash outflows of $46.2 million:

Change in cash from accounts payable and accrued liabilities – $10.4 million: We aggressively managed our working capital in 2018 to maximize cash flows. Upon completion of the Recapitalization Transaction, we made a significant paydown on our payables.

Cash interest – $8.6 million: Cash interest paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased by $8.6 million as compared to the prior period, as we incurred more debt under the amended credit facility, which had higher debt service costs during the first half of 2018. In addition, our Senior Secured Notes, which we used to refinance our prior revolving credit facility at the end of the second quarter of 2018 have a higher interest rate and principal as compared to the prior revolving credit facility.

Impact of early payoff – $13.6 million: In order to improve the liquidity profile of the business in 2018, we ran an early payoff program. The early payoff program offered customers with outstandingpre-need receivable contracts the opportunity topre-pay their outstanding balance at a 15% discount. This resulted in $13.6 million of net cash flow in the nine months ended September 30, 2018. This early payoff program was not run during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Merchandise trust distributions – $10.9 million: Distribution of excess income in our merchandise trusts during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $0.8 million as compared to $11.7 million during the prior period.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $4.5 million as compared to $10.9 million in the comparable 2018 period. The cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was primarily attributable to capital expenditures of $5.7 million for both purchases and maintenance of property, plant and equipment, offset by proceeds from the termination of one of our management agreements of $1.3 million. Net cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 consisted of $10.2 million used for capital expenditures and $1.7 million used for acquisitions, partially offset by $1.0 million of proceeds from asset sales.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased $84.5 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to $77.2 million, primarily due to net proceeds of $410.1 million and $57.5 million from the issuance of the Senior Secured Notes and the Preferred Offering, respectively, which were both related to our comprehensive recapitalization, as described in Note 8 Long-Term Debt and Note 9 Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units and Partners’ Deficit of the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q. These investing proceeds were offset by the repayment in full of the prior senior notes and revolving credit facilities of $366.6 million, the payment of $18.0 million in financing costs related to the debt refinancing and debt amendments and principal payments of $1.0 million for our finance leases. Net cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 consisted primarily of $4.0 million of net proceeds from borrowings, partially offset by $3.3 million of financing costs.

The following table summarizes maintenance and expansion capital expenditures, excluding amounts paid for acquisitions, for the periods presented (in thousands):

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2019   2018   2019   2018 

Maintenance capital expenditures

  $553   $1,797   $1,646   $3,954 

Expansion capital expenditures

   352    741    4,097    6,210 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capital expenditures

  $905   $2,538   $5,743   $10,164 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contractual Obligations

In the normal course of business, we enter into various contractual and contingent obligations that impact or could impact our liquidity. The table below contains the significant changes from the Contractual Obligations disclosed in our 2018 Annual Report on Form10-K filed on April 3, 2019 (the “Annual Report”). The changes are reflective of the refinancing of our senior notes and the issuance of our Senior Secured Notes (in thousands):

   Total   2019   2020-2022   2023-2025   2026+ 

Contractual Obligations:

          

Debt(1)

  $714,744   $22,994   $145,538   $546,212   $—   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $714,744   $22,994   $145,538   $546,212   $—   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Represents the interest payable and par value of our Senior Secured Notes (as defined herein) due and does not include the unamortized debt discounts of at September 30, 2019. This table assumes that we pay the fixed rate of 7.50% per annum in cash plus the fixed rate of 4.00% per annum payable in kind through January 30, 2022 and that current principal amounts outstanding under the Senior Secured Notes are not repaid until the maturity date of June 30, 2024.

Long-Term Debt and Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units

Senior Secured Notes

On June 27, 2019, StoneMor Partners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. and, collectively with the Partnership, certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Partnership, the initial purchasers party thereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral agent, entered into an indenture with respect to the 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024.

For further detail on our Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024, see Note 8 Long-Term Debt of Part I, Item 1.Financial Statements (Unaudited)of this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q.

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units

On June 27, 2019, funds and accounts affiliated with Axar Capital Management, LP (collectively, the “Axar Lenders”) pursuant to which, among other things, the Axar Lenders agreed to provide an up to $35.0 million bridge financing in the form of a Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility (the “Tranche B Facility”). Borrowings under the financing arrangement including the Tranche B Facility were collateralized by a perfected first priority security interest in substantially all assets of the Partnership and the other borrowers thereunder held for the benefit of the existing Tranche A Revolving Lenders and bore interest at a fixed rate of 8.0%. Borrowings under the Tranche B Facility on original date thereof were subject to an original issue discount in the amount of $0.7 million, which was recorded as original issue discount, and the Partnership paid additional interest in the amount $0.7 million at the termination and payment in full of the financing arrangement, which will be accreted to interest expense over the term of the financing arrangement. As of the date of the transaction, funds and/or managed accounts for which Axar Capital Management, LP served as investment manager (collectively, the “Axar Vehicles”) beneficially owned approximately 19.5% of the Partnership’s outstanding common units. The highest outstanding principal amount under the Tranche B Facility during 2019 was $35.0 million, all of which was repaid (together with interest, including the original issue discount), in the amount of $2.2 million, in connection with the Recapitalization Transactions.

On June 27, 2019, the Axar Vehicles, David Miller and certain other investors (individually a “Purchaser” and collectively the “Purchasers”) and the PartnershipCompany entered into the Series A Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement (the “Series A Purchase Agreement” and the transactions contemplated thereby, the “Preferred Offering”) pursuant to which the Partnership sold to the Purchasers an aggregate of 52,083,333 of the Partnership’s Series A Preferred Units (the “Preferred Units”) representing limitedat a purchase price of $1.1040 per Preferred Unit, reflecting an 8% discount to the liquidation preference of each preferred unit, for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million. The Axar Vehicles purchased an aggregate of 39,764,492 Preferred Units for an aggregate purchase price of $43.9 million and David Miller purchased an aggregate of 996,377 Preferred Units for an aggregate purchase price of $1.1 million. Immediately prior to consummation of the Preferred Offering, Andrew M. Axelrod, the sole member of Axar GP, LLC, the general partner interests inof Axar Capital Management, LP, and Mr. Miller were appointed directors of the Partnership’s general partner.

On June 27, 2019, the Partnership also consummated a private placement of $385.0 million of 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024 to certain financial institutions (collectively with the Preferred Offering, the “Recapitalization Transactions”) pursuant to the terms of an indenture dated June 27, 2019 by and among the Company, Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. (collectively with the Company, the “Issuers”), certain rights, preferencesdirect and privilegesindirect subsidiaries of the Company (as guarantors), the initial purchasers party thereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as aretrustee. A portion of the net proceeds of the Recapitalization Transactions were used to repay the outstanding principal balance of and accrued and unpaid interest on the Tranche B Facility with the Axar Lenders.

On October 25, 2019, the Partnership completed the Rights Offering. In accordance with the terms of the Preferred Units as set forth in the Partnership’s Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership dated as of June 27, 2019, the gross proceeds from the Rights Offering were used to redeem an aggregate of 3,039,380 Preferred Units at a redemption price of $1.20 per Preferred Unit, including (i) 1,921,315 Preferred Units redeemed from the Axar Vehicles for an aggregate redemption price of $2,305,578 and (ii) 90,432 Preferred Units redeemed from the David Miller for an aggregate redemption price of $108,518. In addition, Messrs. Redling and Negrotti participated and acquired 422,341 and 7,519 common units, respectively, in the Rights Offering.

In December 2019, the Company purchased a $30 million participation in a $70 million new debt facility issued by Payless Holdings LLC (“Payless”). Funds and accounts affiliated with Axar also invested $20 million in this facility. The investment was initially proposed by the Company’s Chairman of the Board, Mr. Axelrod and subsequently approved by the Board. The Axar funds controlled by Mr. Axelrod own approximately 30% of the equity of Payless, and Mr. Axelrod serves on Payless’ board of directors. The Company’s investment in Payless represents approximately 4% of the total fair market value of all of the Company’s trusts as of December, 31, 2019.

As of March 1, 2020, Axar beneficially owned 52.4% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, which constituted a majority of the Company’s outstanding common stock. As a result, the Company is a “controlled company” within the meaning of NYSE corporate governance standards. For discussion of certain risks and uncertainties attributable to the Company being a controlled company, see Part I, Item 1A.Risk Factors of this Annual Report. For discussion on the security ownership of certain beneficial owners, directors and executives of the Company, see Part III, Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Mattersof this Annual Report.

On April 1, 2020 and April 3, 2020, the Company entered into the Axar Commitment and the 2020 Preferred Purchase Agreement, respectively, with Axar and funds or accounts under its management, respectively. For further details, seeNote 26 Subsequent Events of this Annual Report.

22.

ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

In October 2019, the Company committed to the Oakmont Sale (defined within) for an aggregate cash purchase price of $33.0 million, which was then consummated in January 2020. As such, the Company classified all assets and liabilities associated with the Oakmont Sale as Assets held for sale on its consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019. The purchase priceCompany also had other immaterial assets and liabilities that met the assets held for sale criteria as of December 31, 2019. The following table summarizes the Preferred Unitsassets and liabilities that have been classified as Assets held for sale on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2019   2018 
   Oakmont   Other   Total   Other 

Assets

        

Current assets:

        

Accounts receivable, net of allowance

  $580   $—     $580   $—   

Prepaid expenses

   34    —      34    —   

Other current assets

   35    —      35    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets held for sale

   649    —      649    —   

Long-term accounts receivable, net of allowance

   3,194    —      3,194    —   

Cemetery property

   5,811    350    6,161    350 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

   2,762    150    2,912    407 

Merchandise trusts, restricted, at fair value

   6,673    —      6,673    —   

Perpetual care trusts, restricted, at fair value

   2,470    —      2,470    —   

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

   1,388    —      1,388    —   

Other assets

   411    —      411    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets held for sale

  $23,358   $500   $23,858   $757 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

        

Current liabilities:

        

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  $102   $—     $102   $—   

Current portion, long-term debt

   36    —      36    —   

Other current liabilities

   5,000    —      5,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities held for sale

   5,138    —      5,138    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred revenues

   12,856    —      12,856    —   

Perpetual care trust corpus

   2,470    —      2,470    —   

Other long-term liabilities

   204    —      204    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities held for sale

   20,668    —      20,668    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets held for sale

  $2,690   $500   $3,190   $757 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

23.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

Management operates the Company in two reportable operating segments: Cemetery Operations and Funeral Home Operations. These operating segments reflect the way the Company manages its operations and makes business decisions. Management evaluates the performance of these operating segments based on interments performed, interment rights sold,pre-need cemetery andat-need cemetery contracts written, revenue and segment profit (loss). As a percentage of revenue and assets, the Company’s major operations consist of its cemetery operations.

The following tables present financial information with respect to the Company’s segments (in thousands). Corporate costs represent those not directly associated with an operating segment, such as corporate overhead,

interest expense and income taxes. Corporate assets primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash.

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2019   2018 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:

    

Cemetery Operations(1):

    

Revenues

  $237,887   $261,935 

Operating costs and expenses

   (218,091   (238,974

Depreciation and amortization

   (7,420   (8,037
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment operating profit

  $12,376   $14,924 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funeral Home Operations:

    

Revenues

   51,635    54,191 

Operating costs and expenses

   (43,315   (44,525

Depreciation and amortization

   (2,376   (2,744
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment operating profit

  $5,944   $6,922 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reconciliation of segment operating profit to net loss:

    

Cemetery Operations

   12,376    14,924 

Funeral Home Operations

   5,944    6,922 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total segment profit

   18,320    21,846 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Corporate overhead

   (51,107   (53,281

Corporate depreciation and amortization

   (986   (955

Other losses, net

   (8,106   (11,504

Loss on debt extinguishment

   (8,478   —   

Loss on impairment of goodwill

   (24,862   —   

Interest expense

   (48,519   (30,602

Income tax (expense) benefit

   (28,204   1,797 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

  $(151,942  $(72,699
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Exit and disposal activities

    

Cemetery Operations

  $935   $—   

Funeral Home Operations

   25    —   

Corporate

   583    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total exit and disposal activities

  $1,543   $—   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOW DATA:

    

Capital expenditures:

    

Cemetery Operations

  $4,871   $9,025 

Funeral Home Operations

   1,431    2,839 

Corporate

   115    308 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capital expenditures

  $6,418   $12,172 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Segment operating profit for Cemetery Operations for the year ended December31, 2019 excludes the loss on impairment of goodwill recognized by the Company in 2019.

   December 31,
2019
   December 31,
2018
 

BALANCE SHEET DATA:

    

Assets:

    

Cemetery Operations

  $1,504,463   $1,509,947 

Funeral Home Operations

   148,310    136,064 

Corporate

   66,595    24,370 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

  $1,719,368   $1,670,381 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goodwill:

    

Cemetery Operations

  $—     $24,862 

Assets held for sale:

    

Cemetery Operations

  $20,819   $349 

Funeral Home Operations

   3,039    408 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets held for sale

  $23,858   $757 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Disposed assets:

    

Cemetery Operations

  $—     $18 

Funeral Home Operations

   110    586 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total disposed assets

  $110   $604 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

24.

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW INFORMATION

The tables presented below provide supplemental information to the consolidated statements of cash flows regarding contract origination and maturity activity included in the pertinent captions on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):

   Year ended December 31, 
   2019  2018 

Accounts Receivable

   

Pre-need/at-need contract originations (sales on credit)

   (113,759 $(126,199

Cash receipts from sales on credit (post-origination)

   105,126   130,697 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Changes in accounts receivable, net of allowance

  $(8,633 $4,498 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Customer Contract Liabilities

   

Deferrals:

   

Cash receipts from customer deposits at origination, net of refunds

  $141,264  $146,279 

Withdrawals of realized income from merchandise trusts during the period

   8,537   15,582 

Pre-need/at-need contract originations (sales on credit)

   113,759   126,199 

Undistributed merchandise trust investment earnings, net

   13,389   (2,725

Recognition:

   

Merchandise trust investment income, net withdrawn as of end of period

   (9,555  (9,618

Recognized maturities of customer contracts collected as of end of period

   (204,629  (188,897

Recognized maturities of customer contracts uncollected as of end of period

   (26,109  (49,415
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Changes in customer contract liabilities

  $36,656  $37,405 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

25.

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

The following summarizes certain quarterly results of operations data:

   First
Quarter
  Second Quarter  Third
Quarter
  Fourth Quarter 
   (in thousands, except per unit data) 

Year Ended December 31, 2019

     

Revenues

  $71,469  $78,495  $73,151  $66,407 

Gross loss(1)

   (9,363  (6,759  (6,441  (11,210

Net loss(2)

   (22,534  (34,398  (42,652  (52,358

Net loss per common share (basic and diluted)(2)

  $(0.59 $(0.87 $(1.10 $(1.23

Year Ended December 31, 2018

     

Revenues

  $77,945  $81,571  $73,185  $83,425 

Gross loss(1)

   (8,026  (8,738  (10,016  (5,610

Net loss(2)

   (17,923  (17,017  (17,225  (20,534

General partner’s interest in net income (loss) for the period

   (187  (177  (179  (214

Limited partners’ interest in net loss for the period

   (17,736  (16,840  (17,046  (20,320

Net loss per common limited partner unit (basic and diluted)(2)

  $(0.47 $(0.44 $(0.45 $(0.54

(1)

Gross profit (loss) is computed based upon total revenues less total costs and expenses per the consolidated statements of operations for each quarter.

(2)

Net loss per common share for the year ended December 31, 2019 and net loss per common limited partners unit for the year ended December 31, 2018 were computed independently for each quarter and the full year based upon respective weighted-average outstanding common shares or common limited partners unit. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly per common share or per common limited partners unit amounts for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, may not equal the annual per share amounts.

26.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Divestitures

In the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company launched an asset sale program designed to divest assets at attractive multiples, reduce debt levels and improve the Company’s cash flow and liquidity. Execution of this program has resulted in the following divestiture activity:

On January 3, 2020, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of Oakmont Memorial Park, Oakmont Funeral Home, Redwood Chapel, Inspiration Chapel and Oakmont Crematory located in California pursuant to the terms of an asset sale agreement (the “Oakmont Agreement”) with Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc. for an aggregate cash purchase price of $33.0 million (the “Oakmont Sale”). The divested assets consisted of one cemetery, one funeral home and certain related assets. The Oakmont Sale resulted in a gain exceeding approximately $20.0 million for the Company, which it will recognize in its condensed consolidated statement of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2020. For further details on the assets and liabilities the Company divested in connection with the Oakmont Sale, seeNote 22 Assets Held for Saleof this Annual Report.

In March 2020, the Company entered into an asset sale agreement for the sale of substantially all of the assets of the cemetery, funeral establishment and crematory commonly known as Olivet Memorial Park, Olivet Funeral and Cremation Services and Olivet Memorial Park & Crematory (the “Olivet Agreement”) with Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association for a net cash purchase price of $24.3 million, subject to certain adjustments (the “Olivet Sale”). In addition, in March 2020, the Company entered into an asset sale agreement (the “California Agreement”) with certain entities owned by John Yeatman and Guy Saxton to sell substantially all of the Company’s remaining California properties, consisting of five cemeteries, six funeral establishments and four

crematories (the “Remaining California Assets”) for a cash purchase price of $7.1 million, subject to certain closing adjustments (the “Remaining California Sale”).

In January 2020, the Company redeemed an aggregate $30.4 million of principal on the Senior Secured Notes, primarily using the net proceeds from the Oakmont Sale. Per the Indenture, the Company anticipates using the first $23.7 million of net proceeds from the Olivet Sale and the Remaining California Sale and 80% of the remaining net proceeds from the Olivet Sale along with 80% of the net proceeds from the Remaining California Sale to redeem additional portions of the outstanding Senior Secured Notes.

Discontinued Operations

The Company’s recently consummated Oakmont Sale and Olivet Sale and pending Remaining California Sale (collectively, the “Total California Sale”) meet the criteria in ASC 205,Discontinued Operations, to be presented as discontinued operations on the Company’s consolidated financial statements in its periodic filings beginning in fiscal year 2020, as the Total California Sale constitutes the disposal of a major geographical area in which the Company operates and as such represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results.

The Company will present the assets and liabilities associated with the Total California Sale separately in the asset and liability sections of its consolidated balance sheets and will report the results of operations of the above-mentioned divestitures separately in its consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented in its periodic filings beginning with its quarterly report on Form10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2020.

COVID-19 and Business Interruption

The outbreak ofCOVID-19 in Wuhan, China in December 2019 has since reached pandemic proportions, posing a significant threat to the health and economic wellbeing of the Company’s employees, customers and vendors. Currently, the Company’s operations have been deemed essential by the state and local governments in which it operates, with the exception of Puerto Rico, and the Company is actively working with federal, state and local government officials to ensure that it continues to satisfy their requirements for offering the Company’s essential services. The operation of all of the Company’s facilities is critically dependent on the Company’s employees who staff these locations. To ensure the wellbeing of the Company’s employees and their families, the Company has provided every employee of the Company with detailed health and safety literature onCOVID-19, such as the CDC’s industry-specific guidelines for working with the deceased who were and may have been infected withCOVID-19, the Company’s procurement and safety teams have updated and developed new safety-oriented guidelines to support daily field operations and provided personal protection equipment to those employees whose positions necessitate them, and the Company has implemented work from home policies at the Company’s corporate office consistent with CDC guidance to reduce the risks of exposure toCOVID-19 while still supporting the families that we serve.

The Company’s marketing and sales team has quickly responded to the sales challenges presented by theCOVID-19 Pandemic by implementing virtual meeting options using a variety ofweb-based tools to ensure that the Company’s sales personnel can continue to connect with and meet the needs of the Company’s customers in a safe, effective and productive manner. Some of the Company’s locations have also started providing live video streaming of their funeral and burial services to customers, so that family and friends can connect virtually during their time of grief.

Like most businesses world-wide, theCOVID-19 Pandemic has impacted the Company financially; however, the Company cannot presently predict the scope and severity with whichCOVID-19 will impact the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. As recently as early March 2020, the Company was experiencing sales growth for the first quarter of 2020, as compared to the first quarter of 2019. However, over the last two weeks, the Company has seen itspre-need sales activity decline as Americans

practice social distancing. In addition, the Company’spre-need customers with installment contracts could default on their installment contracts due to lost work or other financial stresses arising from theCOVID-19 Pandemic. While the Company expects itspre-need sales to be challenged during the COVID 19 Pandemic, the Company believes the implementation of its virtual meeting tools is one of several key steps to mitigate this disruption. In addition, the Company expects that throughout this disruption its cemeteries and funeral homes will remain open and available to serve its families in all the locations in which it operates to the extent permitted by local authorities, with the exception of Puerto Rico.

Amendments to the Indenture and Capital Raise in 2020

On April 1, 2020, the Partnership and Cornerstone (collectively with the Partnership, the “Issuers”) and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, entered into the Third Supplemental Indenture (the “Supplemental Indenture”) to the Indenture. Pursuant to the terms of the Supplemental Indenture:

1.

The following financial covenants were amended:

a.

The Interest Coverage Ratio measurements at March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2020 were eliminated and replaced with a Minimum Operating Cash Flow covenant of $(25.0 million), $(35.0 million) and $(35.0 million), respectively;

b.

The required Interest Coverage Ratios at December 31, 2020, March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021 were reduced to 0.00x, 0.75x and 1.10x, respectively, from 1.15x, 1.25x and 1.30x; and

c.

The Asset Coverage tests at March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2020 were reduced to 1.40x from 1.60x;

2.

The premium payable upon voluntary redemption of the Senior Secured Notes on or after June 27, 2021 and before June 27, 2022 was increased from 4.0% to 5.0% and the premium payable upon any such voluntary redemption on or after June 27, 2022 and before June 27, 2023 was increased from 2.0% to 3.0%; and

3.

The Issuers agreed to use their best efforts to cause the Company to effectuate a rights offering on the terms described below as promptly as practicable with an expiration date no later than July 24, 2020 and to receive proceeds of not less than $8.2 million therefrom (in addition to the $8.8 million capital raise described below).

The foregoing amendments effected by the Supplemental Indenture will become operational when the Company pays a $5 million consent fee to the holders of the Senior Secured Notes, of which $3.5 million will be paid in cash and $1.5 million will be paid by increasing the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes outstanding, and satisfies other specified conditions.

Concurrently with the execution of the Supplemental Indenture, the Company entered into a letter agreement (the “Axar Commitment”) with Axar pursuant to which Axar committed to (a) purchase shares of our Series A Purchase Agreement (the “Purchased Units”) was $1.1040 per Purchased Unit, reflecting an 8% discount to the liquidation preference of each Preferred Unit, forStock with an aggregate purchase price of $57.5$8.8 million on April 3, 2020, (b) exercise its basic rights in the rights offering by tendering the shares of Series A Preferred Stock so purchased for shares of Common Stock and (c) purchasing any shares offered in the rights offering for which other stockholders do not exercise their rights, up to a maximum of an additional $8.2 million of such shares. The Company did not pay Axar any commitment, backstop or other fees in connection with the Axar Commitment.

On April 3, 2020, as contemplated by the Axar Commitment, the Company and Axar CL SPV LLC, Star V Partners LLC and Blackwell Partners LLC –Series E. (the “2020 Purchasers”) entered into a Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (the “2020 Preferred Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company sold 176 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Shares”), for a cash price of $50,000 per share, an aggregate of $8.8 million. The Company offered and sold the Preferred Shares in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof.

The Company relied on this exemption from registration based in part on representations made by the 2020 Purchasers in the 2020 Preferred Purchase Agreement.

Under the terms of the saleSupplemental Indenture and the Axar Commitment, the Company agreed to undertake an offering to holders of its Common Stock of transferable rights to purchase their pro rata share of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate exercise price of at least $17 million at a price of $0.73 per share. The rights offering period, during which the rights will be transferable, will be no less than 20 calendar days and no more than 45 calendar days. The Company agreed to use its best efforts to complete the rights offering with an expiration date no later than July 24, 2020.

Strategic Partnership Agreement

On April 2, 2020, the Company entered into two multi-year Master Services Agreements (the “MSAs”) with Moon Landscaping, Inc. and its affiliate, Rickert Landscaping, Inc. (collectively “Moon”). Under the terms of the Purchased Units were determined based on arms-length negotiations between the General PartnerMSAs, Moon will provide all grounds and Axar.

For further detail on our Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units, see Note 9 Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock of Part I, Item 1.Financial Statements (Unaudited)of this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q.

Surety Bonds

We have entered into arrangements with certain surety companies, whereby such companies agree to issue surety bonds on our behalf as financial assurance and/or as required by existing state and local regulations. The surety bonds are used for various business purposes; however, the majoritymaintenance services at most of the surety bonds issuedfuneral homes, cemeteries and outstanding have been usedother properties the Company owns or manages including, but not limited to, support ourlandscaping, openings and closings, burials, installations, routine maintenance and janitorial services. Moon will hire all of the Company’s grounds and maintenance employees at the serviced locations and will perform all functions currently handled by those employees. The Company expects the implementation of the MSAs to take place on a clustered basis over the next three to four months, with full implementation expected no later than July 31, 2020.

The Company agreed to pay a total of approximately $241 million over the term of the contract, which runs through December 31, 2024, based upon an initial annual cost of $49 million and annual increases of 2%. The first year cost will be prorated based upon exact implementation andpre-needroll-out sales activities.schedule for each location. As part of the MSAs, the Company agreed to lease its landscaping and maintenance equipment to Moon for the duration of the agreements and to transfer title to any such equipment we own at the end of the term to Moon, in each case without any additional payment by Moon. As of December 31, 2019, the net book value of the equipment we will be leasing to Moon was approximately $7.4 million.

When sellingpre-need contracts, we may post surety bonds where allowed by state law. We postEach party has the surety bondsright to terminate the MSAs at any time on six months’ prior written notice, provided that if the Company terminate the MSAs without cause, it will be obligated to pay Moon an equipment credit fee in lieu of trusting a certainthe amount of funds received from$1.0 million for each year remaining in the customer. If we were not able to renew or replace any such surety bond, we would be required to fund the trust onlyterm, prorated for the portion of the applicablepre-need contractsyear in which any such termination occurs. The MSAs also contain representations, covenants and indemnity provisions that are customary for which we have received payments from the customers, less any applicable retainage, in accordance with state law. We have provided cash collateral to secure these surety bond obligations and may be required to provide additional cash collateral in the future under certain circumstances.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, we had $91.4 million and $90.8 million, respectively,agreements of cash receipts from sales attributable to related bond contracts. These amounts do not consider reductions associated with taxes, obtaining costs or other costs.

Surety bond premiums are paid annually and the bonds are automatically renewable until maturity of the underlyingpre-need contracts, unless we are given prior notice of cancellation. Except for cemeterypre-construction bonds (which are irrevocable), the surety companies generally have the right to cancel the surety bonds at any time with appropriate notice. In the event a surety company were to cancel the surety bond, we are required to obtain replacement surety assurance from another surety company or fund a trust for an amount generally less than the posted bond amount. We do not expect that we will be required to fund material future amounts related to these surety bonds due to a lack of surety capacity or surety companynon-performance.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included within Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited) in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities that arose during the reporting period and through the date our financial statements are filed with the SEC. Although we base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions we believe to be reasonable, actual results may differ from these estimates.

A critical accounting estimate or policy is one that requires a high level of subjective judgement by management and could have a material impact to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows if actuals vary significantly from our estimates.

There have been no significant changes to the critical accounting policies and estimates identified in our Annual Report, as described in Part II, Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in that report.this nature.

ITEM 3.9.

QUANTITATIVECHANGES IN AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKDISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

The primary objective of the following information is to provide forward-looking quantitative and qualitative information about our potential exposure to market risks. The term “market” risk refers to the risk of gains or losses arising from changes in interest rates and prices of marketable securities. The disclosures are not meant to be precise indicators of expected future gains or losses, but rather indicators of reasonably possible gains or losses. This forward-looking information provides indicators of how we view and manage our ongoing market risk exposures. All of our market risk-sensitive instruments were entered into for purposes other than trading.Not applicable.

The trusts are invested in assets with the primary objective of maximizing income and distributable cash flow for trust distributions, while maintaining an acceptable level of risk. Certain asset classes in which the Partnership invests for the purpose of maximizing yield are subject to an increased market risk. This increased market risk will create volatility in the unrealized gains and losses of the trust assets from period to period.

INTEREST-BEARING INVESTMENTS

Our fixed-income securities subject to market risk consist primarily of certain investments in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts. As of September 30, 2019, the fair value of fixed-income securities in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts represented 0.2% and 0.9%, of the fair value of total trust assets, respectively. The aggregate of the quoted fair value of these fixed-income securities was $1.1 million and $3.0 million in the merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts, respectively, as of September 30, 2019. Holding all other variables constant, a hypothetical 1% change in variable interest rates on these fixed-income securities would change the fair market value of the assets in both our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts by less than $0.1 million based on discounted expected future cash flows. If these securities are held to maturity, no change in fair market value will be realized. Our money market and other short-term investments subject to market risk consist primarily of certain investments in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts. As of September 30, 2019, the fair value of money market and short-term investments in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts represented 35.1% and 25.5%, respectively, of the fair value of total trust assets. The aggregate of the quoted fair value of these money market and short-term investments was $182.6 million and $87.5 million in the merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts, respectively, as of September 30, 2019. Holding all other variables constant, a hypothetical 1% change in variable interest rates on these money market and short-term investments would change the fair market value of the assets in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts by approximately $1.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively, based on discounted expected future cash flows.

MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES

Our marketable equity securities subject to market risk consist primarily of certain investments held in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts. These assets consist of investments in both individual equity securities as well as closed and open-ended mutual funds. As of September 30, 2019, the fair value of marketable equity securities in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts represented 2.8% and 4.7%, of the fair value of total trust assets, respectively. The aggregate of the quoted fair market value of these individual equity securities was $14.5 million and $16.1 million in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts, respectively, as of September 30, 2019, based on final quoted sales prices. Holding all other variables constant, a hypothetical 10% change in variable interest rates of the equity securities would change the fair market value of the assets in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts by approximately $1.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively, based on discounted expected future cash flows. As of September 30, 2019, the fair value of marketable closed and open-ended mutual funds in our merchandise trusts represented 33.3% of the fair value of total merchandise trust assets, 70.8% of which pertained to fixed-income mutual funds. As of September 30, 2019, the fair value of marketable closed and open-ended mutual funds in our perpetual care trusts represented 26.6% of total perpetual care trust assets, 80.1% of which pertained to fixed-income mutual funds. The aggregate of the quoted fair market value of these closed and open-ended mutual funds was $172.8 million and $91.3 million in the

merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts, respectively, as of September 30, 2019, based on final quoted sales prices, of which $122.4 million and $73.1 million, respectively, pertained to fixed-income mutual funds. Holding all other variables constant, a hypothetical 10% change in the average market prices of the closed and open-ended mutual funds would change the fair market value of the assets in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts by approximately $17.3 million and $9.1 million, respectively, based on discounted expected future cash flows.

OTHER INVESTMENT FUNDS

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have a redemption period ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods ranging from one to eight years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. This asset class has an inherent valuation risk as the values provided by investment fund managers may not represent the liquidation values obtained by the trusts upon redemption or liquidation of the fund assets. As of September 30, 2019, the fair value of other investment funds in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts represented 25.2% and 42.3%, respectively, of the fair value of total trust assets. The fair market value of the holdings in these funds was $130.8 million and $145.2 million in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts, respectively, as of September 30, 2019, based on net asset value quotes.

ITEM 4.9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The PartnershipCompany maintains disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules13a-15(e) and15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’sSEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Our management, including the CEO and CFO, evaluated the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules13a-15(e) and15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act as of September 30,December 31, 2019. Based on such evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded the disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting described below.

Material Weaknesses in Internal ControlMANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over Financial Reporting

Amaterial weakness (asfinancial reporting as defined in Rule12b-2Rules 13a-15(f) and15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act)Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

Management’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies and procedures may deteriorate.

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement in ourof the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The deficiencies noted below could result in a material misstatement in our financial statements; therefore, they represent material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.

We

Management previously identified and reported material weaknesses in its Annual Report on Form10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2018. We conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20182019 based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on our Annual Report related toassessment, we concluded that the following:Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 as a result of the material weaknesses described below:

 

 A.

Control environment, control activities and monitoring:

The PartnershipCompany did not design and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting related to control environment, control activities and monitoring based on the criteria established in the Committee of Sponsoring Organization Internal Control Integrated Framework including more specifically:

 

Management did not implement effective oversight to support deployment of control activities due to (a) failure to establish clear accountability for the performance of internal control over financial reporting responsibilities in certain areas important to financial reporting and (b) failure to prioritize and implement related corrective actions in a timely manner.

 

Management did not maintainhave effective controls over sales contract origination occurring at its site locations. Specifically, there was no subsequent review of contract entry and no approved master pricing listing. In addition, there was no oversight monitoring at its corporate office related to cancelations and timely and accurate servicing for correct revenue recognition.

Management did not maintain effective controls over the accuracyperiodic review of user access to applications and valuation of its merchandise inventory allocateddata and for user access topre-need contracts. Specifically, the Partnership did not have effective controls over the assessment of condition and impairment of allocated andun-allocated merchandise inventory due to excessive or deterioration damage. segregate duties within relevant financial applications.

 

 B.

Establishment and review of certain accounting policies:

The Partnership’sCompany’s controls applicable to establishment, periodic review for ongoing relevance and consistent application of material accounting policies in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) including (i) revenue recognition and (ii) insurance-related assets and liabilities were not designed appropriately and thus failed to operate effectively. More specifically:

 

Management did not have effective segregation of duties, review and monitoring controls over revenue recognition with respect to the Accounting Standards Codification 606,Revenues from Contracts with

Management did not maintain effective controls over sales contract origination occurring at its site locations. Specifically, there was no subsequent review of contract entry at site locations or corporate and no approved master price listing.

Customers, transition adjustment and subsequent calculations at a sufficient level of precision to timely detect misstatements in the related income statement and balance sheet account.

Management did not have effective review and monitoring controls over revenue recognition with respect to the Accounting Standards Codification 606, Revenues from Contracts with Customers, to timely detect misstatements in income statement and balance sheet accounts. There was no oversight monitoring at corporate for contract cancellations, and the timely and accurate servicing of contracts for proper revenue recognition.

 

Management did not maintain effective completeness and accuracy controls at a level of precision to timely detect misstatements related to the insurance related assets and liabilities.

 

 C.

Reconciliation of certain general ledger accounts to supporting details:

The Partnership’sCompany’s controls over the reconciliation of amounts recorded in the general ledger to relevant supporting detail for “Cemetery property” and “Deferred revenues” on the consolidated balance sheets were not designed appropriately and thus failed to operate effectively. Management has identified that the specified general ledger account balances were not always reconciled to supporting documentation.

D.

Accurate and timely relief of deferred revenues and corresponding recognition of income statement impacts:

The Partnership’s internal controls designed to prevent a material misstatement in the recognized amount of “Deferred revenues” as of the balance sheet date were not designed appropriately. Specifically, the Partnership concluded that it did not design effective controls that would lead to a timely identification of a material error in “Deferred revenues” due to failure to accurately and timely relieve the liability when the service was performed or merchandise was delivered. Further, the Partnership’s review controls designed to detect such errors did not operate at the appropriate level of precision to identify such error. More specifically:

 

Management did not have effective segregation of duties over the preparation and subsequent review of its deferred revenue reconciliation process at a sufficient level of precision to timely detect potential misstatements of the related income statement and balance sheet accounts.

Management did not consistently reconcile these general ledger account balances to supporting documentation.

D.

Accurate and timely relief of deferred revenues and corresponding recognition of income statement impacts:

The Company’s internal controls designed to prevent a material misstatement in the recognized amount of “Deferred revenues” as of the balance sheet date were not designed appropriately. Specifically, the Company concluded that it did not design effective controls that would lead to a timely identification of a material error in “Deferred revenues” due to failure to accurately and timely relieve the liability when the service was performed, or merchandise was delivered. Further, the Company’s review controls designed to detect such errors did not operate at the appropriate level of precision to identify such error. More specifically:

 

Management did not have effective review and monitoring controls over the revenue, cost of goods sold and deferred balances ofpre-acquisition contracts at a sufficient level of precision to timely detect potential misstatements of the related income statement and balance sheet accounts.

 

Management did not have effective review and monitoring controls over the results of ongoing deferred revenue testing at a sufficient level of precision to detect potential misstatements of the related balance sheet accounts.

Notwithstanding these material weaknesses, based onOur management communicated the additional analysis and other post-closing procedures performed, management believes that the financial statements included in this report fairly present in all material respects our financial position, results of operations, capital position and cash flows forits assessment to the periods presented in conformity with GAAP.Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

STATUS OF REMEDIATION OF MATERIAL WEAKNESSES

WhileManagement is committed to the remediation of the material weaknesses described above, as well as the continued improvement of our internal control over financial reporting. We have identified and are implementing,, the actions described below to remediate the underlying causes of the control deficiencies that gave rise to the material weaknesses. As we continue to make improvements toour evaluation and improve our internal control over financial reporting, relatedmanagement may modify the actions described below or identify and take additional measures to address control deficiencies. Until the remediation efforts described below, including any additional measures management identifies as necessary, are completed, the material weaknesses described above will continue to exist.

A.

To address the material weakness in control environment, control activities and monitoring, the Company is:

Re-evaluating its internal controls over financial reporting program including our risk assessment process, internal controls and process documentation;

Enhancing the existing and developing more appropriate corporate monitoring controls to provide reasonable assurance that the Company maintains sufficient oversight of the performance of internal controls;

Planning to provide internal controls training throughout the Company;

Implementing a project team with appropriate subject matter expertise to oversee and monitor the remediation plans and status of all internal control deficiencies; and

Re-evaluating security and access rights reporting from relevant financial applications and databases and determining the appropriateness of access as well as potential segregation of duties conflicts.

Management will continue to review such actions and progress with the Audit Committee. The remediation of this weakness in the control environment will contribute to the remediation of each of the additional material weaknesses continuedescribed below.

B.

To address the material weakness associated with the establishment and periodic review of certain accounting policies for compliance with applicable GAAP that gave rise to potentially inaccurate or untimely revenue recognition and accounting for insurance-related assets and liabilities, management is

performing a comprehensive review of the Company’s existing accounting policies to provide reasonable assurance of compliance with GAAP. More specifically, the Company plans to:

Implement new controls over sales contract origination in order to exist,monitor the completeness and weaccuracy of contract information recorded in the system; this includes validation of the accuracy of contract data in the contract management system, comparing pricing to approved standard price lists and/or implementing pricing approval workflow; and, validating merchandise and perpetual trust amounts and percentages.

Develop a process to evaluate contract cancellations and to facilitate the timely and accurate servicing of contracts for proper revenue recognition.

Implement additional controls over the input data related to the completeness and accuracy of the calculation provided by the actuary for the related insurance assets and liabilities; and

C.

To address the material weakness associated with controls over the reconciliation of amounts in cemetery property and deferred revenue, management is in the process of reassessing its existing policies and designing procedures to:

Implement independent review procedures of all deferred revenue reconciliations

Validate the completeness and accuracy of cemetery property activity by comparing system data to information provided by the site locations in order to assess cemetery property and deferred revenue balances.

As noted in Section B. above, Management’s implementation of and enhancement of sales contract origination, servicing, and revenue recognition and cost controls will contribute to the improvement of the quality of the cemetery property and deferred revenue reconciliations.

D.

To address the material weakness regarding accurate and timely relief of deferred revenue and corresponding income statement impacts, the Company continues to refine controls and introduce additional monitoring controls which will operate at an appropriate level of precision to identify material misstatements in “Deferred revenues.” More specifically, Management plans to implement additional review procedures and steps for its deferred revenue analysis, which includes analyzing historical not on system (NOS) contracts, comparing trust liability to its trust asset basis, and automating the match of purchase receipts to servicing data in the contract management system.

We believe thatthese measures will remediate the material weaknesses referenced above accurately reflectnoted. As we continue to evaluate and work to remediate the control deficiencies that gave rise to the material weaknesses, we may determine that additional measures or time are required to address the control deficiencies or that we need to modify or otherwise adjust the remediation measures described above. We will continue to assess the effectiveness of our remediation efforts in connection with our evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2019. Management, with oversight from our Audit Committee, has identified and planned actions thatreporting. Also, we believe will remediate the material weaknesses described above once fully implementedcorrective actions and operatingcontrols need to be in operation for a sufficient period of time for management to conclude that the control environment is operating effectively and we will continue to devote significant time and attention, including internal and external resources, to these remedial efforts.has been adequately tested through audit procedures.

We will test the ongoing operating effectiveness of the new remedial controls subsequent to implementation and considerREMEDIATION OF PREVIOUS MATERIAL WEAKNESSES

To address the material weaknesses remediated afterweakness associated with management not maintaining effective controls over the applicable remedialassessment of condition and impairment of allocated andun-allocated merchandise inventory due to excessive or deterioration damage, the Company designed and implemented additional controls operate effectively for a sufficient periodto identify and assess excess or damage merchandise inventory and record appropriate reserves.

To address the material weakness associated with management not maintaining effective segregation of time.

Referduties over revenue recognition with respect to the Annual Report for further details on the remediation efforts.ASC 606 transition adjustment and subsequent calculations at a

sufficient level of precision to timely detect misstatements in the related income statement and balance sheet account, the Company has automated the calculations and implemented an independent review process

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

During theOur remediation efforts were ongoing during our last fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2019, we continued to make improvements to our internal control over financial reporting with respect to material weaknesses that had been present at that time, and those remediation efforts remain ongoing.December 31, 2019. Other than asthe remediation steps described above, and in greater detail in our Annual Report, there were no other material changes in our internal control over financial reporting as definedidentified in management’s evaluation pursuant to Rules13a-15(d) and15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act during the three monthsquarter ended September 30,December 31, 2019 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.

OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATIONIII

 

ITEM 1.10.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGSDIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF STONEMOR INC.

The following table shows information regarding our executive officers of as of March 1, 2020.

Name

Age

Positions with StoneMor Inc.

Joseph M. Redling

61President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Jeffrey DiGiovanni(1)

43Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President

Austin K. So

46Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary

Tom Connolly

54Senior Vice President of Business Planning and Operations

(1)

Jeffrey DiGiovanni has served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President since September 19, 2019. Garry P. Herdler served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President from April 15, 2019 to September 18, 2019. Mark Miller served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President from May 16, 2017 to April 14, 2019.

Our Board of Directors (the “Board”) is divided into three classes, with the terms of one class expiring at each annual meeting of stockholders. Upon the expiration of a term of a class of directors, the directors in such class are elected for a term of three years and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. Andrew Axelrod serves as Chairman of our Board.

We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange listing standards. As a controlled company, we are not subject to the requirements under those listing standards that a majority of our directors and all of the members of our Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee be independent. However, our Corporate Governance Guidelines do require that a majority of our directors, and the charter of our Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee requires that all of its members, be independent within the meaning of those standards.

The following table shows information regarding our directors as of March 1, 2020:

Name

  Age  Class  Director
Since
  

Annual Meeting at Which Term Will Expire

Andrew Axelrod

  37  III  2019  2022

Spencer E. Goldenberg

  37  I  2019  2020

Robert B. Hellman, Jr.

  60  II  2004  2021

David Miller

  60  III  2019  2022

Stephen J. Negrotti

  68  II  2018  2021

Joseph M. Redling

  61  III  2018  2022

Patricia D. Wellenbach

  62  I  2019  2020

We are party to a Nomination and Director Voting Agreement dated as of September 17, 2018 (as amended on February 4, 2019 and June 27, 2019, the “DVA”) with Axar Capital Management, LP, certain funds and managed accounts for which it serves as investment manager and its general partner, Axar GP, LLC (collectively, the “Axar Entities”), GP Holdings and Robert B. Hellman, Jr., as trustee under the Voting and Investment Trust Agreement for the benefit of American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors LLC (“ACII” and, collectively with GP Holdings, the “ACII Entities”). Under the DVA, the Axar Entities have the option to designate up to three nominees to our Board (or, if the number of directors is increased, at least three-sevenths of the whole number of directors). Following the refinancing or repayment of our Senior Secured Notes, the number of directors the Axar Entities have the right to nominate is subject to reduction if they or their affiliates (collectively, the “Axar Group”) collectively beneficially own less than 15% of our outstanding common stock. The DVA also provides that, for so long as the ACII Entities and their affiliates (collectively, the “ACII Group”) collectively beneficially

own at least 4% of our outstanding common stock, the ACII Entities are entitled to designate one nominee to our Board. The Axar Entities and the ACII Entities also agreed to vote their shares in favor of the election of any such nominees.

Any nominee submitted by the Axar Entities or ACII is subject to the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee’s reasonable determination that the nominee (i) is suitable to serve on the Board in accordance with the customary standards of suitability for directors of NYSE listed companies, (ii) is not prohibited from serving as a director pursuant to any rule or regulation of the SEC or the NYSE and (iii) is not an employee, manager or director of any entity engaged in the death care business. Pursuant to the terms of the DVA, the Axar Entities have designated Messrs. Axelrod, Miller and Goldenberg as nominees and the ACII Entities have designated Mr. Hellman as a nominee.

Our advance notice bylaws require that our stockholders desiring to nominate a candidate for election as a director must submit a notice to us not later than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which we mailed our proxy statement to stockholders for our most recent annual meeting of stockholders, subject to certain exceptions, including that any such notice for our first annual meeting of stockholders must be submitted not later than 90 days prior to the date of the meeting or, if the date of such meeting is first publicly announced less than 100 days prior to the meeting, ate least 10 days prior to the date of the meeting. Any such notice must set forth:

the name and address of the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made;

the class and number of shares of our common stock that are owned beneficially and held of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner;

the investment strategy or objective, if any, of such stockholder and certain specified associates who are not individuals;

the disclosure of any short positions or other derivative positions relating to the shares of our common stock held by such stockholder and such beneficial owner, such information to include, and be updated to reflect any material change in, such positions from the period beginning six (6) months prior to the nomination through the time of the annual meeting;

a description of any proxy, contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship pursuant to which such stockholder and such beneficial owner has a right to vote any shares of any of our securities;

a representation that such stockholder is a holder of record of our stock entitled to vote at such meeting, will continue to be a holder of record of stock entitled to vote at such meeting through the date of the meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to bring such nomination or other business before the meeting;

a representation as to whether such stockholder or beneficial owner intends or is part of a group that intends to deliver a proxy statement or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the voting power of our outstanding stock required to approve or adopt the proposal or to elect each such nominee;

a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding with respect to the nomination or other business between or among such stockholder, beneficial owner or any other person, including without limitation any agreements that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 5 or Item 6 of Schedule 13D under the Exchange Act (regardless of whether the requirement to file a Schedule 13D is applicable);

all information relating to the proposed nominee as would be required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act ;

a description of all direct and indirect compensation and other material monetary agreements, arrangements and understandings during the previous three years, and any other material relationships,

between or among each stockholder giving notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made, on the one hand, and each proposed nominee, and his or her respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert therewith, on the other hand, including, without limitation all information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Rule 404 promulgated under RegulationS-K if the stockholder making the nomination and any beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination is made, if any, or any affiliate or associate thereof or person acting in concert therewith, were the “registrant” for purposes of such rule and the nominee were a director or executive officer of such registrant;

the nominee’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected; and

attaching (A) a completed director nominee questionnaire in the form we require (which form the stockholder providing notice shall request from our Secretary and which we shall provide within ten (10) days of such request) and (B) a completed and signed written representation and agreement, in the form we require (which form the stockholder providing notice shall request from our Secretary and which we shall provide within ten (10) days of such request), that the proposed nominee:(i) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such proposed nominee, if elected as one of our directors, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “Voting Commitment”) that has not been disclosed to us or any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with the proposed nominee’s ability to comply, if elected as one of our directors, with the proposed nominee’s fiduciary duties under applicable law; (ii) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than us with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as one of our directors that has not been disclosed to us; (iii) would be in compliance, if elected as one of our directors, and will comply with, applicable law, applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange and all or our applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, conflict of interest, corporate opportunity, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines; (iv) will tender, promptly following such proposed nominee’s election or reelection, an irrevocable resignation effective upon such proposed nominee’s failure to receive the required vote forre-election at the next meeting at which such proposed nominee would facere-election and upon acceptance of such resignation by the Board of Directors, in accordance with the Board of Director’s policies or guidelines on Director elections and (v) intends to serve a full term if elected as one of our directors.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS

A brief biography for our executive officer who also serves as one of the directors of the Board is included below.

Joseph M. Redlinghas served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since July 18, 2018. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Redling served as the Chief Operating Officer of Vonage Holdings. Inc., a billion-dollar communications company, where he managed the day to day operations of the company’s consumer and B2B businesses. Prior to the Chief Operating Officer position, he was President of Consumer Services for Vonage overseeing its large consumer business unit. Prior to that, Mr. Redling was President and Chief Executive Officer of Nutrisystem, Inc., a leader in the weight-loss industry. His experience also includes over a decade with Time Warner and AOL where he held a number of senior executive level roles including Chief Marketing Officer, President of Paid Services and Customer Management, President of the AOL Access Business and CEO of AOL International.

ADDITIONAL DIRECTORS

A brief biography for eachnon-executive director of the Board is included below.

Andrew Axelrod was appointed to and named Chairman of the Board in June 2019. Mr. Axelrod founded Axar Capital Management LP, an investment management firm, in April 2015 and serves as its Managing Partner and Portfolio Manager. He has been the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman of the board of directors of Axar Acquisition Corp. since October 2016. Before founding Axar Capital Management, Mr. Axelrod worked at Mount Kellett Capital Management LP, a private equity investment firm, from 2009 to 2014. At Mount Kellett Capital Management, he was promoted toCo-Head of North America Investments in 2011 and became a Partner in 2013. Prior to joining Mount Kellett Capital Management, Mr. Axelrod worked at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. from 2007 to 2008 and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. from 2005 to 2006. Mr. Axelrod has served as chairman of the board of directors of Terra Capital Partners since February 2018. Mr. Axelrod graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Economics from Duke University. Mr. Axelrod’s leadership of the Company’s largest common shareholder and his extensive experience in financing, investments and restructurings provides critical skills to the Board as the we continue to implement our turnaround plan.

Spencer Goldenberg was appointed to the Board in June 2019. He serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Menin Hospitality, an owner and operator of hotels, restaurants and commercial retail establishments across the United States (“U.S.”) with a concentration in the southeast U.S. and Chicago. Prior to joining Menin Hospitality, Mr. Goldenberg was a partner in the accounting firm of Gerstle, Rosen & Goldenberg P.A. from February 2008 to June 2015. Mr. Goldenberg has served as an independent director of Terra Property Trust, Inc. and its subsidiary, Terra Secured Income Fund 6, and is the chairman of the audit committee of Terra Secured Income Fund 6. From October 2005 until February 2008, he served as a legislative aide to Florida State Senator Gwen Margolis. Mr. Goldenberg holds an active certified public accountant’s license in the state of Florida. He holds a B.A. in International Affairs from Florida State University. Mr. Goldenberg’s extensive finance, accounting and audit experience enhances the ability of the Board to oversee the Company’s financial performance and reporting.

Robert B. Hellman, Jr. was appointed to the Board in April 2004. Mr. Hellmanco-founded American Infrastructure Funds (“AIM”) in 2006 and has been an infrastructure and private real assets investor for over 25 years. He has been an investor and director in a wide variety of industries, including agriculture, building materials, forest products, energy production and distribution, death care, entertainment, health and fitness, and real estate. On behalf of AIM, he currently holds three patents on the application of the design of innovative financial security structures. Mr. Hellman began his private equity career at McCown DeLeeuw in 1987, and previously was a consultant with Bain & Company, where he was one of the founding members of Bain’s Tokyo office. Mr. Hellman serves on the board of a number of private companies. He is also a member of the Board of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research and President of Stanford’s DAPER Investment Fund. He received an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School with Baker Scholar honors, an M.S. in economics from the London School of Economics, and a B.A. in economics from Stanford University. Mr. Hellman brings to the Board extensive investment management and capital raising experience, combined with excellent leadership and strategic skills.

David Miller was appointed to the Board in June 2019. Mr. Miller has served as the Chairman of the board of JG Wentworth since February 2018. Mr. Miller served as a Senior Advisor to the Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Fund from March 2015 until February 2018. Prior to Blackstone, Mr. Miller served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of JGWPT Inc., the holding company for J.G. Wentworth. Prior to JGWPT, Mr. Miller was Executive Vice President at ACE, responsible for ACE’s International Accident and Health Insurance business. Prior to ACE, Mr. Miller was President and Chief Executive Officer of Kemper Auto and Home Insurance. Prior to Kemper, Mr. Miller was Chief Operating Officer of Providian Direct Insurance. Mr. Miller has served as a director of Ellington Residential Mortgage (NYSE: EARN) since 2013, as a director of Lombard International Assurance since July 2015 and as a director of J.G. Wentworth since January 2018. Mr. Miller has a BSEE in

electrical engineering from Duke University and a MBA in Finance from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Miller’s extensive experience as a senior executive will provide the board of directors with additional expertise in corporate leadership and governance.

Stephen J. Negrottiwas appointed to the Board in April 2018. Mr. Negrotti was most recently President and CEO of Turner Investments Inc. (“Turner”), an investment manager, from April 2014 until October 2015. He also served as a member of the board of directors and President of the Turner Family of Mutual Funds during that time. Mr. Negrotti has been self-employed as an independent certified public accountant and a consultant since October 2015 and was also employed in that capacity from January 2012 until joining Turner. Mr. Negrotti has over 40 years of finance and administration experience. He joined Ernst & Young in Philadelphia in 1976 and was a Partner at Ernst & Young LLP from 1986 through 2011, coordinating services to financial industry clients and acting as an advisor in Ernst & Young’s Global Private Equity practice in New York. Mr. Negrotti holds an M.B.A in Finance from Drexel University and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from The Pennsylvania State University. Mr. Negrotti brings to the Board significant experience in financial oversight and accounting matters

Patricia D. Wellenbachwas appointed to the Board in April 2018. She has been President and CEO of Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum since November 2015. In such capacity, Ms. Wellenbach is responsible for management and oversight of one of the top 10 children’s museums in the country. The Museum employs 100 people and has a budget of $10.0 million. In addition, Ms. Wellenbach works closely with the Museum’s board of trustees and is a steward of a 100,000 square foot building on the National Historic Register. The building is owned by the City of Philadelphia, and as such Ms. Wellenbach works closely with city leaders on the preservation of this historic landmark building. From February 2013 to October 2015, Ms. Wellenbach was President and CEO of Green Tree School and Services, anon-residential school and behavioral health clinic for children with autism and severe emotional disturbances. In such capacity, Ms. Wellenbach oversaw a budget of $9.0 million, managed the construction of a new facility and negotiated contracts with two unions. The complexity of the medical and educational needs of the children required Ms. Wellenbach to have experience with a high level of regulatory and compliance issues. From October 2007 to January 2013, Ms. Wellenbach advised companies as President and CEO of Sandcastle Strategy Group, LLC. Ms. Wellenbach currently serves on the boards of Thomas Jefferson University (from July 2015) and the Philadelphia Mayor’s Cultural Advisory Board (from September 2016). Ms. Wellenbach previously was a member of the board of directors at the Reinvestment Fund, a CDFI fund that makes community impact investments in areas of work force development, charter schools, food access and other community needs, from March 2010 until December 2017. Ms. Wellenbach is also a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors, Women Corporate Directors, the Forum of Executive Women and the Pennsylvania Women’s Forum. Ms. Wellenbach holds a degree from the Boston College School of Nursing and a certificate from the UCLA Anderson School of Management’s Healthcare Executive Program. Ms. Wellenbach brings to the Board significant experience in managing complex businesses in transition and restructuring, merger and acquisition experience both as a chief executive officer and as a board member and experience with risk, regulatory and compliance issues.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS(NON-BOARD MEMBERS)

A brief biography for each of our executive officers who do not also serve on the Board are as follows:

Jeffrey DiGiovanni was appointed our Chief Financial Officer in September 2019 and had previously served as our Chief Accounting Officer since September 2018. From January 2012 until joining the Company in September 2018 as our Chief Accounting Officer, he was Managing Director at Pine Hill Group, a leading accounting and transaction advisory firm with offices in Philadelphia, New York City and Princeton, New Jersey, where he worked with clients to deliver services including readiness for initial public offerings, financial reporting including reporting to the SEC and technical accounting assistance on complex transactions. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master of Science in Financial Services from Saint Joseph’s University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Tom Connolly was appointed our Senior Vice President of Business Planning and Operations in September 2019. Prior to joining the Company, he served as Vice President, Business Operations for Brookstone, an omni channel business with mall, airport, ecommerce and wholesale divisions. Previously, Tom worked for Vestis Retail Group (Bob’s Stores, Eastern Mountain Sports and Sport Chalet) and EMS. Tom possesses a broad range of professional competencies, including: finance, strategic planning, analytics, marketing, ecommerce, wholesale, airport retail, merchandise planning, operations, real estate, store operations, organizational design and human resources. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Haverford University.

Austin K. So was appointed as our Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary in July 2016. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. So was the Division General Counsel and Secretary of Heraeus Incorporated, a global manufacturing conglomerate, from 2012 to 2016. Leading a team of lawyers based in Germany, China and the U.S., Mr. So oversaw litigation, mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, government investigations, compliance, export control, trade law and other legal matters. From 2002 to 2012, Mr. So practiced both transactional law and litigation at corporate law firms in New York City. Mr. So received an A.B. from Harvard College and a J.D. from The University of Pennsylvania Law School.

BOARD MEETINGS AND EXECUTIVE SESSIONS, COMMUNICATIONS WITH DIRECTORS AND BOARD COMMITTEES

In fiscal year 2019, the Board held ten meetings. Each director then in office attended at least 75% of these meetings and the meetings of the committees of the Board on which such director served, either in person or by teleconference.

The Board holds regular executive sessions, in whichnon-management board members meet without any members of management present. Mr. Axelrod, Chairman of the Board, presides at regular sessions of thenon-management members of the Board. In addition, our independent directors, excluding anynon-management directors who are not independent, also meet at least annually.

Our Board welcomes communications from our stockholders and other interested parties. Stockholders and any other interested parties may send communications to our Board, any committee of the Board, the Chairman of the Board, the Lead Independent Director, if one has been appointed, or any other director in particular to:

StoneMor Inc.

3600 Horizon Boulevard

Trevose, Pennsylvania 19053

Stockholders and any other interested parties should mark the envelope containing each communication as “Stockholder Communication with Directors” and clearly identify the intended recipient(s) of the communication. Our Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer will review each communication received from stockholders and other interested parties and will forward the communication, as expeditiously as reasonably practicable, to the addressees if: (1) the communication complies with the requirements of any applicable policy adopted by the Board relating to the subject matter of the communication and (2) the communication falls within the scope of matters generally considered by the Board. To the extent the subject matter of a communication relates to matters that have been delegated by the Board to a committee or to one of our executive officers, then our Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer may forward the communication to the executive officer or chairman of the committee to which the matter has been delegated. The acceptance and forwarding of communications to the members of the Board or an executive officer does not imply or create any fiduciary duty of the Board members or executive officer to the person submitting the communications.

The Board has an Audit Committee, a Trust and Compliance Committee and a Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee (the “Compensation Committee”). The Board appoints the members of such committees. The members of the committees and a brief description of the functions performed by each committee are set forth below.

Audit Committee

The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Goldenberg, Miller and Negrotti (Chair). The primary responsibilities of the Audit Committee are to assist the Board in its general oversight of our financial reporting, internal controls and audit functions, and it is directly responsible for the appointment, retention, compensation and oversight of the work of our independent auditors. The Audit Committee’s charter is posted on our website at www.stonemor.com under the “Corporate Governance” section of our “Investors” webpage. Information on our website does not constitute a part of this Annual Report.

All current committee members qualify as “independent” under applicable standards established by the SEC and the NYSE for members of audit committees. In addition, Mr. Negrotti has been determined by the Board to meet the qualifications of an “audit committee financial expert”, having the necessary accounting or related financial management expertise, in accordance with the standards established by the SEC and NYSE. The “audit committee financial expert” designation is a disclosure requirement of the SEC related to Mr. Negrotti’s experience and understanding with respect to certain accounting and auditing matters. The designation does not impose any duties, obligations or liabilities that are greater than those generally imposed on Mr. Negrotti as a member of the Audit Committee and the Board, and it does not affect the duties, obligations or liabilities of any other member of the Board.

Trust and Compliance Committee

The current members of the Trust and Compliance Committee are Messrs. Axelrod (Chair) and Redling and Ms. Wellenbach. The primary responsibilities of the Trust and Compliance Committee are to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibility in the oversight management of merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts (collectively, the “Trusts”) and to review and recommend an investment policy for the Trusts, including (i) asset allocation, (ii) acceptable risk levels, (iii) total return or income objectives, (iv) investment guidelines relating to eligible investments, diversification and concentration restrictions and (v) performance objectives for specific managers or other investments. The Trust and Compliance Committee also oversees matters ofnon-financial compliance, including our overall compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee

The current members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Goldenberg, Hellman and Miller (Chair). The primary responsibilities of the Compensation Committee are to oversee compensation decisions for ournon-management directors and executive, as well as our long-term incentive plan and to select and recommend nominees for election to the Board.

CORPORATE CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics which is applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics incorporates guidelines designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote honest and ethical conduct and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If any amendments are made to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or if we grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the code to any of our financial managers, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website (www.stonemor.com) or in a current report on Form8-K. We have also adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines which, together with the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and our bylaws, constitute the framework for our corporate governance.

The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the Corporate Governance Guidelines are publicly available on our website at www.stonemor.com under the “Corporate Governance” section of our “Investors” webpage. Information on our website does not constitute a part of this Annual Report.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Per the Securities and Exchange Act (as amended, the “Exchange Act”), Section 16(a) (“Section 16(a)”), directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of common units, if any, are required to file reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the SEC. Our directors of the Board, executive officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of our common shares are also required to furnish us with copies of all such reports that are filed. Based solely on our review of copies of such forms and amendments and on written representations from Section 16(a) reporting individuals, we believe that all of the directors of our Board, executive officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of our common stock filed the required reports on a timely basis under Section 16(a) during the year ended December 31, 2019, except that:

One Form 4 was not timely filed for each of Martin R. Lautman, Stephen J. Negrotti, Leo J. Pound, Fenton R. Talbott and Patricia D. Wellenbach to report one award of restricted phantom units in connection with the March 2019 board meeting;

One Form 4 was not timely filed for each of Joseph M. Redling, Garry P. Herdler, Jeffrey DiGiovanni, Austin K. So and James Steven Ford to report one deemed sale of units to the Partnership on August 1, 2019 in connection with the withholding of units in satisfaction of the reporting person’s tax withholding obligations; and

Two additional Forms 4 were not timely filed by Messrs. Redling and So and four additional Forms 4 were not timely filed by Mr. Ford to report a corresponding number of deemed sales of units to the Partnership in connection with the withholding of units in satisfaction of the reporting person’s tax withholding obligations.

ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table sets forth summary information relating to all compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the individuals listed in the table below, collectively referred to as our “named executive officers” or “NEOs,” for all services rendered in all capacities to us during the years noted:

Name and Principal Position

 Year  Salary
($)
  Bonus(1)
($)
  Equity
Awards(2)
($)
  Option
Awards(3)

($)
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
  All Other
Compensation(4)
($)
  Total
($)
 

Joseph M. Redling(5)

  2019   700,000   700,000   1,036,088   857,173   —     796   3,294,056 

Chief Executive Officer and President

  2018   317,692   325,000   2,910,000   —     —     666   3,553,358 

Jeffrey DiGiovanni(6)

  2019   275,000   175,000   191,500   154,291   —     —     795,791 

Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President

        

Garry P. Herdler(7)

  2019   199,038   207,692   1,053,250   —     —     468,621   1,928,601 

Former Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President

   —     —     —     —     —     —     —   

James S. Ford(8)

  2019   311,538   50,000   344,700   —     —     405,128   1,111,366 

Former Chief Operating Officer

        

Austin K. So

  2019   375,000   187,500   344,700   154,291   —     —     1,061,491 

Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of the Company

  2018   375,000   200,000   313,969   —     —     2,279   891,248 

(1)

Represents bonus amounts earned with respect to the applicable year except as otherwise indicated.

(2)

Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of equity awards in accordance with ASC 718. In 2019, Messrs. DiGiovanni, Ford, Redling and So received TVUs and PVUs under the 2019 Plan with aggregate grant date fair values of $191,500, $344,700, $1,036,088 and $344,700, respectively, if the target conditions were met in each of the three vesting periods. The values of these awards would be $222,347, $437,240, $1,554,321 and $437,240, respectively, if the maximum conditions were met in each of the three vesting periods. The calculation of the aggregate grant date fair value of the equity awards assumes performance conditions for the PVUs were met on the grant date of the equity awards.

(3)

Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of option awards in accordance with ASC 718.

(4)

All other compensation for 2019 and 2018 include the following personal benefits:

       Benefits
($)
 

Name

  Year   Airfare   Transportation   Other 

Joseph M. Redling

   2019    176    620    —   
   2018    —      162    504 

Garry P. Herdler

   2019    234    626    17,261 

James S. Ford

   2019    1,886    1,113    27,129 

Austin K. So

   2019    —      —      —   
   2018    —      —      2,279 

(5)

Mr. Redling commenced service as our Chief Executive Officer and President on July 18, 2018.

(6)

Mr. DiGiovanni commenced service as our Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President on September 19, 2019. Prior to September 19, 2019, Mr. DiGiovanni served as our Chief Accounting Officer from September 5, 2018.

(7)

Mr. Herdler served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President from April 15, 2019 to September 18, 2019. Mr. Herdler continued to serve us as a consultant through December 31, 2019. The amount set forth under All Other Compensation for 2019 includes $450,500 Mr. Herdler earned in consulting fees, through ORE Management LLC, from September 18, 2019 to December 31, 2019. For further details on our consulting agreement with Mr. Herdler, see Part III, Item. 11.Executive Compensation—Agreements with Named Executive Officers.

(8)

Mr. Ford served as our Chief Operating Officer until October 1, 2019. The amount set forth under All Other Compensation for 2019 includes $375,000 in severance payments to which Mr. Ford became entitled.”

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 31, 2019

The following table sets forth information with respect to outstanding equity awards at December 31, 2019 for our named executive officers:

  Option Awards  Stock Awards 

Name(1)

 Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
exercisable
  Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
unexercisable
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
unearned
options (#)
  Option
Exercise
Price

$
  Option
Expiration
Date
  Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other Rights
That Have
Not Vested
(#)
  Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other Rights
That Have Not
Vested
($)(2)
 

Joseph M. Redling

  —     2,500,000   2,500,000   1.20   12/18/2029   515,625   747,656 

Jeffrey DiGiovanni

  —     450,000   450,000   1.20   12/18/2029   —     —   

Austin K. So

  —     450,000   450,000   1.20   12/18/2029   —     —   

(1)

No unvested or unexercised equity awards were held at December 31, 2019 by any named executive officer not listed in this table.

(2)

The market value of this outstanding award has been computed by multiplying the closing price of our common units on December 31, 2019 by the number of unvested units held by Mr. Redling.

AGREEMENTS WITH NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following is a summary of certain material provisions of agreements between the Company and our named executive officers.

Joseph M. Redling

Joseph M. Redling and the Company are parties to an employment agreement dated June 29, 2018 pursuant to which Mr. Redling serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of the Company. Mr. Redling’s initial base salary under the agreement is $700,000 per year, which base salary is subject to annual review by the Board. Any decrease in base salary shall be made only to the extent we contemporaneously and proportionately decreases the base salaries of all of the Company’s senior executives.

The agreement provides that Mr. Redling is eligible to receive an annual incentive cash bonus with respect to each calendar year of the Company, provided that he will not be eligible to receive such bonus if he is not employed on the last day of the calendar year to which such bonus relates. The target amount of the cash bonus is 100% of his base salary with respect to the applicable calendar year and is to be based on specific individual and company performance goals established by the Compensation Committee and as described in his employment agreement. With respect to calendar year 2018, the agreement provides that Mr. Redling was eligible for apro-rated cash bonus based upon the time Mr. Redling was employed by the Company during calendar year 2018.

The agreement also provided that Mr. Redling was entitled to receive an initial grant of restricted common units in the Partnership of 750,000 units. Such restricted common units will vest, if at all, in equal quarterly installments over the four year period following the date of grant and will have rights to distributions consistent with fully vested common units in the Partnership. The grant of such restricted common units was made on July 18, 2018, and is subject to such other terms and conditions as are set forth in the Executive Restricted Unit Agreement entered into between Mr. Redling and the Company at the time of grant. In accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, Mr. Redling’s restricted common units that had vested as of the effective date of theC-Corporation Conversion were converted into common shares, while his unvested restricted common units were converted into restricted common shares and remain subject to the same vesting schedule.

Under the agreement, Mr. Redling is also entitled to participate in the 2019 Plan for the 2019 calendar year and each calendar year thereafter, to the extent that the Company offers the 2019 Plan to all senior executives of the Company. Mr. Redling’s participation in the 2019 Plan with respect to the 2019 calendar year and each calendar year, if offered by the Company, shall be in an annual amount equal to 150% of his base salary, with 50% of such annual amount vesting in equal annual installments over three years and 50% of the annual amount vesting based upon attainment of performance goals as determined by the Executive Committee of the Board, in consultation with the Compensation Committee.

If Mr. Redling’s employment is terminated for any reason, Mr. Redling will be entitled to receive the following: (i) any base salary for days actually worked through the date of termination; (ii) reimbursement of all expenses for which Mr. Redling is entitled to be reimbursed pursuant to the agreement, but for which he has not yet been reimbursed; (iii) any vested accrued benefits under the Company’s employee benefit plans and programs in accordance with the terms of such plans and programs, as accrued through the date of termination; (iv) vested but unissued equity in the Company; (v) any bonus or other incentive (or portion thereof) for any preceding completed calendar year that has been awarded by the Company to Mr. Redling, but has not been received by him prior to the date of termination; (vi) accrued but unused vacation, to the extent Mr. Redling is eligible in accordance with the Company’s policies and (vii) any other payment or benefit (other than severance benefits) to which Mr. Redling may be entitled under the applicable terms of any written plan, program, policy, agreement, or corporate governance document of the Company or any of their successors or assigns.

If Mr. Redling’s employment is terminated by the Company without “Cause” and not for death or “Disability” or by Mr. Redling for “Good Reason” (as such terms are defined in the agreement), and provided that Mr. Redling

enters into a release as provided for in the agreement, Mr. Redling would be entitled to receive, in addition to the benefits described in the preceding paragraph, the following: (i) payment of 1.5 times his base salary for a period of 12 months following the effective date of his termination, to be paid in equal installments in accordance with the normal payroll practices of the Company, commencing on the 60th day following the date of termination, with the first payment including any amounts not yet paid between the date of termination and the date of the first payment and (ii) apro-rata cash bonus for the calendar year in which such termination occurs, if any, determined by the Company (subject to certain the restrictions as set forth above), which shall be paid at the same time that annual incentive cash bonuses are paid to other executives of the Company, but in no event later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the date of termination occurs.

In the event of a “Change in Control” (as such term is defined in the agreement), all outstanding equity interests granted to Mr. Redling that are subject to time-based vesting provisions and that are not fully vested shall become fully vested as of the date of such Change in Control. The agreement also includes customary covenants running during Mr. Redling’s employment and for 12 months thereafter prohibiting Mr. Redling from directly or indirectly competing with the Company and from solicitation of employees, directors, officers, associates, consultants, agents or independent contractors, customers, suppliers, vendors and others having business relationships with the Company. The agreement also contains provisions relating to protection of the Company’s property, its confidential information and ownership of intellectual property as well as various other covenants and provisions customary for an agreement of this nature.

Jeffrey DiGiovanni

Jeffrey DiGiovanni and the Company are parties to an employment agreement dated September 19, 2019, pursuant to which Mr. DiGiovanni serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of the Company. Mr. DiGiovanni’s initial base salary under the agreement is $350,000 per year, which base salary is subject to annual review by the Board. Any decrease in base salary shall be made only to the extent the Company contemporaneously and proportionately decreases the base salaries of all of its senior executives.

The agreement provides that Mr. DiGiovanni is eligible to receive an annual incentive cash bonus with respect to each fiscal year of the Company, provided, except for certain qualifying terminations of employment, that he will not be eligible to receive such bonus if he is not employed on the last day of the fiscal year to which such bonus relates. The target amount of the cash bonus is 50% of his base salary.

Under the agreement, Mr. DiGiovanni is also entitled to participate in the 2019 Plan to the extent that the Company offers the 2019 Plan to all senior executives of the Company. Mr. DiGiovanni’s participation in the 2019 Plan, if offered by the Company, shall be in an annual amount equal to 50% of his base salary, with 50% of such annual amount vesting in equal annual installments over three years and 50% of the annual amount vesting based upon attainment of performance goals as determined by the Compensation Committee. To the extent Mr. DiGiovanni’s employment terminates on account of “Retirement” (as such term is defined in the agreement) during a performance period applicable to a particular 2019 Plan grant, the portion of such 2019 Plan grant that is subject to performance goals shall be earnedpro-rata based on actual performance and the number of months that Mr. DiGiovanni was employed by the Company during the performance period. To be eligible for apro-rated portion of the 2019 Plan grant in the event of a retirement, Mr. DiGiovanni must execute a release substantially in the form attached to his agreement.

If Mr. DiGiovanni’s employment is terminated by the Company for “Cause” or by Mr. DiGiovanni without “Good Reason” or in the event of Mr. DiGiovanni’s death or “Disability” (as such terms are defined in the agreement), Mr. DiGiovanni will be entitled to receive the following: (i) any base salary for days actually worked through the date of termination; (ii) reimbursement of all expenses for which Mr. DiGiovanni is entitled to be reimbursed pursuant to the agreement, but for which he has not yet been reimbursed; (iii) any vested accrued benefits under the Company’s employee benefit plans and programs in accordance with the terms of such plans and programs, as accrued through the date of termination; (iv) vested but unissued equity in the Company;

(v) any bonus or other incentive (or portion thereof) for any preceding completed fiscal year that has been awarded by the Company to Mr. DiGiovanni, but has not been received by him prior to the date of termination; and (vi) accrued but unused vacation, to the extent Mr. DiGiovanni is eligible in accordance with the Company’s policies.

If Mr. DiGiovanni’s employment is terminated by the Company without “Cause” or by Mr. DiGiovanni for “Good Reason” (as such terms are defined in the agreement), and provided that Mr. DiGiovanni enters into a release as provided for in the agreement, Mr. DiGiovanni would be entitled to receive, in addition to the benefits described in the preceding paragraph, the following: (i) payment of his base salary for a period of 12 months following the effective date of his termination, to be paid in equal installments in accordance with the normal payroll practices of the Company, commencing on the Company’s first payroll date following the expiration of the release revocation period, with the first payment including any amounts not yet paid between the date of termination and the date of the first payment and (ii) apro-rata cash bonus for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, if any, determined by the Company (subject to certain the restrictions as set forth above), which shall be paid at the same time that annual incentive cash bonuses are paid to other executives of the Company, but in no event later than March 15 of the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs.

In the event of a “Change in Control” (as such term is defined in the agreement), all outstanding equity interests granted to Mr. DiGiovanni that are subject to time-based vesting provisions and that are not fully vested shall become fully vested as of the date of such Change in Control. The agreement also includes customary covenants running during Mr. DiGiovanni’s employment and for 12 months thereafter prohibiting Mr. DiGiovanni from directly or indirectly competing with the Company and from solicitation of employees, directors, officers, associates, consultants, agents or independent contractors, customers, suppliers, vendors and others having business relationships with the Company. The agreement also contains provisions relating to protection of the Company’s property, its confidential information and ownership of intellectual property as well as various other covenants and provisions customary for an agreement of this nature.

Austin K. So

In May 2016, Mr. So entered into a letter agreement with the Company, pursuant to which Mr. So serves as the Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of the Company. The letter agreement provided that Mr. So would receive an annual base salary of $275,000. Pursuant to the letter agreement, Mr. So was also eligible to receive, subject to mutually agreed terms and conditions: (i) an annual incentive bonus, with a target bonus equal to 25% of his annual base salary; (ii) an annual equity incentive award targeted at 25% of Mr. So’s base salary, which was subsequently increased to 50% in the discretion of the Compensation Committee; and (iii) salary continuation for a period of 6 months in case of Mr. So’s termination without cause, provided that he has been employed with the Company for a period of at least 12 months, but less than 24 months. Mr. So also entered into a Confidentiality, Nondisclosure, and Restrictive Covenant Agreement with the Company, which contains customarynon-solicitation,non-competition and confidentiality covenants.

In January 2017, Mr. So entered into a letter agreement with the Company which provided that, effective as of February 1, 2017, his annual base salary increased to $375,000. In addition, Mr. So received a cash bonus of $100,000 in connection with the execution of this letter agreement. The letter agreement also provides that Mr. So was eligible to receive a quarterly retention bonus of $50,000 per quarter, payable in cash after the end of each quarter in 2017, and a quarterly retention bonus of $25,000 per quarter, payable in cash after the end of each quarter in 2018, provided that he remained employed by the Company on the day the Company was obligated to pay the applicable retention bonus.

On June 15, 2018, Mr. So and the Company entered into an employment agreement pursuant to which Mr. So continues to serve as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of the Company. The agreement superseded the letter agreements described above. Mr. So’s base salary under the agreement remains $375,000

per year, which base salary is subject to annual review by the Board. Any decrease in base salary shall be made only to the extent the Company contemporaneously and proportionately decreases the base salaries of all of its senior executives.

The agreement provides that Mr. So is eligible to receive an annual incentive cash bonus with respect to each fiscal year of the Company, provided that, except for certain qualifying terminations of employment, he will not be eligible to receive such bonus if he is not employed on the last day of the fiscal year to which such bonus relate. The amount of the cash bonus will be targeted at 50% of his base salary with respect to the applicable fiscal year. Mr. So remained entitled to receive a quarterly retention bonus of $25,000 per quarter, payable in cash after the end of each quarter in 2018, provided that he was employed by the Company on the day the Company paid the applicable retention bonus.

Under the agreement, Mr. So is also entitled to participate in the 2019 Plan to the extent that the Company offers the 2019 Plan to all senior executives of the Company. Mr. So’s participation in the 2019 Plan, if offered by the Company, shall be in an annual amount equal to 50% of his base salary, with 50% of such annual amount vesting in equal annual installments over three years and 50% of the annual amount vesting based upon attainment of performance goals as determined by the Compensation Committee. To the extent Mr. So’s employment terminates on account of “Retirement” (as such term is defined in the agreement) during a performance period applicable to a particular 2019 Plan grant, the portion of such 2019 Plan grant that is subject to performance goals shall be earnedpro-rata based on actual performance and the number of months that Mr. So was employed by the Company during the performance period. To be eligible for apro-rated portion of the 2019 Plan grant in the event of a retirement, Mr. So must execute a release substantially in the form attached to his agreement.

If Mr. So’s employment is terminated by the Company for “Cause” or by Mr. So without “Good Reason” or in the event of Mr. So’s death or “Disability” (as such terms are defined in the agreement), Mr. So will be entitled to receive the following: (i) any base salary for days actually worked through the date of termination; (ii) reimbursement of all expenses for which Mr. So is entitled to be reimbursed pursuant to the agreement, but for which he has not yet been reimbursed; (iii) any vested accrued benefits under the Company’s employee benefit plans and programs in accordance with the terms of such plans and programs, as accrued through the date of termination; (iv) vested but unissued equity in the Company; (v) any bonus or other incentive (or portion thereof) for any preceding completed fiscal year that has been awarded by the Company to Mr. So, but has not been received by him prior to the date of termination; and (vi) accrued but unused vacation, to the extent Mr. So is eligible in accordance with the Company’s policies.

If Mr. So’s employment is terminated by the Company without “Cause” or by Mr. So for “Good Reason” (as such terms are defined in the agreement), and provided that Mr. So enters into a release as provided for in the agreement, Mr. So would be entitled to receive, in addition to the benefits described in the preceding paragraph, the following: (i) payment of his base salary for a period of 12 months following the effective date of his termination, to be paid in equal installments in accordance with the normal payroll practices of the Company, commencing on the Company’s first payroll date following the expiration of the release revocation period, with the first payment including any amounts not yet paid between the date of termination and the date of the first payment and (ii) apro-rata cash bonus for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, if any, determined by the Company (subject to certain the restrictions as set forth above), which shall be paid at the same time that annual incentive cash bonuses are paid to other executives of the Company, but in no event later than March 15 of the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs.

In the event of a “Change in Control” (as such term is defined in the agreement), all outstanding equity interests granted to Mr. So that are subject to time-based vesting provisions and that are not fully vested shall become fully vested as of the date of such Change in Control. The agreement also includes customary covenants running during Mr. So’s employment and for 12 months thereafter prohibiting Mr. So from directly or indirectly competing with the Company and from solicitation of employees, directors, officers, associates, consultants, agents or independent contractors, customers, suppliers, vendors and others having business relationships with

the Company. The agreement also contains provisions relating to protection of the Company’s property, its confidential information and ownership of intellectual property as well as various other covenants and provisions customary for an agreement of this nature.

Garry P. Herdler

Garry P. Herdler and the Company were parties to an employment agreement effective as of April 15, 2019 pursuant to which Mr. Herdler served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of the Company. Mr. Herdler ceased serving as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of the Company effective September 19, 2019. Mr. Herdler’s initial base salary under his employment agreement with the Company was $450,000 per year.

The employment agreement provided that Mr. Herdler was eligible to receive an annual incentive cash bonus with respect to each fiscal year of the Company targeted at 75% of his base salary, provided, except for certain qualifying terminations of employment, that he would not be eligible to receive such bonus if he was not employed on the last day of the fiscal year to which such bonus related and, further, he would not be eligible for such bonus unless other senior executives of the Company had also earned a bonus for such fiscal year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the bonus paid to Mr. Herdler for calendar year 2019 was not to be less than $202,500 (less any taxes and other applicable withholdings), with such minimum amount earned and payable in three equal installments on July 1, September 1 and December 1 of 2019; provided, that in order to receive each of the foregoing installment payments, Mr. Herdler must have been employed by the Company on the applicable installment payment date. In accordance with his severance agreement with the Company, Mr. Herdler received the final installment of the minimum bonus that was payable on December 1, 2019, in the gross amount of $67,500, less any taxes and other applicable withholdings.

Under the employment agreement, Mr. Herdler was also entitled to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive plan for the 2019 fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, to the extent that the Company offered the 2019 Plan to all of its senior executives. Mr. Herdler’s participation in the 2019 Plan with respect to the 2018 fiscal year resulted in a grant of 275,000 restricted units, which vested in its entirety on June 27, 2019. The Company also agreed to reimburse Mr. Herdler for the cost of a supplemental directors’ and officers’ insurance policy for up to $5,000,000 in aggregate coverage.

The employment agreement provided for certain benefits if Mr. Herdler’s employment was terminated by the Company with or without “Cause” or by Mr. Herdler with or without “Good Reason” or in the event of Mr. Herdler’s death or “Disability” of a “Change in Control” (as such terms are defined in the agreement).

The employment agreement also contained various other covenants and provisions customary for an employment agreement of this nature.

In connection with the cessation of Mr. Herdler’s service as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of the Company, the Company entered into a Consulting Agreement effective September 23, 2019 (the “Consulting Agreement”) with his management company, ORE Management LLC (the “Consultant”) pursuant to which the Consultant agreed to cause Mr. Herdler (a) to work with the turnaround consultants previously engaged by the Company to assist such consultants in their validation of the Company’s previously developed performance improvement plan with accelerated cost reductions to be implemented in the second half of 2019 and in 2020, (b) to work with such consultants and the Company to develop a comprehensive written action plan and strategy (the “Plan”) to implement the annualized cost reduction targets identified by such consultants and (c) to perform other services related to the development and implementation of the Plan as may be directed by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. During the14-week term of the Consulting Agreement, the Consultant received abi-weekly consulting fee of $21,500. If Consultant delivered a Plan during the term of the Consulting Agreement reflecting at least $10 million in projected annualized cost reductions that was validated by the Company’s turnaround consultants and approved by the Company, then the Consultant was eligible to receive an

additional fee ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 based on the projected annualized cost reductions,one-time cost reductions and cash collateral reductions (the “Projected Cost Reductions”) set forth in the Plan. Pursuant to this provision, the Consultant received an additional fee of $300,000.

In connection with entering into the Consulting Agreement, Mr. Herdler and the Company also entered into a Severance Agreement and General Release and Waiver of Claims on September 19, 2019 pursuant to which, in consideration for the Company agreeing to pay the final $67,500 installment of his 2019 bonus, maintain certain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance under which Mr. Herdler is an insured and enter into the Consulting Agreement, Mr. Herdler released and discharged the Company and certain other persons and entities from any claims, liabilities and causes of action, whether known or unknown.

James S. Ford

James S. Ford and the Company were parties to an employment agreement effective as of March 1, 2018 pursuant to which Mr. Ford served as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of the Company. Mr. Ford retired as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of the Company effective October 1, 2019. Mr. Ford’s initial base salary under his employment agreement with the Company was $375,000 per year.

The employment agreement provided that Mr. Ford was eligible to receive an annual incentive cash bonus with respect to each fiscal year of the Company, provided, except for certain qualifying terminations of employment, that he would not be eligible to receive such bonus if he was not employed on the last day of the fiscal year to which such bonus relates and, further, he would not be eligible for such bonus unless other senior executives of the Company had also earned a bonus for such fiscal year. The amount of the cash bonus was targeted at 50% of his base salary with respect to the applicable fiscal year. Mr. Ford was entitled to a payment of apro-rata bonus for fiscal year 2019, if any, to be paid at the same time that annual incentive cash bonuses are paid to other current executives of the Company.

Under the employment agreement, Mr. Ford was also entitled to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive plan for the 2018 fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, to the extent that the Company offered the 2019 Plan (as defined herein) to all of its senior executives, and his employment agreement provided for a grant of 16,393 restricted units in the Company that were to vest in equal monthly installments over a two year period. Under the employment agreement, Mr. Ford’s participation in the 2019 Plan was to be in an annual amount equal to 50% of Mr. Ford’s base salary, with 50% of such annual amount vesting in equal annual installments over three years and 50% of the annual amount vesting based upon attainment of performance goals as determined by the Compensation Committee. Mr. Ford’s participation in the 2018 Plan with respect to the 2018 and 2018 fiscal years resulted in a cumulative grant of 16,393 restricted units and 136,906 phantom units in the Company; however, the unvested portion of his restricted unit award, equivalent to 3,415 units, was forfeited effective upon Mr. Ford’s resignation.

The employment agreement also provided that Mr. Ford was entitled to relocation benefits, including reimbursement of Mr. Ford’s (i) relocation expenses, (ii) closing costs for the purchase of a home as a result of Mr. Ford’s relocation and (iii) travel expenses associated with up to eight visits by Mr. Ford to his then-current residence and for up to four visits by Mr. Ford’s wife to the Philadelphia area during the first 150 days after the effective date of Mr. Ford’s employment agreement with the Company.

The employment agreement provided for certain benefits if Mr. Ford’s employment was terminated by the Company with or without “Cause” or by Mr. Ford with or without “Good Reason” or in the event of Mr. Ford’s death or “Disability” of a “Change in Control” (as such terms are defined in the agreement). In connection with Mr. Ford’s voluntary separation, the Company agreed to provide Mr. Ford with (a) payment of Mr. Ford’s base salary for a period of 12 months following effective date of Mr. Ford’s termination, to be paid in equal installments in accordance with the normal payroll practices of the Company over a period of 12 months, commencing on the Company’s first regularly scheduled payroll that is at least 10 days following the expiration

of the seven day revocation period set forth in the General Release and Waiver of Claims between Mr. Ford and the Company (with the first payment to include all installments that would have been paid had such installments commenced immediately following the Separation Date (as defined in Mr. Ford’s separation agreement with the Company), if any; and (b) payment of apro-rata Bonus for Fiscal Year 2019, if any, determined by the Company and subject to the restrictions as set forth in Section 3(b)(i) of Mr. Ford’s employment agreement with the Company, which shall be paid at the same time that annual incentive cash bonuses are paid to other executives of the Company.

The employment agreement also included customary covenants running during Mr. Ford’s employment and for 12 months thereafter prohibiting Mr. Ford from directly or indirectly competing with the Company and from solicitation of employees, directors, officers, associates, consultants, agents or independent contractors, customers, suppliers, vendors and others having business relationships with the Company. The employment agreement also contained provisions relating to protection of the Company’s property, its confidential information and ownership of intellectual property as well as various other covenants and provisions customary for an employment agreement of this nature.

