10-Q 1 h59285e10vq.htm FORM 10-Q - QUARTERLY REPORT e10vq
 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008
or
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission file number 1-6402-1
SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Texas
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
  74-1488375
(I. R. S. employer identification number)
     
1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas
(Address of principal executive offices)
  77019
(Zip code)
713-522-5141
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
None
(Former name, former address, or former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
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 þ NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES o NO þ
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of August 1, 2008 was 257,162,143 (net of treasury shares).
 
 

 


 

SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL
INDEX
         
    Page  
 
       
Glossary
    3  
    4  
    4  
    4  
    5  
    6  
    7  
    8  
    29  
    29  
    30  
    30  
    33  
    36  
    40  
    40  
    41  
    41  
    43  
    43  
    43  
    43  
    44  
    44  
    44  
    45  

2


 

GLOSSARY
The following terms are common to the deathcare industry, are used throughout this report, and have the following meanings:
Atneed — Funeral and cemetery arrangements after the death has occurred.
Burial Vaults — A reinforced outer burial container intended to protect the casket against the weight of the earth.
Cremation — The reduction of human remains to bone fragments by intense heat.
General Agency (GA) Revenues — Commissions paid to the General Agency (GA) for life insurance policies or annuities sold to preneed customers for the purpose of funding funeral arrangements. The commission rate paid is determined based on the product type sold, the length of payment terms, and the age of the insured/annuitant.
Interment — The burial or final placement of human remains in the ground.
Lawn Crypt — An outer burial receptacle constructed of concrete and reinforced steel, which is usually pre-installed in predetermined designated areas.
Marker — A method of identifying the remains in a particular burial space, crypt, or niche. Permanent burial markers are usually made of bronze, granite, or stone.
Maturity — At the time of death. This is the point at which preneed contracts are converted to atneed contracts.
Mausoleum — An above ground structure that is designed to house caskets and cremation urns.
Cemetery Perpetual Care or Endowment Care Fund — A trust fund used for the maintenance and upkeep of burial spaces within a cemetery in perpetuity.
Preneed — Purchase of products and services prior to use.
Preneed Backlog — Future revenues from unfulfilled preneed funeral and cemetery contractual arrangements.
Production — Sales of preneed funeral and preneed or atneed cemetery contracts.
As used herein, “SCI”, “Company”, “we”, “our”, and “us” refer to Service Corporation International and companies owned directly or indirectly by Service Corporation International, unless the context requires otherwise.

3


 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
                                 
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Revenues
  $ 548,782     $ 565,492     $ 1,122,233     $ 1,173,047  
Costs and expenses
    (441,422 )     (462,253 )     (877,276 )     (928,825 )
 
                       
Gross profit
    107,360       103,239       244,957       244,222  
General and administrative expenses
    (21,658 )     (30,159 )     (46,733 )     (65,387 )
(Loss) gain on divestitures and impairment charges, net
    (3,858 )     9,743       (15,904 )     2,063  
Other operating income, net
    1,691             585        
 
                       
Operating income
    83,535       82,823       182,905       180,898  
Interest expense
    (33,311 )     (36,165 )     (67,380 )     (73,762 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
          (12,122 )           (14,480 )
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
          5,559             6,270  
Other income, net
    1,945       1,755       3,117       1,138  
 
                       
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    52,169       41,850       118,642       100,064  
Provision for income taxes
    (20,395 )     (28,941 )     (45,364 )     (52,438 )
 
                       
Income from continuing operations
    31,774       12,909       73,278       47,626  
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (net of income tax (benefit) provision of $(195), $1,223, $(195), and $1,960, respectively)
    (377 )     2,209       (362 )     5,134  
 
                       
Net income
  $ 31,397     $ 15,118     $ 72,916     $ 52,760  
 
                       
Basic earnings per share:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ .12     $ .04     $ .28     $ .16  
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
          .01             .02  
 
                       
Net income
  $ .12     $ .05     $ .28     $ .18  
 
                       
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ .12     $ .04     $ .28     $ .16  
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
          .01             .02  
 
                       
Net income
  $ .12     $ .05     $ .28     $ .18  
 
                       
Basic weighted average number of shares
    259,034       290,577       259,919       291,941  
 
                       
Diluted weighted average number of shares
    262,575       296,124       263,712       297,480  
 
                       
Dividends declared per share
  $ .04     $ .03     $ .08     $ .06  
 
                       
(See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements)

4


 

SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except share amounts)
                 
    June 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
Assets
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 104,700     $ 168,594  
Receivables, net
    90,936       113,793  
Inventories
    33,008       36,203  
Deferred tax asset
    73,182       73,182  
Current assets held for