In connection with the announcement of Mr. Ford’s departure from the Company, he and the Company entered into a Separation Agreement on September 17, 2019 pursuant to which Mr. Ford was entitled to receive, in addition to payment of amounts due under his employment agreement that had accrued as of his departure date, 12 months of base salary as in effect on his departure date, payable in equal installments in accordance with our normal payroll practices, and a prorated portion of any 2019 bonus, payable at such time as 2019 bonuses, if any, are paid to our other senior executives.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Name(1)

  Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)
   Stock Awards
($)(2)
   All Other
Compensation
($)
   Total
($)
 

Andrew Axelrod(3)

   37,625    10,000    —      47,625 

Spencer E. Goldenberg(3)

   35,500    10,000    —      45,500 

Robert B. Hellman

   74,250    —      —      74,250 

Martin R. Lautman, Ph.D.(3)

��  22,000    25,000    —      47,000 

David Miller(3)

   38,500    10,000    —      48,500 

Stephen J. Negrotti

   154,250    20,000    —      174,250 

Leo J. Pound(3)

   20,000    10,000    —      30,000 

Robert A. Sick(3)

   28,000    —      —      28,000 

Fenton R. Talbott(3)

   35,000    10,000    —      45,000 

Patricia D. Wellenbach

   142,500    20,000    —      162,500 

(1)

Each director denoted was entitled to an annual retainer of $80,000, which could be received in cash, restricted phantom units or a combination of cash and restricted phantom units at the director’s election. A minimum of $20,000 of the $80,000 annual retainer payable to each director was required to be deferred and credited quarterly, in the form of restricted phantom units to each director, except for Messrs. Hellman and Sick. Messrs. Hellman and Sick were not subject to the restricted phantom unit retainer clause, as they were both affiliates of AIM, a former member of StoneMor GP. In addition to the retainers, the same directors were entitled to a meeting fee of $2,000 for each meeting of the board of directors attended in person and $1,500 for each committee meeting attended in person, a fee of $500 for participation by telephone in any board or committee meeting that was greater than one hour, but less than two hours, and $1,000 for participation by telephone in any board or committee meeting that was two hours or more. In addition, Mr. Negrotti received an annual retainer of $15,000 as Chairman of our Audit Committee, Messrs. Miller and Sick received an annual retainer of $10,000 for serving as Chairman of our Compensation Committee and Messrs. Axelrod and Hellman received an annual retainer of $2,500 for serving as Chairman of our

Trust and Compliance Committee. Mr. Negrotti and Ms. Wellenbach were paid a fee of $75,000 for serving on the Conflicts Committee. Each director’s annual retainer and committee chair fees were prorated to reflect the length of time in which they sat on our Board and/or chaired one of our Board’s committees. Lastly, each director is entitled to receive restricted phantom shares pursuant to their distribution equivalent rights. The cash amounts shown in the table above are those that were earned in 2019, as well as $10,000 of board fees earned in 2018 but paid in 2019. $16,000 of the cash amounts earned in 2019 were paid in January 2020.
(2)

The shares of restricted phantom common stock awarded as retainer compensation are credited to a mandatory deferred compensation account established for each such person. In addition, for each restricted phantom share in such account, the Company credits the account, solely in additional restricted phantom shares, an amount of distribution equivalent rights so as to provide the restricted phantom shareholders a means of participating on aone-for-one basis in distributions made to holders of our common shares. Payments of the participant’s mandatory deferred compensation account will be made on the earliest of (i) separation of the participant from service as a director, (ii) disability, (iii) unforeseeable emergency, (iv) death or (v) change of control of the Company. Any such payment will be made at the Company’s election in the Company’s common shares or cash.

(3)

Messrs. Lautman, Pound, Sick and Talbott resigned as director of the Company effective June 26, 2019, immediately prior to the consummation of the Recapitalization Transactions, and Messrs. Axelrod, Goldenberg and Miller were appointed as directors of the Company at the same time.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS

The Board previously adopted the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”). Effective August 22, 2018, the Board amended and restated the 2014 Plan (the “2018 Plan”). On March 27, 2019, the Board amended and restated the 2018 Plan (the “2019 Plan”) to (i) increase the number of common units of the Partnership reserved for issuance under the 2019 Plan and (ii) make certain other clarifying changes and updates to the 2019 Plan. The 2019 Plan permitted the grant of awards covering a total of 4,000,000 common units of the Partnership. A “unit” under the 2019 Plan was defined as a common unit of the Partnership and such other securities as may be substituted or resubstituted for common units of the Partnership, including but not limited to shares of the Company’s common shares.

On December 18, 2019, the Board approved an amendment to the 2019 Plan to increase to 8,500,000 the number of common units of the Partnership authorized for issuance thereunder. On December 31, 2019, the Board approved the assumption of the 2019 Plan and all outstanding awards thereunder by the Company. The 2019 Plan is intended to promote the interests of the Company by providing to employees, consultants and directors of the Company incentive compensation awards to encourage superior performance and enhance the Company’s ability to attract and retain the services of individuals who are essential for its growth and profitability and to encourage them to devote their best efforts to advancing the Company’s business.

Subject to adjustments due to recapitalization or reorganization, the maximum aggregate number of common shares which may be issued pursuant to all awards under the 2019 Plan is 8,500,000. Common shares withheld from an award or surrendered by a recipient to satisfy certain tax withholding obligations of the Company or in connection with the payment of an exercise price with respect to an award will not be considered to be common shares delivered under the 2019 Plan. If any award is forfeited, canceled, exercised, settled in cash or otherwise terminates or expires without the actual delivery of common shares pursuant to the award, the common shares subject to such award will be available again for awards under the 2019 Plan.

The 2019 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has full power and authority to: (i) designate participants; (ii) determine the type or types of awards to be granted to a participant; (iii) determine the number of common shares to be covered by awards; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any award, including, without limitation, provisions relating to acceleration of vesting or waiver of forfeiture restrictions; (v) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances awards may be

vested, settled, exercised, canceled or forfeited; (vi) interpret and administer the 2019 Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to an award made under the 2019 Plan; (vii) establish, amend, suspend or waive such rules and regulations and delegate to and appoint such agents as it deems appropriate for the proper administration of the 2019 Plan; and (viii) make any other determination and take any other action that the Compensation Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the 2019 Plan. The Compensation Committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the 2019 Plan or an award agreement as the Compensation Committee deems necessary or appropriate.

Awards under the 2019 Plan may be in the form of: (i) phantom units; (ii) restricted units (including unit distribution rights, referred to as “UDRs”); (iii) options; (iv) unit appreciation rights (“UARs”); (v) distribution equivalent rights (“DERs”); (vi) substitute awards; (vii) performance awards; (viii) unit awards; (ix) cash awards and (x) other unit-based awards. Awards under the 2019 Plan may be granted either alone or in addition to, in tandem with, or in substitution for any other award granted under the 2019 Plan or any other plan of the Company. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other awards may be granted at either the same time as or at a different time from the other award. If an award is granted in substitution or exchange for another award, the Compensation Committee shall require the recipient to surrender the original award in consideration for the grant of the new award. Awards under the 2019 Plan may be granted in lieu of cash compensation. Summaries of the different types of awards are provided below:

Phantom Unit Award

A phantom unit award entitles the grantee to receive one common share upon the vesting of each phantom unit or, at the discretion of our Compensation Committee, the cash equivalent of the fair market value of one common share (or a combination of such cash or common shares) for each phantom unit. The Compensation Committee determines the number of phantom units to be granted, the period of time when the phantom units are subject to forfeiture, vesting or forfeiture conditions, which may include accelerated vesting upon the achievement of certain performance goals, and such other terms and conditions the Compensation Committee may establish, including whether DERs are granted with respect to phantom units.

Restricted Unit Award

A restricted unit award entitles the grantee to receive one common share per restricted unit awarded. The awarded units are subject to a restricted period established by the Compensation Committee, during which the award remains subject to forfeiture or is either not exercisable by or payable to the recipient of the award. The Compensation Committee determines the number of restricted units to be granted, the period of time when the restricted units are subject to forfeiture, vesting or forfeiture conditions, which may include accelerated vesting upon the achievement of certain performance goals, and such other terms and conditions the Compensation Committee may establish. Upon or as soon as reasonably practicable following the vesting of a restricted unit, the participant is entitled to receive a certificate evidencing ownership of one common share per unit awarded or to have the restrictions removed from any common share certificate that may have previously been delivered so that the common share will be unrestricted. Recipients of restricted unit awards are entitled to unit distributions rights (“UDRs”), representing the right to receive distributions made with respect to the Company’s common shares. Such UDRs may be payable in cash or as additional restricted units and may be subject to forfeiture and withheld until the restricted units to which they relate cease to be subject to forfeiture, all as determined by the Compensation Committee.

UDR

A UDR is a distribution made by us with respect to a restricted unit. At the discretion of the Compensation Committee, a grant of restricted units may also provide for a UDR, which may be subject to the same forfeiture and other restrictions as the restricted units. If restricted, the distributions will be held, without interest, until the restricted unit vests or is forfeited with the UDR being paid or forfeited at the same time, as the case may be. The

Compensation Committee may also provide that distributions be used to acquire additional restricted units. When there is no restriction on the UDRs, UDRs will be paid to the holder of the restricted unit without restriction at the same time as cash distributions are paid by the Company.

Option Award

An option award confers on the grantee the right to purchase common shares at a specified exercise price during specified time periods. The Compensation Committee determines the number of common shares underlying each option, whether DERs are also to be granted with the option, and the exercise price and the conditions and limitations applicable to the exercise of the option.

UAR

A UAR entitles the grantee to receive, in cash or common shares. An amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of one common share on the exercise date of the UAR over the exercise price of the UAR, which may be paid in cash or common shares at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee determines the number of common shares to be covered by each grant, whether DERs are granted with respect to such UAR, and the exercise price and the conditions and the limitations applicable to the exercise of the UAR, which may include accelerated vesting upon the achievement of certain performance goals.

DER

A DER entitles the grantee to receive an amount, payable either in cash, common shares and/or phantom shares at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, equal to the distributions or dividends we make with respect to a common share during the period the award is outstanding. At the discretion of the Compensation Committee, any award, other than a restricted unit or unit award, may include a tandem grant of DERs, which may provide that the DERs will be paid directly to the participant, be reinvested into additional awards, be credited to an account subject to the same restrictions as the tandem award, if any, or be subject to such other provisions and restrictions as determined by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee may also grant DERs as stand-alone awards.

Substitute Awards

Awards may be granted under the 2019 Plan in substitution for similar awards held by individuals who become participants of the 2019 Plan as a result of a merger or other transaction with the Company.

Performance Award

A performance award is an award under which the participant’s right to receive a grant and to exercise or receive a settlement of any award and the vesting or timing of such award is subject to performance conditions specified by the Compensation Committee. Performance conditions consist of one or more business criteria or individual performance criteria and a targeted level or levels of performance with respect to each criterion, as determined by the Compensation Committee. The achievement of performance conditions shall be measured over a performance period of up to ten years, as specified by the Compensation Committee. At the end of the applicable performance period, the Compensation Committee shall determine the amount, if any, of the potential performance award to which the recipient is entitled. The settlement of a performance award shall be in cash, common shares or other awards or property at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.

Unit Award

A unit award is a grant of one common share, which is not subject to a restricted period during which the award remains subject to forfeiture or is either not exercisable by or payable to the recipient of the award. Unit awards

are granted at the discretion of the Compensation Committee as a bonus or additional compensation or in lieu of cash compensation the recipient would otherwise be entitled to receive, in such amounts as the Compensation Committee determines to be appropriate.

Other Awards and Cash Awards

Other awards, denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to or otherwise based on, or settled in, common shares, may be granted by the Compensation Committee, including convertible or exchangeable debt securities, other rights convertible or exchangeable into common shares, purchase rights for common shares and awards with value and payment contingent upon performance of the Company or any other factors designated by the Compensation Committee and awards valued by reference to the book value of the Company’s common shares or the value of securities of or the performance of specified affiliates of the Company. The Compensation Committee determines the terms and conditions of such other equity awards. Additionally, cash awards may also be granted by the Compensation Committee, either as an element of, or supplement to, another award or independent of another award.

Change in Control

Upon a change of control of the Company, the Compensation Committee may undertake one or more of the following actions, which may vary among individual holders and awards: (i) remove forfeiture restrictions on any award; (ii) accelerate the time of exercisability or lapse of a restricted period; (iii) provide for cash payment with respect to outstanding awards by requiring the mandatory surrender of all or some of outstanding awards; (iv) cancel awards that remain subject to a restricted period without payment to the recipient of the award; or (v) make certain adjustments to outstanding awards as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate.

If a director’s membership on the Board terminates for any reason, or an employee’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason, his or her unvested awards will be automatically forfeited unless, and then only to the extent that, our Compensation Committee or grant agreements provide otherwise.

The 2019 Plan became effective on the date of its approval by the Board as of December 18, 2019. The 2019 Plan will continue in effect until the earliest of (i) the date determined by the Board; (ii) the date that all common shares available under the 2019 Plan have been delivered to participants; or (iii) the tenth anniversary of the approval of the 2019 Plan by the Board. The authority of the Board or the Compensation Committee to amend or terminate any award granted prior to such termination, as well as the awards themselves, will extend beyond such termination date.

ITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The following table shows the amount and percentage of the outstanding shares of our common stock that each of our named executive officers, each of our directors, each person whom we believe beneficial owns 5% or more of the outstanding shares of our common stock and all of our directors and executive officers as a group as of March 1, 2020. Unless otherwise indicated, the beneficial owner named in the table is deemed to have sole voting and sole dispositive power of the shares of common stock set forth opposite such beneficial owner’s name.

Name of Beneficial Owner

 

Position

 Amount of
Beneficial
Ownership
  Percent
of
Class
 

Joseph M. Redling(1)

 President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director  1,003,301   1.1

Jeffrey DiGiovanni

 Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President  40,349   * 

Garry P. Herdler

 Former Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President  205,021   * 

Austin K. So

 Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary  114,267   * 

James S. Ford

 Former Chief Operating Officer  119,887   * 

Robert B. Hellman, Jr.(2)(3)

 Director  7,505,698   7.9

Spencer E. Goldenberg

 Director  —     * 

Stephen J. Negrotti

 Director  13,584   * 

Andrew Axelrod(4)(5)

 Director  49,517,272   52.4

David Miller

 Director  905,945   1.0

Patricia D. Wellenbach

 Director  6,064   * 

All current directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons)

  59,106,480   62.6

Axar Capital Management, LP (1330 Avenue of the Americas, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10019)(5)

  49,517,272   52.4

StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC (950 Tower Lane, Suite 800, Foster City, CA 94464)(4)

  5,099,969   5.4

Mangrove Partners Master Fund Ltd. (c/o Maples Corporate Services, Ltd., PO Box 309, Ugland House, South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman IslandsKY1-1104)(6)

  10,294,832   10.9

*

Less than one percent

(1)

Excludes 421,875 shares of restricted common stock included in the award of 750,000 restricted common units granted to Mr. Redling that will not vest within 60 days of March 1, 2020, as these unvested shares of restricted common stock confer no common stockholder rights to Mr. Redling.

(2)

Mr. Hellman’s beneficial ownership includes 41,567 shares of common stock held by Mr. Hellman directly, 5,099,969 shares of common stock held by StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC and 2,364,162 shares of common stock held by ACII. AUH is the sole manager of ACII. Messrs. Matthew P. Carbone and Robert B. Hellman Jr. are managing members of AUH, collectively referred to as the “managing members.” The managing members may be deemed to share voting and dispositive power over the common stock held by ACII. ACII is owned by its members: AIM II, AIM FFII and AIM II StoneMor. AIM II StoneMor is owned by AIM Management II and AIM II Offshore. AIM Management II is the general partner of AIM II, AIM FFII and AIM II Offshore. Mr. Hellman is a managing member of AIM Management II and the president of AIM II StoneMor.

(3)

Information other than percentage of class beneficially owned is based on a Schedule 13D/A filed on January 3, 2020.

(4)

Represents shares beneficially owned by Axar Capital Management, LP as investment manager for certain funds and managed accounts with respect to the shares they hold. Mr. Axelrod is the sole member of Axar GP, LLC, the general partner of Axar Capital Management, LP.

(5)

Information other than percentage of class beneficially owned is based on a Schedule 13D/A filed on January 2, 2020.

(6)

Information other than percentage of class beneficially owned is based on a Schedule 13G filed on January 3, 2020.

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table details information regarding the 2019 Plan as of December 31, 2019:

Plan Category

  (a)
Number of
securities to
be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
   (b)
Weighted
average exercise
price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
$(1)
   (c)
Number of
securities
remaining
available for
future
issuance

under equity
compensation
plans
(excluding

securities
reflected in
column (a))
 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

   —     $—      —   

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders—2019 Plan

   6,059,219    1.20    986,552 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   6,059,219   $1.20    986,552 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Excludes 43,594 phantom shares and 515,625 restricted shares awarded under the 2019 Plan.

For more information regardingrelated to our significant pending administrative and judicial proceedings involving regulatory, operating, transactional, environmental, and other matters, 2019 Plan,see Note 14, Long Term Incentive Plan to our consolidated financial statements in Part 1.II, Item 1.8.Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 11 Commitments and ContingenciesSupplementary Dataof this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q.

We and certain of our subsidiaries are parties to legal proceedings that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. We do not expect such matters to have a material adverse effect on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We carry insurance with coverage and coverage limits that we believe to be customary in the cemetery and funeral home industry. Although there can be no assurance that such insurance will be sufficient to protect us against such contingencies, we believe that our insurance protection is reasonable in view of the nature and scope of our operations.Annual Report.

 

ITEM 1A.13.

RISK FACTORSCERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

In additionINDEPENDENCE OF DIRECTORS

For a list of our directors as of March 1, 2020, see Part III, Item 10, Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance in this Annual Report. Our Board has concluded that all of our directors other than Andrew M. Axelrod and Joseph M. Redling, and all of the members of our Audit Committee and our Compensation Committee, are independent within the meaning of the NYSE listing standards.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Prior to consummation of the Merger on December 31, 2019, the Board had established a Conflicts Committee, which was authorized to exercise all of the power and authority of the Board in connection with investigating, reviewing and acting on matters referred or disclosed to it where a conflict of interest exists or arises and performing such other functions as the Board may assign to the risk factorsConflicts Committee from time to time. The Conflicts Committee was responsible for reviewing all matters involving a conflict of interest submitted to it by the Board or as required by any written agreement involving a conflict of interest to which we are a party. In reviewing any transaction or proposed transaction, the Conflicts Committee determined whether the transaction complied with our policies on conflicts of interests.

Effective upon consummation of the Merger, the Board adopted a new charter for the Audit Committee. As set forth below,in that charter, it is our policy that we remain subjectwill not enter into any transaction that would need to the risk factorsbe disclosed in this Item 13 unless the Audit Committee or another independent body of the Board first reviewed and approved the transaction.

As of March 1, 2020, Axar beneficially owns 52.4% of our outstanding common stock, which constitutes a majority of our outstanding common stock. As a result, we are a “controlled company” within the meaning of NYSE corporate governance standards. For discussion on certain risks and uncertainties attributable to us being a controlled company, see Part I, Item 1A.Risk Factors of this Annual Report.

On February 4, 2019, the Partnership entered into the Eighth Amendment and Wavier to Credit Agreement with, among other parties, certain funds affiliated with Axar Capital Management, LP (collectively, the “Axar Lenders”) pursuant to which, among other things, the Axar Lenders agreed to provide an up to $35.0 million bridge financing in the form of a Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility (the “Tranche B Facility”). Borrowings under the financing arrangement including the Tranche B Facility were collateralized by a perfected first priority security interest in substantially all assets of the Partnership and the other borrowers thereunder held for the benefit of the existing Tranche A Revolving Lenders and bore interest at a fixed rate of 8.0%. Borrowings under the Tranche B Facility on original date thereof were subject to an original issue discount in the amount of $0.7 million, which was recorded as original issue discount, and the Partnership paid additional interest in the amount $0.7 million at the termination and payment in full of the financing arrangement, which will be accreted to interest expense over the term of the financing arrangement. As of the date of the transaction, funds and/or managed accounts for which Axar Capital Management, LP served as investment manager (collectively, the “Axar Vehicles”) beneficially owned approximately 19.5% of the Partnership’s outstanding common units. The highest outstanding principal amount under the Tranche B Facility during 2019 was $35.0 million, all of which was repaid (together with interest, including the original issue discount, in the amount of $2.2 million, in connection with the Recapitalization Transactions.

On June 27, 2019, the Axar Vehicles, David Miller and certain other investors (individually a “Purchaser” and collectively the “Purchasers”) and the Company entered into the Series A Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement (the “Series A Purchase Agreement” and the transactions contemplated thereby, the “Preferred Offering”) pursuant to which the Partnership sold to the Purchasers an aggregate of 52,083,333 of the Partnership’s Series A Preferred Units (the “Preferred Units”) at a purchase price of $1.1040 per Preferred Unit, reflecting an 8% discount to the liquidation preference of each preferred unit, for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million. The Axar Vehicles purchased an aggregate of 39,764,492 Preferred Units for an aggregate purchase price of $43.9 million and David Miller purchased an aggregate of 996,377 Preferred Units for an aggregate purchase price of $1.1 million. Immediately prior to consummation of the Preferred Offering, Andrew M. Axelrod, the sole member of Axar GP, LLC, the general partner of Axar Capital Management, LP, and Mr. Miller were appointed directors of the Partnership’s general partner.

On June 27, 2019, the Partnership also consummated a private placement of $385.0 million of 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024 to certain financial institutions (collectively with the Preferred Offering, the “Recapitalization Transactions”) pursuant to the terms of an indenture dated June 27, 2019 by and among the Company, Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. (collectively with the Company, the “Issuers”), certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company (as guarantors), the initial purchasers party thereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee. A portion of the net proceeds of the Recapitalization Transactions were used to repay the outstanding principal balance of and accrued and unpaid interest on the Tranche B Facility with the Axar Lenders.

On October 25, 2019, the Partnership completed the Rights Offering. In accordance with the terms of the Preferred Units as set forth in the Partnership’s Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership dated as of June 27, 2019, the gross proceeds from the Rights Offering were used to redeem an aggregate of 3,039,380 Preferred Units at a redemption price of $1.20 per Preferred Unit, including (i) 1,921,135 Preferred Units redeemed from the Axar Vehicles for an aggregate redemption price of $2,305,362 and (ii) 90,432 Preferred Units redeemed from the David Miller for an aggregate redemption price of $108,518. In addition, Messrs. Redling and Negrotti participated and acquired 422,341 and 7,519 common units, respectively, in the Rights Offering.

In December 2019, we purchased a $30 million participation in a $70 million new debt facility issued by Payless Holdings LLC (“Payless”). Funds and accounts affiliated with Axar also invested $20 million in this facility. The investment was initially proposed by our Annual Report,Chairman of the Board, Mr. Axelrod and subsequently approved by the Board. The Axar funds controlled by Mr. Axelrod own approximately 30% of the equity of Payless, and Mr. Axelrod serves on Payless’ board of directors. Our investment in Payless represents approximately 4% of the total fair market value of all of our trusts as of December, 31, 2019.

On April 1, 2020, we entered into the Axar Commitment with Axar pursuant to which Axar committed to (a) purchase shares of our Series A Preferred Stock with an aggregate purchase price of $8.8 million on April 3, 2020, (b) exercise its basic rights in the rights offering by tendering the shares of Series A Preferred Stock so purchased for shares of our common stock, $0.01 par value per share and (c) purchase any shares offered in the rights offering for which other stockholders do not exercise their rights, up to a maximum of an additional $8.2 million of such shares. We did not pay Axar any commitment, backstop or other fees in connection with the Axar Commitment.

On April 3, 2020, as contemplated by the Axar Commitment, we and the 2020 Purchasers entered into the 2020 Preferred Purchase Agreement pursuant to which we sold 176 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, for a cash price of $50,000 per share, an aggregate of $8.8 million. The 2020 Purchasers are incorporatedfunds or accounts managed by reference herein.Axar.

Our turnaround strategy mayOMNIBUS AGREEMENT

On September 20, 2004, we entered into an omnibus agreement (the “Omnibus Agreement”) with McCown De Leeuw, a private equity investment firm and a founder of Cornerstone, CFS, CFSI and StoneMor Operating LLC.

Under the Omnibus Agreement, as long as the general partner of the Partnership is an affiliate of McCown De Leeuw, McCown De Leeuw will agree, and will cause a disruptionits controlled affiliates to agree, not to engage, either directly or indirectly, in operationsthe business of owning and operating cemeteries and funeral homes (including the sales of cemetery and funeral home products and services) in the U.S. On November 30, 2010, MDC IV Liquidating Trusts became successors to McCown De Leeuw, and McCown De Leeuw was subsequently terminated. The MDC IV Liquidating Trusts assumed and agreed to be bound by and perform all of the obligations and duties of McCown De Leeuw under the Omnibus Agreement.

The Omnibus Agreement may not be successful.

In April 2019,further amended without the prior approval of the Audit Committee if we outlined and began implementing a turnaround strategy to return to profitability, which is focused on four key goals: cash flow and liquidity, capital structure, strategic balance sheet/portfolio review and performance improvement from cost reductions and revenue enhancement. The turnaround strategy may negatively impact our operations, which could include disruptions fromdetermine that the realignment of operational functions within the home office, sales of selected properties, changes in the administrative reporting structure and changes in our product assortments or marketing strategies. These changes couldproposed amendment will adversely affect holders of our business operationscommon stock. Any further action, notice, consent, approval or waiver permitted or required to be taken or given by us under the indemnification provisions of the Omnibus Agreement as amended must be taken or given by the Audit Committee.

MATTERS PERTAINING TO FORMER PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

On October 12, 2018, a former President and financial results.Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Lawrence Miller, and the Company entered into a letter agreement (the “Agreement”) that resolved the number of units that vested upon Mr. Miller’s retirement as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer in May 2017 pursuant to awards made under the 2019 Plan. The impactparties agreed that a total of these disruptions may be material. These changes could22,644 time-based units and 63,836 performance-based units vested under such awards in accordance with the terms of the Separation Agreement dated March 27, 2017 between Mr. Miller and the Company (the “Separation Agreement”). The parties also decrease the cash we have available to fund ongoing liquidity and working capital requirements, and we may experience periodsagreed that a total of limited liquidity. In addition, we are currently not generating sufficient cash flow to cover the interest payments on our debt and meet our operating liquidity needs. If our turnaround strategy is not successful, takes longer than initially projected or is not executed effectively, our business operations, financial results, liquidity and cash flow$340,751.40 will be adversely affected. Furthermore, no assurances can be given that our turnaround strategy, even if implemented properly, will result in a returnpaid to profitability.

We are under leadership of a new Board of Directors, who collectively have a limited operating historyMr. Miller pursuant to distribution equivalent rights with the Partnership.respect to those units.

In connection with entering into the Recapitalization Transactions, the Board of Directors of StoneMor GP LLC (the “general partner”) was reconstituted. Directors Martin R. Lautman, Ph.D., Leo J. Pound, Robert A Sick and Fenton R. TalbottAgreement, Mr. Miller resigned as directorsa director of the Board. The Company paid Mr. Miller his distribution equivalent rights in October 2018 and pursuantissued the vested units in February 2019, after it had filed all reports it was required to file under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Agreement also included a customary release by Mr. Miller of any further claims with respect to the 2019 Plan, including the referenced awards, and any right to appoint a “Founder Director” under the terms of the Company’s

Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, as amended. During 2018 and 2019, Mr. Miller received $528,000 and $467,000, respectively as additional cash severance pursuant to the terms of the Separation Agreement.

PARENTS OF SMALLER REPORTING COMPANIES

As a smaller reporting company, we are required to list all “parents” of the Company showing the basis of control and, as to each such parent, the percentage of voting securities owned or other basis of control by its immediate parent. For this purpose, a “parent” is an affiliate that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls an entity. The only person that we believe is or may be deemed to be a “parent” of the Company is Axar Capital Management, LP based on (i) its ownership of 49,517,272, or approximately 52.4%, of our outstanding common stock and (ii) the fact that Andrew M. Axelrod, the Chairman of our Board, is the sole member of the general partner the authorized number of directors was reduced to seven. Andrew Axelrod, David Miller and Spencer Goldenberg were elected to the board of directors of the general partner to fill the vacancies created by the resignations. The reconstituted board of directors is comprised of Messrs. Axelrod, Miller and Goldenberg, Robert Hellman, Stephen Negrotti, Patricia Wellenbach and Joe Redling. Certain of our new board members have limited experience with our management team and our business. The ability of our new directors to quickly understand our business plans, operations and turnaround strategies will be critical to their ability to make informed and effective decisions about our strategy and operations, particularly given the competitive environment in which our businesses operate.

Our level of indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and prevent us from fulfilling our debt obligations.

Our indebtedness requires significant interest and principal payments. As of September 30, 2019, we had $390.0 million of total debt (excluding debt issuance costs, debt discounts and capital lease obligations), consisting of $389.0 million of Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes (the “Senior Secured Notes”) and $0.8 million of financed vehicles. The Issuers are to pay quarterly interest at either a fixed rate of 9.875% per annum in cash or, at their periodic option through January 30, 2022, a fixed rate of 7.50% per annum in cash plus a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum payable in kind. The Senior Secured Notes will require cash interest payments at 9.875% for all interest periods after January 30, 2022. We elected the cash plus payable in kind option to pay our September 30, 2019 interest payment, resulting in a $4.0 million increase in the outstanding principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes.

Our and our subsidiaries’ level of indebtedness could have important consequences to us, including:

continuing to require us and certain of our subsidiaries to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of our indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available for operations and any future business opportunities;

limiting flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business or the industry in which we operate;

placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less indebtedness;

increasing our vulnerability to adverse general economic or industry conditions; and

limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general corporate requirements and increasing our cost of borrowing.

In addition, the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes (the “Indenture”) prohibits us from incurring additional debt or liens for working capital expenditures, acquisitions or other purposes (subject to very limited exceptions), requires us to maintain a minimum liquidity level on a rolling ten business day basis and requires us to meet minimum interest and asset coverage ratios as of the end of each fiscal quarter. Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future from operations, financings or asset sales. Our ability to repay our indebtedness and comply with the restrictive and financial maintenance covenants will be dependent on, among other things, the successful execution of our turnaround strategy. If we require additional capacity under the restrictive covenants to successfully execute our turnaround strategy or if we are unable to comply with the financial maintenance covenants, we will need to seek an amendment from a majority of the holders of the Senior Secured Notes. No assurances can be given that we will be successful in obtaining such an amendment and any failure to obtain such an amendment will have a material adverse effect on our business operations and our financial results.

Our ability to generate cash is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. We may not generate sufficient funds to service our debt and meet our business needs, such as funding working capital or the expansion of our operations. If we are not able to repay or refinance our debt as it becomes due, we may be forced to take certain actions, including reducing spending onday-to-day operations, reducing future financing for working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes, selling assets or dedicating an unsustainable level of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness. In addition, our ability to withstand competitive pressures and to react to changes in our industry could be impaired. The trustee or holders of our debt could also accelerate amounts due in the event that we default, which could potentially trigger a default or acceleration of the maturity of our other debt, including the notes.

Additionally, our leverage could put us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that are less leveraged. These competitors could have greater financial flexibility to pursue strategic acquisitions and secure

additional financing for their operations. Our leverage could also impede our ability to withstand downturns in our industry or the economy in general.

We have a history of operating losses and may not achieve or maintain profitability and positive cash flow.

We have incurred negative cash flows from operations and net losses for several years and have an accumulated deficit as of September 30, 2019, due to an increased competitive environment, increased expenses due to the proposedC-Corporation Conversion and increases in professional fees and compliance costs. To the extent that we continue to have negative operating cash flow in future periods, we may not have sufficient liquidity and we may not be able to successfully implement our turnaround strategy. We cannot predict if or when we will operate profitably and generate positive cash flows.

The prohibition on incurring additional debt in the Indenture, as well as future operating results, may require us to issue additional equity securities to finance our working capital and capital expenditure needs. Any such equity issuance may be at a price less than the then-current market price, which would result in dilution to your interest in the Partnership.

The Indenture prohibits us from incurring additional debt, including to fund working capital and capital expenditures, subject to very limited exceptions. This prohibition may require us to issue additional equity securities, which may be in the form of additional preferred units or common units, in order to provide us with sufficient cash to fund our working capital, liquidity and capital expenditure needs. There can be no assurance as to the price and terms on which such equity securities may be issued, and your equity interest in the Partnership may be materially diluted. Furthermore, there can be no assurances that we will be able to issue additional equity on any terms, in which case we may not have sufficient cash to fund our working capital, liquidity and capital expenditure needs and we may be unable to comply with one or more of the financial maintenance covenants in the Indenture.

Restrictions in the Indenture prohibit us from making distributions to you.

The Indenture prohibits us from making distributions to you. As a result, a return on any common units an investor may purchase may only be achieved if our common units trade at a premium to the price paid to acquire such common units.

We must comply with covenants in the Indenture. Failure to comply with these covenants, which may result from events that are not within our control, may result in an Event of Default under the Indenture, which would have a material adverse effect on the business and financial condition of the Partnership and on the trading price of our common units.

The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in the Indenture restrict our ability to finance future operations or capital needs, including working capital and other liquidity, or to expand or pursue our business activities. For example, the Indenture requires us to comply with various affirmative covenants regarding, among other matters, maintenance and investment of trust funds and trust accounts into which certain sales proceeds are required by law to be deposited, minimum liquidity and other covenants. The Indenture also includes other restrictive and financial maintenance covenants including, but not limited to:

covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit our ability to:

incur additional indebtedness, including entering into a working capital facility;

grant liens;

engage in certain sale/leaseback, merger, consolidation or asset sale transactions;

make certain investments;

pay dividends or make distributions;

engage in affiliate transactions;

amend our organizational documents;

make capital expenditures; and

covenants that require us to maintain:

a minimum liquidity level on a rolling ten business day basis;

a minimum interest coverage ratio on a trailing twelve month basis as of each fiscal quarter end; and

a minimum asset coverage ratio as of each fiscal quarter end.

The Indenture also provides for certain events of default, the occurrence and continuation of which could, subject to certain conditions, cause all amounts owing under the Senior Secured Notes to become due and payable, including but not limited to the following:

our failure to pay any interest on any senior secured note when it becomes due and payable that remains uncured for five business days;

our failure to pay the principal on any of the senior secured notes when it becomes due and payable, whether at the due date thereof, at a date fixed for redemption, by acceleration or otherwise;

our failure to comply with the agreements and covenants relating to maintenance of our legal existence, providing notice of any default or event of default or use of proceeds from the sale of the Senior Secured Notes or any of the restrictive or financial maintenance covenants in the Indenture;

our failure to comply with any other agreements or covenants contained in the Indenture or certain other agreements executed in connection with the Indenture that remains uncured for a period of 15 days after the earlier of written notice and request for cure from the Trustee or holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes;

the acceleration of, or the failure, to pay at final maturity indebtedness (other than the Senior Secured Notes) in a principal amount exceeding $5.0 million;

the occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined in the Indenture);

certain bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings involving an Issuer or any subsidiary;

theC-Corporation Conversion shall not have occurred on or before March 31, 2020 and such default remains uncured for a period of five business days; and

failure by the Partnership or any subsidiary to maintain one or more licenses, permits or similar approvals for the conduct of its business where the sum of the revenue associated therewith represents the lesser of (i) 15% of the Partnership’s and its subsidiaries’ consolidated revenue and (ii) $30.0 million, and such breach is not cured within 30 days.

At the option of holders holding a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes (and automatically upon any default for failure to pay principal of the Senior Secured Notes when due and payable or certain bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings involving an Issuer), the interest rate on the senior secured notes will increase to 13.50% per annum, payable in cash.

Our ability to comply with the covenants and restrictions contained in the Indenture may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. As a result of changes in market or other economic conditions, our ability to comply with these covenants may be impaired.

If we violate any of the restrictions, covenants, ratios or tests in our Indenture, or fail to pay amounts thereunder when due, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% of the outstanding principal amount of our Senior Secured Notes will be able to accelerate the maturity of all amounts due under the Senior Secured Notes, cause cross-default and demand repayment of amounts outstanding. We might not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient funds to make these accelerated payments, and the failure to make such payments would have a material adverse effect on our business operations and our financial results. Additionally, any subsequent replacement of our debt obligations or any new indebtedness could have similar or greater restrictions.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on, or to refinance, our debt obligations depends, in part, on our financial condition and operating performance, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business, commodity risks and other factors beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investment decisions and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. The terms of existing or future debt instruments may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. In addition, any failure to make payments of interest and principal on our outstanding indebtedness on a timely basis would likely result in a reduction of our credit rating, which could harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness. In the absence of such operating results and resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. The Indenture restricts our ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from the disposition. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain the proceeds that we could realize from them and these proceeds may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. If we breach our covenants under our senior credit facilities and seek a waiver, we may not be able to obtain a waiver from the required lenders. If this occurs, we would be in default under our senior credit facilities, and the lenders could exercise their rights and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.

Our merchandise and perpetual care trust funds own investments in equity securities, fixed income securities and mutual funds, which are affected by financial market conditions that are beyond our control.

Pursuant to state law, a portion of the proceeds frompre-need sales of merchandise and services is put into merchandise trusts until such time that the Partnership meets the requirements for releasing trust principal, which is generally delivery of merchandise or performance of services. In addition, the Indenture also provides certain limitations on how the assets in the merchandise trusts may be invested. Generally, a majority of the investment earnings generated by the assets in the merchandise trusts, including realized gains and losses, are deferred until the associated merchandise is delivered or the services are performed.

Also, pursuant to state law, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of cemetery property is required to be paid into perpetual care trusts. The perpetual care trust principal does not belong to the Partnership and must remain in this trust in perpetuity while interest and dividends may be released and used to defray cemetery maintenance costs.

We have hired an outside managers to manage these trust’s assets. There is no guarantee these managers will achieve their objectives and deliver adequate returns, and their investment choices may result in losses. In addition our returns on these investments are affected by financial market conditions that are beyond our control.

If the investments in our trust funds experience significant declines, there could be insufficient funds in the trusts to cover the costs of delivering services and merchandise. Pursuant to state law, we may be required to cover any such shortfall in merchandise trusts with cash flows from operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

If the fair market value of these trusts, plus any other amount due to us upon delivery of the associated contracts, were to decline below the estimated costs to deliver the underlying products and services, we would record a charge to earnings to record a liability for the expected losses on the delivery of the associated contracts.

Our ability to use our Net Operating Losses and other Tax Assets is uncertain.

As of December 31, 2018, our corporate subsidiaries had net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $396.6 million for U.S. federal income tax purposes and substantial similar tax assets at the federal and state levels. However, on June 27, 2019, we closed the Recapitalization Transactions. Along with other previous transfers of our interests, we believe the Recapitalization Transactions caused an “ownership change” for income tax purposes with respect to our corporate subsidiaries, which may significantly limit the corporate subsidiaries’ ability to use NOLs and certain other tax assets to offset future taxable income, possibly reducing the amount of cash available to our corporate subsidiaries and us to satisfy our obligations.

We are involved in Legal Proceedings.

We are involved in the disputes and legal proceedings as discussed in Part 1. Item 1. Financial Information—Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 11 Commitments and Contingencies of this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q. Although Anderson v. StoneMor Partners, LP, et al., No.2:16-cv-6111 was dismissed by the District Court of Pennsylvania, and that dismissal was affirmed by the Third Circuit on June 20, 2019, which also denied a petition for rehearing on September 16, 2019. Plaintiffs have 90 days from that date to file a petition for certiorari with the United States Supreme Court seeking discretionary review of the Third Circuit’s decision. We remain a party to other ongoing litigation against us. In addition, as a public company, we are also potentially susceptible to litigation, such as claims asserting violations of securities laws. Any such claims, with or without merit, if not resolved, could be time-consuming and result in costly litigation. There can be no assurance that an adverse result in any future proceeding would not have a potentially material adverse on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Economic, financial and stock market fluctuations could affect future potential earnings and cash flows and could result in future intangible assets and long-lived asset impairments.

In addition to an annual review, we assess the impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be greater than fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, a significant decline in the market value of our stock or debt values, significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results, and significant negative industry or economic trends. If these factors occur, we may have a triggering event, which could result in an impairment of our goodwill. Throughout 2019, we determined there were triggering factors that required us to perform interim impairment assessments of our goodwill and long-lived assets. Based on the results of our interim goodwill impairment assessment for the third quarter of 2019, we concluded our goodwill was fully impaired as of September 30, 2019. Based on the results of our interim impairment tests of our long-lived assets throughout 2019, we concluded our long-lived assets were impaired by $1.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Our ability to generate preneed sales depends on a number of factors, including sales incentives and local and general economic conditions.

Significant declines in preneed sales would reduce our backlog and revenue and could reduce our future market share. On the other hand, a significant increase in preneed sales can have a negative impact on cash flow as a result of commissions and other costs incurred initially without corresponding revenue.

We are continuing to refine the mix of service and product offerings in both our funeral and cemetery segments, including changes in our sales commission and incentive structure. These changes could cause us to experience declines in preneed sales in theshort-run. In addition, economic conditions at the local or national level could cause declines in preneed sales either as a result of less discretionary income or lower consumer confidence. Declines in preneed cemetery property sales reduces current revenue, and declines in other preneed sales would reduce our backlog and future revenue and could reduce future market share.Axar Capital Management, LP.

 

ITEM 2.14.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIESPRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND USE OF PROCEEDSSERVICES

PurchasesThe following table sets forth the aggregate fees paid or accrued for professional services rendered by Grant Thornton LLP for the audit of Equity Securitiesour annual financial statements for fiscal years 2019 and 2018, along with audit-related services and all other services rendered by Grant Thornton LLP for fiscal years 2019 and 2018:

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Period

  (a)
Total Number
of Units
Purchased(1)
   (b)
Average
Price Paid
per Unit(2)
   (c)
Total Number of Units
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
   (d)
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar Value)
of Units that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plans
or Programs
 

July 1, 2019—July 18, 2019

   17,438   $1.97    —     $—   

August 1, 2019

   376,351    1.80    —      —   

September 1, 2019

   167    1.10    —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   393,956   $1.81    —     $—   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Years Ended December 31, 
   2019   2018 

Audit fees

  $1,832,040   $2,299,550 

Audit-related fees

   262,338    —   

Tax fees

   —      84,250 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $2,094,378   $2,383,800 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The category of “Audit fees” includes fees for our annual audit, quarterly reviews and services rendered in connection with regulatory filings with the SEC, such as the issuance of comfort letters and consents. The decrease in fees in 2019 was primarily the result ofnon-recurring fees for audit work performed in 2018 with regards to the implementation of ASC 606 andout-of-scope procedures.

The category of “Audit-related fees” includes fees for services related to providing consents for our various registration statements.

The category of “Tax fees” includes fees for the consultation and preparation of federal, state and local tax returns, as well as consultation on tax compliance matters.

All above audit services, audit-related services and tax services werepre-approved by the Audit Committee, which concluded that the provision of such services by Grant Thornton LLP was compatible with the maintenance of each firm’s independence in the conduct of its auditing functions. The Audit Committee’s outside auditor independence policy provides forpre-approval of all services performed by the outside auditors.

PART IV

 

(1)ITEM 15.

AllEXHIBITS INDEX AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)

Financial Statements

(1)

The following financial statements of these units represent units that were withheld uponStoneMor Inc. are included in Part II, Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

Consolidated Statements of Owners’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2)

Other schedules have not been included either because they are not applicable or because the vestinginformation is included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form10-K (the “Annual Report”).

(b)

The documents listed in the Exhibit Index of awardsthis Annual Report are filed with or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report, in each case as indicated therein (numbered in accordance with Item 601 of RegulationS-K).

Exhibit

Number

Description

Incorporated by Reference
FormExhibitFiling Date
  3.1*Certificate of Incorporation of StoneMor Inc.8-K3.1December 31, 2019
  3.2Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series A Preferred Stock of StoneMor Inc.
  3.3*Bylaws of StoneMor Inc.8-K3.2December 31, 2019
  4.1*Indenture dated as of June  27, 2019 by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., the initial purchasers named therein, the guarantors named therein and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, including the form of 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 20248-K4.1June 28, 2019
  4.2*First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December  31, 2019, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., StoneMor Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors and Wilmington Trust, National Association8-K4.1December 31, 2019
  4.3Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 30, 2020, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., StoneMor Inc., StoneMor LP Holdings, LLC and Wilmington Trust, National Association
  4.4*Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April  1, 2020, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. and Wilmington Trust, National Association8-K4.1April 2, 2020

Exhibit

Number

Description

Incorporated by Reference
FormExhibitFiling Date
    4.5*Form of 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Note due 2024 (included in Exhibit 4.1)8-K4.2June 28, 2019
    4.6*Collateral Agreement dated as of June  27, 2019 by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as collateral agent8-K4.3June 28, 2019
    4.7Supplement to Collateral Agreement dated January 30, 2020 by StoneMor LP Holdings, LLC to Collateral Agreement dated as of June 27, 2019 by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as collateral agent
    4.8*Registration Rights Agreement dated June  27, 2019 by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., the guarantors name therein and the initial purchasers named therein8-K4.4June 28, 2019
    4.9Description of Common Stock
  10.1*Omnibus Agreement by and among McCown De Leeuw & Co. IV, L.P., McCown De Leeuw  & Co. IV Associates, L.P., MDC Management Company IV, LLC, Delta Fund LLC, Cornerstone Family Services LLC, CFSI LLC, StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP LLC, StoneMor Operating LLC, dated as of September 20, 200410-Q10.4September 30, 2004
  10.2*Amendment No. 1 to Omnibus Agreement entered into on, and effective as of, January  24, 2011 by and among MDC IV Trust U/T/A November 30, 2010, MDC IV Associates Trust U/T/A November 30, 2010, Delta Trust U/T/A November 30, 2010 (successors respectively to McCown De Leeuw  & Co. IV, L.P., a California limited partnership, McCown De Leeuw IV Associates, L.P., a California limited partnership, Delta Fund LLC, a California limited liability company, and MDC Management Company IV, LLC, a California limited liability company), Cornerstone Family Services LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, CFSI LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, StoneMor Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, StoneMor GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, for itself and on behalf of the Partnership in its capacity as general partner of the Partnership, and StoneMor Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company8-K10.1January 28, 2011
  10.3*Lease Agreement, dated as of September  26, 2013, by and among StoneMor Operating, LLC, StoneMor Pennsylvania LLC and StoneMor Pennsylvania Subsidiary LLC, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and StoneMor Partners L.P., solely in its capacity as guarantor8-K10.1October 2, 2013

Exhibit

Number

Description

Incorporated by Reference
FormExhibitFiling Date
  10.4*Amendment No. 1 to Lease Agreement, dated as of March  20, 2014, by and among StoneMor Operating, LLC, StoneMor Pennsylvania LLC and StoneMor Pennsylvania Subsidiary LLC, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and StoneMor Partners L.P., solely in its capacity as guarantor8-K10.1March 26, 2014
  10.5*Amendment No. 2 to Lease Agreement, dated as of May  28, 2014, by and among StoneMor Operating, LLC, StoneMor Pennsylvania LLC, StoneMor Pennsylvania Subsidiary LLC, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and StoneMor Partners L.P.10-Q10.3August 8, 2014
  10.6*Registration Rights Agreement dated as of June  27, 2019 by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP LLC, SMP SPV LLC, Star V Partners LLC, Blackwell Partners LLC—Series E, David Miller, MPF Investco 6, LLC, MPF Investco 7, LLC, MPF Investco 8, LLC, The Mangrove Partners Fund, L.P. and The Mangrove Partners Fund (Cayman Partnership), L.P.8-K10.2June 28, 2019
  10.7*Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January  30, 2020 by and among StoneMor Inc., American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors, LLC, StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC and certain funds and managed accounts for which Axar Capital Management, LP serves as investment manager8-K10.1February 4, 2020
  10.8*Asset Sale Agreement dated as of December  4, 2019 by and among Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc., StoneMor California Subsidiary, Inc. and StoneMor California, Inc.8-K2.1December 5, 2019
  10.9*Series A Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement dated as of June  27, 2019 by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., SMP SPV LLC, Star V Partners LLC, Blackwell Partners LLC—Series E, David Miller, MPF Investco 6, LLC, MPF Investco 7, LLC, MPF Investco 8, LLC, The Mangrove Partners Fund, L.P. and The Mangrove Partners Fund (Cayman Partnership), L.P.8-K10.1June 28, 2019
  10.10Nomination and Director Voting Agreement dated as of September 27, 2018 by and among StoneMor GP LLC, Axar Capital Management, LP, Axar GP, LLC, Axar Master Fund, Ltd., StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC and Robert B. Hellman, Jr., as trustee under the Voting and Investment Trust Agreement for the benefit of American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors LLC.
  10.11First Amendment to Nomination and Director Voting Agreement dated as of February 4, 2019 by and among StoneMor GP LLC, Axar Capital Management, LP, Axar GP, LLC, Axar Master Fund, Ltd., StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC and Robert B. Hellman, Jr., as trustee under the Voting and Investment Trust Agreement for the benefit of American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors LLC.

Exhibit

Number

Description

Incorporated by Reference
FormExhibitFiling Date
  10.12Second Amendment to Nomination and Director Voting Agreement dated as of Juke 27. 2019 by and among StoneMor GP LLC, Axar Capital Management, LP, Axar GP, LLC, Axar Master Fund, Ltd., StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC and Robert B. Hellman, Jr., as trustee under the Voting and Investment Trust Agreement for the benefit of American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors LLC.
  10.13†*Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Lawrence Miller, Robert B. Hellman, Jr., Fenton R. Talbott, Martin R. Lautman, William Shane, Allen R. Freedman, effective September 20, 200410-Q10.9November 15, 2004
  10.14†*Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Howard Carver and Peter Grunebaum, effective February 16, 200710-Q10.9November 15, 2004
  10.15†*Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Leo J. Pound and Jonathan Contos, dated February 26, 201510-Q10.1May 8, 2015
  10.16†*Indemnification Agreement, dated May 16, 2017, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and R. Paul Grady8-K10.2May 22, 2017
  10.17†*Indemnification Agreement, effective May 16, 2017, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Mark Miller8-K10.4May 22, 2017
  10.18†*Indemnification Agreement, effective May 16, 2017, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Robert A. Sick8-K10.5May 22, 2017
  10.19†*Indemnification Agreement effective June 15, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Patricia Wellenbach8-K10.6June 18, 2018
  10.20†*Indemnification Agreement effective June 15, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Stephen J. Negrotti8-K10.7June 18, 2018
  10.21†*Indemnification Agreement effective July 16, 2019 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Andrew M. Axelrod8-K10.8July 22, 2019
  10.22†*Indemnification Agreement effective July 16, 2019 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Spencer E. Goldenberg8-K10.9July 22, 2019
  10.23†*Indemnification Agreement effective July 16, 2019 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and David Miller8-K10.10July 22, 2019
  10.24†*Form of StoneMor Inc. Indemnification Agreement8-K10.1December 31, 2019
  10.25†*Employment Agreement by and between Joseph M. Redling and StoneMor GP LLC, dated June 29, 20188-K10.1July 3, 2018
  10.26†*Employment Agreement dated September 19, 2019 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Jeffrey DiGiovanni8-K10.3September 19, 2019
  10.27†*Employment Agreement by and between Austin K. So and StoneMor GP LLC, dated June 15, 20188-K10.3June 18, 2018
  10.28†*StoneMor Amended and Restated 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan8-K10.1April 2, 2019
  10.29†*First Amendment to the StoneMor Amended and Restated 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan to satisfy certain tax obligations of the recipients of such awards arising from the vesting thereof and thus may be deemed to have been repurchased by the Partnership.

8-K10.1December 20, 2019
(2)

The value of the units withheld was the closing price of the Partnership’s common units on the last trading day before the date on which such units were withheld.

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

On November 5, 2019, the Board of Directors of the general partner (the “Board’), based on the recommendation of its Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee, approved a change effective January 1, 2020 in the compensation for the services ofnon-employee directors. The annual retainer was increased from $80,000 to $100,000 and all separate fees for attending meetings of the Board or any committee thereof were eliminated. The chair of the Board’s Audit Committee will receive an annual retainer of $25,000, and the chairs of the Board’s other standing committees will receive retainers of $10,000. Directors not affiliated with Axar Capital Management or American Infrastructure Funds will continue to defer $20,000 of their annual retainer in the form of restricted phantom units credited to a deferred compensation account under the Partnership’s Amended and Restated 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Directors affiliated with Axar Capital Management or American Infrastructure Funds will receive their annual retainer in cash.

ITEM 6.

Exhibit

Number

EXHIBIT INDEXDescription

Incorporated by Reference
FormExhibitFiling Date
  10.30†*Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Andrew M. Axelrod8-K10.5July 22, 2019
  10.31†Amendment to Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement dated November 7, 2019 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Andrew M. Axelrod
  10.32†*Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Spencer E. Goldenberg8-K10.6July 22, 2019
  10.33†*Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement by and between StoneMor GP LLC and David Miller8-K10.7July 22, 2019
  10.34†*Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement effective June  15, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Stephen J. Negrotti8-K10.5June 18, 2018
  10.35†*Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement effective June  15, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Patricia D. Wellenbach8-K10.4June 18, 2018
  10.36†*Executive Restricted Unit Award Agreement dated July 18, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Joseph M. Redling8-K10.1July 24, 2018
  10.37†Form of StoneMor Amended and Restated 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan Option Agreement
  10.38†*Severance Agreement and General Release and Waiver of Claims by and among StoneMor GP LLC and Garry P. Herdler8-K10.2September 19, 2019
  10.39†*Employment Agreement dated April 10, 2019 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Garry P. Herdler8-K10.1April 16, 2019
  10.40†*Retirement Agreement dated as of April 10, 2019 by and between Mark L. Miller and StoneMor GP LLC8-K10.3April 16, 2019
  10.41†*Employment Agreement, effective May 16, 2017, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Mark Miller8-K10.3May 22, 2017
  10.42†*Separation Agreement by and among StoneMor GP LLC and James Ford8-K10.4September 19, 2019
  10.43†*Employment Agreement dated March 1, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and James Ford8-K10.1March 2, 2018
  10.44*Letter Agreement dated April 1, 2020 by and between Axar Capital Management, LP and StoneMor Inc.8-K10.1April 2, 2020
  10.45Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement dated April 3, 2020 by and among StoneMor, Inc., Axar CL SPV LLC, Star V Partners LLC and Blackwell Partners LLC—Series E
  10.46Master Services Agreement (Unionized Locations) dated April 2, 2020 by and between StoneMor Operating LLC and Rickert Landscaping, Inc.

The documents listed in the Exhibit Index of this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q are incorporated by reference or are filed with this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q, in each case as indicated therein (numbered in accordance with Item 601 of RegulationS-K).

         

Incorporated by Reference

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

  

Filed/

Furnished

Herewith

  

Form

   

Exhibit

   

Filing Date

10.1  Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement under StoneMor Amended and Restated 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan by and among StoneMor GP LLC and Andrew M. Axelrod†   *   8-K    10.5   July 22, 2019
10.2  Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement under StoneMor Amended and Restated 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan by and among StoneMor GP LLC and Spencer E. Goldenberg†   *   8-K    10.6   July 22, 2019
10.3  Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement under StoneMor Amended and Restated 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan by and among StoneMor GP LLC and David Miller†   *   8-K    10.7   July 22, 2019
10.4  Indemnification Agreement by and among StoneMor GP LLC and Andrew M. Axelrod†   *   8-K    10.8   July 22, 2019
10.5  Indemnification Agreement by and among StoneMor GP LLC and Spencer E. Goldenberg†   *   8-K    10.9   July 22, 2019
10.6  Indemnification Agreement by and among StoneMor GP LLC and David Miller†   *   8-K    10.10   July 22, 2019
10.7  Consulting Agreement by and among StoneMor GP LLC and ORE Management LLC†   *   8-K    10.1   September 19, 2019
10.8  Severance Agreement and General Release and Waiver of Claims by and among StoneMor GP LLC and Garry P. Herdler†   *   8-K    10.2   September 19, 2019
10.9  Employment Agreement by and among StoneMor GP LLC and Jeffrey DiGiovanni†   *   8-K    10.3   September 19, 2019
10.10  Separation Agreement by and among StoneMor GP LLC and James Ford†   *   8-K    10.4   September 19, 2019
31.1  Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rule13a-14(a) of Joseph M. Redling, President and Chief Executive Officer       
31.2  Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rule13a-14(a) of Jeffrey DiGiovanni, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President       
32.1  Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. § 1350) and Exchange ActRule 13a-14(b) of Joseph M. Redling, President and Chief Executive Officer   *     

         

Incorporated by Reference

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

  

Filed/

Furnished

Herewith

  

Form

   

Exhibit

   

Filing Date

32.2  Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. § 1350) and Exchange Act Rule13a-14(b) of Jeffrey DiGiovanni, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President   *     
99.1  Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of StoneMor GP LLC dated as of June 27, 2019    8-K    99.2   June 28, 2019
101    Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following Interactive Data Files formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018; (ii) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, 2019 and 2018; (iii) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Partners’ (Deficit) Capital; (iv) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018; and (v) Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 401 ofRegulation S-T that the information contained in the XBRL documents is unaudited and these are not the official publicly filed financial statements of StoneMor Partners L.P.       

Exhibit

Number

Description

Incorporated by Reference
FormExhibitFiling Date
  10.47Master Services Agreement dated April 2, 2020 by and between StoneMor Operating LLC and Moon Landscaping, Inc.
  21.1Subsidiaries of Registrant
  31.1Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rule13a-14(a) of Joseph M. Redling, President and Chief Executive Officer
  31.2Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rule13a-14(a) of Jeffrey DiGiovanni, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President
  32.1Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. § 1350) and Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b) of Joseph M. Redling, President and Chief Executive Officer
  32.2Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. § 1350) and Exchange Act Rule13a-14(b) of Jeffrey DiGiovanni, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President
101Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following Interactive Data Files formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Owners’ Equity; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018; and (v) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 401 ofRegulation S-T that the information contained in the XBRL documents is unaudited and these are not the official publicly filed financial statements of StoneMor Inc.

 

*

Incorporated by reference, as indicated

**

Furnished herewith

Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement

ITEM 16.

FORM10-K SUMMARY

Not applicable.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.
 By:StoneMor GP LLC, its General PartnerSTONEMOR INC.
Date: November 8, 2019April 7, 2020  

By:

 

/s/Joseph M. Redling

   

Joseph M. Redling

President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: November 8, 2019By:

/s/Jeffrey DiGiovanni

   Jeffrey DiGiovanni

President and Chief FinancialExecutive Officer and Senior Vice President

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Joseph M. Redling, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q of StoneMor Partners L.P.;

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules13a-15(e) and15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules13a-15(f) and15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: November 8, 2019

By:Signatures

  

/s/Joseph M. RedlingTitle

Date

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

Joseph M. Redling

(Principal Executive Officer)

  President and Chief Executive Officer
and Director (Principal Executive Officer)April 7, 2020

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Jeffrey DiGiovanni, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q of StoneMor Partners L.P.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules13a-15(e) and15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules13a-15(f) and15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 8, 2019

By:

/s/Jeffrey DiGiovanni

Jeffrey DiGiovanni

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerApril 7, 2020

/s/ Andrew Axelrod

Andrew Axelrod

  (Principal Financial Officer)Chairman of the BoardApril 7, 2020

/s/ Robert B. Hellman, Jr.

Robert B. Hellman, Jr.

DirectorApril 7, 2020

/s/ Spender Goldberg

Spencer Goldberg

DirectorApril 7, 2020

/s/ David Miller

David Miller

DirectorApril 7, 2020

/s/ Stephen J. Negrotti

Stephen J. Negrotti

DirectorApril 7, 2020

/s/ Patricia D. Wellenbach

Patricia D. Wellenbach

DirectorApril 7, 2020

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code), the undersigned officer of StoneMor GP, LLC, the general partner of StoneMor Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”), does hereby certify with respect to the Quarterly Report of the Partnership onForm 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 (the “Report”) that:

1.

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.

Date: November 8, 2019

By:

/s/Joseph M. Redling

Joseph M. Redling
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code), the undersigned officer of StoneMor GP, LLC, the general partner of StoneMor Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”), does hereby certify with respect to the Quarterly Report of the Partnership onForm 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 (the “Report”) that:

1.

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.

Date: November 8, 2019

By:

/s/Jeffrey DiGiovanni

Jeffrey DiGiovanni
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

ANNEX DAnnex C

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM10-K10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

ANNUALQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal yearquarterly period ended DecemberMarch 31, 20182020

or

 

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:001-32270001-39172

 

 

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware 80-010315980-0103152

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

3600 Horizon Boulevard

Trevose, Pennsylvania

 19053
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area codecode):(215) 826-2800

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common UnitsStock, $0.01 par value per shareSTON New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 ofRegulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of RegulationS-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form10-K or any amendment to this Form10-K.  ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   Accelerated filer 
Non-accelerated filer   Smaller reporting company 
   Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined inRule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

The aggregate market valueIndicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the common units heldSecurities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed bynon-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $90.5 million as of June 30, 2018 based on $6.03, the closing price per common unit as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on June 29, 2018.¹ a court.     Yes  ☐    No  ☐

The number of the registrant’s outstanding common unitsstock at March 29, 2019May 13, 2020 was 38,260,471.

Documents incorporated by reference:None94,506,848.

 

 

 

¹

The aggregate market value of the common units set forth above equals the number of the registrant’s common units outstanding, reduced by the number of common units held by executive officers, directors and persons owning 10% or more of the registrant’s common units, multiplied by the closing price per the registrant’s common unit on June 30, 2018, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. The information provided shall in no way be construed as an admission that any person whose holdings are excluded from this figure is an affiliate of the registrant or that any person whose holdings are included in this figure is not an affiliate of the registrant and any such admission is hereby disclaimed. The information provided herein is included solely for record keeping purposes of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

FORM10-K10-Q OF STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I

  

PART IFinancial Information

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

   C-3

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsC-49

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market RiskC-61

Item 4.

Controls and ProceduresC-61

PART II

Other Information

Item 1.

  BusinessLegal Proceedings   D-3C-65 

Item 1A.

  Risk Factors   D-11

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff CommentsD-31C-65 

Item 2.

  PropertiesUnregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds   D-32C-67 

Item 3.

  

Legal ProceedingsDefaults upon Senior Securities

   D-35C-67 

Item 4.

  Mine Safety Disclosures   D-35

PART II

C-67 

Item 5.

  Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity SecuritiesOther Information   D-36C-67 

Item 6.

  Selected Financial DataExhibits   D-37

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsD-38

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market RiskD-60

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary DataD-61

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial DisclosureD-62

Item 9A.

Controls and ProceduresD-62

Item 9B.

Other InformationD-69

PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate GovernanceD-70

Item 11.

Executive CompensationD-77

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder MattersD-89

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director IndependenceD-90

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and ServicesD-96

PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement SchedulesD-97

Item 16.

Form10-K SummaryD-105C-67 
  Signatures   D-106C-69 

PART I1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

BUSINESSFINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OVERVIEWSTONEMOR INC.

BackgroundCONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

We were formed(in thousands, except share and per share data)

   March 31,
2020
  December 31,
2019
 

Assets

   

Current assets:

   

Cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash

  $27,066  $34,867 

Restricted cash

   20,400   21,900 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance

   55,516   55,794 

Prepaid expenses

   6,649   4,778 

Assets held for sale

   77,850   23,858 

Other current assets

   13,593   17,142 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

   201,074   158,339 

Long-term accounts receivable, net of allowance

   71,474   75,549 

Cemetery property

   303,628   320,605 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

   93,472   103,400 

Merchandise trusts, restricted, at fair value

   437,638   517,192 

Perpetual care trusts, restricted, at fair value

   284,832   343,619 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

   113,611   114,944 

Deferred tax assets

   87   81 

Intangible assets

   55,942   56,246 

Other assets

   26,661   29,393 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $1,588,419  $1,719,368 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities and Owners’ Equity

   

Current liabilities:

   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  $49,941  $55,134 

Liabilities held for sale

   52,437   20,668 

Accrued interest

   117   125 

Current portion, long-term debt

   2,139   374 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   104,634   76,301 

 

Long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs

   341,443   367,963 

Deferred revenues

   867,407   949,375 

Deferred tax liabilities

   35,847   34,613 

Perpetual care trust corpus

   284,832   343,619 

Other long-term liabilities

   47,368   49,987 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   1,681,531   1,821,858 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

   

 

Owners’ equity:

   

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 94,477,102 and 94,447,356 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

   944   944 

Paid-in capital in excess of par value

   (103,059  (103,434

Retained earnings

   9,003   —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total owners’ equity

   (93,112  (102,490
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and owners’ equity

  $1,588,419  $1,719,368 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

STONEMOR INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except per share and per unit data)

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
           2020                  2019         

Revenues:

   

Cemetery:

   

Interments

  $15,954  $15,944 

Merchandise

   15,166   16,541 

Services

   15,560   15,967 

Investment and other

   11,386   9,458 

Funeral home:

   

Merchandise

  ��6,568   6,275 

Services

   6,611   7,284 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total revenues

   71,245   71,469 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses:

   

Cost of goods sold

   9,925   9,743 

Cemetery expense

   17,848   17,247 

Selling expense

   13,049   14,733 

General and administrative expense

   10,316   11,439 

Corporate overhead

   8,501   13,413 

Depreciation and amortization

   2,459   2,757 

Funeral home expenses:

   

Merchandise

   1,776   2,317 

Services

   5,397   5,553 

Other

   3,485   3,630 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

   72,756   80,832 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gain on sale of businesses

   24,086    
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   22,575   (9,363

Interest expense

   (12,284  (13,171
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations before income taxes

   10,291   (22,534

Income tax expense

   (1,288  —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $9,003  $(22,534
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per common share (basic)(1)

  $0.10  $(0.59

Net income (loss) per common share (diluted)(1)

  $0.10  $(0.59

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding—basic(2)

   94,472   38,031 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding—diluted(2)

   94,472   38,031 

(1)

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, represents net income divided by weighted average number of common shares outstanding and for the three months ended March 31, 2019, represents net loss divided by weighted average number of common limited partner units outstanding.

(2)

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, represents weighted average number of common shares outstanding and for the three months ended March 31, 2019, represents weighted average number of common limited partner units outstanding.

See Accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

STONEMOR INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except units and shares)

   Common Stock   Paid-in
Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
  Retained
Earnings
   Total 
   Number of
Common
Shares
   Par Value of
Common
Shares
 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

         

December 31, 2019

   94,447,356   $944   $(103,434 $—     $(102,490

Common stock awards under incentive plans

   29,746    —      375   —      375 

Net income

   —      —      —     9,003    9,003 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

March 31, 2020

   94,477,102   $944   $(103,059 $9,003   $(93,112
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

   Partners’ Deficit 
   Outstanding
Common
Units
   Common
Limited
Partners
  General
Partner
  Total 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

      

December 31, 2018

   37,958,645   $(2,570 $(4,008 $(6,578

Common unit awards under incentive plans

   301,826    277   —     277 

Net loss

   —      (22,300  (234  (22,534
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

March 31, 2019

   38,260,471   $(24,593 $(4,242 $(28,835
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

STONEMOR INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
           2020                  2019         

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

   

Net income (loss)

  $9,003  $(22,534

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:

   

Cost of lots sold

   1,296   1,522 

Depreciation and amortization

   2,459   2,757 

Provision for bad debt

   1,144   2,042 

Non-cash compensation expense

   375   277 

Non-cash interest expense

   5,260   4,429 

Gain on sale of businesses

   (24,086  —   

Changes in assets and liabilities:

   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance

   (1,595  (1,965

Merchandise trust fund

   (1,829  (5,990

Other assets

   2,338   (4,382

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

   (1,178  17 

Deferred revenues

   6,434   8,584 

Deferred taxes, net

   1,228   —   

Payables and other liabilities

   (6,087  2,140 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities

   (5,238  (13,103
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

   

Cash paid for capital expenditures

   (2,073  (1,903

Proceeds from divestitures

   28,190   —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   26,117   (1,903
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

   

Proceeds from borrowings

   2,639   24,562 

Repayments of debt

   (32,181  (253

Principal payment on finance leases

   (425  (366

Cost of financing activities

   (213  (2,636
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

   (30,180  21,307 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

   (9,301  6,301 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—Beginning of period

   56,767   18,147 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—End of period

  $47,466  $24,448 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

   

Cash paid during the period for interest

  $7,015  $2,842 

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

   —     41 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

   

Operating cash flows from operating leases

  $848  $932 

Operating cash flows from finance leases

   116   116 

Financing cash flows from finance leases

   425   366 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

   

Acquisition of assets by financing

  $—    $1,314 

Net transfers within assets held for sale

   80,822   —   

Accruedpaid-in-kind interest on Senior Secured Notes

   3,615   —   

See Accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

STONEMOR INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1.

GENERAL

Effective as a Delaware limited partnership in April 2004of December 31, 2019, pursuant to ownthat certain Merger and operateReorganization Agreement (as amended, the assets“Merger Agreement”) by and businesses previously owned and operated by Cornerstone Family Services, Inc.,among StoneMor GP LLC (“Cornerstone”StoneMor GP”), which was converted into CFSI LLC, a limited liability company (“CFSI”), prior to our initial public offering of common units representing limited partner interests on September 20, 2004. On May 21, 2014, Cornerstone Family Services LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“CFS”), and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, CFSI LLC and StoneMor GP LLC, ourthe general partner (“of StoneMor GP” or “general partner”Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”), completed a series of transactions (the “Reorganization”) to streamline the ownership structure of CFSI and StoneMor GP. As a result of the Reorganization, StoneMor GP became a 100% owned subsidiary ofPartnership, StoneMor GP Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and formerly the sole member of GP (“GP Holdings”), formerly known as CFSI, and GP Holdings is owned by (i) a trustee of the trust established for the pecuniary benefit of American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ACII”), which trustee has exclusive voting and investment power over approximately 89.01% of the membership interests in GP Holdings, and (ii) certain directors, affiliates of certain directors and current and former executive officers of our general partner. See Part III, Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters, of this Annual Report on Form10-K for a more detailed discussion of the Reorganization. In this Annual Report onForm 10-K, unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “StoneMor,” the “Company,” or the “Partnership” are to StoneMor Partners L.P. and its subsidiaries.

This is the first Annual Report on Form10-K we are filing as a smaller reporting company within the meaning of Rule12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1034, as amended. As a smaller reporting company, we may choose to comply with certain scaled ornon-scaled financial andnon-financial disclosure requirements on an item by item basis.

Proposed Merger and Reorganization

On September 27, 2018, the Partnership, StoneMor GP, StoneMor GP Holdings LLC and Hans Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of StoneMor GP (“Merger Sub”), entered into a Merger and Reorganization Agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, GP will convertconverted from a Delaware limited liability company into a Delaware corporation to be named StoneMor Inc. (the “Company” when referring to StoneMor Inc. subsequent to such conversion),) and Merger Sub will bewas merged with and into the Partnership (the “Merger”), with. The Company is the successor registrant to the Partnership survivingpursuant to Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and withRule12g-3 under the CompanySecurities Exchange Act of 1934, as its sole general partner, the Partnership will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and the unitholders of the Partnership will become stockholders in the Company.amended (the “Exchange Act”).

The completion of the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, including, without limitation: (a) approval of the Merger Agreement by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Common Units, (b) there being no law or injunction prohibiting the consummation of the Merger, (c) subject to specified materiality standards, the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the parties, (d) compliance by the parties in all material respects with their respective covenants, (e) the effectiveness of a registration statement on FormS-4, (f) the approval for listing of the Company shares to be issued in the Merger on the New York Stock Exchange or any other national securities exchange and (g) the Company’s assumption of a long-term incentive plan as specified in the Merger Agreement.

See “Part I—Item 1A. Risk Factors—”There can be no assurance that the proposedC-Corporation Conversion will be approved and ultimately consummated or that the anticipated benefits of any such transactions will be

realized;”and “If theC-Corporation Conversion does not occur, we will not benefit from the expenses we have incurred in the pursuit of theC-Corporation ConversionAs used in this AnnualQuarterly Report on Form10-K.10-Q (the “Quarterly Report”), unless the context otherwise requires, references to the terms the “Company,” “StoneMor,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to StoneMor Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries for all periods from and after the Merger and to StoneMor Partners L.P. and its consolidated subsidiaries for all periods prior to the Merger.

ProductsNature of Operations

The Company is a provider of funeral and Service Offerings

We are currentlycemetery products and services in the second largest owner and operator of cemeteries and funeral homesdeath care industry in the United States. As of DecemberMarch 31, 2018, we2020, the Company operated 322319 cemeteries in 27 states and Puerto Rico. We own 291Rico, of these cemeterieswhich 289 were owned and we manage or operate the remaining 3130 were operated under lease, management or operating agreements with the nonprofit cemetery companies that own the cemeteries. As of December 31, 2018, weagreements. The Company also owned and operated or managed 9088 funeral homes, including 4241 located on the grounds of cemetery properties that we own,the Company owned, in 17 states and Puerto Rico.

The Company’s cemeteries provide cemetery productsproperty interment rights, such as burial lots, lawn and mausoleum crypts, and cremation niches. Cemetery merchandise is comprised of burial vaults, caskets, grave markers and memorials. Cemetery services that we sell include the following:

Interment Rights

Merchandise

Services

burial lotsburial vaultsinstallation of burial vaults
lawn cryptscasketsinstallation of caskets
mausoleum cryptsgrave markers and grave marker basesinstallation of other cemetery merchandise
cremation nichesmemorialsother service items
perpetual care rights

We sellinstallation of this merchandise and other service items. The Company sells these products and services both at the time of death, which we referis referred to asat-need, and prior to the time of death, which we referis referred to aspre-need. Our sales of real property, including burial lots (with and without installed vaults), lawn and mausoleum crypts and cremation niches, generally generate qualifying income sufficient for us to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. In 2018, we performed 54,773 burials and sold 30,063 interment rights (net of cancellations). Based on our sales of interment spaces in 2018, our cemeteries have an aggregate average remaining sales life of 223 years.

Our cemetery properties are located in Alabama, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Our cemetery operations accounted for approximately 83% and 82% of our revenues in 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Our primary funeral home products are caskets and related items. OurThe Company’s funeral home services include family consultation, the removal and preparation of remains, insurance products and the use of funeral home facilities for visitation and prayermemorial services.

Our funeral homes are located in Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Our funeral home operations accounted for approximately 17% and 18% of our consolidated revenues in 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our funeral home operations are conducted through various 100% owned subsidiaries that are treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

OPERATIONS

Segment Reporting and Related InformationC-Corporation Conversion

We have two distinct reportable segments,On December 31, 2019, pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company completed the following series of reorganization transactions (which the Company sometimes refer to collectively as the“C-Corporation Conversion”):

GP Holdings contributed its entire equity interest in the Partnership to StoneMor GP and, in exchange, ultimately received an aggregate of 5,099,969 shares of the Company’s common stock;

StoneMor GP contributed the common units in the Partnership it received from GP Holdings to StoneMor LP Holdings, LLC (“LP Sub”), a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of StoneMor GP;

Merger Sub merged with and into the Partnership, with the Partnership surviving as a Delaware limited partnership, and pursuant to which are classified as Cemetery Operationseach outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Unit (defined within) and Funeral Home Operations segments, bothCommon Unit (defined within) (other than the common units held by LP Sub) was converted into the right to receive one share of which are supported by corporate coststhe Company’s common stock; and expenses.

We have chosen this level of organization and disaggregation of reportable segments because: (a) each reportable segment has unique characteristics that set it apartStoneMor GP converted from the other segment; (b) we have organized our management personnel at these two operational levels; and (c) it is the level at which our chief decision makers evaluates performance.

Cemetery Operations

As of December 31, 2018, we operated 322 cemeteries. Our Cemetery Operations include sales of cemetery interment rights, merchandise and services and the performance of cemetery maintenance and other services. An interment right entitles a customerDelaware limited liability company to a burial space in one of our cemeteries and the perpetual care of that burial space. Burial spaces, or lots, are parcels of property that hold interred human remains. Our cemeteries require a burial vault to be placed in each burial lot. A burial vault is a rectangular container, usually made of concrete but also made of steel or plastic, which sits in the burial lot and in which the casket is placed. The top of the burial vault is buried approximately 18 to 24 inches below the surface of the ground, and the casket is placed inside the vault. Burial vaults prevent ground settling that may create uneven ground surfaces. Ground settling typically results in higher maintenance costs and potential exposure for accidents on the property. Lawn crypts are a series of closely spaced burial lots with preinstalled vaults and may include other improvements, such as landscaping, sprinkler systems and drainage. A mausoleum crypt is an above ground structure that may be designed for a particular customer, which we refer to as a private mausoleum, or it may be a larger building that serves multiple customers, which we refer to as a community mausoleum. Cremation niches are spaces in which the ashes remaining after cremation are stored. Cremation niches are often part of community mausoleums, although we sell a variety of cremation niches to accommodate our customers’ preferences.

Grave markers, monuments and memorials are above ground products that serve as memorials by showing who is remembered, the dates of birth and death and other pertinent information. These markers, monuments and memorials include simple plates, such as those used in a community mausoleum or cremation niche,flush-to-the-ground granite or bronze markers, headstones or large stone obelisks.

One of the principal services we provide at our cemeteries is an “opening and closing,” which is the digging and refilling of burial spaces to install the vault and place the casket into the vault. Withpre-need sales, there are usually two openings and closings, where permitted by applicable law. During the initial opening and closing, we install the burial vault in the burial space. Where permitted by applicable law, we usually perform this service shortly after the customer signs apre-need contract. Advance installation allows us to withdraw the related funds from our merchandise trusts, making the amount in excess of our cost to purchase and install the vault available to us for other uses, and eliminates future merchandise trusting requirements for the burial vault and its installation. During the final opening and closing, we remove the dirt above the vault, open the lid of the vault, place the casket into the vault, close the vault lid and replace the ground cover. Withat-need sales, we typically perform the initial opening and closing at the time we perform the final opening and closing. Our other services include the installation of other cemetery merchandise and the perpetual care related to interment rights.

Funeral Home Operations

As of December 31, 2018, we owned, operated or managed 90 funeral homes, 42 of which are located on the grounds of cemetery properties that we own. Our funeral homes offer a range of services to meet a family’s funeral needs, including family consultation, final expense insurance products, the removal and preparation of remains, provision of caskets and related funeral merchandise, the use of funeral home facilities for visitation, worship and performance of funeral services and transportation services. Funeral Home Operations primarily generate revenues fromat-need sales.

Cremation Products and Services

We operate crematories at some of our cemeteries or funeral homes, but our primary crematory operations are sales of receptacles for cremated remains, such as urns, and the inurnment of cremated remains in niches orDelaware corporation called StoneMor Inc.

scattering gardens. While cremation products and services usually cost less than traditional burial products and services and take up less space than burials. We sell cremation products and services on both apre-need and anat-need basis.

Seasonality

Although the death care business is relatively stable and predictable, our results of operations may be subject to seasonal fluctuations in deaths due to weather conditions and illness. We generally perform fewer initial openings and closings in the winter when the ground is frozen in many of the areas in which we operate. We may also experience declines in contracts written during the winter months due to inclement weather, which makes it more difficult for our sales staff to meet with customers.

Sales Contracts

Pre-need products and services are typically sold on an installment basis.At-need products and services are generally required to be paid for in full in cash by the customer at the time of sale. As a result of ourthepre-needC-Corporation sales,Conversion, the backlogCompany remains the general partner of unfulfilledthe Partnership and LP Sub is the sole limited partner of the Partnership such that, directly or indirectly, the Company owns 100% of the interests in the Partnership.

Thepre-needC-Corporation performance obligations recordedConversion represented a transaction between entities under common control and was accounted for similarly to pooling of interests in deferred revenuesa business combination. The common stock of the Company issued to the holders of the common units and preferred units of the Partnership and to GP Holdings for its general partner interest in the Partnership was $914.3 millionrecognized by the Company at the carrying value of the equity interests in the Partnership. In addition, the Company became the successor and $912.6 millionthe Partnership the predecessor for the purposes of financial reporting.

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, which are unaudited, have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Quarterly Report on Form10-Q and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for interim reporting. They do not include all disclosures normally made in financial statements contained in Annual Reports on Form10-K. In management’s opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods disclosed have been made. The balance sheet at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Trusts

Sales of cemetery products and services are subject to a variety of state regulations. In accordance with these regulations, we are required to establish and fund two types of trusts, merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts, to ensure that we can meet our future obligations. Our funding obligations are generally equal to a percentage of2019 has been derived from the sales proceeds or costs of the products and services we sell.

Sales Personnel, Training and Marketing

Asaudited consolidated financial statement as of December 31, 2018, we employed 716 full-time commissioned salespeople 7 part-time commissioned salespeople and salaried sales managers and 25 full-time sales support and telemarketing employees. We had five regional sales vice presidents supporting our Cemetery Operations who report to the Chief Operating Officer. The regional sales vice presidents have dotted lines reporting to our National Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Individual salespersons are typically located at the cemeteries they serve and report directly to the cemetery sales manager. We have made a commitment to the ongoing education and training of our sales force and to salesperson retention in order to provide our customers high quality customer service and in an effort to comply with all applicable laws and requirements. Our training program includes classroom training at regional training locations, field training, periodically updated training materials that utilize media, such2019, as web based modules, for interactive training and participation in industry seminars. We place special emphasis on training property sales managers, who are key elements to a successfulpre-need sales program.

We reward our salespeople with incentives for attaining certain sales volume. Sales force performance is evaluated by sales budgets, sales mix and closing ratios, which are equal to the number of contracts written divided by the number of presentations that are made. Substantially all of our sales force is compensated based solely on performance. Commissions are augmented with various bonus and incentive packages in an effort to attract and retain a high quality, motivated sales force. We pay commissions to our sales personnel onpre-need contracts based upon a percentage of the value of the underlying contracts. Such commissions vary depending upon the type of interment right, merchandise and services sold. We also pay commissions onat-need contracts that are generally based upon a variable percentage based upon products selected on the contract. In addition, some cemetery managers receive an override commission that is equal to a percentage of the gross sales price of the contracts entered into by the salespeople assigned to the cemeteries they manage. All new sales managers that are hired are paid a salary plus a monthly bonus for reaching revenue targets.

We generate sales leads through digital marketing, direct mail, websites, funeralfollow-up and sales force cold calling, with the assistance of database mining and other marketing resources. We have created a marketing department to allow us to use more sophisticated marketing techniques to focus more effectively our lead generation and direct sales efforts. Sales leads are referred to the sales force to schedule an appointment, either at the customer’s home or at the cemetery location.

Acquisitions

On January 19, 2018, the Partnership acquired six cemetery properties in Wisconsin and their related assets, net of certain assumed liabilities, for cash consideration of $2.5 million, of which $0.8 million was paid at closing. These properties had been managed by the Partnership since August 2016. The Partnership has accounted for the purchase of these properties, which were not material individually orpresented in the aggregate, under the acquisition method of accounting. The Partnership did not complete any acquisitions duringCompany’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.2019, which was filed with Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on April 7, 2020 (the “Annual Report”). The interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the related notes thereto presented in the Annual Report. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 may not necessarily be indicative of the results of operations for the full year ending December 31, 2020.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of each of the Company’s 100% owned subsidiaries. These statements also include the accounts of the merchandise and perpetual care trusts in which the Company has a variable interest and is the primary beneficiary. The Company operates 30 cemeteries under long-term leases, operating agreements and management agreements. The operations of 16 of these managed cemeteries have been consolidated.

The Company operates 14 cemeteries under long-term leases and other agreements that do not qualify as acquisitions for accounting purposes. As a result, the Company did not consolidate all of the existing assets and liabilities related to these cemeteries. The Company has consolidated the existing assets and liabilities of the merchandise and perpetual care trusts associated with these cemeteries as variable interest entities, since the Company controls and receives the benefits and absorbs any losses from operating these trusts. Under the long-term leases, and other agreements associated with these properties, which are subject to certain termination provisions, the Company is the exclusive operator of these cemeteries and earns revenues related to sales of merchandise, services and interment rights and incurs expenses related to such sales, including the maintenance and upkeep of these cemeteries. Upon termination of these agreements, the Company will retain all of the benefits and related contractual obligations incurred from sales generated during the agreement period. The Company has also recognized the existing customer contract-related performance obligations that it assumed as part of these agreements.

CompetitionCOVID-19 and Business Interruption

OurThe outbreak ofCOVID-19, which has reached pandemic proportions(“COVID-19 Pandemic”), poses a significant threat to the health and economic wellbeing of the Company’s employees, customers and

vendors. The Company’s operations have been deemed essential by the state and local governments in which it operates, with the exception of Puerto Rico, and the Company is actively working with federal, state and local government officials to ensure that it continues to satisfy their requirements for offering the Company’s essential services. The operation of all of the Company’s facilities is critically dependent on the Company’s employees who staff these locations. To ensure the wellbeing of the Company’s employees and their families, the Company has provided every employee of the Company with detailed health and safety literature onCOVID-19, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the “CDC”)’s industry-specific guidelines for working with the deceased who were and may have been infected withCOVID-19. In addition, the Company’s procurement and safety teams have updated and developed new safety-oriented guidelines to support daily field operations and continue to provide personal protection equipment to those employees whose positions necessitate them, and the Company has implemented work from home policies at the Company’s corporate office consistent with the CDC’s guidance to reduce the risks of exposure toCOVID-19 while still supporting the families that we serve. The Company has not experienced any significant disruptions to its business as a result of the work from home policies in its corporate office.

The Company’s marketing and sales team quickly responded to the sales challenges presented by theCOVID-19 Pandemic by implementing virtual meeting options using a variety ofweb-based tools to ensure that the Company’s sales personnel can continue to connect with and meet the needs of the Company’s customers in a safe, effective and productive manner. Some of the Company’s locations are providing live video streaming of their funeral and burial services to customers or providing other alternatives that respect social distancing, so that family and friends can connect during their time of grief.

Like most businesses world-wide, theCOVID-19 Pandemic has impacted the Company financially. Over the last two weeks of the quarter, the Company saw itspre-need sales andat-need sales activity decline as Americans practiced social distancing and crowd size restrictions were put in place. In addition, the Company’spre-need customers with installment contracts could default on their installment contracts due to lost work or other financial stresses arising from theCOVID-19 Pandemic. While the Company expects itspre-need sales to be challenged during theCOVID-19 Pandemic, the Company believes the implementation of its virtual meeting tools is one of several key steps to mitigate this disruption. In addition, the Company expects that throughout this disruption its cemeteries and funeral homes generallywill remain open and available to serve customersits families in all the locations in which it operates to the extent permitted by local authorities, with the exception of Puerto Rico.

The Company expects theCOVID-19 Pandemic to continue to have an adverse effect on its results of operations and cash flows, however the Company cannot presently predict, with certainty, the scope and severity of that liveimpact. The Company may incur additional costs related to the implementation of prescribed safety protocols related to theCOVID-19 Pandemic. In the event there are confirmed diagnoses ofCOVID-19 within a 10significant number of the Company’s facilities, the Company may incur costs related to the closing and subsequent cleaning of these facilities and the ability to adequately staff the impacted sites. As a result of the implications of15-mileCOVID-19, radiusthe Company assessed long-lived assets for impairment and concluded no assets were impaired as of March 31, 2020.

Sources and Uses of Liquidity

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations and proceeds from asset sales. The Company’s primary cash requirements, in addition to normal operating expenses, are for capital expenditures, net contributions to the merchandise and perpetual care trust funds and debt service. In general, as part of its operating strategy, the Company expects to fund:

working capital deficits through available cash, cash generated from operations, proceeds from asset sales and proceeds from equity offerings;

expansion capital expenditures, net contributions to the merchandise and perpetual care trust funds and debt service obligations through available cash, cash generated from operations or proceeds from asset

sales. Amounts contributed to the merchandise trust funds will be withdrawn at the time of the delivery of the product or service sold to which the contribution related (see “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” section below regarding revenue recognition), which will reduce the amount of additional borrowings or asset sales needed; and

any maintenance capital expenditures through available cash and cash flows from operating activities.

While the Company relies heavily on its available cash and cash flows from operating activities to execute its operational strategy and meet its financial commitments and other short-term financial needs, the Company cannot be certain that sufficient capital will be generated through operations or be available to the Company to the extent required and on acceptable terms. The Company has experienced negative financial trends, including use of cash in operating activities, which, when considered in the aggregate, could raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a property’s location. We face competitiongoing concern. These negative financial trends include:

the Company has continued to generate negative cash flow from operating activities through March 31, 2020, due to an increased competitive environment and increases in professional fees and compliance costs; and

a decline in billings coupled with the increase in professional, compliance and consulting expenses that tightened the Company’s liquidity position and increased reliance on long-term financial obligations.

During 2019 and 2020, the Company implemented (and will continue to implement) various actions to improve profitability and cash flows to fund operations. A summary of these actions is as follows:

sold an aggregate of 52,083,333 Preferred Units for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million and completed a private placement of $385.0 million of the Senior Secured Notes in June 2019. The net proceeds of both transactions were used to fully repay the then-outstanding senior notes due in June 2021 and retire the Company’s revolving credit facility that was due in May 2020;

manage recurring operating expenses, seek to limitnon-recurring operating expenses and implement cost reduction initiatives to minimize the impact of theCOVID-19 Pandemic on the Company; and

identify and complete sales of select assets to provide supplemental liquidity.

See Note 18 Subsequent Events for a discussion of additional actions taken by the Company subsequent to March 31, 2020.

In addition, there is no certainty that the Company’s actual operating performance and cash flows will not be substantially different from forecasted results and no certainty the Company will not need amendments to the Indenture in the future or that any such amendments will be available on terms acceptable to the Company or at all. Factors that could impact the significant assumptions used by the Company in assessing its ability to satisfy its financial covenants include the following:

operating performance not meeting reasonably expected forecasts, including the effects of theCOVID-19 Pandemic on the Company’s operations;

failing to generate profitable sales;

investments in the Company’s trust funds experiencing significant declines due to factors outside its control;

being unable to compete successfully with other cemeteries and funeral homes located within this localized area. Mostin the Company’s markets;

the number of deaths in the Company’s markets declining; and

an adverse change in the mix of funeral and cemetery revenues between burials and cremations.

If the Company’s planned, implemented and not yet implemented actions are not successful in generating sustainable cash savings for the Company, or the Company fails to improve its operating performance and cash flows or the Company is not able to comply with the covenants under the Indenture, the Company may be forced to limit its business activities, limit its ability to implement further modifications to its operations or limit the effectiveness of some actions that are included in its forecasts, amend its Indenture and/or seek other sources of capital, and the Company may be unable to continue as a going concern. Additionally, a failure to generate additional liquidity could negatively impact the Company’s access to inventory or services that are important to the operation of the Company’s business. Any of these cemeteriesevents may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and funeral homes are independently ownedfinancial condition, and operated,limit the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Based on the Company’s forecasted operating performance, planned actions to improve the Company’s profitability and mostcash flows, the execution of these ownersthe Supplemental Indenture and operators are smallerthe Axar Commitment (see Note 18Subsequent Events for explanation of defined terms and additional information) and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including receipt of not less than we are and have fewer resources than we do. We generally face limited competition$17.0 million in proceeds from the two larger publicly held death care companiescontemplated rights offering, together with plans to file its financial statements on a timely basis consistent with the debt covenants and commitment to filing its periodic reports on a timely basis consistent with the debt covenants, the Company does not believe it is probable that have U.S. operations — Service Corporation Internationalit will breach the covenants under the Indenture or be unable to continue as a going concern for the next twelve-month period. As such, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were prepared on the basis of a going concern, which contemplates that the Company will be able to realize assets and Carriage Services, Inc. — asdischarge liabilities in the normal course of business. Accordingly, they do not directly operate cemeteriesgive effect to adjustments, if any, that would be necessary should the Company be required to liquidate its assets.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Refer to Note 1General to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of its Annual Report for the same local geographic areas where we operate.complete summary of significant accounting policies.

Within a localized areaUse of competition, we compete primarily forat-need sales because, in general, manyEstimates

The preparation of the independently owned, local competitorsCompany’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions as described in its Annual Report. These estimates and assumptions may not havepre-need sales programs. Mostaffect the reported amounts of these competitors do not have as manyassets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the resourcesunaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. As a result, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less from the time they are acquired to be cash equivalents. Cash and Cash Equivalents was $27.1 million and $34.9 million as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

Restricted Cash

Cash that are availableis restricted from withdrawal or use under the terms of certain contractual agreements is recorded as restricted cash. Restricted cash was $20.4 million and $21.9 million as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, which primarily related to us to launchcash collateralization of the Company’s letters of credit and growsurety bonds, and at December 31, 2019 also included a substantialpre-need sales program. The number of customers that cemeteries and funeral homes are able to attract is largely a function of reputation and heritage, although competitive pricing, professional service and attractive, well-maintained and conveniently located facilities are also important factors. The$5.0 million refundable deposit received in connection with the sale of cemeteryone of the Company’s properties.

Revenue

The Company’s revenues are derived from contracts with customers through sale and funeral homedelivery of death care products and services on apre-need basis has increasingly been used by many companies as an important marketing tool. Due to the importanceservices. Primary sources of reputation and heritage, increases in customer baserevenue are usually gained over a long period of time.

Competitors within a localized area have an advantage over us if a potential customer’s family members are already buried in the competitor’s cemetery. If either of the two publicly held death care companies identified above operated, or in the future were to operate, cemeteries within close proximity of our cemeteries, they may offer more competition than independent cemeteries and may have a competitive advantage over us to the extent they have greater financial resources available to them due to their size and access to the capital markets.

We believe that we currently face limited competition for cemetery acquisitions. The two publicly held death care companies identified above, as well as Stewart Enterprises, Inc., which was acquired by Service Corporation International in December 2013, have historically been the industry’s primary consolidators, but have largely curtailed cemetery acquisition activity since 1999. Furthermore, these companies continue to generate the majority of their revenuesderived from funeral home operations. Based on the relative levels of(1) cemetery and funeral home operations of these publicly traded death care companies,generated bothat-need andpre-need, which are disclosed in their filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), we believe that we are the only publicly held death care company that focuses a significant portion of its efforts on Cemetery Operations.

REGULATION

Our operations are subject to regulation, supervision and licensing under federal, state and local laws, which impacts the goods and services that we may sell and the manner in which we may furnish goods and services.

Cooling-Off Legislation

Each of the states where our current cemetery and funeral home properties are located has“cooling-off” legislation with respect topre-need sales of cemetery and funeral home products and services. This legislation generally requires us to refund proceeds frompre-need sales contracts if canceled by the customer for any reason within three to thirty days from the date of the contract, dependingclassified on the state (and some states permit cancellationunaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations as Interments, Merchandise and require refund beyond thirty days) including until death. The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) also requires acooling-off period of three business days for doorServices, (2) investment income, which includes income earned on assets maintained in perpetual care and merchandise trusts related to door sales, during which time a contract may be cancelled entitling a customer to a refund of the funds paid.

Trusting

Sales of cemetery interment rights andpre-need sales of cemetery and funeral home merchandise and services that are required to be maintained in the trust by state law and (3) interest earned onpre-need installment contracts. Investment income is presented within Investment and other for Cemetery revenue and Services for Funeral home revenue. Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer and is net of any sales incentives and amounts collected on behalf of third parties.Pre-need contracts are price guaranteed, providing for future merchandise and services at prices prevailing when the agreements are signed.

Investment income is earned on certain payments received from customers onpre-need contracts, which are required by law to be deposited into the merchandise and service trusts. Amounts are withdrawn from the merchandise trusts when the Company fulfills the performance obligations. Earnings on these trust funds, which are specifically identifiable for each performance obligation, are also included in total transaction price.Pre-need contracts are generally subject to trusting requirements imposed by state laws in mostfinancing arrangements on an installment basis, with a contractual term not to exceed 60 months. Interest income is recognized utilizing the effective interest method. For those contracts that do not bear a market rate of interest, the states where we operate. See Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and AnalysisCompany imputes such interest based upon the prime rate at the time of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 1, Note 7 and Note 8 in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, for further discussion regarding trusting.

Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z

Ourpre-need installment contracts are subject to the federalTruth-in-Lending Act (“TILA”) and the regulations thereunder, which are referred to as Regulation Z. TILA and Regulation Z promote the informed use of consumer credit by requiring us to disclose, among other things, the annual percentage rate, finance charges and amount financed when extending credit to consumers.

Other Consumer Credit-Related Laws and Regulations

As a provider of consumer credit and a business that generally deals with consumers, we are subject to various other state and federal laws covering matters such as credit discrimination, the use of credit reports, identity theft, the handling of consumer information, consumer privacy, marketing and advertising, debt collection, extensions of credit to service members and prohibitions on unfair or deceptive trade practices.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”)

Dodd-Frank created the new federal Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (the “Bureau”). In addition to transferring to the Bureau rule-writing authority for nearly all federal consumer finance-related laws and giving the Bureau rule-writing authority in other areas, Dodd-Frank empowered the Bureau to conduct examinations and bring enforcement actions against certain consumer credit providers and other entities offering consumer financial products or services. While not presently subject to examination by the Bureau, we potentially could be in the future in connection with ourpre-need installment contracts. The Bureau also has authority to conduct investigations and bring enforcement actions against providers of consumer financial services, including providers over which it may not currently have examination authority. The Bureau may seek penalties and other relief on behalf of consumers that are substantially in excess of the remedies available under such laws prior to Dodd-Frank. The Bureau has officially assumed rule-writing and enforcement authority for most federal consumer finance laws, as well as the authority to prohibit unfair, deceptive or abusive practices related to consumer financial products and services.

Telemarketing Laws

We are subject to the requirements of two federal statutes governing telemarketing practices, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) and the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act (“TCFAPA”). These statutes impose significant penalties on those who fail to comply with their mandates. The

Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”), is the federal agency with authority to enforce the TCPA, and the FTC has jurisdiction under the TCFAPA. The FTC and FCC jointly administer a national “do not call” registry, which consumers can joinorigination plus 375 basis points in order to prevent unwanted telemarketing calls. Primarily as a result of implementationsegregate the principal and interest component of the “dototal contract value. The Company has elected to not call” legislation and regulations,adjust the percentagetransaction price for the effects of oura significant financing component for contracts that have payment terms under one year.

At the time of apre-neednon-cancellablepre-need sales generated from telemarketing leads has decreased substantiallysale, the Company records an account receivable in the past ten years. We are also subject to similar telemarketing consumer protection laws in all states in which we currently operate. These states’ statutes similarly permit consumers to prevent unwanted telephone solicitations. In addition, in cases where telephone solicitations are permitted, there are various restrictions and requirements under state and federal law in connection with such calls.

Occupational Safety and Health Act and Related Environmental Law Requirements

We are subjectan amount equal to the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (“OSHA”) and comparable state statutes. OSHA’s regulatory requirement, known as the Hazard Communication Standard, and similar state statutes require us to provide information and training to our employees about hazardous materials used or maintained for our operations. We may also be subject to Tier 1 or Tier 2 Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory reporting requirements under the Emergency Planning and CommunityRight-to-Know Act (“EPCRA”), depending on the amount of hazardous materials maintainedon-site at a particular facility (requiring reporting to federal, state and local authorities). We are also subject to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and similar laws, which, among other things, may require that we modify our facilities to comply with minimum accessibility requirements for disabled persons.

Federal Trade Commission

Our funeral home operations are comprehensively regulated by the FTC under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act and a trade regulation rule for the funeral home industry promulgated thereunder, referred to as the “Funeral Rule.” The Funeral Rule requires funeral service providers to disclose the prices for their goods and services as soon as the subject of price arises in a discussion with a potential customer (this entails presenting various itemized price lists if the consultation is in person, and readily answering all price-related questions posed over the telephone), and to offer their goods and services on an unbundled basis. The Funeral Rule also prohibits misrepresentations in connection with our sale of goods and services, and requires that the consumer receive an itemized statement of the goods and services purchased. Through these regulations, the FTC sought to give consumers the ability to compare prices among funeral service providers and to avoid buying packages containing goods or services that they did not want. The unbundling of goods from services has also opened the way for third-party, discount casket sellers to enter the market, although they currently do not possess substantial market share.

In addition, ourpre-need installment contracts for sales of cemetery and funeral home merchandise and services are subject to the FTC’s “Holder Rule,” which requires disclosure in the installmenttotal contract that any holder of the contract is subject to all claims and defenses that the consumer could assert against the seller of the goods or services, subject to certain limitations. These contracts are also subject to the FTC’s “Credit Practices Rule,” which prohibits certain credit loan terms and practices.

Future Enactments and Regulation

Federal and state legislatures and regulatory agencies frequently propose new laws, rules and regulations and new interpretations of existing laws, rules and regulations which, if enacted or adopted, could have a material adverse effect on our operations and on the death care industry in general. A significant portion of our operations is located in California, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, Florida, West Virginia and Wisconsinvalue less unearned finance income and any material adverse change incash deposit paid. The revenue from both the regulatory requirements of those states applicable to our operations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. We cannot predict the outcome of any proposed legislation or regulations or the effect that any such legislation or regulations, if enacted or adopted, might have on us.

Environmental Regulations and Liabilities

Our operations are subject to federal, state and local environmental regulations in three principal areas: (1) crematories for emissions to air that may trigger requirements under the Clean Air Act; (2) funeral homes for the management of hazardous materials and medical wastes; and (3) cemeteries and funeral homes for the management of solid waste, underground and above ground storage tanks and discharges to wastewater treatment systems and/or septic systems.

Clean Air Act

The Federal Clean Air Act and similar state laws, which regulate emissions into the air, can affect crematory operations through permitting and emissions control requirements. Our crematory operations may be subject to Clean Air Act regulations under federal and state law and may be subject to enforcement actions if these operations do not conform to the requirements of these laws.

Emergency Planning and CommunityRight-to-Know Act

As noted above, federal, state and local regulations apply to the storage and use of hazardous materials at our facilities. Depending on the types and quantities of materials we manage at any particular facility, we may be required to maintain and submit Material Safety Data Sheets and inventories of these materials to the regulatory authorities in compliance with EPCRA or similar state and local laws.

Clean Water Act

We are also subject to the Clean Water Act and corresponding state laws, as well as local requirements applicable to the treatment of sanitary and industrial wastewaters. Many of our funeral homes discharge their wastewaters into publicly operated treatment works, and may be subject to applicable limits as to contaminants that may be included in the discharge of their wastewater. Our cemeteries typically discharge their wastewaters from sanitary use and maintenance operations conducted onsite into septic systems, which are regulated under state and local laws. If there are violations of applicable local, state or federal laws pertaining to our discharges of wastewaters, we may be subject to penalties as well as an obligation to make operational changes or conduct required remediation.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) and similar state laws affect our cemetery and funeral home operations by, among other things, imposing investigation and remediation obligations for threatened or actual releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or welfare or the environment. Under CERCLA and similar state laws, strict, joint and several liability may be imposed upon generators, site owners and operators and others regardless of fault or the legality of the original disposal activity. Our operations include the use andoff-site disposal of some materials that may meet the definition of “hazardous substances” under CERCLA or state laws and thus may give rise to liability if released to the environment through a spill or other release at our facilities. Should we acquire new properties withpre-existing conditions triggering CERCLA or similar state liability, we may become liable for responding to those conditions under CERCLA or similar state laws. We may become involved in proceedings, litigation or investigations at one or more sites where releases of hazardous substances have occurred, and we cannot assure you that the associated costs and potential liabilities would not be material.

Underground and Above Ground Storage Tank Laws and Solid Waste Laws

Federal, state and local laws regulate the installation, removal, operations and closure of underground storage tanks (“USTs”), and above ground storage tanks (“ASTs”), which are located at some of our

facilities, as well as the management and disposal of solid waste. Most of the USTs and ASTs contain petroleum for heating our buildings or are used for vehicle maintenance or general operations. Depending upon the age and integrity of the USTs and ASTs, they may require upgrades, removal and/or closure, and remediation may be required if there has been a discharge or release into the environment. All of the aforementioned activities may require us to incur capital costs and expenses to ensure continued compliance with environmental requirements. Should we acquire properties with existing USTs and ASTs that are not in compliance with environmental law requirements, we may become liable for responding to releases to the environment or for costs associated with upgrades, removal and/or closure costs, and we cannot assure you that the costs or liabilities will not be material in that event. Solid wastes have been disposed of at some of our cemeteries, both lawfully and unlawfully. Prior to acquiring a cemetery, an environmental site assessment is usually conducted to determine, among other conditions, if a solid waste disposal area or landfill exists on the parcel which requires removal, cleanup or management. Depending upon the nature and extent of any such solid waste disposal areas, we may be required by applicable environmental law or the applicable regulatory authority to remove the waste materials or to conduct remediation and we cannot assure you that the costs or liabilities will not be material in that event.

Employees

As of December 31, 2018, our general partner and its affiliates employed 2,630 full-time, 301 part-time and 21 seasonal employees. Fifty-three of these employees are represented by various unions in Pennsylvania, Ohio, California, New Jersey and Illinois, and are subject to collective bargaining agreements that have expiration dates ranging from September 2020 to May 2023. We believe that our relationship with our employees is generally favorable.

Available Information

We file annual, quarterly and other reports, and any amendments to those reports, and other information with the Securities exchange Commission, (“SEC”). The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us.

We maintain an Internet website with the address of http://www.stonemor.com. The information on this website is not, and should not be considered, part of this Annual Report on Form10-K and is not incorporated by reference into this document. This website address is only intended to be an inactive textual reference. Copies of our reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC on Forms10-K,10-Q and8-K, and any amendments to such reports, are available for viewing and copying at such Internet website, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material with, or furnishing it to, the SEC.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to, the risks set forth below. The risks described below should not be considered comprehensive andall-inclusive. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. If any events occur that give rise to the following risks, our business, financial condition or results of operations could

be materially and adversely impacted. These risk factors should be read in conjunction with other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes. Many such factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

RISK FACTORS RELATED TO OUR STRATEGIES

Our ability to execute our strategic plan depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control.

Our strategic plan is focused on efforts to revitalize the business, growing our revenue and managing our operating andnon-recurring operating expenses. Many of the factors that impact our ability to execute our strategic plan, such as the number of deaths and general economic conditions, are beyond our control. Changes in operating conditions, such as supply disruptions and labor disputes, could negatively impact our operations. Our inability to leverage scale to drive cost savings, productivity improvements, preneed production, or earnings growth anticipated by management could affect our financial performance. Our inability to identify divestitures as planned or to realize expected synergies and strategic benefits could impact our financial performance. Our inability to deploy capital to maximize shareholder value could impact our financial performance. We cannot give assurance that we will be able to execute any or all of our strategic plan. Failure to execute any or all of our strategic plan could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

There can be no assurance that the proposedC-Corporation Conversion will be approved and ultimately consummated or that the anticipated benefits of any such transactions will be realized.

The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights and customary closing conditions, including unitholder approval, and other third party approvals. We cannot predict whether or when the proposed transactions will be approved by the requisite vote of the unitholders or other conditions precedent will be satisfied. Any changes in the market prices of our common units could affect whether the securityholders ultimately approve the proposed transactions. If the conditions precedent to closing theC-Corporation Conversion are not satisfied or waived, theC-Corporation Conversion will not occur, which may cause the market price of our common units to decline.

Uncertainties about the timing and effect of the proposed transactions may have an adverse effect on us. These uncertainties may have negative impacts on the market price of our common units, our businesses and financial results.

If theC-Corporation Conversion does not occur, we will not benefit from the expenses we have incurred in the pursuit of theC-Corporation Conversion.

TheC-Corporation Conversion may not be completed. If theC-Corporation Conversion is not completed, we will have incurred substantial expenses for which we will have received no ultimate benefit. We expect to incur conversion-related expenses consisting of independent advisory, legal and accounting fees, and financial printing and other related charges, much of which may be incurred even if theC-Corporation Conversion is not completed.

RISK FACTORS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS

Unfavorable publicity could affect our reputation and business.

Since our operations relate to life events involving emotional stress for our client families, our business is dependent on customer trust and confidence. Unfavorable publicity about our business generally or in relation to any specific location could affect our reputation and customers’ trust and confidence in our products and services, thereby having an adverse impact upon our sales and financial results.

Cemetery burial practice claims could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.

Our cemetery practices have evolved and improved over time. Most of our cemeteries have been operating for decades and, therefore, may have used practices and procedures that are outdated in comparison to today’s standards. When cemetery disputes occur, we may be subjected to litigation and liability for improper burial practices, including (i) burial practices of a different era that are judged today in hindsight as being outdated and (ii) alleged violations of our practices and procedures by one or more of our associates. In addition, since most of our cemeteries were acquired through various acquisitions, we may be subject to litigation and liability based upon actions or events that occurred before we acquired or managed the cemeteries. Claims or litigation based upon our cemetery burial practices could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We recently have not had sufficient cashinterest income from operations to pay distributions to our unitholders after we have paid our expenses, including the expenses of our general partner, funded merchandise and perpetual care trusts and established necessary cash reserves, and we may not have sufficient cash to resume paying distributions or restore them to previous levels.

The amount of cash we can distribute on our units principally depends upon the amount of cash we generate from operations, which fluctuates from quarter to quarter based on, among other things:

the volume of our sales;

the prices at which we sell our products and services; and

the level of our operating and general and administrative costs.

Given the Partnership’s level of cash and cash equivalents, to preserve capital resources and liquidity, the Board of Directors of the General Partner concluded that it was not in the best interest of unitholders to pay distributions to unitholders after the first quarter of 2017. In addition, our revolving credit facility effectively prohibits us from making distributions to unitholders.

If we do not pay distributions or restore them to previous levels, the market price of our common units may decline materially or remain stagnant.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on, or to refinance, our debt obligations depends, in part, on our financial condition and operating performance, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business, commodity risks and other factors beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investment decisions and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. The terms of existing or future debt instruments may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. In addition, any failure to make payments of interest and principal on our outstanding indebtedness on a timely basis would likely result in a reduction of our credit rating, which could harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness. In the absence of such operating results and resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. The agreement relating to our senior credit facilities and the indenture governing our senior notes restrict our ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from the disposition. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain the proceeds that we could realize

from them and these proceeds may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. If we breach our covenants under our senior credit facilities and seek a waiver, we may not be able to obtain a waiver from the required lenders. If this occurs, we would be in default under our senior credit facilities, and the lenders could exercise their rights and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.

Our substantial level of indebtedness could materially adversely affect our ability to fulfill our debt obligations and to operate our business.

We have a substantial amount of debt, which requires significant interest and principal payments. As of March 31, 2019, we had approximately $190.2 million of total debt outstanding on our Amended Credit Agreement, which includes $165.1 million of total debt outstanding under our Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility in the form of letters of credit totaling approximately $9.4 million, and $155.7 million outstanding principal amount of Tranche A Revolving Loans, and $25.0 million of total debt outstanding under our Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility. We utilize our credit facility to finance our operations. In addition, as of March 31, 2019, we had $175.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.875% Senior Notes due 2021 outstanding.

Leverage makes us more vulnerable to economic or business downturns and our cash flow available for operations is reduced by the cash flow we must dedicate to servicing our debt obligations. The amount of indebtedness we have could limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in the markets in which we compete, limit our ability to obtain additional financing, if necessary, for working capital expenditures, acquisitions or other purposes, and require us to dedicate more cash flow to service our debt than we desire. Our ability to satisfy our indebtedness as required by the terms of our debt will be dependent on, among other things, the successful execution of our long-term strategic plan. Our ability to incur additional debt is constrained by provisions contained in our existing debt documents.

We may not be able to secure refinancing for our existing indebtedness prior to maturity thereof.

Indebtedness under our Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility has a fixed maturity on May 1, 2020. Indebtedness under our Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility becomes due and payable on May 4, 2020. Our Amended Credit Agreement also requires us to undertake prompt efforts to seek to consummate its refinancing, including provisions that require the payment of ticking fees if we have not refinanced the facility prior to July 1, 2019 and on specified dates thereafter. In addition, the $175 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.875% Senior Notes is due on June 1, 2021. Although we will be seeking to refinance our credit facility prior to July 1, 2019, or in any event prior to maturity, such efforts may not be successful. If we are unable to secure refinancing for our credit facility indebtedness before maturity, we may be required to seek an extension from our lenders, which may not be obtainable, or may need to effect a comprehensive restructuring of our outstanding indebtedness.

Restrictions in our existing debt agreements prohibit our ability to make distributions to you or capitalize on acquisition, disposition and other business opportunities. Our General Partner suspended distributions during the first quarter of 2017 and does not expect to resume distributions until our indebtedness is refinanced.

The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in our credit facility and senior notes, and the indenture pursuant to which they were issued, restrict our ability to finance future operations or capital needs, including working capital, or to expand or pursue our business activities. For example, our indenture and our credit facility contain covenants that restrict or limit our ability to:

enter into any agreement of merger or acquisition;

sell, transfer, assign or convey assets;

grant certain liens;

incur or guarantee additional indebtedness;

make certain loans, advances and investments;

declare and pay dividends and distributions;

enter into transactions with affiliates; and

make voluntary payments or modifications of certain indebtedness.

In addition, our credit facility contains a covenant requiring us to maintain certain minimum EBITDA levels. Restrictions in our debt agreements also limit our ability to obtain future financings and require we use proceeds from most dispositions to prepay loans which cannot bere-borrowed.

Our ability to comply with the covenants and restrictions contained in our senior notes and the indenture pursuant to which they were issued and in our credit facility may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If market or other economic conditions continue to deteriorate, our ability to comply with these covenants may be impaired.

In addition, our credit facility effectively prohibits us from making distributions to our unitholders. The Amended Credit Agreement prohibits us from making distributions to unitholders unless we have at least $25.0 million in availability under the Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility and maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of not greater than 7.50:1.00. Neither test can be satisfied currently or is expected to be satisfied for the foreseeable future.

If we violate any of the restrictions, covenants, ratios or tests in our Amended Credit Agreement or the indenture pursuant to which the senior notes were issued, or fail to pay amounts thereunder when due, the lenders will be able to accelerate the maturity of all borrowings thereunder, cause cross-default and demand repayment of amounts outstanding, and our Tranche B Revolving Lenders’ commitment to make further loans to us under the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility may terminate. We might not have, or be able to obtain, sufficienttrusted funds to make these accelerated payments. Any subsequent replacement of our debt obligations or any new indebtedness could have similar or greater restrictions.

Our merchandise and perpetual care trust funds own investments in equity securities, fixed income securities and mutual funds, which are affected by financial market conditions that are beyond our control.

Pursuant to state law, a portion of the proceeds frompre-need sales of merchandise and services is put into merchandise trusts until such time that the Partnership meets the requirements for releasing trust principal, which is generally delivery of merchandise or performance of services. All investment earnings generated by the assets in the merchandise trusts, including realized gains and losses, generally are deferred until the associated merchandise is delivered or the services are performed. For a sale in a cancellable state, an account receivable is only recorded to the extent control has transferred to the customer for interment rights, merchandise or services for which the Company has not collected cash. The amounts collected from customers in states in whichpre-need contracts are cancellable may be subject to refund provisions. The Company estimates the fair value of its refund obligation under such contracts on a quarterly basis and records such obligations within other long-term liabilities line item on its consolidated balance sheets.

Also, pursuantIn accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606,Revenue from Contracts with Customers(“ASC 606”), the Company recognizes revenue in the amount to which the Company expect to be entitled to when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a customer. The Company only recognizes amounts due from a customer for unfulfilled performance obligations on a cancellablepre-need contract to the extent that control has transferred to the customer for interments, merchandise or services for which the Company has not collected cash. The Company defers the recognition of any nonrefundableup-front fees and incremental direct selling costs associated with its sales contracts with a customer (i.e., commissions and bonuses) until the underlying goods or services have been delivered to the customer if the amortization period associated with the deferred nonrefundableup-front fees and incremental direct selling is greater than a year; otherwise, these nonrefundableup-front fees and incremental direct selling costs are expensed immediately. Incremental direct selling costs are recognized by specific identification. The Company calculates the deferred selling costs asset by dividing total deferred selling and obtaining expenses by total deferrable revenues and multiplying such percentage by the periodic change in gross deferred revenues. Such costs are recognized when the associated performance obligation is fulfilled based upon the net change in deferred revenues. All other selling costs are expensed as incurred.

In addition, the Company maintains a reserve representing the fair value of the refund obligation that may arise due to state law provisions that include a guarantee of customer funds collected on unfulfilled performance

obligations and maintained in trust to the extent that the funds are refundable upon a customer’s exercise of any cancellation rights.

Sales taxes assessed by governmental authorities are excluded from revenue. Any shipping and handling costs that are incurred after control over a product has transferred to a customer are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are included in cost of goods sold.

Nature of Goods and Services

The following is a description of the principal activities within the Company’s two reportable segments from which the Company generates its revenue.

Cemetery Operations

The Company generates revenues in its Cemetery Operations segment principally from (1) providing rights to inter remains in a specific cemetery property inventory space such as burial lots and constructed mausoleum crypts (“Interments”), (2) sales of cemetery merchandise which includes markers (i.e., method of identifying a deceased person in a burial space, crypt or niche), base (i.e., the substrate upon which a marker is placed), vault (i.e., a container installed in the burial lot in which the casket is placed), caskets, cremation niches and other cemetery related items and (3) service revenues, including opening and closing, a service of digging and refilling burial spaces to install the burial vault and place the casket into the vault, cremation services and fees for installation of cemetery merchandise. Products and services may be sold separately or in packages. For packages, the Company accounts for individual products and services separately as they are distinct (i.e., the product or service is separately identifiable from other items in the package and the customer can benefit from it on its own or with other resources that are readily available to the customer). The consideration (including any discounts) is allocated among separate products and services in a package based on their relative stand-alone selling prices. The stand-alone selling price is determined by management based upon local market conditions and reasonable ranges for both merchandise and services which is the best estimate of the stand-alone price. For items that are not sold separately (e.g., second interment rights), the Company estimates stand-alone selling prices using the best estimate of market value, using inputs such as average selling price and list price broken down by each geographic location. Additionally, the Company considers typical sales promotions that could have impacted the stand-alone selling price estimates.

Interments revenue is recognized when control transfers, which is when the property is available for use by the customer. Forpre-construction mausoleum contracts, the Company only recognizes revenue once the property is constructed and the customer has obtained substantially all of the remaining benefits of the property.

Merchandise revenue and deferred investment earnings on merchandise trusts are recognized when a customer obtains control of the product. This usually occurs when the customer takes possession of the product (title has transferred to the customer and the merchandise is either installed or stored, at the direction of the customer, at the vendor’s warehouse or a third-party warehouse at no additional cost to the Company). The amount of revenue recognized is adjusted for expected refunds, which are estimated based on applicable law, general business practices and historical experience observed specific to the respective performance obligation. The estimate of the refund obligation is reevaluated on a quarterly basis. In addition, the Company is entitled to retain, in certain jurisdictions, a portion of collected customer payments when a customer cancels apre-need contract; these amounts are also recognized in revenue at the time the contract is cancelled.

Service revenue is recognized when the services are performed, and the performance obligation is thereby satisfied.

The cost of goods sold related to merchandise and services reflects the actual cost of purchasing products and performing services and the value of cemetery property depleted through the recognized sales of interment rights.

The costs related to the sales of lots and crypts are determined systematically using a specific identification method under which the total value of the underlying cemetery property and the lots available to be sold at the location are used to determine the cost per lot.

Funeral Home Operations

The Company generates revenues in its Funeral Home Operations segment principally from (1) sales of funeral home merchandise which includes caskets and other funeral related items and (2) service revenues, which includes services such as family consultation, the removal of and preparation of remains and the use of funeral home facilities for visitation and services of remembrance. The Funeral Home Operations segment also include revenues related to the sale of term and whole life insurance on an agency basis, in which the Company earns a commission from the sales of these policies. Insurance commission revenue is reported within service revenues. Products and services may be sold separately or in packages. For packages, the Company accounts for individual products and services separately as they are distinct (i.e., the product or service is separately identifiable from other items in the package and the customer can benefit from it on its own or with other resources that are readily available to the customer). The consideration (including any discounts) is allocated among separate products and services based on their relative stand-alone selling prices. The relative stand-alone selling price is determined by management’s best estimate of the stand-alone price based upon the list price at each location. The revenue generated by the Company through its Funeral Home Operations segment is principally derived fromat-need sales.

Merchandise revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of the product. This usually occurs when the customer takes possession of the product (title has transferred to the customer and the merchandise is either installed or stored, at the direction of the customer, at the vendor’s warehouse or a third-party warehouse). The amount of revenue recognized is adjusted for expected refunds, which are estimated based on applicable law, general business practices and historical experience observed specific to the respective performance obligations. The estimate of the refund obligation is reevaluated on a quarterly basis.

Service revenue is recognized when the services are performed and the performance obligation is thereby satisfied.

Costs related to the delivery or performance of merchandise and services are charged to expense when merchandise is delivered or services are performed.

Deferred Revenues

Revenues from the sale of services and merchandise as well as any investment income from the merchandise trusts is deferred until such time that the services are performed or the merchandise is delivered. In addition, for amounts deferred on new contracts and investment income and unrealized gains on our merchandise trusts, deferred revenues include deferred revenues frompre-need sales that were entered into by entities prior to the Company’s acquisition of those entities or the assets of those entities. The Company provides for a profit margin for these deferred revenues to account for the projected future costs of delivering products and providing services onpre-need contracts that the Company acquired through acquisition. These revenues and their associated costs are recognized when the related merchandise is delivered or services are performed and are presented on a gross basis on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance

The Company sellspre-need cemetery contracts whereby the customer enters into arrangements for futurepre-need merchandise and services. These sales are usually made using interest-bearing installment contracts not to exceed 60 months. The interest income is recorded as revenue when the interest amount is considered realizable and collectible, which typically coincides with cash payment. Interest income is not recognized until

payments are collected in accordance with the contract. At the time of apre-need sale, the Company records an account receivable in an amount equal to the total contract value less unearned finance income, unfulfilled performance obligations on cancellable contracts and any cash deposit paid. The Company recognizes an allowance for doubtful accounts by applying a cancellation rate to amounts included in accounts receivable, which is recorded as a reduction in accounts receivable and a corresponding offset to deferred revenues. The cancellation rate is based on a five year average rate by each specific location. Management evaluates customer receivables for impairment based upon historical experience, including the age of the receivables and customers’ payment histories.

Leases

The Company leases a variety of assets throughout its organization, such as office space, funeral homes, warehouses and equipment. The Company has both operating and finance leases. The Company’s operating leases primarily include office space, funeral homes and equipment. The Company’s finance leases primarily consist of vehicles and certain IT equipment. The Company determines whether an arrangement is or contains a lease at the inception of the arrangement based on the facts and circumstances in each contract. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet, and the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For lease agreements with an initial term in excess of 12 months, the Company records the lease liability and Right of Use (“ROU”) asset at commencement date based upon the present value of the sum of the remaining minimum rental payments, which exclude executory costs. Certain adjustments to the ROU asset may be required for items such as initial direct costs paid or incentives received.

Certain leases provide the Company with the option to renew for additional periods, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term for periods ranging from 1 to 30 years. Where leases contain escalation clauses, rent abatements and/or concessions, the Company applies them in the determination of lease expense. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company’s sole discretion, and the Company is only including the renewal option in the lease term when the Company can be reasonably certain that the Company will exercise the additional options.

As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company evaluates the term of the lease, type of asset and its weighted average cost of capital to determine its incremental borrowing rate used to measure the ROU asset and lease liability.

The Company calculates operating lease expense ratably over the lease term plus any reasonably assured renewal periods. The Company considers reasonably assured renewal options, fixed escalation provisions and residual value guarantees in its calculation. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or asset life, which may include renewal periods where the renewal is reasonably assured, and are included in the determination of straight-line rent expense. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are generally limited by the expected lease term.

The Company’s leases also typically have lease andnon-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately and not included in the measurement of the ROU asset and lease liability.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has a long-term incentive plan under which it is authorized to grant stock-based compensation awards, such as restricted stock or restricted units to be settled in common stock andnon-qualified stock options (“stock options”). The Company recognizes compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the stock-based awards on the date of grant over the requisite service period. The fair value of restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards is determined based on the number of restricted stock or restricted stock

units granted and the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options is determined by applying the Black-Scholes model to the grant-date market value of the underlying common stock of the Company. The Company has elected to recognize forfeiture credits for these stock-based compensation awards as they are incurred, as this method best reflects actual stock-based compensation expense.

Tax deductions on the stock-based compensation awards are not realized until the stock-based compensation awards are vested or exercised. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets for stock-based compensation awards that will result in future deductions on its income tax returns, based on the amount of stock-based compensation recognized at the statutory tax rate in the jurisdiction in which the Company will receive a tax deduction. If the tax deduction for a stock-based compensation award is greater than the cumulative GAAP compensation expense for that stock-based compensation award upon realization of a tax deduction, an excess tax benefit will be recognized and recorded as a favorable impact on the effective tax rate. If the tax deduction for a stock-based compensation award is less than the cumulative GAAP compensation expense for that stock-based compensation award upon realization of the tax deduction, a tax shortfall will be recognized and recorded as an unfavorable impact on the effective tax rate. Any excess tax benefits or shortfalls will be recorded discretely in the period in which they occur. The cash flows resulting from any excess tax benefit will be classified as financing cash flows in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

The Company provides its employees with the election to settle the income tax obligations arising from the vesting of their restricted stock-based compensation awards by the Company withholding stock equal to such income tax obligations. Stock acquired from employees in connection with the settlement of the employees’ income tax obligations on these stock-based compensation awards are accounted for as treasury shares that are subsequently retired. Restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock options are not considered issued and outstanding for purposes of earnings per share calculations until vested.

Net Income (Loss) per Common Share (Basic and Diluted)

Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common shares by the sum of the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares and the dilutive effect of share-based awards, as calculated by the treasury stock or if converted methods, as applicable. These awards consist of common shares that are contingently issuable upon the satisfaction of certain vesting conditions for stock awards granted under the Company’s long-term incentive plan.

The following table sets forth the reconciliation from the Company’s weighted-average number of outstanding common shares as of March 31, 2020 and common limited partner units as of March 31, 2019 used to compute basic net income (loss) attributable to common shares and common limited partners per unit, respectively, to those used to compute diluted net loss per common share and per common limited partners unit, respectively, (in thousands):

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
           2020                   2019         

Weighted average number of outstanding common shares—basic(1)

   94,472    38,031 

Plus effect of dilutive incentive awards(2):

    

Restricted shares

   —      —   

Stock options

   —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of outstanding common shares—diluted(1)

   94,472    38,031 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, represents common shares (basic and diluted), and for the three months ended March 31, 2019, represents limited partner units (basic and diluted).

(2)

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the diluted weighted-average number of outstanding common shares does not include 1,656,496 common stock options and 468,750 restricted common shares, as their effects would have been anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the diluted weighted-average number of outstanding common limited partner units does not include 977,166 units, as their effects would have been anti-dilutive. In addition, for the three months ended March 31, 2019, anti-dilutive units excludes 46,734 units that were contingently issuable for which the contingency had not been met.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Variable Interest Entities

In October 2018, FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-17,Consolidation (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities(“ASU2018-17”). The core principle of ASU2018-17 is that indirect interests held through related parties in common control arrangements should be considered on a proportional basis for determining whether fees paid to decision makers and service providers are variable interests. ASU2018-17 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the requirements of this amendment upon its effective date of January 1, 2020 retrospectively. The adoption of this standard did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures upon adoption, because the Company did not, and currently does not, have any indirect interests through related parties under common control for which it receives decision-making fees.

Fair Value Measurement

In August 2018, FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-13,Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement(“ASU2018-13”). This standard removed, modified and added disclosure requirements from ASC 820,Fair Value Measurements. ASU2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020, as this standard primarily addresses disclosure requirements for Level 3 fair value measurements. Currently, the Company does not have any fair value instruments that would be classified as Level 3 on the fair value hierarchy.

Internal-Use Software

In August 2018, FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-15,Intangibles—Goodwill andOther—Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a ServiceContract. The amendments in this standard aligned the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtaininternal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include aninternal-use software license). ASUNo. 2018-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the requirements of this amendment on a prospective basis upon its effective date of January 1, 2020. The Company is applying the requirements of this amendment to the implementation costs incurred in connection with its new procurement software.

Recently Issued Accounting Standard Updates—Not Yet Effective

Credit Losses

In June 2016, FASB issued ASUNo. 2016-13,Credit Losses (Topic 326) (“ASU2016-13”). The core principle of ASU2016-13 is that all assets measured at amortized cost basis should be presented at the net amount expected to be collected using historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts as a basis for credit loss estimates, instead of the probable initial recognition threshold used under current GAAP.

In November 2018, FASB issued ASUNo. 2018-19,Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses(“ASU2018-09”),which clarified that receivables arising from operating leases are not within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)326-20,Financial Instruments-Credit Losses-Measured at Amortized Cost, and should be accounted for in accordance with ASC 842,Leases. In April 2019, FASB issued ASUNo. 2019-04,Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, FinancialInstruments (“ASU2019-04”), which includes clarifications to the amendments issued in ASU2016-13. In May 2019, FASB issued ASUNo. 2019-05,Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326),which provides entities that have certain instruments within the scope of ASC326-20 with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option in ASC 825,Financial Instruments, upon adoption of ASU2016-13. In November 2019, FASB issued ASUNo. 2019-10,Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU2019-10”), which modifies the effective dates for ASU2016-13, ASU2017-12 and ASU2016-02 to reflect the FASB’s new policy of staggering effective dates between larger public companies and all other companies. With the issuance of ASU2019-10, the Company’s effective date for adopting all amendments related to the new credit loss standard has been extended to January 1, 2023. In November 2019, FASB issued ASUNo. 2019-11,Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (“ASU2019-11”), which includes clarifications to and addresses specific stakeholders’ issues concerning the amendments issued in ASU2016-13. In February 2020, FASB issued ASU No,2020-02,Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842) and in March 2020 issued ASUNo. 2020-03,Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments, both of which also provide updates and clarification. The Company plans to adopt the requirements of these amendments upon their effective date of January 1, 2023, using the modified-retrospective method and is evaluating the potential impact of the adoption on its financial position, results of operations and related disclosures.

Taxes

In December 2019, FASB issued ASUNo. 2019-12,Income Taxes (Topic 340) (“ASU2019-12”), with the intent to simplify the accounting for income taxes. ASU2019-12 removes certain exceptions for recognizing deferred taxes for investments, performing intraperiod allocation and calculating income taxes in interim periods. ASU2019-12 also adds guidance to reduce complexity in certain tax accounting areas, including recognizing deferred taxes for tax goodwill and allocating taxes to members of a consolidated group. ASU2019-12 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company plans to adopt the requirements of this amendment upon its effective date of January 1, 2022 retrospectively, except where required to be adopted prospectively, and is evaluating the potential impact of the adoption on its financial position, results of operations and related disclosures.

Reference Rate Reform

In March 2020, FASB issued ASUNo. 2020-04,Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU2020-04”). In order to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform, ASU2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met. ASU2020-04 applies only to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. The amendment is effective immediately and may be applied prospectively through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of reference rate reform and the optional expedients provided by this amendment on its contracts.

2.

DIVESTITURES

On January 3, 2020, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of Oakmont Memorial Park, Oakmont Funeral Home, Redwood Chapel, Inspiration Chapel and Oakmont Crematory located in California pursuant to

the terms of an asset sale agreement (the “Oakmont Agreement”) with Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc. for an aggregate cash purchase price of $33.0 million (the “Oakmont Sale”). The divested assets consisted of one cemetery, one funeral home and certain related assets. The Oakmont Sale resulted in a gain of $24.4 million for the Company, which is included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020. Net proceeds from the sale were used to redeem an aggregate $30.3 million principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes.

In March 2020, the Company entered into an asset sale agreement for the sale of substantially all of the assets of the cemetery, funeral establishment and crematory commonly known as Olivet Memorial Park, Olivet Funeral and Cremation Services and Olivet Memorial Park & Crematory (the “Olivet Agreement”) with Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association for a net cash purchase price of $24.3 million, subject to certain adjustments (the “Olivet Sale”). Refer to Note 18 Subsequent Events for details on the closing of this sale in April 2020 and the related redemption of additional principal portions of the Senior Secured Notes. In addition, in March 2020, the Company entered into an asset sale agreement (the “California Agreement”) with certain entities owned by John Yeatman and Guy Saxton to sell substantially all of the Company’s remaining California properties, consisting of five cemeteries, six funeral establishments and four crematories (the “Remaining California Assets”) for a cash purchase price of $7.1 million, subject to certain closing adjustments (the “Remaining California Sale” and together with the Olivet Sale, the “Total California Sale”). The Company anticipates using the first $3.2 million of net proceeds and the remaining 80% of the net proceeds from the Remaining California Sale to redeem additional principal portions of the outstanding Senior Secured Notes.

The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities that have been classified as Assets held for sale on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets:

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2020   2019 
   Total
California
   Other   Total   Oakmont   Other   Total 

Assets

            

Current assets:

            

Accounts receivable, net of allowance

  $1,576   $—     $1,576   $580   $—     $580 

Prepaid expenses

   —      —      —      34    —      34 

Other current assets

   163    —      163    35    —      35 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets held for sale

   1,739    —      1,739    649    —      649 

 

Long-term accounts receivable, net of allowance

   5,102    —      5,102    3,194    —      3,194 

Cemetery property

   15,439    350    15,789    5,811    350    6,161 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

   8,888    —      8,888    2,762    150    2,912 

Merchandise trusts, restricted, at fair value

   20,127    —      20,127    6,673    —      6,673 

Perpetual care trusts, restricted, at fair value

   21,917    —      21,917    2,470    —      2,470 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

   2,361    —      2,361    1,388    —      1,388 

Other assets

   1,927    —      1,927    411    —      411 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets held for sale

  $77,500   $350   $77,850   $23,358   $500   $23,858 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

            

Current liabilities:

            

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  $234   $—     $234   $102   $—     $102 

Current portion, long-term debt

   —      —      —      36    —      36 

Other current liabilities

   —      —      —      5,000    —      5,000 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities held for sale

   234    —      234    5,138    —      5,138 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred revenues

   28,841    —      28,841    12,856    —      12,856 

Perpetual care trust corpus

   21,917    —      21,917    2,470    —      2,470 

Other long-term liabilities

   1,445    —      1,445    204    —      204 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities held for sale

   52,437    —      52,437    20,668    —      20,668 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets held for sale

  $25,063   $350   $25,413   $2,690   $500   $3,190 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

3.

EXIT AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES

In January 2019, the Company announced a profit improvement initiative as part of its ongoing organizational review. This profit improvement initiative was intended to further integrate, streamline and optimize the Company’s operations. As part of this profit improvement initiative, during 2019 the Company undertook certain cost reduction initiatives, which included a reduction of approximately 200 positions of its workforce within its field operations and corporate functions in its headquarters located in Trevose, Pennsylvania. The following table summarizes the activity in the severance liability recognized for this reduction in workforce in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2020, by reportable segment (in thousands):

   Cemetery
Operations
   Funeral Home
Operations
   Corporate   Consolidated 

Balance at December 31, 2019

  $86   $—     $64   $150 

Accruals

   —      —      —      —   

Cash payments

   (86   —      (64   (150
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2020

  $—     $—     $—     $—   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company does not expect to incur any additional charges related to this reduction in workforce. Refer to Note 18Subsequent Events for details on a cost reduction initiative implemented in April 2020.

4.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET OF ALLOWANCE

Long-term accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):

   March 31, 2020   December 31, 2019 

Customer receivables

  $147,673   $153,530 

Unearned finance income

   (15,345   (16,303

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   (5,338   (5,884
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance

   126,990    131,343 

Less: Current portion, net of allowance

   55,516    55,794 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term portion, net of allowance

  $71,474   $75,549 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows (in thousands):

   March 31, 2020   December 31, 2019 

Balance, beginning of period

  $5,884   $4,941 

Provision for doubtful accounts

   1,144    7,559 

Charge-offs, net

   (1,690   (6,616
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

  $5,338   $5,884 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Management evaluates customer receivables for impairment based upon its historical experience, including the age of the receivables and the customers’ payment histories.

5.

CEMETERY PROPERTY

Cemetery property consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):

   March 31, 2020   December 31, 2019 

Cemetery land

  $235,568   $249,260 

Mausoleum crypts and lawn crypts

   68,060    71,345 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cemetery property

  $303,628   $320,605 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

6.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):

   March 31, 2020  December 31, 2019 

Buildings and improvements

  $118,796  $125,382 

Furniture and equipment

   55,965   57,674 

Funeral home land

   11,285   14,185 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, gross

   186,046   197,241 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

   (92,574  (93,841
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

  $93,472  $103,400 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Depreciation expense was $2.2 million and $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

7.

MERCHANDISE TRUSTS

At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company’s merchandise trusts consisted of investments in debt and equity marketable securities and cash equivalents, both directly and through mutual and investment funds. All of these investments are carried at fair value. All of these investments are subject to the fair value hierarchy and considered either Level 1 or Level 2 assets pursuant to the three-level hierarchy described in Note 14Fair Value of Financial Instruments. There were no Level 3 assets. When the Company receives a payment from apre-need customer, the Company deposits the amount required by law into the merchandise trusts that may be subject to cancellation on demand by thepre-need customer. The Company’s merchandise trusts related to states in whichpre-need customers may cancel contracts with the Company comprises 52.6% of the total merchandise trust as of March 31, 2020. The merchandise trusts are variable interest entities (“VIE”) of which the Company is deemed the primary beneficiary. The assets held in the merchandise trusts are required to be used to purchase the merchandise and provide the services to which they relate. If the value of these assets falls below the cost of purchasing such merchandise and providing such services, the Company may be required to fund this shortfall.

The Company included $8.6 million and $9.7 million of investments held in trust as required by law by the West Virginia Funeral Directors Association at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, in its merchandise trust assets. These trusts are recognized at their account value, which approximates fair value.

A reconciliation of the Company’s merchandise trust activities for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 is presented below (in thousands):

   Three months ended March 31, 
           2020                   2019         

Balance—beginning of period

  $517,192   $488,248 

Contributions

   10,697    13,883 

Distributions

   (14,029   (13,639

Interest and dividends

   5,704    7,325 

Capital gain distributions

   68    99 

Realized gains and losses, net

   218    (281

Other than temporary impairment

   —      (2,314

Taxes

   118    4 

Fees

   (3,022   (873

Unrealized change in fair value

   (59,181   22,613 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   457,765    515,065 

Less: Assets held for sale

   (20,127   —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance—end of period

  $437,638   $515,065 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, purchases of available for sale securities were approximately $13.2 million and $21.3 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, sales, maturities and paydowns of available for sale securities were approximately $11.1 million and $9.1 million, respectively. Cash flows frompre-need contracts are presented as operating cash flows in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

The cost and market value associated with the assets held in the merchandise trusts as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows (in thousands):

March 31, 2020

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
 

Short-term investments

   1   $120,171  $—    $—    $120,171 

Fixed maturities:

       

U.S. governmental securities

   2    474   23   (82  415 

Corporate debt securities

   2    6,293   4   (234  6,063 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     6,767   27   (316  6,478 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   1    30,138   160   (2,464  27,834 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1    46,279   1,577   (25,236  22,620 

Other investment funds(1)

     235,150   10,916   (15,626  230,440 

Equity securities

   1    56,668   1,001   (20,331  37,338 

Other invested assets

   2    4,387   —     (94  4,293 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total investments

     499,560   13,681   (64,067  449,174 

West Virginia Trust Receivable

     9,506   —     (915  8,591 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

    $509,066  $13,681  $(64,982 $457,765 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Less: Assets held for sale

     (21,778  (425  2,076   (20,127
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

    $487,288  $13,256  $(62,906 $437,638 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the balance sheet. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have redemption periods ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods of one to six years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. As of March 31, 2020, there were $49.3 million in unfunded investment commitments to the private credit funds, which are callable at any time.

December 31, 2019

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
 

Short-term investments

   1   $144,610  $—    $—    $144,610 

Fixed maturities:

       

U.S. governmental securities

   2    456   6   (65  397 

Corporate debt securities

   2    783   14   (133  664 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     1,239   20   (198  1,061 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   1    67,801   1,857   (6  69,652 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1    46,609   1,744   —     48,353 

Other investment funds(1)

     213,024   6,366   (2,953  216,437 

Equity securities

   1    24,386   1,327   (4  25,709 

Other invested assets

   2    8,360   32   —     8,392 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total investments

     506,029   11,346   (3,161  514,214 

West Virginia Trust Receivable

     9,651   —     —     9,651 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

    $515,680  $11,346  $(3,161 $523,865 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Less: Assets held for sale

     (6,369  (304  —     (6,673
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

    $509,311  $11,042  $(3,161 $517,192 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the balance sheet. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have redemption periods ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods of one to six years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. As of December 31, 2019, there were $57.3 million in unfunded investment commitments to the private credit funds, which are callable at any time.

The contractual maturities of debt securities as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows (in thousands):

March 31, 2020

  Less than
1 year
   1 year
through
5 years
   6 years
through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

U.S. governmental securities

  $112   $81   $208   $13 

Corporate debt securities

   87    3,970    2,007    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

  $199   $4,051   $2,215   $13 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

  Less than
1 year
   1 year
through
5 years
   6 years
through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

U.S. governmental securities

  $112   $78   $193   $13 

Corporate debt securities

   101    546    16    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

  $213   $624   $209   $13 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Temporary Declines in Fair Value

The Company evaluates declines in fair value below cost for each asset held in the merchandise trusts on a quarterly basis.

An aging of unrealized losses on the Company’s investments in debt and equity securities within the merchandise trusts as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is presented below (in thousands):

   Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total 

March 31, 2020

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturities:

            

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $—     $302   $82   $302   $82 

Corporate debt securities

   5,847    110    457    124    6,304    234 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   5,847    110    759    206    6,606    316 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   19,756    2,064    —      400    19,756    2,464 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   18,857    23,880    —      1,356    18,857    25,236 

Other investment funds

   59,261    15,626    —      —      59,261    15,626 

Equity securities

   24,853    20,331    —      —      24,853    20,331 

Other invested assets

   —      —      905    94    905    94 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $128,574   $62,011   $1,664   $2,056   $130,238   $64,067 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total 

December 31, 2019

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturities:

            

U.S. governmental securities

  $90   $1   $397   $64   $487   $65 

Corporate debt securities

   198    29    424    104    622    133 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   288    30    821    168    1,109    198 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   241    6    —      —      241    6 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   —      —      —      —      —      —   

Other investment funds

   54,782    2,953    —      —      54,782    2,953 

Equity securities

   3    4    —      —      3    4 

Other invested assets

   —      —      —      —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $55,314   $2,993   $821   $168   $56,135   $3,161 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For all securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company evaluated the severity of the impairment and length of time that a security has been in a loss position and concluded the decline in fair value below the asset’s cost was temporary in nature. In addition, the Company is not aware of any circumstances that would prevent the future market value recovery for these securities.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Trust Assets

The Company assesses its merchandise trust assets for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company determined, based on its review, that there were no other than temporary impairments to the investment portfolio in the merchandise trusts. It is reasonably possible that continued declines could change the Company’s conclusion regarding whether or not merchandise trust assets are other-than-temporary impaired. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company determined, based on its review, that there were 89 securities with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $91.9 million and an aggregate fair value of approximately $89.6 million, resulting in an impairment of $2.3 million, with such impairment considered to be other-than-temporary due to credit indicators. Accordingly, the Company adjusted the cost basis of these assets to their current value and offset these changes against deferred merchandise trust revenue. These adjustments to deferred revenue will be reflected within the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations in future periods as the underlying merchandise is delivered or the underlying service is performed.

8.

PERPETUAL CARE TRUSTS

At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company’s perpetual care trusts consisted of investments in debt and equity marketable securities and cash equivalents, both directly as well as through mutual and investment funds.

All of these investments are carried at fair value. All of the investments subject to the fair value hierarchy are considered either Level 1 or Level 2 assets pursuant to the three-level hierarchy described in Note 14Fair Value of Financial Instruments. There were no Level 3 assets. The perpetual care trusts are VIEs for which the Company is the primary beneficiary.

A reconciliation of the Company’s perpetual care trust activities for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 is presented below (in thousands):

   Three months ended March 31, 
           2020                   2019         

Balance—beginning of period

  $343,619   $330,562 

Contributions

   1,952    1,983 

Distributions

   (6,294   (4,403

Interest and dividends

   6,624    5,148 

Capital gain distributions

   99    114 

Realized gains and losses, net

   163    977 

Other than temporary impairment

   —      (713

Taxes

   (37   4 

Fees

   (913   (704

Unrealized change in fair value

   (38,464   11,857 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   306,749    344,825 

Less: Assets held for sale

   (21,917   —   

Balance—end of period

  $284,832   $344,825 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, purchases of available for sale securities were approximately $5.4 million and $35.3 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, sales, maturities and paydowns of available for sale securities were approximately $4.4 million and $31.9 million, respectively. Cash flows from perpetual care trust related contracts are presented as operating cash flows in Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

The cost and market value associated with the assets held in the perpetual care trusts as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows (in thousands):

March 31, 2020

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
 

Short-term investments

   1   $32,403  $—    $—    $32,403 

Fixed maturities:

       

U.S. governmental securities

   2    1,072   90   (58  1,104 

Corporate debt securities

   2    2,751   19   (177  2,593 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     3,823   109   (235  3,697 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   1    17,631   58   (1,178  16,511 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1    16,964   605   (6,724  10,845 

Other investment funds(1)

     230,401   12,474   (16,219  226,656 

Equity securities

   1    35,467   51   (18,272  17,246 

Other invested assets

   2    (609  —     —     (609
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total investments

    $336,080  $13,297  $(42,628 $306,749 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Less: Assets held for sale

     (24,002  (101  2,186   (21,917
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

    $312,078  $13,196  $(40,442 $284,832 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the balance sheet. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have a redemption period ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods ranging from one to seven years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. As of March 31, 2020 there were $56.4 million in unfunded investment commitments to the private credit funds, which are callable at any time.

December 31, 2019

  Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Cost  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
 

Short-term investments

   1   $50,358  $—    $—    $50,358 

Fixed maturities:

       

U.S. governmental securities

   2    1,069   32   (52  1,049 

Corporate debt securities

   2    2,020   22   (142  1,900 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     3,089   54   (194  2,949 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   1    49,963   1,439   (38  51,364 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   1    16,698   1,617   (66  18,249 

Other investment funds(1)

     186,355   10,526   (5,472  191,409 

Equity securities

   1    30,423   1,333   (12  31,744 

Other invested assets

   2    16   —     —     16 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total investments

    $336,902  $14,969  $(5,782 $346,089 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Less: Assets held for sale

     (2,416  (54  —     (2,470
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

    $334,486  $14,915  $(5,782 $343,619 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the balance sheet. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have a redemption period

ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods ranging from one to seven years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. As of December 31, 2019 there were $62.4 million in unfunded investment commitments to the private credit funds, which are callable at any time.

The contractual maturities of debt securities as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, were as follows (in thousands):

March 31, 2020

  Less than
1 year
   1 year through
5 years
   6 years through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

U.S. governmental securities

  $85   $168   $780   $70 

Corporate debt securities

   214    2,018    362    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

  $299   $2,186   $1,142   $70 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

  Less than
1 year
   1 year through
5 years
   6 years through
10 years
   More than
10 years
 

U.S. governmental securities

  $60   $192   $684   $114 

Corporate debt securities

   294    1,522    84    
—  
  
 
 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

  $354   $1,714   $768   $114 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Temporary Declines in Fair Value

The Company evaluates declines in fair value below cost of each individual asset held in the perpetual care trusts on a quarterly basis.

An aging of unrealized losses on the Company’s investments in debt and equity securities within the perpetual care trusts as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is presented below (in thousands):

   Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total 

March 31, 2020

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturities:

            

U.S. governmental securities

  $—     $—     $1,002   $58   $1,002   $58 

Corporate debt securities

   1,759    70    1,829    107    3,588    177 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   1,759    70    2,831    165    4,590    235 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   12,800    1,016    19    162    12,819    1,178 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   7,476    6,517    7    207    7,483    6,724 

Other investment funds

   58,418    16,219    —      —      58,418    16,219 

Equity securities

   17,006    18,259    5    13    17,011    18,272 

Other invested assets

   —      —      9    —      9    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $97,459   $42,081   $2,871   $547   $100,330   $42,628 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total 

December 31, 2019

  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturities:

            

U.S. governmental securities

  $291   $4   $942   $48   $1,233   $52 

Corporate debt securities

   463    46    1,887    96    2,350    142 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   754    50    2,829    144    3,583    194 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Mutual funds—debt securities

   2,856    38    —      —      2,856    38 

Mutual funds—equity securities

   566    66    —      —      566    66 

Other investment funds

   53,426    5,472    —      —      53,426    5,472 

Equity securities

   121    12    —      —      121    12 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $57,723   $5,638   $2,829   $144   $60,552   $5,782 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For all securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company evaluated the severity of the impairment and length of time that a security has been in a loss position and concluded the decline in fair value below the asset’s cost was temporary in nature. In addition, the Company is not aware of any circumstances that would prevent the future market value recovery for these securities.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Trust Assets

The Company assesses its perpetual care trust assets for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company determined, based on its review, that there were no other-than-temporary impairments to the investment portfolio in the perpetual care trusts. It is reasonably possible that continued declines could change the Company’s conclusion regarding whether or not perpetual care trust assets are other-than-temporary impaired. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company determined that there were 66 securities with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $29.2 million and an aggregate fair value of approximately $28.5 million, resulting in an impairment of $0.7 million, with such impairment considered to be other-than-temporary due to credit indicators. Accordingly, the Company adjusted the cost basis of these assets to their current value with the offset going against the liability for perpetual care trust corpus.

9.

LONG-TERM DEBT

Total debt consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):

   March 31, 2020  December 31, 2019 

9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes, due June 2024

  $353,648  $380,619 

Insurance and vehicle financing

   2,282   574 

Less deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization

   (12,348  (12,856
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total debt

   343,582   368,337 

Less current maturities

   (2,139  (374
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

  $341,443  $367,963 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Senior Secured Notes

On June 27, 2019, StoneMor Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”), Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. (“CFS West Virginia”) and, collectively with the Partnership, the “Issuers”), certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Partnership (the “Guarantors”), the initial purchasers party thereto (the “Initial Purchasers”) and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”) and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”) entered into an indenture (the “Original Indenture”) with respect to the 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024.

On December 31, 2019, the Company, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, the Issuers and the Trustee entered into the First Supplemental Indenture (the “First Supplemental Indenture”) and on January 30, 2020, the Company, LP Sub, the Issuers and the Trustee entered into the Second Supplemental Indenture (the “Second Supplemental Indenture” and, collectively with the Original Indenture and the First Supplemental Indenture, the “Indenture”).

Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Initial Purchasers purchased Senior Secured Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $385.0 million in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof. The gross proceeds from the sale of cemetery propertythe Senior Secured Notes was $371.5 million, less advisor fees (including a placement agent fee of approximately $7.0 million), legal fees, mortgage costs and other closing expenses, as well as cash funds for collateralization of existing letters of credit and credit card needs under the former credit facility.

The Issuers can elect to pay interest at either a fixed rate of 9.875% per annum in cash or, at their option through January 30, 2022, a fixed rate of 7.50% per annum in cash plus a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum payable in kind by increasing the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes or by issuing additional Senior Secured Notes. The Senior Secured Notes will require cash interest payments at 9.875% for all interest periods after January 30, 2022. The Company has the right and expects to pay quarterly interest at a fixed rate of 7.50% per annum in cash plus a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum payable in kind through January 30, 2022. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears on the 30th day of each March, June, September and December, commencing September 30, 2019. The Senior Secured Notes mature on June 30, 2024.

The Senior Secured Notes are senior secured obligations of the Issuers. The Issuers’ joint and several obligations under the Senior Secured Notes and the Indenture are jointly and severally guaranteed (the “Note Guarantees”) by the Company and each subsidiary of the Company (other than the Issuers except at to each other’s obligations under the Senior Secured Notes) that the Company has caused or will cause to become a Guarantor pursuant to the terms of the Indenture. In addition, the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Collateral Agent entered into a Collateral Agreement (the “Collateral Agreement”). Pursuant to the Indenture and the Collateral Agreement, the Issuers’ obligations under the Indenture and the Senior Secured Notes and the Guarantors’ Note Guarantees are secured by a first priority lien and security interest (subject to permitted liens and security interests) in substantially all of the assets of the Issuers and the Guarantors (other than the Company), whether now owned or hereafter acquired, excluding certain assets which include, among others: (a) trust and other fiduciary accounts and amounts required to be paid into perpetual care trusts. deposited or held therein and (b) unless encumbered by a mortgage existing on the date of the Indenture, owned and leased real property that (i) may not be pledged as a matter of law or without governmental approvals, (ii) is not operated or intended to be operated as a cemetery, crematory or funeral home or (iii) is the subject of specified immaterial leases.

The perpetual care trust principal does not belongIssuers may redeem the Senior Secured Notes at their option, in whole or in part, at any time for a redemption price equal to the Partnershipprincipal balance thereof, accrued and must remainunpaid interest thereon and, if applicable, a premium (the “Applicable Premium”) calculated as follows:

If redeemed before June 27, 2021, the sum of 4% of the principal amount so redeemed plus the excess of (i) the interest that would have accrued on the principal amount of the redeemed Senior Secured Notes from the redemption date through June 27, 2021 assuming an interest rate of 11.500% per annum over (ii) the interest that would have accrued on the principal amount of the redeemed Senior Secured Notes from the redemption date through June 27, 2021 at an interest rate equal to the then-applicable rate on United States Treasury securities for the period most nearly equaling that time period plus 0.50%;

If redeemed on or after June 27, 2021 and before June 27, 2022, 4% of the principal amount so redeemed;

If redeemed on or after June 27, 2022 and before June 27, 2023, 2% of the principal amount so redeemed; and

If redeemed on or after June 27, 2023, no premium will be payable.

The Issuers are obligated to redeem the Senior Secured Notes with the net cash proceeds of certain dispositions described in this trustthe Indenture, tax refunds, insurance or condemnation proceeds and certain other extraordinary receipts. The redemption price for such redemptions is the principal balance of the Senior Secured Notes being redeemed, all accrued and unpaid interest thereon plus, with respect to redemptions from asset dispositions with net proceeds in perpetuity whileexcess of $55.0 million, an Applicable Premium of 2% of the principal amount so redeemed. As of March 31, 2020, the Issuers redeemed approximately $32.2 million of the Senior Secured Notes with the net cash proceeds from dispositions.

The Issuers are also obligated to use 75% of any Excess Cash Flow, less any amount paid in any voluntary redemption of the Senior Secured Notes during the applicable period or subsequent thereto and prior to the applicable redemption date, to redeem the Senior Secured Notes at a redemption price equal to the principal balance thereof and all accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

All interest payable in connection with the redemption of any the Senior Secured Notes is payable in cash.

The Indenture requires the Issuers and dividends may be releasedthe Guarantors, as applicable, to comply with various affirmative covenants regarding, among other matters, delivery to the Trustee of financial statements and used to defray cemeterycertain other information or reports filed with the SEC and the maintenance costs.

Our returns on these investments are affected by financial market conditions that are beyond our control. If the investments in ourand investment of trust funds experience significant declines, thereand trust accounts into which certain sales proceeds are required by law to be deposited.

The Indenture includes financial covenants pursuant to which the Issuers will not permit:

the ratio of the sum of the Operating Cash Flow Amount plus Cash Interest Expense to Cash Interest Expense, or the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio, for the nine months ended March 31, 2020 and the twelve months ending as of each date from June 30, 2020 onwards, as set forth below, to be less than:

March 31, 2020

0.40x

June 30, 2020

0.75x

September 30, 2020

1.00x

December 31, 2020

1.15x

March 31, 2021

1.25x

June 30, 2021

1.30x

September 30, 2021

1.35x

December 31, 2021

1.45x

March 31, 2022 and each quarter end thereafter

1.50x

the aggregate amount of Capital Expenditures for the prior four fiscal quarters as of the last day of any fiscal quarter beginning with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2019 to be more than $20.0 million;

the average daily balance of Unrestricted Cash and unrestricted Permitted Investments of the Company and its subsidiaries as of the end of any day for any10-business day period to be less than $12.5 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and any subsequent quarter through maturity; or

the ratio of the (a) the sum of Unrestricted Cash, accounts receivable and merchandise trust account balances to (b) the aggregate principal or face amount of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness, or Asset Coverage Test, for the applicable measurement period as of the last day of any fiscal quarter to be less than 1.60:1.00.

The Indenture requires the Issuers and the Guarantors, as applicable, to comply with certain other covenants including, but not limited to, covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ ability to: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) grant liens; (iii) engage in certain sale/leaseback, merger, consolidation or asset sale transactions; (iv) make certain investments; (v) pay dividends or make distributions; (vi) engage in affiliate transactions and (vii) amend its organizational documents.

The Indenture provides for certain events of default, the occurrence and continuation of which could, be insufficient fundssubject to certain conditions, cause all amounts owing under the Senior Secured Notes to become due and payable, including but not limited to the following:

failure by the Issuers to pay any interest on any Senior Secured Note when it becomes due and payable that remains uncured for five business days;

failure by the Issuers to pay the principal on any of the Senior Secured Notes when it becomes due and payable, whether at the due date thereof, at a date fixed for redemption, by acceleration or otherwise;

failure by the Issuers to comply with the agreement and covenants relating to maintenance of its legal existence, providing notice of any default or event of default or use of proceeds from the sale of the Senior Secured Notes or any of the negative covenants in the trustsIndenture;

failure by the Issuers to covercomply with any other agreement or covenant contained in the costsIndenture, the Collateral Agreement or any other Note Document that remains uncured for a period of delivering services15 days after the earlier of written notice and merchandise. Pursuantrequest for cure from the Trustee or holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes;

the acceleration of or the failure to state law, we may be requiredpay at final maturity indebtedness (other than the Senior Secured Notes) in a principal amount exceeding $5.0 million;

the occurrence of a Change in Control;

certain bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings involving an Issuer or any subsidiary; and

failure by the Company or any subsidiary to covermaintain one or more licenses, permits or similar approvals for the conduct of its business where the sum of the revenue associated therewith represents the lesser of (i) 15% of the Company and its subsidiaries’ consolidated revenue and (ii) $30.0 million, and such breach is not cured within 30 days.

At the option of holders holding a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes (and automatically upon any such shortfalldefault for failure to pay principal of the Senior Secured Notes when due and payable or certain bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings involving an Issuer), the interest rate on the Senior Secured Notes will increase to 13.50% per annum, payable in merchandise trustscash.

As of March 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with cash flows from operations,the covenants of the Indenture.

On April 1, 2020, the Issuers and the Trustee entered into the Third Supplemental Indenture to the Indenture (the “Supplemental Indenture”), pursuant to which could have a material adverse effect on ourcertain financial condition, resultscovenants and the premium payable upon voluntary redemption of operations or cash flows.the Senior Secured Notes in the Indenture were amended. For more information related to our trust investments,further details, see Note 718Subsequent Events.

Deferred Financing Costs

For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements2019, the Company recognized $0.7 million and Supplementary Data.$1.5 million, respectively, of amortization of deferred financing fees on its various debt facilities.

10.

OWNERS’ EQUITY

IfCapital Stock

Effective as of theC-Corporation Conversion, the fair marketCompany was authorized to issue two classes of capital stock: common stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Common Stock”) and preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Preferred Stock”).

At March 31, 2020, 94,477,102 shares of these trusts, plus any other amount dueCommon Stock were issued and outstanding and no shares of Preferred Stock were issued or outstanding. At March 31, 2020, there were 105,522,898 shares of Common Stock available for issuance, including 1,133,542 shares available for issuance as stock-based incentive compensation under the Company’s long-term incentive plan (the “Plan”), and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock available for issuance.

For further details on events affecting the Company’s capital stock subsequent to us upon deliveryMarch 31, 2020, see Note 18 Subsequent Events.

Stock-based Compensation

The Plan permits the granting of awards covering a total of 8,500,000 common units of the associated contracts, were to decline belowCompany. A “unit” under the estimated costs to deliver the underlying products and services, we would recordPlan is defined as a charge to earnings to record a liability for the expected losses on the deliverycommon unit of the associated contracts.

WeCompany and such other securities as may be requiredsubstituted or resubstituted for common units of the Company, including but not limited to replenish our funeralshares of the Company’s common stock. The Plan is intended to promote the interests of the Company by providing to employees, consultants and cemetery trust funds in orderdirectors of the Company incentive compensation awards to meet minimum funding requirements, which would have a negative effectencourage superior performance and enhance the Company’s ability to attract and retain the services of individuals who are essential for its growth and profitability and to encourage them to devote their best efforts to advancing the Company’s business.

For further details on our earnings and cash flow.

In certain states, we have withdrawn allowable distributable earnings from our merchandise trusts, including gains priorchanges to the maturity or cancellationPlan subsequent to March 31, 2020, see Note 18 Subsequent Events.

Non-qualified Stock Options

On December 18, 2019, the Compensation Committee approved the granting of options to employees of the Company, including certain members of senior management to purchase an aggregate of 5.5 million common shares at an exercise price of $1.20 per share. The option awards vest in three equal annual installments on each December 18 (or first business day thereafter) commencing on December 18, 2020, provided that the recipient remains employed by the Company. The Company measured the option awards at their grant-date fair value utilizing the Black-Scholes model and will recognize stock compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the weighted-average service period, which is expected to be three years. The option awards expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant.

A rollforward of stock options as of March 31, 2020 is as follows:

   Number of Stock
Options
  Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
   Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 

Total outstanding at December 31, 2019

   5,500,000  $0.34   $1.20 

Options granted

   —     —      —   

Options exercisable

   —     —      —   

Options exercised

   —     —      —   

Options forfeited

   (225,000  0.34    1.20 

Options expired

   —     —      —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total outstanding at March 31, 2020

   5,275,000  $0.34   $1.20 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2020,non-cash stock compensation expense related contract. Additionally, some states have laws that either require replenishment of investment losses under certain circumstances or impose various restrictions on withdrawals of future earnings when trust fund values drop below certain prescribed amounts. In the event of realized losses or market declines, we may be required to deposit portions or all of these amounts into the respective trusts in some future period.stock options was $0.2 million. As of DecemberMarch 31, 2018, we had unrealized losses2020, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options was $1.6 million, which the Company expects to recognize over the remaining weighted-average period of approximately $7.1 million2.7 years.

Assumptions used in the various trusts within these states, of which $4.2 million were in merchandise trust accounts and $2.9 million were in perpetual care trust accounts.

Any reductions in the principal or the earnings of the investments held in merchandise and perpetual care trusts could adversely affect our revenues and cash flow.

A substantial portion of our revenue is generated from investment returns that we realize from merchandise and perpetual care trusts. Unstable economic conditions have, at times, caused us to experience declines incalculating the fair value of the assets held in these trusts. Future cash flows could be negatively impacted if westock options granted are forcedsummarized below:

   2019 Options Granted 

Valuation assumptions:

  

Expected dividend yield

   None 

Expected volatility

   23.41

Expected term (years)

   6.0 

Risk-free interest rate

   1.78

Weighted average:

  

Exercise price per stock option

  $1.20 

Market price per share

  $1.23 

Weighted average fair value per stock option

  $0.34 

Phantom Unit and Restricted Unit Awards

A rollforward of phantom unit and restricted unit awards as of March 31, 2020 is as follows:

   Number of Phantom Unit and
Restricted Unit Awards
  Weighted Average Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Totalnon-vested at December 31, 2019

   559,218  $3.67 

Units issued

   18,518   1.08 

Units vested

   (46,875  3.88 

Units forfeited

   —     —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Totalnon-vested at March 31, 2020

   530,861  $3.56 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, ofnon-cash stock compensation expense related to liquidate assets that are in impaired positions.phantom unit and restricted unit awards into earnings. As of March 31, 2020, total unamortized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards was $1.6 million, which the Company expects to recognize over the remaining weighted-average period of 2.25 years.

We invest primarily for generation

11.

DEFERRED REVENUES AND COSTS

The Company defers revenues and all direct costs associated with the sale of realized income. We rely on the earnings, interest and dividends paid by the assets in our trusts to provide both revenue and cash flow. Interest income from fixed-income securities is particularly susceptible to changes in interest rates and declines in credit worthiness while dividends from equity securities are susceptible to the issuer’s ability to make such payments.

Any decline in the interest rate environment or the credit worthiness of our debt issuers or any suspension or reduction of dividends could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, any significant or sustained unrealized investment losses could result in merchandise trusts having insufficient funds to cover our cost of delivering products and services. In this scenario, we would be required to use our operating cash to deliver those products and perform those services, which would decrease our cash available for distribution.

Pre-needpre-need sales typically generate low or negative cash flow in the periods immediately following sales, which could adversely affect our ability to resume paying distributions to our unitholders.

When we sell cemetery merchandise and services until the merchandise is delivered or the services are performed. The Company recognizes deferred merchandise and service revenues as customer contract liabilities within long-term liabilities on aits consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognizes deferred direct costs associated withpre-need basis, upon cash collection, we pay commissionscemetery merchandise and service revenues as deferred selling and obtaining costs within long-term assets on its consolidated balance sheets. The Company also defers the costs to obtain newpre-need cemetery and new prearranged funeral business as well as the investment earnings on the saleprearranged services and merchandise trusts. Such costs are recognized when the associated performance obligation is fulfilled based upon the net change in the customer contract liabilities. All other selling costs are expensed as incurred. Additionally, the Company has elected the practical expedient of not recognizing incremental costs to our salespeople and are required by state law to depositobtain a portion ofcontract as incurred, as the sales proceeds into a merchandise trust. In addition, most of our customers finance theirpre-need purchases under installment contracts payable over a number of years. Depending on the trusting requirements of the states in which we operate, the applicable sales commission rates and the amount of the down payment, our cash flow from sales to customers through installment contractsassociated amortization period is typically negative until we have collected the related receivableone year or until we purchase the products or perform the services and are permitted to withdraw funds we have deposited in the merchandise trust. To the extent we increasepre-need sales, state trusting requirements are increased or we delay the performance of the services or delivery of merchandise we sell on apre-need basis, our cash flow frompre-need sales may be further reduced, and our ability to resume paying distributions to our unitholders could be adversely affected.less.

Deferred revenues and related costs consisted of the following (in thousands):

   March 31, 2020  December 31, 2019 

Deferred contract revenues

  $819,147  $837,190 

Deferred merchandise trust revenue

   97,910   104,304 

Deferred merchandise trust unrealized gains (losses)

   (49,650  7,881 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Deferred revenues

  $867,407  $949,375 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

  $113,611  $114,944 

For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, the Company recognized $19.9 million and $22.6 million of the customer contract liabilities balance that existed at December 31, 2019 and 2018 as revenue.

The cemetery and funeral home industry continues to be competitive.

We face competition in allcomponents of our markets. Most of our competitors are independent operations. Our ability to compete successfully depends on our management’s forward vision, timely responses to changesthe customer contract liabilities, net in the business environment,Company’s consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows (in thousands):

   March 31, 2020  December 31, 2019 

Customer contract liabilities, gross

  $889,868  $974,927 

Amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations on cancellablepre-need contracts

   (22,461  (25,552
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Customer contract liabilities, net

  $867,407  $949,375 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The Company expects to service approximately 55% of its deferred revenue in the abilityfirst 4-5 years and approximately 80% of our cemeteries and funeral homes to maintain a good reputation and high professional standards as well as offer products and services at competitive prices. We have historically experienced price competition from independent cemetery and funeral home operators. If we are unable to compete successfully, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

Because fixed costs are inherent in our business, a decrease in our revenues can have a disproportionate effect on our cash flow and profits.

Our business requires us to incur many ofits deferred revenue within 18 years. The Company cannot estimate the costs of operating and maintaining facilities, land and equipment regardless of the level of sales in any given period. For example, we must pay salaries, utilities, property taxes and maintenance costs on our cemetery properties and funeral homes regardless of the number of interments or funeral services we perform. If we cannot decrease these costs significantly or rapidlyperiod when we experience declines in sales, declines in sales can cause our margins, profits and cash flow to decline at a greater rate than the decline in our revenues.

Our failure to attract and retain qualified sales personnel and management could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Our ability to attract and retain a qualified sales force and other personnel is an important factor in achieving future success. Buying cemetery and funeral home products and services, especiallyat-need products and services, is very emotional for most customers, so our sales force must be particularly sensitive to our customers’ needs. We cannot assure you that weit expects its remaining performance obligations will be successful in our efforts to attract and retain a skilled sales force. If we are unable to maintain a qualified and productive sales force, our revenues may decline and our cash available for distribution may decrease.

Our success also depends upon the services and capabilities of our management team. Management establishes the “tone at the top” by which an environment of ethical values, operating style and management philosophy is fostered. The inability of our senior management team to maintain a proper “tone at the top” or the loss of services of one or more members of senior management as well as the inability to attract qualified managers or other personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may notrecognized, because certain performance obligations will only be able to locate or employ on acceptable terms qualified replacements for senior management or key employees if their services were no longer available. We do not maintain key employee insurance on any of our executive officers.

We may not be able to identify, complete, fund or successfully integrate our acquisitions, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

A primary component of our business strategy has been to grow through acquisitions of cemeteries and funeral homes. We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify and acquire cemeteries or funeral homes on terms favorable to us or at all. We may face competition from other death care companies in making acquisitions. Historically, we have funded a significant portion of our acquisitions through borrowings. As amended, our revolving credit facility prohibits us from making future acquisitions funded by the Partnership or its subsidiaries, except for acquisitions for which the consideration is solely in the form of equity interests in the Partnership or cash proceeds from the issuance of such equity interests. Our ability to make acquisitions in the future may be limited by our inability to secure adequate financing, restrictions under our existing or future debt agreements, competition from third parties or a lack of suitable properties.

In addition, if we complete acquisitions, we may encounter various associated risks, including the possible inability to integrate an acquired business into our operations, diversion of management’s attention and

unanticipated problems or liabilities, some or all of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial performance. Also, when we acquire cemeteries that do not have an existingpre-need sales program or a significant amount ofpre-need products and services that have been sold but not yet purchased or performed, the operation of the cemetery and implementation of apre-need sales program after acquisition may require significant amounts of working capital. This may make it more difficult for us to make acquisitions.

If we are not able to respond effectively to changing consumer preferences, our market share, revenues and profitability could decrease.

Future market share, revenues and profits will depend in part on our ability to anticipate, identify and respond to changing consumer preferences. In past years, we have implemented new product and service strategies based on results of customer surveys that we conduct on a continuous basis. However, we may not correctly anticipate or identify trends in consumer preferences, or we may identify them later than our competitors do. In addition, any strategies we may implement to address these trends may prove incorrect or ineffective.

If the trend toward cremation in the United States continues, our revenues may decline, which could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

We and other death care companies that focus on traditional methods of interment face competition from the increasing number of cremations in the United States. Industry studies indicate that the percentage of cremations has steadily increased and that cremations are performed for approximately 52% of the deaths in the United States. This percentage is expected to increase to approximately 58% by 2022. Because the products and services associated with cremations, such as niches and urns, produce lower revenues than the products and services associated with traditional interments, a continuing trend toward cremation may reduce our revenues.

Declines in the number of deaths in our markets can cause a decrease in revenues.

Declines in the number of deaths could causeat-need sales of cemetery and funeral home merchandise and services to decline and could cause a decline in the number ofpre-need sales, both of which could decrease revenues. Changes in the number of deaths can vary among local markets and from quarter to quarter, and variations in the number of deaths in our markets or from quarter to quarter are not predictable. Generally, the number of deaths may fluctuate depending on weather conditions and illness.

We rely significantly on information technology and any failure, inadequacy, interruption or security lapse of that technology, including any cybersecurity incidents, could harm our ability to operate our business effectively.

Our ability to manage and maintain our internal reports effectively and integration of new business acquisitions depends significantly on our operational technology platform and other information systems. Some of our information technology systems may experience interruptions, delays or cessations of service or produce errors in connection with ongoing systems implementation work. Cybersecurity attacks in particular are evolving and include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in systems, misappropriation of our confidential or otherwise protected information and corruption of data. The failure of our systems to operate effectively or to integrate with other systems, or a breach in security or other unauthorized access of these systems, may also result in reduced efficiency of our operations and could require significant capital investments to remediate any such failure, problem or breach and to comply with applicable regulations, all of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business is subject to existing federal and state laws and regulations governing data privacy, security and cybersecurity in the United States. These regulations include privacy and security rules regarding employee-related and third-party information when a data breach results in the release of personally identifiable information, as well as those rules imposed by the banking and payment card industries to protect against identity

theft and fraud in connection with the collection of payments from customers. Incidents in which we fail to protect our customers’ information against security breaches could result in monetary damages against us and could otherwise damage our reputation, harm our businesses and adversely impact our results of operations. If we fail to protect our own information, including information about our employees, we could experience significant costs and expenses as well as damage to our reputation.

The financial condition of third-party insurance companies that fund ourpre-need funeral contracts and the amount of benefits those policies ultimately pay may impact our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Where permitted, customers may arrange theirpre-need funeral contract by purchasing a life insurance or annuity policy from third-party insurance companies. The customer/policy holder assigns the policy benefits to our funeral home to pay for thepre-need funeral contractsatisfied at the time of need. For the sales ofpre-need funeral contracts funded through life insurance policies, we receive commissions from third-party insurance companies. Additionally, there is a death benefit associated with the contract that may vary over the contract life. There is no guarantee that the value of the death benefit will increase or cover future increases in the cost of providing a funeral service. If the financial condition of the third-party insurance companies were to deteriorate materially because of market conditions or otherwise, there could be an adverse effect on our ability to collect all or part of the proceeds of the life insurance or annuity policy, including any increase in the death benefit. Failure to collect such proceeds could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.death.

12.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Partnership liquidity may be impacted by its ability to negotiate bonding arrangements with third-party insurance companies.

Where permitted, the Partnership may enter into bonding arrangements with insurance companies wherebypre-need performance obligations otherwise required to be trusted, may be insured through a process called bonding. In the event that the Partnership is unable to deliver on bondedpre-need contract sales at the time of need, the insurance company will provide cash sufficient to deliver goods for the respectivepre-need sale item. On an ongoing basis, the Partnership must negotiate acceptable terms of these various bonding arrangements, and the insurance company may require us to provide cash collateral from time to time under certain circumstances. To the extent that the Partnership is unable to negotiate acceptable terms for such arrangements and thus is no longer able to maintain existing bonds, it would need to deposit the corresponding amounts in the merchandise trusts. In addition, the insurance companies may increasingly require the Partnership to provide cash collateral for such surety bonds in light of its financial condition. The Partnership we may be required to provide additional cash collateral from time to time under certain circumstances. Any of these actions would have an adverse impact on the Partnership’s liquidity.

REGULATORY AND LEGAL RISKS

Our operations are subject to regulation, supervision and licensing under numerous federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, including extensive regulations concerning trusts/escrows,pre-need sales, cemetery ownership, funeral home ownership, marketing practices, crematories, environmental matters and various other aspects of our business.

If state laws or interpretations of existing state laws change or if new laws are enacted, we may be required to increase trust deposits or to alter the timing of withdrawals from trusts, which may have a negative impact on our revenues and cash flow.

We are required by most state laws to deposit specified percentages of the proceeds from ourpre-need andat-need sales of interment rights into perpetual care trusts and proceeds from ourpre-need sales of cemetery and funeral home products and services into merchandise trusts. These laws also determine when we are allowed to withdraw funds from those trusts. If those laws or the interpretations of those laws change or if new laws are

enacted, we may be required to deposit more of the sales proceeds we receive from our sales into the trusts or to defer withdrawals from the trusts, thereby decreasing our cash flow until we are permitted to withdraw the deposited amounts. This could also reduce our cash available for distribution.

If state laws relating to the ownership of cemeteries and funeral homes or their interpretations change, or new laws are enacted, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Some states require cemeteries to be organized in the nonprofit form but may permit those nonprofit entities to contract withfor-profit companies for management services. If state laws change or new laws are enacted that prohibit us from managing cemeteries in those states, then our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. Some state laws restrict ownership of funeral homes to licensed funeral directors. If state laws change or new laws are enacted that prohibit us from managing funeral homes in those instances, then our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

We are subject to legal restrictions on our marketing practices that could reduce the volume of our sales, which could have an adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition.Legal

The enactment or amendment of legislation or regulations relating to marketing activities may make it more difficult for us to sell our products and services. For example, the federal “do not call” legislation has adversely affected our ability to market our products and services using telephone solicitation by limiting whom we may call and increasing our costs of compliance. As a result, we rely heavily on direct mail marketing and telephonefollow-up with existing contacts. Additional laws or regulations limiting our ability to market through direct mail, over the telephone, through Internet ande-mail advertising ordoor-to-door may make it difficult to identify potential customers, which could increase our costs of marketing. Both increases in marketing costs and restrictions on our ability to market effectively could reduce our revenues and could have an adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition, as well as our ability to make cash distributions to you.

We arePartnership remains subject to environmental and health and safety laws and regulations that may adversely affect our operating results.

Our cemetery and funeral home operations are subject to numerous federal, state and local environmental and health and safety laws and regulations. We may become subject to liability for the removal of hazardous substances and solid waste under CERCLA and other federal and state laws. Under CERCLA and similar state laws, strict, joint and several liability may be imposed on various parties, regardless of fault or the legality of the original disposal activity. Our funeral home, cemetery and crematory operations include the use of some materials that may meet the definition of “hazardous substances” under CERCLA or state laws and thus may give rise to liability if released to the environment through a spill or release. We cannot assure you that we will not face liability under CERCLA or state laws for any environmental conditions at our facilities, and we cannot assure you that these liabilities will not be material. Our cemetery and funeral home operations are subject to regulation of underground and above ground storage tanks and laws managing the disposal of solid waste. If new requirements under local, state or federal laws were to be adopted, and were more stringent than existing requirements, new permits or capital expenditures may be required.

Our funeral home operations are generally subject to federal and state laws and regulations regarding the disposal of medical waste, and are also subject to regulation by federal, state or local authorities under EPCRA. We are required by EPCRA to maintain and report to the regulatory authorities, if applicable thresholds are met, a list of any hazardous chemicals and extremely hazardous substances which are stored or used at our facilities.

Our crematory operations may be subject to regulation under the federal Clean Air Act and any analogous state laws. If new regulations applicable to our crematory operations were to be adopted, they could require permits or capital expenditures that could increase our costs of operation and compliance. We are also subject to the Clean Water Act and corresponding state laws, as well as local requirements applicable to the treatment of sanitary and

industrial wastewaters. Many of our funeral homes discharge their wastewaters into publicly operated treatment works and may be subject to applicable limits as to contaminants that may be included in the discharge of their wastewater. Our cemeteries typically discharge their wastewaters from sanitary use and maintenance operations conducted onsite into septic systems, which are regulated under state and local laws. If there are violations of applicable local, state or federal laws pertaining to our discharges of wastewaters, we may be subject to penalties as well as an obligation to conduct required remediation.

Litigation or legal proceedings could expose us to significant liabilities and damage our reputation.

From time to time, we are party to various claims and legal proceedings, including, but not limited to, claims and proceedings regarding employment, cemetery or burial practices and other litigation. As set forth more fully in Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings, we are currently subject to class actions under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules promulgated thereunder, and for related state law derivative claims that certain of ourthe Partnership’s officers and directors breached their fiduciary duty to the Company. WePartnership and its unitholders. The Company could also become subject to additional claims and legal proceedings relating to the factual allegations made in these actions. We are alsoWhile management cannot reasonably estimate the potential exposure in these matters at this time, if we do not prevail in any such proceedings, we could be required to pay substantial damages or settlement costs, subject to class or collective actions under the wage and hours provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and state wage and hour laws, including, but not limited to, national and state class or collective actions, or putative class or collective actions.

Generally, plaintiffs in class action litigation may seek to recover amounts which may be indeterminable for some period of time, although potentially large. Adverse outcomes in these pending cases (as well as other legal proceedings not specifically mentioned herein) may result in monetary damages or injunctive relief against us, as litigation and other claims are subject to inherent uncertainties. 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 base our assessments, estimates and disclosurescertain insurance coverages. Management has determined that, based on the information available to us atstatus of the time. Actual outcomes or losses may differ materially from assessments and estimates. Costs to defend litigation claims and legal proceedings andagainst the cost of actual settlements, judgments or resolutions of these claims and legal proceedings may negatively affect our business and financial performance. We hold insurance policies that may reduce cash outflows with respect to an adverse outcome of certain litigation matters, but exclude certain claims, such as claims arising underCompany, the Fair Labor Standards Act. To the extent that our management will be required to participate in or otherwise devote substantial amounts of time to the defense of these matters, such activities would result in the diversion of our management resources from our business operations and the implementation of our business strategy, which may negatively impact our financial position and results of operations. Any adverse publicity resulting from allegations made in litigation claims or legal proceedings may also adversely affect our reputation, which in turn, could adversely affect our results of operations.

RISK FACTORS RELATED TO AN INVESTMENT IN THE PARTNERSHIP

Our general partner and its affiliates have conflicts of interest and limited fiduciary duties, which may permit them to favor their own interests to your detriment.

GP Holdings, as the sole member of our general partner, owns allamount of the Class A units of our general partner. Conflicts of interest may arise between GP Holdings and its affiliates, including our general partner, on the one hand, and us and our unitholders, on the other hand. As a result of these conflicts, our general partner may favor its own interests and the interests of its affiliates over the interests of the unitholders.potential losses cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. These conflicts include, among others, the following situations:actions are summarized below.

 

Bunim v. Miller, et al., No.2:17-cv-519-ER, pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and filed on February 6, 2017. The Boardplaintiff in this case brought, derivatively on behalf of Directors of our general partner is elected by GP Holdings. Although our general partner has a fiduciary duty to manage us in good faith, the Partnership, claims that the officers and directors of ourStoneMor GP aided and abetted in breaches of StoneMor GP’s purported fiduciary duties by, among other things and in general, partnerallegedly making misrepresentations through the use ofnon-GAAP accounting standards in the Partnership’s public filings, by allegedly failing to clearly disclose the use of proceeds from debt and equity offerings, and by allegedly approving unsustainable distributions. The plaintiff also have a fiduciary duty to manage our general partner in a manner beneficial to GP Holdings, as the sole member of our general partner. By purchasing common units, unitholders will be deemed to have consented to someclaims that these actions and conflictsmisrepresentations give rise to causes of interest that might otherwise constituteaction for gross mismanagement, unjust enrichment, and (in connection with a breachpurportedly misleading proxy statement filed in 2014) violations of fiduciary or other duties under applicable law.

Our partnership agreement limits the liabilitySection 14(a) of our general partner, reduces its fiduciary duties and restricts the remedies available to unitholders for actions that might, without the limitations, constitute breaches of fiduciary duty.

Our general partner determines the amount and timing of asset purchases and sales, capital expenditures, borrowings, issuances of additional limited partner interests and reserves, each of which can affect the amount of cash that is distributed to unitholders.

Our partnership agreement does not restrict our general partner from causing us to pay it or its affiliates for any services rendered to us or entering into additional contractual arrangements with any of these entities on our behalf.

Our general partner controls the enforcement of obligations owed to us by our general partner and its affiliates.

In some instances, our general partner may cause us to borrow funds or sell assets outside of the ordinary course of business in order to permit the payment of distributions, even if the purpose or effect of the borrowing is to make distributions in respect of incentive distribution rights.

Holders of our common units have limited voting rights and are not entitled to elect our general partner or its directors, which could reduce the price at which the common units will trade.

Unitholders have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our business and, therefore, limited ability to influence management’s decisions regarding our business. Unitholders did not select our general partner or elect the Board of Directors of our general partner and will have no right to select our general partner or elect its Board of Directors in the future. We are not required to have a majority of independent directors on our board. The Board of Directors of our general partner, including the independent directors, is not chosen by our unitholders. As a result of these limitations, the price at which the common units will trade could be diminished because of the absence or reduction of a takeover premium in the trading price.

Our partnership agreement restricts the voting rights of unitholders owning 20% or more of our common units.

Unitholders’ voting rights are further restricted by the partnership agreement provision providing that any person that beneficially owns 20% or more of any class of units then outstanding, other than the general partner, its affiliates, their transferees and persons who acquired such units with the prior approval of the Board of Directors of our general partner, cannot vote the units on any matter. In addition, the partnership agreement contains provisions limiting the ability of unitholders to call meetings or to acquire information about our operations, as well as other provisions limiting the unitholders’ ability to influence the manner or direction of management.

Our general partner can transfer its ownership interest in us without unitholder consent under certain circumstances, and the control of our general partner may be transferred to a third party without unitholder consent.

Our general partner may transfer its general partner interest to a third party in a merger or in a sale of all or substantially all of its assets without the consent of the unitholders. Furthermore, there is no restriction in the partnership agreement on the ability of the owners of our general partner to transfer their ownership interest in the general partner to a third party. The new owner of our general partner would then be in a position to replace the Board of Directors and officers of the general partner with its own choices and thereby influence the decisions taken by the Board of Directors and officers. Such a change of control could require us to offer to repurchase notes at a premium issued under our indenture, significantly impacting available cash for distribution to our common unit holders.

We may issue additional common units without your approval, which would dilute your existing ownership interests.

We may issue an unlimited number of limited partner interests of any type without the approval of the unitholders.

The issuance of additional common units or other equity securities of equal or senior rank would have the following effects:

your proportionate ownership interest in us would decrease;

the amount of cash available for distribution on each unit may decrease;

the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding unit may be diminished;

the market price of the common units may decline; and

the ratio of taxable income to distributions may increase.

Cost reimbursements due to our general partner may be substantial and will reduce the cash available for distribution to you.

Prior to making any distribution on the common units, we reimburse our general partner and its affiliates for all expenses they incur on our behalf. The reimbursement of expenses could adversely affect our ability to pay cash distributions to you. Our general partner determines the amount of these expenses. In addition, our general partner and its affiliates may provide us with other services for which we will be charged fees as determined by our general partner.

Establishing cash reserves reduces the amount of available cash for distribution to you.

Subject to the limitations on restricted payments contained in the indenture governing the 7.875% Senior Notes due 2021 and other indebtedness, the master partnership distributes all of our “available cash” each quarter to its limited partners and general partner. “Available cash” is defined in the master limited partnership’s partnership agreement, and it generally means, for each fiscal quarter, all cash and cash equivalents on hand on the date of determination for that quarter less the amount of cash reserves established at the discretion of the general partner to:

provide for the proper conduct of our business;

comply with applicable law, the terms of any of our debt instruments or other agreements; or

provide funds for distributions to its unitholders and general partner for any one or more of the next four calendar quarters.

Our general partner reserved available cash starting the second quarter of 2017 to preserve capital resources and liquidity. We anticipate continuing to reserve available cash for such purposes which, when combined with the restrictions on distributions under our revolving credit facility, will continue to affect the amount of cash available for distribution to you.

Our general partner has a limited call right that may require you to sell your common units at an undesirable time or price.

If, at any time, our general partner and its affiliates own more than 80% of the common units, our general partner will have the right, but not the obligation, which it may assign to any of its affiliates or to us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of the remaining common units held by unaffiliated persons at a price not less than their then-current market price. As a result, you may be required to sell your common units at an undesirable time or price and may not receive any return on your investment. You may also incur a tax liability upon the sale of your common units.

You may be required to repay distributions that you have received from us.

Under certain circumstances, unitholders may have to repay amounts wrongfully returned or distributed to them. UnderSection 17-607 of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, we may not make a distribution to you if the distribution would cause our liabilities to exceed the fair value of our assets. Delaware law provides that for a period of three years from the date of the impermissible distribution, limited partners who received the distribution and who knew at the time of the distribution that it violated Delaware law will be liable to the limited partnership for the distribution amount. Assignees who become substituted limited partners are liable for the obligations of the assignor to make contributions to the partnership. However, assignees are not liable for obligations unknown to the assignee at the time the assignee became a limited partner if the liabilities could not be determined from the partnership agreement. Liabilities to partners on account of their partnership interest and liabilities that arenon-recourse to the partnership are not counted for purposes of determining whether a distribution is permitted.

Declines in overall economic conditions beyond our control could reduce future potential earnings and cash flows and could result in future impairments to goodwill and/or other intangible assets.

In addition to an annual review, we assess the impairment of goodwill and/or other intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be greater than fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, a significant decline in our stock price, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, and significant negative industry or economic trends. If these factors occur, we may have a triggering event, which could result in an impairment of our goodwill and/or other intangible assets. If economic conditions worsen causing deterioration in our operating revenue, operating margins, and cash flows, we may have a triggering event that could result in an impairment of our goodwill and/or other intangible assets. Our cemetery segment, which had a goodwill balance of $24.9 million as of December 31, 2018, is more sensitive to market conditions and goodwill impairments because it is more reliant on preneed sales, which are impacted by customer discretionary spending.

Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could adversely affect our results of operations, investor confidence, and our stock price.

The accuracy of our financial reporting depends on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements and may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations. If we do not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or implement controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of our financial statements, we could be unable to file accurate financial reports on a timely basis, and our results of operations, investor confidence, and stock price could be materially adversely affected.

Our inability to timely file the periodic reports we are required to file under the Exchange Act may adversely affect our liquidity, the market for our common units and our business reputation.

We filed our Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, approximately four months after it was due. We filed our Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q for the Quarters Ended March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018 approximately nine, six and three months, respectively, after they were due.

As a result of our inability to timely file our periodic reports under the Exchange Act, we will not be eligible to use FormS-3 registration statements until we have timely filed such periodic reports with the SEC for a period of twelve months.

The cumulative effect of these delayed filings may also affect the market for our common units if investors are unwilling to purchase our common units due to these filing deficiencies. The unavailability of FormS-3

registration statements may also impact our ability to raise capital in the public markets. In addition, our inability to timely file our periodic reports and the conclusion that our internal control over financial reporting is ineffective (as discussed in Part II, Item 9A. Controls and Procedures of this Annual Report on Form10-K) may adversely affect our reputation among investors, securities analysts, customers, regulators, prospective employees and others with whom we interact on a regular basis.

The application of unclaimed property laws by certain states to our preneed funeral and cemetery backlog could have a material adverse impact on our liquidity, cash flows, and our financial results.

In the ordinary course, our businesses have sold preneed funeral and cemetery contracts for decades. To the extent these contracts will not be funded with the assignment of the proceeds of life insurance policies, depending on applicable state laws, we could be responsible for escheatment of the portion of the funds paid that relate to contracts which we are unlikely to fulfill. The application of unclaimed property laws could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, cash flows, and financial results.

We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and determined that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective which could, if not remediated, result in additional material misstatements in our financial statements and may adversely affect our liquidity, the market for our common units and our business.

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over our financial reporting, as defined in Rules13a- 15(e) and13a-15(f), respectively, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As disclosedThe derivative plaintiff seeks an award of damages, attorneys’ fees and costs in Part II, Item 9A. Controls and Procedures of this Annual Report on Form10-K, management identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and concluded our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2018. A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Our independent registered public accounting firm also expressed an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

We have commenced our remediation efforts as discussed in Part II, Item 9A. Controls and Procedures of this Annual Report on Form10-K to address the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and ineffective disclosure controls and procedures, which may include replacing and or enhancing our accounting systems in order to better perform the evaluation needed to comply with Section 404favor of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. If accounting systems are not successfully implemented or we encounter other difficulties we might incur significant unexpected expenses in order to perform the Section 404 evaluation and our ability to file timely with the SEC may be adversely impacted. In addition, if our remedial measures are insufficient, or if additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal controls occur in the future, we could be required to further restate our financial results, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, restrict our ability to access the capital markets, require us to expend significant resources to correct the weaknesses or deficiencies, harm our reputation or otherwise cause a decline in investor confidence.

We have experienced significant changes in our senior management, which may have adversely affected our operations.

In March 2018, the resignation of Paul GradyPartnership as our President and Chief Executive Officer became effective, and he was succeeded by Leo J. Pound, who served as Acting Chief Executive Officer from March 2018 until July 2018. Joseph M. Redling began service as our President and Chief Executive Officer on July 18, 2018. We also have had several other changes in our senior management since January 1, 2018. These changes have led to diversion of time by both our management and our Board of Directors in focusing on recruiting and hiring

suitable replacements and assisting in the transition of our new executives, which may have adversely affected our operations and may continue to do so until our new executives have completed their transitions into their new positions.

TAX RISKS TO COMMON UNITHOLDERS

Our tax treatment depends on our status as a partnership for federal income tax purposesnominal plaintiff, as well as us not being subject to a material amount of entity-level taxationgeneral compliance and governance changes. This case has been stayed, by individual states. If the Internal Revenue Service were to treat us as a corporation for federal income tax purposes or we become subject to additional amounts of entity-level taxation for state tax purposes, our cash available for distribution to you and payments on our debt obligations would be substantially reduced.

The anticipatedafter-tax economic benefit of an investment in our common units depends largely on us being treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.

Despite the fact that we are organized as a limited partnership under Delaware law, because our common units are publicly traded, we would be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless we satisfy a “qualifying income” requirement as set forth in Section 7704agreement of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). Based upon our current operations, we believe we satisfyparties, provided that either party may terminate the qualifying income requirement. However, no ruling has been or will be requested regarding our treatment as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Failing to meet the qualifying income requirement or a change in current law could cause us to be treated and taxed as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise subject us to taxation as an entity.

If we were treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would pay federal income taxstay on our taxable income at the corporate tax rate, which was reduced to 21% as part of the 2017 Act. Distributions to our unitholders would generally be taxed again as corporate distributions, and no income, gains, losses or deductions would flow through to our unitholders. Because a tax would be imposed upon us as a corporation, our cash available for distribution to our unitholders would be substantially reduced. Our net operating loss position would mitigate this cost. Therefore, treatment of us as a corporation would result in a material reduction in the anticipated cash flow andafter-tax return to the unitholders, likely causing a substantial reduction in the value of our common units. Moreover, treatment of us as a corporation could have a material adverse effect on our ability to make payments on our debt obligations.

Additionally, several states have been evaluating ways to subject partnerships to entity-level taxation through the imposition of state income, franchise and other forms of taxation. We currently own assets and conduct business in the majority of states and Puerto Rico, many of which impose a margin or franchise tax. In the future, we may expand our operations. Imposition of a similar tax on us in other jurisdictions to which we may expand could substantially reduce our cash available for distribution to our unitholders and payments on our debt obligations. Our partnership agreement provides that if a law is enacted, modified or interpreted in a manner that subject us to taxation as a corporation or otherwise subjects us to entity-level taxation for U.S. federal, state, local, or foreign income tax purposes, the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution amounts may be adjusted to reflect the impact of that law or interpretation on us.

The tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships or an investment in our units could be subject to potential legislative, judicial or administrative changes or differing interpretations, possibly applied on a retroactive basis.

The present U.S. federal income tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships, including us, or an investment in our common units may be modified by administrative, legislative or judicial changes or differing interpretations at any time. From time to time, members of Congress propose and consider substantive changes to the existing U.S. federal income tax laws that affect publicly traded partnerships. Although there is no current legislative proposal, a prior legislative proposal would have eliminated the qualifying income exception to the treatment of all publicly traded partnerships as corporations, upon which we rely for our treatment as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

In addition, on January 24, 2017, final regulations regarding which activities give rise to qualifying income within the meaning of Section 7704 of the Code (the “Final Regulations”) were published in the Federal Register. The Final Regulations are effective as of January 19, 2017, and apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 19, 2017. We do not believe the Final Regulations affect our ability to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

However, any modification to the U.S. federal income tax laws or to the regulations under Section 7704 of the Code may be applied retroactively and could make it more difficult or impossible for us to meet the exception for certain publicly traded partnerships to be treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We are unable to predict whether any of these changes or other proposals will be enacted. Any similar or future legislation could negatively impact the value of an investment in our common units.

We have subsidiaries that will be treated as corporations for federal income tax purposes and subject to corporate-level income taxes.

Some of our operations are conducted through subsidiaries that are organized as Subchapter C corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, these corporate subsidiaries are subject to corporate-level tax, which reduces the cash available for distribution to our partnership and, in turn, to you. If the IRS were to successfully assert that these corporations have more tax liability than we anticipate or legislation was enacted that increased the corporate tax rate, the cash available for distribution could be further reduced.

Audit adjustments to the taxable income of our corporate subsidiaries for prior taxable years may reduce the net operating loss carryforwards of such subsidiaries and thereby increase their tax liabilities for future taxable periods.

Our business was conducted by an affiliated group of corporations during periods prior to the completion of our initial public offering and, since the initial public offering, continues to be conducted in part by corporate subsidiaries. The amount of cash dividends we receive from our corporate subsidiaries over the next several years will depend in part upon the amount of net operating losses available to those subsidiaries to reduce the amount of income subject to federal income tax they would otherwise pay. At December 31, 2018, the Partnership had available approximately $396.6 million and $500.7 million of federal and state net operating loss carryforwards, respectively, a portion of which expires annually. Net operating losses of $1.0 million expired in 2017 and net operating losses of $5.9 million will expire in 2018 if left unused. The amount of net operating losses available to reduce the income tax liability of our corporate subsidiaries in future taxable years could be reduced as a result of audit adjustments with respect to prior taxable years. Notwithstanding any limited indemnification rights we may have, any increase in the tax liabilities of our corporate subsidiaries because of a reduction in net operating losses will reduce our cash available for distribution.

Changes in the ownership of our units may result in annual limitations on our corporate subsidiaries’ ability to use their net operating loss carryforwards, which could increase their tax liabilities and decrease cash available for distribution in future taxable periods.

Our corporate subsidiaries’ ability to use their net operating loss carryforwards may be limited if changes in the ownership of our units causes our corporate subsidiaries to undergo an “ownership change” under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. In general, an ownership change will occur if the percentage of our units, based on the value of the units, owned by certain unitholders or groups of unitholders increases by more than fifty percentage points during a running three-year period. Recent changes in our ownership may result in an “ownership change.” A future ownership change may result from issuances of our units, sales or other dispositions of our units by certain significant unitholders, certain acquisitions of our units, and issuances, sales or other dispositions or acquisitions of interests in significant unitholders, and we will have little to no control over any such events. To the extent that an annual net operating loss limitation for any one year does restrict the ability of our corporate subsidiaries to use their net operating loss carryforwards, an increase in tax liabilities of our corporate subsidiaries could result, which would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to you.

If the IRS were to contest the federal income tax positions we take, the market for our common units could be adversely impacted, and the cost of any such contest would reduce our cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

We have not requested a ruling from the IRS with respect to our treatment as a partnership for federal income tax purposes or any other matter affecting us. The IRS may adopt positions that differ from the positions we take. It may be necessary to resort to administrative or court proceedings to sustain some or all of the positions we take. A court may not agree with some or all of the positions we take. Any contest with the IRS may materially and adversely impact the market for our common units and the price at which they trade. In addition, the cost of any contest between us and the IRS will result in a reduction in cash available for distribution to our unitholders and thus will be borne indirectly by our unitholders.

There are limitations on the ability of a unitholder to utilize losses, and the IRS may not agree with the manner in which we allocate income, gain and loss among the unitholders.

There are a series of tax provisions that will, for some taxpayers, either prevent or defer the deduction of any net tax losses allocated to unitholders against other income; each unitholder should consult with its own tax advisor as to the applicability of these loss limitations. Further, under Section 704(b) of the Code, which governs allocations of a partnership, an allocation of income, gain, loss or deduction to a unitholder will not be given effect for federal income tax purposes unless it has “substantial economic effect” or is in accordance with the unitholder’s interest, taking into account all facts and circumstances. These allocation rules are extremely complex. If an allocation of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit is not given effect for federal income tax purposes by the Internal Revenue Service, such items may be reallocated among the unitholders. Such reallocations among the Partners could result in greater taxable income or losses being allocated to the unitholders with no change in cash flow.

If the IRS makes audit adjustments to our income tax returns for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, it (and some states) may assess and collect any taxes (including any applicable penalties and interest) resulting from such audit adjustment directly from us, in which case our cash available for distribution to our unitholders might be substantially reduced.

Pursuant to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, if the IRS makes audit adjustments to our income tax returns, it (and some states) may assess and collect any taxes (including any applicable penalties and interest) resulting from such audit adjustment directly from us. To the extent possible under the new rules, our general partner may elect to either pay the taxes (including any applicable penalties and interest) directly to the IRS or, if we are eligible, issue a revised ScheduleK-1 to each unitholder with respect to an unaudited and adjusted return. Although our general partner may elect to have our unitholders take such audit adjustment into account in accordance with their interests in us during the tax year under audit, there can be no assurance the election will be practical, permissible or effective in all circumstances. As a result, our current unitholders may bear some or all of the tax liability resulting from such audit adjustment, even if such unitholders did not own units in us during the tax year under audit. If, as a result of any such audit adjustment, we are required to make payments of taxes, penalties and interest, our cash available for distribution to our unitholders could be substantially reduced. These rules are not applicable for tax years beginning on or prior to December 31, 2017.

Even if unitholders do not receive any cash distributions from us, unitholders will be required to pay taxes on their share of taxable income including their share of income from the cancellation of debt.

Unitholders are required to pay federal income taxes and, in some cases, state and local income taxes on unitholders’ share of our taxable income, whether or not they receive cash distributions from us. Unitholders may not receive cash distributions from us equal to their share of our taxable income or even equal to the actual tax due from them with respect to that income.

In response to current market conditions, we may engage in transactions to delever the Partnership and manage our liquidity that may result in income and gain to our unitholders without a corresponding cash distribution. For example, if we sell assets and use the proceeds to repay existing debt or fund capital expenditures, you may be allocated taxable income and gain resulting from the sale without receiving a cash distribution. Further, taking advantage of opportunities to reduce our existing debt, such as debt exchanges, debt repurchases or modifications of our existing debt, could result in “cancellation of indebtedness income” (also referred to as (“COD income”) being allocated to our unitholders as taxable income. Unitholders may be allocated COD income, and income tax liabilities arising therefrom may exceed cash distributions. The ultimate effect of any such allocations will depend on each unitholder’s individual tax position with respect to its units. Unitholders are encouraged to consult their tax advisors with respect to the consequences to them of COD income.

Tax gain or loss on the disposition of our common units could be more or less than unitholders expect.

If a unitholder sells common units, the unitholder will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and that unitholder’s tax basis in those common units. Because distributions in excess of unitholders’ allocable share of our net taxable income decrease their tax basis in their common units, the amount, if any, of such prior excess distributions with respect to the units unitholders sell will, in effect, become taxable income to our unitholders if they sell such units at a price greater than their adjusted tax basis in those units, even if the price they receive is less than their original cost. In addition, because the amount realized includes a unitholder’s share of our nonrecourse liabilities, if they sell their units, unitholders may incur a tax liability in excess of the amount of cash they receive from the sale.

A substantial portion of the amount realized from the sale of your common units, whether or not representing gain, may be taxed as ordinary income to you due to potential recapture items, including depreciation recapture and other items. Thus, you may recognize both ordinary income and capital loss from the sale of your units if the amount realized on a sale of your units is less than your adjusted basis in the units. Net capital loss may only offset capital gains and, in the case of individuals, up to $3,000 of ordinary income per year. In the taxable period in which you sell your units, you may recognize ordinary income from our allocations of income and gain to you prior to the sale and from recapture items that generally cannot be offset by any capital loss recognized upon the sale of units.

Tax-exempt entities andnon-U.S. persons face unique tax issues from owning common units that may result in adverse tax consequences to them.

Investments in common units bytax-exempt entities, such as employee benefit plans and individual retirement accounts (or “IRAs”), andnon-U.S. persons raise issues unique to them. For example, virtually all of our income allocated to unitholders that are exempt from federal income tax, including IRAs and other retirement plans, will be unrelated business taxable income and will be taxable to them. Distributions tonon-U.S. persons are subject to withholding taxes imposed at the highest effective tax rate applicable to suchnon-U.S. persons, and eachnon-U.S. person will be required to file U.S. federal tax returns and pay tax on its share of our taxable income. Anytax-exempt entity ornon-U.S. person should consult its tax advisor before investing in our common units.

We treat each purchaser of our common units as having the same tax benefits without regard to the common units actually purchased. The IRS may challenge this treatment, which could adversely affect the value of the common units.

Because we cannot match transferors and transferees of common units, we have adopted depreciation and amortization positions that may not conform to all aspects of existing Treasury Regulations. A successful IRS challenge to those positions could adversely affect the amount of tax benefits available to our unitholders. It also could affect the timing of these tax benefits or the amount of gain from any sale of common units and could have a negative impact on the value of our common units or result in audit adjustments to a unitholder’s tax returns.

We generally prorate our items of income, gain, loss and deduction between transferors and transferees of our units each month based upon the ownership of our units on the first day of each month, instead of on the basis of the date a particular unit is transferred. The IRS may challenge this treatment, which could change the allocation of items of income, gain, loss and deduction among our unitholders.

We generally prorate our items of income, gain, loss and deduction between transferors and transferees of our units each month based upon the ownership of our units on the first day of each month (the “Allocation Date”), instead of on the basis of the date a particular unit is transferred. Similarly, we generally allocated certain deductions for depreciation of capital additions, gain or loss realized on a sale or other disposition of our assets and, in the discretion of the general partner, any other extraordinary item of income, gain, loss or deduction based upon ownership on the Allocation Date. Treasury Regulations allow a similar monthly simplifying convention, but the regulations do not specifically authorize all aspects of our proration method. If the IRS were to challenge our proration method, we could be required to change the allocation of items of income, gain, loss and deduction among our unitholders.

A unitholder whose units are the subject of a securities loan (e.g., a loan to a “short seller” to cover a short sale of units) may be considered to have disposed of those units. If so, the unitholder would no longer be treated for tax purposes as a partner with respect to those units during the period of the loan and may recognize gain or loss from the disposition.

Because there are no specific rules governing the U.S. federal income tax consequence of loaning a partnership interest, a unitholder whose units are the subject of a securities loan may be considered as having disposed of the loaned units. In that case, the unitholder may no longer be treated for tax purposes as a partner with respect to those units during the period of the loan to the short seller and the unitholder may recognize gain or loss from such disposition. Moreover, during the period of the loan, any of our income, gain, loss or deduction with respect to those units may not be reportable by the unitholder and any cash distributions received by the unitholder as to those units could be fully taxable as ordinary income. Unitholders desiring to assure their status as partners and avoid the risk of gain recognition from a securities loan are urged to modify any applicable brokerage account agreements to prohibit their brokers from borrowing their units.

We have adopted certain valuation methodologies in determining a unitholder’s allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction. The IRS may challenge these methodologies or the resulting allocations, which could adversely affect the value of our common units.

In determining the items of income, gain, loss and deduction allocable to our unitholders, we must routinely determine the fair market value of our assets. Although we may, from time to time, consult with professional appraisers regarding valuation matters, we make many fair market value estimates using a methodology based on the market value of our common units as a means to measure the fair market value of our assets. The IRS may challenge these valuation methods and the resulting allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction.

A successful IRS challenge to these methods or allocations could adversely affect the timing or amount of taxable income or loss being allocated to our unitholders. It also could affect the amount of gain from our unitholders’ sale of common units and could have a negative impact on the value of the common units or result in audit adjustments to our unitholders’ tax returns without the benefit of additional deductions.

The sale or exchange of 50% or more of our capital and profits interests during any twelve-month period will result in the termination of our partnership for federal income tax purposes.

We will be considered to have terminated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes if there is a sale or exchange of 50% or more of the total interests in our capital and profits within a twelve-month period. For purposes of determining whether the 50% threshold has been met, multiple sales of the same interest will be counted only once. Our termination would, among other things, result in the closing of our taxable year for all

unitholders which would result in us filing two tax returns for one calendar year and could result in a significant deferral of depreciation deductions allowable in computing our taxable income. In the case of a unitholder reporting on a taxable year other than a calendar year, the closing of our taxable year may also result in more than twelve months of our taxable income or loss being includable in taxable income for the unitholder’s taxable year that includes our termination. Our termination would not affect our classification as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, but it would result in us being treated as a new partnership for tax purposes. If we were treated as a new partnership, we would be required to make new tax elections and could be subject to penalties if we are unable to determine that a termination occurred. The IRS has announced a relief procedure whereby if a publicly traded partnership that has technically terminated requests and the IRS grants special relief, among other things, the partnership may be permitted to provide only a single ScheduleK-1 to unitholders for the two short tax periods included in the year in which the termination occurs. This provision was eliminated starting in 2018 as a result of the new tax reform legislation.

Our unitholders will likely be subject to state and local taxes and income tax return filing requirements in jurisdictions where they do not live as a result of investing in our common units.

In addition to U.S. federal income taxes, our unitholders will likely be subject to other taxes, including foreign, state and local taxes, unincorporated business taxes and estate, inheritance or intangible taxes that are imposed by the various jurisdictions in which we conduct business or own property, even if our unitholders do not live in any of those jurisdictions. Our unitholders will likely be required to file foreign, state and local income tax returns and pay state and local income taxes in some or all of these various jurisdictions. Further, our unitholders may be subject to penalties for failure to comply with those requirements.

Currently, we own assets or conduct business in the majority of states and in Puerto Rico. Most of these various jurisdictions currently impose, or may in the future impose, an income tax on individuals, corporations and other entities. As we make acquisitions or expand our business, we may own assets or do business in additional states that impose a personal income tax. It is your responsibility to file all United States federal, state and local tax returns.

ITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES

CEMETERIES AND FUNERAL HOMES

The following table summarizes the distribution of our cemetery and funeral home properties by state as of December 31, 2018 as well as the average estimated remaining sales life in years for our cemeteries based upon the number of interment spaces sold during the most recent three years:

   Cemeteries   Funeral
Homes
   Cemetery
Net Acres
   Average
Estimated Net
Sales Life
in Years
   Number
of Interment
Spaces Sold
in 2018
 

Alabama

   9    6    305    188    744 

California

   7    7    271    69    1,177 

Colorado

   2    —      12    437    52 

Delaware

   1    —      12    169    16 

Florida

   9    27    278    90    890 

Georgia

   7    —      135    149    375 

Illinois

   11    2    438    56    4,320 

Indiana

   11    5    1,013    213    1,222 

Iowa

   1    —      89    392    117 

Kansas

   3    2    84    175    315 

Kentucky

   2    —      59    95    108 

Maryland

   10    1    716    171    665 

Michigan

   13    —      818    272    1,268 

Mississippi

   2    1    44    415    32 

Missouri

   6    3    277    289    507 

New Jersey

   6    —      341    55    817 

North Carolina

   19    2    619    165    1,452 

Ohio

   14    2    953    238    1,532 

Oregon

   7    10    162    245    429 

Pennsylvania

   68    8    5,319    355    6,049 

Puerto Rico

   7    4    209    115    472 

Rhode Island

   2    —      70    201    26 

South Carolina

   8    1    395    287    300 

Tennessee

   11    5    657    178    1,055 

Virginia

   34    2    1,183    217    2,001 

Washington

   3    —      33    58    178 

West Virginia

   33    2    1,404    487    745 

Wisconsin

   16    —      533    201    1,675 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   322    90    16,429    223    28,539 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

We calculated estimated remaining sales life for each of our cemeteries by dividing the number of unsold interment spaces as of December 31, 2018 by the average number of interment spaces sold at that cemetery in the three most recent fiscal years. For purposes of estimating remaining sales life, we defined unsold interment spaces as unsold burial lots and unsold spaces in existing mausoleum crypts as of December 31, 2018. We defined interment spaces sold in the three most recent fiscal years as:

the number of burial lots sold, net of cancellations, over such period;

the number of spaces sold over such period in existing mausoleum crypts, net of cancellations; and

the number of spaces sold over such period in mausoleum crypts that we have not yet built, net of cancellations.30 days’ notice.

We count the sale of a double-depth burial lot as the sale of two interment spaces since a double-depth burial lot includes two interment rights. For the same reason we count an unsold double-depth burial lot as two unsold interment spaces. Because our sales of cremation niches were immaterial, we did not include cremation nichesMuth v. StoneMor G.P. LLC, et al., December Term, 2016, No. 1196 and Binder v. StoneMor G.P. LLC, et al., January Term, 2017, No. 4872, both pending in the calculationCourt of estimated remaining sales life. When calculating estimated remaining sales life, we did not take into account any future cemetery expansion.Common Pleas for Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and filed on December 20, 2016 and February 3, 2017, respectively. In addition, salesthese cases, the plaintiffs brought, derivatively on behalf of an unusually high or low numberthe Partnership, claims that the officers and directors of interment spacesStoneMor GP aided and abetted in a particular year affect our calculationbreaches of estimated remaining sales life. Future sales may differ from previous years’ sales,the StoneMor GP’s purported fiduciary duties by, among other things and actual remaining sales life may differ from our estimates. We calculatedin general, allegedly making misrepresentations through the average estimated remaining sales life by aggregating unsold interment spaces and interment spaces sold on ause ofstate-by-statenon-GAAP or company-wide basis. Based on the average number of interment spaces soldaccounting standards in the last three fiscal years, we estimate that our cemeteries have an aggregate average remaining sales life of 223 years.

The following table shows the cemetery properties that we owned or operated as of December 31, 2018, groupedPartnership’s public filings and by estimated remaining sales life:

   0 - 25
years
   26 - 49
years
   50 - 100
years
   101 - 150
years
   151 - 200
years
   Over 200
years
 

Alabama

   —      —      2    3    1    3 

California

   2    1    3    —      —      1 

Colorado

   —      —      1    —      —      1 

Delaware

   —      —      —      —      1    —   

Florida

   1    1    5    —      1    1 

Georgia

   1    —      2    1    1    2 

Illinois

   2    2    2    1    1    3 

Indiana

   —      —      1    3    2    5 

Iowa

   —      —      —      —      —      1 

Kansas

   —      —      2    —      —      1 

Kentucky

   1    —      —      —      1    —   

Maryland

   2    —      —      3    1    4 

Michigan

   —      —      2    3    4    4 

Mississippi

   —      —      —      —      —      2 

Missouri

   —      —      —      3    —      3 

New Jersey

   2    1    2    1    —      —   

North Carolina

   —      3    1    2    1    12 

Ohio

   —      —      2    3    1    8 

Oregon

   —      —      1    1    —      5 

Pennsylvania

   9    3    4    5    3    44 

Puerto Rico

   —      —      2    1    2    2 

Rhode Island

   —      —      1    —      —      1 

South Carolina

   —      —      2    1    —      5 

Tennessee

   —      —      2    2    —      7 

Virginia

   3    1    2    6    1    21 

Washington

   —      —      2    —      1    —   

West Virginia

   5    —      3    3    2    20 

Wisconsin

   1    —      2    1    2    10 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   29    12    46    43    26    166 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

We believe that we have either satisfactory titlefailing to or valid rights to use all of our cemetery properties. The 31 cemetery properties that we manage or operate under long-term lease, operating or management agreements have nonprofit owners. We believe that these cemeteries have either satisfactory title to or valid rights to use these cemetery properties and that we have valid rights to use these properties under the long-term agreements. Although title to the cemetery properties is subject to encumbrances such as liens for taxes, encumbrances

securing payment obligations, easements, restrictions and immaterial encumbrances, we do not believe that any of these burdens should materially detract from the value of these properties or from our interest in these properties, nor should these burdens materially interfere withclearly disclose the use of our cemetery propertiesproceeds from debt and equity offerings, as well as approving unsustainable distributions. The plaintiffs also claim that these actions and misrepresentations give rise to a cause of action for unjust enrichment. The derivative plaintiffs seek an award of damages, attorneys’ fees and costs in favor of the operationPartnership as nominal plaintiff, as well as alterations to the procedures for electing members to the board of our business as described above. Manythe Partnership’s general partner, and other compliance and governance changes. These cases have been consolidated and stayed, by the agreement of our cemetery properties are located in zoned regions, and we believe that cemetery use is permitted for those cemeteries: (1) as expressly permitted under applicable zoning ordinances; (2) through a special exceptionthe parties, pending final resolution of the motion to applicable zoning designations; or (3) as an existingnon-conforming use.

OTHER

Our home office is locateddismiss filed in a 57,000 square foot leased space in Trevose,separate case, which has now been dismissed. In February 2020, the court dismissed these cases for failure to prosecute. The plaintiffs have until the termination of the judicial emergency orders entered by the Pennsylvania with a lease that expires in 2028, withSupreme Court and Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, suspending certain contractual renewal options. We are also tenants under various leases covering office spacescourt deadlines, to petition the court to restore the cases.

The Company is party to other than our corporate headquarters.

ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For information regarding our significant pending administrative and judicial proceedings involving regulatory, operating, transactional, environmental, and other matters, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 13, Contingencies and Commitments.

We and certain of our subsidiaries are parties to legal proceedings that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. We doits business, but does not expect such mattersthe outcome of any proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our consolidatedits financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We carryThe Company carries insurance with coverage and coverage limits that we believeit believes to be customary in the cemetery and funeral home industry. Although there can be no assurance that such insurance will be sufficient to protect usthe Company against suchall contingencies, we believeManagement believes that ourthe insurance protection is reasonable in view of the nature and scope of ourthe Company’s operations.

Other

In connection with the Company’s 2014 lease and management agreements with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, it has committed to pay aggregate fixed rent of $36.0 million in the following amounts:

 

ITEM 4.

Lease Years1-5 (May 28,2014-May 31, 2019)

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURESNone

Lease Years6-20 (June 1,2019-May 31, 2034)

$1,000,000 per Lease Year

Lease Years21-25 (June 1,2034-May 31, 2039)

$1,200,000 per Lease Year

Lease Years26-35 (June 1,2039-May 31, 2049)

$1,500,000 per Lease Year

Lease Years36-60 (June 1,2049-May 31, 2074)

None

Not applicable.The fixed rent for lease years six through 11, an aggregate of $6.0 million, is deferred. If prior to May 31, 2025, the Archdiocese terminates the agreements in accordance with their terms during lease year 11 or the Company terminates the agreements as a result of a default by the Archdiocese, the Company is entitled to retain the deferred fixed rent. If the agreements are not terminated, the deferred fixed rent will become due and payable on or before June 30, 2025.

13.

LEASES

The Company leases a variety of assets throughout its organization, such as office space, funeral homes, warehouses and equipment. In addition the Company has a sale-leaseback related to one of its warehouses. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, and the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For lease agreements with an initial term of more than 12 months, the Company measures the lease liability at the present value of the sum of the remaining minimum rental payments, which exclude executory costs.

Certain leases provide the Company with the option to renew for additional periods, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term for periods ranging from 1 to 30 years. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the

PART IICompany’s sole discretion, and the Company is only including the renewal option in the lease term when the Company can be reasonably certain that it will exercise the renewal options. The Company does have residual value guarantees on the finance leases for its vehicles, but no residual guarantees on any of its operating leases.

Certain of the Company’s leases have variable payments with annual escalations based on the proportion by which the consumer price index (“CPI”) for all urban consumers increased over the CPI index for the prior comparative year.

The Company has the following balances recorded on its consolidated balance sheets related to leases:

   March 31, 2020   December 31, 2019 

Assets:

    

Operating

  $8,793   $10,570 

Finance

   5,095    5,685 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total ROU assets(1)

  $13,888   $16,255 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities:

    

Current

    

Operating

  $1,825   $2,022 

Finance

   1,200    1,200 

Long-term

    

Operating

   9,833    11,495 

Finance

   3,927    4,302 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total lease liabilities(2)

  $16,785   $19,019 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

The Company’s ROU operating assets and finance assets are presented within Other assets and Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, respectively, in its consolidated balance sheets.

(2)

The Company’s current lease liabilities and long-term are presented within Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, in its consolidated balance sheets.

As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate, based on the information available at commencement date, in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company used the incremental borrowing rate on January 1, 2019 for operating leases that commenced prior to that date. The weighted average borrowing rates for operating and finance leases were 9.9% and 8.5%, respectively, as of March 31, 2020.

The components of lease expense were as follows:

      Three months ended March 31, 
          2020           2019     

Lease cost

  Classification    

Operating lease costs(1)

  

General and administrative expense

  $801   $920 

Finance lease costs

      

Amortization of leased assets

  

Depreciation and Amortization

   329    320 

Interest on lease liabilities

  

Interest expense

   116    116 

Variable lease costs

  

General and administrative expense

   —      —   

Short-term lease costs(2)

  

General and administrative expense

   —      —   
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net lease costs

    $1,246   $1,356 
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

The Company includes its variable lease costs under operating lease costs as these variable lease costs are immaterial.

(2)

The Company does not have any short-term leases with lease terms greater than one month.

Maturities of the Company’s lease labilities as of March 31, 2020 were as follows:

Year ending December 31,  Operating   Finance 

2020

  $2,207   $1,267 

2021

   2,512    1,838 

2022

   2,178    2,027 

2023

   1,900    708 

2024

   1,768    105 

Thereafter

   5,854    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $16,419   $5,945 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Interest

   (4,762   (817
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Present value of lease liabilities

  $11,657   $5,128 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Maturities of the Company’s lease labilities as of December 31, 2019 were as follows:

Year ending December 31,  Operating   Finance 

2019

  $3,283   $1,759 

2020

   2,783    1,838 

2021

   2,455    2,026 

2022

   2,190    708 

2023

   2,046    106 

Thereafter

   6,348    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $19,105   $6,437 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Interest

   (5,588   (935
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Present value of lease liabilities

  $13,517   $5,502 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating and finance lease payments include $2.5 million related to options to extend lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised and $2.0 million related to residual value guarantees. The weighted average remaining lease term for operating and finance leases was 7.0 years and 2.6 years, respectively, as of March 31, 2020.

As of March 31, 2020, the Company had one additional operating lease that had not yet commenced, which was valued at $0.1 million, but did not have any lease transactions with its related parties. In addition, as of March 31, 2020, the Company has not entered into any new sale-leaseback arrangements.

 

ITEM 5.14.

MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASESFAIR VALUE OF EQUITY SECURITIESFINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

MARKET INFORMATIONManagement has established a hierarchy to classify the inputs used to measure the Company’s financial instruments at fair value, pursuant to which the Company is required to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs represent market data obtained from independent sources; whereas, unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own market assumptions, which are used if observable inputs are not reasonably available without undue cost and effort. The hierarchy defines three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Our

Level 1—Unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset and liability or can be corroborated with observable market data for substantially the same contractual term of the asset or liability.

Level 3—Unobservable inputs based on the entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in the pricing of the asset or liability and are consequently not based on market activity but rather through particular valuation techniques.

The carrying value of the Company’s current assets and current liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets approximated or equaled their estimated fair values due to their short-term nature or imputed interest rates.

Recurring Fair Value Measurement

At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the two financial instruments measured by the Company at fair value on a recurring basis were its merchandise and perpetual care trusts, which consist of investments in debt and equity marketable securities and cash equivalents that are carried at fair value and are classified as either Level 1 or Level 2 (see Note 7Merchandise Trusts and Note 8Perpetual Care Trusts).

Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified as Level 1 investments pursuant to the fair value measurement hierarchy. Where quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, fair values are estimated by using either quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or an income approach fair value model with observable inputs that include a combination of interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, prepayment speeds, rating, andtax-exempt status. These securities are classified as Level 2 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. Certain investments in the merchandise and perpetual care trusts are excluded from the fair value leveling hierarchy in accordance with GAAP. These funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy.

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurement

The Company may be required to measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value, such as its indefinite-lived assets and long-lived assets, on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP from time to time. These adjustments to fair value usually result from impairment charges.

Other Financial Instruments

The Company’s other financial instruments at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 consisted of its Senior Secured Notes (see Note 9 Long-Term Debt). At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the estimated fair value of the Company’s Senior Secured Notes was $353.3 million and $383.2 million, respectively, based on trades made on that date, compared with the carrying amount of $365.1 million and $392.8 million, respectively.

15.

SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The Company’s Senior Secured Notes are guaranteed by the Company’s 100% owned subsidiaries, other than theco-issuers (except as to each other’s obligations thereunder), as described in Note 9 Long-Term Debt. The guarantees are full, unconditional, joint and several. The Partnership and CFS West Virginia are theco-issuers of the Senior Secured Notes.

In accordance with the disclosures made in Note 1 General, StoneMor Inc. is the “Parent” for the audited consolidated balance sheet presented as of December 31, 2019 and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements presented as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2020, while the Partnership is the “Parent” for the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements presented for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The Company’s audited consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 and its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2020 and for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 include the accounts of cemeteries operated under long-term leases, operating agreements and management agreements. For the purposes of this note, these entities are deemednon-guarantor subsidiaries, as they are not 100% owned by the Company. The Company’s consolidated financial statements also contain merchandise and perpetual care trusts that are alsonon-guarantor subsidiaries for the purposes of this note.

The financial information presented below reflects the Company’s standalone accounts, the standalone accounts of theco-issuers, the combined accounts of the guarantor subsidiaries, the combined accounts of thenon-guarantor subsidiaries, the consolidating adjustments and eliminations and the Company’s consolidated accounts as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. For the purpose of the following financial information, the Company’s investments in its subsidiaries and the guarantor subsidiaries’ investments in their respective subsidiaries are presented in accordance with the equity method of accounting (in thousands):

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

March 31, 2020 Parent  Partnership  CFS West
Virginia
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Assets

       

Current assets:

       

Cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash

 $—    $—    $—    $25,621  $1,445  $—    $27,066 

Restricted cash

  —     —     —     20,400   —     —     20,400 

Assets held for sale

  —     —     —     77,850   —     —     77,850 

Other current assets

  —     —     3,565   60,619   11,574   —     75,758 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

  —     —     3,565   184,490   13,019   —     201,074 

Long-term accounts receivable

  —     —     2,345   59,074   10,055   —     71,474 

Cemetery and funeral home property and equipment

  —     —     531   364,534   32,035   —     397,100 

Merchandise trusts

  —     —     —     —     437,638   —     437,638 

Perpetual care trusts

  —     —     —     —     284,832   —     284,832 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

  —     —     5,704   89,682   18,225   —     113,611 

Intangible assets

  —     —     —     98   55,844   —     55,942 

Other assets

  —     —     —     24,141   2,607   —     26,748 

Investments in and amounts due from affiliates eliminated upon consolidation

  —     279,834   —     576,588   —     (856,422  —   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

 $—    $279,834  $12,145  $1,298,607  $854,255  $(856,422 $1,588,419 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities and Owners’ Equity

       

Current liabilities

  —     —     180   102,968   1,486   —     104,634 

Long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs

  —     279,834   61,470   139   —     —     341,443 

Deferred revenues

  —     —     31,431   727,227   108,749   —     867,407 

Perpetual care trust corpus

  —     —     —     —     284,832   —     284,832 

Other long-term liabilities

  —     —     —     66,670   16,545   —     83,215 

Investments in and amounts due to affiliates eliminated upon consolidation

  93,112   93,112   177,069   341,304   494,246   (1,198,843  —   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

  93,112   372,946   270,150   1,238,308   905,858   (1,198,843  1,681,531 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Owners’ equity

  (93,112  (93,112  (258,005  60,299   (51,603  342,421   (93,112
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and owners’ equity

 $—    $279,834  $12,145  $1,298,607  $854,255  $(856,422 $1,588,419 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)

December 31, 2019 Parent  Partnership  CFS West
Virginia
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Assets

       

Current assets:

       

Cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash

 $—    $—    $—    $33,553  $1,314  $—    $34,867 

Restricted cash

  —     —     —     21,900   —     —     21,900 

Assets held for sale

  —     —     —     23,858   —     —     23,858 

Other current assets

  —     —     3,497   62,686   11,531   —     77,714 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

  —     —     3,497   141,997   12,845   —     158,339 

Long-term accounts receivable

  —     —     2,557   63,124   9,868   —     75,549 

Cemetery and funeral home property and equipment

  —     —     609   391,626   31,770   —     424,005 

Merchandise trusts

  —     —     —     —     517,192   —     517,192 

Perpetual care trusts

  —     —     —     —     343,619   —     343,619 

Deferred selling and obtaining costs

  —     —     5,654   91,243   18,047   —     114,944 

Intangible assets

  —     —     —     136   56,110   —     56,246 

Other assets

  —     —     —     26,907   2,567   —     29,474 

Investments in and amounts due from affiliates eliminated upon consolidation

  —     301,531   —     648,359   —     (949,890  —   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

 $—    $301,531  $12,317  $1,363,392  $992,018  $(949,890 $1,719,368 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities and Owners’ Equity

       

Current liabilities

 $—    $—    $161  $74,674  $1,466  $—    $76,301 

Long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs

  —     301,531   66,239   193   —     —     367,963 

Deferred revenues

  —     —     33,349   802,528   113,498   —     949,375 

Perpetual care trust corpus

  —     —     —     —     343,619   —     343,619 

Liabilities held for sale, net of current portion

       

Other long-term liabilities

  —     —     —     68,227   16,373   —     84,600 

Investments in and amounts due to affiliates eliminated upon consolidation

  102,490   102,490   183,611   367,770   567,666   (1,324,027  —   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

  102,490   404,021   283,360   1,313,392   1,042,622   (1,324,027  1,821,858 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Owners’ equity

  (102,490  (102,490  (271,043  50,000   (50,604  374,137   (102,490
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and owners’ equity

 $—    $301,531  $12,317  $1,363,392  $992,018  $(949,890 $1,719,368 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Parent  Partnership  CFS West
Virginia
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Total revenues

 $—    $—    $1,194  $59,698  $13,069  $(2,716 $71,245 

Total costs and expenses

  —     —     (3,169  (58,984  (13,319  2,716   (72,756

Gain on sale of businesses

  —     —     —     24,086   —     —     24,086 

Net income from equity investment in subsidiaries

  9,003   17,701   12,585   —     —     (39,289  —   

Interest expense

  —     (8,698  (1,911  (1,382  (293  —     (12,284
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations before income taxes

  9,003   9,003   8,699   23,418   (543  (39,289  10,291 

Income tax expense

  —     —     —     (1,288  —     —     (1,288
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 $9,003  $9,003  $8,699  $22,130  $(543 $(39,289 $9,003 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019    Parent  Subsidiary
Issuer
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  

 

Non-

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Total revenues

 

 $—    $1,564  $59,752  $11,132  $(979 $71,469 

Total costs and expenses

 

  —     (4,520  (65,935  (11,356  979   (80,832

Net loss from equity investment in subsidiaries

 

  (21,176  (18,925  —     —     40,101   —   

Interest expense

 

  (1,358  (2,087  (9,456  (270  —     (13,171
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations before income taxes

 

  (22,534  (23,968  (15,639  (494  40,101   (22,534

Income tax expense

 

  —     —     —     —     —     —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

 $(22,534 $(23,968 $(15,639 $(494 $40,101  $(22,534
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Parent  Partnership  CFS West
Virginia
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Net cash used in (provided by) operating activities

 $—    $—    $12  $4,465  $893  $(10,608 $(5,238

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

       

Cash paid for acquisitions and capital expenditures, net of proceeds from divestitures and asset sales

  —     —     —     26,796   (679  —     26,117 

Payments to affiliates

  —     —     —     —     —     —     —   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by investing activities

  —     —     —     26,796   (679  —     26,117 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

       

Cash distributions

  —     —     —     —     —     —     —   

Payments from affiliates

  —     —     —     (10,608  —     10,608   —   

Net borrowings and repayments of debt

  —     —     (12  (29,872  (83  —     (29,967

Other financing activities

  —     —     —     (213  —     —     (213
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

  —     —     (12  (40,693  (83  10,608   (30,180
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

  —     —     —     (9,432  131   —     (9,301

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash—Beginning of period

  —     —     —     55,453   1,314   —     56,767 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash—End of period

 $—    $—    $—    $46,021  $1,445  $—    $47,466 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Parent  Subsidiary
Issuer
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Net cash used in (provided by) operating activities

 $—    $119  $(9,509 $(268 $(3,445 $(13,103

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

      

Cash paid for acquisitions and capital expenditures, net of proceeds from divestitures and asset sales

  —     (106  (1,717  (80  —     (1,903
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used investing activities

  —     (106  (1,717  (80  —     (1,903

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

      

Cash distributions

  —     —     —     —     —     —   

Payments to affiliates

  —     —     (3,445  —     3,445   —   

Net borrowings and repayments of debt

  —     (13  24,030   (74  —     23,943 

Other financing activities

  —     —     (2,636  —     —     (2,636
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  —     (13  17,949   (74  3,445   21,307 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

  —     —     6,723   (422  —     6,301 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash—Beginning of period

  —     —     16,298   1,849   —     18,147 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash—End of period

 $—    $—    $23,021  $1,427  $—    $24,448 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

16.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

Management operates the Company in two reportable operating segments: Cemetery Operations and Funeral Home Operations. These operating segments reflect the way the Company manages its operations and makes business decisions. Management evaluates the performance of these operating segments based on interments performed, interment rights sold,pre-need cemetery andat-need cemetery contracts written, revenue and segment profit (loss). As a percentage of revenue and assets, the Company’s major operations consist of its cemetery operations.

The following tables present financial information with respect to the Company’s segments (in thousands). Corporate costs represent those not directly associated with an operating segment, such as corporate overhead, interest expense and income taxes. Corporate assets primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash.

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
           2020                  2019         

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:

   

Cemetery Operations:

   

Revenues

  $58,066  $57,910 

Operating costs and expenses

   (51,138  (53,162

Depreciation and amortization

   (1,704  (1,962
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment operating profit

  $5,224  $2,786 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Funeral Home Operations:

   

Revenues

  $13,179  $13,559 

Operating costs and expenses

   (10,658  (11,500

Depreciation and amortization

   (539  (588
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment operating profit

  $1,982  $1,471 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Reconciliation of segment operating profit to net income (loss):

   

Cemetery Operations

  $5,224  $2,786 

Funeral Home Operations

   1,982   1,471 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total segment profit

   7,206   4,257 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Corporate overhead

   (8,501  (13,413

Corporate depreciation and amortization

   (216  (207

Gain on sale of businesses

   24,086   —   

Interest expense

   (12,284  (13,171

Income tax expense

   (1,288  —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $9,003  $(22,534
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

CASH FLOW DATA:

   

Capital expenditures:

   

Cemetery Operations

  $1,188  $890 

Funeral Home Operations

   10   976 

Corporate

   875   37 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total capital expenditures

  $2,073  $1,903 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

   March 31, 2020   December 31, 2019 

BALANCE SHEET DATA:

    

Assets:

    

Cemetery Operations

  $1,394,901   $1,504,463 

Funeral Home Operations

   136,726    148,310 

Corporate

   56,792    66,595 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

  $1,588,419   $1,719,368 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Assets held for sale:

    

Cemetery Operations

  $65,360   $20,819 

Funeral Home Operations

   12,490    3,039 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets held for sale

  $77,850   $23,858 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Disposed assets:

    

Cemetery Operations

  $20,445   $—   

Funeral Home Operations

   3,032    110 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total disposed assets

  $23,477   $110 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

17.

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW INFORMATION

The tables presented below provide supplemental information to the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows regarding contract origination and maturity activity included in the pertinent captions on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):

   Three months ended March 31, 
           2020                  2019         

Accounts Receivable

   

Pre-need/at-need contract originations (sales on credit)

  $(25,457 $(27,587

Cash receipts from sales on credit (post-origination)

   23,862   25,622 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Changes in accounts receivable, net of allowance

  $(1,595 $(1,965
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Customer Contract Liabilities

   

Deferrals:

   

Cash receipts from customer deposits at origination, net of refunds

  $35,586  $34,205 

Withdrawals of realized income from merchandise trusts during the period

   2,684   2,124 

Pre-need/at-need contract originations (sales on credit)

   25,457   27,587 

Undistributed merchandise trust investment earnings, net

   (1,595  3,610 

Recognition:

   

Merchandise trust investment income, net withdrawn as of end of period

   (2,107  (2,255

Recognized maturities of customer contracts collected as of end of period

   (45,989  (46,131

Recognized maturities of customer contracts uncollected as of end of period

   (7,602  (10,556
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Changes in customer contract liabilities

  $6,434  $8,584 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

18.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Amendments to Indenture and Capital Raise

On April 1, 2020, the Partnership and CFS West Virginia (collectively, the “Issuers”) and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, entered into the Third Supplemental Indenture (the “Supplemental Indenture”) to the Indenture. Pursuant to the terms of the Supplemental Indenture, the following financial covenants were amended:

The Interest Coverage Ratio measurements at March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2020 were eliminated and replaced with a Minimum Operating Cash Flow covenant of $(25.0 million), $(35.0 million) and $(35.0 million), respectively;

The required Interest Coverage Ratios at December 31, 2020, March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021 were reduced to 0.00x, 0.75x and 1.10x, respectively, from 1.15x, 1.25x and 1.30x; and

The Asset Coverage tests at March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2020 were reduced to 1.40x from 1.60x.

In addition, the premium payable upon voluntary redemption of the Senior Secured Notes on or after June 27, 2021 and before June 27, 2022 was increased from 4.0% to 5.0% and the premium payable upon any such voluntary redemption on or after June 27, 2022 and before June 27, 2023 was increased from 2.0% to 3.0%.

The Issuers also agreed in the Supplemental Indenture to use their best efforts to cause the Company to effectuate a rights offering on the terms described below as promptly as practicable with an expiration date no later than July 24, 2020 and to receive proceeds of not less than $8.2 million therefrom (in addition to the $8.8 million capital raise described below).

Concurrently with the execution of the Supplemental Indenture, the Company entered into a letter agreement (the “Axar Commitment”) with Axar pursuant to which Axar committed to (a) purchase shares of our Series A Preferred Stock with an aggregate purchase price of $8.8 million on April 3, 2020, (b) exercise its basic rights in the rights offering by tendering the shares of Series A Preferred Stock so purchased for shares of Common Stock and (c) purchasing any shares offered in the rights offering for which other stockholders do not exercise their rights, up to a maximum of an additional $8.2 million of such shares. The Company did not pay Axar any commitment, backstop or other fees in connection with the Axar Commitment.

On April 3, 2020, as contemplated by the Axar Commitment, the Company and Axar CL SPV LLC, Star V Partners LLC and Blackwell Partners LLC –Series E. (the “2020 Purchasers”) entered into a Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (the “2020 Preferred Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company sold 176 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Shares”), for a cash price of $50,000 per share, an aggregate of $8.8 million. The Company offered and sold the Preferred Shares in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof. The Company relied on this exemption from registration based in part on representations made by the 2020 Purchasers in the 2020 Preferred Purchase Agreement.

Under the terms of the Supplemental Indenture and the Axar Commitment, the Company agreed to undertake an offering to holders of its Common Stock of transferable rights to purchase their pro rata share of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate exercise price of at least $17.0 million at a price of $0.73 per share. The rights offering period, during which the rights will be transferable, will be no less than 20 calendar days and no more than 45 calendar days. The Company agreed to use its best efforts to complete the rights offering with an expiration date no later than July 24, 2020.

Strategic Partnership Agreement

On April 2, 2020, the Company entered into two multi-year Master Services Agreements (the “MSAs”) with Moon Landscaping, Inc. and its affiliate, Rickert Landscaping, Inc. (collectively “Moon”). Under the terms of the

MSAs, Moon will provide all grounds and maintenance services at most of the funeral homes, cemeteries and other properties the Company owns or manages including, but not limited to, landscaping, openings and closings, burials, installations, routine maintenance and janitorial services. Moon will hire all of the Company’s grounds and maintenance employees at the serviced locations and will perform all functions currently handled by those employees. The Company expects the implementation of the MSAs to take place on a clustered basis over the next three to four months, with full implementation expected no later than July 31, 2020.

The Company agreed to pay a total of approximately $241.0 million over the term of the contract, which runs through December 31, 2024, based upon an initial annual cost of $49.0 million and annual increases of 2%. The first year cost will be prorated based upon exact implementation androll-out schedule for each location. As part of the MSAs, the Company agreed to lease its landscaping and maintenance equipment to Moon for the duration of the agreements and to transfer title to any such equipment we own at the end of the term to Moon, in each case without any additional payment by Moon. As of December 31, 2019, the net book value of the equipment the Company will be leasing to Moon was approximately $7.4 million.

Each party has the right to terminate the MSAs at any time on six months’ prior written notice, provided that if the Company terminate the MSAs without cause, it will be obligated to pay Moon an equipment credit fee in the amount of $1.0 million for each year remaining in the term, prorated for the portion of the year in which any such termination occurs. The MSAs also contain representations, covenants and indemnity provisions that are customary for agreements of this nature.

Divestitures

On April 7, 2020, the Company completed the Olivet Sale for a net cash purchase price of $24.3 million, subject to certain adjustments, and the assumption of certain liabilities, including $17.1 million in land purchase obligations. The Company used net proceeds of $20.5 million to redeem additional Senior Secured Notes as required by the Indenture.

Cost Reduction Initiatives Related toCOVID-19

In an effort to minimize the impact of theCOVID-19 Pandemic on the Company’s results of operations, the Company implemented certain cost reduction initiatives in April 2020, which included a reduction of 21 positions within its corporate functions at its headquarters located in Trevose, Pennsylvania.

Amendment of Plan

On May 5, 2020, the Company’s Board approved the second amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Plan, which increased the number of shares of the Company’s common units are listed onstock reserved for delivery under the Plan by 1,375,000 shares, provided that such additional shares may not be delivered pursuant to awards under the Plan unless and until the increase is approved by the stockholders of the Company, and any awards under the Plan with respect to such additional shares will be expressly conditioned upon receipt of such approval. The Company plans to submit the Plan, as so amended, to its stockholders for their approval at the 2020 annual meeting of stockholders.

NYSE Delisting Notification

On April 14, 2020, the Company received notice from the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”(the “NYSE”) stating that upon its review of the Company’s financial condition, the NYSE has concluded that the Company is not in compliance with the NYSE’s continued listing requirements (the “NYSE Notification”), since as of April 13, 2020, the30-trading day average closing price of the Company’s Common Stock had fallen below $1.00 per share over a consecutive 30trading-day period, which is the minimum average share price for continued listing on the NYSE under Rule 802.01C of the symbol “STON”NYSE Listed Company Manual (the “NYSE Listed Manual”). As of April 13, 2020, the Company’s 30trading-day average closing share price of its security was $0.97.

The Company has a period of six months following the receipt of the NYSE Notification to regain compliance with the minimum share price requirement, which period has been tolled from April 21, 2020 through June 30, 2020. In order to regain compliance, on the last trading day of any calendar month during the cure period, the Common Stock must have (i) a closing price of at least $1.00 per share and (ii) an average closing price of at least $1.00 per share over the30-trading day period ending on the last trading day of such month. In addition, the Company must notify the NYSE, within 10 business days of receipt of the NYSE Notification, of its intent to cure this deficiency or be subject to suspension and delisting procedures. In the event that at the expiration of the six–month cure period, both a $1.00 share price and a $1.00 average share price over the preceding 30 trading days are not attained, the NYSE will commence suspension and delisting procedures. Alternatively, however, the Company can also demonstrate an accelerated cure based on a $1.00 share price on both the last trading day of any calendar month within thesix-month cure period and the average share price over the 30 trading days preceding the end of that month. In response, the Company’s Board of Directors is reviewing all available alternatives to return to compliance with the NYSE continued listing standards.

19.

RELATED PARTIES

In December 2019, the Company purchased a $30 million participation in a $70 million new debt facility issued by Payless Holdings LLC (“Payless”). Funds and accounts affiliated with Axar also invested $20 million in this facility. The investment was initially proposed by the Company’s Chairman of the Board, Mr. Axelrod, and subsequently approved by the Board. The Axar funds controlled by Mr. Axelrod own approximately 30% of the equity of Payless, and Mr. Axelrod serves on Payless’ board of directors. The Company’s investment in Payless represented approximately 4% of the total fair market value of all of the Company’s trusts as of March 15, 2019, there were approximately eighteen thousand31, 2020 and December, 31, 2019.

As of March 31, 2020, Axar beneficially owned 52.4% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, which constituted a majority of the Company’s outstanding common stock. As a result, the Company is a “controlled company” within the meaning of NYSE corporate governance standards. For discussion of certain risks and uncertainties attributable to the Company being a controlled company, see Part I, Item 1A.Risk Factors of the Company’s Annual Report, and for discussion on the security ownership of certain beneficial unitholders, forty-three unitholdersowners, directors and executives of recordthe Company, see Part III, Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and 38,223,861 common units outstanding, representing an approximately 99% limited partner interest in us.Management and Related Stockholder Matters of the Annual Report.

On April 1, 2020 and April 3, 2020, the Company entered into the Axar Commitment and the 2020 Preferred Purchase Agreement, respectively, with Axar and funds or accounts under its management, respectively. For further details, see Note 18Subsequent Events of this Report.

ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

As a smaller reporting company, we have elected not to provide the disclosure under this item.

ITEM 7.2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

TheManagement’s discussion and analysis presented below provides information to assist in understanding ourthe Company’s financial condition and results of operations and should be read in conjunction with the Partnership’sCompany’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part II,I, Item 8. 1Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.(Unaudited)of this Quarterly Report.

Certain statements contained in this AnnualQuarterly Report, on Form10-K, including, but not limited to, information regarding our operating activities, the plans and objectives of our management and assumptions regarding our future performance and plans are forward-looking statements. When used in this AnnualQuarterly Report, on Form10-K, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and estimates. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are made subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results stated or implied in this Annual Report on Form10-K.Quarterly Report. We believe the assumptions underlying the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable.

Our majorprimary risks are related toinclude uncertainties regarding current business and economic disruptions resulting from the recentCOVID-19 Pandemic, including the effect of government regulations issued in connection therewith, our substantial securedindebtedness, whether our common stock will trade at prices that exceed the minimum share requirement of the NYSE and unsecured indebtedness,the related risk that the NYSE could initiate proceedings to delist the common stock from trading on the NYSE, our ability to refinance our secured indebtedness in the near term, uncertainties associatedidentify and negotiate acceptable agreements with purchasers of additional properties, the cash flow from ourpre-need andat-need sales, trusts and financings, which may impact our ability to meet our financial projections and service our debt, as well as with our ability to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting andincluding effective disclosure controls and procedures.

Our additional risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: uncertainties associated with future revenue and revenue growth; uncertainties associated with the integration or anticipated benefits of recent acquisitions or any future acquisitions; our ability to complete and fund additional acquisitions; the effect of economic downturns; the impact of our significant leverage on our operating plans; uncertainty of our ability to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness; the decline in the fair value of certain equity and debt securities held in trusts; our ability to attract, train and retain an adequate number of sales people; uncertainties associated with the volume and timing ofpre-need sales of cemetery services and products; increased use of cremation; changes in religious beliefs, changes in the death rate; changes in the political or regulatory environments, including potential changes in tax accounting and trusting policies; our ability to successfully implement a strategic plan relating to achieving operating improvements, strong cash flows and further deleveraging; our ability to successfully compete in the cemetery and funeral home industry; litigation or legal proceedings that could expose us to significant liabilities and damage our reputation; the effects of cyber security attacks due to our significant reliance on information technology; our ability to negotiate bonding arrangements with third-party insurance companies; uncertainties relating to the financial condition of third-party insurance companies that fund ourpre-need funeral contracts; and various other uncertainties associated with the death care industry and our operations in particular.

Our risks and uncertainties are more particularly described in Part I, Item 1A.Risk Factors of our Annual Report and in Part II, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form10-K.Quarterly Report. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements included in this AnnualQuarterly Report, on Form10-K, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. Except as required by applicable laws, we undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

We are a publicly-traded Delaware master-limited partnership (“MLP”) and providerone of the leading providers of funeral and cemetery products and services in the death care industry in the United States.States (“U.S.”). As of DecemberMarch 31, 2018,2020, we operated 322319 cemeteries in 27 states and Puerto Rico, of which 291289 were owned and 3130 were operated under lease,leases, operating agreements or management or operating agreements. We also owned, operated or managed 9088 funeral homes in 17 states and Puerto Rico. We are proposing to convertOn December 31, 2019, we consummated theC-Corporation Conversion for the purpose of transitioning the Partnership and its affiliates from a master limited partnership structure to a “C” Corporation, which if, approved, will be effective during 2019.corporate form. See Part 1,1. Item 1.Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 1 General to the consolidated financial statements of this Quarterly Report for further information related to the Merger and Reorganization Agreement.C-Corporation Conversion.

Our revenue is derived from our Cemetery Operations and Funeral Home Operations.Operations segments. Our Cemetery OperationOperations segment principally generates revenue from sales of interment rights, cemetery merchandise, which includes markers, bases, vaults, caskets and cremation niches and our cemetery services, includingwhich include opening and closing (“O&C”),services, cremation services and fees for the installation of cemetery merchandise. Our Funeral Home Operations segment principally generates revenue from sales of funeral home merchandise, which includes caskets and other funeral related items and service revenues, includingwhich include services such as family consultation, the removal of and preparation of remains and the use of funeral home facilities for visitation and prayer services. These sales occur both at the time of death, which we referto as at-need and prior to the time of

death, which we referto aspre-need. Our Funeral Our funeral home operationsHome Operations segment also include revenues related to the sale of term and whole life insurance on an agency basis, in which we earn a commission from the sales of these insurance policies.

Thepre-need sales enhance our financial position by providing a backlog of future revenue from both trust and insurance-fundedpre-need funeral and cemetery sales. We believe pre-need sales add to the stability and predictability of our revenues and cash flows. Pre-need sales are typically sold on an installment plan. While revenue on the majority ofpre-need funeral sales is deferred until the time of need, sales of pre-need cemetery property interment rights provide opportunities for full current revenue recognition when the property is available for use by the customer.

We also earn investment income on certain payments received from the customercustomerson pre-need contracts, which are required by law to be deposited into theour merchandise and service trusts. Amounts are withdrawn from theour merchandise and service trusts when the Partnership fulfillswe fulfill the performance obligations. Earnings on these trust funds, which are specifically identifiable for each performance obligation, are also included in the total transaction price. For sales of interment rights, a portion of the cash proceeds received are required to be deposited into a perpetual care trust. While the principal balance of the perpetual care trust must remain in the trust in perpetuity, we recognize investment income on such assets as revenue, excluding realized gains and losses from the sale of trust assets.assets. Pre-need contracts are subject to financing arrangements on an installment basis, with a contractual term not to exceed 60 months. Interest income is recognized utilizing the effective interest method. For those contracts that do not bear a market rate of interest, the Partnership imputeswe impute such interest based upon the prime rate at the time of origination plus 150 basis points in order to segregate the principal and interest components of the total contract value.

Our revenue depends upon the demand for funeral and cemetery services and merchandise, which can be influenced by a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our control including:including demographic trends, includingsuch as population growth, average age, death rates and number of deaths. Our operating results and cash flows could also be influenced by our ability to remain relevant to the customer.customers. We provide a variety of unique product and service offerings to meet the needs of our customer’scustomers’ families. The mix of services could influence operating results, as it influences the average revenue per contract. Expense management, includingwhich includes controlling salaries, merchandise costs, corporate overhead and other expense categories, could also impact operating results and cash flows. Lastly, economic conditions, legislative and regulatory changes and tax law changes, all of which are beyond our control, could impact our operating results includingand cash flow.flows.

For further discussion of our key operating metrics, see our Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources sections below.

RECENT EVENTS

The following are key events and transactions that occurred during 2018 and2020 through the date of issuance of the attachedunaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as discussedcontained in further detail in ResultsPart I, Item 1 of Operations sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis:this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q:

 

Joseph M. Redling became our President and Chief Executive Officer on July 18, 2018.

Patricia D. Wellenbach and Stephen J. Negrotti were appointed to the Board of Directors in April 2018, following the expiration of the terms of Allen Freedman and Howard Carver as members of the Board of Directors.

COVID-19 Pandemic. The outbreak ofCOVID-19, which has reached pandemic proportions poses a significant threat to the health and economic wellbeing of our employees, customers and vendors. Currently, our operations have been deemed essential by the state and local governments in which we operate, with the exception of Puerto Rico, and we are actively working with federal, state and local government officials to ensure that we continue to satisfy their requirements for offering our essential services. The operation of all of our facilities is critically dependent on the employees who staff these locations. To ensure the wellbeing of our employees and their families, we have provided all of our employees with detailed health and safety literature onCOVID-19, such as the CDC’s industry-specific guidelines for working with the deceased who were and may have been infected withCOVID-19. In addition, our procurement and safety teams have updated and developed new safety-oriented guidelines

to support daily field operations and continue to provide personal protection equipment to those employees whose positions necessitate them, and we have implemented work from home policies at our corporate office consistent with CDC guidance to reduce the risks of exposure toCOVID-19 while still supporting the families that we serve. The Company has not experienced any significant disruptions to its business as a result of the work from home policies in its corporate office.

On September 27, 2018,Our marketing and sales team quickly responded to the Partnership entered intosales challenges presented by theCOVID-19 Pandemic by implementing virtual meeting options using a Mergervariety ofweb-based tools to ensure that we can continue to connect with and Reorganization Agreement, pursuant to which, the GP will convert frommeet our customers’ needs in a Delaware Limited Liability Company into a Delaware Corporation

During 2018, the Board of Directorssafe, effective and productive manner. Some of our general partner appointed Stephen J. Negrottilocations are providing live video streaming of their funeral and Patricia D. Wellenbachburial services to our customers or providing other alternatives that respect social distancing, so that family and friends can connect during their time of grief.

Like most businesses world-wide, theCOVID-19 Pandemic has impacted us financially. Through early March 2020, we were experiencing sales growth for the first quarter of 2020, as compared to the first quarter of 2019; however, over the last two weeks of the quarter, we saw ourpre-need sales andat-need sales activity decline as Americans practiced social distancing and crowd size restrictions were put in place. In addition, ourpre-need customers with installment contracts could default on their installment contracts due to lost work or other financial stresses arising from theCOVID-19 Pandemic. While we expect ourpre-need sales to be challenged during the COVID 19 Pandemic, we believe the implementation of our virtual meeting tools is one of several key steps to mitigate this disruption. In addition, we expect that throughout this disruption our cemeteries and funeral homes will remain open and available to serve our families in all the locations in which we operate to the extent permitted by local authorities, with the exception of Puerto Rico.

We expect theCOVID-19 Pandemic to continue to have an adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows, however we cannot presently predict, with certainty, the Conflicts Committee for purposesscope and severity of evaluatingthat impact. We may incur additional costs related to the propose conversion transactionimplementation of prescribed safety protocols related to theCOVID-19 Pandemic. In the event there are confirmed diagnoses ofCOVID-19 within a significant number of our facilities, we may incur costs related to the closing and subsequent cleaning of these facilities and the agreements related thereto. The Conflicts Committee, which is authorizedability to exercise alladequately staff the impacted sites. As a result of the powerimplications ofCOVID-19, we assessed long-lived assets for impairment and authorityconcluded no assets were impaired as of the Board of Directors in connection with investigating, reviewing and acting on matters referred or disclosed to it where a conflict of interest exists or arises and performing such other functions as the board may assign to the Conflicts Committee from time to time.March 31, 2020.

 

Divestitures.On January 3, 2020, we consummated the Oakmont Sale with Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc. for an aggregate cash purchase price of $33.0 million. The divested assets consisted of one cemetery, one funeral home and certain related assets. On April 7, 2020, we consummated the Olivet Sale with Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association for a net cash purchase price of $24.3 million, subject to certain adjustments, and the assumption of certain liabilities, including $17.1 million in land purchase obligations. In addition, in March 2020, we entered into the California Agreement with certain entities owned by John Yeatman and Guy Saxton to sell substantially all of our remaining California properties, consisting of five cemeteries, six funeral establishments and four crematories for a cash purchase price of $7.1 million, subject to certain closing adjustments.

During the fourth quarter 2018,three months ended March 31, 2020, we redeemed an aggregate $31.3 million of principal on the Partnership approved certain strategic, operationalSenior Secured Notes, primarily using the net proceeds from the Oakmont Sale. In April 2020, we redeemed an aggregate $20.5 million of principal on the Senior Secured Notes using the net proceeds from the Olivet Sale. Per the Indenture, we anticipate using the first $3.2 million of net proceeds and organizational steps for the Partnership to take to refocus its operations and enhance shareholder value. These actions were the result of a comprehensive assessmentremaining 80% of the Partnership’s strengths and challenges, our cost structure and execution capabilities, and our most promising opportunitiesnet proceeds from the Remaining California Sale to drive future cash flow and earnings growth. The cost reduction initiatives include a reduction in headcount of approximately 45 corporate positions of our workforce, a streamlining of general and administrative expenses, optimizing spend and refocusing field operations.

On February 4, 2019, we amended and restated our existing Credit Agreement, which had been previously amended in June and July 2018, to modify its covenants to provide us with greater financial and operating flexibility.

On February 4, 2019, as partredeem additional principal portions of the recent amendment to our credit facility, we have added a “last out” senior secured credit facility with Axar Capital Management, a related party, for up to $35.0 million. The proceeds of the facility will be used to finance the working capital needs and for other general corporate purposes to drive improvements in sales. We borrowed $15.0 million under this facility on February 4, 2019, and any borrowings resulting in the outstanding balance of thislast-out facility exceeding $25.0 million were subject to receipt of a fairness opinion with respect to thelast-out facility, which we have now obtained.Senior Secured Notes.

Amendments to Indenture and Capital Raise in 2020.On April 1, 2020, the Partnership, CFS West Virginia and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, entered into the Supplemental Indenture. Pursuant to the terms of the Supplemental Indenture, several financial covenants were amended. Concurrently with the execution of the Supplemental Indenture, we entered the Axar

Commitment pursuant to which Axar committed to (a) purchase shares of our Series A Preferred Stock with an aggregate purchase price of $8.8 million on April 3, 2020, (b) exercise its basic rights in the rights offering by tendering the shares of Series A Preferred Stock so purchased for shares of Common Stock and (c) purchase any shares offered in the rights offering for which other stockholders do not exercise their rights, up to a maximum of an additional $8.2 million of such shares. We did not pay Axar any commitment, backstop or other fees in connection with the Axar Commitment. As contemplated by the Axar Commitment, on April 3, 2020, we sold an aggregate of 176 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock to the 2020 Purchasers for an aggregate purchase price of $8.8 million. Under the terms of the Supplemental Indenture and the Axar Commitment, we agreed to undertake an offering to holders of our Common Stock of transferable rights to purchase their pro rata share of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate exercise price of at least $17.0 million at a price of $0.73 per share. The rights offering period, during which the rights will be transferable, will be no less than 20 calendar days and no more than 45 calendar days. We agreed to use our best efforts to complete the rights offering with an expiration date no later than July 24, 2020.

GENERAL TRENDS AND OUTLOOK

We expect our business to be affected by key trends in the death care industry, based upon assumptions made by us and information currently available. Death care industry factors affecting our financial position and results of operations include, but are not limited to, death rates, per capita disposable income, demographic trends in terms of population growth, average agenumber of adults aged 65 and older, cremation trends.rates and trends ande-commerce sales. In addition, we are subject to fluctuations in the fair value of equity and fixed-maturity debt securities held in our trusts. These values can be negatively impacted by contractions in the credit market and overall downturns in economic activity. Our ability to make payments on our debt depends on our success at managing operations with respect to these industry trends. To the extent our underlying assumptions about or interpretations of available information prove to be incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from our expected results.

DueBusiness Strategies

We believe the Recapitalization Transactions demonstrate both strong underlying values of our asset base, as well as confidence in our ability to enhanced inventory control procedures implemented in late 2018, we recorded inventory impairment charges relatedexecute our turnaround plan. We believe the recapitalization of our balance sheet has reset our financial footing and helps position us to damaged and excess inventory and to certain excess inventory allocated topre-need customers that had been damaged due to weather related deterioration or had otherwise been deemed impractical for use by management. These impairments resulted in an increase of $3.4 million to cost of goods sold and $8.9 million charge included in other losses forexecute the year ended December 31, 2018. During 2017, we analyzed our contract cancellations on a consolidated basis. Based on accounts receivable collection and contract cancellation analyses performed at the individual cemetery and funeral home level we had a change in estimate regarding our allowance for contract cancellations as of December 31, 2017, which resulted in an increase of $6.5 million in total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017.following business strategies:

Execute on Financial Strategy. The Recapitalization Transactions have significantly extended our debt capital structure with a five-year maturity, which provides us with a meaningful liquidity improvement to execute our turnaround strategy, including the next phase of our performance improvement plans. In April 2019, we announced a turnaround strategy focused on four key goals: cash flow and liquidity, capital structure, strategic balance sheet/portfolio review, and performance improvement from cost reductions and revenue enhancement.

Implementation of New Strategic Initiatives. We view our substantial and diverse asset base as a strength, but we have prioritized the ways in which we view our assets. We believe that by tiering operating units by class and contribution, identifying and initiating a divestiture plan for select assets and prioritizing certain assets over others, we will be able to optimize results in our top tier properties and more efficiently manage our assets. From a portfolio review perspective, we continue to focus our resources on improving our “top tier” assets as we believe they possess the greatest potential for improved profitability. We are also minimizing costs and resources on our “lower-tier” assets to reduce the impact these assets have on profitability of the portfolio.

Improve Operating Efficiencies. We believe we have identified significant expense reduction opportunities in the next phase of this operational turnaround strategy with additional“4-wall level” operational savings, identified projects and industry benchmarking. In addition, we are focused on improving performance through cost reductions and revenue enhancement and executing on other long

We operate certain cemetery and funeral home properties in Florida and Puerto Rico, which were affected by hurricanes during September 2017. We incurred property damages of $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 before considering any insurance recoveries which we may be entitled to receive. During 2018, we received insurance proceeds to offset most of the losses incurred.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code by, among other things, reducing the federal corporate income tax rate, creating a new limitation on deductible interest expense, creating bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing on qualified property, changing the lives of post-2017 net operating loss carryovers and imposing limitations on deductibility of certain executive compensation.

and short-term turnaround strategies that will allow us to meet our primary objectives on a continuing basis. The next phase of cost reduction and operational performance improvement opportunities have now been identified with a focus on prioritizing identified opportunities in procurement, sourcing, product hierarchy, field labor efficiencies, shared services and outsourcing. We believe that the execution of these initiatives will result in improved profitability and cash flow across the asset base. In terms of revenue enhancements, we believe we have identified the primary drivers of our sales productivity andpre-need sales issues and, while it is in the early stages, we remain focused on improving retention of sales personnel and optimizing staffing levels across our asset base.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

We have two distinct reportable segments, Cemetery Operations and Funeral Home Operations, which are supported by corporate costs and expenses. Additional information about our reportable segments are contained inItem. 1. BusinessandItem 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 18 Segment Information

Cemetery Operations

Overview

We are currently the secondone of the largest ownerowners and operatoroperators of cemeteries in the United States of America.U.S. As of DecemberMarch 31, 20182020, we operated 322319 cemeteries in 27 states and Puerto Rico. We own 291289 of these cemeteries, and we manage or operate the remaining 3130 under lease,leases, operating agreements or management agreements. Revenues from our Cemetery Operations segment accounted for approximately 83%82% of our total revenues duringfor the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2018.2020.

Operating Results

The following table presents operating results for our Cemetery Operations segment for the respective reporting periodsthree months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

 

  Three Months Ended March 31, 
  Years Ended December 31,           Variance 
  2018
As reported
under FASB
ASC 606
   2017
As reported
under FASB
ASC 605
   2020   2019   $   % 

Interments

  $76,902   $75,077   $15,954   $15,944   $10    0

Merchandise

   75,412    75,602    15,166    16,541    (1,375   (8%) 

Services

   67,278    70,704    15,560    15,967    (407   (3%) 

Interest income

   8,995    8,261    1,938    1,822    116    6

Investment and other

   33,348    47,052    9,448    7,636    1,812    24
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total revenues

   261,935    276,696    58,066    57,910    156    0

Cost of goods sold

   54,647    51,899    9,925    9,743    182    2

Cemetery expense

   78,708    76,857    17,848    17,247    601    3

Selling expense

   62,538    66,083    13,049    14,733    (1,684   (11%) 

General and administrative expense

   43,081    39,111    10,316    11,439    (1,123   (10%) 

Depreciation and amortization

   8,037    8,909    1,704    1,962    (258   (13%) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total costs and expenses

   247,011    242,859    52,842    55,124    (2,282   (4%) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Segment income

  $14,924   $33,837 

Segment operating profit

  $5,224   $2,786   $2,438    88
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

The following table presents supplemental operating data for the periods presented (in thousands):three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

  Three Months Ended March 31, 
          Variance 
  Years Ended December 31,   2020   2019   #   % 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:      2018           2017             

Interments performed

   54,773    54,109    12,820    12,995    (175   (1%) 

Net interment rights sold(1)

            

Lots

   27,044    28,235    5,776    4,485    1,291    29

Mausoleum crypts (includingpre-construction)

   1,334    1,926    414    215    199    93

Niches

   1,685    1,857    347    338    9    3
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total net interment rights sold(1)

   30,063    32,018    6,537    5,038    1,499    30
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Number ofpre-need cemetery contracts written

   39,989    44,894    8,091    8,434    (343   (4%) 

Number ofat-need cemetery contracts written

   57,664    59,387    12,880    13,249    (369   (3%) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Number of cemetery contracts written

   97,653    104,281    20,971    21,683    (712   (3%) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Net of cancellations. Sales of double-depth burial lots are counted as two sales.

Cemetery interments revenues were $76.9$16.0 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2018,2020, which was essentially unchanged from $15.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. An increase in allat-need revenues totaling $0.7 million and a decrease in the cancellation reserve of $0.6 million due to increased collections were offset by a net decrease inpre-need revenues of $1.3 million, primarily due to decreased revenues frompre-need mausoleums and lawn crypts.

Cemetery merchandise revenues were $15.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, a decrease of $1.4 million and 8% from $16.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The change was due to a decrease inpre-need revenues of $1.8 million, primarily due to decreases in vaults and bases, combined with a net decrease inat-need revenues of $0.1 million. These decreases were partially offset by a decrease in the cancellation reserve of $0.5 million due to increased collections.

Cemetery service revenues were $15.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, a decrease of $0.4 million and 3% from $16.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The change was due to a decrease inpre-need revenues of $1.0 million primarily due to grave openings, partially offset by an increase inat-need revenues of $0.3 million and a decrease in the cancellation reserve of $0.3 million due to increased collections.

Investment and other income was $9.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, an increase of $1.8 million and 24% from $75.1$7.6 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2017.2019. The increase was primarily due to the adoption of ASC 606 of $7.8 million. Partially offsetting this increase was a decrease due to increases in discounts and promotions of $2.8 million, a decline inpre-need crypt revenues of $1.9 million, a return to a normal level of cancellations of $0.9 million as there was a reversal of the cancellation reserve in the prior year that did not recur in the current period and a net decrease in revenue from various other products totaling $0.4 million.

Cemetery merchandise revenues were $75.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, a decrease of $0.2 million from $75.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to a decline inpre-installation of vaults of $4.9 million, a decline in contracts serviced that were acquired through acquisitions in prior years of $4.3 million, an increase in discounts and promotions of $3.7 million and a return to a normal level of cancellations of $1.1 million as there was a reversal of the cancellation reserve in the prior year that did not recur in the current period. Partially offsetting these decreases were an increase inpre-need markers serviced of $5.9 million, the adoption of ASC 606 of $5.8 million, an increase inat-need marker sales of $1.2 million and a net increase in revenue from various other products totaling $0.9 million. The declines in contracts serviced that were acquired through acquisitions andpre-installation of vaults for the current period were primarily due to a return to a normal level of recognition of sales compared to the prior year. The recognition of sales in the prior year was higher than normal due to constructive delivery of a largeback-log of pre-need merchandise that became available to be serviced in that period.

Cemetery services revenues were $67.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, a decrease of $3.4 million from $70.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease of $4.3 million inpre-need opening and closing service revenues largely related to the decrease inpre-need vault installations, a decrease inat-need opening and closing revenues of $2.2 million, the adoption of ASC 606 of $1.4 million, and a return to a normal level of cancellations of $0.7 million as there was a reversal of the cancellation reserve in the prior year that did not recur in the current period. Partially offsetting these decreases were an increase in revenue due to decreases in discounts and promotions of $3.8 million and a net increase in revenues from various other products totaling $1.4 million.

Interest income was $9.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $0.7 million from $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increasechange was due to an increase in payments and a corresponding acceleration of interest received.

Investment and otherinvestment income was $33.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, a decrease of $13.7 million from $47.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily due the adoption of ASC 606, which resultedto a change in a reduction of document fees of $11.4 million. Under ASC 606, document fees are no longer considered a separate performance obligation and the associated revenues are allocated pro rata to the other performance obligations on the associated contracts. This was combined with a decrease in document fees of $1.3 million related to the decline in sales, a decrease in land sales of $0.8 million, and a net decrease of $0.2 million in various other sources of investment and other income.strategy.

Cost of goods sold was $54.6$9.9 million for the yearsthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2018,2020, an increase of $$2.7$0.2 million and 2% from $51.9$9.7 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2017.2019. The increasechange was due to higher costs primarily the result of vault inventory adjustments and impairments, increases in the cost of merchandise associated with older contracts that were acquired through acquisitions and a returnrelated to a normal level of cancellations as there was a reversal of the cancellation reserve in the prior year that did not recur in the current period. The adoption of ASC 606 was a decrease of $1.3 million.markers.

Cemetery expenses were $78.7$17.8 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2018,2020, an increase of $1.9$0.6 million and 3% from $76.9$17.2 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2017.2019. The increasechange was primarily due to increases in real estate taxeslandscaping and lawn care of $1.8$3.4 million as a result of reassessment of certain properties under management, coupled with a $0.1 million increase in landscaping.

Selling expenses were $62.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, a decrease of $3.5 million from $66.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was due to a reductionchange in compensation to sales personneltiming of $2.2recognizing contract expense. This was partially offset by a decrease in payroll and related taxes of $1.2 million primarily resulting from the decline in sales, a reduction in advertisingworkforce in 2019, a decrease in repairs and marketing expensesmaintenance of $1.9$0.5 million, a reductiondecrease in travel and entertainmentemployee benefits of $0.6$0.4 million and a net decrease in various other expenses totaling $0.6of $0.7 million. Partially offsetting these decreases

Selling expenses were $13.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, a decrease of $1.7 million and 11% from $14.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The change was due to lower revenue

activity, combined with a return to a normal level of deferring selling expense as the adoptionfirst quarter of 2019 included an adjustment due to further refinement of our process for recording revenues and related expenses in accordance with ASC 606 of $1.8 million.606.

General and administrative expenses were $43.1$10.3 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2018, an increase2020, a decrease of $4.0$1.1 million and 10% from $39.1$11.4 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2017.2019. The increasechange was primarily due to increasesa decrease in payroll of $2.1 million associated with the implementation of a general manager operating model, legal fees of $0.9 million, bad debtinsurance expense of $0.4 million, a decrease in employee benefits of $0.3 million and a net decrease in various other expenses of $0.6 million, primarily surety bonds and insurance expense.$0.4 million.

Depreciation and amortization expenses were $8.0$1.7 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2018,2020, a decrease of $0.9$0.3 million and 13% from $8.9$2.0 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2017.2019. The decreasechange was due to normalroutine depreciation and amortization of the associated asset base.

Funeral Home Operations

Overview

As of DecemberMarch 31, 2018,2020, we owned, operated or managed 9088 funeral homes. These properties are located in 17 states and Puerto Rico. Revenues from Funeral Home Operations accounted for approximately 17%18% of our total revenues duringfor the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2018.2020.

Operating Results

The following table presents operating results for our Funeral Home Operations for the respective reporting periodsthree months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

 

  Three Months Ended March 31, 
  Years Ended December 31,       Variance 
  2018
As reported
under FASB
ASC 606
   2017
As reported
under FASB
ASC 605
   2020   2019   $   % 

Merchandise

  $25,652   $27,767   $6,568   $6,275   $293    5

Services

   28,539    33,764    6,611    7,284    (673   (9%) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total revenues

   54,191    61,531    13,179    13,559    (380   (3%) 

Merchandise

   6,579    7,131    1,776    2,317    (541   (23%) 

Services

   22,159    22,929    5,397    5,553    (156   (3%) 

Depreciation and amortization

   2,744    3,080    539    588    (49   (8%) 

Other

   15,787    19,743    3,485    3,630    (145   (4%) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total expenses

   47,269    52,883    11,197    12,088    (891   (7%) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Segment income

  $6,922   $8,648 

Segment operating profit

  $1,982   $1,471   $511    35
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Funeral home merchandise revenues were $25.7$6.6 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2018, a decrease2020, an increase of $2.1$0.3 million and 5% from $27.8$6.3 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2017.2019. The decreasechange was primarily due to the impact of properties divested in the current year of $0.9 million, a return to a normal level of cancellations of $0.6 million as there was a reversal of the cancellation reserve in the prior year that did not recur in the current period, a decrease in traditional casket sales of $0.5 million and a net decrease of $0.1 millionincrease in revenues from various other products.merchandise revenues.

Funeral home services revenues were $28.5$6.6 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2018,2020, a decrease of $5.2$0.7 million and 9% from $33.8$7.3 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2017.2019. The decreasechange was primarily due to a decrease in insurance commission revenuespre-need services of $2.1$0.5 million resulting from selling fewer insurance contracts. This decrease was combined with a decrease inat-need services of $0.2 million.

Funeral home expenses were $11.2 million for the impact of properties divested in the current yearthree months ended March 31, 2020, a decrease of $0.9 million and 7% from $12.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The change was due to a decrease in casket costs of $0.6 million, a decrease in service revenuespayroll and related expenses of $0.9 million primarily associated with cremation services, a return to a normal level of cancellations of $0.6 million as there was a reversal of the cancellation reserve in the prior year that did not recur in the current period, the adoption of ASC 606 of $0.5$0.2 million and a net decrease of $0.2 million in revenues from various other services.

Funeral home expenses were $47.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, a decrease of $5.6 million from $52.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to savings of $2.9 million from elimination of the insurance sales group, the impact of properties divested in the current year of $1.5 million, a reduction in advertising and marketing of $0.4 million, a decrease in merchandise costs of $0.3 million associated with the decrease in revenues and a net decrease of $0.5 million in various other expenses.expenses of $0.1 million.

Corporate

Corporate Overhead

The following table summarizes our corporate overhead by expense category for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
       Variance 
   2020   2019   $   % 

Corporate overhead

  $8,501   $13,413   $(4,912   (37%) 

Non-recurring adjustments

        

Severance

       464    (464   (100%) 

C-Corporation Conversion fees

   75    316    (241   (76%) 

Other professional fees and other

   219    2,393    (2,174   (91%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totalnon-recurring adjustments

   294    3,173    (2,879   (91%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Corporate overhead, adjusted

  $8,207   $10,240   $(2,033   (20%) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Corporate overhead expense was $53.3$8.5 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2018, an increase2020, a decrease of $1.3$4.9 million and 37% from $52.0$13.4 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2017.2019. The increasechange was primarily due to increasesthe following:

a reduction in professional fees of $2.6 million primarily resulting from a change in auditors, theroll-off of financial advisory and consulting fees, and a decrease in legal fees;

savings in payroll and benefits of $1.6 million resulting primarily due to increased costs asfrom a result of changesreduction in senior management and legal fees related to the potential conversion to aC-Corp, stock compensation of $1.5 million and salaries and wages of $1.2 millionworkforce in 2019 and aroll-off of the related severance; and

a net increase of $0.5 milliondecrease in various other expenses. These increases were partially offset byexpenses of $0.7 million, primarily related to a $3.5 million decrease in professional fees resulting from the completionrebate of a reviewcontractual savings related to employee benefits.

Gain on Sale of our deferred contracts in the prior year.

Corporate Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense was $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, a decrease of 0.2 million from $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to normal depreciation and amortization of the associated asset base.

Gains and Losses

Other losses, net for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $11.5 million, an increase of $6.7 million from $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. During 2018, the Partnership recorded an impairment charge relating to damaged and excess inventory and other long-lived assets. See Item 8, Note 3 for additional information.Businesses

For the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2017, we incurred a net $0.9 million gain from the sales of certain cemetery and funeral home-related assets and businesses. For the year ended December 31, 2017,2020, we recorded a loss on goodwill impairmentgain of $45.6$24.1 million related to our Funeral Home Operations reporting unit.primarily in connection with the Oakmont Sale in January 2020. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, there were no such transactions.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $30.6$12.3 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2018, an increase2020, a decrease of $3.3$0.9 million and 7% from $27.3$13.2 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2017.2019. The increasechange was principally due to the following:

a decrease of $5.3 million due to the payoff of the revolving credit facility in the second quarter of 2019;

a decrease of $3.2 million due to thewrite-off of deferred financing costs associatedfees of $2.4 million in connection with amending our debt agreement in the secondfirst quarter of 2018 combined with2019 and lower amortization of deferred financing fees in the first quarter of 2020; offset by

an increase of $7.6 million related to a higher weighted average interest rate and higher weighted average line of credit balance outstanding for the current yearprincipal on our Senior Secured Notes compared to the interest rate and principal on our prior year.revolving credit facility and senior notes.

Income Tax BenefitExpense

Income tax benefitexpense was $1.8$1.3 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2018 compared to $9.6 million2020. There was no income tax expense for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2017.2019. The income tax expense in the three months ended

March 31, 2020 was primarily related to deferred taxes on the Oakmont Sale. There was no income tax benefit or expense for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2018 was driven by changes2019 because the statutory maximum in the Tax Act which allowed the Companyreductions to reduce its future long life deferred tax liabilities by post 2017 federal net operating loss carryovers. The benefit for the year ended December 31, 2017 was primarily driven by $11.6 million benefit as a result of the Tax Act, including a $6.5 million benefit due to the changehad already been achieved in the federal tax rate and effective state rates and a $5.1 million benefit based on creationfourth quarter of long-lived assets due to the goodwill impairment recorded in the same period, which will create future unlimited-life carryovers. Our effective tax rate differs from our statutory tax rate primarily because our legal entity structure includes different tax filing entities, including partnerships with significant income that are not subject to entity level income taxes.2018.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

General

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations and borrowings under our revolving credit facility. As an MLP, ourproceeds from asset sales. Our primary cash requirements, in addition to normal operating expenses, are for capital expenditures, net contributions to the merchandise and perpetual care trust funds and debt service and cash distributions.service. In general, as part of our operating strategy, we expect to fund:

 

working capital deficits through available cash, cash generated from operations, additional borrowingsproceeds from asset sales and sales of underperforming properties;proceeds from equity offerings;

 

expansion capital expenditures, net contributions to the merchandise and perpetual care trust funds and debt service obligations through available cash, cash generated from operations additional borrowings or proceeds from asset sales. Amounts contributed to the merchandise trust funds will be withdrawn at the time of the delivery of the product or service sold to which the contribution relates (see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” regarding revenue recognition),related, which will reduce the amount of additional borrowings;borrowings or asset sales needed; and

any cash distributions we are permitted and determine to pay in accordance with our partnership agreement and maintenance capital expenditures through available cash and cash flows from operating activities.

While the Partnership relieswe rely heavily on itsour available cash and cash flows from operating activities and borrowings under its credit facility to execute itsour operational strategy and meet itsour financial commitments and other short-term financial needs, the Partnershipwe cannot be certain that sufficient capital will be generated through operations or be available to the Partnershipus to the extent required and on acceptable terms. Moreover, although the Partnership’s cash flows from operating activitiesWe have been positive, the Partnership has experienced negative financial trends, including use of cash in operating activities, which, when considered in the aggregate, raise substantial doubt about the Partnership’sour ability to continue as a going concern. These negative financial trends include:

 

the Partnership has continued to incur net losses for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 and has an accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2018, due to an increased competitive environment, an increase in professional fees and compliance costs and an increase in consulting fees associated with the Partnership’s adoption and implementation of the Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 606,Revenue from Contracts with Customersincurred in the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017;

we have continued to generate negative cash flow from operating activities through March 31, 2020, due to an increased competitive environment and increases in professional fees and compliance costs; and

 

a decline in billings coupled with the increase in professional, compliance and consulting expenses tightened the Partnership’sour liquidity position and increased reliance on long-term financial obligations, which, in turn, eliminated the Partnership’s ability to pay distributions;

our failure to comply with certain covenants of our Credit Agreement (as defined below), as amended due to our inability to complete timely filings of our Annual Reports onForm 10-K and Quarterly Reports onForm 10-Q, exceeding the maximum consolidated leverage ratio financial covenant for the periods ended December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2018, exceeding the maximum consolidated secured net leverage ratio financial covenant for the periods ended June 30, 2018, September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2018 and not being able to achieve the minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio for the periods ended June 30, 2018, September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2018. As disclosed in the credit facility subsection in Part II,Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary DataNote 1 General and Note 10 Long-Term Debt, these failures constituted defaults that our lenders have waived; and

the provision for ticking fees assessed on the amount of outstanding loans made under the Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility (the “Tranche A Revolving Loans”) and payable to the Tranche A Revolving Lenders(i) in-kind, by increasing the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s Tranche A Revolving Loans (“PIK”) or (ii) in cash in the following amounts and on the following dates:

3.00% on July 1, 2019, of which (x) 2.00% shall PIK and (y) 1.00% shall be payable in cash, unless Required Lenders agree to PIK;

1.00% on August 1, 2019, payable in cash, unless the Required Lenders agree to PIK;

1.00% on September 1, 2019, payable in cash, unless the Required Lenders agree to PIK; and

1.00% on October 1, 2019, PIK;obligations.

During 20182019 and to date in 2019, the Partnership has2020, we implemented (and will continue to implement) various actions to improve profitability and cash flows to fund operations. A summary of these actions is as follows:

2019

 

continuesold an aggregate of 52,083,333 of the Partnership’s Preferred Units for an aggregate purchase price of $57.5 million and completed a private placement of $385.0 million of the Senior Secured Notes. The net proceeds of both transactions were used to managefully repay the then-outstanding senior notes due in June 2021 and retire our revolving credit facility that was due in May 2020;

managed recurring operating expenses, and seeksought to limitnon-recurring operating expenses over the next twelve-month period, which includes the January 2019 Restructuring actions as further discussed in Note 17 Subsequent Events;expenses; and

 

identified sales of select assets to provide supplemental liquidity.

2020

completed certain asset sales previously identified in 2019;

on April 1, 2020, entered into the Partnership engaged a financial advisor to advise the Partnership in the arrangement of the refinancing in full of the obligations with respectThird Supplemental Indenture to the Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility includingIndenture to amend certain financial covenants;

debt and equity financing vehicles, however, at this time the Partnership has no commitments to obtain any additional funds, and there can be no such assurance such funds will be available on acceptable terms or at all.

on April 1, 2020, entered into the Axar Commitment with Axar pursuant to which Axar committed to (a) purchase shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Series A Preferred Stock”) with an aggregate purchase price of $8.8 million on April 3, 2020, (b) exercise its basic rights in a rights offering to be effected by the Company by tendering the shares of Series A Preferred Stock so purchased for shares of Common Stock and (c) purchasing any shares offered in the rights offering for which other stockholders do not exercise their rights, up to a maximum of an additional $8.2 million of such shares;

 

complete saleson April 3, 2020, sold 176 shares of certain assets and/or businessesSeries A Preferred Stock to provide supplemental liquidity;Axar for a cash price of $50,000 per share, an aggregate of $8.8 million; and

 

forimplemented cost reduction initiatives to minimize the reasons disclosed above,impact of the Partnership was not in compliance with certainCOVID-19 Pandemic on us, including streamlining corporate staff, consolidations of its amended credit facility covenants as of December 31, 2017, March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018, September 30, 2018field positions to reduce redundancies and December 31, 2018. These failures constituted defaults that the lenders agreed to waive pursuant to the Sixth Amendment and Waiver, the Seventh Amendment and Waiver and the Eighth Amendment and Waiver to the Partnership’s credit facility on June 12, 2018, July 13, 2018 and February 4, 2019, respectively, as disclosed in the credit facility subsection in Note 10 Long-Term Debt and in Note 19 Subsequent Events. Moreover, based on the Partnership’s forecasted operating performance, cash flows and projected plans to file financial statements on a timely basis consistent with the debt covenants, the Partnership does not believe it is probable that the Partnership will further breach the covenants under its amended credit facility for the next twelve-month period. However, thereimplement executive level salary reductions.

There is no certainty that the Partnership’sour actual operating performance and cash flows will not be substantially different from forecasted results, and there is no certainty the Partnershipwe will not need further amendments to its credit facilitythe Indenture in the future.future or that any such amendments will be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. Factors that could impact the significant assumptions used by the Partnershipus in assessing itsour ability to satisfy itsour financial covenants include the following:

 

operating performance not meeting reasonably expected forecasts;forecasts, including the effects of theCOVID-19 Pandemic on our operations;

 

failing to generate profitable sales;

 

investments in the Partnership’sour trust funds experiencing significant declines due to factors outside itsour control;

 

being unable to compete successfully with other cemeteries and funeral homes in the Partnership’sour markets;

 

the number of deaths in the Partnership’sour markets declining; and

 

an adverse change in the mix of funeral and cemetery revenues between burials and cremations.

If the Partnership’sour planned, implemented and not yet implemented actions are not completed andsuccessful in generating sustainable cash savings realized and the Partnership failsfor us, or we fail to improve itsour operating performance and cash flows or the Partnership iswe are not able to comply with the covenants under its amended credit facility, the PartnershipIndenture, we may be forced to limit itsour business activities, limit our ability to implement further modifications to itsour operations furtheror limit the effectiveness of some actions that are included in our forecasts, amend its credit facilitythe Indenture and/or seek other sources of capital, and the Partnershipwe may be unable to continue as a going concern. Additionally, a failure to generate additional liquidity could negatively impact the Partnership’sour access to inventory or services that are important to the operation of the Partnership’sour business. Given the Partnership’s level of cash and cash equivalents,Our ability to preserve capital resources and liquidity, the Board of Directors of the General Partner concluded that it was not in the best interest of unitholders to pay distributions to unitholders after the first quarter of 2017. In addition, the Partnership’s revolving credit facility prohibits the Partnership from making distributions to unitholders. Any of these events may have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’s results of operations and financial condition. The ability of the Partnership to meets itsmeet our obligations at DecemberMarch 31, 2018,2020, and to continue as a going concern, is dependent upon achieving the action plans noted above. The

Based on our forecasted operating performance, planned actions to improve our profitability and cash flows, the execution of the Supplemental Indenture and the Axar Commitment and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including receipt of not less than $17.0 million in proceeds from the contemplated rights offering, together with plans to file financial statements on a timely basis consistent with the debt covenants, we do not believe it is probable that we will breach the covenants under the Indenture or be unable to continue as a going concern for the next twelve-month period. As such, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20182020 were prepared on the basis of a going concern, which contemplates that the Partnershipwe will be able to realize assets and discharge liabilities in the normal course of business. Accordingly, they do not give effect to adjustments, if any, that would be necessary should the Partnershipwe be required to liquidate itsour assets. The ability of the Partnership to meet its obligations at December 31, 2018, and to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the availability of a refinancing in full of the obligations with respect to the Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility, continued ability to manage expenses and increase sales. As such, the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form10-K do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.

Cash Flows

NetThe following table summarizes our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash providedflows by operatingclass of activities was $26.5 million duringin thousands:

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2020   2019 

Cash used in operating activities

  $(5,238  $(13,103

Cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   26,117    (1,903

Cash (used in) provided by financing activities

   (30,180   21,307 

Significant Sources and Uses of Cash During the year ended DecemberThree Months Ended March 31, 2018, an increase of $11.5 million from $15.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. The $11.5 million favorable movement in net cash provided by operating activities resulted from $44.1 million net cash inflow to fund changes in working capital2020 and a $32.7 million decrease in net income excludingnon-cash items. The increase in net working capital was primarily the result of managing our working capital through an increased focus on collection of accounts receivable. The decrease in net income excludingnon-cash items was due to a decrease in revenues coupled with increased general and administrative expense due to increased consulting and professional fees resulting from the potentialC-Corp conversion and due to various changes in our senior management.2019

Operating Activities

Net cash used in operations was $5.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $13.1 million of net cash used in operations during the three months ended March 31, 2019. The $7.9 million change in operating cash flows was primarily due to the following:

Net income excludingnon-cash items – $7.0 million: Net income excludingnon-cash items increased $7.0 million primarily due to expense management efforts during the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Other working capital items – $9.1 million: Our operating cash flows were further impacted by other working capital items which resulted in a net increase in operating cash inflows of $9.1 million.

Change in cash from accounts payable and other liabilities – $8.2 million: Higher paydowns on our payables resulted in a net increase in operating cash outflows of $8.2 million in 2020.

Investing Activities

Net cash provided by investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $12.6$26.1 million duringas compared to $1.9 million of net cash used in investing activities for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2018, an increase2019. The cash provided by investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was primarily attributable to proceeds from divestitures of $3.6$28.2 million, from $8.9offset in part by capital expenditures of $2.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2017.for both purchases and maintenance of property, plant and equipment. Net cash used in investing activities during 2018the three months ended March 31, 2019 consisted entirely of $12.2 millioncash used for capital expenditures and $1.7 million, partially offset by proceeds from asset sales of $1.3 million, respectively. The increase was primarily attributable to a $1.4 million increase capital expenditures during 2018 due to the construction of a funeral home on an existing cemetery location, $1.7 million cash paid for acquisitions during 2018, compared to $1.2 million in proceeds from divestitures in 2017, partially offset by a $0.6 million increase in proceeds from asset sales.expenditures.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $2.6 million for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2018, an increase2020 was $30.2 million as compared to $21.3 million of $9.2 million from $11.8 million usednet cash provided by financing activities for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2017. Net2019. The cash used in financing activities during 2018for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was drivenprimarily due to the redemption of $31.3 million of Senior Secured Notes, using proceeds from the Oakmont sale and other immaterial dispositions. Net cash provided by financing costs incurredactivities during the three months ended March 31, 2019 consisted primarily of $4.0$23.9 million of net proceeds from borrowings, partially offset by proceeds from long-term debt of $1.4 million. The increase in 2018 was due to $24.5 million in distributions in 2017 which did not occur in 2018, partially offset by a net decline of $13.0$2.6 million of proceeds from borrowings, net of repayments of debt and a $2.4 million increase in the cost of financing activities.costs.

Capital Expenditures

Our capital requirements consist primarily of:

Expansion capital expenditures – we consider expansion capital expenditures to be capital expenditures that expand the capacity of our existing operations; and

Maintenance capital expenditures – we consider maintenance capital expenditures to be any capital expenditures that are not expansion capital expenditures – generally, this will include furniture, fixtures, equipment and major facility improvements that are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The following table summarizes maintenance and expansion capital expenditures, excluding amounts paid for acquisitions, for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

  Years Ended December 31,   Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
      2018           2017       2020   2019 

Maintenance capital expenditures

  $4,383   $6,894   $1,276   $1,012 

Expansion capital expenditures

   7,789    3,895    797    891 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total capital expenditures

  $12,172   $10,789   $2,073   $1,903 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Long-Term Debt

Credit FacilitySenior Secured Notes

On August 4, 2016,June 27, 2019, StoneMor Operating LLC (the “Operating Company”)Partners L.P., a 100% owned subsidiaryCFS West Virginia and, collectively with the Company, certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Partnership,Company, the initial purchasers party thereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral agent, entered into the Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) among each of the Subsidiaries of the

Operating Company (together with the Operating Company, “Borrowers”), the Lenders identified therein, Capital One, National Association (“Capital One”), as Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender, Citizens Bank N.A., as Syndication Agent, and TD Bank, N.A. and Raymond James Bank, N.A., asCo-Documentation Agents. In addition, on the same date, the Partnership, the Borrowers and Capital One, as Administrative Agent, entered into the Guaranty and Collateral Agreement (the “Guaranty Agreement,” and together with the Credit Agreement, “New Agreements”). Capitalized terms which are not defined in the following description of the New Agreements shall have the meaning assigned to such terms in the New Agreements, as amended.

On March 15, 2017, the Borrowers, Capital One, as Administrative Agent and acting in accordance with the written consent of the Required Lenders, entered into the First Amendment to Credit Agreement. Those parties subsequently entered into a Second Amendment and Limited waiver on July 26, 2017, a Third Amendment and Limited Waiver effective as of August 15, 2017, a Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated September 29, 2017, a Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of December 22, 2017 but effective as of September 29, 2017, a Sixth Amendment and Waiver dated as of June 12, 2018, a Seventh Amendment and Waiver dated as of July 13, 2018 and an Eighth Amendment and Wavier dated as of February 4, 2019. We refer to the Credit Agreement, as so amended, as the “Amended Credit Agreement.”

Prior to the Eighth Amendment, the Amended Credit Agreement provided for up to $175.0 million initial aggregate amount of Revolving Commitments, which were subject to borrowing base limitations. Under the Eighth Amendment, the Partnership can no longer draw on Revolving Commitments under the Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility but had availability of $20 million under the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility (in addition to amounts drawn on February 4, 2019), which may be utilized in the amount of $5.0 million (or integral multiple thereof) from time to time until April 30, 2019, provided that borrowings on the last $10 million, which would result in the outstanding principal amount of the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility being in excess of $25.0 million, would require that the Partnership receive a fairness opinionindenture with respect to the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility. The Operating Company may also request the issuance of Letters of Credit for up to $9.4 million (plus an amount equal to the principal amount of Tranche A Revolving Loans subject to the optional prepayment after the Eighth Amendment Effective Date) in the aggregate, of which there were $9.4 million outstanding at September 30, 2018 and $7.5 million outstanding at December 31, 2017. The Maturity Date under the Amended Credit Agreement is the earlier of (i) May 1, 2020 and (ii) the date that is six months prior to the earliest scheduled maturity date of any outstanding Permitted Unsecured Indebtedness (at present, such date is December 1, 2020, which is six months prior to June 1, 2021 maturity date of outstanding 7.875% senior notes).

As of December 31, 2018, the outstanding amount of borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement was $155.7 million, which was used to pay down outstanding obligations under the Partnership’s prior credit agreement, to pay fees, costs and expenses related to the New Agreements and to fund working capital needs. Generally, proceeds of the Loans made under the Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility under the Amended Credit Agreement could be used to finance the working capital needs and for other general corporate purposes of the Borrowers and Guarantors, including acquisitions and distributions permitted under the Amended Credit Agreement. Proceeds of the Loans made under the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility under the Amended Credit Agreement can be used to finance the working capital needs and for other general corporate purposes of the Borrowers and Guarantors, and to pay fees and expenses related to the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility. On the Eighth Amendment Effective Date, no part of the proceeds of loans made under the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility may be used to make any payment of principal on the Tranche A Revolving Loans.

Each Borrowing under the Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility is comprised of Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Loans. The Loans comprising each Base Rate Borrowing (including each Swingline Loan) bear interest at the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate, and the Loans comprising each Eurodollar Borrowing bear interest at the Eurodollar Rate plus the Applicable Rate.

Prior to June 12, 2018, the Applicable Rate was determined based on the Consolidated Leverage Ratio of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries and ranged from 1.75% to 3.75% for Eurodollar Rate Loans, 0.75% to 2.75% for Base Rate Loans and between 0.30% and 0.50% for unused commitment fee. The Sixth Amendment increased the minimum and maximum Applicable Rate by 0.50% and redetermined the Applicable Rate based on the Consolidated9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries to be in the range between 2.25% to 4.25% for Eurodollar Rate Loans and 1.25% to 3.25% for Base Rate Loans (but in no event less that the Applicable Rate that would be in effect if calculated as set forth in the Original Amended Agreement not giving effect to the Sixth Amendment and Waiver and the Seventh Amendment and Waiver). As a result of the Eighth Amendment, the Applicable Rate is as follows: 4.50% for Eurodollar Rate Loans and 3.50% for Base Rate Loans from February 4, 2019 to February 28, 2019; 4.75% and 3.75%, respectively, from March 1, 2019 to March 31, 2019; 5.50% and 4.50%, respectively, from April 1, 2019 to April 30, 2019; 5.75% and 4.75%, respectively, from May 1, 2019 to May 31, 2019 and 6.00% and 5.00%, respectively, from June 1, 2019. As of December 31, 2018, the Applicable Rate for Eurodollar Rate Loans was 4.25% and for Base Rate Loans was 3.25%. On December 31, 2018, the weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement was 7.2%

The Amended Credit Agreement contains a financial covenant, pursuant to which the Partnership could or will not permit its Consolidated EBITDA to be less than the following amounts for the four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on the following dates: (i) $18.0 million for the period ended March 31, 2018; (ii) $13.0 million for the period ended June 30, 2018 (iii) $2.5 million for the period ended September 30, 2018, (iv) ($3.0 million) for the period ended December 31, 2018, (v) $1.0 million for the period ending March 31, 2019, (vi) $3.5 million for the period ending June 30, 2019; (vii) $8.0 million for the period ending September 30, 2019, (viii) $8.25 million for the period ending December 31, 2019; and (ix) $9.25 million for the period ending March 31, 2020.

Additional covenants include customary limitations, subject to certain exceptions, on, among others: (i) the incurrence of Indebtedness; (ii) granting of Liens; (iii) fundamental changes and dispositions; (iv) investments, loans, advances, guarantees and acquisitions; (v) swap agreements; (vi) transactions with Affiliates; (vii) Restricted Payments; (viii) restrictive agreements; (ix) amendments to organizational documents and indebtedness; (x) prepayment of indebtedness; and (xi) Sale and Leaseback Transactions.

The Borrowers’ obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Partnership and the Borrowers. Pursuant to the Guaranty Agreement, the Borrowers’ obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are secured by a first priority lien and security interest (subject to permitted liens and security interests) in substantially all of the Partnership’s and Borrowers’ assets, whether then owned or thereafter acquired, excluding certain excluded assets, which include, among others: (i) Trust Accounts, certain proceeds required by law to be placed into such Trust Accounts and funds held in such Trust Accounts; and (ii) Excluded Real Property, including owned and leased real property that may not be pledged as a matter of law.

Senior Notes

On May 28, 2013, we issued $175.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.875% SeniorPIK Toggle Notes due 2021 (the “Senior Notes”). We pay 7.875% interest per annum2024.

For further details on the principal amountour Senior Secured Notes, see Note 9Long-Term Debt and Note 18 Subsequent Events of the Senior Notes, payable in cash semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The net proceeds from the offering were used to retire a $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.25% Senior Notes due 2017 and the remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. The Senior Notes were issued at 97.832% of par resulting in gross proceeds of $171.2 million with an original issue discount of approximately $3.8 million. We incurred debt issuance costs and fees of approximately $4.6 million. These costs and fees are deferred and will be amortized over the life of these notes. The Senior Notes mature on June 1, 2021.

We may redeem the Senior Notes at any time, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth below, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, if redeemed during the12-month period beginning June 1 of the years indicated:

Year  Percentage 

2018

   101.969

2019 and thereafter

   100.000

Subject to certain exceptions, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in the indenture governing the Senior Notes), each holder of the Senior Notes will have the right to require us to purchase that holder’s Senior Notes for a cash price equal to 101% of the principal amounts to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries. The indenture governing the Senior Notes contains covenants, including limitations of our ability to incur certain additional indebtedness and liens, make certain dividends, distributions, redemptions or investments, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, make certain asset sales, and engage in certain mergers, consolidations or sales of all or substantially all of our assets, among other items. As of December 31, 2018, we were in compliance with these covenants.

Part I, Item 1.Cash Distribution PolicyFinancial Statements (Unaudited)

Our partnership agreement requires that we distribute 100% of available cash to our common unitholders and general partner within 45 days following the end of each calendar quarter in accordance with their respective percentage interests. Available cash consists generally of all of our cash receipts, less cash disbursements. Our general partner is granted discretion under the partnership agreement to establish, maintain and adjust reserves for future operating expenses, debt service, maintenance capital expenditures and distributions for the next four quarters. These reserves are not restricted by magnitude, but only by type of future cash requirements with which they can be associated.

Available cash is distributed to the common limited partners and the general partner in accordance with their ownership interests, subject to the general partner’s incentive distribution rights if quarterly cash distributions per limited partner unit exceed specified targets. Incentive distribution rights are generally defined as all cash distributions paid to our general partner that are in excess of its general partner ownership interest. The incentive distribution rights will entitle our general partner to receive the following increasing percentage of cash distributed by us as it reaches certain target distribution levels:

13.0% of all cash distributed in any quarter after each common unit has received $0.5125 for that quarter;

23.0% of all cash distributed in any quarter after each common unit has received $0.5875 for that quarter; and

48.0% of all cash distributed in any quarter after each common unit has received $0.7125 for that quarter.

On April 28, 2017, we announced a quarterly cash distribution of $0.33 per common unit pertaining to the results for the first quarter of 2017. The distribution was paid on May 15, 2017 to common unit holders of record as of the close of business on May 8, 2017. A part of or all of this quarterly cash distribution may be deemed to have been a return of capital for our limited partners if such quarterly cash distribution, when combined with all other cash distributions made during the calendar year, exceeds the partner’s share of taxable income for the corresponding period, depending upon the individual limited partner’s specific tax position. Because the Partnership’s general and limited partner interests have cumulative net losses as of the end of the period, the distribution represented a return of capital to those interests in accordance with US GAAP.

Given the Partnership’s level of cash and cash equivalents, to preserve capital resources and liquidity, the Board of Directors of the General Partner concluded that it was not in the best interest of unitholders to pay distributions to unitholders after the first quarter of 2017. In addition, our revolving credit facility effectively prohibits us from making distributions to unitholders.

We anticipate that we will use any cash generated from borrowings or asset sales for working capital and capital expenditures and provide a reserve to enhance our financial condition relative to the financial covenants in the Amended Credit Agreement.

Contractual Obligations and Contingencies

We have assumed various financial obligations and commitments in the ordinary course of conducting our business. We have contractual obligations requiring future cash payments related to debt maturities, interest on debt, operating lease agreements, liabilities to purchase merchandise related to ourpre-need sales contracts and capital commitments to private credit funds.

A summary of our total contractual and contingent obligations as of December 31, 2018 is presented in the table below (in thousands):

   Total   Less than
1 year
   1-3
years
   3-5
years
   More than
5 years
 

Contractual Obligations:

          

Debt (1)

  $394,536   $25,786   $368,712   $38   $—   

Cemetery land purchase obligation (2)

   19,369    2,298    5,041    5,665    6,365 

Operating leases

   17,704    4,349    4,895    2,723    5,737 

Capital leases

   4,291    1,499    2,145    647    —   

Lease and management agreements (3)

   37,292    —      —      —      —   

Purchase commitments

   488    488       

Deferred revenues (4)

   914,286    —      —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total contractual obligations

   1,387,966    34,420    380,793    9,073    12,102 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contingent Obligations:

          

Letters of credit (5)

   9,419    —      —      —      —   

Other investment funds (6)

   165,552    —      —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total contingent obligations

   174,971    —      —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $1,562,937   $34,420   $380,793   $9,073   $12,102 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Represents the interest payable and par value of debt due and does not include the unamortized debt discounts of $1.4 million at December 31, 2018. This table assumes that current amounts outstanding under our Credit Facility are not repaid until the maturity date of August 4, 2021.

(2)

Represents the amounts due related to an agreement the Partnership entered into in 2017 to purchase cemetery land in annual installments beginning January 26, 2018 through January 26, 2025.

(3)

Represents the aggregate future rent payments, with interest, due pertaining to the agreements with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, from 2025 through 2049, and does not include the unamortized discount. See “Agreements with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia” section below.

(4)

Total cannot be separated into periods because we are unable to anticipate when the merchandise and services will be delivered. This balance represents the revenues to be recognized from the total performance obligations on customer contracts.

(5)

We are occasionally required to post letters of credit, issued by a financial institution, to secure certain insurance programs or other obligations. Letters of credit generally authorize the financial institution to make a payment to the beneficiary upon the satisfaction of a certain event or the failure to satisfy an obligation. The letters of credit are posted forone-year terms and may be renewed upon maturity until such

time as we have satisfied the commitment secured by the letter of credit. We are obligated to reimburse the issuer only if the beneficiary collects on the letter of credit. We believe it is unlikely that we will be required to fund a claim under our outstanding letters of credit. As of December 31, 2018, $9.4 million of our letters of credit were supported by our Revolving Credit Facility.
(6)

As of December 31, 2018, the perpetual care and merchandise trusts had $165.6 million in unfunded commitments to private credit funds. These capital commitments are callable at any time during the lockup periods which range from four to ten years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners and will be funded using existing trust assets. This total cannot be separated into periods.

Not included in the above table are potential funding obligations related to our merchandise and service trusts. In certain states and provinces, we have withdrawn allowable distributable earnings including unrealized gains prior to the maturity or cancellation of the related contract. Additionally, some states have laws that either require replenishment of investment losses under certain circumstances or impose various restrictions when trust fund values drop below certain prescribed amounts. In the event that our trust investments do not recover from market declines, we may be required to deposit portions or all of these amounts into the respective trusts in some future period. As of December 31, 2018, we had unrealized losses of $7.1 million in the various trusts within these states.

Agreements with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

In accordance with the lease and management agreements with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, we have agreed to pay to the Archdiocese aggregate fixed rent of $36.0 million in the following amounts:

Lease Years1-5 (May 28,2014-May 31, 2019)None
Lease Years6-20 (June 1,2019-May 31, 2034)$1,000,000 per Lease Year
Lease Years21-25 (June 1,2034-May 31, 2039)$1,200,000 per Lease Year
Lease Years26-35 (June 1,2039-May 31, 2049)$1,500,000 per Lease Year
Lease Years36-60 (June 1,2049-May 31, 2074)None

The fixed rent for lease years 6 through 11, an aggregate of $6.0 million is deferred. If, prior to May 31, 2024, the Archdiocese terminates the agreements pursuant to its right to do so in its sole discretion during lease year 11 or we terminate the agreements as a result of a default by the Archdiocese, we are entitled to retain the deferred fixed rent. If the agreements are not terminated, the deferred fixed rent will become due and payable on or before June 30, 2024.Quarterly Report.

Surety Bonds

We have entered into arrangements with certain surety companies, whereby such companies agree to issue surety bonds on our behalf as financial assurance and/or as required by existing state and local regulations. The surety bonds are used for various business purposes; however, the majority of the surety bonds issued and outstanding have been used to support our preneedpre-need sales activities.

When selling preneedpre-need contracts, we may post surety bonds where allowed by state law. We post the surety bonds in lieu of trusting a certain amount of funds received from the customer. If we were not able to renew or replace any such surety bond, we would only be required to fund the trust only for the portion of the applicable preneedpre-need contracts for which we have received payments from the customers, less any applicable retainage, in accordance with state law. We have provided cash collateral to secure these surety bond obligations and may be required to provide additional cash collateral from time to timein the future under certain circumstances.

For the yearsthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, we had $91.4$93.3 million and $87.7,$88.7 million, respectively, of cash receipts from sales attributable to bondedrelated bond contracts. These amounts do not consider reductions associated with taxes, obtaining costs or other costs.

Surety bond premiums are paid annually and the bonds are automatically renewable until maturity of the underlying preneedpre-need contracts, unless we are given prior notice of cancellation. Except for cemeterypre-construction bonds (which are irrevocable), the surety companies generally have the right to cancel the surety bonds at any time with appropriate notice. In the event a surety company were to cancel the surety bond, we are required to obtain replacement surety assurance from another surety company or fund a trust for an amount generally less than the posted bond amount. Management doesWe do not expect that we will be required to fund material future amounts related to these surety bonds due to a lack of surety capacity or surety companynon-performance..non-performance.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At December 31, 2018, we had letters of credit outstanding amounting to $9.4 million in the aggregate, which secure certain insurance programs or other obligations. The letters of credit not reflected as liabilities on our balance sheet. We have no otheroff-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303 ofRegulation S-K, other than those disclosed on the Contractual Obligations and Commitments table above that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operation or liquidity and capital resources.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included within Part I, Item 1.Financial Statements (Unaudited) of this Quarterly Report in conformity with GAAP requires makingus to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, and liabilities, revenue, expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of actual revenue and expensesthat arose during the reporting period.period and through the date our financial statements are filed with the SEC. Although we base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, under the circumstances, actual results may differ from the estimates on which our financial statements are prepared at any given pointthese estimates.

A critical accounting estimate or policy is one that requires a high level of time. Changes in these estimatessubjective judgement by management and could materially affecthave a material impact to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Significant items that are subjectflows if actuals vary significantly from our estimates.

There have been no significant changes to such estimates and assumptions include revenue and expense accruals, depreciation and amortization, merchandise trust and perpetual care trust asset valuation, allowance for cancellations, unit-based compensation, deferred revenues, deferred merchandise trust investment earnings, deferred selling and obtaining costs, assets and liabilities obtained through business combinations, income taxes, hurricane-related losses and goodwill including any interim assessment for impairment. A summary of the significant accounting policies we have adopted and followed in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements is included in Note 1 of Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data included in this report. The critical accounting policies and estimates we have identified are discussed below.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled for the transfer of goods and services to our customers. We account for individual products and services separately as distinct performance obligations. Our performance obligations include the delivery of funeral and cemetery merchandise and services and cemetery property interment rights. Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer, and is net of any sales incentives and amounts collected on behalf of third parties. The consideration (including any discounts) is allocated among separate products and services in a package based on their relative stand-alone selling prices. The stand-alone selling price is determined by management based upon local market conditions and reasonable ranges for both merchandise and services which is the best estimate of the stand-alone price. For items that are not sold separately (e.g., second interment rights), we estimate stand-alone selling prices using the best estimate of market value. We estimated the stand-alone selling price using inputs such as average selling price and list price broken down by each geographic location. Additionally we considered typical sales promotions that could have impacted the stand-alone selling price estimates.

Revenue is recognized when control of the merchandise or services is transferred to the customer. Control transfers when merchandise is delivered or services are performed. For cemetery property interment rights, control transfers to the customer when the property is completed and available for use and the interment right has been sold and can no longer be marketed or sold to another customer.

On our at need contracts, we generally deliver the merchandise and perform the services at the time of need. Personalized marker merchandise and marker installation services sold on at need contracts are recognized when control is transferred to the customer, generally when the marker is delivered and installed in the cemetery. On our preneed contracts, we generally defer revenue associated with sales of preneed contracts and only recognize revenue when the control of the merchandise or the services is transferred to the customer, which is upon delivery of the merchandise orAnnual Report, as services are performed, generally at the time of need. On certain preneed contracts, we may purchase the merchandise from vendors, which includes personalization, and may either store the merchandise at a vendor storage facility or at the cemetery location.

Pursuant to state law, all or a portion of the proceeds from funeral and cemetery merchandise or services sold on a preneed basis may be required to be paid into trust funds. We defer investment earnings related to these merchandise and service trusts until the associated merchandise is delivered or services are performed. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of cemetery property interment rights is required by state law to be paid by us into perpetual care trust funds to maintain the cemetery. This portion of the proceeds is not recognized as revenue. Investment earnings from these trusts are distributed to us regularly and recognized in current cemetery revenue.

We recognize revenue and record the cost of sales when control is transferred for the merchandise, which occurs upon delivery to the third-party storage facility or installation of the merchandise at the cemetery. For more information related to revenue, see Note 1 General and Note 12 Deferred Revenues and Costsdescribed in Part II, Item 8.7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial StatementsCondition and Supplementary Data.

Deferred Revenues

Revenues from the saleResults of services and merchandise, as well as any investment income from the merchandise trusts, are deferred until such time that the services are performed or the merchandise is delivered. In addition to amounts deferred on new contracts, investment income and unrealized gains and losses on our merchandise trusts, deferred revenues includes deferred revenues frompre-need sales that were entered into by entities prior to the acquisition of those entities by us, including entities that were acquired by Cornerstone Family Services, Inc. upon its formation in 1999. We provide for a profit margin for these deferred revenues to account for the projected future costs of delivering products and providing services onpre-need contracts that we acquired through acquisitions. These revenues and their associated costs are recognized when the related merchandise is delivered or the services are performed and are presented on a gross basis on the consolidated statements of operations.

Loss Contract AnalysisOperations

We perform an analysis annually to determine whether our preneed contracts are in a loss position, which would necessitate a charge to earnings. For this analysis, we add the sales prices of the underlying contracts and net realized earnings, then subtract net unrealized losses to derive the net amount of estimated proceeds for contracts as of the balance sheet date. We consider unrealized gains and losses based on current market prices quoted for the investments, and we do not include future expected returns on the investments in our analysis. We compare our estimated proceeds to the estimated direct costs to deliver our contracts, which consist primarily of funeral and cemetery merchandise costs and salaries, supplies and equipment related to the delivery of a preneed contract. If a deficiency were to exist, we would record a charge to earnings and a corresponding liability for the expected loss on delivery of those contracts from our backlog. As of December 31, 2018, no such charge was required. Due to the positive margins of our preneed contracts and the trust portfolio returns we have experienced in prior years, we believe there is currently capacity for additional market depreciation before a loss contract would result.

Accounts Receivable Allowance for Cancellations

Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, at the time of apre-need sale, we recorded an account receivable in an amount equal to the total contract value less any cash deposit paid net of an estimated allowance for cancellations. Upon adoption of ASC 606, the Partnership reclassified amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations oncancellable pre-need contracts to deferred revenue, net. As a result, the Partnership also eliminated the allowance for cancellation of these performance obligations. As the Partnership is now presenting the accounts receivable net of cancellable contracts, the allowance for cancellations was removed and the allowance on accounts receivable is represented by the provision for bad debt.

We provide for bad debt by applying a cancellation rate to amounts included in Accounts Receivable that have been recognized in revenue. The cancellation rate is based upon a five year average rate by each specific location.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Trust Assets

Assets held in our merchandise trusts are carried at fair value. Any change in unrealized gains and losses is reflected in the carrying value of the assets and is recognized as deferred revenue. Any and all investment income streams, including interest, dividends or gains and losses from the sale of trust assets, are offset against deferred revenue until such time that we deliver the underlying merchandise. Investment income generated from our merchandise trust is included in “Cemetery investment and other revenues”.

Pursuant to state law, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of cemetery property is required to be paid into perpetual care trusts. All principal must remain in this trust in perpetuity while interest and dividends may be released and used to defray cemetery maintenance costs, which are expensed as incurred. Assets in our perpetual care trusts are carried at fair value. Any change in unrealized gains and losses is reflected in the carrying value of the assets and is offset against perpetual care trust corpus.

We evaluate whether or not the assets in our merchandise and perpetual care trusts have an other-than-temporary impairment on asecurity-by-security basis. We determine whether or not the impairment of a fixed maturity debt security is other-than-temporary by evaluating each of the following:

Whether it is our intent to sell the security. If there is intent to sell, the impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary.

If there is no intent to sell, we evaluate if it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. If we determine that it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell an impaired investment before its anticipated recovery, the impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary.

We further evaluate whether or not all assets in the trusts have other-than-temporary impairments based upon a number of criteria including the severity of the impairment, length of time a security has been in a loss position, changes in market conditions and concerns related to the specific issuer.

If an impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the security is adjusted downward to its fair value. For assets held in the perpetual care trusts, any reduction in the cost basis due to an other-than-temporary impairment is offset with an equal and opposite reduction in the perpetual care trust corpus and has no impact on earnings. For assets held in the merchandise trusts, any reduction in the cost basis due to an other-than-temporary impairment is recorded in deferred revenue.

Business Combinations

Tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their fair value and goodwill or bargain gain is recognized for any difference between the price of acquisition and our fair value determination. We have customarily estimated our purchase costs and other related transactions known to us 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, intangible assets, assets or liabilities associated with the acquisition.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. We test goodwill for impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. We determine the fair value of each reporting unit using a market multiple method to corroborate the value derived from using the income approach. We test goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Our annual assessment has historically been performed as of December 31. However, during the fourth quarter of 2018, we changed our annual goodwill impairment test date from December 31st to October 1st, which necessitated completing a test as of October 1, 2018 so that no more than 12 months elapsed between annual tests.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Partnership early adoptedASU 2017-04,Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, impairment is defined as the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, up to the total amount of goodwill. We do not record an impairment of goodwill in instances where the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount.

The Partnership conducts its evaluation of goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis, and more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. As of October 1, 2018, the reporting unit with assigned goodwill was the Cemetery Operations segment. Goodwill impairment testing involves management judgment, requiring an assessment of whether the carrying value of the reporting unit can be supported by the fair value of the individual reporting unit using widely accepted valuation techniques, such as the market approach (earnings andprice-to-book value multiples of comparable public companies) and/or the income approach (discounted cash flow (DCF) method).

The Partnership applied the DCF method and utilized a number of factors, including actual operating results, future business plans, economic projections, volatility of earnings, changes in senior management and market data. The DCF method of the income approach incorporated the reporting units’ forecasted cash flows, including a terminal value to estimate the fair value of cash flows beyond the final year of the forecasts. The discount rates utilized to obtain the net present value of the reporting units’ cash flows were estimated using the capital asset pricing model. Significant inputs to this model include a risk-free rate of return, beta (which is a measure of the level ofnon-diversifiable risk associated with comparable companies for each specific reporting unit), market equity risk premium and in certain cases an unsystematic (Partnership-specific) risk factor. The unsystematic risk factor is the input that specifically addresses uncertainty related to the Partnership’s projections of earnings and growth, including the uncertainty related to loss expectations. The Partnership utilized discount rates that it believes adequately reflect the risk and uncertainty in the financial markets generally and specifically in its internally developed forecasts. The Partnership estimated expected rates of equity returns based on historical market returns and risk/return rates for similar industries of the reporting unit. The Partnership uses its internal forecasts to estimate future cash flows, and actual results may differ from forecasted results.

The fair value determinations mentioned above require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions and factors. As a result, there can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions made for purposes of the annual goodwill impairment test will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. Examples of events or circumstances that could reasonably be expected to negatively affect the underlying key assumptions and ultimately impact the estimated fair value of the aforementioned reporting units may include such items as follows:

a prolonged downturn in the business environment in which the reporting unit operates;

reporting unit performance which significantly differs from our assumptions;

volatility in equity and debt markets resulting in higher discount rates; and

unexpected regulatory changes.

The Partnership completed its annual goodwill impairment assessment as of October 1, 2018. As a result of such assessment, management concluded that the fair value of its Cemetery Operations reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 40.5%. While historical performance and current expectations have resulted in fair value of its Cemetery Operations reporting unit in excess of its carrying value, if our assumptions are not realized, it is possible that in the future an impairment charge may need to be recorded. The Partnership has sensitized certain key assumptions used to calculate Cemetery Operations reporting unit fair value, and note that either a20% or greater shortfall of actual revenue growth to forecasted revenue growth or a 3.2% or greater increase in the discount rate would trigger impairment of the reporting unit. However, it is not possible at this time to determine if an impairment charge would result or if any such charge would be material.

Impairment ofLong-Lived Assets

We assess the carrying values of ourlong-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount to the future net cash flow, undiscounted and without interest, expected to be generated by the asset.

In evaluating our assets for recoverability, we consider current market conditions, as well as our intent with respect to holding or disposing of the asset. Our intent with regard to the underlying assets might change as market conditions change, as well as other factors. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques, including the income approach using a market discount rate, terminal capitalization rate and rental rate assumptions, or on the sales comparison approach to similar assets. If our analysis indicates that the carrying value of the asset is not recoverable, we recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the current estimated fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell.

Assumptions and estimates used in the recoverability analyses for future cash flow, discount rates and capitalization rates are complex and subjective. Changes in economic and operating conditions or our intent with regard to our assets that occurs subsequent to our impairment analyses could impact these assumptions and result in future impairments of our assets.

Income Taxes

Our corporate subsidiaries are subject to both federal and state income taxes. We record deferred tax assets and liabilities to recognize temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities in our tax and GAAP balance sheets and for federal and state net operating loss carryforwards and alternative minimum tax credits.

We record a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets if we deem that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realizable in future periods.

In evaluating our ability to recover deferred tax assets, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including our past operating results, recent cumulative losses and our forecast of future taxable income. In determining future taxable income, we make assumptions for the amount of taxable income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require us to make judgments about our future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates we use to manage our business. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require us to record an additional valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. An increase in the valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in the period and could have a significant impact on our future earnings.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law. The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code by, among other things, reducing the federal corporate income tax rate, creating a new limitation on deductible interest expense, creating bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing on qualified property and imposing limitations on deductibility of certain executive compensation.

The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting for the income tax effects of certain elements of the Tax Act. In accordance with SAB 118, we recognized the provisional tax impacts related to the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities and included these amounts in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. We have completed our analysis in 2018 and no material adjustments are noted. The ultimate impact may differ from these provisional amounts, possibly materially, due to, among other things, additional analysis, changes in interpretations and assumptions we have made, additional regulatory guidance that may be issued and actions we may take as a result of the Tax Act. For further information on the impacts of the Tax Act, see Note 11 in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

As of December 31, 2018, our taxable corporate subsidiaries had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $396.6 million and $500.7 million, respectively, a portion of which expires annually. Our ability to use such federal net operating loss carryforwards may be limited by changes in the ownership of our units deemed to result in an “ownership change” under the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Contingencies

We are subject to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Legal fees and other expenses related to litigation are expensed as incurred and included in general and administrative expenses. Contingent accruals are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations when we determine that a loss related to a litigation matter is both probable and reasonably estimable. Due to the fact that legal proceedings and other contingencies are inherently unpredictable, our assessments involve significant judgments regarding future events.

Insurance loss reserves

We purchase comprehensive general liability, professional liability, automobile liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverages structured with high deductibles. This high-deductible insurance program means we are primarily self-insured for claims and associated costs and losses covered by these policies. Historical insurance industry experience indicates a high degree of inherent variability in assessing the ultimate amount of losses associated with casualty insurance claims. This is especially true with respect to liability and workers’ compensation exposures due to the extended period of time that transpires between when the claim might occur and the full settlement of such claim, which is often many years. We continually evaluate loss estimates associated with claims and losses related to these insurance coverages falling within the deductible of each coverage. Assumptions based on factors such as claim settlement patterns, claim development trends, claim frequency and severity patterns, inflationary trends and data reasonableness will generally affect the analysis and determination of the “best estimate” of the projected ultimate claim losses. The results of these evaluations are used to both analyze and adjust our insurance loss reserves.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Accounting Changes

For discussion of recent accounting pronouncements and accounting changes, see Note 1 in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.Annual Report.

ITEM 7A.3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The primary objective of the following information is to provide forward-looking quantitative and qualitative information about our potential exposure to market risks. The term “market” risk refers to the risk of gains or losses arising from changes in interest rates and prices of marketable securities. The disclosures are not meant to be precise indicators of expected future gains or losses, but rather indicators of reasonably possible gains or losses. This forward-looking information provides indicators of how we view and manage our ongoing market risk exposures. All of our market risk-sensitive instruments were entered into for purposes other than trading.

The trusts are invested in assets with the primary objective of maximizing income and distributable cash flow for trust distributions, while maintaining an acceptable level of risk. Certain asset classes in which the Partnership invests inwe invest for the purpose of maximizing yield are subject to an increased market risk. This increased market risk will create volatility in the unrealized gains and losses of the trust assets from period to period.

INTEREST-BEARING INVESTMENTS

Our fixed-income securities subject to market risk consist primarily of certainThe interest-bearing investments in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts.trusts that are subject to interest rate sensitivity consist of fixed-income securities, money market investments and other short-term investments. As of DecemberMarch 31, 2018,2020, the accumulated fair value of the interest-bearing investments in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts was $126.6 million and $36.1 million, respectively or 27.7% and 11.8% of the fair value of fixed-incomeour total trust assets, respectively.

MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES

The marketable equity securities in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts represented 0.3% and 1.7%, of the fair value of total trust assets, respectively. The aggregate of the quoted fair value of these fixed-income securities was $1.3 million and $5.6 million in the merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts, respectively, as of December 31, 2018. Holding all other variables constant, a hypothetical 1% change in variable interest rates on these fixed-income securities would change the fair market value of the assets in both our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts by less than $0.1 million based on discounted expected future cash flows. If these securitiesthat are held to maturity, no change in fair market value will be realized. Our money market and other short-term investments subject to market riskprice sensitivity consist primarily of certain investments in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts. As of December 31, 2018, the fair value of money market and short-term investments in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts represented 3.5% and 3.9%, respectively, of the fair value of total trust assets. The aggregate of the quoted fair value of these money market and short-term investments was $16.9 million and $12.8 million in the merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts, respectively, as of December 31, 2018. Holding all other variables constant, a hypothetical 1% change in variable interest rates on these money market and short-term investments would change the fair market value of the assets in both our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts by approximately $0.2 and $0.1 million, respectively, based on discounted expected future cash flows.

MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES

Our marketable equity securities subject to market risk consist primarily of certain investments held in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts. These assets consist of investments in both individual equity securities as well as closed and open-ended mutual funds. As of DecemberMarch 31, 2018,2020, the accumulated fair value of the marketable equity securities in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts represented 3.9%was $37.3 million and 6.3%,$17.2 million, respectively or 8.2% and 5.6% of the fair value of our total trust assets, respectively. The aggregate of the quoted fair market value of these individual equity securities was $19.2 million and $20.7 million in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts, respectively, as of December 31, 2018, based on final quoted sales prices. Holding all other variables constant, a hypothetical 10% change in variable interest rates of the equity securities would change the fair market value of the assets in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts by approximately $1.9 million and $2.1 million, respectively, based on discounted expected future cash flows. As of December 31, 2018, the fair value of marketable closed and open-ended mutual funds in our merchandise trusts represented 42.7% of the fair value of total merchandise trust assets, 80.4% of which pertained to fixed-income mutual funds. As of December 31, 2018, the fair value of marketable closed and open-ended mutual funds in our perpetual care trusts represented 38.6% of total perpetual care trust assets, 84.5% of which pertained to fixed-income mutual funds. The aggregate of the quoted fair market value of these closed and open-ended mutual funds was $230.6 million and $127.7 million in the merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts, respectively, as of December 31, 2018, based on final quoted sales

prices, of which $185.5 million and $107.8 million, respectively, pertained to fixed-income mutual funds. Holding all other variables constant, a hypothetical 10% change in the average market prices of the closed and open-ended mutual funds would change the fair market value of the assets in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts by approximately $23.1 million and $12.8 million, respectively, based on discounted expected future cash flows.

OTHER INVESTMENT FUNDS

Other investment funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient. This asset class is composed of fixed income funds and equity funds, which have a redemption period ranging from 1 to 30 days, and private credit funds, which have lockup periods ranging from twoone to eight years with three potential one year extensions at the discretion of the funds’ general partners. This asset class has an inherent valuation risk as the values provided by investment fund managers may not represent the liquidation values obtained by the trusts upon redemption or liquidation of the fund assets. As of DecemberMarch 31, 2018,2020, the fair value of other investment funds in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts represented 41.6%50.3% and 49.5%73.9%, respectively, of the fair value of total trust assets. The fair market value of the holdings in these funds was $203.3$230.4 million and $163.7$226.7 million in our merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts, respectively, as of DecemberMarch 31, 2018,2020, based on net asset value quotes.

DEBT INSTRUMENTS

Certain borrowings under our Amended Credit Facility bear interest at a floating rate, based on LIBOR, which is adjusted quarterly. This subjects us to increases in interest expense resulting from movements in interest rates. As of December 31, 2018, we had $155.7 million of borrowings outstanding under our credit facility, which generally bears interest at a variable rate.

Holding all other variables constant, a hypothetical 1% change in variable interest rates would change our consolidated interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 by approximately $1.6 million.

 

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

[Please see Annex B]

ITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

On November 29, 2018, the Audit Committee approved the engagement of Grant Thornton LLP as the Partnership’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018, effective immediately. On the same day, the Committee dismissed Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Partnership’s independent registered public accounting firm, effective immediately.

In the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and in the subsequent interim period through November 29, 2018, there were no (a) disagreements between the Partnership and Deloitte & Touche LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Deloitte & Touche LLP, would have caused Deloitte & Touche LLP to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection with its audit report on the consolidated financial statements for such years.

ITEM 9A.4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The PartnershipCompany maintains disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules13a-15(e) and15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SECthe Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Our management, including the CEO and CFO, evaluated the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules13a-15(e) and15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act as of DecemberMarch 31, 2018.2020. Based on such evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded the disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting described below.

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTINGMaterial Weaknesses in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting asAmaterial weakness (as defined in RuleRules 13a-15(f) and15d-15(f)12b-2 under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

Management’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Partnership; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and that receipts and expenditures of the Partnership are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Partnership; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Partnership’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies and procedures may deteriorate.

Amaterial weaknessAct) is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Partnership’sin our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The deficiencies noted below could result in a material misstatement in our financial statements; therefore, they represent material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.

Management previouslyIn 2018 and 2019, management identified and reported material weaknesses in its Annual Reportinternal control over financial reporting in our annual reports on Form10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2017 filed on July 17, 2018. We conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as ofyears ended December 31, 2018 based onand 2019 related to the criteria set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on our assessment, we concluded that the Partnership did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 as a result of the material weaknesses described below:following:

 

A.

Control environment, control activities and monitoring:

The PartnershipCompany did not design and maintain effective internal controlcontrols over financial reporting related to control environment, control activities and monitoring based on the criteria established in the COSOCommittee of Sponsoring Organization Internal Control Integrated Framework including more specifically:

 

Management did not implement effective oversight to support deployment of control activities due to (a) failure to establish clear accountability for the performance of internal control over financial reporting responsibilities in certain areas important to financial reporting and (b) failure to prioritize and implement related corrective actions in a timely manner.

 

Management did not maintainhave effective controls over sales contract origination occurring at its site locations. Specifically, there was no subsequent review of contract entry and no approved master pricing listing. In addition there was no oversight monitoring at its corporate office related to cancelations and timely and accurate servicing for correct revenue recognition.

Management did not maintain effective controls over the accuracyperiodic review of user access to applications and valuation of its merchandise inventory allocateddata and for user access topre-need contracts. Specifically, the Partnership did not have effective controls over the assessment of condition and impairment of allocated andun-allocated merchandise inventory due to excessive or deterioration damage. segregate duties within relevant financial applications.

 

B.

Establishment and review of certain accounting policies:

The Partnership’sCompany’s controls applicable to establishment, periodic review for ongoing relevance and consistent application of material accounting policies in conformity with GAAP including (i) revenue recognition and (ii) insurance-related assets and liabilities.liabilities were not designed appropriately and thus failed to operate effectively. More specifically:

 

Management did not maintain effective controls over sales contract origination occurring at its site locations. Specifically, there was no subsequent review of contract entry at site locations or corporate and no approved master price listing.

Management did not have effective segregation of duties, review and monitoring controls over revenue recognition with respect to the ASCAccounting Standards Codification 606, transition adjustment and subsequent calculations at a sufficient level of precisionRevenues from Contracts with Customers, to timely detect misstatements in the related income statement and balance sheet account.accounts. There was no oversight monitoring at corporate for contract cancellations, and the timely and accurate servicing of contracts for proper revenue recognition.

 

Management did not maintain effective completeness and accuracy controls at a level of precision to timely detect misstatements related to the insurance related assets and liabilities.

C.

Reconciliation of certain general ledger accounts to supporting details:

The Partnership’sCompany’s controls over the reconciliation of amounts recorded in the general ledger to relevant supporting detail for “Cemetery property” and “Deferred revenues” on the consolidated balance sheets were not designed appropriately and thus failed to operate effectively. Management has identified that the specified general ledger account balances were not always reconciled to supporting documentation.

D.

Accurate and timely relief of deferred revenues and corresponding recognition of income statement impacts:

The Partnership’s internal controls designed to prevent a material misstatement in the recognized amount of “Deferred revenues” as of the balance sheet date were not designed appropriately. Specifically, the Partnership concluded that it did not design effective controls that would lead to a timely identification of a material error in “Deferred revenues” due to failure to accurately and timely relieve the liability when the service was performed or merchandise was delivered. Further, the Partnership’s review controls designed to detect such errors did not operate at the appropriate level of precision to identify such error. More specifically:

 

Management did not have effective segregation of duties over the preparation and subsequent review of its deferred revenue reconciliation process at a sufficient level of precision to timely detect potential misstatements of the related income statement and balance sheet accounts.

Management did not consistently reconcile these general ledger account balances to supporting documentation.

D.

Accurate and timely relief of deferred revenues and corresponding recognition of income statement impacts:

The Company’s internal controls designed to prevent a material misstatement in the recognized amount of “Deferred revenues” as of the balance sheet date were not designed appropriately. Specifically, the Company concluded that it did not design effective controls that would lead to a timely identification of a material error in “Deferred revenues” due to failure to accurately and timely relieve the liability when the service was performed or merchandise was delivered. Further, the Company’s review controls designed to detect such errors did not operate at the appropriate level of precision to identify such error. More specifically:

 

Management did not have effective review and monitoring controls over the revenue, cost of goods sold and deferred balances ofpre-acquisition contracts at a sufficient level of precision to timely detect potential misstatements of the related income statement and balance sheet accounts.

 

Management did not have effective review and monitoring controls over the results of ongoing deferred revenue testing at a sufficient level of precision to detect potential misstatements of the related balance sheet accounts.

OurNotwithstanding these material weaknesses, based on the additional analysis and other post-closing procedures performed, management communicatedbelieves that the financial statements included in this report fairly present in all material respects our financial position, results of its assessmentoperations, capital position and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with GAAP.

STATUS OF REMEDIATION OF MATERIAL WEAKNESSES

While we continue to make improvements to our internal control over financial reporting related to the Audit Committee ofmaterial weaknesses described above, material weaknesses continue to exist, and we believe that the Board of Directors of our General Partner. Our independent registered public accounting firm, Grant Thornton LLP, has expressed an adverse opinion onmaterial weaknesses referenced above accurately reflect the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as of DecemberMarch 31, 2018 in the audit report2020. Management, with oversight from our Audit Committee, has identified and planned actions that appears below.

REMEDIATION EFFORTS

Management is committed to the remediation ofwe believe will remediate the material weaknesses described above as well as the continued improvement of our internal control over financial reporting. We have identified andonce fully implemented and continue to implement, the actions described below to remediate the underlying causes of the control deficiencies that gave rise to the material weaknesses. As we continue our evaluation and improve our internal control over financial reporting, management may modify the actions described below or identify and take additional measures to address control deficiencies. Until the remediation efforts described below, including any additional measures management identifies as necessary, are completed, the material weaknesses described above will continue to exist.

A.

To address the material weakness in control environment, control activities and monitoring, the Partnership has completed, or is in the process of the following:

Performed a comprehensive review of current procedures to ensure compliance with the Partnership’s accounting policies and GAAP;

Enhanced the existing and developed more appropriate monitoring controls to provide reasonable assurance that the Partnership maintains sufficient oversight of the performance of internal control over financial reporting responsibilities;

Reassessing its existing framework used to identify and implement corrective actions on a timely, prioritized basis with defined accountability;

Enhancing the controls over sales contract origination occurring at site locations andre-training field personnel and developing additional oversight procedures at the corporate location to monitor compliance with approved policies and procedures and trust requirements; and

Enhancing the accuracy and valuation controls of its merchandise inventory and updating its inventory management system including a more thorough review of inventory utilization.

Management will continue to review such actions and progress with the Audit Committee. The remediation of this weakness in the control environment will contribute to the remediation of each of the additional material weaknesses described above.

B.

To address the material weakness associated with the establishment and periodic review of certain accounting policies for compliance with applicable GAAP that gave rise to potentially inaccurate or untimely revenue recognition and accounting for insurance-related assets and liabilities, management is performing a comprehensive review of the Partnership’s existing accounting policies to provide reasonable assurance of compliance with GAAP. More specifically:

Management has implemented controls over the input and output data related to the completeness and accuracy of the calculation provided by the actuary for the related assets and liabilities; and

Management is in process of enhancing its controls over the segregation of duties, review and monitoring controls over the ASC 606 calculations. In addition, management is in process of automating these calculations which are currently performed manually. Once completed the results will be subject to additional review and monitoring controls.

C.

To address the material weakness associated with controls over the reconciliation of amounts in certain general ledger accounts to relevant supporting details, management is in the process of reassessing its existing policies and designing procedures to govern the completion and review of business unit level account reconciliations. This includes automation of processes and designing and implementing enhanced controls over the preparation, analysis and review of significant accounts that operate at the appropriate level of precision to prevent or detect a material misstatement of such balances at period end. Management is refining its monitoring controls over the maintenance of cemetery property records to address the associated material weakness. Management is also refining system controls to assist with timely and accurate recognition of revenue and related costs and detective controls to appropriately monitor and review the recording of transactions.

D.

To address the material weakness regarding accurate and timely relief of deferred revenue and corresponding income statement impacts, the Partnership has reassessed the existing monitoring controls designed to identify material misstatements within “Deferred revenues.” The Partnership continues to refine system controls and introduce additional controls operating at an appropriately low level of detail intended to identify material misstatements in “Deferred revenues,” More specifically:

Management is in process of cross-training additional qualified accounting personnel to prepare the deferred revenue reconciliation, independent of the reviewer who is a member of the senior management team.

Management is in process of completing a special project to identify and recordpre-acquisition contracts. Management has also designed review and monitoring controls that will be implemented upon the completion of this project.

Management has implemented site level testing as well as oversight testing at the corporate level. An error rate is being developed and utilized to ensure the related balance sheet accounts are properly stated. The error rate is being developed and subsequently will be reviewed by accounting senior management prior to utilization.

Management updated the Contract Servicing Policy and delivered training to all field General Manager and Administration personnel responsible for servicing activities.

Management delivered training to financial andnon-financial personnel and the Audit Committee specific to ASC 606 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers; Contract Servicing Policy and Training

E.

To address the material weakness disclosed in its 2017 Annual Report on Form10-K associated with the review of financial statement disclosures regarding the consolidated statements of cash flows and

Note 4 and Note 16, the Partnership has designed and implemented additional controls over the preparation and review of the consolidated statements of cash flows and Note 4 and Note 16 at a detailed level that ensures accurate and proper presentation of the financial statement disclosures in accordance with GAAP.

We believe these measures will remediate the material weaknesses noted. While we have completed some of these measures as of the date of this report, we have not completed and tested all of the planned corrective processes, enhancements, procedures and related evaluation that we believe are necessary to determine whether the material weaknesses have been fully remediated. We believe the corrective actions and controls need to be in operation for a sufficient period of time, for managementand we will continue to conclude thatdevote significant time and attention, including internal and external resources, to these remedial efforts.

We will test the control environment isongoing operating effectivelyeffectiveness of the new remedial controls subsequent to implementation and has been adequately tested through audit procedures. Accordingly,consider the material weaknesses have not been fully remediated asafter the applicable remedial controls operate effectively for a sufficient period of the date of this report. As we continue to evaluate and work to remediate the control deficiencies that gave risetime.

Refer to the material weaknesses, we may determine that additional measures or time are required to address the control deficiencies or that we need to modify or otherwise adjustAnnual Report for further details on the remediation measures described above. We will continue to assess the effectiveness of our remediation efforts in connection with our evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting.efforts.

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

OurDuring the three months ended March 31, 2020, we continued to make improvements to our internal control over financial reporting with respect to material weaknesses that had been present at that time, and those remediation efforts were ongoing during our last fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2018.remain ongoing. Other than the remediation stepsas described above and in greater detail in the Annual Report, there were no other material changes in our internal control over financial reporting identifiedas defined in management’s evaluation pursuant to Rules13a-15(d) and15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act during the quarterthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20182020 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors of StoneMor GP LLC and Unitholders of StoneMor Partners L.P.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of StoneMor Partners L.P. (a Delaware Partnership) and subsidiaries (the “Partnership”) as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in the 2013Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, because of the effect of the material weaknesses described in the following paragraphs on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, the Partnership has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in the 2013Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Partnership’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weaknesses have been identified and included in management’s assessment.PARTII-OTHER INFORMATION

 

A.ITEM 1.

The Partnership did not design and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting related to control environment, control activities and monitoring, including competency of resources and deployment and oversight of control activities.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For information regarding our significant pending administrative and judicial proceedings involving regulatory, operating, transactional, environmental, and other matters, see Part 1. Item 1.Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 12 Commitments and Contingencies of this Quarterly Report.

We and certain of our subsidiaries are parties to legal proceedings that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. We do not expect such matters to have a material adverse effect on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We carry insurance with coverage and coverage limits that we believe to be customary in the cemetery and funeral home industry. Although there can be no assurance that such insurance will be sufficient to protect us against such contingencies, we believe that our insurance protection is reasonable in view of the nature and scope of our operations.

 

B.ITEM 1A.    

The Partnership’s controls applicable to establishment, periodic review for ongoing relevance and consistent application of certain material accounting policies in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) including revenue recognition and insurance-related assets and liabilities were not appropriately designed.RISK FACTORS

C.

The Partnership’s controls over the reconciliation of certain amounts recorded in the general ledger to relevant supporting details for “Cemetery property” and “Deferred revenues” on the consolidated balance sheet were not designed appropriately or failed to operate effectively.

D.

The Partnership’s internal controls designed to prevent a material misstatement in the accurate and timely relief of “Deferred revenues” as of the balance sheet date were not designed appropriately.

WeIn addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A.Risk Factors of our Annual Report, which are incorporated by reference herein. Except as described below, the risk factors in our Annual Report have not materially changed. The risks described in our Annual Report are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also have audited, in accordance withmay materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

TheCOVID-19 Pandemic has had an adverse effect on our business and results of operations and future public health concerns and other crises could adversely affect our business, financial condition, profitability or cash flows.

TheCOVID-19 Pandemic has impacted the standardsglobal economy, and it has had an adverse effect on our business and results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020. As a result of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”),COVID-19 Pandemic and the consolidated financial statementsrelated adverse economic and health consequences, we have experienced and could continue to be subject to any of the Partnership asfollowing risks, any of which could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations: ourpre-need sales may decrease; ourpre-need installment contract defaults may increase; our revenues may decrease due to reduced and deferred services; the value of ourpre-need trust investments and related net investment income may diminish due to the disruption in the financial markets; illnesses could disrupt our workforce; our supply chain could be disrupted; our operating costs may increase due to increased overtime, supply costs, health insurance, worker’s compensation claims, or other effects related toCOVID-19. While we have experienced an adverse effect on our sales and results of operations for the yearthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2018.2020, and we expect theCOVID-19 Pandemic to continue to have an adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows, we cannot presently predict, with certainty, the scope and severity with which theCOVID-19 Pandemic will continue to impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The material weaknesses identified above were considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied inthe full impact of theCOVID-19 Pandemic will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and largely outside of our auditcontrol.

There can be no assurances that these and other scenarios resulting from theCOVID-19 Pandemic, or other similar health crises, will not have a material and adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We are continuing to monitor this public health crisis and its impact on employees, customers, vendors, distribution channels and other business partners and the overall economic environment within the U.S. and worldwide, but we cannot presently predict the full scope and severity of the 2018 consolidated financial statements, and this report does not affect our report dated April 2, 2019, which expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Partnership’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment ofdisruptions caused by the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting basedCOVID-19 Pandemic on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOBbusiness, financial condition, results of operations and are required to be independent with respect to the Partnership in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financialcash flows.

reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessingIf the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basismarket price for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Controlcommon stock does not increase to over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding$1.00, the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets thatNYSE may delist our common stock, which could have a materialan adverse effect on the financial statements.value of an investment in our stock.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting mayAs previously reported on a current report on Form8-K filed with the SEC on April 20, 2020, we received a notice from the NYSE on April 14, 2020 stating that we were not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.NYSE’s continued listing requirements, because the30-trading day average closing price of our common stock had fallen below $1.00 per share. We have a period of six months following the receipt of the NYSE notice to regain compliance with the minimum share price requirement, which period has been tolled from April 21, 2020 through June 30, 2020. In order to regain compliance, on the last trading day of any calendar month during the cure period, our common stock must have (i) a closing price of at least $1.00 per share and (ii) an average closing price of at least $1.00 per share over the30-trading day period ending on the last trading day of such month. In the event that at the expiration of the cure period in late December 2020, both a $1.00 share price and a $1.00 average share price over the preceding 30 trading days are not attained, the NYSE will commence suspension and delisting procedures. If our common stock is delisted from the NYSE, the value of an investment in our common stock would be adversely affected.

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 2, 2019

ITEM 9B.2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Purchases of Equity Securities

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Period

  (a)
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased(1)
   (b)
Average
Price Paid
per Share(2)
   (c)
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
   (d)
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar Value)
of Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plans
or Programs
 

January 18, 2020

   17,129   $1.37    —     $—   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   17,129   $1.37    —     $—   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Represents shares that were withheld upon the vesting of awards under the Plan to satisfy certain tax obligations of the recipients of such awards arising from the vesting thereof and thus may be deemed to have been repurchased by the Company.

(2)

The value of the shares withheld was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the last trading day before the date on which such shares were withheld.

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

 

ITEM 10.6.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCEEXHIBIT INDEX

PARTNERSHIP STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT

StoneMor GP,The documents listed in the Exhibit Index of this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q are incorporated by reference or are filed with this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q, in each case as our general partner, manages our operations and activities. Unitholders are not entitled to participate, directly or indirectly,indicated therein (numbered in our management or operations.

Unlike the holdersaccordance with Item 601 of common stock in a corporation, unitholders have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our business. Unitholders do not have the right to elect our general partner or its directors on an annual or other continuing basis. Our general partner may not be removed except by the vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding common units, including units owned by our general partner and its affiliates. Robert B. Hellman, Jr. is the sole Trustee (the “Trustee”) under a Trust (the “Trust”) established pursuant to a Voting and Investment Trust Agreement by and between American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ACII”), and Mr. Hellman, as Trustee, dated as of May 9, 2014, for the pecuniary benefit of ACII. In his capacity as Trustee, Mr. Hellman has exclusive voting and investment power over approximately 86.63% of membership interests in StoneMor GP Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“GP Holdings”), which is the sole member of StoneMor GP. ACII is an affiliate of American Infrastructure Funds, L.L.C., an investment adviser registered with the SEC. Mr. Hellman, a director of our general partner, is a managing member of American Infrastructure Funds, L.L.C. and he is affiliated with (i) entities that own membership interests in ACII and (ii) AIM Universal Holdings, LLC which is the manager of ACII. Jonathan A. Contos, who served as a director of our general partner until February 9, 2018, was a Principal of American Infrastructure Funds, L.L.C. Robert A. Sick, a director of our general partner, has been an Operating Director of American Infrastructure Funds, L.L.C. since 2015. In addition to the Trust’s holdings of GP Holdings, Lawrence Miller, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of StoneMor GP until October 12, 2018 (6.53%, inclusive of family partnership holdings), William Shane, a former director of StoneMor GP (3.04%, inclusive of family partnership holdings), Allen Freedman, a former director of StoneMor GP (0.06%), Martin Lautman, a director of StoneMor GP (0.24%, along with Mr. Lautman’s spouse) and Michael Stache and Robert Stache, retired executive officers of StoneMor GP (each owning 1.8% through trusts with their respective spouses), collectively hold approximately 13.37% of membership interests in GP Holdings.

Pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of StoneMor GP LLC, dated May 21, 2014, as amended (the “Second Amended and Restated LLC Agreement”), GP Holdings, as the sole member of StoneMor GP, is entitled to elect all directors of StoneMor GP.

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF STONEMOR GP LLC

The following table shows information regarding the directors and executive officers of our general partner as of March 15, 2019. Each director is elected forRegulationone-yearS-K). terms until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal.

 

Name

Age

Positions with StoneMor GP LLC

Joseph M. Redling (1)

60President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Mark L. Miller

58Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President

James S. Ford

64Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President

Austin K. So

45General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary

Robert B. Hellman, Jr.

59Chairman of the Board of Directors

Martin R. Lautman, Ph.D.

72Director

Stephen J. Negrotti

67Director

Leo J. Pound (1)

64Director

Robert A. Sick

59Director

Fenton R. Talbott

77Director

Patricia D. Wellenbach

61Director

(1)

Mr. Redling has served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a Member of the Board of Directors since July 18, 2018. R. Paul Grady served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a Member of the Board of Directors from May 17, 2017 until March 30, 2018. Leo J. Pound served as Interim Chief Executive Officer from March 30, 2018 until July 18, 2018.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS

A brief biography for each executive officer who serves as a director of our general partner is included below.

Joseph M. Redlinghas served as President and Chief Executive Officer of our general partner since July 18, 2018. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Redling served as the Chief Operating Officer of Vonage Holdings. Inc., a billion-dollar communications company, where he managed the day to day operations of the company’s consumer and B2B businesses. Prior to Chief Operating Officer position he was President of Consumer Services for Vonage overseeing its large consumer business unit. Prior to that, Mr. Redling was President and Chief Executive Officer of Nutrisystem, Inc., a leader in the weight-loss industry. His experience also includes over a decade with Time Warner and AOL where he held a number of senior executive level roles including Chief Marketing Officer, President of Paid Services and Customer Management, President of the AOL Access Business and CEO of AOL International.

ADDITIONAL DIRECTORS

A brief biography for eachnon-executive director of our general partner is included below.

Robert B. Hellman, Jr., has served on the Board of Directors of our general partner since our formation in April 2004. Mr. Hellmanco-founded American Infrastructure Funds (“AIM”) in 2006 and has been an infrastructure and private real assets investor for over 25 years. He has been an investor and director in a wide variety of industries, including agriculture, building materials, forest products, energy production and distribution, death care, entertainment, health and fitness, and real estate. On behalf of AIM, he currently holds three patents on the application of the design of innovative financial security structures. Mr. Hellman began his private equity career at McCown DeLeeuw in 1987, and previously was a consultant with Bain & Company, where he was one of the founding members of Bain’s Tokyo office. Mr. Hellman serves on the board of a number of private companies. He is also a member of the Board of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR) and President of Stanford’s DAPER Investment Fund. He received an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School with Baker Scholar honors, an M.S. in economics from the London School of Economics, and a B.A. in economics from Stanford University. Mr. Hellman brings to the Board extensive investment management and capital raising experience, combined with excellent leadership and strategic skills.

Martin R. Lautman, Ph.D., has served on the Board of Directors of our general partner since our formation in April 2004 and served as a director of Cornerstone from its formation in March 1999 through April 2004. Dr. Lautman is currently the Managing Director of Marketing Channels, Inc., a company that provides marketing and marketing research consulting services to the information industry and a partner in Musketeer Capital, a venture capital firm investing in early stage and growth stage companies. From 2005 to 2008, he served as the President and CEO of GfK Custom Research North America, a division of a public worldwide marketing services company headquartered in Nuremburg, Germany. Prior to that, he was the Senior Managing Director of ARBOR a U.S.-based marketing research agency, where he held several positions including Senior Managing Director. He has also served with Numex Corporation, a public machine tool manufacturing company, as President from 1987 to 1990 and as a director from 1991 to 1997. From 1986 to 2000, Dr. Lautman served on the Board of Advisors of Bachow Inc., a private equity firm specializing in high-tech companies and software. He is currently a board member of Require, a title release tracking company and an advisor to Phoenix International, a market research firm and three early stage fund and growth stage funds. Dr. Lautman is also the former Chairman of the Board of Penn Hillel where he served for four years and is now on the board of Hillel International. Dr. Lautman has lectured on marketing in The Cornell Hotel School and The Columbia University School of Business and has taught courses in both the Executive MBA and MBA programs in marketing management and marketing strategy in The Smeal School of Business of The Pennsylvania State University. He currently teaches Entrepreneurial Marketing in both the undergraduate and MBA programs in The Wharton School of Business of The University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Lautman brings to the Board marketing, sales and strategic planning expertise and experience with corporate compensation matters.

Stephen J. Negrottihas served on the Board of Directors of our general partner since April 2018. Mr. Negrotti was most recently President and CEO of Turner Investments Inc., an investment manager, from April 2014 until October 2015. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors and President of the Turner Family of Mutual Funds during that time. Mr. Negrotti has been self-employed as an independent certified public accountant and a consultant since October 2015 and was also employed in that capacity from January 2012 until joining Turner. Mr. Negrotti has over 40 years of finance and administration experience. He joined Ernst & Young in Philadelphia in 1976 and was a Partner at Ernst & Young LLP from 1986 through 2011, coordinating services to financial industry clients and acting as an advisor in Ernst & Young’s Global Private Equity practice in New York. Mr. Negrotti holds an MBA in Finance from Drexel University and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from The Pennsylvania State University. Mr. Negrotti brings to the Board significant experience in financial oversight and accounting matters

Leo J. Poundhas served on the Board of Directors of our general partner since August 2014. He also served as Interim Chief Executive Officer of our general partner from March 30, 2018 until July 18, 2018, as Acting Chief Operating Officer of our general partner from April 16, 2017 until September 29, 2017 and as Interim Strategic Officer from July 19, 2018 until October 31, 2018. Mr. Pound has been a Principal of Pound Consulting Inc., which provides management-consulting services to both public and private enterprises, since July 2000. From February 1999 to July 2000, Mr. Pound was Chief Financial Officer of Marble Crafters, a stone importer and fabricator. From October 1995 to February 1999, he was Chief Financial Officer of Jos. H. Stomel & Sons, a wholesale distributor. Since 2013, Mr. Pound has served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee of Alliance Holdings, a private equity firm. From 2012 through December 2015, Mr. Pound was a director at Turner Long/Short Equity Offshore, an investment partnership managed by Turner Investments, Inc. He also serves as a director and the Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee of Nixon Uniform Service & Medical Wear, a textile rental company. In December 2015, Mr. Pound joined the Board of Directors of Empire Petroleum Partners, a private wholesale fuel distributor, where he also serves as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Mr. Pound previously served on the Board of Directors of NCO Group, Inc., an international provider of business process outsourcing services, from 2000 until 2011, and chaired its Audit Committee and was a member of its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Pound is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American and Pennsylvania Institutes of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Pound received a degree in Business Administration from LaSalle University where he majored in Accounting. Mr. Pound brings to the Board of audit practices and financial controls and systems and financial leadership experience.

Robert A. Sick has served on the Board of Directors of our general partner since May 2017. Mr. Sick has been an Operating Director at American Infrastructure MLP Funds since January 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Sick was the sole member and Managing Director of White Oak Capital, LLC, which he formed in April 2004, through which he has served as a transition chief executive officer, board member and senior adviser to more than 30 middle market companies, helping to lead them through management transitions, significant growth initiatives and other business transformations. From December 2013 through December 2014, he served as Chief Executive Officer of AutoNet Mobile Inc., a private company that makes wireless devices for use in moving vehicles. He has also served as a director of Safe Harbor Marinas LLC (September 2016 to present), Denbeste Water Solutions LLC (2014), Arrow Holdings LLC (June 2015 to present), Jacksonville Sound & Communications, Inc. (2015 to present), and Granite Holdings LLC (2015 to present), all of which are private companies. Mr. Sick brings to the Board significant executive leadership experience and experience in driving various strategic initiatives and creating long term value.

Fenton R. “Pete” Talbott has served on the Board of Directors of our general partner since our formation in April 2004 and had served as Chairman of the Board of Cornerstone from April 2000 through April 2004. Mr. Talbott served as the President of Talbott Advisors, Inc., a consulting firm, from January 2006 through January 2010. Mr. Talbott previously served as an operating affiliate of McCown De Leeuw & Co., LLC from November 1999 to December 2004 and currently serves as an operating affiliate of American Infrastructure Funds, L.L.C. Additionally, he served as the Chairman of the Board of Telespectrum International, an

international telemarketing and market-research company, from August 2000 to January 2001. Prior to 1999, Mr. Talbott held various executive positions with Comerica Bank, American Express Corporation, Bank of America, The First Boston Corp., CitiCorp., and other entities. He currently serves as a board member of the Preventative Medicine Research Institute, Kansas University Board of Trustees and Landmark Dividend, LLC. Mr. Talbott brings to the Board extensive operational and consulting expertise, experience with compensation matters and his significant professional contact base.

Patricia D. Wellenbachhas served on the Board of Directors of our general partner since April 2018. She has been President and CEO of Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum since November 2015. In such capacity, Ms. Wellenbach is responsible for management and oversight of one of the top 10 children’s museums in the country. The Museum employs 100 people and has a budget of $10.0 million. In addition, Ms. Wellenbach works closely with the Museum’s Board of Trustees and is a steward of a 100,000 square foot building on the National Historic Register. The building is owned by the City of Philadelphia and as such Ms. Wellenbach works closely with city leaders on the preservation of this historic landmark building. From February 2013 to October 2015, Ms. Wellenbach was President and CEO of Green Tree School and Services, anon-residential school and behavioral health clinic for children with autism and severe emotional disturbances. In such capacity, Ms. Wellenbach oversaw a budget of $9.0 million, managed the construction of a new facility and negotiated contracts with two unions. The complexity of the medical and educational needs of the children required Ms. Wellenbach to have experience with a high level of regulatory and compliance issues. From October 2007 to January 2013, Ms. Wellenbach advised companies as President and CEO of Sandcastle Strategy Group, LLC. Ms. Wellenbach currently serves on the Boards of Thomas Jefferson University (from July 2015) and the Philadelphia Mayor’s Cultural Advisory Board (from September 2016). Ms. Wellenbach previously was a member of the Board of Directors at the Reinvestment Fund, a CDFI fund that makes community impact investments in areas of work force development, charter schools, food access and other community needs, from March 2010 until December 2017. Ms. Wellenbach is also a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors, Women Corporate Directors, the Forum of Executive Women and the Pennsylvania Women’s Forum. Ms. Wellenbach holds a degree from the Boston College School of Nursing and a certificate from the UCLA Anderson School of Management’s Healthcare Executive Program. Ms. Wellenbach brings to the Board significant experience in managing complex businesses in transition and restructuring, merger and acquisition experience both as a chief executive officer and as a board member, and experience with risk, regulatory and compliance issues

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS(NON-BOARD MEMBERS)

A brief biography for each executive officer who does not serve as a director of our general partner is included below.

Mark L. Miller has served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of our general partner since May 2017 and was a consultant to our general partner from February 2017 until May 2017. From October 2016 to February 2017, Mr. Miller provided consulting services to a distributor of flooring material. Mr. Miller was on sabbatical from full-time work endeavors from July 2015 to September 2016. From July 2012 through March 2015, Mr. Miller was Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of CrossAmerica GP, LLC, the general partner of CrossAmerica Partners LP (formerly Lehigh Gas Partners LP), a NYSE-listed limited partnership and a wholesale and retail distributor of motor fuel and a leasee and subleasee of motor fuel retail distribution stores, convenience stores and gas stations. Thereafter, he assisted CrossAmerica for a transition period from March 2015 to June 2015. Prior to his experience with Cross America, Mr. Miller was Vice President of Acquisitions at Dunne Manning Inc. (formerly Lehigh Gas Corporation), where he managed acquisitions, divestitures, acquisition financing and working capital requirements since 2004. Prior to joining Dunne Manning Inc., Mr. Miller was the Chief Financial Officer for several middle market companies in various industries. Mr. Miller also spent six years with Deloitte & Touche LLP. Mr. Miller holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Northeastern University and was a Certified Public Accountant.

James S. Fordhas served as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of our general partner since March 1, 2018. Prior to joining StoneMor, Mr. Ford had most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer of Foundation Partners Group, which owns and operates funeral homes and cemeteries in the United States, where he was employed from September 2014 through January 2018. In such capacity, Mr. Ford was responsible for all operations, sales and marketing activities of Foundation Partners Group. He previously held the position of Vice President, Business Optimization, at Foundation Partners Group where he led efforts to formulate and implement business strategies that drove organizational growth and expansion. From June 2004 to November 2013, Mr. Ford was Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Cremation Services with the Neptune Society in Plantation, Florida, a provider of cremation services. In such capacity, Mr. Ford’s responsibilities included oversight of Neptune Society’s operations and sales. Before his employment with Neptune Society, Mr. Ford held several senior management positions with Service Corporation International (SCI), a provider of funeral goods and services as well as cemetery property and services, during his 16 years with that company. Mr. Ford has served on the Boards of Directors of the Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin Cemetery Associations and the Board of Directors of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association. Mr. Ford attended Loyola University in Los Angeles where he studied Biology and was a licensed Funeral Director in California.

Austin K. So has served as General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of our general partner since July 5, 2016. Prior to joining our general partner, Mr. So was the Division General Counsel and Secretary of Heraeus Incorporated, a global manufacturing conglomerate, from 2012 to 2016. Leading a team of lawyers based in Germany, China and the U.S., Mr. So oversaw litigation, mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, government investigations, compliance, export control, trade law and other legal matters. From 2002 to 2012, Mr. So practiced both transactional law and litigation at corporate law firms in New York City. Mr. So received an A.B. from Harvard College and a J.D. from The University of Pennsylvania Law School.

BOARD MEETINGS AND EXECUTIVE SESSIONS, COMMUNICATIONS WITH DIRECTORS AND BOARD COMMITTEES

In 2018, the Board of Directors of our general partner held ten meetings. All directors then in office attended all of these meetings, either in person or by teleconference.

Our Board of Directors holds regular executive sessions, in whichnon-management board members meet without any members of management present. Mr. Hellman, Chairman of the Board of Directors and its Lead Director, presides at regular sessions of thenon-management members of our Board of Directors.

Interested parties, including unitholders, may contact one or more members of our Board of Directors, includingnon-management directors individually or as a group, by writing to the director or directors in care of the Secretary of our general partner at our principal executive offices. A communication received from an interested party or unitholder will be promptly forwarded to the director or directors to whom the communication is addressed. We will not, however, forward sales or marketing materials or correspondence primarily commercial in nature, materials that are abusive, threatening or otherwise inappropriate, or correspondence not clearly identified as interested party or unitholder correspondence.

The Board of Directors of our general partner has an Audit Committee, a Conflicts Committee, a Trust and Compliance Committee and a Compensation and Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board of Directors of our general partner appoints the members of such committees. The members of the committees and a brief description of the functions performed by each committee are set forth below.

Audit Committee

The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Lautman and Negrotti (Chairman) and Ms. Wellenbach. The primary responsibilities of the Audit Committee are to assist the Board of Directors of our

general partner in its general oversight of our financial reporting, internal controls and audit functions, and it is directly responsible for the appointment, retention, compensation and oversight of the work of our independent auditors. The Audit Committee’s charter is posted on our website at www.stonemor.com under the “Investors” section. Information on our website does not constitute a part of this Annual Report on Form10-K.

All current committee members qualify as “independent” under applicable standards established by the SEC and NYSE for members of audit committees. In addition, Mr. Negrotti has been determined by the Board of Directors of our general partner to have accounting or related financial management expertise and meet the qualifications of an “audit committee financial expert” in accordance with NYSE listing standards and SEC rules, as applicable. The “audit committee financial expert” designation is a disclosure requirement of the SEC related to Mr. Negrotti’s experience and understanding with respect to certain accounting, and auditing matters. The designation does not impose any duties, obligations or liabilities that are greater than those generally imposed on Mr. Negrotti as a member of the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors of our general partner and it does not affect the duties, obligations or liabilities of any other member of the Board of Directors.

Conflicts Committee

The primary responsibility of the Conflicts Committee is to review matters that the directors believe may involve potential conflicts of interest. Members of the Conflicts Committee are appointed and the Conflicts Committee meets on anas-needed basis and determines if a proposed resolution of the conflict of interest is fair and reasonable to us. Members of the Conflicts Committee may not be officers or employees of our general partner or directors, officers, or employees of its affiliates and must meet the independence standards to serve on an audit committee of a board of directors established by the NYSE and certain other requirements. Any matters approved by the Conflicts Committee will be conclusively deemed to be fair and reasonable to us, approved by all of our partners, and not a breach by our general partner of any duties it may owe us or our unitholders.

Conflicts of interest may arise between us and our unitholders, on the one hand, and our general partner and its affiliates, on the other hand. Additionally this Committee is responsible for engaging third party experts to perform fairness opinions as deemed necessary. As previously announced, Ms. Wellenbach and Mr. Negrotti were appointed as members of the Conflicts Committee for the purpose of considering, reviewing and making recommendations as to whether a change in our structure from a master limited partnership to a publicly traded Delaware corporation would be in the best interest of the Partnership and our public unitholders. The Board of Directors has approved a fixed fee of $75,000, each for their service on the Conflicts Committee for 2018.

Trust and Compliance Committee

The current members of the Trust and Compliance Committee are Messrs. Hellman (Chairman) and Sick and Ms. Wellenbach. The primary responsibilities of the Trust and Compliance Committee are to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibility in the oversight management of merchandise trusts and perpetual care trusts (collectively, the “Trusts”) and to review and recommend an investment policy for the Trusts, including (i) asset allocation, (ii) acceptable risk levels, (iii) total return or income objectives, (iv) investment guidelines relating to eligible investments, diversification and concentration restrictions and (v) performance objectives for specific managers or other investments. The Trust and Compliance Committee also oversees matters ofnon-financial compliance, including our overall compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Compensation and Nominating and Governance Committee

The current members of the Compensation and Nominating and Governance Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) are Messrs. Sick (Chairman), Hellman and Pound. The primary responsibilities of the Compensation Committee are to oversee compensation decisions for thenon-management directors of our general partner and executive officers of our general partner (in the event they are to be paid by our general partner), as well as our long-term incentive plan and to select and recommend nominees for election to the Board of Directors of our general partner.

CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR FINANCIAL MANAGERS, CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS FOR DIRECTORS, THE CODE OF ETHICS POLICY, AND THE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES

We adopted a Code of Ethical Conduct for Financial Managers which is applicable to our financial managers, including our principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions. The Code of Ethical Conduct for Financial Managers incorporates guidelines designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote honest and ethical conduct and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If any amendments are made to the Code of Ethical Conduct for Financial Managers or if we or our general partner grants any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the code to any of its financial managers, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website (www.stonemor.com) or in a report on Form8-K. We also adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors, a Code of Ethics Policy applicable to our officers and other employees, and Corporate Governance Guidelines, which constitute the framework for our corporate governance.

The Code of Ethical Conduct for Financial Managers, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors, the Code of Ethics Policy, and the Corporate Governance Guidelines are publicly available on our website under the “Investors” section at www.stonemor.com. Information on our website does not constitute a part of this Annual Report on Form10-K.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Our general partner’s directors, officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of common units, if any, are required to file reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the SEC. Directors, officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of our common units are also required to furnish us with copies of all such reports that are filed. Based solely on our review of copies of such forms and amendments and on written representations from reporting individuals, we believe that all of the directors and executive officers of our general partner filed the required reports on a timely basis under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act during the year ended December 31, 2018.

ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table sets forth summary information relating to all compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the individuals listed in the table below, collectively referred to as our “named executive officers,” for all services rendered in all capacities to our subsidiaries and us during the years noted. The term “Stock” in the Summary Compensation Table and other tables included in this Part III, Item 11. Executive Compensation refer to common units of the Partnership.

Name and Principal Position

 Year  Salary
($)
  Bonus (1)
($)
  Stock
Awards (2)
($)
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
  All Other
Compensation (3)
($)
  Total
($)
 

Joseph M. Redling (4)

  2018  $317,692  $325,000  $3,052,500  $—    $—    $3,695,192 

Chief Executive Officer and President

       

Leo J. Pound (5)

  2018  $425,000  $200,000  $—    $—    $584,851  $1,209,851 

Former Interim Chief Executive Officer

  2017  $420,000  $—    $—    $—    $147,468  $567,468 

R. Paul Grady (6)

  2018  $161,538  $—    $—    $—    $—    $161,538 

Former Chief Executive Officer and President

  2017  $380,770  $—    $—    $—    $25,000  $405,770 

Mark L. Miller (7)

  2018  $450,000  $75,000  $224,999  $—    $—    $749,999 

Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President

  2017  $287,577  $150,000  $159,034  $—    $113,575  $710,186 

Austin K. So (8)

  2018  $375,000  $200,000  $187,503  $—    $2,279  $764,782 

General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary

  2017  $367,308  $293,750  $132,522  $—    $10,780  $804,360 

(1)

Represents bonus amounts earned with respect to the applicable year except as otherwise indicated.

(2)

Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of awards in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (“ASC Topic 718”). On July 18, 2018, Joseph M. Redling was issued 750,000 restricted units under the Partnership’s 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan (as now amended and restated, the “2018 Plan”), which vest in quarterly installments over a four year period. The amounts set forth for 2018 for Mark L. Miller and Austin K. So represent awards made under the 2018 Plan with aggregate fair values of $224,999 and $187,503, respectively, assuming the target condition is met in each of the three vesting periods for the units that vest based on achieving performance targets (“PVUs”). The amounts set forth for 2017 for Messrs. Miller and So represent awards that were intended to be made in 2017 but were delayed due to delinquencies in the filing of certain periodic reports by the Partnership with aggregate fair values of $159,634 and $132,522, respectively, assuming the target condition is met in each of the three vesting periods for the PVUs.

(3)

All other compensation for 2018 includes the following personal benefits:

   Benefit 

Name

  Airfare   Transportation   Cell Phone   Other 

Leo J. Pound

  $45,980   $12,880   $—     $6,991 

Austin K. So

  $—     $—     $1,530   $749 

(4)

Mr. Redling commenced service as our Chief Executive Officer and President on July 18, 2018. The amount set forth under “Salary” is prorated for the service period. Mr. Redling’s annualized base salary is $700,000.

(5)

Mr. Pound served as Interim Chief Executive Officer from March 30, 2018 through July 17, 2018, as Interim Strategic Executive from July 18, 2018 through October 31, 2018 and as Acting Chief Operating Officer from April 16, 2017 through September 29, 2017. The amount set forth under “Salary” represents

consulting fees we paid to his consulting firm for his service in 2018 as Interim Chief Executive Officer and in 2017 as Acting Chief Operating Officer. The amount set forth under “All Other Compensation” for 2018 includes $150,000 in consulting fees we paid to his consulting firm for his service as Interim Strategic Executive. The amounts set forth under “All Other Compensation” also include the compensation Mr. Pound received for his service as a director of StoneMor GP for 2018 and 2017, and is comprised of the following:

   Fees Earned or Paid In Cash ($)(1)   Stock Awards ($)(2)   Total ($) 

2018

  $74,000   $20,000   $94,000 

2017

  $126,000   $21,468   $147,468 

(1)

Mr. Pound was entitled to an annual retainer for services as a director of $80,000, which is received in cash, restricted phantom units or a combination of cash and restricted Phantom units, at his election. A minimum of $20,000 of the $80,000 annual retainer was required to be paid in restricted phantom units. In addition to the retainer, Mr. Pound was entitled to a meeting fee of $2,000 for each meeting of the board of directors attended in person and $1,500 for each committee meeting attended in person, a fee of $500 for participation in each board call that is greater than one hour, but less than two hours, and $1,000 for participation in each telephone board call that is two hours or more. In 2017, Mr. Pound also received a fee of $50,000 in 2017 for serving on the Executive Search Committee of the Board of Directors in 2017. Mr. Pound is also entitled to receive restricted phantom units pursuant to his distribution equivalent rights.

(2)

The restricted phantom units awarded as retainer compensation are credited to a mandatory deferred compensation account established for Mr. Pound. In addition, for each restricted phantom unit in such account, we credit the account, solely in additional restricted phantom units, an amount of distribution equivalent rights so as to provide Mr. Pound a means of participating on aone-for-one basis in distributions made to holders of our common units. Payment of Mr. Pound’s mandatory deferred compensation account will be made on the earliest of (i) his separation of service as a director, (ii) disability, (iii) unforeseeable emergency, (iv) death or (v) change of control of the Partnership or our general partners. Any such payment will be made at our election in our common units or cash

(6)

Mr. Grady served as our Chief Executive Officer and President from May 17, 2017 through March 29, 2018.

(7)

Mr. Miller’s bonus amount for 2017 represents the grant date fair value of the restricted units issued to him in March 2018 in accordance with ASC Topic 718. The amount set forth under “All Other Compensation” for 2017 is comprised of $88,575 in consulting fees we paid to his consulting firm for consulting services prior to his commencement of service as our Chief Financial Officer, a $10,000 reimbursement for legal fees incurred in connection with the negotiation of his employment agreement, and a $15,000 reimbursement for the premium for a supplemental directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy.

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 31, 2018

The following table sets forth information with respect to outstanding equity awards at December 31, 2018 for our named executive officers.

   Stock Awards 

Name (1)

  Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other Rights
That Have
Not Vested
(#) (2)
   Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other Rights
That Have Not
Vested
($) (3)
 
    

Joseph M. Redling

   703,125   $1,476,563 

Mark L. Miller

   50,281   $105,590 

Austin K. So

   34,774   $73,025 

(1)

No unvested or unexercised equity awards were held at December 31, 2018 by any named executive officer not listed in this table.

(2)

Excludes a total of 48,875, 5,458, and 454 units that had vested for Messer’s Redling, Miller and So but as of December 31, 2018, had been issued.

(3)

The market value of these outstanding awards has been computed by multiplying the closing price of the common units on December 31, 2018 by the number of unvested units held by Messrs. Redling, Miller and So.

AGREEMENTS WITH NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following is a summary of certain material provisions of agreements between our general partner and our named executive officers.

Joseph M. Redling

Joseph M. Redling and our general partner are parties to an employment agreement dated June 29, 2018 pursuant to which Mr. Redling serves as Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of our general partner. Mr. Redling’s initial base salary under the agreement is $700,000 per year, which base salary is subject to annual review by the Board. Any decrease in base salary shall be made only to the extent StoneMor GP contemporaneously and proportionately decreases the base salaries of all of its senior executives.

The agreement provides that Mr. Redling is eligible to receive an annual incentive cash bonus with respect to each fiscal year of StoneMor GP, provided that he will not be eligible to receive such bonus if he is not employed on the last day of the fiscal year to which such bonus relates and, further, he will not be eligible for such bonus unless other senior executive team members have also earned a bonus for such fiscal year. The target amount of the cash bonus is 100% of his base salary with respect to the applicable fiscal year and is to be based on specific individual and company performance goals established by the Compensation Committee and as described in his employment agreement. With respect to fiscal year 2018, the agreement provides that Mr. Redling was eligible for apro-rated cash bonus based upon the time Mr. Redling was employed by StoneMor GP during fiscal year 2018.

The agreement also provided that Mr. Redling was entitled to receive an initial grant of restricted common units in the Partnership of 750,000 units. Such restricted common units will vest, if at all, in equal quarterly installments over the four year period following the date of grant and will have rights to distributions consistent with fully vested common units in the Partnership. The grant of such restricted common units was made on July 18, 2018, and is subject to such other terms and conditions as are set forth in the Executive Restricted Unit Agreement entered into between Mr. Redling and StoneMor GP at the time of grant.

Under the agreement, Mr. Redling is also entitled to participate in the 2018 Plan for the 2019 fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, to the extent that StoneMor GP offers the 2018 Plan to all senior executives of StoneMor GP. Mr. Redling’s participation in the 2018 Plan with respect to the 2019 fiscal year and in any future fiscal year, if offered by StoneMor GP, shall be in an annual amount equal to 150% of his base salary, with 50% of such annual amount vesting in equal annual installments over three years and 50% of the annual amount vesting based upon attainment of performance goals as determined by the Executive Committee of the Board, in consultation with the Compensation Committee.

If Mr. Redling’s employment is terminated for any reason, Mr. Redling will be entitled to receive the following: (i) any base salary for days actually worked through the date of termination; (ii) reimbursement of all expenses for which Mr. Redling is entitled to be reimbursed pursuant to the agreement, but for which he has not yet been reimbursed; (iii) any vested accrued benefits under StoneMor GP’s employee benefit plans and programs in accordance with the terms of such plans and programs, as accrued through the date of termination; (iv) vested but unissued equity in StoneMor GP or the Partnership; (v) any bonus or other incentive (or portion thereof) for any preceding completed fiscal year that has been awarded by StoneMor GP to Mr. Redling, but has not been received by him prior to the date of termination; (vi) accrued but unused vacation, to the extent Mr. Redling is eligible in accordance with StoneMor GP’s policies and (vii) any other payment or benefit (other than severance benefits) to which Mr. Redling may be entitled under the applicable terms of any written plan, program, policy, agreement, or corporate governance document of StoneMor GP, the Partnership or any of their successors or assigns.

If Mr. Redling’s employment is terminated by StoneMor GP without “Cause” and not for death or “Disability” or by Mr. Redling for “Good Reason” (as such terms are defined in the agreement), and provided that Mr. Redling enters into a release as provided for in the agreement, Mr. Redling would be entitled to receive, in addition to the benefits described in the preceding paragraph, the following: (i) payment of 1.5 times his base salary for a period of 12 months following the effective date of his termination, to be paid in equal installments in accordance with the normal payroll practices of StoneMor GP, commencing on the 60th day following the date of termination, with the first payment including any amounts not yet paid between the date of termination and the date of the first payment and (ii) apro-rata cash bonus for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, if any, determined by StoneMor GP (subject to certain the restrictions as set forth above), which shall be paid at the same time that annual incentive cash bonuses are paid to other executives of StoneMor GP, but in no event later than March 15 of the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs.

In the event of a “Change in Control” (as such term is defined in the agreement), all outstanding equity interests granted to Mr. Redling that are subject to time-based vesting provisions and that are not fully vested shall become fully vested as of the date of such Change in Control. The agreement also includes customary covenants running during Mr. Redling’s employment and for 12 months thereafter prohibiting solicitation of employees, directors, officers, associates, consultants, agents or independent contractors, customers, suppliers, vendors and others having business relationships with StoneMor GP and prohibiting Mr. Redling from directly or indirectly competing with StoneMor GP. The agreement also contains provisions relating to protection of StoneMor GP’s property, its confidential information and ownership of intellectual property as well as various other covenants and provisions customary for an agreement of this nature.

R. Paul Grady

Mr. Grady and our general partner were parties to an employment agreement effective May 17, 2017 pursuant to which Mr. Grady served as President and Chief Executive Officer of our general partner. On February 26, 2018, Mr. Grady resigned as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director effective on March 30, 2018. Mr. Grady’s base salary was $600,000 per year. The agreement provided that Mr. Grady was eligible to receive an annual incentive cash bonus provided that, except for certain qualifying terminations of employment, he was employed on the last day of the fiscal year to which such bonus related, and provided further that he would not have been eligible for such bonus unless other senior executive team members had also earned a bonus for such fiscal year. The amount of the cash bonus was to be within a range of 0% to 150% of his base salary with respect

to the applicable fiscal year. The agreement provided that, in lieu of all or a portion of any cash bonus with respect to the 2017 fiscal year, Mr. Grady would have been eligible to receive a grant of restricted common units in the Partnership with a value equal to $300,000. Such restricted common units would have vested, if at all, in equal monthly installments over the two year period following the date of grant and would have had rights to distributions consistent with fully vested common units in the Partnership. The grant of such restricted common units was to be made as promptly as practicable after the Partnership had filed all of its required reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Because Mr. Grady gave notice of his intention to resign prior to the grant of such units and such units would, as a result, have been forfeited effective upon his resignation, he did not receive any such award.

Under the agreement, Mr. Grady was also entitled to participate in our long-term incentive plan for the 2017 fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, to the extent that our general partner offered such long-term incentive plan to all of its senior executives. Because Mr. Grady’s resignation was effective prior to the date on which any of the awards made with respect to 2017 would have vested, Mr. Grady did not participate in the 2017 awards. The agreement also provided that Mr. Grady was entitled to a 4% profit participation in our general partner, which was forfeited in connection with his resignation. Our general partner also agreed to reimburse Mr. Grady for the cost of a supplemental directors’ and officers’ insurance policy for up to $5,000,000 and to pay up to $10,000 in attorneys’ fees incurred by Mr. Grady in connection with the review, negotiation and documentation of his agreement.

The agreement provided for certain benefits if Mr. Grady’s employment was terminated by our general partner with or without “Cause” or by Mr. Grady with or without “Good Reason” or in the event of Mr. Grady’s death or “Disability” of a “Change in Control” (as such terms are defined in the agreement). In connection with Mr. Grady’s voluntary resignation, no such benefits were payable.

The agreement also included customary covenants running during Mr. Grady’s employment and for 18 months thereafter prohibiting solicitation of employees, directors, officers, associates, consultants, agents or independent contractors, customers, suppliers, vendors and others having business relationships with our general partner and prohibiting Mr. Grady from directly or indirectly competing with our general partner. The agreement also contained provisions relating to protection of our general partner’s property, its confidential information and ownership of intellectual property as well as various other covenants and provisions customary for an agreement of this nature.

Mark L. Miller

Mark L. Miller and our general partner are parties to an employment agreement effective as of May 16, 2017 pursuant to which Mr. Miller serves as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of our general partner. Mr. Miller’s initial base salary under the agreement is $450,000 per year, which base salary is subject to annual review by the Board. Any decrease in base salary shall be made only to the extent StoneMor GP contemporaneously and proportionately decreases the base salaries of all of its senior executives.

The agreement provides that Mr. Miller is eligible to receive an annual incentive cash bonus with respect to each fiscal year of StoneMor GP, provided, except for certain qualifying terminations of employment, that he will not be eligible to receive such bonus if he is not employed on the last day of the fiscal year to which such bonus relates and, further, he will not be eligible for such bonus unless other senior executive team members have also earned a bonus for such fiscal year. The amount of the cash bonus will be within a range of 0% to 112.5% of his base salary with respect to the applicable fiscal year, with a target bonus opportunity equal to 75% of his base salary. With respect to fiscal year 2017, the agreement provides that Mr. Miller was eligible for apro-rated cash bonus based upon the time Mr. Miller was employed by StoneMor GP during fiscal year 2017. In addition, the agreement provides that, to the extent that the cash bonus payable to Mr. Miller with respect to the 2017 fiscal year, if any, is determined to exceed $100,000, only the amounts in excess of $100,000 shall be payable to Mr. Miller in cash.

The agreement provides that, in lieu of all or a portion of any cash bonus with respect to the 2017 fiscal year, Mr. Miller was entitled to receive a grant of restricted common units in the Partnership with a value equal to $100,000. Such restricted common units will vest, if at all, in equal monthly installments over the two year period following the date of grant and will have rights to distributions consistent with fully vested common units in the Partnership. The grant of such restricted common units was made on March 19, 2018, and is subject to such other terms and conditions as are set forth in the Executive Restricted Unit Agreement entered into between Mr. Miller and StoneMor GP at the time of grant.

Under the agreement, Mr. Miller is also entitled to participate in our long-term incentive plan for the 2017 fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, to the extent that StoneMor GP offers the 2018 Plan to all senior executives of StoneMor GP. Mr. Miller’s participation in the 2018 Plan with respect to the 2017 fiscal year and in any future fiscal year, if offered by StoneMor GP, shall be in an annual amount equal to 50% of his base salary, with 50% of such annual amount vesting in equal annual installments over three years and 50% of the annual amount vesting based upon attainment of performance goals as determined by the Executive Committee of the Board, in consultation with the Compensation Committee. To the extent Mr. Miller’s employment terminates on account of “Retirement” (as such term is defined in the agreement) during a performance period applicable to a particular long-term incentive plan grant, the portion of such grant that is subject to performance goals shall be earnedpro-rata based on actual performance and the number of months that Mr. Miller was employed during the performance period. To be eligible for apro-rated portion of the grant in the event of a retirement, Mr. Miller must execute a release substantially in the form attached to his agreement.

The agreement also provides that Mr. Miller shall be entitled to a 1% profit participation in StoneMor GP, with the terms of such profit participation (including, but not limited to, vesting terms and distribution participation rights) being subject to and governed by the agreement to be entered into promptly following the effective date. StoneMor GP also agreed to reimburse Mr. Miller for the cost of a supplemental directors’ and officers’ insurance policy for up to $5,000,000.

If Mr. Miller’s employment is terminated by StoneMor GP for “Cause” or by Mr. Miller without “Good Reason” or in the event of Mr. Miller’s death or “Disability” (as such terms are defined in the agreement), Mr. Miller will be entitled to receive the following: (i) any base salary for days actually worked through the date of termination; (ii) reimbursement of all expenses for which Mr. Miller is entitled to be reimbursed pursuant to the agreement, but for which he has not yet been reimbursed; (iii) any vested accrued benefits under StoneMor GP’s employee benefit plans and programs in accordance with the terms of such plans and programs, as accrued through the date of termination; (iv) vested but unissued equity in StoneMor GP or the Partnership; (v) any bonus or other incentive (or portion thereof) for any preceding completed fiscal year that has been awarded by StoneMor GP to Mr. Miller, but has not been received by him prior to the date of termination; and (vi) accrued but unused vacation, to the extent Mr. Miller is eligible in accordance with StoneMor GP’s policies.

If Mr. Miller’s employment is terminated by StoneMor GP without “Cause” or by Mr. Miller for “Good Reason” (as such terms are defined in the agreement), and provided that Mr. Miller enters into a release as provided for in the agreement, Mr. Miller would be entitled to receive, in addition to the benefits described in the preceding paragraph, the following: (i) payment of his base salary for a period of 12 months following the effective date of his termination, to be paid in equal installments in accordance with the normal payroll practices of StoneMor GP, commencing within 60 days following the date of termination, with the first payment including any amounts not yet paid between the date of termination and the date of the first payment and (ii) apro-rata cash bonus for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, if any, determined by StoneMor GP (subject to certain the restrictions as set forth above), which shall be paid at the same time that annual incentive cash bonuses are paid to other executives of StoneMor GP, but in no event later than March 15 of the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs.

In the event of a “Change in Control” (as such term is defined in the agreement), all outstanding equity interests granted to Mr. Miller that are subject to time-based vesting provisions and that are not fully vested shall become

fully vested as of the date of such Change in Control. The agreement also includes customary covenants running during Mr. Miller’s employment and for 12 months thereafter prohibiting solicitation of employees, directors, officers, associates, consultants, agents or independent contractors, customers, suppliers, vendors and others having business relationships with StoneMor GP and prohibiting Mr. Miller from directly or indirectly competing with StoneMor GP. The agreement also contains provisions relating to protection of StoneMor GP’s property, its confidential information and ownership of intellectual property as well as various other covenants and provisions customary for an agreement of this nature.

Austin K. So

In May 2016, Mr. So entered into a letter agreement with our general partner, which provided that Mr. So would receive an annual base salary of $275,000. Pursuant to the letter agreement, Mr. So was also eligible to receive, subject to mutually agreed terms and conditions: (i) an annual incentive bonus, with a target bonus equal to 25% of his annual base salary; (ii) an annual equity incentive award targeted at 25% of Mr. So’s base salary, which was subsequently increased to 50% in the discretion of the Compensation Committee; and (iii) salary continuation for a period of 6 months in case of Mr. So’s termination without cause, provided that he has been employed with the Company for a period of at least 12 months, but less than 24 months. Mr. So also entered into a Confidentiality, Nondisclosure, and Restrictive Covenant Agreement with our general partner, which contains customarynon-solicitation,non-competition and confidentiality covenants.

In January 2017, Mr. So entered into a letter agreement with our general partner which provided that, effective as of February 1, 2017, his annual base salary increased to $375,000. In addition, Mr. So received a cash bonus of $100,000 in connection with the execution of this letter agreement. The letter agreement also provides that Mr. So is eligible to receive a quarterly retention bonus of $50,000 per quarter, payable in cash after the end of each quarter in 2017, and a quarterly retention bonus of $25,000 per quarter, payable in cash after the end of each quarter in 2018. In order to be eligible to receive a quarterly retention bonus with respect to a particular quarter, Mr. So must be employed by the general partner on the day the general partner pays the applicable retention bonus.

On June 15, 2018, Mr. So and our general partner entered into an employment agreement pursuant to which Mr. So continues to serve as General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of our general partner. The agreement superseded the letter agreements described above. Mr. So’s base salary under the agreement remains $375,000 per year, which base salary is subject to annual review by the Board. Any decrease in base salary shall be made only to the extent StoneMor GP contemporaneously and proportionately decreases the base salaries of all of its senior executives.

The agreement provides that Mr. So is eligible to receive an annual incentive cash bonus with respect to each fiscal year of StoneMor GP, provided that, except for certain qualifying terminations of employment, he will not be eligible to receive such bonus if he is not employed on the last day of the fiscal year to which such bonus relates and, further, he will not be eligible for such bonus unless other senior executive team members have also earned a bonus for such fiscal year. The amount of the cash bonus will be targeted at 50% of his base salary with respect to the applicable fiscal year. Mr. So remains entitled to receive a quarterly retention bonus of $25,000 per quarter, payable in cash after the end of each quarter in 2018, provided that he is employed by the general partner on the day the general partner pays the applicable retention bonus.

Under the agreement, Mr. So is also entitled to participate in the 2018 Plan to the extent that StoneMor GP offers the 2018 Plan to all senior executives of StoneMor GP. Mr. So’s participation in the 2018 Plan, if offered by StoneMor GP, shall be in an annual amount equal to 50% of his base salary, with 50% of such annual amount vesting in equal annual installments over three years and 50% of the annual amount vesting based upon attainment of performance goals as determined by the Compensation Committee. To the extent Mr. So’s employment terminates on account of “Retirement” (as such term is defined in the agreement) during a performance period applicable to a particular 2018 Plan grant, the portion of such 2018 Plan grant that is subject to performance goals shall be earnedpro-rata based on actual performance and the number of months that Mr. So

was employed during the performance period. To be eligible for apro-rated portion of the 2018 Plan grant in the event of a retirement, Mr. So must execute a release substantially in the form attached to his agreement.

If Mr. So’s employment is terminated by StoneMor GP for “Cause” or by Mr. So without “Good Reason” or in the event of Mr. So’s death or “Disability” (as such terms are defined in the agreement), Mr. So will be entitled to receive the following: (i) any base salary for days actually worked through the date of termination; (ii) reimbursement of all expenses for which Mr. So is entitled to be reimbursed pursuant to the agreement, but for which he has not yet been reimbursed; (iii) any vested accrued benefits under StoneMor GP’s employee benefit plans and programs in accordance with the terms of such plans and programs, as accrued through the date of termination; (iv) vested but unissued equity in StoneMor GP or the Partnership; (v) any bonus or other incentive (or portion thereof) for any preceding completed fiscal year that has been awarded by StoneMor GP to Mr. So, but has not been received by him prior to the date of termination; and (vi) accrued but unused vacation, to the extent Mr. So is eligible in accordance with StoneMor GP’s policies.

If Mr. So’s employment is terminated by StoneMor GP without “Cause” or by Mr. So for “Good Reason” (as such terms are defined in the agreement), and provided that Mr. So enters into a release as provided for in the agreement, Mr. So would be entitled to receive, in addition to the benefits described in the preceding paragraph, the following: (i) payment of his base salary for a period of 12 months following the effective date of his termination, to be paid in equal installments in accordance with the normal payroll practices of StoneMor GP, commencing on the Company’s first payroll date following the expiration of the release revocation period, with the first payment including any amounts not yet paid between the date of termination and the date of the first payment and (ii) apro-rata cash bonus for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, if any, determined by StoneMor GP (subject to certain the restrictions as set forth above), which shall be paid at the same time that annual incentive cash bonuses are paid to other executives of StoneMor GP, but in no event later than March 15 of the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs.

In the event of a “Change in Control” (as such term is defined in the agreement), all outstanding equity interests granted to Mr. So that are subject to time-based vesting provisions and that are not fully vested shall become fully vested as of the date of such Change in Control. The agreement also includes customary covenants running during Mr. So’s employment and for 12 months thereafter prohibiting solicitation of employees, directors, officers, associates, consultants, agents or independent contractors, customers, suppliers, vendors and others having business relationships with StoneMor GP and prohibiting Mr. So from directly or indirectly competing with StoneMor GP. The agreement also contains provisions relating to protection of StoneMor GP’s property, its confidential information and ownership of intellectual property as well as various other covenants and provisions customary for an agreement of this nature.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Name (1)

  Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)
   Stock Awards
($) (2)
   Total ($) 

Howard L. Carver (3)

  $23,500   $20,000   $43,500 

Jonathan A. Contos (4)

  $—     $—     $—   

Allen Freedman (3)

  $87,500   $—     $87,500 

Robert B. Hellman, Jr.

  $100,500   $—     $100,500 

Martin R. Lautman, Ph.D.

  $53,500   $50,000   $103,500 

Stephen J. Negrotti

  $158,750   $15,000   $173,750 

Leo J. Pound

  $59,000   $20,000   $79,000 

Robert A. Sick

  $93,125   $—     $93,125 

Fenton R. Talbott

  $72,500   $20,000   $92,500 

Patricia D. Wellenbach

  $148,000   $15,000   $163,000 

(1)

Each director denoted was entitled to an annual retainer of $80,000, which could be received in cash, restricted phantom units or a combination of cash and restricted phantom units at the director’s election. A minimum of $20,000 of the $80,000 annual retainer was required to be paid in restricted phantom units to each director. In addition to the retainers, the same directors were entitled to a meeting fee of $2,000 for each meeting of the board of directors attended in person and $1,500 for each committee meeting attended in person, a fee of $500 for participation by telephone in any board or committee meeting that is greater than one hour, but less than two hours, and $1,000 for participation by telephone in any board or committee meeting that is two hours or more. In addition, Mr. Freedman received an annual retainer of $15,000 as the Chairman of the Audit Committee, Mr. Talbott receives an annual retainer of $10,000 for serving as the Chairman of our Compensation and Nominating and Governance Committee and Mr. Carver received a fee of $50,000 for serving on the Executive Search Committee. Mr. Negrotti and Ms. Wellenbach received a fee of $75,000 for serving on the Conflicts Committee. Lastly, each director is entitled to receive restricted phantom units pursuant to their distribution equivalent rights. The cash amounts shown in the table above are those earned during 2018. For information regarding cash distributions that may be received by our directors by reasons of their ownership interests in our general partner or its affiliates see Part III, Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

(2)

The restricted phantom units awarded as retainer compensation are credited to a mandatory deferred compensation account established for each such person. In addition, for each restricted phantom unit in such account, we credit the account, solely in additional restricted phantom units, an amount of distribution equivalent rights so as to provide the restricted phantom unit holders a means of participating on aone-for-one basis in distributions made to holders of our common units. Payments of the participant’s mandatory deferred compensation account will be made on the earliest of (i) separation of the participant from service as a director, (ii) disability, (iii) unforeseeable emergency, (iv) death or (v) change of control of the Partnership or our general partner. Any such payment will be made at our election in our common units or cash.

(3)

The terms of Messrs. Carver and Freedman as directors expired on May 1, 2018

(4)

Mr. Contos resigned effective February 9, 2018

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS

In 2004, our general partner adopted the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan, (as amended the “2004 Plan), for employees, consultants and directors of our general partner and its affiliates. The 2004 Plan permitted the grant of awards covering an aggregate of 1,124,000 common units in the form of unit options, unit appreciation rights, restricted units and phantom units. The 2004 Plan expired on September 10, 2014 pursuant to its terms. Although outstanding awards under the 2004 Plan continue in effect upon such expiration, no new awards were permitted under the 2004 Plan after September 10, 2014. The Board of Directors of our general partner unanimously approved the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”) effective September 24, 2014, subject to unitholder approval, and on November 13, 2014, at a special meeting of unitholders, the 2014 Plan was approved by unitholders. Generally, the terms of the 2014 Plan and the 2004 Plan are similar. The 2014 Plan provides us with more flexibility in granting various types of awards and includes, for example, unit awards, which were not part of the 2004 Plan. Effective August 22, 2018, the General Partner’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) adopted the 2018 Plan which amended and restated the 2014 Plan.

The 2018 Plan is intended to promote the interests of the Partnership, our general partner and their respective affiliates by providing to employees, consultants and directors of our general partner and its affiliates incentive compensation awards to encourage superior performance. The 2018 Plan is also contemplated to enhance our ability and the ability of our general partner and its affiliates to attract and retain the services of individuals who are essential for our growth and profitability and to encourage them to devote their best efforts to advancing our business.

Subject to adjustments due to recapitalization or reorganization, the maximum aggregate number of common units which may be issued pursuant to all awards under the 2018 Plan is 2,000,000 common units. The Board of Directors

may increase such maximum aggregate number of common units by up to 100,000 common units per year. Common units withheld from an award or surrendered by a recipient to satisfy certain tax withholding obligations of the Partnership or an affiliate or in connection with the payment of an exercise price with respect to an award will not be considered to be common units delivered under the 2018 Plan. If any award is forfeited, canceled, exercised, settled in cash or otherwise terminates or expires without the actual delivery of common units pursuant to the award, the common units subject to such award will be again available for awards under the 2018 Plan.

The 2018 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of our general partner. The Compensation Committee has full power and authority to: (i) designate participants; (ii) determine the type or types of awards to be granted to a participant; (iii) determine the number of common units to be covered by awards; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any award, including, without limitation, provisions relating to acceleration of vesting or waiver of forfeiture restrictions; (v) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances awards may be vested, settled, exercised, canceled or forfeited; (vi) interpret and administer the 2018 Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to an award made under the 2018 Plan; (vii) establish, amend, suspend or waive such rules and regulations and delegate to and appoint such agents as it deems appropriate for the proper administration of the 2018 Plan; and (viii) make any other determination and take any other action that the Compensation Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the 2018 Plan. The committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the 2018 Plan or an award agreement, as the committee deems necessary or appropriate.

Awards under the 2018 Plan may be in the form of: (i) phantom units; (ii) restricted units (including unit distribution rights, referred to as “UDRs”); (iii) options to acquire common units; (iv) UARs; (v) DERs; (vi) unit awards and cash awards; and (vii) substitute awards (viii) performance awards and (ix) other unit-based awards. Awards under the 2018 Plan may be granted either alone or in addition to, in tandem with or in substitution for any other award granted under the 2018 Plan or any other plan of the company or an affiliate. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other awards may be granted at either the same time as or at a different time from the other award. If an award is granted in substitution or exchange for another award, the Compensation Committee shall require the recipient to surrender the original award in consideration for the grant of the new award. Awards under the 2018 Plan may be granted in lieu of cash compensation, including in lieu of cash amounts payable under other plans of our general partner, our Partnership or any affiliates, in which the value of common units subject to the award is equivalent in value to the cash compensation or in which the exercise price, grant price, or purchase price of the award in the nature of a right that may be exercised is equal to the fair market value of the underlying common units minus the value of the cash compensation surrendered. Summaries of the different types of awards are provided below:

Phantom Unit

A phantom unit entitles the grantee to receive a common unit upon the vesting of the phantom unit or, at the discretion of our Compensation Committee, the cash equivalent of the fair market value of a common unit (or a combination of such cash or common units). The Compensation Committee determines the number of phantom units to be granted, the period of time when the phantom units are subject to forfeiture, vesting or forfeiture conditions, which may include accelerated vesting upon the achievement of certain performance goals, and such other terms and conditions the Compensation Committee may establish, including whether DERs are granted with respect to phantom units.

Restricted Unit

A restricted unit is a grant of a common unit that is a common unit that is subject to a restricted period established by the Compensation Committee, during which the award remains subject to forfeiture or is either not exercisable by or payable to the recipient of the award. The Compensation Committee determines the number of restricted units to be granted, the period of time when the restricted units are subject to forfeiture, vesting or forfeiture conditions, which may include accelerated vesting upon the achievement of certain performance goals,

and such other terms and conditions the Compensation Committee may establish. Upon or as soon as reasonably practical following the vesting of a restricted unit, the participant is entitled to receive a certificate evidencing ownership of the unit or to have the restrictions removed from any unit certificate that may have previously been delivered so that the unit will be unrestricted. Recipients of restricted unit awards are entitled to unit distributions rights (“UDRs”), representing the right to receive distributions made with respect to the Partnership’s common units. Such UDRs may be payable in cash or as additional restricted units and may be subject to forfeiture and withheld until the restricted units to which they relate cease to be subject to forfeiture, all as determined by the Compensation Committee.

Option

An option confers on the grantee the right to purchase common units at a specified exercise price during specified time periods The Compensation Committee determines the number of common units underlying each option, whether DERs also are to be granted with the common unit option, the exercise price and the conditions and limitations applicable to the exercise of the common unit option.

UAR

A UAR entitles the grantee to receive the excess of the fair market value of a common unit on the exercise date over the exercise price established for such UAR, which may be paid in cash or common units at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee determines the number of common units to be covered by each grant, whether DERs are granted with respect to such UAR, the exercise price and the conditions and the limitations applicable to the exercise of the UAR, which may include accelerated vesting upon the achievement of certain performance goals.

DER

A DER entitles the grantee to receive an amount, payable either in cash, common units and/or phantom units at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, equal to the cash distributions we make with respect to a common unit during the period the award is outstanding. At the discretion of the Compensation Committee, any award, other than a restricted unit or unit award, may include a tandem grant of DERs, which may provide that the DERs will be paid directly to the participant, be reinvested into additional awards, be credited to an account subject to the same restrictions as the tandem award, if any, or be subject to such other provisions and restrictions as determined by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee may also grant DERs as stand-alone awards.

UDR

A UDR is a distribution made by us with respect to a restricted unit. At the discretion of the Compensation Committee, a grant of restricted units may also provide for a UDR, which may be subject to the same forfeiture and other restrictions as the restricted units. If restricted, the distributions will be held, without interest, until the restricted unit vests or is forfeited with the UDR being paid or forfeited at the same time, as the case may be. The Compensation Committee may also provide that distributions be used to acquire additional restricted units. When there is no restriction on the UDRs, UDRs will be paid to the holder of the restricted unit without restriction at the same time as cash distributions are paid by our Partnership to unitholders.

Unit Award

A unit award is a grant of a common unit, which is not subject to a restricted period during which the award remains subject to forfeiture or is either not exercisable by or payable to the recipient of the award. Unit awards are granted at the discretion of the Compensation Committee as a bonus or additional compensation or in lieu of cash compensation the recipient would otherwise be entitled to receive, in such amounts as the Compensation Committee determines to be appropriate.

Other Unit Based and Cash Awards

Other awards, denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to or otherwise based on, or related to, common units, may be granted by the Compensation Committee, including convertible or exchangeable debt securities, other rights convertible or exchangeable into common units, purchase rights for common units and awards with value and payment contingent upon performance of our Partnership or any other factors designated by the Compensation Committee and awards valued by reference to the book value of our common units or the value of securities of or the performance of specified affiliates of our general partner or the Partnership. The Compensation Committee determines the terms and conditions of such other unit based awards. Additionally, cash awards may also be granted by the Compensation Committee, either as an element of or supplement to another award or independent of another award.

Performance Award

A performance award is an award under which the participant’s right to receive a grant and to exercise or receive a settlement of any award, and the vesting or timing of such award, is subject to performance conditions specified by the Compensation Committee. Performance conditions consist of one or more business criteria or individual performance criteria and a targeted level or levels of performance with respect to each criterion, as determined by the Compensation Committee. The achievement of performance conditions shall be measured over a performance period of up to ten years, as specified by the Compensation Committee. At the end of the applicable performance period, the Compensation Committee shall determine the amount, if any, of the potential performance award to which the recipient is entitled. The settlement of a performance award shall be in cash, common units or other awards or property at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.

Substitute Awards

Awards may be granted under the 2018 Plan in substitution for similar awards held by individuals who become participants of the 2018 Plan as a result of a merger or other transaction with the Partnership or an affiliate.

Change in Control

Upon a change of control of the Partnership or our general partner, the Compensation Committee may undertake one or more of the following actions, which may vary among individual holders and awards: (i) remove forfeiture restrictions on any award; (ii) accelerate the time of exercisability or lapse of a restricted period; (iii) provide for cash payment with respect to outstanding awards by requiring the mandatory surrender of all or some of outstanding awards; (iv) cancel awards that remain subject to a restricted period without payment to the recipient of the award; or (v) make certain adjustments to outstanding awards as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate.

If a director’s membership on the Board of Directors of our general partner or an affiliate terminates for any reason, or an employee’s employment with our general partner and its affiliates terminates for any reason, his or her unvested awards will be automatically forfeited unless, and then only to the extent that, our Compensation Committee or grant agreements provide otherwise.

The 2018 Plan became effective on the date of its approval by the Board of Directors of our general partner as of August 22, 2018. The 2018 Plan will continue in effect until the earliest of (i) the date determined by the Board of Directors of our general partner; (ii) the date that all common units available under the 2018 Plan have been delivered to participants; or (iii) the tenth anniversary of the approval of the 2018 Plan by the board. The authority of the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee of our general partner’s Board of Directors to amend or terminate any award granted prior to such termination, as well as the awards themselves, will extend beyond such termination date.

ITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The following table sets forth, the beneficial ownership of the common units of StoneMor as of March 15, 2019 held by beneficial owners of 5% or more of the units, if any, by directors and named executive officers of our general partner and by all directors and executive officers of our general partner as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each unitholder is c/o StoneMor Partners L.P., 3600 Horizon Boulevard, Trevose, PA 19053. Unless otherwise indicated, the beneficial owner named in the table is deemed to have sole voting and sole dispositive power of the units set forth opposite such beneficial owner’s name.

Name of Beneficial Owner

  

Position

  Amount of
Beneficial
Ownership
   Percent
of Class
 

Joseph M. Redling

  

President Chief Executive Officer and a Director

   140,625    * 

Mark L. Miller

  

Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President

   17,971    * 

Austin K. So

  

General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary

   4,766    * 

Robert B. Hellman, Jr. (1)

  

Chairman of the Board of Directors

   4,732,751    12.4

Martin R. Lautman, Ph.D. (2)

  

Director

   162,931    * 

Stephen J. Negrotti

  

Director

   —      * 

Leo J. Pound (3)

  

Director

   1,200    * 

Robert A. Sick

  

Director

   —      * 

Fenton R. Talbott (4)

  

Director

   18,435    * 

Patricia D. Wellenbach

  

Director

   —      * 

All current directors and officers as a group (11 persons)

   5,088,924    13.3

Axar Capital Management, L.P. (5) 1330 Avenue of the Americas, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10019

   7,667,548    20.1

Oaktree Capital Management LP (6) 333 S Grand Ave, 28th FL, Los Angeles, CA 90071

   4,477,857    11.7

American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors, LLC (2) 950 Tower Lane, Suite 800, Foster City, CA 94404

   2,364,162    6.2

*

Less than one percent

(1)

Mr. Hellman’s beneficial ownership includes 35,711 common units held by Mr. Hellman directly, 2,332,878 common units held by StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC, and 2,364,162 common units held by American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors, LLC, referred to as “ACII.” AIM Universal Holdings, LLC, referred to as “AUH,” is the sole manager of ACII. Ms. Judy Bornstein and Messrs. Matthew P. Carbone and Robert B. Hellman Jr. are managing members of AUH, collectively referred to as the “managing members.” The managing members may be deemed to share voting and dispositive power over the common units held by ACII. ACII is owned by its members: American Infrastructure MLP Fund II, L.P., referred to as “AIM II,” American Infrastructure MLP Founders Fund II, L.P., referred to as “AIM FFII,” and AIM II Delaware StoneMor, Inc., referred to as “AIM II StoneMor.” AIM II StoneMor is owned by American Infrastructure MLP Management II, L.L.C., referred to as “AIM Management II,” and AIM II Offshore, L.P., referred to as “AIM II Offshore.” AIM Management II is the general partner of AIM II, AIM FFII and AIM II Offshore. Mr. Hellman is a managing member of AIM Management II and the president of AIM II StoneMor.

(2)

Includes 5,642 common units held by StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC, 3,500 common units held by Mr. Lautman’s spouse, and 6,000 common units held in both the P. Lautman Trust, M. Lautman Trust and the J. Lautman Trust for the benefit of the director’s children.

(3)

Includes 100 common units held by Mr. Pound’s spouse.

(4)

Mr. Talbott pledged 18,435 common units as security for his assets managed accounts with Enterprise Trust Company.

(5)

Information other than percentage of class beneficially owned is based on a Form 4 filed on March 18, 2019.

(6)

Information other than percentage of class beneficially owned is based on a Schedule 13D filed on July 20, 2018.

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table details information regarding our equity compensation plan as of December 31, 2018:

Plan Category

  (a)
Number of
securities to
be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
   (b)
Weighted
average exercise
price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
   (c)
Number of
securities
remaining
available for
future issuance
under equity
compensation
plans (excluding
securities
reflected in
column (a))
 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders—2004 Plan (1)

   219,306   $1.54    278,506 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders—2018 Plan (2)

   1,122,601   $—      843,363 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

   n/a    n/a    n/a 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   1,341,907   $1.54    1,121,869 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Includes 219,306 restricted phantom units under the 2004 Plan. Although the 2004 Plan expired in September 2014 and we are unable to grant new awards under the 2004 Plan, phantom units granted under the 2004 Plan continue to accrue distribution equivalent rights each time we pay a distribution on our common units. Once phantom units vest, such phantom units as well as phantom units accrued in connection with distribution equivalent rights will be settled either in common units or cash, at our discretion.

(2)

Includes 703,125 restricted units and phantom units awarded or to be awarded under the 2018 Plan, a portion of which includes certain restricted units and phantom units to which the recipient would have been entitled but which had not yet been issued as of December 31, 2018 due to the Partnership’s delinquent periodic report filings with the SEC. Column (c) is comprised of 2,000,000 units approved for issuance under the 2018 Plan, less the phantom unit and restricted unit awards awarded to date under the 2018 Plan. The 2018 Plan initially permits the grant of awards covering an aggregate of 2,000,000 common units, a number that the Board may increase by up to 100,000 common units per year.

ITEM 13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

INDEPENDENCE OF DIRECTORS

Even though most companies listed on the NYSE are required to have a majority of independent directors serving on the board of directors of the listed company, the NYSE does not require a listed limited partnership like us to have a majority of independent directors on the board of directors of its general partner.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS POLICY AND PROCEDURES

The Board of Directors of our general partner established the Conflicts Committee, which is authorized to exercise all of the power and authority of the Board of Directors in connection with investigating, reviewing and acting on matters referred or disclosed to it where a conflict of interest exists or arises and performing such other functions as the board may assign to the Conflicts Committee from time to time. Pursuant to the Conflicts Committee Charter, the Conflicts Committee is responsible for reviewing all matters involving a conflict of interest submitted to it by the Board of Directors or as required by any written agreement involving a conflict of interest to which we are a party. In approving or ratifying any transaction or proposed transaction, the Conflicts Committee determines whether the transaction complies with our policies on conflicts of interests.

DISTRIBUTIONS AND PAYMENTS TO OUR GENERAL PARTNER AND ITS AFFILIATES

We were formed as a Delaware limited partnership to own and operate cemetery and funeral home properties previously owned and operated by Cornerstone. The following table summarizes the distributions and payments to be made by us to our general partner and its affiliates in connection with our ongoing operation and any liquidation. These distributions and payments were determined by and among affiliated entities and, consequently, are not the result ofarm’s-length negotiations.

Distributions of available cash to our general partner and its affiliatesWe have generally made cash distributions of approximately98-99% to the unitholders, including our general partner, in respect of any common units that it may own, and approximately1-2% to our general partner. As of March 15, 2019 our general partner’s ownership percentage of the Partnership was 1.04%. Our general partner also holds incentive distribution rights. Pursuant to such rights, if distributions per common unit exceed target distribution levels, our general partner will be entitled to increasing percentages of the distributions above each level, up to approximately 48% of the distributions above the highest level plus its general partnership percentage interest. See Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Cash Distribution Policy.
Payments to our general partner and its affiliatesOur general partner and its affiliates do not receive any management fee or other compensation for the management of our business and affairs, but they are reimbursed for all expenses that they incur on our behalf, including general and administrative expenses and corporate overhead. As the sole purpose of the general partner is to act as our general partner, substantially all of the expenses of our general partner are incurred on our behalf and reimbursed by us or our subsidiaries. Our general partner determines the expenses that are allocable to us in good faith.
Withdrawal or removal of our general partnerIf our general partner withdraws or is removed, its general partner interest and its incentive distribution rights will either be sold to the new general partner for cash or converted into common units, in each case for an amount equal to the fair market value of those interests.
LiquidationUpon our liquidation, the unitholders and our general partner will be entitled to receive liquidating distributions according to their respective capital account balances.

OWNERSHIP INTERESTS IN OUR GENERAL PARTNER; RELATIONSHIP WITH GP HOLDINGS

Our general partner, StoneMor GP, owns our general partner interest, our incentive distribution rights and common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership. As of March 15, 2019 (i) Mr. Hellman, as Trustee of the Trust, for the pecuniary benefit of ACII, has exclusive voting and investment power over approximately 86.63% of membership interests in GP Holdings, the sole member of StoneMor GP, and (ii) Lawrence Miller, former Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of StoneMor GP (6.53%, inclusive of family partnership holdings), William Shane, a former director of StoneMor GP (3.04%, inclusive of family partnership holdings), Allen Freedman, a former director of StoneMor GP (0.06%), Martin Lautman, a director of StoneMor GP (0.24%, along with Mr. Lautman’s spouse) and, Michael Stache and Robert Stache, retired executive officers of StoneMor GP (each owning 1.75% through trusts with their respective spouses, collectively hold approximately 13.37% of membership interests in GP Holdings.

RELATIONSHIP WITH ACII

On May 21, 2014, the Partnership sold to ACII, 2,255,947 common units (the “Common Units”) representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (the “ACII Units”) at an aggregate purchase price of $55.0 million pursuant to a Common Unit Purchase Agreement (the “Common Unit Purchase Agreement”), dated May 19, 2014, by and between the Partnership and ACII. In connection with the consummation of this private placement transaction, on May 21, 2014, the Partnership and ACII also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) providing ACII with certain registration rights as described below.

Pursuant to the Common Unit Purchase Agreement, commencing with the quarter ending June 30, 2014, ACII is entitled to receive distributions equal to those paid on the Common Units generally. Through the quarter ended June 30, 2018, such distributions were payable in cash, Common Units issued to ACII in lieu of cash distributions (the “PIK Units”), or a combination of cash and PIK Units, as determined by the Partnership in its sole discretion. If the Partnership elected to pay distributions through the issuance of PIK Units, the number of Common Units issued in connection with a quarterly distribution was the quotient of (A) the amount of the quarterly distribution paid on the Common Units by (B) the volume-weighted average price of the Common Units for the thirty (30) trading days immediately preceding the date a quarterly distribution is declared with respect to the Common Units. The ACII Units will receive any future cash distributions on the same basis as all other Common Units and the Partnership will no longer have the ability to elect to pay quarterly distributions in kind through the issuance of PIK Units. The Partnership issued 78,342 PIK Units to ACII in lieu of cash distributions of $0.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2017.

Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Partnership was required to file a shelf registration statement (the “PIK Unit Registration Statement”) with the SEC on or prior to June 5, 2014 to register the offer and sale by ACII of a good faith estimate of the total number of PIK Units that may be issued to ACII under the Common Unit Purchase Agreement, and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the PIK Unit Registration Statement to be declared effective as soon as practicable thereafter. The registration statement was declared effective on June 25, 2014 but, due to the Partnership’s failure to timely file certain required reports with the SEC, ACII will not be able to use this registration statement to sell the shares registered thereunder until the Partnership has timely filed all reports it is required to file with the SEC under the Exchange Act for a period of twelve months. Since July 1, 2018, ACII has had the right to require the Partnership to prepare and file with the SEC a shelf registration statement (a “Demand Registration Statement”) to register the offer and sale of (a) the ACII Units purchased by ACII pursuant to the Common Unit Purchase Agreement or (b) PIK Units issued to ACII pursuant to the Common Unit Purchase Agreement but not included in the PIK Unit Registration Statement.

The Registration Rights Agreement also includes piggy-back registration rights as well as indemnification and other provisions, which are customary for a transaction of this nature.

ACII is an affiliate of American Infrastructure Funds, L.L.C., an investment adviser registered with SEC. Mr. Hellman, a director of our general partner, is a managing member of American Infrastructure Funds, L.L.C. and he is affiliated with entities that own membership interests in ACII and the entity that is the manager of ACII. Mr. Hellman is also the sole Trustee (the “Trustee”) under a Trust (the “Trust”) established pursuant to a Voting and Investment Trust Agreement by and between ACII and Mr. Hellman, as Trustee, dated as of May 9, 2014, for the benefit of ACII. Jonathan Contos, a former director of our general partner through February 9, 2018, was a Principal of American Infrastructure Funds, L.L.C.

Messrs. Hellman, Contos and Sick elected to have all compensation pertaining to their services rendered on the Board of Directors paid directly to ACII.

AGREEMENTS GOVERNING THE PARTNERSHIP

We, our general partner, our operating company and other parties have entered into various documents and agreements that effected the initial public offering transactions, including the vesting of assets in, and the assumption of liabilities by, us and our subsidiaries. These agreements are not the result ofarm’s-length negotiations, and we cannot assure you that they, or any of the transactions that they provide for, have been effected on terms at least as favorable to the parties to these agreements as could have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties. All of the transaction expenses incurred in connection with these transactions, including the expenses associated with transferring assets into our subsidiaries, have been paid from the proceeds of the initial public offering.

LOAN AGREEMENT WITH RELATED PARTY

On February 4, 2019, the Partnership entered into the Eighth Amendment with, among other parties, certain affiliates of Axar Capital Management (collectively, “Axar”) to provide an up to $35.0 million bridge financing in the form of the Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility, of which $15.0 million was drawn down immediately. Borrowings under the financing arrangement are collateralized by a perfected first priority security interest in substantially all assets of the Partnership and the Borrowers held for the benefit of the existing Tranche A Revolving Lenders and bear interest at a fixed rate of 8.0%. Borrowings under Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility on the Eighth Amendment Effective Date are subject to an original issue discount in the amount of $0.7 million, which was recorded as original issue discount and will pay additional interest in the amount $0.7 million at the termination and payment in full of the financing arrangement, which will be accreted to interest expense over the term of the financing arrangement, As of March 12, 2019, Axar beneficially owned approximately 19.5% of the Partnership’s outstanding common units. Axar also has exposure to an additional 1,462,272 Common Units pursuant to certain cash-settled equity swaps which mature on June 20, 2022 in accordance with information included in Axar’s filing on Form 13D/A which was filed with the SEC on February 5, 2019. In addition, the Partnership’s board of directors has separately approved an amendment to the voting and standstill agreement and director voting agreement with Axar to permit Axar to acquire up to 27.5% of the Partnership common units outstanding.

MERGER AND REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT

On September 27, 2018, the Partnership, StoneMor GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of the Partnership (“GP”), StoneMor GP Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the sole member of GP (“GP Holdings”), and Hans Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of GP (“Merger Sub”), entered into a Merger and Reorganization Agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, GP will convert from a Delaware limited liability company into a Delaware corporation to be named StoneMor Inc. (the “Company” when referring to StoneMor Inc. subsequent to such conversion), Merger Sub will be merged with and into the Partnership (the “Merger”), with the Partnership surviving and with the Company as its sole general partner, the Partnership will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and the unitholders of the Partnership will become stockholders in the Company.

The completion of the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, including, without limitation: (a) approval of the Merger Agreement by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Common Units, (b) there being no law or injunction prohibiting the consummation of the Merger, (c) subject to specified materiality standards, the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the parties, (d) compliance by the parties in all material respects with their respective covenants, (e) the effectiveness of a registration statement on FormS-4, (f) the approval for listing of the Company Shares on the New York Stock Exchange or any other national securities exchange, (g) the amendment or modification of the Credit Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2016 among StoneMor Operating LLC, the other borrowers party thereto, the lenders party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as administrative agent and the other agents party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”) and any other documents entered into in connection with the Credit Agreement in a manner that permits the consummation of the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and (h) the Company’s assumption of a long-term incentive plan as specified in the Merger Agreement. A change in control of the Partnership may be deemed to have occurred if the Merger is completed. For further information regarding the Merger and the Merger Agreement, see Note 1 General in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

OMNIBUS AGREEMENT

On September 20, 2004, we entered into an omnibus agreement (the “Omnibus Agreement”) with McCown De Leeuw, a private equity investment firm and a founder of Cornerstone, CFS, CFSI, our general partner and StoneMor Operating LLC.

Under the Omnibus Agreement, as long as our general partner is an affiliate of McCown De Leeuw, McCown De Leeuw will agree, and will cause its controlled affiliates to agree, not to engage, either directly or indirectly, in the business of owning and operating cemeteries and funeral homes (including the sales of cemetery and funeral home products and services) in the United States. On November 30, 2010, MDC IV Liquidating Trusts became successors to McCown De Leeuw, and McCown De Leeuw was subsequently terminated. The MDC IV Liquidating Trusts assumed and agreed to be bound by and perform all of the obligations and duties of McCown De Leeuw under the Omnibus Agreement.

CFSI had agreed to indemnify us for all federal, state and local income tax liabilities attributable to the operation of the assets contributed by CFSI to us prior to the 2004 closing of the public offering. CFSI had also agreed to indemnify us against additional income tax liabilities, if any, that arise from the consummation of the 2004 transactions related to our formation in excess of those believed to result at the time of the 2004 closing of our initial public offering. We had estimated that $600,000 of state income taxes and no federal income taxes would be due as a result of these formation transactions. CFSI had also agreed to indemnify us against the increase in income tax liabilities of our corporate subsidiaries resulting from any reduction or elimination of our net operating losses to the extent those net operating losses are used to offset any income tax gain or income resulting from the prior operation of the assets of CFSI contributed to us in 2004, or from our formation transactions in excess of such gain or income believed to result at the time of the 2004 closing of the initial public offering. Until all of its indemnification obligations under the Omnibus Agreement had been satisfied in full, CFSI was subject to limitations on its ability to dispose of or encumber its interest in our general partner or the common units held by it (except upon a redemption of common units by the partnership upon any exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option) and would also be prohibited from incurring any indebtedness or other liability. An amendment to the Omnibus Agreement dated January 24, 2011 was entered into by all parties to the Omnibus Agreement (and after due consideration approved by our Conflicts Committee, which retained independent counsel; the committee was chaired by Mr. Carver). An accompanying certification by our general partner established that as of the date of the amendment, CFSI’s indemnification obligations under the Omnibus Agreement were discharged and CFSI was no longer subject to the limitations and prohibition described above in this paragraph. Those indemnification obligations pertained to the taxable year 2004 of CFSI. To our knowledge, there has been no inquiry from or instigation of proceedings by any taxing authority, which could reasonably be expected to require indemnification under the Omnibus Agreement. We believe that all applicable statutes of

limitations (including any extensions thereof) relating to the filing of all tax returns, which could reasonably be expected to require indemnification under the Omnibus Agreement have expired, except if there were certain omissions of gross income of more than 25% or fraud. Our general partner has certified to its knowledge there was no such omission or fraud. CFSI is also subject to certain limitations on its ability to transfer its interest in our general partner or the common units held by it if the effect of the proposed transfer would trigger an “ownership change” under the Internal Revenue Code that would limit our ability to use our federal net operating loss carryovers. Please read Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Income Taxes for more information.

The Omnibus Agreement may not be further amended without the prior approval of the Conflicts Committee if our general partner determines that the proposed amendment will adversely affect holders of our common units. Any further action, notice, consent, approval or waiver permitted or required to be taken or given by us under the indemnification provisions of the Omnibus Agreement as amended must be taken or given by the Conflicts Committee of our general partner.

MATTERS PERTAINING TO FORMER PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

On October 12, 2018, a former President and Chief Executive Officer, Lawrence Miller, and the Partnership entered into a letter agreement (the “Agreement”) that resolved the number of units that vested upon Mr. Miller’s retirement as President and Chief Executive Officer in May 2017 pursuant to awards made under the Partnership’s 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The parties agreed that a total of 22,644 time-based units and 63,836 performance-based units vested under such awards in accordance with the terms of the Separation Agreement dated March 27, 2017 between Mr. Miller and StoneMor GP (the “Separation Agreement”). The parties also agreed that a total of $340,751.40 will be paid to Mr. Miller pursuant to distribution equivalent rights with respect to those units.

In connection with entering into the Agreement, Mr. Miller resigned as a director of StoneMor GP. The Partnership paid Mr. Miller his distribution equivalent rights in October 2018 and issued the vested units in February 2019, after it had filed all reports it is required to file under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Agreement also included a customary release by Mr. Miller of any further claims with respect to the Plan, including the referenced awards, and any right to appoint a “Founder Director” under the terms of StoneMor GP’s Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, as amended. During 2018, Mr. Miller received $528,000 as additional cash severance pursuant to the terms of the Separation Agreement.

PARENTS OF SMALLER REPORTING COMPANIES

As a smaller reporting company, we are required to list all “parents” of the Partnership showing the basis of control and, as to each such parent, the percentage of voting securities owned or other basis of control by its immediate parent. For this purpose, a “parent” is an affiliate that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls an entity. For a discussion of certain governance relationships affecting control of the Partnership, see Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance—Partnership Structure and Management. The following persons are or may be deemed to be “parents” of the Partnership:

Name

  

Basis of Control

StoneMor GPGeneral Partner
GP HoldingsOwner of 100% of the membership interests in the General Partner

Name

  

Basis of Control

Robert B. Hellman, JrTrustee of the Trust established under the Voting and Investment Trust AgreementIncorporated by and between ACII and Mr. Hellman for the pecuniary benefit of ACII, in which capacity he has voting and investment power over approximately 86.63% of the membership interests in GP Holdings.
Axar Capital Management, L.P.May be deemed a parent by virtue of its ownership of 7,667,548, or approximately 20.1%, of the Partnership’s outstanding common units.

Reference

ITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees paid or accrued for professional services rendered by Grant Thornton LLP for the audit of our annual financial statements for fiscal year 2018 and audit-related service and all other services rendered by Grant Thornton LLP and professional services rendered by Deloitte & Touche LLP for the audit of our annual financial statements for the fiscal year 2017 and audit-related service and all other services. Tax fees were rendered by Deloitte & Touche LLP for fiscal years 2018 and 2017.

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017 

Audit fees

  $1,688,500   $2,668,693 

Audit-related fees

   318,675    183,264 

Tax fees

   367,828    426,075 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $2,375,003   $3,278,032 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The category of “Audit fees” includes fees for our annual audit, quarterly reviews and services rendered in connection with regulatory filings with the SEC, such as the issuance of comfort letters and consents. The decrease in fees in 2018 was primarily the result of the audit work performed in 2017 due to the delayed filings.

The category of “Audit-related fees” includes fees for services related to employee benefit plan audits and accounting consultation.

The category of “Tax fees” includes fees for the consultation and preparation of federal, state, and local tax returns.

All above audit services, audit-related services and tax services werepre-approved by the Audit Committee, which concluded that the provision of such services by Grant Thornton LLP and Deloitte & Touche LLP was compatible with the maintenance of each firm’s independence in the conduct of its auditing functions. The Audit Committee’s outside auditor independence policy provides forpre-approval of all services performed by the outside auditors.

PART IV

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)

Financial Statements

(1)

The following financial statements of StoneMor Partners L.P. are included in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

Consolidated Statements of Partners’ Capital for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2)

Other schedules have not been included either because they are not applicable or because the information is included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form10-K.

(b)

Exhibits are listed in the Exhibit Index, which is included below.

Exhibit Index

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

Form

Exhibit

Filing Date

  2.1*Asset Sale Agreement dated as of March  13, 2020 by and among Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association, StoneMor California Subsidiary, Inc. and StoneMor California, Inc.8-K/A2.1March 20, 2020
  2.2*Asset Sale Agreement dated as of March  19, 2020 by and among Laverne Memorial Association, Inc., Lodi Memorial Association, Inc., Lodi Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., Melrose Abbey Memorial Association, Inc., Melrose Abbey Memorial Mortuary, Inc., Oakmont Memorial Funeral & Cremation, Inc., Rocha’s Memorial Mortuary, Inc., Sacramento Memorial Association, Inc., Sacramento Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., Sierra View Memorial Association, Inc., Sierra View Memorial Mortuary, Inc., StoneMor California, Inc., Sierra View Memorial Park, and StoneMor California Subsidiary, Inc.8-K/A2.2March 20, 2020

Incorporated by Reference

Exhibit

Number

Description

Form

Exhibit

Filing Date

  4.1*

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 30, 2020, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., StoneMor Inc., StoneMor LP Holdings, LLC and Wilmington Trust, National Association

10-K

4.3

April 7, 2020

  4.2*Supplement to Collateral Agreement dated January  30, 2020 by StoneMor LP Holdings, LLC to Collateral Agreement dated as of June  27, 2019 by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as collateral agent10-K4.7April 7, 2020
10.1*Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January  30, 2020 by and among StoneMor Inc., American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors, LLC, StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC and certain funds and managed accounts for which Axar Capital Management, LP serves as investment manager8-K10.1February 4, 2020
31.1Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rule13a-14(a) of Joseph M. Redling, President and Chief Executive Officer
31.2Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rule13a-14(a) of Jeffrey DiGiovanni, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President
32.1Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C.§ 1350) and Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b) of Joseph M. Redling, President and Chief Executive Officer
32.2Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C.§ 1350) and Exchange Act Rule13a-14(b) of Jeffrey DiGiovanni, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President
101Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following Interactive Data Files formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019; (ii) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019; (iii) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019; (iv) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019; and (v) Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 401 ofRegulation S-T that the information contained in the XBRL documents is unaudited and these are not the official publicly filed financial statements of StoneMor Inc.

*

Incorporated by reference, as indicated

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

STONEMOR INC.
Date: May 15, 2020By:

/s/Joseph M. Redling

Joseph M. Redling
President and Chief Executive
Officer
Date: May 15, 2020By:

/s/Jeffrey DiGiovanni

Jeffrey DiGiovanni
Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer

LOGO


PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers StoneMor Partners L.P. and StoneMor Inc.

The General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”) authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors’ fiduciary duties. The DGCL does not permit exculpation for liability:

for breach of duty of loyalty;

for acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law;

under Section 174 of the DGCL (which deals generally with unlawful payments of dividends, stock                  repurchases and redemptions); and

for transactions from which the director derived improper personal benefit.

The General Partner’s certificate of incorporation eliminates the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty, except to the extent such exemption is not permitted under the DGCL. The General Partner’s bylaws provide that the General Partner shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify any person who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact such person is or was a director, officer or employee of the General Partner or, while a director, officer or employee of the General Partner, is or was serving at the request of the General Partner as a director, officer, employee or agent of another entity, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses reasonably incurred.

The General Partner’s bylaws further provide that the General Partner shall advance expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding to any such indemnitees; provided, however, that, to the extent required by law, such advancement of expenses shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under the General Partner’s bylaws or otherwise.

In addition, the General Partner has entered into indemnification agreements with all of its executive officers and directors. These agreements provide that the indemnitees will be protected as promised in the General Partner’s bylaws (regardless of, among other things, any amendment to or revocation of the General Partner’s bylaws, any change in the composition of the board of directors of the General Partner or any acquisition transaction relating to the General Partner) and advanced expenses to the fullest extent of the law and as set forth in the indemnification agreements. These agreements will also provide, to the extent insurance is maintained, for the continued coverage of the indemnitees under the Registrant’s director and officer insurance policies. The indemnification agreements, among other things and subject to certain limitations, will indemnify and hold harmless the indemnitees against any and all reasonable expenses, including fees and expenses of counsel, and any and all liability and loss, including judgments, fines, ERISA, excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement, incurred or paid by the indemnitees in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and whether or not by or in the right of the corporation or otherwise, in which the indemnitees are, were or at any time become parties, or are threatened to be made parties or are involved by reason of the fact that the indemnitees are or were the Registrant’s directors or officers or are or were serving at its request as directors, officers, employees, trustees or representatives of another corporation or enterprise.

Section 17-108 of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act empowers a Delaware limited partnership to indemnify and hold harmless any partner or other person from and against all claims and demands whatsoever.

II-1


Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc.

The West Virginia Business Corporation Act (“WVBCA”) empowers a corporation to indemnify an individual made a party to a proceeding because he is or was a director against liability incurred in the proceeding if: (1)(A) he conducted himself in good faith; and (B) he reasonably believed (i) in the case of conduct in his official capacity with the corporation, that his conduct was in its best interests; and (ii) in all other cases, that his conduct was at least not opposed to its best interests; and (C) in the case of any criminal proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful; or (2) he engaged in conduct for which broader indemnification has been made permissible or obligatory under a provision of the articles of incorporation. A corporation may not indemnify a director

(1)

in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation, except for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding; or

(2)

in connection with any other proceeding with respect to conduct for which he was adjudged liable on the basis that he received financial benefit to which he was not entitled, whether or not involving action in his official capacity. A corporation must indemnify a director who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he was a party because he is or was a director of the corporation against reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection with the proceeding.

Under the WVBCA, a corporation may pay for or reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred by a director who is a party to a proceeding in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding if:

(1)

the director furnishes the corporation a written affirmation of his good faith belief that he has met the relevant standard of conduct described in article 8, section 851 of the WVBCA or that the proceeding involves conduct for which liability has been eliminated under the corporation’s articles of incorporation as authorized in the WVBCA; and

(2)

the director furnishes the corporation a written undertaking to repay the advance if the director is not entitled to mandatory indemnification under the WVBCA and it is ultimately determined that he did not meet the relevant standard of conduct described in article 8, section 851 of the WVBCA.

A corporation may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer of the corporation to the same extent as to a director or, if he is an officer but not a director, to the further extent as may be provided in the articles of incorporation, the bylaws, a board resolution or a contract, except as otherwise provided in the WVBCA. A corporation may also purchase and maintain on behalf of a director or officer of the corporation insurance against liabilities incurred in such capacities or arising from his status as a director or officer, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him against the same liability under the WVBCA.

The bylaws of Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. contain provisions that state that the corporation will provide indemnification to the officers and directors of the corporation to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, except (1) with respect to expenses or the payment of profits arising from the purchase or sale of securities of the corporation in violation of certain federal securities laws, (2) upon a final unappealable judgment or award establishes that an officer or director engaged in self-dealing, willful misconduct or recklessness, (3) for expenses or liabilities of any type which have been paid for under a directors’ and officer’s liability insurance policy, (4) amounts paid in settlement of any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding without the written consent of the corporation, or (5) such other exceptions as may be approved by the corporation’s board of directors.

II-2


Alabama Corporations

The Alabama Business Corporations Law gives a corporation power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and whether formal or informal by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the corporation, when acting in his or her official capacity with the corporation, or, in all other cases, not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. No indemnification shall be made, however, in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have not met the applicable standard of conduct, shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation or, in connection with any other action, suit or proceeding charging improper personal benefit to such person, if such person was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by him, unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court shall deem proper. Also,Section 10A-2-8.52 states that, to the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any such action, suit or proceeding, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith, notwithstanding that he has not been successful on any other claim, issue or matter in any such action, suit or proceeding.

The Articles of Incorporation of our guarantors that are Alabama corporations do not contain provisions regarding the indemnification of directors or officers, but the Bylaws of each of our guarantors that are Alabama corporations do provide that the corporation has the power to indemnify any person to the fullest extent permitted under the law.

Alabama Limited Liability Companies

Section 10A-5A-4.10 of the Alabama Limited Liability Company Law provides that a limited liability company, or a series thereof, may indemnify and hold harmless a member or other person, pay in advance or reimburse expenses incurred by a member or other person, and purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a member or other person

The Articles of Organization of our guarantors that are Alabama limited liability companies do not contain provisions regarding the indemnification of directors or officers, but the operating agreements of our guarantors that are Alabama limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnify its member and those authorized managers, officers, agents and employees of the company identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to be indemnified under the operating agreement for all costs, losses, liabilities and damages by be the member or any such manager, officer, agent or employee in connection with the business of the company, except to the extent prohibited by the law. In addition, such operating agreements provide that the company may advance costs of defense of any proceeding to the managers and officers upon receipt by the company of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the company.

Arkansas Limited Liability Companies

Section 4-32-404 of Arkansas’ Small Business Entity Tax Pass Through Act provides that a limited liability company’s operating agreement may: (a) eliminate or limit the personal liability of a member or manager for

II-3


monetary damages for breach of any duty provided for inSection 4-32-402 and (b) provide for indemnification of a member or manager for judgments, settlements, penalties, fines, or expenses incurred in a proceeding to which a person is a party because the person is or was a member or manager.

The operating agreement of our guarantor that is an Arkansas limited liability company provides that the company shall indemnify the Member and those authorized Managers, Officers, agents and employees of the Company identified in writing by the Member or Managers as entitled to be indemnified under this section for all costs, losses, liabilities and damages paid or accrued by the Member (as the Member or as a Manager, Officer, agent or employee) or any such Manager, Officer, agent or employee in connection with the business of the Company, except to the extent prohibited by the law. In addition, such operating agreement provides that the company may advance costs of defense of any proceeding to the managers and officers upon receipt by the company of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the company.

California Corporations

Section 317 of the California General Corporation Law (“CAGCL”) authorizes a court to award, or a corporation to grant, indemnity to officers, directors and other agents for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of an action by or in the right of the corporation or in a proceeding by reason of the fact that the person is or was an officer, director, or agent of the corporation. Indemnity is available where the person party to a proceeding or action acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the corporation and its shareholders and, with respect to criminal actions, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. To the extent a corporation’s officer, director or agent is successful on the merits in the defense of any proceeding or any claim, issue or related matter, that person shall be indemnified against expenses actually and reasonably incurred. Under Section 317 of the CAGCL, expenses incurred in defending any proceeding may be advanced by the corporation prior to the final disposition of the proceeding upon receipt of any undertaking by or on behalf of the officer, director, employee or agent to repay that amount if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified. Indemnifications are to be made by the corporation only upon a determination that indemnification is proper by any of the following: (a) a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested directors (or if a quorum is not obtainable, by written opinion of independent legal counsel), (b) approval of the shareholders (excluding any shares owned by the persons to be indemnified), or (c) by the court in which such proceeding is or was pending upon application made by either the corporation, the agent, the attorney, or other person rendering services in connection with the defense. The indemnification provided by Section 317 is not exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled.

Neither the Articles of Incorporation nor the Bylaws of StoneMor California, Inc. or StoneMor California Subsidiary, Inc. contain provisions regarding the indemnification of directors or officers.

The Amended and Restated Bylaws of Sierra View Memorial Park authorize the indemnification of directors and officers in accordance with the provisions of the CAGCL.

Colorado Limited Liability Companies

Section 7-80-104(1)(k) of the Colorado Limited Liability Company Act permits a company to indemnify a member or manager or former member or manager of the limited liability company as provided inSection 7-80-407 of the Colorado Limited Liability Company Act. UnderSection 7-80-407, a limited liability company shall reimburse a person who is or was a member or manager for payments made, and indemnify a person who is or was a member or manager for liabilities incurred by the person, in the ordinary conduct of the business of the limited liability company or for the preservation of its business or property, if such payments were made or liabilities incurred without violation of the person’s duties to the limited liability company.

II-4


The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Colorado limited liability companies provide that such guarantor shall indemnify its member and those authorized managers, officers, agents and employees of such guarantor identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to be indemnified under the operating agreement for all costs, losses, liabilities and damages by be the member or any such manager, officer, agent or employee in connection with the business of such guarantor, except to the extent prohibited by the law. In addition, the operating agreements of each of such guarantors provide that each such guarantor may advance costs of defense of any proceeding to its member or any such manager, officer, agent or employee upon receipt by such guarantor of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the person in not entitled to be indemnified by such guarantor.

Connecticut Corporations

Subsection (a) ofSection 33-771 of the Connecticut Business Corporation Act (“CTBCA”), provides that a corporation may indemnify an individual who is a party to a proceeding because he is a director against liability incurred in the proceeding if: (1)(A) he conducted himself in good faith; (B) he reasonably believed (i) in the case of conduct in his official capacity, that his conduct was in the best interests of the corporation; and (ii) in all other cases, that his conduct was at least not opposed to the best interests of the corporation; and (C) in the case of any criminal proceeding, he has no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful; or (2) he engaged in conduct for which broader indemnification has been made permissible or obligatory under a provision of the certificate of incorporation as authorized by the CTBCA. Subsection (b) ofSection 33-771 of the CTBCA provides that a director’s conduct with respect to an employee benefit plan for a purpose he reasonably believed to be in the interests of the participants in and beneficiaries of the plan is conduct that satisfies the requirement that his conduct was at least not opposed to the best interest of the corporation. Subsection (c) ofSection 33-771 of the CTBCA provides that the termination of a proceeding by judgment, order, settlement or conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent is not, of itself, determinative that the director did not meet the relevant standard of conduct described inSection 33-771 of the CTBCA. Subsection (d) ofSection 33-771 of the CTBCA provides that, unless ordered by a court under section33-774 of the CTBCA, a corporation may not indemnify a director: (1) in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation except for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding if it is determined that the director has met the relevant standard of conduct underSection 33-771(a) of the CTBCA; or (2) in connection with any proceeding with respect to conduct for which he was adjudged liable on the basis that he received a financial benefit to which he was not entitled, whether or not involving action in his official capacity.

Section 33-772 of the CTBCA provides that a corporation shall indemnify a director of the corporation who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he was a party because he was a director of the corporation, against reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection with the proceeding. Subsection (a) ofSection 33-776 of the CTBCA provides that a corporation may indemnify and advance expenses under sections33- 770 to33-779, inclusive, of the CTBCA, to an officer of the corporation who is a party to a proceeding because he is an officer of the corporation (1) to the same extent as a director, and (2) if he is an officer but not a director, to such further extent as may be provided by contract, the certificate of incorporation, the bylaws or a resolution of the board of directors except for (A) liability in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation other than for expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding, or (B) liability arising out of conduct that (i) constitutes a knowing and culpable violation of law by the officer, (ii) enabled the officer to receive an improper personal gain, (iii) showed a lack of good faith and conscious disregard for the duty of the officer to the corporation under circumstances in which the officer was aware that his conduct or omission created an unjustifiable risk of serious injury to the corporation, or (iv) constituted a sustained and unexcused pattern of inattention that amounted to an abdication of the officer’s duty to the corporation. Subsection (c) ofSection 33-776 of the CTBCA provides that an officer of the corporation who is not a director is entitled to mandatory indemnification underSection 33-772 to the same extent to which a director may be entitled to indemnification.

The Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of our guarantor that is a Connecticut corporation provide that the corporation has the power to indemnify any person to the fullest extent permitted under the law.

II-5


Delaware Limited Liability Companies

Section 18-108 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act provides that a limited liability company may, and shall have the power to, indemnify and hold harmless any member or manager or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever.

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Delaware limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnify its member and those authorized managers, officers, agents and employees that are identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to indemnification for all costs, losses, liabilities, and damages paid or accrued in connection with the business of the company, except to the extent prohibited by the law. In addition, the operating agreements of each of such guarantors provide that each such guarantor may advance costs of defense of any proceeding to its member or any such manager, officer, agent or employee upon receipt by such guarantor of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the person in not entitled to be indemnified by such guarantor.

Delaware Corporations

Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware provides that a corporation may indemnify directors and officers as well as other employees and individuals against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection with specified actions, suits and proceedings whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, other than a derivative action by or in the right of the corporation, if they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. A similar standard is applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that indemnification extends only to expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action and the statute requires court approval before there can be any indemnification where the person seeking indemnification has been found liable to the corporation. The statute provides that it is not exclusive of other indemnification that may be granted by a corporation’s certificate of incorporation, bylaws, disinterested director vote, stockholder vote, agreement or otherwise.

The Bylaws of Osiris Holding Finance Company provide indemnification of directors and officers in accordance with the provisions of the law described above.

The Bylaws of Perpetual Gardens.Com, Inc. and Cornerstone Family Insurance Services, Inc. provide that, to the fullest extent permitted under the law, the corporation has the power to indemnify any person who was a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (weather or not such action, suit or proceeding arises or arose by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was serving as a director or officer of the corporation, or was serving at the request of the corporation as the director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.

Florida Limited Liability Companies

Section 605.0408 of the Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act allows a limited liability company to indemnify and hold harmless a person with respect to a claim or demand against the person and a debt, obligation, or other liability incurred by the person by reason of the person’s former or present capacity as a member or manager if the claim, demand, debt, obligation, or other liability does not arise from the person’s breach of Florida’s laws on limitations on distributions, the management of the limited liability company, delegation of rights and powers to manage, selection and terms of managers in a manager-managed limited liability company, the voting rights of members and managers, agency rights of members and managers and standards of conduct for members and managers. The standards of conduct provide that each manager of a manager-managed limited liability company and member of a member-managed limited liability company owes fiduciary duties of loyalty and care to the limited liability company as well as to the members of the limited liability company.

II-6


The limited liability company agreements of our guarantors that are Florida limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnify those managers, officers, agents and employees identified in writing by the Member or Managers as entitled to be indemnified except to the extent prohibited by law. In addition, such operating agreements provide that the company may advance costs of defense of any proceeding to the managers and officers upon receipt by the company of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the company.

Georgia Corporations

Subsection (a) ofSection 14-2-851 of the Georgia Business Corporation Code (“GABCC”) provides that a corporation may indemnify an individual made a party to a proceeding because he or she is or was a director against liability incurred in the proceeding if: (1) such individual conducted himself or herself in good faith; and (2) such individual reasonably believed: (A) in the case of conduct in his or her official capacity, that such conduct was in the best interests of the corporation; (B) in all other cases, that such conduct was at least not opposed to the best interests of the corporation; and (C) in the case of any criminal proceeding, that the individual had no reasonable cause to believe such conduct was unlawful. Subsection (d) ofSection 14-2-851 of the GABCC provides that a corporation may not indemnify a director: (1) in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation, except for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding if it is determined that the director has met the relevant standard of conduct; or (2) or in connection with any proceeding with respect to conduct for which he or she was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by him or her, whether or not involving action in his or her official capacity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, pursuant toSection 14-2-854, a court shall order a corporation to indemnify or give an advance for expenses to a director if such court determines the director is entitled to indemnification under applicable law or if it determines that in view of all relevant circumstances, it is fair and reasonable, even if the director has not met the standard of conduct set forth in subsections (a) and (b) ofSection 14-2-851 of the GABCC or was adjudged liable in a proceeding referred to in subsection (d) ofSection 14-2-851 of the GABCC, but if the director was adjudged so liable, the indemnification shall be limited to reasonable expenses incurred by the director in connection with the proceeding.

Section 14-2-852 of the GABCC provides that a corporation shall indemnify a director who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which the director was a party because he or she was a director of the corporation against reasonable expenses incurred by the director in connection with the proceeding. Subsection (c) ofSection 14-2-857 of the GABCC provides that an officer of the corporation who is not a director is entitled to mandatory indemnification underSection 14-2-852 and may apply to a court underSection 14-2-854 for indemnification or advances for expenses, in each case to the same extent to which a director may be entitled to indemnification or advances for expenses under those provisions. In addition, subsection (d) ofSection 14-2-857 provides that a corporation may also indemnify and advance expenses to an employee or agent who is not a director to the extent, consistent with public policy, that may be provided by its articles of incorporation, bylaws, action of its board of directors or contract.

The Bylaws of our guarantors that are Georgia corporations authorize the indemnification of directors and officers in accordance with the provisions of the GABCC cited above.

Georgia Limited Liability Companies

Section 14-11-306 of the Georgia Limited Liability Company Act provides that subject to the standards and restrictions, if any, set forth in the article of organization or written operating agreement, a limited liability company may indemnify and hold harmless any member or manager or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever arising in connection with the limited liability company; provided that a limited liability company shall not have the power to indemnify any member or manager for (i) for his or her intentional misconduct or knowing violation of the law or (ii) for any transaction for which the person received a personal benefit in violation of any provision of a written operating agreement.

II-7


The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Georgia limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnify its member and those authorized managers, officers, agents and employees of the company identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to be indemnified for all costs, losses, liabilities and damages paid or accrued by the member (as the member or as a manager, officer, agent or employee) or any such manager, officer, agent or employee in connection with the business of the company, except to the extent prohibited by the law. In addition, the company may advance costs of defense of any proceeding to the member or any such manager, officer, agent or employee upon receipt by the company of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the company.

Hawaii Corporations

Section 242 of the Hawaii Business Corporation Act, Chapter 414, Hawaii Revised Statutes (the “HBCA”) provides that a corporation may indemnify an individual who is a party to a proceeding because the individual is a director against liability incurred in the proceeding:

(1)

if (a) the individual conducted himself or herself in good faith, and (b) the individual reasonably believed (i) in the case of conduct of official capacity, that his or her conduct was in the best interests of the corporation, and (ii) in all other cases, that his or her conduct was at least not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the individual had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful; or

(2)

if the individual engaged in conduct for which broader indemnification has been made permissible or obligatory under a provision of the articles of incorporation, subject to the provisions of HBCA Section 32(b)(5) which prohibit corporations from indemnifying directors against liability for (a) receipt of a financial benefit to which the director is not entitled, (b) an intentional infliction of harm on the corporation or its shareholders, (c) approving an unlawful distribution to shareholders, or (d) an intentional violation of criminal law.

HBCA Section 243 provides that a corporation shall indemnify a director who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which the director was a party because the director was a director of the corporation against reasonable expenses incurred by the director in connection with the proceeding.

In addition, pursuant to HBCA Section 244, before final disposition of a proceeding, a corporation may also advance funds to pay for or reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred by a director who is a party to a proceeding because he or she is a director, if the director delivers to the corporation:

(1)

a written affirmation of the director’s good faith belief that (a) he or she has met the relevant standard of conduct described in HBCA Section 242 (referred to above), or (b) the proceeding involves conduct for which liability has been eliminated under a provision of the articles of incorporation, subject to the provisions of HBCA Section 32(b)(4) which prohibit corporations from eliminating directors’ liability for (i) receipt of a financial benefit to which the director is not entitled, (ii) an intentional infliction of harm on the corporation or its shareholders, (iii) approving an unlawful distribution to shareholders, or (iv) an intentional violation of criminal law; and

(2)

the director’s written undertaking to repay any funds advanced if the director is not entitled to mandatory indemnification under HBCA Section 243 (referred to above) and it is ultimately determined that the director has not met the relevant standard of conduct described in HBCA Section 242 (referred to above).

Pursuant to HBCA Section 245, a director who is a party to a proceeding because he or she is a director may apply for indemnification or an advance for expenses to the court conducting the proceeding or another court of competent jurisdiction. The court may order indemnification or an advance for expenses (if applicable) upon

II-8


determining that the director is entitled to mandatory indemnification under HBCA Section 243 (referred to above) or that such indemnification or advance is authorized by the corporation’s articles of incorporation orby-laws or is otherwise reasonable in view of all relevant circumstances.

HBCA Section 247 provides that a corporation may indemnify and advance expenses for an officer who is a party to a proceeding because he or she is an officer of the corporation to the same extent as a director, except for liability in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation (other than reasonable expenses in connection with the proceeding). An officer is also entitled to mandatory indemnification and may apply to a court for indemnification or an advance of expenses to the same extent as a director pursuant to HBCA Sections 243 and 245 (referred to above).

The Articles of Incorporation of our guarantor that is a Hawaii corporation do not contain provisions regarding the indemnification of directors or officers. However, the Bylaws of such guarantor authorize the indemnification of directors and officers in accordance with the provisions of the HBCA cited above.

Hawaii Limited Liability Companies

Pursuant to Section 403 of the Hawaii Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, Chapter 428, Hawaii Revised Statutes (the “HULLCA”), a limited liability company must reimburse its members or managers for payments made and must indemnify them for liabilities incurred by them in the ordinary course of business of the company or for the preservation of the company’s business or property. In addition, HULLCA Section 103 provides that, subject to certain exceptions, a limited liability company may enter into an operating agreement to regulate the affairs of the company and the conduct of its business, and to govern relations among the members, managers, and company.

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Hawaii limited liability companies provide that the managers and officers shall be entitled to all expenses incurred in managing the companies and that the member shall be reimbursed for all expenses incurred for or on behalf of the companies. Such operating agreements also provide that the companies shall indemnify the member, and those managers, officers, agents and employees identified in writing by the member or managers, for all costs, losses, liabilities and damages paid or accrued in connection with the business of the companies, except to the extent prohibited by law. In addition, the companies may advance costs of defense to the member or any such manager, officer, agent or employee upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification by the companies.

Illinois Corporations

Under Section 8.75 of the Illinois Business Corporation Act of 1983, (“ILBCA”), a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding (i) if such person acted in good faith and in a manner that person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and (ii) with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, if he or she had no reasonable cause to believe such conduct was unlawful. In actions brought by or in the right of the corporation, a corporation may indemnify such person against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner that person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which that person shall have been adjudged to be

II-9


liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification for such expenses which the court shall deem proper. To the extent that such person has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defending any such action, suit or proceeding referred to above or any claim, issue or matter therein, he or she is entitled to indemnification for expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner that person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation. Section 8.75(f) of the ILBCA further provides that the indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by or granted under Section 8.75 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.

The Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of our guarantor that is an Illinois corporation provide that the corporation has the power to indemnify any person to the fullest extent permitted under the law.

Illinois Limited Liability Companies

Section 15-7 of the Illinois Limited Liability Company Act states that a limited liability company shall reimburse a member or manager for payments made and indemnify a member or manager for debts, obligations, or other liabilities incurred by the member or manager in the course of the member’s or manager’s activities on behalf of the company, if, in making the payment or incurring the debt, obligation, or other liability, the member or manager complied with the duties stated in Sections15-3 (fiduciary duties) and25-35 (relating to unlawful distributions).

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Illinois limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnify those managers, officers, agents and employees identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to be indemnified except to the extent prohibited by law. In addition, such operating agreements provide that the company may advance costs of defense of any proceeding to the managers and officers upon receipt by the company of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the company.

Indiana Corporations

Chapter 37 of the Indiana Corporation Law (“INCL”) states that a corporation may indemnify an individual made a party to a proceeding because the individual is or was a director against liability incurred in the proceeding if: (1) the individual’s conduct was in good faith; and (2) the individual reasonably believed, in the case of conduct in the individual’s official capacity with the corporation, that the individual’s conduct was in its best interests; and (3) in all other cases, that the individual’s conduct was at least not opposed to its best interests; and (4) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the individual either had reasonable cause to believe the individual’s conduct was lawful or had no reasonable cause to believe the individual’s conduct was unlawful.

Unless limited by its articles of incorporation, a corporation must indemnify a director who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which the director was a party because the director is or was a director of the corporation against reasonable expenses incurred by the director in connection with the proceeding. A corporation may pay for or reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred by a director who is a party to a proceeding in advance of final disposition of the proceeding if: (1) the director furnishes the corporation a written affirmation of the director’s good faith belief that the director has met the standard of conduct described in the INCL; (2) the director furnishes the corporation a written undertaking, executed personally or on the director’s behalf, to repay the advance if it is ultimately determined that the director did not meet the standard of conduct; and (3) a determination is made that the facts then known to those making the determination would not preclude indemnification under the law. A corporation may not indemnify a

II-10


director unless authorized in the specific case after a determination has been made that indemnification of the director is permissible in the circumstances because the director has met the standard of conduct set forth under the law. The determination shall be made by the board of directors by majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors not at the time parties to the proceeding, or by the other methods specified in Chapter 37 of the INCL.

A corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of an individual who is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or who, while a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, partner, member, manager, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other enterprise, against liability asserted against or incurred by the individual in that capacity or arising from the individual’s status as a director, officer, member, manager, employee, or agent. The indemnification and advance for expenses provided for or authorized by the INCL does not exclude any other rights to indemnification and advance for expenses that a person may have under a corporation’s articles of incorporation, bylaws or certain other duly authorized agreements.

The Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of our guarantors that are Indiana corporations provide that the corporation shall indemnify its directors and officers to the full extent possible under the law.

Indiana Limited Liability Companies

UnderSection 23-18-2-2 of the Indiana Limited Liability Company Act (the “ILLCA”), an Indiana limited liability company may indemnify and hold harmless any member, manager, agent, or employee against any claims, except in the case of an action or a failure to act by such person that constitutes willful misconduct or recklessness and as a result of any restrictions set forth in such limited liability company’s operating agreement.

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Indiana limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnify those managers, officers, agents and employees identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to be indemnified except to the extent prohibited by law. In addition, such operating agreements provide that the company may advance costs of defense of any proceeding to the managers and officers upon receipt by the company of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the company.

Iowa Limited Liability Companies

Section 489.408(1) of the Iowa Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act provides that a company shall indemnify a member of a member-managed company or the manager of a manager-managed company for any debt, obligation, or other liability incurred in the course of the member’s or manager’s activities on behalf of the company, if, in making the payment or incurring the debt, obligation, or other liability, the member or manager complied with such member’s or manager’s duties to the company. Section 489.110(7) provides that the operating agreement may alter or eliminate the indemnification for a member or manager provided by Section 489.408(1).

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Iowa limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnify its member and those authorized managers, officers, agents, and employees that are identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to indemnification for all costs, losses, liabilities, and damages paid or accrued in connection with the business of the company, except to the extent prohibited by law. In addition, such operating agreements provide that the company may advance costs of defense of any proceeding to the managers and officers upon receipt by the company of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the company.

II-11


Kansas Limited Liability Companies

Section 17-7670 of the Kansas Limited Liability Company Act provides that a limited liability company may, and shall have the power to, indemnify and hold harmless any member or manager or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever. To the extent that a member, manager, officer, employee or agent has been successful on the merits or otherwise or the defenses of any action, suits or proceeding, or in defense of any issue or matter therein, such director, officer, employee or agent shall be indemnified against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith, including attorney fees.

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Kansas limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnify its member and those authorized managers, officers, agents, and employees that are identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to indemnification for all costs, losses, liabilities, and damages paid or accrued in connection with the business of the company, except to the extent prohibited by law. In addition, such operating agreements provide that the company may advance costs of defense of any proceeding to the managers and officers upon receipt by the company of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the company.

Kentucky Limited Liability Companies

Section 275.180 of the Kentucky Revised Statues (“KRS”) states that a written operating agreement of a limited liability company may provide for the indemnification of a member or manager for judgments, settlements, penalties, fines, or expenses incurred in a proceeding to which a person is a party because the person is or was a member or manager.

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Kentucky limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnify its members, managers, officers, agents and employees (as identified by the sole member or manager in writing as being entitled to indemnification) for all costs, liabilities, losses and damages paid or accrued by such persons in connection with the business of the company. The operating agreements also provide that the company may advance costs of defense to such persons upon receipt of an undertaking to repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to indemnification by the company.

Maryland Corporations

UnderSection 2-418 of the Maryland General Corporation Law (“MDGCL”), a Maryland corporation may indemnify any director who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative by reason of the fact that he is a present or former director of the corporation and any person who, while a director of the corporation, is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise, or employee benefit plan. Such indemnification may be against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by him in connection with the proceeding unless it is proven that (a) the act or omission of the director was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (i) was committed in bad faith, or (ii) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; or (b) the director actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property, or services; or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director had reasonable cause to believe his act or omission was unlawful. However, the corporation may not indemnify any director in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation if the director has been adjudged to be liable to the corporation. A director who has been successful in the defense of any proceeding described above shall be indemnified against reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding. The corporation may not indemnify a director in respect of any proceeding charging improper personal benefits to the director in which the director was adjudged to be liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. The corporation may not indemnify a director or advance expenses for a proceeding brought by the director against the corporation except if the

II-12


proceeding is brought to enforce indemnification by the corporation or if the corporation’s charter orby-laws, a board resolution or contract provides otherwise. Notwithstanding the above provisions, a court of appropriate jurisdiction, upon application of the director, may order indemnification if it determines that in view of all the relevant circumstances, the director is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification; however, indemnification with respect to any proceeding by or in the right of the corporation or in which liability was adjudged on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received shall be limited to expenses. A corporation may advance reasonable expenses to a director under certain circumstances, including a written undertaking by or on behalf of such director to repay the amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation has not been met.

A corporation may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer of the corporation to the same extent that it may indemnify directors underSection 2-418 of the MDGCL.

The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by statute is not exclusive of any other rights, by indemnification or otherwise, to which a director or officer may be entitled under the charter,by-laws, a resolution of shareholders or directors, an agreement or otherwise.

A corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director or officer, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify a director or officer against liability under the provision ofSection 2-418 of the MDGCL. Further, a corporation may provide similar protection, including a trust fund, letter of credit or surety bond, not inconsistent with the statute.

The Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of our guarantors that are Maryland corporations provide that the corporation shall indemnify its directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.

Maryland Limited Liability Companies

Section 4A-203 of the Maryland Limited Liability Company Act provides that a limited liability company may indemnify and hold harmless any member, agent, or employee from and against any and all claims and demands, except in the case of action or failure to act by the member, agent, or employee which constitutes willful misconduct or recklessness, and subject to the standards and restrictions, if any, set forth in the articles of organization or operating agreement.

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Maryland limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnify its members and certain managers, officers, agents and employees, except to the extent prohibited by law. In addition, such operating agreements provide that the company may advance costs of defense of any proceeding to the managers and officers upon receipt by the company of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the company.

Michigan Corporations

Under Section 561 of the Michigan Business Corporation Act (“MIBCA”), a Michigan corporation may indemnify a person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to a threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and whether formal or informal, other than an action by or in the right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another enterprise, against expenses, including attorney’s fees, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection therewith if the person acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders and, with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, if the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

II-13


Under Section 562 of the MIBCA, a Michigan corporation may also provide similar indemnity to such a person for expenses, including attorney’s fees, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with actions or suits by or in the right of the corporation if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the interests of the corporation or its shareholders, except in respect of any claim, issue or matter in which the person has been found liable to the corporation, unless the court determines that the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all relevant circumstances, in which case indemnification is limited to reasonable expenses incurred. To the extent that such person has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defending any such action, suit or proceeding referred to above or any claim, issue or matter therein, he or she is entitled to indemnification for expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.

The MIBCA also permits a Michigan corporation to purchase and maintain on behalf of such a person insurance against liabilities incurred in such capacities.

The Bylaws of our guarantor that is a Michigan corporation provide that the corporation shall indemnify its directors and officers in accordance with the law.

Michigan Limited Liability Companies

Section 216 of the Michigan Limited Liability Company Act (“MLLCA”) permits the limited liability company to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend a member, manager, or other person from and against any and all losses, expenses, claims, and demands sustained by that person, except when such person (1) received a financial benefit to which such person is not entitled, (2) engaged in unlawful distributions or (3) knowingly violated the law. Section 216 further permits the limited liability to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a member, manager, or other person against any liability or expense asserted against or incurred by that person, whether or not the company may indemnify that person.

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Michigan limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnify those managers, officers, agents and employees identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to be indemnified except to the extent prohibited by law. In addition, such operating agreements provide that the company may advance costs of defense of any proceeding to the managers and officers upon receipt by the company of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the company.

Mississippi Limited Liability Companies

Section 79-29-123 of the Revised Mississippi Limited Liability Company Act provides that the certificate of formation or an operating agreement of a limited liability company may provide for the limitation or elimination of any and all liabilities of any manager, member, officer or other person who is a party to or otherwise bound by the operating agreement for any action taken, or failure to take any action, as a manger or member or other person, including, for breach of contract and for breach of duties, including all or any fiduciary duties of a member, manager, officer or other person to a limited liability company or to its members or another member, manager or officer or to another person; provided, that the certificate of formation or operating agreement may not limit or eliminate liability for: (a) the amount of a financial benefit by a member or manager to which the member or manager is not entitled; (b) an intentional infliction of harm on the limited liability company or the members; (c) an intentional violation of criminal law; (d) a wrongful distribution underSection 79-29-611 of the Revised Mississippi Limited Liability Company Act; (e) the amount of a distribution in violation ofSection 79-29-813(1) of the Revised Mississippi Limited Liability Company Act; or (f) any act or omission which constitutes a bad faith violation of the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Additionally, a limited liability company may, and shall have the power to, indemnify and hold harmless any member, manager, officer or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever, except a limited liability company and an operating agreement shall not indemnify any member, manager, officer or other

II-14


person from and against any claims or demands in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the limited liability company in which the member, manager or other person was: (a) found to have engaged in any acts or omissions that constitute fraudulent conduct and was adjudged liable for claims based on such conduct; or (b) found or engaged in any actions described in the preceding sentence and was adjudged liable for claims based on such actions.

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Mississippi limited liability companies provide that each such company shall indemnify its member and those authorized managers, officers, agents and employees of the company identified in writing by the member or the managers. In addition, such operating agreements provide that the company may advance costs of defense of any proceeding to the managers and officers upon receipt by the company of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the company.

Missouri Limited Liability Companies

The Missouri Limited Liability Company Act, Sections 347.010 to 347.187 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (“RSMo”), provides in Section 347.057, RSMo., that a person who is a member, manager, or both, of a limited liability company is not liable, solely by reason of being a member or manager, or both, under a judgment, decree or order of a court, or in any other manner, for a debt, obligation or liability of the limited liability company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise or for the acts or omissions of any other member, manager, agent or employee of the limited liability company.

The Missouri Limited Liability Company Act provides in Section 347.088.1, RSMo., that except as otherwise provided in the operating agreement an authorized person shall discharge his or her duty under the Missouri Limited Liability Company Act and the operating agreement in good faith, with the care a corporate officer of like position would exercise under similar circumstances, in the manner a reasonable person would believe to be in the best interest of the limited liability company, and shall not be liable for any such action so taken or any failure to take such action, if he or she performs such duties in compliance with such subsection.

The Missouri Limited Liability Company Act provides in Section 347.088.2, RSMo., that to the extent that, at law or equity, a member or manager or other person has duties, including fiduciary duties, and liabilities relating to those duties to the limited liability company or to another member, manager, or other person that is party to or otherwise bound by an operating agreement: (1) any such member, manager, or other person acting under the operating agreement shall not be liable to the limited liability company or to any such other member, manager, or other person for the member’s, manager’s, or other person’s good faith reliance on the provisions of the operating agreement; and (2) the member’s, manager’s or other person’s duties and liabilities may be expanded or restricted by provision in the operating agreement.

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Missouri limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnify those managers, officers, agents and employees identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to be indemnified except to the extent prohibited by law. In addition, such operating agreements provide that the company may advance costs of defense of any proceeding to the managers and officers upon receipt by the company of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the company.

New Jersey Corporations

Section 14A:3-5 of the New Jersey Business Corporation Act provides that any corporation organized for any purpose under any general or special law of New Jersey shall have the power to indemnify a corporate agent against his expenses and liabilities in connection with any proceeding involving the corporate agent by reason of his being or having been such a corporate agent, other than a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation, if: (a) such corporate agent acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the

II-15


best interests of the corporation; and (b) with respect to any criminal proceeding, such corporate agent had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. Any corporation organized for any purpose under any general or special law of New Jersey shall have the power to indemnify a corporate agent against his expenses in connection with any proceeding by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor which involves the corporate agent by reason of his being or having been such corporate agent, if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation or to the extent that such corporate agent has been successful on the merits or otherwise in certain other proceedings, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein.

The Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Cornerstone Family Services of New Jersey, Inc., Legacy Estates, Inc. and Osiris Management, Inc. provide that the corporation shall indemnify its directors and officers to the full extent possible under the law.

Neither the Articles of Incorporation nor the Bylaws of Arlington Development Company contain provisions regarding the indemnification of directors or officers.

New York Corporations

Section 722(a) of the New York Business Corporation Law (“NYBCL”) provides that a corporation may indemnify any officer or director, made or threatened to be made, a party to an action or proceeding, other than one by or in the right of the corporation, including an action by or in the right of any other corporation or other enterprise, which any director or officer of the corporation served in any capacity at the request of the corporation, because he was a director or officer of the corporation, or served such other corporation or other enterprise in any capacity, against judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees actually and necessarily incurred as a result of such action or proceeding, or any appeal therein, if such director or officer acted, in good faith, for a purpose which he reasonably believed to be in, or in the case of service for any other corporation or other enterprise, not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and, in criminal actions or proceedings, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

Section 722(c) of the NYBCL provides that a corporation may indemnify any officer or director made, or threatened to be made, a party to an action by or in the right of the corporation by reason of the fact that he is or was a director or officer of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director or officer of any other corporation of any type or kind, or other enterprise, against amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and necessarily incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such action, or in connection with an appeal therein, if such director or officer acted, in good faith, for a purpose which he reasonably believed to be in, or, in the case of service for another corporation or other enterprise, not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation. The corporation may not, however, indemnify any officer or director pursuant to Section 722(c) in respect of (1) a threatened action, or a pending action which is settled or otherwise disposed of, or (2) any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which the action was brought or, if no action was brought, any court of competent jurisdiction, determines upon application, that the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such portion of the settlement and expenses as the court deems proper.

Section 723 of the NYBCL provides that an officer or director who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of a civil or criminal action of the character set forth in Section 722 is entitled to indemnification as permitted in such section. Section 724 of the NYBCL permits a court to award the indemnification required by Section 722.

The Articles of Incorporation of our guarantor that is a New York corporation provides that the corporation shall indemnify its directors and officers to the full extent possible under the law.

II-16


North Carolina Corporations

Section 55-8-51 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act (“NCBCA”) provides that a corporation may indemnify an individual made a party to a proceeding because he is or was a director against liability incurred in the proceeding if: (1) he conducted himself in good faith; and (2) he reasonably believed (i) in the case of conduct in his official capacity with the corporation, that his conduct was in its best interests; and (ii) in all other cases, that his conduct was at least not opposed to its best interests; and (3) in the case of any criminal proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. A corporation may not indemnify a director (i) in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in which the director was adjudged liable to the corporation; or (ii) in connection with any proceeding charging improper personal benefit to him, whether or not involving action in his official capacity, in which he was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by him.

Section 55-8-57 of the NCBCA permits a corporation, in its articles of incorporation or bylaws or by contract or resolution, to indemnify, or agree to indemnify, its directors, officers, employees or agents against liability and expenses in any proceeding (including proceedings brought by or on behalf of the corporation) arising out of their status as such or their activities in such capacities, except for any liabilities or expenses incurred on account of activities that were, at the time taken, known or believed by the person to be clearly in conflict with the best interests of the corporation. Sections55-8-52 and55-8-56 of the NCBCA require a corporation, unless its articles of incorporation provide otherwise, to indemnify a director or officer who has been wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which such director or officer was made a party because he was or is a director or officer of the corporation against reasonable expenses incurred by the director or officer in connection with the proceeding.Section 55-8-57 of the NCBCA authorizes a corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of an individual who was or is a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation against liability asserted against or incurred by such person in that capacity or arising from such person’s status as a director, officer, employee, or agent, whether or not the corporation would have power to indemnify such person against the same liability under the NCBCA.

Neither the Articles of Incorporation nor the Bylaws of our guarantor that is a North Carolina corporation contain provisions regarding the indemnification of directors or officers.

North Carolina Limited Liability Companies

Section 57D-3-31 of the North Carolina Limited Liability Company Act (the “NC LLC Act”) provides that a limited liability company shall indemnify a person who is wholly successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any proceeding to which the person was a party because the person is or was a member, a manager, or other company official if the person also is or was an interest owner at the time to which the claim relates, acting within the person’s scope of authority as a manager, member, or other company official against expenses incurred by the person in connection with the proceeding.

Section 57D-3-31 of the NC LLC Act also provides that a limited liability company shall reimburse a person who is or was a member for any payment made and indemnify the person for any obligation, including any judgment, settlement, penalty, fine, or other cost, incurred or borne in the authorized conduct of the company’s business or preservation of the company’s business or property, whether acting in the capacity of a manager, member, or other company official if, in making the payment or incurring the obligation, the person complied with the duties and standards of conduct imposed bySection 57D-3-21 of the NC LLC Act, as modified or eliminated by the company’s operating agreement or otherwise imposed by the NC LLC Act or other applicable law.

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are North Carolina limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnity the member and those authorized managers, officers, agents and employees of the company identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to be indemnified under such operating agreements for all costs, losses, liabilities and damages paid or accrued by the member or any such manager,

II-17


officer, agent or employee in connection with the business of the company, except to the extent prohibited by law. In addition, such operating agreements provide that the company may advance costs of defense of any proceeding to the managers and officers upon receipt by the company of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the company.

Ohio Corporations

Pursuant to Section 1701.13(E) of the Ohio Revised Code (“ORC”), a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, trustee, officer, employee, member, manager or agent of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding (i) if such person acted in good faith and in a manner that person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and (ii) with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, if the person had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful. In actions brought by or in the right of the corporation, a corporation may indemnify such person against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner that person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification may be made in respect of (i) any claim, issue or matter as to which that person is adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of the person’s duty to the corporation unless, and only to the extent that, the court of common pleas or the court in which such action or suit was brought determines upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability, but in view of all circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification for such expenses as the court of common pleas or such other court shall deem proper; or (ii) any action or suit in which the only liability asserted against a director is pursuant to Section 1701.95 of the ORC. However, indemnification may only be made upon a determination that the person has met the applicable standard of conduct required for indemnification by (a) a majority vote of a quorum of directors who were not parties, or threatened to be made parties, to the relevant proceeding, (b) if directed by a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested directors, a written opinion of independent legal counsel, (c) the shareholders, or (d) the court in which the relevant proceeding was brought.

An Ohio corporation is required to indemnify a director, trustee, officer, employee, member, manager or agent against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the person to the extent that the person is successful in defending a lawsuit of the type referenced in the above paragraph, regardless of whether such indemnification has been authorized as discussed above.

Under Section 1701.13(E) of the ORC, a corporation is permitted to pay expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by such person, in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit or proceeding, as authorized by the corporation’s directors and upon receipt of an undertaking by such person to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification. In the case of directors, the corporation is required to advance expenses upon receipt of the aforementioned undertaking to repay and the director’s agreement to cooperate.

The indemnification provided under Section 1701.13(E) of the ORC is not exclusive of, and is in addition to, any other rights granted to persons seeking indemnification under a corporation’s articles or regulations, any agreement, a vote of the corporation’s shareholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. In addition, a corporation may purchase and maintain insurance or furnish similar protection for director, officer, employee or agent liability, regardless of whether that individual is otherwise eligible for indemnification by the corporation.

II-18


The Regulations of our guarantor that is an Ohio corporation provide that the corporation shall indemnify its directors and officers to the full extent possible under the law and shall advance expenses upon the receipt of an undertaking to repay.

Ohio Limited Liability Companies

Section 1705.32 of the ORC provides that a limited liability company may indemnify any person who was or is a party, or who is threatened to be made a party, to any proceeding, because he is or was a manager, member or officer of the company or is or was serving at the company’s request as a manager, member, director or officer of any other entity, against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the manager, member or officer in connection with the proceeding if the manager, member or officer acted in good faith and in a manner the manager, member or officer reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the company and, in connection with any criminal action or proceeding, the manager, member or officer had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. In the case of an action by or in the right of the company, a company may indemnify such person against expenses (including attorneys’    fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such    action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the company, except that no indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which that person is adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of the person’s duty to the company unless, and only to the extent that, the court of common pleas or the court in which such action or suit was brought determines upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability, but in view of all circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification for such expenses as the court considers proper. However, indemnification may only be made upon a determination that the person met the applicable standard of conduct required for indemnification by (a) a majority vote of a quorum of managers who were not parties, or threatened to be made parties, to the relevant proceeding, (b) if directed by a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested managers, a written opinion of independent legal counsel, (c) the members, or (d) the court in which the relevant proceeding was brought.

An Ohio limited liability company is required to indemnify a manager, officer, employee or agent against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the person to the extent that the person is successful in defending a lawsuit of the type referenced in the above paragraph, regardless of whether such indemnification has been authorized as discussed above.

The indemnification provided under Section 1705.32 of the ORC is not exclusive of, and is in addition to, any other rights granted to persons seeking indemnification under the company’s operating agreement, any other agreement, a vote of the company’s members or disinterested managers, or otherwise. In addition, a limited liability company may purchase and maintain insurance or furnish similar protection for manager, member, partner, officer, employee or agent liability, regardless of whether that individual is otherwise eligible for indemnification by the company.

The operating agreement of our guarantor that is an Ohio limited liability company provides that the company shall indemnify its members, managers, officers, agents and employees (as identified by the member or manager in writing as being entitled to indemnification) for all costs, liabilities, losses and damages paid or accrued in connection with the business of the company. The operating agreement also provides that the company may advance costs of defense to such persons upon receipt of an undertaking by such person to repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to indemnification by the company.

Oklahoma Limited Liability Companies

Section 2003 of the Oklahoma Limited Liability Company Act provides that a limited liability company may indemnify and hold harmless any member, agent, or employee from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever, except in the case of action or failure to act by the member, agent, or employee which

II-19


constitutes willful misconduct or recklessness, and subject to the standards and restrictions, if any, set forth in the articles of organization or operating agreement. In addition, Section 2017 of the Oklahoma Limited Liability Company Act states that the articles of organization or an operating agreement may provide for indemnification of a member or manager for judgments, settlements, penalties, fines or expenses incurred in any proceeding because the person is or was a member or manager, but does not permit the articles of organization or operating agreement to limit or eliminate a manager’s liability for breach of the duty of loyalty, acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, or any transaction from which the manager derived an improper personal benefit.

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Oklahoma limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnify its member and those managers, officers, agents and employees identified in writing by the member or managers as being entitled to indemnification, except to the extent prohibited by the law. The operating agreements also provide that the company may advance costs of defense to such persons upon receipt of an undertaking by such person to repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to indemnification by the company.

Oregon Limited Liability Companies

Section 63.160 of the Oregon Limited Liability Company Act provides that the articles of organization or operating agreement may provide for indemnification of any person for acts or omissions as a member, manager, employee or agent and may eliminate or limit liability of a member, manager, employee or agent for damages from such acts or omissions; provided, that indemnification is not permitted for any breach of the duty of loyalty, acts or omissions not in good faith which involve intentional misconduct or knowing violation of the law, or any unlawful distribution or any transaction from which the member or manager derives an improper personal benefit.

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Oregon limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnify the member and those authorized managers, officers, agents and employees of the company identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to be indemnified for all costs, losses, liabilities and damages paid or accrued by the member (as the member or as a manager, officer, agent or employee) or any such manager, officer, agent or employee in connection with the business of the company, except to the extent prohibited by the law. The operating agreements also provide that the company may advance costs of defense to such persons upon receipt of an undertaking by such person to repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to indemnification by the company.

Pennsylvania Corporations

Sections 1741 through 1750 of Subchapter D, Chapter 17, of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law (“PBCL”) contain provisions for mandatory and discretionary indemnification of a corporation’s directors, officers and other personnel, and related matters.

Under Section 1741 of the PBCL, subject to certain limitations, a corporation has the power to indemnify directors and officers under certain prescribed circumstances against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with an action or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than derivative or corporate actions), to which any such officer or director is a party or is threatened to be made a party by reason of such officer or director being a representative of the corporation or serving at the request of the corporation as a representative of another domestic or foreign corporation for profit ornot-for-profit, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, so long as the director or officer acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, such officer or director had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.

II-20


Section 1742 of the PBCL permits indemnification in derivative and corporate actions if the director or officer acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, except in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which the officer or director has been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the proper court determines upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, the officer or director is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for the expenses that the court deems proper.

Under Section 1743 of the PBCL, indemnification is mandatory to the extent that the officer or director has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action or proceeding referred to in Section 1741 or 1742 of the PBCL.

Section 1744 of the PBCL provides that, unless ordered by a court, any indemnification under Section 1741 or 1742 of the PBCL shall be made by the corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that the officer or director met the applicable standard of conduct, and such determination must be made by (i) the board of directors by a majority vote of a quorum of directors not parties to the action or proceeding, (ii) if a quorum is not obtainable, or if obtainable and a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (iii) by the shareholders.

Section 1745 of the PBCL provides that expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by a director or officer in defending any action or proceeding referred to in Subchapter D of Chapter 17 of the PBCL may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation. Except as otherwise provided in the corporation’sby-laws, advancement of expenses must be authorized by the board of directors.

Section 1746 of the PBCL provides generally that the indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by Subchapter D of Chapter 17 of the PBCL shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which an officer or director seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under anyby-law, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding that office. In no event may indemnification be made in any case where the act or failure to act giving rise to the claim for indemnification is determined by a court to have constituted willful misconduct or recklessness.

Section 1747 of the PBCL grants a corporation the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any director or officer against any liability incurred by him in his capacity as officer or director, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him against that liability under Subchapter D of Chapter 17 of the PBCL.

Sections 1748 and 1749 of the PBCL extend the indemnification and advancement of expenses provisions contained in Subchapter D of Chapter 17 of the PBCL to successor corporations in fundamental changes and to officers and directors serving as fiduciaries of employee benefit plans.

Section 1750 of the PBCL provides that the indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, Subchapter D of Chapter 17 of the PBCL shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer shall inure to the benefit of the heirs and personal representatives of such person.

The Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Eloise B. Kyper Funeral Home, Inc., Stephen R. Haky Funeral Home, Inc., Forest Lawn Gardens, Inc., Kirk & Nice, Inc., and Kirk & Nice Suburban Chapel, Inc. provide that the corporation shall indemnify its directors and officers to the full extent possible under the law.

Neither the Articles of Incorporation nor the Bylaws of Laurelwood Holding Company contain provisions regarding the indemnification of directors or officers.

II-21


Pennsylvania Limited Liability Companies

Section 8848 of the Pennsylvania Limited Liability Company Act provides that a limited liability company may and shall have the power to indemnify and hold harmless any member or manager or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever. In no event may indemnification be made in any case where the act or failure to act giving rise to the claim for indemnification is determined by a court to have constituted willful misconduct or recklessness. Section 8848 also provides that expense may be paid by a limited liability company in advance of the final disposition of any action or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the limited liability company.

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Pennsylvania limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnify those managers, officers, agents and employees identified in writing by the Member or Managers as entitled to be indemnified except to the extent prohibited by law. The operating agreements also provide that the company may advance costs of defense to such persons upon receipt of an undertaking by such person to repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to indemnification by the company.

Puerto Rico Corporations

Section 4.08 of the Puerto Rico General Corporations Act provides that a corporation may compensate any person who is, has been a party, or is under threat of becoming a party to any imminent, pending or resolved civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding (except an action initiated by the corporation or initiated to protect the interests of the corporation), because the person has been or is a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or had been or is acting by request of the corporation as director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or any other enterprise. The compensation may include the expenses incurred in a reasonable manner, including attorney fees, adjudication or judgments, fines and amounts paid upon settling such action, suit or proceeding, if the person acted in good faith and in a manner which the person deemed to be reasonable and consistent with the best interests of the corporation and not opposed thereto, and that with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, the person did not have reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any legal action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement or conviction or by a plea of nolo contendere, or its equivalent, shall not in itself create the presumption that the person did not act in good faith nor in a manner which he reasonably believed to be consistent with the best interests of the corporation or not opposed thereto and that, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, the person did not have reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

In addition, pursuant to subsection (b) of section 4.08, a corporation may compensate any person who is, has been a party, or is under threat of becoming a party to any imminent, pending or resolved action or suit initiated by the corporation or initiated to protect the interests of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor because the person is or has been a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or has been acting by request of the corporation as director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or any other enterprise. The compensation may include the expenses incurred in a reasonable manner, including attorney fees, with respect to the defense or settlement of such action or suit, if the person acted in good faith and in a manner he/she reasonably deemed to be consistent with the best interests of the corporation and not opposed thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no compensation shall be made with respect to a claim, matter or controversy in which it has been determined that such person is liable to the corporation, except that through a motion to that effect, the court presiding in such action or suit determines that in spite of the adjudication of liability against, and in light of all of the circumstances of the case, such person has the fair and reasonable right to be compensated for those expenses which the court deems proper and only insofar as said court so deems.

II-22


The Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of our guarantors that are Puerto Rico corporations provide that the corporation shall indemnify its directors and officers to the full extent possible under the law.

Puerto Rico Limited Liability Companies

Section 19.08 of the Puerto Rico General Corporations Act provides that subject to the provisions of section 4.08, and to the standards and restrictions, if any, set forth in its limited liability company agreement, a limited liability company may, and shall have the power to, indemnify and hold harmless any member or manager or other person from and against any and all claims and suits whatsoever.

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Puerto Rico limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnify those managers, officers, agents and employees identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to be indemnified except to the extent prohibited by law. The operating agreements also provide that the company may advance costs of defense to such persons upon receipt of an undertaking by such person to repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to indemnification by the company.

Rhode Island Corporations

Section 7-1.2-814 of the Rhode Island Business Corporation Act (the “RIBCA”) generally permits a corporation to indemnify a director or officer for expenses incurred by them by reason of their position with the corporation if the person has acted in good faith and with the reasonable belief (i) in the case of conduct in his or her official capacity that his or her conduct was in the best interests of the corporation and, (ii) in all other cases, that his or her conduct was at least not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, he or she had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Unless limited by the corporation’s charter, the RIBCA also permits indemnification if a court of appropriate jurisdiction, upon application of a director or officer and such notice as the court shall require, determines that the individual is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all the relevant circumstances, whether or not he or she has met the standard of conduct referred to above. However, the RIBCA does not permit a corporation to indemnify persons (1) in actions brought by or in the right of the corporation, or (2) in actions in which the director is adjudged to be liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by him or her, although, in both cases, it does permit indemnification, but only of expenses, if, and only to the extent, approved by a court of appropriate jurisdiction. The RIBCA permits the right to indemnification to include the right to be paid by the corporation for expenses the indemnified person incurs in defending the proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, that the indemnified party deliver to the corporation a written affirmation of a good faith belief that he or she has met the applicable standards of conduct and that he or she undertakes to repay all amounts advanced if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified under the charter or otherwise. However, under the RIBCA, except where indemnification is ordered by a court of appropriate jurisdiction upon application of any director, officer, employee or agent, no indemnification will be made unless authorized in the specific case after a determination has been made, by the board of directors, special legal counsel or the shareholders that indemnification is permissible in the circumstances because the director, officer, employee or agent has met the standard of conduct for indemnification described above.

The Bylaws of our guarantor that is a Rhode Island corporation provide that the corporation shall indemnify its directors and officers to the full extent possible under the law.

Rhode Island Limited Liability Companies

UnderSection 7-16-4 of the Rhode Island Limited Liability Company Act, a limited liability company may indemnify and advance expenses to any member, manager, agent or employee, past or present, to the same extent as a corporation may indemnify any of its directors, officers, employees or agents and subject to the standards

II-23


and restrictions, if any, set forth in the articles of organization or operating agreement, and to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any member, manager, agent or employee against any liability asserted against him and incurred by the member, manager, agent or employee in that capacity or arising out of the member’s, manager’s, agent’s or employee’s status, whether or not the limited liability company would have the power to indemnify under the provisions ofSection 7-16-4, the articles of organization or operating agreement.

The operating agreement of our guarantor that is a Rhode Island limited liability company provides that the company shall indemnify those managers, officers, agents and employees identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to be indemnified except to the extent prohibited by law. The operating agreement also provides that the company may advance costs of defense to such persons upon receipt of an undertaking by such person to repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to indemnification by the company.

South Carolina Limited Liability Companies

To the extent not otherwise limited by the operating agreement of a South Carolina limited liability company, underSection 33-44-403 of the South Carolina Limited Liability Company Act, a limited liability company shall reimburse a member or manager for payments made and indemnify a member or manager for liabilities incurred by the member or manager in the ordinary course of the business of the company or for the preservation of its business or property.

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are South Carolina limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnify its member and those authorized managers, officers, agent and employees identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to be indemnified under Section 12 for all costs, losses, liabilities and damages paid or accrued by the member or any such manager, officer, agent or employee in connection with the business of the company, except to the extent prohibited by law. The operating agreements also provide that the company may advance costs of defense to such persons upon receipt of an undertaking by such person to repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to indemnification by the company.

Tennessee Corporations

Part 5 of Chapter 18 of the Tennessee Business Corporation Act authorizes a court to award, or a corporation’s board of directors to grant, indemnity to an officer, director, employee or agent of the corporation under certain circumstances and subject to certain limitations.

Sections48-18-301(d) and48-18-403(d) of the Tennessee Business Corporation Act provide that a director or officer shall not be liable for any action taken as a director or officer or any failure to take any action if the director or officer performed the duties of his or her office (i) in good faith, (ii) with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances and (iii) in a manner the director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation.

The charters or bylaws of our guarantors that are Tennessee corporations provide that the corporation shall indemnify its directors and officers to the full extent possible under the law.

Tennessee Limited Liability Companies

Section 48-243-101 of the Tennessee Limited Liability Company Act authorizes a court to award, or a limited liability company to grant, indemnity to a governor, member, manager, partner, trustee, employee, independent contractor or agent of the company under certain circumstances and subject to certain limitations.

Sections48-240-102(e) and48-241-111(d) of the Tennessee Limited Liability Company Act provide that a member or manager shall not be liable for any action taken as a member or manager or any failure to take any

II-24


action if the member or manager performed the duties of the position (i) in good faith, (ii) with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances and (iii) in a manner the member or manager reasonably believes to be in the best interest of the LLC.

The operating agreements of our guarantor that is a Tennessee limited liability company provides that the company shall indemnify its governors, officers, agents and employees identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to be indemnified except to the extent prohibited by law. The operating agreement also provides that the company may advance costs of defense to such persons upon receipt of an undertaking by such person to repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to indemnification by the company.

Virginia Corporations

Sections13.1-697-699 and701-704 of the Virginia Stock Corporation Act (“VSCA”) provide, generally and in part, that a corporation may indemnify an individual made a party to a proceeding because he is or was a director, against liability incurred in the proceeding if he conducted himself in good faith and reasonably believed, in the case of conduct in his official capacity with the corporation, that his conduct was in its best interests, or in all other cases, that his conduct was at least not opposed to its best interests and, in the case of any criminal proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful; provided, however, that a corporation may not indemnify a director in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in which the director was adjudged liable to the corporation or in connection with any other proceeding charging improper personal benefit to him in which he was adjudged liable. Such indemnification in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation is limited to reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith.

Unless limited by a corporation’s certificate of incorporation, similar indemnity with respect to expenses incurred is mandatory under the above-referenced Sections of the VSCA for a director or officer who was wholly successful on the merits or otherwise, in defense of any proceedings to which he was a party because he is or was a director or officer, as the case may be. Any such indemnification may be made only as authorized in each specific case after a determination by disinterested directors, special legal counsel or disinterested shareholders that indemnification is permissible because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct. Directors and officers may also apply for court-ordered indemnification. Pursuant toSection 13.1-704 of the VSCA, a corporation may also indemnify and advance expenses to any director or officer to the extent provided by the corporation’s certificate of incorporation, any bylaw made by the shareholders or any resolution adopted by the shareholders, except an indemnity against willful misconduct or a knowing violation of the criminal law.

The Bylaws of our guarantors that are Virginia corporations provide for indemnification of its directors and officers in accordance with the VSCA.

Virginia Limited Liability Companies

Section 13.1-1009(16) of the Virginia Limited Liability Company Act permits a limited liability company to indemnify and hold harmless any member or manager or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever, and to pay for or reimburse any member or manager or other person for reasonable expenses incurred by such a person who is a party to a proceeding in advance of final disposition of the proceeding.

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Virginia limited liability companies provide that the company shall indemnify those managers, officers, agents and employees identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to be indemnified except to the extent prohibited by law. The operating agreements also provide that the company may advance costs of defense to such persons upon receipt of an undertaking by such person to repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to indemnification by the company.

II-25


Washington Corporations

The Washington Business Corporation Act (“WABCA”) empowers a corporation to indemnify an individual made a party to a proceeding because the individual is or was a director against liability incurred in the proceeding if: (1) the individual acted in good faith; and (2) the individual reasonably believed (i) in the case of conduct in the individual’s official capacity with the corporation, that the individual’s conduct was in its best interests; and (ii) in all other cases, that the individual’s conduct was at least not opposed to its best interests; and (3) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the individual had no reasonable cause to believe the individual’s conduct was unlawful. A corporation may not indemnify a director (1) in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in which the director was adjudged liable to the corporation; or (2) in connection with any other proceeding charging improper personal benefit to the director, whether or not involving action in the director’s official capacity, in which the director was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by the director. Indemnification permitted under such provisions in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation is limited to reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding. Unless limited by its articles of incorporation, a corporation shall indemnify a director who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which the director was a party because of being a director of the corporation against reasonable expenses incurred by the director in connection with the proceeding. Under the WABCA, a corporation may pay for or reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred by a director who is a party to a proceeding in advance of final disposition of the proceeding if: (a) the director furnishes the corporation a written affirmation of the director’s good faith belief that the director has met the standard of conduct described in Section 23B.08.510 of the WABCA; and (b) the director furnishes the corporation a written undertaking, executed personally or on the director’s behalf, to repay the advance if it is ultimately determined that the director did not meet the standard of conduct. Unless a corporation’s articles of incorporation provide otherwise, the corporation may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee or agent of the corporation who is not a director to the same extent as to a director. A corporation may also purchase and maintain on behalf of a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation insurance against liabilities incurred in such capacities, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him against the same liability under the WABCA.

The Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of our guarantor that is a Washington corporation contain provisions for indemnification of directors and officers in accordance with the law.

Washington Limited Liability Companies

Section 25.15.041 of the Washington Limited Liability Company Act provides that: (1) A limited liability company may indemnify any member or manager from and against any judgments, settlements, penalties, fines, or expenses incurred in a proceeding or obligate itself to advance or reimburse expenses incurred in a proceeding to which a person is a party because such person is, or was, a member or a manager, provided that no such indemnity shall indemnify a member or a manager from or on account of acts or omissions of the member or manager finally adjudged to be intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law by the member or manager, or conduct of the member or manager adjudged to be in violation of RCW 25.15.231; and (2) A limited liability company may indemnify and advance expenses under (1) above to an officer, employee, or agent of the limited liability company who is not a member or manager to the same extent as to a member or manager.

The operating agreement of our guarantor that is a Washington limited liability company provides that the company shall indemnify the member and those authorized managers, officers, agents and employees of the company identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to be indemnified for all costs, losses, liabilities and damages paid or accrued by the member (as the member or as a manager, officer, agent or employee) or any such manager, officer, agent or employee in connection with the business of the company, except to the extent prohibited by the law. The operating agreement also provides that the company may advance costs of defense to such persons upon receipt of an undertaking by such person to repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to indemnification by the company.

II-26


West Virginia Limited Liability Companies

Section 31B-3-302 of West Virginia’s Uniform Limited Liability Company Act provides that a limited liability company is liable for loss or injury caused to a person, or for a penalty incurred, as a result of a wrongful act or omission, or other actionable conduct, of a member or manager acting in the ordinary course of business of the company or with authority of the company.Section 31B-4-403 of West Virginia’s Uniform Limited Liability Company Act provides that a limited liability company shall reimburse a member or manager for payments made and indemnify a member or manager for liabilities incurred by the member or manager in the ordinary course of the business of the company or for the preservation of its business or property.

The operating agreement of our subsidiary guarantor that is a West Virginia limited liability company provides, except to the extent prohibited under West Virginia law, that the company shall indemnify any member, manager, officer, agent or employee of the company identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to be indemnified thereunder for all costs, losses, liabilities and damages paid or accrued by a member, manager, officer, agent or employee in connection with the business of the company. The operating agreement also provides that the company may advance costs of defense to such persons upon receipt of an undertaking by such person to repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to indemnification by the company.

Wisconsin Limited Liability Companies

Section 183.0403 of Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations Chapter 183 Limited Liability Companies provides that a limited liability company shall indemnify or allow reasonable expenses to and pay liabilities of a member and manager incurred with respect to a proceeding if that member or manager was a party to the proceeding in the capacity of a member or manager. An operating agreement may alter or provide additional rights to indemnification of liabilities or allowance of expenses to members and managers. However, a limited liability company may not indemnify a member or manager for liabilities or permit a member or manager to retain any allowance for expenses provided unless it is determined by or on behalf of the limited liability company that the liabilities or expenses did not result from the member’s or manager’s breach or failure to perform certain duties to the limited liability company.

The operating agreements of our guarantors that are Wisconsin limited liability companies provide, except to the extent prohibited under the law, that the company shall indemnify any member, manager, officer, agent or employee of the company identified in writing by the member or managers as entitled to be indemnified thereunder for all costs, losses, liabilities and damages paid or accrued by a member, manager, officer, agent or employee in connection with the business of the company. The operating agreements also provide that the company may advance costs of defense to such persons upon receipt of an undertaking by such person to repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to indemnification by the company.

II-27


Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)    Exhibits.

Exhibit
Number

Description

3.1*  Certificate of Limited Partnership of StoneMor Partners L.P. (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on FormS-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 9, 2004 (Exhibit 3.1)).
3.2*  SecondFourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of StoneMor Partners L.P. dated as of September 9, 2008, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended Agreement of Limited Partnership of StoneMor Partners L.P. dated as of November 3, 2017December  31, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Registrant’s QuarterlyCurrent Report on FormForm 10-Q8-K for the period ended June 30, 2017)filed on December 31, 2019).
4.1.1*  3.3*  Certificate of Incorporation of Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on FormS-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 18, 2016 (Exhibit 3.3)).
  3.4*Bylaws of Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on FormS-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 18, 2016 (Exhibit 3.4)).
  4.1*Indenture dated as of MayJune  27, 2019 by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., the initial purchasers named therein, the guarantors named therein and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral agent, including the form of 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on June 28, 2013,2019).
  4.2*Form of 9.875%/11.500% Senior Secured PIK Toggle Note due 2024 (included in Exhibit 4.1).
  4.3*Collateral Agreement dated as of June  27, 2019 by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Wilmington Trust, National Association, including Form of 7 7/8% Senior Note due 2021as collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.24.3 of Registrant’s Current Report on FormForm 8-K filed on MayJune 28, 2013)2019).
4.1.2*  4.4*  Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 28, 2013,June  27, 2019 by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., the Initial Guarantors party thereto,guarantors name therein and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the initial purchasers listed on Schedule A to the Purchase Agreementnamed therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of Registrant’s Current Report on FormForm 8-K filed on MayJune 28, 2013)2019).
4.1.3*  4.5*  First Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of August 8, 2014,December  31, 2019 by and among Kirk & Nice, Inc., Kirk & Nice Suburban Chapel, Inc., StoneMor Operating LLC, and Osiris Holding of Maryland Subsidiary, Inc., subsidiaries of StoneMor Partners L.P. (or its successor), and Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., StoneMor Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors under the Indenture, dated as of May 28, 2013, and Wilmington Trust, National Association as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Registrant’s QuarterlyCurrent Report on FormForm 10-Q8-K for the quarter ended September 30, 2014)filed on December 31, 2019).

Exhibit

Number

  4.6*
  

Description

4.1.4*Second Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of September 1, 2016,January  30, 2020 by and among StoneMor Wisconsin LLC, StoneMor Wisconsin Subsidiary LLC, subsidiaries of StoneMor Partners, L.P., and Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., StoneMor Inc., StoneMor LP Holdings, LLC, the Subsidiary Guarantors under the Indenture, dated as of May 28, 2013, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for4.3 to the quarter ended September 30, 2016).
4.2*Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 21, 2014, by and between StoneMor Partners L.P. and American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on May 23, 2014).
10.1*†StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended April 19, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed on June 4, 2010).
10.2*†Form of the Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement Under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated November 8, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on November 15, 2006).
10.3*†Form of the Key Employee Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement Under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated November 8, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on November 15, 2006).
10.4*†Form of the Unit Appreciation Rights Agreement Under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of November 27, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on December 1, 2006).
10.5*†Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Robert Hellman dated June 23, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on June 23, 2009).
10.6*†Form of the Unit Appreciation Rights Agreement Under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of December 16, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on December 22, 2009).
10.7*†Form of the Executive Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement Under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of December 16, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on December 22, 2009).
10.8*†Director Unit Appreciation Rights Agreement Under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2.8 of Registrant’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009)2019 filed by StoneMor Inc. on April 7, 2020).
10.9*†  4.7*  Form of the Unit Appreciation Rights Agreement Under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan,Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April  2, 20121, 2020, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24.1 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012).
10.10*†Executive Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement Under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of November 7, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on FormForm 8-K filed by StoneMor Inc. on November 13, 2012)April 2, 2020).
10.11*†Unit Appreciation Rights Agreement Under the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of October 22, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7.11 of Registrant’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013).
10.12*†Form of Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of November 11, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7.12 of Registrant’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014).

II-28


Exhibit


Number

  

Description

10.13*†  4.8*  Employee UnitSupplement to Collateral Agreement under thedated January 30, 2020 by StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan,LP Holdings, LLC to Collateral Agreement dated as of December 31, 2015June  27, 2019 by and betweenamong StoneMor GP LLCPartners L.P., Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc., the guarantors named therein and David L. MeyersWilmington Trust, National Association, as collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7.15 of Registrant’s4.7 to the Annual Report on FormForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015)2019 filed by StoneMor Inc. on April 7, 2020).
10.14*†  5.1  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, executed July 22, 2013 and retroactive to January 1, 2013, by and between StoneMor GP, LLC and Lawrence Miller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1Opinion of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on July 26, 2013).Duane Morris LLP.
10.15*†  5.2**  FormOpinion of Indemnification Agreement by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Lawrence Miller, Robert B. Hellman, Jr., Fenton R. Talbott, Martin R. Lautman, William Shane, Allen R. Freedman, effective September 20, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC.
10.16*†  5.3**  Opinion of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz P.C.
  5.4**Opinion of Dover Dixon Horne PLLC.
  5.5.**Opinion of Holland and Hart LLP.
  5.6**Opinion of McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon LLP.
  5.7**Opinion of May Oberfell Lorber.
  5.8**Opinion of Nyemaster Goode, P.C.
  5.9**Opinion of Gilliland Green LLC
  5.10**Opinion of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP.
  5.11**Opinion of Honigman LLP.
  5.12**Opinion of Mitchell, McNutt & Sams, P.A.
  5.13**Opinion of Husch Blackwell LLP.
  5.14**Opinion of Holland & Knight LLP.
  5.15**Opinion of GableGotwals.
  5.16**Opinion of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP.
  5.17**Opinion of Pietrantoni Méndez & Alvarez LLC.
  5.18**Opinion of Brennan, Recupero, Cascione, Scungio & McAllister, LLP.
  5.19**Opinion of Fox Rothschild LLP.
  5.20**Opinion of Bass, Berry & Sims PLC.
  5.21**Opinion of DeWitt LLP.
10.1*Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Howard Carver and Peter Grunebaum, effective February  16, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).
10.17*†10.2*  Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Leo J. Pound and Jonathan Contos, dated February  26, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015).
10.18*†10.3*  Settlement Agreement by and among StoneMor Indiana LLC, StoneMor Operating LLC, StoneMor Partners L.P., Chapel Hill Associates, Inc., Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Inc., Covington Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., Covington Memorial Gardens, Inc., Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel Inc., Forest Lawn Memory Gardens Inc., Fred W. Meyer, Jr. by James R. Meyer as Special Administrator to the Estate of Fred W. Meyer, Jr., James R. Meyer, Thomas E. Meyer, Nancy Cade, and F.T.J. Meyer Associates, LLC dated June 21, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on June 25, 2010).
10.19*†Omnibus Agreement by and among McCown De Leeuw & Co. IV, L.P., McCown De Leeuw  & Co. IV Associates, L.P., MDC Management Company IV, LLC, Delta Fund LLC, Cornerstone Family Services LLC, CFSI LLC, StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP LLC, StoneMor Operating LLC, dated as of September  20, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on FormForm 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).

II-29


Exhibit

Number

Description

10.22*†Letter Agreement by and between Austin So and StoneMor GP LLC, dated January 28, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016).
10.23*Lease Agreement, dated as of September  26, 2013, by and among StoneMor Operating, LLC, StoneMor Pennsylvania LLC and StoneMor Pennsylvania Subsidiary LLC, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and StoneMor Partners L.P., solely in its capacity as guarantor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on FormForm 8-K filed on October 2, 2013).
10.24*10.6*  Amendment No. 1 to Lease Agreement, dated as of March  20, 2014, by and among StoneMor Operating, LLC, StoneMor Pennsylvania LLC and StoneMor Pennsylvania Subsidiary LLC, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and StoneMor Partners L.P., solely in its capacity as guarantor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on FormForm 8-K filed on March 26, 2014).
10.25*10.7*  Amendment No. 2 to Lease Agreement, dated as of May  28, 2014, by and among StoneMor Operating, LLC, StoneMor Pennsylvania LLC, StoneMor Pennsylvania Subsidiary LLC, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and StoneMor Partners L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014).
10.26*10.8*  Asset Sale Agreement dated April 2, 2014, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, StoneMor Florida LLC, StoneMor Florida Subsidiary LLC, StoneMor North Carolina LLC, StoneMor North Carolina Subsidiary LLC, StoneMor North Carolina Funeral Services, Inc., Loewen [Virginia] LLC, Loewen [Virginia] Subsidiary, Inc., Rose Lawn Cemeteries LLC, Rose Lawn Cemeteries Subsidiary, Incorporated, StoneMor Pennsylvania LLC, StoneMor Pennsylvania Subsidiary LLC, CMS West Subsidiary LLC, S.E. Funeral Homes of Florida, LLC, S.E. Cemeteries of Florida, LLC, S.E. Combined Services of Florida, LLC, S.E. Cemeteries of North Carolina, Inc., S.E. Funeral Homes of North Carolina, Inc., Montlawn Memorial Park, Inc., S.E. Cemeteries of Virginia, LLC, SCI Virginia Funeral Services, Inc., George Washington Memorial Park, Inc., Sunset Memorial Park Company and S.E.Mid- Atlantic Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on April 8, 2014).
10.27†Asset Sale Agreement dated April 2, 2014, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, StoneMor North Carolina LLC, StoneMor North Carolina Subsidiary LLC, Laurel Hill Memorial Park LLC, Laurel Hill Memorial Park Subsidiary, Inc., StoneMor Pennsylvania LLC, StoneMor Pennsylvania Subsidiary LLC, S.E. Cemeteries of North Carolina, Inc., Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery, Inc., and S.E. Acquisition of Pennsylvania, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on April 8, 2014).
10.28*Common Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2014, by and between StoneMor Partners L.P. and American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on May 23, 2014).
10.29*Underwriting Agreement, dated April 15, 2016, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP LLC, StoneMor Operating LLC, and Raymond James & Associates, Inc., as representative of the underwriters named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on April 20, 2016).
10.30*Letter Agreement by and between Austin So and StoneMor GP LLC, dated May 26, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016).
10.31*Confidentiality, Nondisclosure and Restrictive Covenant Agreement by and between Austin So and StoneMor GP LLC, dated May 26, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016).

Exhibit

Number

Description

10.32*Key Employee Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, entered into as of July 5, 2016, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Lawrence Miller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016).
10.33*Key Employee Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, entered into as of July 5, 2016, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Austin So (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016).
10.34*Credit Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2016, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, the other Borrowers party thereto, the Lenders party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender, Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, as Syndication Agent, and TD Bank, N.A. and Raymond James Bank, N.A., asCo-Documentation Agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016).
10.35*First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2017, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, the other Borrowers party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the Required Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 16, 2017).
10.36*Second Amendment and Limited Waiver to Credit Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2017, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, the other Borrowers party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the Required Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on July 28, 2017).
10.37*Third Amendment and Limited Waiver to Credit Agreement, effective as of August 15, 2017, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, the other Borrowers party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the Required Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on August 17, 2017).
10.38*Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of September 29, 2017, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, the other Borrowers party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent and the Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on October 5, 2017).
10.39*Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2017 but effective as of September 29, 2017, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, the other Borrowers party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent and the Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on June 18, 2018).
10.40*Sixth Amendment and Waiver to Credit Agreement, effective as of June 12, 2018, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, the other Borrowers party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the Required Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on June 18, 2018).
10.41*Seventh Amendment and Waiver to Credit Agreement, effective as of July 13, 2018, by and among StoneMor Operating LLC, the other Borrowers party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the Required Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.49 of Registrant’s Annual Report on Form10-K filed on July 17, 2018).

Exhibit

Number

Description

10.42*Eighth Amendment and Waiver to Credit Agreement, effective as of February 4, 2019, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor Operating LLC, the other Borrowers party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the Required Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on February 4, 2018).
10.43*Guaranty and Collateral Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2016, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor Operating LLC, the other Grantors party thereto and Capital One, National Association, as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016).
10.44*Common Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2016, by and between StoneMor Partners L.P. and StoneMor GP Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on January 4, 2017).
10.45*†Separation Agreement and General Release, dated as of March 27, 2017, by and between StoneMor GP Holdings LLC and Lawrence Miller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 28, 2017).
10.46*†Summary of Oral Agreement between StoneMor GP LLC and Leo J. Pound (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on April 17, 2017).
10.47*†Employment Agreement dated May 16, 2017, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and R. Paul Grady (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on May 22, 2017).
10.48*†Indemnification Agreement, dated May  16, 2017, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and R. Paul Grady (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report on FormForm 8-K filed on May 22, 2017).
10.49*†10.9*  Employment Agreement, effective May  16, 2017, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Mark Miller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant’s Current Report on FormForm 8-K filed on May 22, 2017).
10.50*†10.10*  Indemnification Agreement, effective May  16, 2017, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Mark Miller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Registrant’s Current Report on FormForm 8-K filed on May 22, 2017).
10.51*†10.11*  Indemnification Agreement, effective May  16, 2017, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Robert A. Sick (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Registrant’s Current Report on FormForm 8-K filed on May 22, 2017).
10.52*†10.12*  Employment Agreement dated March  1, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and James Ford (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 2, 2018).
10.53*†10.13*  Executive Restricted Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, entered into as of March 1, 2018, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and James Ford (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 2, 2018)
10.54*†Key Employee Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of March 19, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Mark L. Miller (2017 Award) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 23, 2018).

Exhibit

Number

Description

10.55*†Key Employee Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of March 19, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Mark L. Miller (2018 Award) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 23, 2018).
10.56*†Key Employee Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of March 19, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Austin K. So (2017 Award) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 23, 2018).
10.57*†Key Employee Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated as of March 19, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Austin K. So (2018 Award) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 23, 2018).
10.58*†Executive Restricted Unit Agreement under the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, entered into as of March 19, 2018, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Mark L. Miller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 23, 2018).
10.59*†Form of 2017 Key Employee Unit Award Agreement under StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 23, 2018).
10.60*†Form of Key Employee Unit Award Agreement under StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on March 23, 2018).
10.61*†Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement effective June  15, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Patricia D. Wellenbach (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on June 18, 2018).
10.62*†10.14*  Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement effective June  15, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Stephen J. Negrotti (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on June 18, 2018).

II-30


Exhibit

Number

Description

10.68*†10.20*  Agreement dated July 26, 2018 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Leo J. Pound (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on July 30, 2018).
10.69*†Letter Agreement, dated September 5, 2018, by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Jeffrey DiGiovanni (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on September 11, 2018).
10.70*†StoneMor Amended and Restated 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on September 21, 2018).
10.71*Voting and Support Agreement, dated September 27, 2018, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP LLC, and the unitholders of StoneMor Partners L.P. named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on September 28, 2018).
10.72*†Summary of Oral Agreement between StoneMor GP LLC and Leo J. Pound (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on October 12, 2018).
10.73*†Letter Agreement dated October 12, 2018 between StoneMor Partners L.P. and Lawrence Miller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on October 12, 2018).
10.74*First Amendment to Voting and Support Agreement, dated February 4, 2019, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP LLC, and the unitholders of StoneMor Partners L.P. named therein (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on February 4, 2019).
10.75Merger and Reorganization Agreement, dated September 27, 2018, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP Holdings LLC, StoneMor GP LLC and Hans Merger Sub, LLC.
10.76*†StoneMor Amended and Restated 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-k8-K filed on April 2, 2019).
16.1*10.21*  Letter from Deloitte & Touche LLP date December 6, 2018Employment Agreement dated April  10, 2019 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Garry P. Herdler (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16.110.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-k8-K filed on December 6, 2018)April 16, 2019).
21.110.22*  SubsidiariesRetirement Agreement dated as of Registrant.April  10, 2019 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Mark L. Miller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on April 16, 2019).
23.110.23*  ConsentSeries A Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement dated as of Grant Thornton LLP.June  27, 2019 by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., SMP SPV LLC, Star V Partners LLC, Blackwell Partners LLC –Series E, David Miller, MPF Investco 6, LLC, MPF Investco 7, LLC, MPF Investco 8, LLC, The Mangrove Partners Fund, L.P. and The Mangrove Partners Fund (Cayman Partnership), L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on June 28, 2019).
23.210.24*  ConsentRegistration Rights Agreement dated as of Deloitte & Touche LLP.June  27, 2019 by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP LLC, SMP SPV LLC, Star V Partners LLC, Blackwell Partners LLC –Series E, David Miller, MPF Investco 6, LLC, MPF Investco 7, LLC, MPF Investco 8, LLC, The Mangrove Partners Fund, L.P. and The Mangrove Partners Fund (Cayman Partnership), L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on June 28, 2019).
31.110.25*  Certification pursuantDirector Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement effective July  16, 2019 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Andrew M. Axelrod (incorporated by reference to Exchange Act RuleExhibit 10.5 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form13a-14(a)8-K of Joseph M. Redling, President and Chief Executive Officer.filed on July, 22 2019).
31.210.26*  Certification pursuantDirector Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement effective July  16, 2019 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Spencer E. Goldenberg (incorporated by reference to Exchange Act RuleExhibit 10.6 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form13a-14(a)8-K of Mark L. Miller, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President.filed on July, 22 2019).
32.110.27*  Certification pursuantDirector Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement effective July  16, 2019 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and David Miller (incorporated by reference to Section 906Exhibit 10.7 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. § 1350) and Exchange ActRegistrant’s Current Report on FormRule 13a-14(b)8-K of Joseph M. Redling, President and Chief Executive Officer (furnished herewith)filed on July, 22 2019).
32.210.28*  Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. § 1350)Indemnification Agreement effective July  16, 2019 by and Exchange Act Rule13a-14(b) of Mark L. Miller, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President (furnished herewith).
99.1*Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement ofbetween StoneMor GP LLC dated as of May 21, 2014, entered into by StoneMor GP Holdings, LLCand Andrew M. Axelrod (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.110.8 of Registrant’s Current Report on FormForm 8-K filed on May 23, 2014)July, 22 2019).

II-31


Exhibit


Number

  

Description

99.2*10.29*  Amendment No. 1, dated as of November 17, 2015, to the Second AmendedIndemnification Agreement effective July  16, 2019 by and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement ofbetween StoneMor GP LLC dated as of May 21, 2014, entered into by StoneMor GP Holdings, LLCand Spencer E. Goldenberg (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.210.9 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on July, 22 2019).
10.30*Indemnification Agreement effective July  16, 2019 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and David Miller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on July, 22 2019).
10.31*Severance Agreement and General Release and Waiver of Claims dated September  19, 2019 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Garry P. Herdler (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on September 19, 2019).
10.32*Employment Agreement dated September  19, 2019 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Jeffrey DiGiovanni (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on September 19, 2019).
10.33*Separation Agreement dated September  17, 2019 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and James S. Ford (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on September 19, 2019).
10.34*Asset Sale Agreement dated as of December  4, 2019 by and among Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc., StoneMor California Subsidiary, Inc. and StoneMor California, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on December 5, 2019).
10.35*First Amendment to the StoneMor Amended and Restated 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on December 20, 2019).
10.36*Amendment to Director Restricted Phantom Unit Agreement dated November  7, 2019 by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Andrew M. Axelrod (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Annual Report on FormForm 10-K for the year ended December  31, 2015)2019 filed by StoneMor Inc. on April 7, 2020).
99.3*Amendment No. 2, dated as of May 17, 2017, to the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 of Registrant’s Annual Report on Form10-K filed on July 17, 2018).
99.4*Amendment No. 3, dated as of March 19, 2018, to the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 of Registrant’s Annual Report on Form10-K filed on July 17, 2018).
101Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following Interactive Data Files formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Partners’ Capital; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015; and (v) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 401 ofRegulation S-T that the information contained in the XBRL documents is unaudited and these are not the official publicly filed financial statements of StoneMor Partners L.P.

*

Incorporated by reference, as indicated

Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement

ITEM 16.

FORM10-K SUMMARY

Not applicable.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.
By:  StoneMor GP LLC, its General Partner
April 2, 2019        By:

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

Joseph M. Redling
President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signatures

Title

Date

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

Joseph M. Redling

(Principal Executive Officer)

President and Chief Executive OfficerApril 2, 2019

/s/ Mark L. Miller

Mark L. Miller

(Principal Financial Officer)

Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice PresidentApril 2, 2019

/s/ Jeffrey DiGiovanni

Jeffrey DiGiovanni

(Principal Accounting Officer)

Chief Accounting OfficerApril 2, 2019

/s/ Robert B. Hellman, Jr.

Robert B. Hellman, Jr.

DirectorApril 2, 2019

/s/ Martin R. Lautman, Ph.D.

Martin R. Lautman, Ph.D.

DirectorApril 2, 2019

/s/ Leo J. Pound

Leo J. Pound

DirectorApril 2, 2019

/s/ Stephen J. Negrotti

Stephen J. Negrotti

DirectorApril 2, 2019

/s/ Robert A. Sick

Robert A. Sick

DirectorApril 2, 2019

/s/ Fenton R. Talbott

Fenton R. Talbott

DirectorApril 2, 2019

/s/ Patricia D. Wellenbach

Patricia D. Wellenbach

DirectorApril 2, 2019

Exhibit 10.75

Execution Version

MERGER AND REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT

by and among

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.

STONEMOR GP HOLDINGS LLC

STONEMOR GP LLC

AND

HANS MERGER SUB, LLC

Dated as of September 27, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1Certain DefinitionsD-111
ARTICLE II
CONTRIBUTION AND MERGER
Section 2.1Pre-Effective Time TransactionsD-115
Section 2.2MergerD-115
Section 2.3Directors and Officers of the CompanyD-116
Section 2.4ClosingD-116
ARTICLE III
MERGER CONSIDERATION; EXCHANGE PROCEDURES
Section 3.1Merger ConsiderationD-116
Section 3.2Rights As Unitholders; Unit TransfersD-117
Section 3.3Exchange ProceduresD-117
Section 3.4Book Entry Company SharesD-119
Section 3.5Anti-Dilution ProvisionsD-119
Section 3.6No Dissenters’ RightsD-119
Section 3.7Treatment of Equity Awards and Partnership Equity PlansD-119
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Section 4.1Representations and Warranties of the PartiesD-121
Section 4.2No Other Representations or WarrantiesD-124
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS
Section 5.1Commercially Reasonable Efforts; Third Party ApprovalsD-124
Section 5.2Preparation of the Registration Statement and the Partnership Proxy Statement; Partnership Unitholder MeetingD-125
Section 5.3Access to InformationD-126
Section 5.4Press ReleasesD-126
Section 5.5Section 16 MattersD-126
Section 5.6Fees and ExpensesD-126
Section 5.7Takeover StatutesD-126
Section 5.8IndemnificationD-126
Section 5.9Conduct of the StoneMor PartiesD-127
Section 5.10Prompt NotificationD-127
Section 5.11Conflicts CommitteeD-127
Section 5.1210.37*  Registration Rights AgreementD-127

ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER
Section 6.1Partnership Unitholder VoteD-128
Section 6.2No InjunctionD-128
Section 6.3Representations, Warranties dated as of January  30, 2020 by and Covenantsamong StoneMor Inc., American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors, LLC, StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC and certain funds and managed accounts for which Axar Capital Management, LP serves as investment manager (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of theCurrent Report on Form8-K filed by StoneMor PartiesInc. on February 4, 2020).D-128
Section 6.4Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Merger SubD-128
Section 6.5Effective Registration StatementD-128
Section 6.6NYSE ListingD-128
Section 6.7Credit Agreement AmendmentD-129
Section 6.8Company Long-Term Incentive PlanD-129
Section 6.9Frustration of Closing ConditionsD-129
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION
Section 7.1TerminationD-129
Section 7.2Effect of TerminationD-130
Section 7.3Termination ExpensesD-130
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 8.1Waiver; AmendmentD-131
Section 8.2CounterpartsD-131
Section 8.3Governing LawD-131
Section 8.4NoticesD-131
Section 8.5Entire Understanding; No Third Party BeneficiariesD-132
Section 8.6SeverabilityD-132
Section 8.7Titles and HeadingsD-132
Section 8.8JurisdictionD-132
Section 8.9Waiver of Jury TrialD-132
Section 8.10Specific PerformanceD-132
Section 8.11Interpretation; DefinitionsD-133
Section 8.12SurvivalD-133
Section 8.13No-RecourseD-133
Section 8.14Successors and AssignsD-134
Schedules
Schedule 4.1(g)Transactions with Unitholders
Exhibits
Exhibit AForm of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
Exhibit BForm of Bylaws of the Company
Exhibit CRegistration Rights Term Sheet

MERGER AND REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT

This MERGER AND REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT, dated as of September 27, 2018 (this “Agreement”), is entered into by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “Partnership”), StoneMor GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of the Partnership (“GP”), StoneMor GP Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the sole member of GP (“GP Holdings”), and Hans Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of GP (“Merger Sub”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Conflicts Committee (the “Conflicts Committee”) of the board of directors of GP (the “GP Board”) by unanimous vote (a) determined that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Partnership and the holders of common units representing limited partner interests (the “Common Units”) in the Partnership (the “Unitholders”) (other than GP and Unitholders affiliated with GP), (b) approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger (the foregoing constituting Special Approval), (c) directed that this Agreement be submitted to a vote of the Unitholders, and (d) resolved its recommendation of adoption of this Agreement by the Unitholders;

WHEREAS, each of (i) the Board of Directors of GP Holdings, on behalf of GP Holdings, in its individual capacity and in its capacity as the sole member of GP, and immediately following the Conversion (as hereinafter defined), as the sole stockholder of the Company, and (ii) the GP Board on behalf of GP and in its capacity as the sole member of Merger Sub, has approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby;

WHEREAS, the parties intend that, as more particularly described herein, GP Holdings shall contribute the 2,332,878 Common Units owned by it (the “GP Holdings Common Units”) to GP and immediately following receipt thereof, GP shall contribute the GP Holdings’ Common Units to StoneMor LP Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of GP (“LP Sub”), GP shall convert into a Delaware corporation (the “Conversion”) to be named “StoneMor Inc.” (following the Conversion, GP is referred to herein as the “Company”) and all of the limited liability company interests of GP held by GP Holdings prior to the Conversion shall be cancelled in accordance with this Agreement and (iii) Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Partnership (the “Merger”) with the Partnership surviving and with the Company as its sole general partner and LP Sub as its sole holder of Common Units and each Outstanding (as defined below) Common Unit (other than those held by LP Sub) being converted into the right to receive one share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the “Company Shares”); and

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, as a condition and inducement to the parties’ willingness to enter into this Agreement, the Partnership, GP and certain Unitholders (the “Supporting Unitholders”) are entering into a voting and support agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, the Supporting Unitholders have agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, to vote (or cause the vote of, as applicable) all of the Common Units owned by them in favor of the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1    Certain Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

2004 Director Deferred Phantom Unit Award” has the meaning set forth inSection 3.7(a).

2004 Partnership Equity Plan” means the StoneMor Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan (as amended April 19, 2010).

2014 Director Deferred Phantom Unit Award” has the meaning set forth inSection 3.7(b).

2014 Partnership Equity Plan” means the StoneMor Partners L.P. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Person in question. As used herein, the term “control” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. For purposes of this Agreement, GP Holdings, GP, the Partnership and their respective Subsidiaries shall not be considered Affiliates of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

Book-Entry Units” has the meaning set forth inSection 3.1(b).

Business Day” means any day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks are authorized or required to be closed in the City of New York, New York.

Bylaws” has the meaning specified inSection 2.1(b).

Certificate” has the meaning set forth inSection 3.1(b).

Certificate of Conversion” has the meaning set forth inSection 2.1(b).

Certificate of Limited Partnership” means the Certificate of Limited Partnership of the Partnership as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on April 2, 2004.

Certificate of Merger” has the meaning set forth inSection 2.2(b).

Change in Recommendation” has the meaning set forth inSection 5.2(b).

Charter” has the meaning specified inSection 2.1(b).

Closing” has the meaning set forth inSection 2.4.

Closing Date” has the meaning set forth inSection 2.4.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

Common Units” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Company” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

Company Long-Term Incentive Plan” means the StoneMor Amended and Restated 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

Company Shares” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Conflicts Committee” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Contribution” has the meaning set forth inSection 2.1(a).

Conversion” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Conversion Effective Time” has the meaning set forth inSection 2.1(b).

Converted Director Deferred Phantom Unit Award” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7(b).

Converted Phantom Unit Award” has the meaning set forth inSection 3.7(c).

Converted UAR” has the meaning set forth inSection 3.7(e).

Credit Agreement” has the meaning set forth inSection 6.7.

Credit Agreement Amendment” has the meaning set forth inSection 6.7.

DGCL” means the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

Director Deferred Phantom Unit Award” has the meaning set forth inSection 3.7(a).

DLLCA” means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del.C.§18-101 et seq.

DRULPA” means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del.C.§17-101 et seq.

Effective Time” has the meaning set forth inSection 2.2(b).

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

Exchange Agent” means such entity as may be mutually selected by the Company and the Partnership pursuant toSection 3.3(a).

Exchange Fund” has the meaning set forth inSection 3.3(a).

General Partner Interest” has the meaning set forth in the Partnership Agreement.

Governmental Authority” means any applicable national, state, local, county, parish or municipal government, domestic or foreign, any agency, board, bureau, commission, court, tribunal, subdivision, department or other governmental or regulatory authority or instrumentality, or any arbitrator.

GP” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

GP Board” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

GP Holdings” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

GP Holdings’ Common Units” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

GP LLC Agreement” means the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of StoneMor GP LLC, dated as of May 21, 2014, as amended as of November 17, 2015, May 17, 2017 and March 19, 2018.

Incentive Distribution Rights” has the meaning set forth in the Partnership Agreement.

Indemnitees” has the meaning set forth inSection 5.8(a).

Law” means any law, rule, regulation, directive, ordinance, code, governmental determination, guideline, judgment, order, treaty, convention, governmental certification requirement or other legally enforceable requirement, U.S. ornon-U.S., of any Governmental Authority.

Lien” means any charge, mortgage, pledge, security interest, restriction, claim, lien, or encumbrance.

LP Sub” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement

Material Adverse Effect” means, any change, effect, event or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on a StoneMor Party’s results of operations, operating business or financial condition in a manner that would impact a decision to conduct the ongoing business in corporate juridical form as opposed to continuing in partnership form;provided,however, that “Material Adverse Effect” shall not include any change, effect, event or occurrence resulting from (i) entering into this Agreement or the announcement of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) general market, economic, financial, regulatory or political conditions, (iii) any outbreak of hostilities, war, or terrorism, (iv) any earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or other natural disasters, (v) any effect that generally affects the death care industry or (vi) any changes in applicable Laws.

Merger” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Merger Consideration” has the meaning set forth inSection 3.1(a).

Merger Sub” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph in this Agreement.

National Securities Exchange” means an exchange registered with the SEC under Section 6(a) of the Exchange Act.

NYSE” means the New York Stock Exchange.

Outstanding” has the meaning set forth in the Partnership Agreement.

Partnership” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

Partnership Agreement” means the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated as of September 9, 2008, as amended as of November 3, 2017.

Partnership Conflicts Committee Recommendation” has the meaning set forth inSection 5.2(b).

Partnership Equity Plans” means the 2004 Partnership Equity Plan and the 2014 Partnership Equity Plan, each as amended.

Partnership Proxy Statement” has the meaning set forth inSection 5.2(a).

Partnership SEC Documents” means all reports, schedules, forms, certifications, prospectuses and registration, proxy and other statements required to be filed or furnished by the Partnership or any Unitholder with the SEC and publicly available prior to the date of this Agreement.

Partnership Unitholder Approval” has the meaning set forth inSection 6.1.

Partnership Unitholder Meeting” has the meaning set forth inSection 5.2(b).

Person” means any individual, bank, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint-stock company, business trust or unincorporated organization.

Phantom Units” has the meaning set forth inSection 3.7(a).

Pre-Closing Transactions” has the meaning set forth inSection 2.1.

Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth inSection 5.2(a).

Reorganization” means, collectively, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including thePre-Closing Transactions and the Merger.

Representatives” means with respect to a Person, its directors, officers, employees, agents and representatives, including any investment banker, financial advisor, attorney, accountant or other advisor, agent or representative.

Required Approvals” has the meaning set forth inSection 4.1(f).

Restricted Units” has the meaning set forth inSection 3.7(d).

Restricted Unit Award” has the meaning set forth inSection 3.7(d).

SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder.

Special Approval” has the meaning set forth in the Partnership Agreement.

StoneMor Parties” means the Partnership, GP and GP Holdings, each acting in its individual capacity.

Subsidiaries” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 1-02 of RegulationS-X under the Securities Act, except, in the case of the Partnership, the Company or the GP (as applicable) and its respective Subsidiaries shall not be deemed to be Subsidiaries of the Partnership (unless otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement).

Supporting Unitholders” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Surviving Entity” has the meaning set forth inSection 2.2(a).

Takeover Laws” has the meaning set forth inSection 4.1(c)(iii).

UAR” has the meaning set forth inSection 3.7(e).

UAR Award” has the meaning set forth inSection 3.7(e).

Unitholders” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

CONTRIBUTION AND MERGER

Section 2.1Pre-Effective Time Transactions. The following shall occur immediately prior to the Effective Time on the Closing Date (collectively, the “Pre-Closing Transactions”) with suchPre-Closing Transactions to take effect in the order set forth below on the Closing Date:

(a)Contribution. GP Holdings shall and, effective as of 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on the Closing Date, does hereby contribute, grant, transfer, assign and convey to the GP, and the GP shall and, effective as of 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on the Closing Date, does hereby accept, all right, title and interest in and to the GP Holdings Common Units, and immediately following receipt thereof, GP shall and does hereby contribute, grant, transfer, assign and convey to LP Sub, and GP shall cause LP Sub to accept, all right, title and interest in and to the GP Holdings’ Common Units (the “Contribution”) and LP Sub shall be admitted as a limited partner of the Partnership; and

(b)Conversion

(c) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, and in accordance with the DLLCA and DGCL, GP shall file or cause to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware a properly executed certificate of conversion (the “Certificate of Conversion”), pursuant to which GP shall be converted into a Delaware corporation named “StoneMor Inc.”, and a certificate of incorporation of the Company substantially in the form attached hereto asExhibit A (the “Charter”), and shall make or cause to be made all other filings or recordings required under the DGCL and DLLCA in connection with the Conversion. The Certificate of Conversion will provide that the Conversion shall become effective at 12:05 a.m. (Eastern time) upon the Closing Date or at such other time as is agreed to by the parties to this Agreement and specified in the Certificate of Conversion (the time at which the Conversion becomes effective is herein referred to as the “Conversion Effective Time”). From and after the Conversion Effective Time, the Charter shall be the certificate of incorporation of the Company and the Bylaws of the Company attached hereto asExhibit B (the “Bylaws”), shall be the bylaws of the Company, in each case, until duly amended in accordance with the terms thereof and applicable Law, consistent with the obligations set forth inSection 5.8. As of the Conversion Effective Time and before giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Merger, GP Holdings shall be the sole stockholder of the Company and shall receive as a result of the Conversion and as consideration for thePre-Closing Transactions and the Merger, 5,282,878 Company Shares, subject to adjustment pursuant toSection 3.5 as if GP Holdings held 5,282,878 Common Units immediately prior to the Effective Time representing 2,332,878 GP Holdings’ Common Units owned by LP Sub and the agreed upon valuation (in Common Units) of 2,950,000 Common Units in exchange for the 1.04% General Partner Interest, the Incentive Distribution Rights and for the governance and all other economic and other rights associated with the General Partnership Interest held indirectly by GP Holdings immediately prior to the Conversion. The Conversion shall have all of the effects prescribed in the DGCL and the DLLCA.

Section 2.2 Merger.

(a)The Surviving Entity. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and in accordance with the DRULPA and the DLLCA, at the Effective Time, Merger Sub shall merge with and into the Partnership, the separate existence of Merger Sub shall cease and the Partnership shall survive and continue to exist as a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership, as the surviving entity in the Merger, sometimes being referred to herein as the “Surviving Entity”).

(b)Effective Time. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth inArticle VI in accordance with this Agreement, the Merger shall become effective upon the later to occur of: (i) the filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware of a properly executed certificate of merger (the “Certificate of

Merger”); and (ii) such later date and time as may be set forth in the Certificate of Merger (such later date, the “Effective Time”), which shall be no earlier than the Conversion Effective Time, in accordance with the Partnership Agreement and the applicable provisions of the DRULPA and the DLLCA. At the Closing, the Company will cause the Certificate of Merger to be duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.

(c)Effects of the Merger. The Merger shall have the effects prescribed in the Partnership Agreement and the applicable provisions of the DRULPA and the DLLCA.

(d)Organizational Documents of the Surviving Entity. At the Effective Time, the Certificate of Limited Partnership as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain unchanged and shall be the certificate of limited partnership of the Surviving Entity from and after the Effective Time, until duly amended in accordance with the terms thereof and applicable Law.

Section 2.3 Directors and Officers of the Company.

(a)Directors. The initial number of directors shall be nine (9) following the Effective Time and such initial directors of the Company shall be the Persons identified by GP by written notice to the Parties following the date hereof. Such persons shall include two (2) designees of Robert B. Hellman, Jr., in his capacity as trustee under the Voting and Investment Trust Agreement for the benefit of American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors LLC, one (1) designee of Axar Capital Management, LP or its Affiliates and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company . Such directors shall serve until their successors have been duly elected or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the Charter and Bylaws.

(b)Officers. The officers of GP immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain the officers of the Company from and after the Effective Time until their successors have been duly elected or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the Charter and Bylaws.

Section 2.4 Closing. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions as set forth in Article VI in accordance with this Agreement, the closing of thePre-Closing Transactions, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby (the “Closing”) shall occur on (a) the third Business Day after the day on which the last of the conditions set forth inArticle VI (other than conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions) shall have been satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or (b) such other date to which the parties may agree in writing. The date on which the Closing occurs is referred to as the “Closing Date.” The Closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall take place at the offices of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., 1001 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas at 9:00 a.m. Central Time on the Closing Date, unless another time, date or place is agreed to in writing by the parties. In lieu of a physical closing, the parties agree that all requisite closing documents may be exchanged electronically at the Closing, and that documents so exchanged shall be binding for all purposes.

ARTICLE III

MERGER CONSIDERATION; EXCHANGE PROCEDURES

Section 3.1 Merger Consideration. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, at the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the Company, the Partnership, Merger Sub, LP Sub or any holder of Common Units:

(a) Each Outstanding Common Unit, including Phantom Units that will be treated as Common Units pursuant toSection 3.7(a) of this Agreement but excluding any Common Units held by LP Sub, shall be

converted into the right to receive one Company Share, which shall have been duly authorized and shall be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The Company Shares issued hereunder are referred to herein as the “Merger Consideration.”

(b) All Common Units (excluding any Common Units held by LP Sub), when converted as a result of and pursuant to the Merger, shall cease to be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and cease to exist. At the Effective Time, each holder of a certificate representing Common Units (a “Certificate”) and each holder ofnon-certificated Common Units represented by book-entry (“Book-Entry Units”), other than LP Sub, shall cease to be a unitholder of the Partnership and (except as set forth inSection 3.2) cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive (i) such holder’s portion of the Merger Consideration and (ii) any distributions in accordance withSection 3.3(c), and in each case, to be issued or paid in consideration therefor upon surrender of such Certificate or Book-Entry Unit in accordance withSection 3.2 without interest.

(c) All of the limited liability company interests in Merger Sub outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and become limited partner interests in the Surviving Entity, which limited partner interests shall be duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid (to the extent required under the Partnership Agreement) andnon-assessable (except to the extent suchnon-assessability may be affected by Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the DRULPA), such that following the Effective Time, LP Sub shall be the sole holder of Common Units of the Surviving Entity.

(d) The general partner interest in the Partnership issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain outstanding and unchanged subject to such changes as are set forth in the Partnership Agreement, and the Company shall continue to be the sole general partner of the Partnership.

(e) The Incentive Distribution Rights issued and outstanding immediately prior to Effective Time shall remain outstanding and unchanged subject to such changes as are set forth in the Partnership Agreement, and the Company shall continue to own 100% of the Incentive Distribution Rights.

(f) All of the limited liability company interest of GP shall be cancelled.

Section 3.2Rights As Unitholders; Unit Transfers. At the Effective Time, holders of Common Units (other than LP Sub) shall cease to be, and shall have no rights as, unitholders of the Partnership, other than to receive (a) any distribution with respect to such Common Units with a record date occurring prior to the Effective Time that may have been declared or made by the Partnership on such Common Units in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and which remains unpaid at the Effective Time and (b) the consideration provided under thisArticle III. After the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on the unit transfer books of the Partnership with respect to such Common Units.

Section 3.3ExchangeProcedures.

(a)Exchange Agent. Promptly after the Effective Time, the Company shall deposit or shall cause to be deposited with the Exchange Agent for the benefit of the holders of such Common Units, for exchange in accordance with thisArticle III, through the Exchange Agent, the Company Shares issuable upon due surrender of the Certificates (or affidavits of loss in lieu thereof pursuant toSection 3.3(g)) or Book-Entry Units pursuant to thisArticle III. The Partnership agrees to deposit with the Exchange Agent, from time to time as needed, cash sufficient to pay any distributions pursuant toSection 3.2(a) andSection 3.3(c). Any cash and Company Shares deposited with the Exchange Agent shall hereinafter be referred to as the “Exchange Fund.” The Exchange Agent shall, pursuant to irrevocable instructions, deliver the Merger Consideration contemplated by this Agreement to be issued or paid for Common Units pursuant to this Agreement out of the Exchange Fund. Except as contemplated bySections 3.3(c), the Exchange Fund shall not be used for any other purpose.

(b)Exchange Procedures. Promptly after the Effective Time, the Company shall instruct the Exchange Agent to mail to each record holder of Common Units as of the Effective Time (other than LP Sub) (i) a letter of transmittal (which shall specify that in respect of certificated units, delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall pass, only upon proper delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent, and shall be in customary form and agreed to by the Company and the Partnership prior to the Effective Time) and (ii) instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates or Book-Entry Units in exchange for the Merger Consideration issuable or payable in respect of the Common Units represented by such Certificates or Book-Entry Units. Promptly after the Effective Time, upon surrender of Certificates, if any, for cancellation to the Exchange Agent together with such letters of transmittal, properly completed and duly executed, and such other documents (including in respect of Book-Entry Units) as may be reasonably required pursuant to such instructions, the holders of Common Units (other than LP Sub) shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor (A) Company Shares representing, in the aggregate, the number of Company Shares that such holder has the right to receive pursuant to thisArticle III (after taking into account all Common Units then held by such holder) and (B) a check in the amount equal to the aggregate amount of cash, if any, that such holder has the right to receive pursuant toSection 3.3(c). No interest shall be paid or accrued on any Merger Consideration or on any unpaid distributions payable to holders of Certificates or Book-Entry Units. In the event of a transfer of ownership of Common Units that is not registered in the transfer records of the Partnership, the Merger Consideration issuable or payable in respect of such Common Units may be issued or paid to a transferee, if the Certificate representing such Common Units or evidence of ownership of the Book-Entry Units are presented to the Exchange Agent, and in the case of both certificated and book-entry Common Units, accompanied by all documents required to evidence and effect such transfer and the Person requesting such exchange shall (i) pay to the Exchange Agent in advance, any amounts required to be withheld and any transfer taxes or other similar taxes required by reason of the delivery of the Merger Consideration in any name other than that of the record holder of such Common Units, or (ii) shall establish to the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that any amounts required to be withheld, any transfer taxes or other similar taxes have been paid or are not payable. Until the required documentation has been delivered and Certificates, if any, have been surrendered, as contemplated by thisSection 3.3, each Certificate or Book-Entry Unit shall be deemed at any time after the Effective Time to represent only the right to receive, upon such surrender, the Merger Consideration issuable or payable in respect of the Common Units (excluding those held by LP Sub) and any distributions to which such holder is entitled pursuant toSection 3.2.

(c)Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Common Units. No distributions declared or made with respect to Company Shares with a record date after the Effective Time shall be paid to the holder of any Common Units with respect to the Company Shares that such holder would be entitled to receive in accordance herewith until such holder shall deliver the required documentation and surrender any Certificate as contemplated by thisSection 3.3. Subject to applicable Law, following compliance with the requirements ofSection 3.3(b), there shall be paid to such holder of the Company Shares issuable in exchange therefor, without interest, (i) promptly after the time of such compliance, the amount of distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore paid with respect to the Company Shares and payable with respect to such Company Shares and (ii) at the appropriate payment date, the amount of distributions with a record date after the Effective Time but prior to such surrender and a payment date subsequent to such compliance payable with respect to such Company Shares.

(d)Further Rights in Common Units. The Merger Consideration issued or paid upon conversion of a Common Unit in accordance with the terms hereof (including any cash paid pursuant toSection 3.2 orSection 3.3(c)) shall be deemed to have been issued or paid in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such Common Unit.

(e)Termination of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund constituting Company Shares or cash that remains unclaimed by the holders of such Common Units after 180 days following the Effective Time shall be returned to the Company upon demand by the Company and, from and after such delivery, any former holders of Common Units who have not theretofore complied with thisArticle III shall thereafter look only to the Company for the Merger Consideration payable in respect of such Common Units, any distributions with respect

to the Common Units to which they are entitled pursuant toSection 3.3(c), in each case, without any interest thereon. Any amounts remaining unclaimed by holders of such Common Units immediately prior to such time as such amounts would otherwise escheat to or become the property of any governmental entity shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, become the property of the Company, free and clear of any Liens, claims or interest of any Person previously entitled thereto.

(f)No Liability. To the fullest extent permitted by Law, none of the Company, the Merger Sub nor the Partnership shall be liable to any holder of Common Units for any Merger Consideration delivered to a public official pursuant to any abandoned property, escheat or similar Law.

(g)Lost Certificates. If any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the Person claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by the Company, the posting by such Person of a bond, in such reasonable amount as the Company may direct, as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such Certificate, the Exchange Agent shall issue or pay in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate the Merger Consideration issuable or payable in respect of the Common Units represented by such Certificate and any distributions to which the holders thereof are entitled pursuant toSection 3.2.

(h)Withholding. The Surviving Entity and the Exchange Agent shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise issuable or payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of Common Units such amounts as the Surviving Entity or the Exchange Agent is required to deduct and withhold under the Code or any provision of state, local or foreign tax Law, with respect to the making of such issuance or payment. To the extent that amounts are so deducted and withheld by the Surviving Entity or the Exchange Agent, such amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been issued or paid to the holder of Common Units in respect of whom such deduction and withholding was made by the Surviving Entity or the Exchange Agent, as the case may be.

Section 3.4Book Entry Company Shares. All Company Shares to be issued in connection with the Conversion and Merger or exchanged for Common Units in connection with the Merger shall be distributed in book-entry form, without physical certificates.

Section 3.5Anti-Dilution Provisions. In the event of any subdivisions, reclassifications, recapitalizations, splits, combinations or distributions in the form of equity interests with respect to the Common Units or the Company Shares prior to the Effective Time, the number of Company Shares to be distributed in connection with thePre-Closing Transactions and the Merger will be correspondingly adjusted to provide the holders of Company Shares the same economic effect as contemplated by this Agreement prior to such event.

Section 3.6No Dissenters Rights. No dissenters’ or appraisal rights shall be available with respect to the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 3.7Treatment of Equity Awards and Partnership Equity Plans. Effective immediately prior to the Conversion Effective Time, the GP Board will adopt resolutions, and will take all other actions as may be necessary or required in accordance with applicable Law and each Partnership Equity Plan (including the award agreements in respect of awards granted thereunder) and thisSection 3.7, to provide that:

(a)Treatment of 2004 Director Deferred Phantom Units Awards. Immediately prior to the Effective Time, any then outstanding award of phantom units (“Phantom Units”) granted to a member of the GP Board under the 2004 Partnership Equity Plan pursuant to a Phantom Unit agreement that provides for the deferral of the receipt of such Phantom Units (a “2004 Director Deferred Phantom Unit Award”) shall, without any action on the part of the holder thereof, vest, to the extent unvested, and be paid out pursuant to the terms of the applicable award agreement. Immediately prior to the Effective Time, without any action on the part of the holder thereof,

each Phantom Unit granted pursuant to such 2004 Director Deferred Phantom Unit Award shall be treated as a Common Unit for all purposes of this Agreement, including the right to receive the Merger Consideration in accordance with the terms hereof.

(b)Treatment of 2014 Director Deferred Phantom Units Awards. Immediately prior to the Effective Time, any then outstanding award of Phantom Units granted to a member of the GP Board under the 2014 Partnership Equity Plan pursuant to a Phantom Unit agreement that provides for the deferral of the receipt of such Phantom Units (a “2014 Director Deferred Phantom Unit Award”) shall, without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be assumed by the Company and converted into an award denominated in Company Shares (a “Converted Director Deferred Phantom Unit Award”). Each Converted Director Deferred Phantom Unit Award shall continue to have and be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to such 2014 Director Deferred Phantom Unit Award immediately before the Effective Time and each Converted Director Deferred Phantom Unit Award shall cover the number of Company Shares equal to the number of Common Units underlying such 2014 Director Deferred Phantom Unit Award.

(c)Treatment of Phantom Units. Immediately prior to the Effective Time, any then outstanding award of Phantom Units that is not a 2004 Director Deferred Phantom Unit Award or a 2014 Director Deferred Phantom Unit Award granted under either of the Partnership Equity Plans shall, without any required action on the part of any holder or beneficiary thereof, be assumed by the Company and converted into an award denominated in Company Shares (a “Converted Phantom Unit Award”). Each Converted Phantom Unit Award shall continue to have and be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to such Phantom Unit Award immediately before the Effective Time and each Converted Phantom Unit Award shall cover the number of Company Shares equal to the number of Common Units underlying such Phantom Unit Award.

(d)Treatment of Restricted Units. Immediately prior to the Effective Time, any award of then outstanding restricted units (“Restricted Units”) granted prior to the Effective Time under the 2014 Partnership Equity Plan (a “Restricted Unit Award”) shall, without any required action on the part of any holder or beneficiary thereof, be assumed by GP and converted into an award denominated in Company Shares (a “Converted Restricted Unit Award”). Each Converted Restricted Unit Award shall continue to have and be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to such Restricted Unit Award immediately before the Effective Time and each Converted Restricted Unit Award shall cover the number of Company Shares equal to the number of Common Units underlying such Restricted Unit Award.

(e)Treatment of Unit Appreciation Rights. Immediately prior to the Effective Time, any then outstanding award of unit appreciation rights (“UARs”) under the 2004 Partnership Equity Plan (a “UAR Award”) shall, without any required action on the part of any holder or beneficiary thereof, immediately vest and any forfeiture restrictions applicable to such UAR Award shall immediately lapse. Immediately prior to the Effective Time, such UAR Award shall be assumed by the Company and converted into a stock appreciation right denominated in Company Shares (a “Converted UAR”). Each Converted UAR shall continue to have and be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to such UAR immediately before the Effective Time, including the exercise price.

(f)Treatment of Partnership Equity Plans. Upon the Effective Time, the Partnership Equity Plans will be assumed by the Company, with the securities covered by the Partnership Equity Plans no longer being Common Units, but Company Shares.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Section 4.1 Representations and Warranties of theParties. Except as otherwise specifically provided in thisArticle IV, each party hereto represents and warrants to the other parties hereto, to the extent applicable, as follows:

(a) Organization, Standing and Authority. Such party is a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership, as the case may be, validly existing and in good standing under the jurisdiction of its organization and has the corporate, limited liability company or limited partnership power and authority, as the case may be, to execute and deliver this Agreement and, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, to carry out its obligations hereunder.

(b) Capitalization.

(i) As of the close of business on September 27, 2018, the Partnership had no partnership interests or equity interests issued and outstanding other than (A) 37,958,645 Common Units, (B) the Incentive Distribution Rights, (C) the 1.04% General Partner Interest, (D) 219,307 Phantom Units and 58,646 UARs that settle in Common Units pursuant to the 2004 Partnership Equity Plan, and (E) 780,949 Restricted Units and 274,076 Phantom Units which settle in Common Units pursuant to the 2014 Partnership Equity Plan. All outstanding equity interests of the Partnership are, and all Common Units issuable pursuant to the Phantom Units, the Restricted Unit Awards and the UAR Awards, when issued in accordance with the respective terms thereof, will be, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by matters described inSections 17-303,17-607 and17-804 of the DRULPA) and free of preemptive rights (except as set forth in the Partnership Agreement).

(ii) GP is the sole general partner of the Partnership. GP is the sole record and beneficial owner of the General Partner Interest and the Incentive Distribution Rights, and such General Partner Interest has been duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with applicable Law and the Partnership Agreement.

(iii) GP Holdings is the record and beneficial holder of 100% of the limited liability company interests of GP and, as of the close of business on September 27, 2018, was the record and beneficial holder of 2,332,878 Common Units.

(iv) Immediately prior to the Effective Time (after giving effect to the Conversion), the authorized capital stock of the Company will consist of 200,000,000 Company Shares, of which 5,282,878 Company Shares will be issued and outstanding and owned beneficially and of record by GP Holdings, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, none of which will be issued or outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding Company Shares were duly authorized for issuance and are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of preemptive rights. When issued pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, all Company Shares issued pursuant to the Conversion or constituting any part of the Merger Consideration will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of preemptive rights.

(v) As of the date hereof and immediately prior to the Effective Time (after giving effect to the Conversion), all of the issued and outstanding limited liability company interests of Merger Sub are beneficially owned by the Company. Except for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the date of this Agreement there are not, and as of the Effective Time there will not be, any outstanding options, profits interest units, phantom units, restricted units, unit appreciation rights, warrants, preemptive rights, subscriptions, calls or other rights, convertible securities, exchangeable securities, agreements or commitments of any character obligating Merger Sub to issue, transfer or sell any equity interest of Merger Sub, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for such equity interests, or any commitment to authorize, issue or sell the same or any such

equity securities. Merger Sub was formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Except for obligations and liabilities incurred in connection with its formation and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Merger Sub has not incurred and will not incur, directly or indirectly, any obligations and has not engaged and will not engage in any business activities of any type or kind whatsoever or entered into any agreements or arrangements with any Person.

(vi) As of the date hereof and immediately prior to the Effective Time (after giving effect to the Conversion), all of the issued and outstanding limited liability company interests of LP Sub are beneficially owned by the Company. Except for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the date of this Agreement there are not, and as of the Effective Time there will not be, any outstanding options, profits interest units, phantom units, restricted units, unit appreciation rights, warrants, preemptive rights, subscriptions, calls or other rights, convertible securities, exchangeable securities, agreements or commitments of any character obligating LP Sub to issue, transfer or sell any equity interest of Merger Sub, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for such equity interests, or any commitment to authorize, issue or sell the same or any such equity securities. Except for obligations and liabilities incurred in connection with its formation and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, LP Sub has not incurred and will not incur prior to the Effective Time, directly or indirectly, any obligations and has not engaged and will not engage in any business activities of any type or kind whatsoever or entered into any agreements or arrangements with any Person.

(vii) Except for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as disclosed in the Partnership SEC Documents or as set forth above in thisSection 4.1(b), as of the date of this Agreement, there are not, and, as of the Conversion Effective Time with respect to GP and the Effective Time with respect to the Company, there will not be (A) partnership interests, limited liability company interests or other equity securities of the Partnership, the Company or the GP, as applicable, issued or authorized and reserved for issuance, (B) outstanding options, profits interest units, phantom units, restricted units, unit appreciation rights, warrants, preemptive rights, subscriptions, calls or other rights, convertible securities, exchangeable securities, agreements or commitments of any character obligating the Partnership, the Company or the GP, as applicable, to issue, transfer or sell any equity interest of the Partnership, the Company or the GP, as applicable, respectively, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for such equity interests, or any commitment to authorize, issue or sell the same or any such equity securities, except pursuant to this Agreement, or (C) contractual obligations of the Partnership, the Company or the GP, as applicable, to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any other equity interest in the Partnership or the Company or the GP, as applicable, respectively or any such securities or agreements listed in clause (B) of this sentence.

(viii) Neither the Partnership or GP nor any of their respective Subsidiaries has outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness, the holders of which have the right to vote (or which are convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for securities having the right to vote) with the Unitholders or stockholders of the Company on any matter.

(ix) Except as disclosed in the Partnership SEC Documents or onSchedule 4.1(g), there are no voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries is a party with respect to the voting or registration of capital stock or other equity interest of the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries. Except as set forth onSchedule 4.1(g), there are no voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which GP or any of its Subsidiaries is a party with respect to the voting or registration of capital stock or other equity interest of GP or the Company, as applicable.

(x) GP is, and at all times has been, in compliance with Section 7.5(a) of the Partnership Agreement.

(c)Approvals.

(i) Such party has taken all corporate, limited partnership and limited liability company, as applicable, action, subject to the Partnership Unitholder Approval, in the case of the Partnership, as may be necessary to

authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder and this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such party (assuming the due execution and delivery by, or with respect to, the other parties hereto), enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ or secured parties’ rights generally from time to time in effect and to general principles of equity (including concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing), regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

(ii) In the case of the Partnership, as of the date hereof, the Conflicts Committee has (A) unanimously determined that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Partnership and the Unitholders (other than GP and the Unitholders affiliated with GP); (B) approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger (the foregoing constituting Special Approval), (C) directed that this Agreement be submitted to a vote of the Unitholders, and (D) resolved its recommendation of adoption of this Agreement by the Unitholders.

(iii) The Partnership Unitholder Approval is the only vote or approval of the holders of any class or series of partnership interests in the Partnership that is necessary to approve and adopt this Agreement on behalf of the Partnership and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The GP Board has taken all necessary action so that any takeover, anti-takeover, moratorium, “fair price,” “control share” or similar Law applicable to GP (or the Company, as applicable) or any of its Subsidiaries (including the restrictions on “business combinations” with an “interested stockholder” (each as defined in Section 203 of the DGCL) under Section 203 of the DGCL) (“Takeover Laws”) do not, and will not, apply to this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated this Agreement, including the Merger, the Conversion and the issuance of Company Shares pursuant to the Merger.

(iv) The GP Board, on behalf of GP, in its capacity as the sole member of Merger Sub, has approved the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(v) The GP Board, on behalf of GP, has (i) approved the Conversion and the issuance of Company Shares pursuant to the Merger, and (ii) recommended to the Board of Directors of GP Holdings, in its own capacity and in its capacity as the sole member of GP, that it approve the Conversion and the issuance of Company Shares pursuant to the Merger.

(vi) The Board of Directors of GP Holdings, on behalf of GP Holdings, in its individual capacity and in its capacity as the sole member of GP, and immediately following the Conversion, as the sole stockholder of the Company, has approved the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, upon the recommendation of the GP Board, as applicable, the Conversion and the issuance of Company Shares pursuant to the Merger.

(d) No Conflicts. Subject to the filing and declaration of the effectiveness, as applicable, of the Partnership Proxy Statement and the Registration Statement, and assuming Partnership Unitholder Approval, the Credit Agreement Amendment, required filings under federal and state securities laws and the rules of the NYSE or any other National Securities Exchange, and the other consents, authorizations, filings and approvals contemplated byArticle VI are duly obtained, none of the execution and delivery hereof, the performance of such party’s obligations hereunder nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will violate or contravene (i) the organizational documents of such party (or any of its Subsidiaries), (ii) any material Law applicable to such party (or any of its Subsidiaries); or (iii) except where such violation or contravention has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on such party (or any of its Subsidiaries, or, in the case of GP, on the Partnership) or any material agreement to which such party (or any of its Subsidiaries) is a party or by which its assets are bound.

(e) No Brokers. No action has been taken by it that would give rise to any valid claim against any party hereto for a brokerage commission, finder’s fee or other like payment with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(f) Regulatory Approvals. No approval of any Governmental Authority is necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Merger, the Conversion and the Contribution, other than (i) filings required under, and compliance with other applicable requirements of, the Exchange Act, the Securities Act, including the filing and declaration of effectiveness, as applicable, of the Partnership Proxy Statement and the Registration Statement, and applicable state securities and “blue sky” laws, (ii) the filing of the Certificate of Merger, the Charter and the Certificate of Conversion with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, or (iii) any consents, authorizations, approvals, filings or exemptions in connection with compliance with the rules of NYSE or any other National Securities Exchange (collectively, the “Required Approvals”), and no consents or approvals of, or filings, declarations or registrations with, any Governmental Authority are necessary for the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such party and the consummation by such party of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than the Required Approvals and such other consents, approvals, filings, declarations or registrations that are not required to be obtained or made prior to consummation of such transactions.

(g)Transactions with Unitholders. Except as disclosed onSchedule 4.1(g) hereto or in any Partnership SEC Documents, neither GP nor its Affiliates (other than the Partnership and its Subsidiaries) are a party to any agreement, contract or arrangement between themselves, on the one hand, and any Unitholder in its capacity as such, on the other hand.

Section 4.2 No Other Representations or Warranties. Except for the representations and warranties set forth in thisArticle IV, none of the parties nor any other Person makes or has made any express or implied representation or warranty with respect to such party or with respect to any other information provided to the other parties in connection with this Agreement, the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no party will have or be subject to any liability or other obligation to the other parties or any other Person resulting from the distribution to the other parties or the other Parties’ use of, any such information, including any information, documents, projections, forecasts or other materials made available to the parties in expectation of the Reorganization, unless any such information is the subject of an express representation or warranty set forth inArticle IV.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS

Section 5.1 Commercially Reasonable Efforts; Third Party Approvals. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each party hereto shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper, desirable or advisable under applicable Laws, so as to permit consummation of the Reorganization promptly and otherwise to enable consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, the Conversion and the Contribution. Each party hereto shall cooperate and use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) prepare all documentation, (ii) effect all filings, (iii) obtain all permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third parties necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Merger, the Conversion and Contribution, (iv) comply with the terms and conditions of such permits, consents, approvals and authorizations, (v) cause the Reorganization to be consummated as expeditiously as practicable and (vi) defend against any proceedings challenging this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 5.2 Preparation of the Registration Statement and the Partnership Proxy Statement; Partnership Unitholder Meeting.

(a) As promptly as practicable following the date of this Agreement, the Partnership and GP shall jointly prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement on FormS-4 (the “Registration Statement”), in which a proxy statement, which the Partnership and GP will jointly prepare and file with the SEC (the “Partnership Proxy Statement”), will be included as a prospectus. Each of the Partnership and GP shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing and keep the Registration Statement effective for so long as necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each of the Partnership and GP shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Partnership Proxy Statement to be mailed to the Unitholders as promptly as practicable after the Registration Statement is declared effective under the Securities Act. No filing of, or amendment or supplement to, including by incorporation by reference, the Registration Statement or the Partnership Proxy Statement will be made by any party without providing the other party a reasonable opportunity to review and comment thereon. If at any time prior to the Effective Time any information relating to the Partnership or GP or the Company, as applicable, or any of their respective Affiliates, directors or officers, is discovered by the Partnership or GP or the Company, as applicable, that should be set forth in an amendment or supplement to either the Registration Statement or the Partnership Proxy Statement, so that any such document would not include any misstatement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, the party that discovers such information shall promptly notify the other parties hereto and an appropriate amendment or supplement describing such information shall be promptly filed with the SEC and, to the extent required by applicable Law, disseminated to the Unitholders.

(b) The Partnership shall, as promptly as practicable following the date of this Agreement, establish a record date for, duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a special meeting of the Unitholders (the “Partnership Unitholder Meeting”) for the purpose of obtaining the Partnership Unitholder Approval. The Partnership shall, through the Conflicts Committee, recommend to the Unitholders approval of this Agreement (the “Partnership Conflicts Committee Recommendation”) unless the Conflicts Committee has concluded that recommending to the Unitholders approval of this Agreement would be inconsistent with its duties to the holders of Units under the Partnership Agreement or applicable Law, and the Partnership shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain from the Unitholders the Partnership Unitholder Approval. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to obtaining the Partnership Unitholder Approval, the Conflicts Committee may withdraw, modify or qualify in any manner adverse to any party to this Agreement the Partnership Conflicts Committee Recommendation (any such action, a “Change in Recommendation”) if the Conflicts Committee shall have concluded in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal advisors and financial advisors, that the failure to make a Change in Recommendation would be inconsistent with its duties under the Partnership Agreement or applicable Law;provided,however, that the Conflicts Committee shall not be entitled to exercise its rights to make a Change in Recommendation pursuant to this sentence unless the Partnership has provided to GP Holdings five Business Days’ prior written notice advising GP Holdings that the Conflicts Committee intends to take such action and specifying the reasons therefor in reasonable detail. For the avoidance of doubt, any Change in Recommendation will not (i) change the approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby or any other approval of the Conflicts Committee or (ii) relieve the Partnership of any of its obligations under this Agreement, including its obligation to hold the Partnership Unitholder Meeting. The Partnership Proxy Statement shall include the Partnership Conflicts Committee Recommendation including any Change in Recommendation. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Partnership’s obligations pursuant to the first sentence of thisSection 5.2(b) shall not be affected by the withdrawal or modification of the Partnership Conflicts Committee Recommendation or the Special Approval of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Partnership may postpone or adjourn the Partnership Unitholder Meeting (i) to solicit additional proxies for the purpose of obtaining the Partnership Unitholder Approval, (ii) for the absence of quorum, and (iii) to the extent reasonably necessary to ensure that any supplement or amendment to the Partnership Proxy Statement that the GP Board has determined

after consultation with outside legal counsel is necessary under applicable Law is provided to the Unitholders within the minimum amount of time reasonably practicable prior to the Partnership Unitholder Meeting. Without the written consent of the Conflicts Committee, no matter shall be submitted for action at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting except (i) the approval of this Agreement and the Merger, (ii) matters reasonably related to the approval of this Agreement and the Merger and (iii) matters related to financing in connection with this Agreement or the Merger.

(c) Unless this Agreement is validly terminated in accordance withArticle VII, the Partnership shall submit this Agreement to the Unitholders for approval at the Partnership Unitholder Meeting.

Section 5.3Access to Information. Upon reasonable advance notice and subject to applicable Laws relating to the exchange of information, each party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, afford to the other party and its Representatives reasonable access during normal business hours (and, with respect to books and records, the right to copy) to all of its and its Subsidiaries’ properties, commitments, books, contracts, records and correspondence (in each case, whether in physical or electronic form), officers, employees, accountants, counsel, financial advisors and other Representatives. No party shall be required to provide access to or to disclose any information that is subject to attorney-client privilege.

Section 5.4Press Releases. Prior to the termination of this Agreement pursuant toArticle VII, each of the parties will not, without the prior approval of the other party, issue any press release or written statement for general circulation relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, except as otherwise required by applicable Law or the rules of the NYSE or any applicable National Securities Exchange, in which case it will consult with the other party before issuing any such press release or written statement.

Section 5.5Section 16 Matters. Prior to the Effective Time, the Partnership and GP shall take all reasonable steps to cause the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and any other dispositions of equity securities of the Partnership (including derivative securities) or acquisitions of Company Shares in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, by each individual who is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act with respect to the Partnership, or will become subject to such reporting requirements with respect to the Company, to be exempt under Rule16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

Section 5.6Fees and Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all costs and expenses, including fees and disbursements of counsel, financial advisors and accountants, incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the Partnership.

Section 5.7Takeover Statutes. If prior to the Effective Time any Takeover Law shall become applicable to this Agreement, the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby or related thereto, each of the Partnership, GP Holdings, GP and the Conflicts Committee shall grant such approvals and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take such actions so that the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Conversion and the Merger, may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated hereby and otherwise use commercially reasonable efforts to eliminate or minimize the effects of such statute or regulation on the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Conversion and the Merger.

Section 5.8Indemnification.

(a) All rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and exculpation from liabilities for acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the Merger existing as of the date of this Agreement in favor of the Indemnitees (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) as provided in the Partnership Agreement (or, as applicable, the charter, bylaws, partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, or other organizational documents of any of the Partnership’s Subsidiaries) and indemnification agreements of the Partnership, GP or any of their Subsidiaries (the “Indemnitees”) shall as of the Effective Time be assumed by

the Company in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, without further action, and shall survive the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with their terms.

(b) For a period of not less than six (6) years after the Merger, the bylaws of the Company shall contain provisions no less favorable with respect to indemnification, advancement of expenses and limitations on liability of directors and officers than are set forth in the Partnership Agreement, which provisions shall not be amended, repealed or otherwise modified for a period of not less than six (6) years after the Merger in any manner that would affect adversely the rights thereunder of individuals who, at or prior to the Merger, were Indemnitees, unless such modification shall be required by Law and then only to the minimum extent required by Law.

(c) ThisSection 5.8 shall survive the consummation of the Reorganization and is intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, the Indemnitees and their respective heirs and personal representatives, and shall be binding on GP, the Company and their successors and assigns.

Section 5.9Conduct of the StoneMor Parties. From and after the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement and the Effective Time, GP, GP Holdings and their respective controlling Affiliates will not enter into any agreement, transaction or arrangement with the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries without the prior written consent of the Conflicts Committee except (i) actions taken by GP solely in its capacity as the general partner of the Partnership, (ii) as otherwise provided in this Agreement or (iii) for any such agreement, transaction or arrangement entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

Section 5.10Prompt Notification. From the date of this Agreement until the Closing Date, each of GP Holdings and the Partnership shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, promptly notify the other party and the Conflicts Committee in writing of (i) any event, condition or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to result in any of the conditions set forth inArticle VI not being satisfied at the Effective Time, and (ii) any material breach by the notifying party of any covenant, obligation, or agreement contained in this Agreement;provided,however, that the delivery of any notice pursuant to thisSection 5.10 shall not limit or otherwise affect the remedies available hereunder to the notified party.

Section 5.11Conflicts Committee. Prior to the earlier of the Effective Time and the termination of this Agreement, neither the GP Board nor GP Holdings shall, without the consent of the Conflicts Committee, eliminate the Conflicts Committee, or revoke or diminish the authority of the Conflicts Committee, or, except in the event of a material breach of his or her obligations as a director of GP or for cause, remove or cause the removal of any director of the GP Board that is a member of the Conflicts Committee either as a member of such board or such committee, or appoint any additional director to the GP Board or the Conflicts Committee, in each case without the affirmative vote of the GP Board, including the affirmative vote of a majority of members of the Conflicts Committee. For the avoidance of doubt, thisSection 5.11 shall not apply to the filling of any vacancies caused by the death, incapacity or resignation of any director in accordance with the provisions of the GP LLC Agreement.

Section 5.12Registration Rights Agreement. GP shall use commercially reasonable efforts to enter into a customary registration rights agreement with the Supporting Unitholders prior to the Closing, consistent with the term sheet attached asExhibit C.

ARTICLE VI

CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER

The obligations of each party hereto to consummate the Reorganization is conditioned upon the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of each of the following:

Section 6.1Partnership Unitholder Vote. This Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, the Conversion and Contribution, shall have been approved and adopted by the affirmative vote or consent of holders of a majority of Outstanding Common Units (“Partnership Unitholder Approval”) in accordance with applicable Law and the Partnership Agreement.

Section 6.2No Injunction. No order, decree or injunction of any Governmental Authority shall be in effect, and no Law shall have been enacted or adopted, that enjoins, prohibits or makes illegal consummation of the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated hereby.

Section 6.3Representations, Warranties and Covenants of the StoneMor Parties. In the case of Merger Sub’s obligations to consummate the Reorganization:

(a) each of the representations and warranties contained herein of the StoneMor Parties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and upon the Closing Date with the same effect as though all such representations and warranties had been made on the Closing Date, except for any such representations and warranties made as of a specified date, which shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such date.

(b) each of the covenants of the StoneMor Parties to be performed and complied with pursuant to this Agreement on or prior to the Closing Date shall have been duly performed and complied with in all material respects by the StoneMor Parties; and

(c) the Company shall have received a certificate signed by an authorized person of GP Holdings, dated the Closing Date, to the effect, as applicable, set forth inSection 6.3(a) andSection 6.3(b).

Section 6.4Representations, Warranties and Covenants ofMerger Sub. In the case of each of the StoneMor Parties’ obligation to consummate the Reorganization:

(a) each of the representations and warranties contained herein of Merger Sub shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and upon the Closing Date with the same effect as though all such representations and warranties had been made on the Closing Date, except for any such representations and warranties made as of a specified date, which shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such date;

(b) each of the covenants of Merger Sub to be performed and complied with pursuant to this Agreement on or prior to the Closing Date shall have been duly performed and complied with by Merger Sub in all material respects; and

(c) the Partnership shall have received a certificate signed by an executive officer of Merger Sub, dated the Closing Date, to the effect, as applicable, set forth inSection 6.4(a) andSection 6.4(b).

Section 6.5Effective Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have become effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the SEC.

Section 6.6NYSE Listing. The Company Shares shall have been approved for listing on the NYSE or any other National Securities Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance.

Section 6.7Credit Agreement Amendment. The Credit Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2016, among StoneMor Operating LLC, the other borrowers party thereto, the lenders party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as administrative agent and the other agents party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”) and any other documents entered into in connection with the Credit Agreement, shall have been amended, amended and restated, or otherwise modified in a manner that permits the consummation of the Reorganization and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Credit Agreement Amendment”).

Section 6.8Company Long-Term Incentive Plan. The GP Board or a committee thereof shall have adopted the Company Long-Term Incentive Plan as of the Effective Time and authorized all equity awards granted thereunder as of the Effective Time.

Section 6.9Frustration of Closing Conditions.

(a) None of the StoneMor Parties (other than the Partnership) may rely on the failure of any condition set forth in thisArticle VI to be satisfied if such failure was due to the failure of any of the StoneMor Parties (other than the Partnership) to perform and comply in all material respects with the covenants and agreements to be performed or complied with by such party prior to the Closing.

(b) Merger Sub may not rely on the failure of any condition set forth in thisArticle VI, as the case may be, to be satisfied if such failure was due to the failure of such party to perform and comply in all material respects with the covenants and agreements to be performed or complied with by it prior to the Closing.

ARTICLE VII

TERMINATION

Section 7.1Termination. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Conversion and the Merger, may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time whether before or after Partnership Unitholder Approval:

(a) by either the Partnership or Merger Sub upon written notice to the other, if:

(i) the Closing has not been consummated on or before June 30, 2019 (the “Termination Date”); provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to thisSection 7.1(a)(i)shall not be available to the Partnership or Merger Sub, as applicable, whose failure to fulfill any material obligation under this Agreement or other material breach of this Agreement has been the primary cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Closing and the transactions contemplated hereby to have been consummated on or before such date;

(ii) the Partnership Unitholder Meeting and any postponements or adjournments thereof shall have concluded and the Partnership Unitholder Approval shall not have been obtained;

(iii) any Governmental Authority has issued an order, decree or injunction that is in effect enjoining, prohibiting or otherwise making illegal the consummation of the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated hereby;provided,however, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to thisSection 7.1(a)(iii) shall not be available to the Partnership or Merger Sub, as applicable, whose failure to fulfill any material obligation under this Agreement or other material breach of this Agreement has been the primary cause of, or resulted in, such issuance;

(iv) there has been a material breach in any of the representations or warranties set forth in this Agreement on the part of any of the other parties (treating the StoneMor Parties as one party and Merger Sub as

one party for the purposes of thisSection 7.1), which breach is not cured within 30 days following receipt by the breaching party of written notice of such breach from the terminating party (provided in any such case that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein);provided,however, that no party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to thisSection 7.1(a)(iv) unless the breach of a representation or warranty, together with all other such breaches, would entitle the party receiving such representation not to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement underSection 6.4 (in the case of a breach of representation or warranty by Merger Sub) orSection 6.3 (in the case of a breach of representation or warranty by the StoneMor Parties);

(v) there has been a material breach of any of the covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement on the part of any of the other parties, which breach has not been cured within 30 days following receipt by the breaching party of written notice of such breach from the terminating party (provided in any such case that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein);provided,however, that no party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to thisSection 7.1(a)(v) unless the breach of covenants or agreements, together with all other such breaches, would entitle the party receiving the benefit of such covenants or agreements not to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement underSection 6.4 (in the case of a breach of covenants or agreements by Merger Sub) orSection 6.3 (in the case of a breach of covenants or agreements by the StoneMor Parties);

(b) by the Partnership upon written notice to GP Holdings, if the Conflicts Committee has made a Change in Recommendation;provided,however, that the Partnership shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this if the Partnership Unitholder Approval shall have been obtained prior to the time of such termination; or

(c) by GP, upon written notice to the Partnership and Merger Sub, (i) if GP shall have concluded in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal advisors and financial advisors, that the consummation of the Reorganization would be inconsistent with its duties under the Partnership Agreement or applicable Law, or (ii) if there has been a Material Adverse Effect on the Partnership.

Section 7.2Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of this Agreement as provided inSection 7.1, written notice thereof shall forthwith be given by the terminating party to the other parties specifying the provision of this Agreement pursuant to which such termination is made, and except as provided in thisSection 7.2 andSection 7.3, this Agreement (other thanSection 5.6, thisSection 7.2 andArticle VIII) shall forthwith become null and void after the expiration of any applicable period following such notice. In the event of such termination, there shall be no liability on the part of any party hereto;provided,however, that nothing herein shall relieve any party from any liability or obligation with respect to any fraud or intentional breach of this Agreement.

Section 7.3Termination Expenses. NotwithstandingSection 5.6 or any other provision herein to the contrary, if this Agreement is terminated pursuant toSection 7.1(a)(i) and (a) none of the circumstances described inSection 7.1(a)(ii),(iii),(iv) or (v),Section 7.1(b),Section 7.1(c) otherwise exist, and (b) there has not been (i) a change in tax Law that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) any other event or occurrence not reasonably within the control of GP or its Affiliates that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (it being understood and agreed by the parties that the failure of the Registration Statement to be declared effective shall be deemed to be not within the control of GP or its Affiliates so long as the Partnership and GP have used commercially reasonable efforts to have it declared effective prior to the termination of this Agreement), then GP and GP Holdings shall reimburse to the Partnership allout-of-pocket costs and expenses (including legal fees, accounting fees, financial advisory fees and other professional andnon-professional fees and expenses) incurred by the Partnership in connection with or related to the authorization, preparation, negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 8.1Waiver; Amendment. Subject to compliance with applicable Law, prior to the Closing, any provision of this Agreement may be (a) waived in writing by the party or parties benefited by the provision and approved by the Conflicts Committee in the case of the Partnership and executed in the same manner as this Agreement, or (b) amended or modified at any time, whether before or after the Partnership Unitholder Approval, by an agreement in writing between the parties hereto approved by the Conflicts Committee in the case of the Partnership and executed in the same manner as this Agreement, provided, that after the Partnership Unitholder Approval, no amendment shall be made that requires further Partnership Unitholder Approval without such approval.

Section 8.2Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall be considered one and the same agreement.

Section 8.3Governing Law. The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the construction, interpretation and effect of this Agreement without giving effect to any conflicts of law principles.

Section 8.4Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder must be in writing and will be deemed duly given if delivered personally or through electronically transmission or mailed by a nationally recognized overnight courier or registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), postage prepaid to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as specified by like notice, provided, that notices of a change of address will be effective only upon receipt thereof):

if to the Partnership, at

StoneMor Partners L.P.

3600 Horizon Boulevard

Trevose, PA 19053

Attention: General Counsel, Austin K. So

Email: aso@stonemor.com

With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):

Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.

1001 Fannin Street, Suite 2500

Houston, TX 77002

Attention: David P. Oelman

Email: doelman@velaw.com

Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP

One Logan Square, Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Attention: F. Douglas Raymond, III

Email: douglas.raymond@dbr.com

if to GP, GP Holdings or Merger Sub, at

StoneMor GP LLC

3600 Horizon Boulevard

Trevose, Pennsylvania 19053

Attention: General Counsel, Austin K. So

Email: aso@stonemor.com

With copies to:

Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.

1001 Fannin Street, Suite 2500

Houston, TX 77002

Attention: David P. Oelman

Email: doelman@velaw.com

Notices will be deemed to have been received (i) on the date of receipt if delivered by hand or nationally recognized overnight courier service, (ii) in the case of electronic transmission, on the date receipt of such electronic transmission is confirmed in writing or by electronic transmission or (iii) on the date five (5) Business Days after dispatch by certified or registered mail.

Section 8.5Entire Understanding; No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement and any certificates delivered by any party pursuant to this Agreement (a) constitute the entire agreement and understanding, and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and thereof and (b) shall not confer upon any Person other than the parties hereto any rights (including third-party beneficiary rights or otherwise) or remedies hereunder, except for, in the case ofclause (b), the provisions ofSection 5.8 andSection 8.13 and the right of the Unitholders to receive the applicable Merger Consideration after the Closing (a claim by the Unitholders with respect to which may not be made unless and until the Closing shall have occurred).

Section 8.6Severability. Any provision of this Agreement which is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability, without affecting in any way the remaining provisions hereof in such jurisdiction or rendering that or any other provision of this Agreement invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any other jurisdiction.

Section 8.7Titles and Headings. The article, section and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or of any term or provision hereof.

Section 8.8Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. Each party agrees that this Agreement involves at least $100,000 and that this Agreement has been entered into in express reliance upon 6 Del. C. § 2708. The parties hereto agree that any suit, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be brought in any federal court located in the State of Delaware or the Delaware Court of Chancery, and each of the parties hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such suit, action or proceeding and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in any such court or that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Process in any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on any party anywhere in the world, whether within or without the jurisdiction of any such court. Without limiting the foregoing, each party agrees that service of process on such party as provided inSection 8.4 shall be deemed effective service of process on such party.

Section 8.9Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

Section 8.10Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and, accordingly, that the

parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent any breach of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof in any federal court located in the State of Delaware or in the Delaware Court of Chancery, in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.

Section 8.11Interpretation; Definitions. When a reference is made in this Agreement to Sections, such reference shall be to a Section of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” The phrase “beneficial ownership” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall have the meaning (or the correlative meaning, as applicable) set forth in Rule13d-3 and Rule13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all references in this Agreement to “$” are intended to refer to U.S. dollars. All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant thereto unless otherwise defined therein. The definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms and to the masculine as well as to the feminine and neuter genders of such term. Any statute defined or referred to herein means such statute as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including by succession of comparable successor statutes and references to all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein. Reference to any agreement or instrument means the agreement or instrument as amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time. References to a Person are also to its permitted successors and assigns. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement must be construed as if it is drafted by all of the parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party hereto by virtue of authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

Section 8.12Survival. All representations, warranties, agreements and covenants contained in this Agreement shall terminate at the Effective Time or, except as provided inSection 7.2, at the termination of this Agreement pursuant toSection 7.1; provided, however, that if the Closing occurs, the agreements of the parties inArticle I,Article II,Article III,Article VIII,Section 5.6,Section 5.8,Section 7.3 and any other agreement in this Agreement (or any instrument or other document delivered pursuant to this Agreement) that contemplates performance after the Effective Time shall survive the Effective Time.

Section 8.13No-Recourse. Notwithstanding anything that may be expressed or implied in this Agreement or any document, agreement, or instrument delivered contemporaneously herewith, and notwithstanding the fact that any party may be a partnership or limited liability company, each party hereto, by its acceptance of the benefits of this Agreement, covenants, agrees and acknowledges that no Person other than the parties to this Agreement (and their respective successors and assigns) shall have any obligation hereunder and that it has no rights of recovery hereunder against, and no recourse hereunder or under any documents, agreements, or instruments delivered contemporaneously herewith or in respect of any oral representations made or alleged to be made in connection herewith or therewith shall be had against, any Affiliate of any party or any of such party’s or its Affiliates’ respective (i) former, current or future directors, officers, agents, managers, advisors, subadvisors, assignees, incorporators, controlling Persons, fiduciaries, representatives or employees (or any of their successors or permitted assignees), (ii) former, current, or future general or limited partners, managers, stockholders or members (or any of their successors or permitted assignees), or (iii) any former, current or future directors, officers, agents, employees, managers, advisors, subadvisors, assignees, incorporators, controlling Persons, fiduciaries, representatives, general or limited partners, stockholders, managers or members of any of the foregoing, or in each case, any financing sources of any of the foregoing, but in each case not including the parties to this Agreement (and their respective successors and assigns), whether by or through attempted piercing of the corporate veil, by or through a claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) by or on behalf of such party against such persons and entities, by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding, or by virtue of any applicable Law, or otherwise; it being expressly agreed and acknowledged that no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to, be imposed on, or otherwise be incurred by any such Persons, as such, for any obligations of the applicable party under this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, under any documents or instruments delivered contemporaneously herewith, or in connection or contemplation hereof, in

respect of any oral representations made or alleged to be made in connection herewith or therewith, or for any claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation; provided, however, that nothing in thisSection 8.13 shall limit any liability of the parties to this Agreement for breaches of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

Section 8.14Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns. No party may assign, delegate or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement (including any transfer by way of merger or operation of law) without the consent of each other party, except that Merger Sub may assign, in its sole discretion, any of or all its rights, interests and obligations under this Agreement to any Subsidiary of the Company, but no such assignment shall relieve the Company or Merger Sub of any of its obligations hereunder, and any such purported assignment in violation of thisSection 8.14 shall be voidab initio.

[Signature Page Follows]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed in counterparts by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.
By:10.38*  StoneMor GP LLC, its general partner
By:

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

Name:Joseph M. Redling
Title:President and Chief Executive Officer

STONEMOR GP LLC

By:

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

Name:Joseph M. Redling
Title:President and Chief Executive Officer

STONEMOR GP HOLDINGS LLC

By:

/s/ Robert B. Hellman, Jr.

Name:Robert B. Hellman, Jr.
Title:Authorized Person

HANS MERGER SUB, LLC

By:

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

Name:Joseph M. Redling
Title:President and Chief Executive Officer

Signature Page to

Merger and Reorganization Agreement

Schedule 4.1(g)

Transactions with Unitholders

Voting and Support Agreement dated as of September 27, 2018 by and among Axar Capital Management, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, Axar GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Axar Master Fund, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, StoneMor Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Robert B. Hellman, Jr., in his capacity as trustee under the Voting and Investment Trust Agreement for the benefit of American Cemeteries and StoneMor GP Holdings LLC.

Nomination and Director Voting Agreement dated as of September  27, 2018 by and among StoneMor GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Axar Capital Management, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, Axar GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Axar Master Fund, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, and Robert B. Hellman, Jr., in his capacity as trustee under the Voting and Investment Trust Agreement for the benefit of American Cemeteries.

Memorandum of Understanding dated July 31, 2018 by and among GP Holdings, Axar Capital Management, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, and Robert B. Hellman, Jr., in his capacity as trustee under the Voting and Investment Trust Agreement for the benefit of American Cemeteries.

Exhibit C

Registration Rights Term Sheet

This term sheet is intended for illustrative and discussion purposes only and will not give rise to any legally binding obligation on the part of any party or any of their affiliates until such parties have executed and delivered to each other the definitive, binding written agreement contemplated by this term sheet. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Merger and Reorganization Agreement (the “Merger Agreement”).

Parties

StoneMor Inc. (“StoneMor Inc.”);

Axar Capital Management, LP, Axar GP, LLC, Axar Master Fund, Ltd. (collectively, “Axar”);

, StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC and Robert B. Hellman, Jr. (in his capacity, as trustee under the Voting and Investment Trust Agreement for the benefit of American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors LLC) (“AIM”); and

LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed by StoneMor GP Holdings LLC (“GP Holdings” and together with AIM and Axar, the “Holders”)Inc. on April 7, 2020).

Registration Statement10.39*  

As soonFirst Amendment to Nomination and Director Voting Agreement dated as reasonably practicable after it is eligibleof February  4, 2019 by and among StoneMor GP LLC, Axar Capital Management, LP, Axar GP, LLC, Axar Master Fund, Ltd., StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC and Robert B. Hellman, Jr., as trustee under the Voting and Investment Trust Agreement for the benefit of American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors LLC (incorporated by reference to useExhibit 10.11 to the Annual Report on FormS-3,10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed by StoneMor Inc. will file a FormS-3 shelf registration statement covering the resale of the StoneMor Inc. Company Shares and use all commercially reasonable efforts to have the registration statement declared effective within 90 days of filing.

If StoneMor Inc. is not FormS-3 eligible on or following the first anniversary of the effective date of the Reorganization, then each of AIM and Axar shall be entitled to request that StoneMor Inc. file aS-1 registration statement April 7, 2020). StoneMor Inc. shall not be required to keep such registration statement in effect for a period of more than 180 days.

Right to demand registration

Each of AIM and Axar shall be entitled to request (an “Underwritten Offering Request”) that StoneMor Inc. file a prospectus supplement to the shelf registration statement and otherwise facilitate an underwritten offering of a specified amount of Registrable Securities (an “Underwritten Offering”); provided, however, that the aggregate value of Registrable Securities to be included in each Underwritten Offering Request (based on the VWAP of the StoneMor Inc. Company Shares for the 30 days prior to the date of the Underwritten Offering Request) must exceed $10 million.

Each of AIM and Axar will be entitled to two (2) Underwritten Offering Requests (or one Underwritten Offering request in addition to anyS-1 registration that has been effected as provided above); provided, that, Underwritten Offering Requests may not be exercised more than one time in any6-month period. Any Underwritten Offering will not count against such number of Underwritten Offering Requests if such offering is closed or withdrawn (other than at the request of the requesting Holder). The requesting Holder will have the right to select the lead underwriters for the Underwritten Offering, to be reasonably acceptable to StoneMor Inc. AIM and GP Holdings will share in any Underwritten Offering Requests.

II-32

For purposes hereof, “Registrable Securities” shall mean all StoneMor Inc. Company Shares acquired by Axar and AIM pursuant to the Merger and Reorganization Agreement (including shares received as liquidated damages and shares received with respect to Registrable Securities pursuant to stock splits, dividends, combinations, reorganizations and the like). Any Registrable Security will cease to be a Registrable Security (a) when a registration statement covering such Registrable Security becomes or has been declared effective by the Commission and such Registrable Security has been sold or disposed of pursuant to such effective registration statement; or (b) when such Registrable Security has been disposed of pursuant to any section of Rule 144 (or any similar provision then in effect) under the Securities Act.

Participation in Underwritten OfferingsEach Holder shall have the right to participate in any Underwritten Offering of StoneMor Inc., subject to customary notice procedures (which shall include truncated notice procedures for overnight, bought-deal or similar offerings);provided, that the value (based on the VWAP of the Company for the 30 business days prior to the date of the Underwritten Offering Request) of such Holder’s Registrable Securities must be at least $5 million.
Underwritten Offering cutbackIf the managing underwriter advises StoneMor Inc. that a reduction in the size of any Underwritten Offering is necessary or advisable, each participating Holder’s allocation shall be proportionately reduced based on the amount of Registrable Securities each participating Holder proposed to include.
Registration expensesUnderwriting discounts and commissions and fees and expenses of Holders’ counsel will be borne by Holders. All other expenses relating to registration will be borne by Stonemor Inc.
Lock-upEach Holder agrees to enter into customarylock-up agreements not to exceed 90 days for any Underwritten Offering or other registered offering by Stonemor Inc., if requested by the managing underwriter.
Other provisionsThe definitive registration rights agreement will contain such other provisions as are customary for a transaction of this nature and as may be agreed up on Stonemor Inc. and Holders.

Exhibit 21.1

Subsidiaries (or Managed Entities*) of StoneMor Partners L.P.

(StoneMor GP LLC general partner) as of December 31, 2018

Subsidiary (or Managed Entity*) Name

Jurisdiction of Formation

Alleghany Memorial Park LLCVirginia
Alleghany Memorial Park Subsidiary, Inc.Virginia
Altavista Memorial Park LLCVirginia
Altavista Memorial Park Subsidiary, Inc.Virginia
Arlington Development CompanyNew Jersey
Augusta Memorial Park Perpetual Care CompanyVirginia
Bethel Cemetery Association*New Jersey
Beth Israel Cemetery Association of Woodbridge, New Jersey*New Jersey
Birchlawn Burial Park LLCVirginia
Birchlawn Burial Park Subsidiary, Inc.Virginia
Bronswood Cemetery, Inc.Illinois
Cedar Hill Funeral Home, Inc.Maryland
Cemetery Investments LLCVirginia
Cemetery Investments Subsidiary, Inc.Virginia
Cemetery Management Services, L.L.C.Delaware
Cemetery Management Services of Ohio, L.L.C.Delaware
Chapel Hill Associates, Inc.Michigan
Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Inc.Indiana
Clover Leaf Park Cemetery Association*New Jersey
CMS West LLCPennsylvania
CMS West Subsidiary LLCPennsylvania
Columbia Memorial Park LLCMaryland
Columbia Memorial Park Subsidiary, Inc.Maryland
Cornerstone Family Insurance Services, Inc.Delaware
Cornerstone Family Services of New Jersey, Inc.New Jersey
Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia LLCWest Virginia
Cornerstone Family Services of West Virginia Subsidiary, Inc.West Virginia
Cornerstone Funeral and Cremation Services LLCDelaware
Cornerstone Trust Management Services LLCDelaware
Covenant Acquisition LLCVirginia
Covenant Acquisition Subsidiary, Inc.Virginia
Covington Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.Indiana
Covington Memorial Gardens, Inc.Indiana
Crown Hill Cemetery Association*Ohio
Eloise B. Kyper Funeral Home, Inc.Pennsylvania
Forest Lawn Gardens, Inc.Pennsylvania
Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel, Inc.Indiana
Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Inc.Indiana
Glen Haven Memorial Park LLCDelaware
Glen Haven Memorial Park Subsidiary, Inc.Maryland
Henlopen Memorial Park LLCDelaware
Henlopen Memorial Park Subsidiary LLCDelaware
Henry Memorial Park LLCVirginia
Henry Memorial Park Subsidiary, Inc.Virginia
Highland Memorial Park, Inc.*Ohio
Hillside Memorial Park Association, Inc.*Ohio
Juniata Memorial Park LLCPennsylvania


Subsidiary (or Managed Entity*) NameExhibit
Number

  

Jurisdiction of FormationDescription

Kingwood Memorial Park Association*
10.40*  OhioSecond Amendment to Nomination and Director Voting Agreement dated as of Juke 27. 2019 by and among StoneMor GP LLC, Axar Capital Management, LP, Axar GP, LLC, Axar Master Fund, Ltd., StoneMor GP Holdings, LLC and Robert B. Hellman, Jr., as trustee under the Voting and Investment Trust Agreement for the benefit of American Cemeteries Infrastructure Investors LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed by StoneMor Inc. on April 7, 2020).
KIRIS LLC
10.41*  VirginiaLetter Agreement dated April  1, 2020 by and between Axar Capital Management, LP and StoneMor Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Current Report on Form8-K filed by StoneMor Inc. on April 2, 2020).
KIRIS Subsidiary, Inc.
10.42*  VirginiaSeries A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement dated April  3, 2020 by and among StoneMor, Inc., Axar CL SPV LLC, Star V Partners LLC and Blackwell Partners LLC –Series E (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to the Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed by StoneMor Inc. on April 7, 2020).
Kirk & Nice, Inc.
10.43*  PennsylvaniaMaster Services Agreement (Unionized Locations) dated April  2, 2020 by and between StoneMor Operating LLC and Rickert Landscaping, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to the Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December  31, 2019 filed by StoneMor Inc. on April 7, 2020).
Kirk & Nice Suburban Chapel, Inc.
10.44*  PennsylvaniaMaster Services Agreement dated April  2, 2020 by and between StoneMor Operating LLC and Moon Landscaping, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to the Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December  31, 2019 filed by StoneMor Inc. on April 7, 2020).
Lakewood/Hamilton Cemetery LLC
10.45*  TennesseeForm of Indemnification Agreement by and between StoneMor GP LLC and Lawrence Miller, Robert B. Hellman, Jr., Fenton R. Talbott, Martin R. Lautman, William Shane, Allen R. Freedman, effective September 20, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).
Lakewood/Hamilton Cemetery Subsidiary, Inc.
10.46*  TennesseeForm of StoneMor Amended and Restated 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed by StoneMor Inc. on April 7, 2020).
Lakewood Memory Gardens South LLC
10.47*  GeorgiaForm of Indemnification Agreement between StoneMor Inc. and its directors and executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Current Report on Form8-K filed by StoneMor Inc. on December 31, 2019).
Lakewood Memory Gardens South Subsidiary, Inc.
10.48*  GeorgiaCommon Stock Purchase Agreement dated May 27, 2020 by and among StoneMor Inc., Axar Capital Management, LP and the accounts set forth or to be set forth on Schedule A or Schedule B thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Current Report on Form8-K filed by StoneMor Inc. on May 28, 2020).
Laurel Hill Memorial Park LLC
10.49*  VirginiaSecond Amendment to StoneMor Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Current Report on Form 8-K of StoneMor Inc. filed on May 11, 2020).
Laurel Hill Memorial Park Subsidiary, Inc.
21.1*  VirginiaSubsidiaries of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 of Registrant’s Annual Report on Form10-K filed on April 3, 2019).
Laurelwood Holding Company
23.1  PennsylvaniaConsent of Grant Thornton LLP.
Legacy Estates, Inc.
23.2  New JerseyConsent of Duane Morris LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1).
Locustwood Cemetery Association*New Jersey
Loewen [Virginia] LLCVirginia
Loewen [Virginia] Subsidiary, Inc.Virginia
Lorraine Park Cemetery LLCDelaware
Lorraine Park Cemetery Subsidiary, Inc.Maryland
Modern Park Development LLCMaryland
Modern Park Development Subsidiary, Inc.Maryland
Northlawn Memorial Gardens*Ohio
Oak Hill Cemetery LLCVirginia
Oak Hill Cemetery Subsidiary, Inc.Virginia
Ohio Cemetery Holdings, Inc.23.4**  OhioConsent of Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC (contained in Exhibit 5.2).
Osiris Holding Finance Company
23.5**  DelawareConsent of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz PC (contained in Exhibit 5.3).
Osiris Holding of Maryland LLC
23.6**  DelawareConsent of Dover Dixon Horne PLLC (contained in Exhibit 5.4).
Osiris Holding of Maryland Subsidiary, Inc.
23.7**  MarylandConsent of Holland and Hart LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.5).
Osiris Holding of Pennsylvania LLC
23.8**  Pennsylvania
Osiris HoldingConsent of Rhode Island LLCRhode Island
Osiris Holding of Rhode Island Subsidiary, Inc.Rhode Island
Osiris Management, Inc.New Jersey
Osiris Telemarketing Corp.New York
Perpetual Gardens.Com, Inc.Delaware
Plymouth Warehouse Facilities LLCDelaware
Prince George Cemetery CorporationVirginia
PVD Acquisitions LLCVirginia
PVD Acquisitions Subsidiary, Inc.Virginia
Rockbridge Memorial Gardens LLCVirginia
Rockbridge Memorial Gardens Subsidiary CompanyVirginia
Rolling Green Memorial Park LLCPennsylvania
Rose Lawn Cemeteries LLCVirginia
Rose Lawn Cemeteries Subsidiary, IncorporatedVirginia
Roselawn Development LLCVirginia
Roselawn Development Subsidiary CorporationVirginia
Russell Memorial Cemetery LLCVirginia
Russell Memorial Cemetery Subsidiary, Inc.Virginia
Shenandoah Memorial Park LLCVirginia
Shenandoah Memorial Park Subsidiary, Inc.Virginia
Sierra View Memorial ParkCalifornia
Southern Memorial Sales LLCVirginia
Southern Memorial Sales Subsidiary, Inc.Virginia
Springhill Memory Gardens LLCMaryland
Springhill Memory Gardens Subsidiary, Inc.MarylandMcCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.6).

II-33


Subsidiary (or Managed Entity*) NameExhibit
Number

  

Jurisdiction of FormationDescription

Star City Memorial Sales LLCVirginia
Star City Memorial Sales Subsidiary, Inc.Virginia
Stephen R. Haky Funeral Home, Inc.Pennsylvania
Stitham LLCVirginia
Stitham Subsidiary, IncorporatedVirginia
StoneMor Alabama LLCAlabama
StoneMor Alabama Subsidiary, Inc.Alabama
StoneMor Arkansas Subsidiary LLCArkansas
StoneMor California, Inc.California
StoneMor California Subsidiary, Inc.California
StoneMor Cemetery Products LLCPennsylvania
StoneMor Colorado LLCColorado
StoneMor Colorado Subsidiary LLCColorado
StoneMor Florida LLCFlorida
StoneMor Florida Subsidiary LLCFlorida
StoneMor Georgia LLCGeorgia
StoneMor Georgia Subsidiary, Inc.Georgia
StoneMor Hawaiian Joint Venture Group LLCHawaii
StoneMor Hawaii LLCHawaii
StoneMor Hawaii Subsidiary, Inc.Hawaii
StoneMor Holding of Pennsylvania LLCPennsylvania
StoneMor Illinois LLCIllinois
StoneMor Illinois Subsidiary LLCIllinois
StoneMor Indiana LLCIndiana
StoneMor Indiana Subsidiary LLCIndiana
StoneMor Iowa LLCIowa
StoneMor Iowa Subsidiary LLCIowa
StoneMor Kansas LLCKansas
StoneMor Kansas Subsidiary LLCKansas
StoneMor Kentucky LLCKentucky
StoneMor Kentucky Subsidiary LLCKentucky
StoneMor Michigan LLCMichigan
StoneMor Michigan Subsidiary LLCMichigan
StoneMor Mississippi LLCMississippi
StoneMor Mississippi Subsidiary LLCMississippi
StoneMor Missouri LLCMissouri
StoneMor Missouri Subsidiary LLCMissouri
StoneMor North Carolina LLCNorth Carolina
StoneMor North Carolina Subsidiary LLCNorth Carolina
StoneMor North Carolina Funeral Services, Inc.North Carolina
StoneMor Ohio LLCOhio
StoneMor Ohio Subsidiary, Inc.Ohio
StoneMor Oklahoma LLCOklahoma
StoneMor Oklahoma Subsidiary LLCOklahoma
StoneMor Operating LLCDelaware
StoneMor Oregon LLCOregon
StoneMor Oregon Subsidiary LLCOregon
StoneMor Pennsylvania LLCPennsylvania
StoneMor Pennsylvania Subsidiary LLCPennsylvania
StoneMor Puerto Rico LLCPuerto Rico
StoneMor Puerto Rico Cemetery and Funeral, Inc.Puerto Rico
StoneMor Puerto Rico Subsidiary LLCPuerto Rico
StoneMor South Carolina LLCSouth Carolina

Subsidiary (or Managed Entity*) Name

23.9**
  

JurisdictionConsent of Formation

May Oberfell Lorber (contained in Exhibit 5.7).
StoneMor South Carolina Subsidiary LLC
23.10**  South CarolinaConsent of Nyemaster Goode, P.C. (contained in Exhibit 5.8).
StoneMor Tennessee Subsidiary, Inc.
23.11**  TennesseeConsent of Gilliland Green LLC (contained in Exhibit 5.9).
StoneMor Washington, Inc.
23.12**  WashingtonConsent of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.10).
StoneMor Washington Subsidiary LLC
23.13**  WashingtonConsent of Honigman LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.11).
StoneMor Wisconsin LLC
23.14**  WisconsinConsent of Mitchell, McNutt & Sams, P.A. (contained in Exhibit 5.12).
StoneMor Wisconsin Subsidiary LLC
23.15**  WisconsinConsent of Husch Blackwell LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.13).
Sunset Memorial Gardens LLC
23.16**  VirginiaConsent of Holland & Knight LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.14).
Sunset Memorial Gardens Subsidiary, Inc.
23.17**  VirginiaConsent of GableGotwals (contained in Exhibit 5.15).
Sunset Memorial Park LLC
23.18**  MarylandConsent of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.16).
Sunset Memorial Park Subsidiary, Inc.
23.19**  MarylandConsent of Pietrantoni Méndez & Alvarez LLC (contained in Exhibit 5.17).
Temple Hill LLC
23.20**  VirginiaConsent of Brennan, Recupero, Cascione, Scungio & McAllister, LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.18).
Temple Hill Subsidiary Corporation
23.21**  VirginiaConsent of Fox Rothschild LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.19).
The Valhalla Cemetery Company LLC
23.22**  AlabamaConsent of Bass, Berry & Sims PLC (contained in Exhibit 5.20).
The Valhalla Cemetery Subsidiary Corporation
23.23**  AlabamaConsent of DeWitt LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.21).
Tioga County Memorial Gardens LLC
24.1**  PennsylvaniaPowers of Attorney for registrants other than StoneMor Inc. and StoneMor LP Holdings, LLC (included on signature pages of this registration statement).
Virginia Memorial Service LLC
24.2  VirginiaPowers of Attorney for StoneMor Inc. and StoneMor LP Holdings, LLC (included on signature pages of this registration statement).
Virginia Memorial Service Subsidiary Corporation
25.1**  VirginiaFormT-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee under the Indenture.
WNCI LLC
99.1*  Delaware
W N C Subsidiary,Bylaws of StoneMor Inc.Maryland
Wicomico Memorial Parks LLCMaryland
Wicomico Memorial Parks Subsidiary, Inc.Maryland
Willowbrook Management Corp.Connecticut
Woodlawn Memorial Park Subsidiary LLCPennsylvania

*Entity is not a StoneMor Partners L.P. subsidiary, but is a controlled nonprofit corporation, or a nonprofit corporation in which a StoneMor Partners L.P. subsidiary holds a voting interest, and to which management or operating services are provided by contract with a StoneMor Partners L.P. subsidiary.

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Joseph M. Redling, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Current Report on Form10-K,8-K for the fiscal year endedfiled by StoneMor Inc. on December 31, 2018, of StoneMor Partners L.P.;

2019).

 

2.*

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period coveredIncorporated by this report;reference, as indicated.

**

Previously filed.

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules13a-15(e) and15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules13a-15(f) and15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 2, 2019By:

/s/Joseph M. Redling

Joseph M. Redling
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Item 22. Undertakings

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Mark L. Miller, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form10-K, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, of StoneMor Partners L.P.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules13a-15(e) and15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules13a-15(f) and15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (orInsofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 2, 2019By:

/s/Mark L. Miller

Mark L. Miller
Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President
(Principal Financial Officer)

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18registrants, we have been advised that, in the opinion of the United States Code), the undersigned officer of StoneMor GP, LLC, the general partner of StoneMor Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”), does hereby certify with respect to the Annual Report of the Partnership on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “Report”) that:

1.

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.

Date: April 2, 2019By:

/s/Joseph M. Redling

Joseph M. Redling
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

The foregoing certificationSecurities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code)against public policy and is, nottherefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by any registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of a registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being filed as part ofregistered, such registrant will, unless in the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code), the undersigned officer of StoneMor GP, LLC, the general partner of StoneMor Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”), does hereby certify with respect to the Annual Report of the Partnership on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “Report”) that:

1.

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.

Date: April 2, 2019By:

/s/Mark L. Miller

Mark L. Miller
Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President
(Principal Financial Officer)

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Section 17-108 of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act empowers a Delaware limited partnership to indemnify and hold harmless any partner or other persons from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever. The Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of StoneMor Partners L.P. (the “Partnership Agreement”) provides that the StoneMor Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”) will, to the fullest extent permitted by law but subject to the limitations expressly provided therein, indemnify and hold harmless StoneMor GP LLC (“GP”), its general partner, any Departing Partner (as defined therein), any person who is or was an Affiliate (as defined therein) of GP or any Departing Partner, any person who is or was a member, partner, officer, director, fiduciary or trustee of GP, any Departing Partner, any Group Member (as defined therein) or any Affiliate of GP, any Departing Partner or any Group Member, or any person who is or was serving at the request of GP or any Departing Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner or any Departing Partner as an officer, director, member, partner, fiduciary or trustee of another Person (as defined therein) or any Person that GP designates as an Indemnitee for purposes of the Partnership Agreement (each, an “Indemnitee”) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several, expenses (including legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, penalties, interest, settlements or other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which any Indemnitee may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reasonopinion of its status as an Indemnitee; provided, thatcounsel the Indemnitee shall not be indemnified and held harmless if therematter has been a final andnon-appealable judgment enteredsettled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of competentappropriate jurisdiction determining that, in respect of the matter for which the Indemniteequestion whether such indemnification by it is seeking indemnification pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, the Indemnitee acted in bad faith or engaged in fraud, willful misconduct or gross negligence or,against public policy as expressed in the case of a criminal matter, acted with knowledge that the Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful. To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal feesSecurities Act and expenses) incurred by a Indemnitee who is indemnified pursuant to the Partnership Agreement in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding shall, from time to time,will be advancedgoverned by the Partnership prior to a determination that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified upon receipt by the Partnershipfinal adjudication of any undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnitee to repay such amount if it shall be determined that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified under the Partnership Agreement. Any indemnification under these provisions will be only out of the assets of the Partnership.

The Partnership is authorized to purchase (or to reimburse its general partner or its affiliates for the costs of) insurance against liabilities asserted against and expenses incurred by its general partner, its affiliates and such other persons as its general partner may determine and described in the paragraph above in connection with their activities, whether or not they would have the power to indemnify such person against such liabilities under the provisions described in the paragraphs above.

GP has entered into Indemnification Agreements (each, an “Indemnification Agreement”) with each independent director of GP. Each Indemnification Agreement provides that GP will indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee against Expenses (as defined in the Indemnification Agreement) to the fullest extent permitted or authorized by law, including the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act in effect on the date of the agreement or as such laws may be amended to provide more advantageous rights to the Indemnitee.

Each Indemnification Agreement also provides that GP will indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnitee against Expenses incurred for actions taken as a director or officer of GP, or for serving at the request of GP as a director or officer or another position at another corporation or enterprise, as the case may be, but only if no final andnon-appealable judgment has been entered by a court determining that, in respect of the matter for which the Indemnitee is seeking indemnification, the Indemnitee acted in bad faith or engaged in fraud or willful misconduct or, in the case of a criminal proceeding, the Indemnitee acted with knowledge that the Indemnitee’sissue.

 

II-1II-34


conduct was unlawful. The Indemnification Agreement also provides that GP must advance payment of certain Expenses to the Indemnitee, including fees of counsel, subject to receipt of an undertaking from the Indemnitee to return such advance if it is ultimately determined that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification.

Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statements and Schedules.

A list of exhibits included as part of this registration statement is set forth in the Exhibit Index, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Item 22. Undertakings

The undersignedEach registrant hereby undertakes:

(a) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:statement to:

(1) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(a)

include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(2) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

(b)

reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this registration statement; notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in the volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

(3) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

(c)

to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement, or any material change to such information in this registration statement.

(b) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(c) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered whichthat remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(d) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, if such registrant is subject to Rule 430C, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided,effectiveness; provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(e) That, for the purpose of determining liability of thesuch registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: The undersigned registrant undertakes thatsecurities, in a primary offering of securities of the undersignedsuch registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant

(a)

any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrants relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(b)

any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of such registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrants;

(c)

the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrants or their securities provided by or on behalf of such registrant; and

(d)

any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by such registrant to the purchaser.

 

II-2II-35


(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(f) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’sa registrant annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(g) That prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the registrant undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.

(h) That every prospectus (i) that is filed pursuant to paragraph (h) above, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 and is used in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such amendment has become effective, and that for the purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(i) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(j) To respond to requests for information that isare incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b)10 (b), 11 or 13 of this Form,S-4, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

(k) To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.

 

II-3II-36


Exhibit Index

Exhibit

Number

Description

  2.1Merger and Reorganization Agreement, dated September  27, 2018, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP Holdings LLC, StoneMor GP LLC and Hans Merger Sub, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.75 of Registrant’s Annual Report onForm  10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2019, which annual report is attached as Annex D to this proxy statement/prospectus).
  2.2First Amendment to Merger and Reorganization Agreement, dated April  30, 2019, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP LLC, StoneMor GP Holdings LLC, and Hans Merger Sub, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm  8-K filed on May 1, 2019).
  2.3Second Amendment to Merger and Reorganization Agreement dated as of June  27, 2019 by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP LLC, StoneMor GP Holdings LLC and Hans Merger Sub, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm  8-K filed on June 28, 2019).
  3.1Certificate of Limited Partnership of StoneMor Partners L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registration Statement onForm S-1 filed on April 9, 2004).
  3.2Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of StoneMor Partners L.P. dated as of June  27, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 28, 2019).
  3.3Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of StoneMor GP LLC, dated as of June  27, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 28, 2019).
  3.4Form of Certificate of Incorporation of StoneMor Inc. to be adopted upon the completion of the merger and reorganization (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.75 of the Partnership’s Annual Report onForm 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2019, which annual report is attached as Annex D to this proxy statement/prospectus).
  3.5Form of Bylaws of StoneMor Inc. to be adopted upon the completion of the merger and reorganization (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.75 of the Partnership’s Annual Report onForm 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2019, which annual report is attached as Annex D to this proxy statement/prospectus).
  5.1*Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. as to the legality of the securities being offered.
  8.1*Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. as to certain tax matters.
10.1Voting and Support Agreement, dated September  27, 2018, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP LLC, and the unitholders of StoneMor Partners L.P. named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit  10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on September 28, 2018).
10.2First Amendment to Voting and Support Agreement, dated February  4, 2019, by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP LLC, and the unitholders of StoneMor Partners L.P. named therein (incorporated by reference to exhibit  10.1 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on February 4, 2019).
10.3Second Amendment to Voting and Support Agreement dated as of June  27, 2019 by and among StoneMor Partners L.P., StoneMor GP LLC and the unitholders of StoneMor Partners L.P. named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit  10.2 of Registrant’s Current Report onForm 8-K filed on May 1, 2019).

II-4



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on FormS-4 and has duly caused this registration statement or amendment thereto, to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Trevose, StateCommonwealth of Pennsylvania, on November 13, 2019.June 2, 2020.

 

STONEMOR PARTNERS L.P.
By: 

STONEMOR GP LLC,INC.

its General Partner

By:

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

Joseph M. Redling

President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on June 2, 2020.

Signature

Title

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
Joseph M. Redling(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Jeffrey DiGiovanni

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Jeffrey DiGiovanni(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

*

Director
Andrew M. Axelrod

*

Director
Spencer E. Goldenberg

*

Director
Robert B. Hellman, Jr.

*

Director
David Miller

*

Director
Stephen J. Negrotti

*

Director
Patricia D. Wellenbach

*By:

                         /s/ Joseph M. Redling                        

Joseph M. Redling
Attorney-in-fact

II-37


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on FormS-4 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Trevose, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on June 2, 2020.

CORNERSTONE FAMILY SERVICES OF WEST VIRGINIA SUBSIDIARY, INC.
By: 

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

Name: 

Joseph M. Redling

Title:

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statementregistration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities andindicated on the dates indicated.June 2, 2020.

 

SignaturesSignature

 

Title

Date

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Joseph M. Redling(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Jeffrey DiGiovanni

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Jeffrey DiGiovanni(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ Austin K. So

Director

Austin K. So

II-38


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on FormS-4 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Trevose, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on June 2, 2020.

STONEMOR OPERATING LLC
By:

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

Joseph M. Redling

President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on June 2, 2020.

Signature

Title

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

  President and Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal
Joseph M. Redling(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Jeffrey DiGiovanni

  November 13, 2019Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Jeffrey DiGiovanni(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

*

Jeffrey DiGiovanni

  

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

Director
Andrew M. Axelrod  November 13, 2019

*

Andrew Axelrod

  Director
Spencer E. Goldenberg  November 13, 2019

*

Director
Robert B. Hellman, Jr.

  DirectorNovember 13, 2019

*

David Miller

  Director
David Miller  November 13, 2019

*

Spencer Goldenberg

  Director
Stephen J. Negrotti  November 13, 2019

*

Stephen J. Negrotti

  DirectorNovember 13, 2019

*

Patricia D. Wellenbach

  DirectorNovember 13, 2019

 

*By: 

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

 Joseph M. Redling
 Attorney-in-fact

 

II-6II-39


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on FormS-4 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Trevose, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on June 2, 2020.

STONEMOR INC.
By:

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

Joseph M. Redling

President and Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Joseph M. Redling and Jeffrey DiGiovanni as his lawfulattorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him or her in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments or post-effective amendments to this registration statement, or any registration statement for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with exhibits hereto and other documents in connection therewith or in connection with the registration of the securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto suchattorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary in connection with such matters and hereby ratifying and confirming all that suchattorney-in-fact and agent or his substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on June 2, 2020.

Signature

Title

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
Joseph M. Redling(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Jeffrey DiGiovanni

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Jeffrey DiGiovanni(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ Andrew M. Axelrod

Director
Andrew M. Axelrod

/s/ Spencer E. Goldenberg

Director
Spencer E. Goldenberg

/s/ Robert B. Hellman, Jr.

Director
Robert B. Hellman, Jr.

/s/ David Miller

Director
David Miller

/s/ Stephen J. Negrotti

Director
Stephen J. Negrotti

/s/ Patricia D. Wellenbach

Director
Patricia D. Wellenbach

II-40


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on FormS-4 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Trevose, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on June 2, 2020.

STONEMOR LP HOLDINGS, LLC
By:STONEMOR INC.,
        Managing Member
By:

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

Joseph M. Redling

President and Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Joseph M. Redling and Jeffrey DiGiovanni as his lawfulattorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him or her in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments or post-effective amendments to this registration statement, or any registration statement for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with exhibits hereto and other documents in connection therewith or in connection with the registration of the securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto suchattorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary in connection with such matters and hereby ratifying and confirming all that suchattorney-in-fact and agent or his substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on June 2, 2020.

Signature

Title

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
Joseph M. Redling

of Managing Member

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Jeffrey DiGiovanni

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Jeffrey DiGiovanni

of Managing Member

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ Andrew M. Axelrod

Director of Managing Member

Andrew M. Axelrod

/s/ Spencer E. Goldenberg

Director of Managing Member

Spencer E. Goldenberg

/s/ Robert B. Hellman, Jr.

Director of Managing Member

Robert B. Hellman, Jr.

II-41


Signature

Title

/s/ David Miller

Director of Managing Member

David Miller

/s/ Stephen J. Negrotti

Director of Managing Member
Stephen J. Negrotti

/s/ Patricia D. Wellenbach

Director of Managing Member
Patricia D. Wellenbach

II-42


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on FormS-4 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Trevose, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on June 2, 2020.

ALLEGHANY MEMORIAL PARK LLC ALLEGHANY

MEMORIAL PARK SUBSIDIARY, INC.

ALTAVISTA MEMORIAL PARK LLC

ALTAVISTA MEMORIAL PARK SUBSIDIARY, INC.

ARLINGTON DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

AUGUSTA MEMORIAL PARK PERPETUAL CARE COMPANY

BIRCHLAWN BURIAL PARK LLC

BIRCHLAWN BURIAL PARK SUBSIDIARY, INC.

BRONSWOOD CEMETERY, INC.

CEDAR HILL FUNERAL HOME, INC.

CEMETERY INVESTMENTS LLC

CEMETERY INVESTMENTS SUBSIDIARY, INC.

CEMETERY MANAGEMENT SERVICES OF OHIO, L.L.C.

CEMETERY MANAGEMENT SERVICES, L.L.C.

CHAPEL HILL ASSOCIATES, INC.

CHAPEL HILL FUNERAL HOME, INC.

CMS WEST LLC

CMS WEST SUBSIDIARY LLC

COLUMBIA MEMORIAL PARK LLC

COLUMBIA MEMORIAL PARK SUBSIDIARY, INC.

CORNERSTONE FAMILY INSURANCE SERVICES, INC.

CORNERSTONE FAMILY SERVICES OF NEW JERSEY, INC.

CORNERSTONE FAMILY SERVICES OF WEST VIRGINIA LLC

CORNERSTONE FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES LLC

CORNERSTONE TRUST MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC

COVENANT ACQUISITION LLC

COVENANT ACQUISITION SUBSIDIARY, INC.

COVINGTON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC.

COVINGTON MEMORIAL GARDENS, INC.

ELOISE B. KYPER FUNERAL HOME, INC.

FOREST LAWN GARDENS, INC.

FOREST LAWN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, INC.

FOREST LAWN MEMORY GARDENS, INC.

GLEN HAVEN MEMORIAL PARK LLC

GLEN HAVEN MEMORIAL PARK SUBSIDIARY, INC.

HENLOPEN MEMORIAL PARK LLC

HENLOPEN MEMORIAL PARK SUBSIDIARY LLC

HENRY MEMORIAL PARK LLC

HENRY MEMORIAL PARK SUBSIDIARY, INC.

JUNIATA MEMORIAL PARK LLC

By:

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

Joseph M. Redling

President and Chief Executive Officer

II-43


KIRIS LLC

KIRIS SUBSIDIARY, INC.

KIRK & NICE SUBURBAN CHAPEL, INC.

KIRK & NICE, INC.

LAKEWOOD MEMORY GARDENS SOUTH LLC

LAKEWOOD MEMORY GARDENS SOUTH SUBSIDIARY, INC.

LAKEWOOD/HAMILTON CEMETERY LLC

LAKEWOOD/HAMILTON CEMETERY SUBSIDIARY, INC.

LAUREL HILL MEMORIAL PARK LLC

LAUREL HILL MEMORIAL PARK SUBSIDIARY, INC.

LAURELWOOD HOLDING COMPANY

LEGACY ESTATES, INC.

LOEWEN [VIRGINIA] LLC

LOEWEN [VIRGINIA] SUBSIDIARY, INC.

LORRAINE PARK CEMETERY LLC

LORRAINE PARK CEMETERY SUBSIDIARY, INC.

MODERN PARK DEVELOPMENT LLC

MODERN PARK DEVELOPMENT SUBSIDIARY, INC.

OAK HILL CEMETERY LLC

OAK HILL CEMETERY SUBSIDIARY, INC.

OSIRIS HOLDING FINANCE COMPANY

OSIRIS HOLDING OF MARYLAND LLC

OSIRIS HOLDING OF MARYLAND SUBSIDIARY, INC.

OSIRIS HOLDING OF PENNSYLVANIA LLC

OSIRIS HOLDING OF RHODE ISLAND LLC

OSIRIS HOLDING OF RHODE ISLAND SUBSIDIARY, INC.

OSIRIS MANAGEMENT, INC.

OSIRIS TELEMARKETING CORP.

PERPETUAL GARDENS.COM, INC.

PLYMOUTH WAREHOUSE FACILITIES LLC

PRINCE GEORGE CEMETERY CORPORATION

PVD ACQUISITIONS LLC

PVD ACQUISITIONS SUBSIDIARY, INC.

ROCKBRIDGE MEMORIAL GARDENS LLC

ROCKBRIDGE MEMORIAL

GARDENS SUBSIDIARY COMPANY

ROLLING GREEN MEMORIAL PARK LLC

ROSE LAWN CEMETERIES LLC

ROSE LAWN CEMETERIES SUBSIDIARY, INCORPORATED

ROSELAWN DEVELOPMENT LLC

ROSELAWN DEVELOPMENT SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION

RUSSELL MEMORIAL CEMETERY LLC

RUSSELL MEMORIAL CEMETERY SUBSIDIARY, INC.

SHENANDOAH MEMORIAL PARK LLC

SHENANDOAH MEMORIAL PARK SUBSIDIARY, INC.

SIERRA VIEW MEMORIAL PARK

SOUTHERN MEMORIAL SALES LLC

SOUTHERN MEMORIAL SALES SUBSIDIARY, INC.

SPRINGHILL MEMORY GARDENS LLC

By:

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

Joseph M. Redling

President and Chief Executive Officer

II-44


SPRINGHILL MEMORY GARDENS SUBSIDIARY, INC.

STAR CITY MEMORIAL SALES LLC

STAR CITY MEMORIAL SALES SUBSIDIARY, INC.

STEPHEN R. HAKY FUNERAL HOME, INC.

STITHAM LLC

STITHAM SUBSIDIARY, INCORPORATED

STONEMOR ALABAMA LLC

STONEMOR ALABAMA SUBSIDIARY, INC.

STONEMOR ARKANSAS SUBSIDIARY LLC

STONEMOR CALIFORNIA SUBSIDIARY, INC.

STONEMOR CALIFORNIA, INC.

STONEMOR CEMETERY PRODUCTS LLC

STONEMOR COLORADO LLC

STONEMOR COLORADO SUBSIDIARY LLC

STONEMOR FLORIDA LLC

STONEMOR FLORIDA SUBSIDIARY LLC

STONEMOR GEORGIA LLC

STONEMOR GEORGIA SUBSIDIARY, INC.

STONEMOR HAWAII LLC

STONEMOR HAWAII SUBSIDIARY, INC.

STONEMOR HAWAIIAN JOINT VENTURE GROUP LLC

STONEMOR HOLDING OF PENNSYLVANIA LLC

STONEMOR ILLINOIS LLC

STONEMOR ILLINOIS SUBSIDIARY LLC

STONEMOR INDIANA LLC

STONEMOR INDIANA SUBSIDIARY LLC

STONEMOR IOWA LLC

STONEMOR IOWA SUBSIDIARY LLC

STONEMOR KANSAS LLC

STONEMOR KANSAS SUBSIDIARY LLC

STONEMOR KENTUCKY LLC

STONEMOR KENTUCKY SUBSIDIARY LLC

STONEMOR MICHIGAN LLC

STONEMOR MICHIGAN SUBSIDIARY LLC

STONEMOR MISSISSIPPI LLC

STONEMOR MISSISSIPPI SUBSIDIARY LLC

STONEMOR MISSOURI LLC

STONEMOR MISSOURI SUBSIDIARY LLC

STONEMOR NORTH CAROLINA FUNERAL SERVICES, INC.

STONEMOR NORTH CAROLINA LLC

STONEMOR NORTH CAROLINA SUBSIDIARY LLC

STONEMOR OHIO LLC

STONEMOR OHIO SUBSIDIARY, INC.

STONEMOR OKLAHOMA LLC

STONEMOR OKLAHOMA SUBSIDIARY LLC

STONEMOR OREGON LLC

STONEMOR OREGON SUBSIDIARY LLC

By:

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

Joseph M. Redling

President and Chief Executive Officer

II-45


STONEMOR PENNSYLVANIA LLC

STONEMOR PENNSYLVANIA SUBSIDIARY LLC

STONEMOR PUERTO RICO CEMETERY AND FUNERAL, INC.

STONEMOR PUERTO RICO LLC

STONEMOR PUERTO RICO SUBSIDIARY LLC

STONEMOR SOUTH CAROLINA LLC

STONEMOR SOUTH CAROLINA SUBSIDIARY LLC

STONEMOR TENNESSEE SUBSIDIARY, INC.

STONEMOR WASHINGTON SUBSIDIARY LLC

STONEMOR WASHINGTON, INC.

STONEMOR WISCONSIN LLC

STONEMOR WISCONSIN SUBSIDIARY LLC

SUNSET MEMORIAL GARDENS LLC

SUNSET MEMORIAL GARDENS SUBSIDIARY, INC.

SUNSET MEMORIAL PARK LLC

SUNSET MEMORIAL PARK SUBSIDIARY, INC.

TEMPLE HILL LLC

TEMPLE HILL SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION

THE VALHALLA CEMETERY COMPANY LLC

THE VALHALLA CEMETERY SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION

TIOGA COUNTY MEMORIAL GARDENS LLC

VIRGINIA MEMORIAL SERVICE LLC

VIRGINIA MEMORIAL SERVICE SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION

W N C SUBSIDIARY, INC.

WICOMICO MEMORIAL PARKS LLC

WICOMICO MEMORIAL PARKS SUBSIDIARY, INC.

WILLOWBROOK MANAGEMENT CORP.

WNCI LLC

WOODLAWN MEMORIAL PARK SUBSIDIARY LLC

By:

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

Joseph M. Redling

President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on June 2, 2020.

Signature

Title

/s/ Joseph M. Redling

President, Chief Executive Officer and
Joseph M. RedlingDirector/Manager/Governor
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Jeffrey DiGiovanni

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Jeffrey DiGiovanni(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ Austin K. So

Director/Manager/Governor
Austin K. So

II-46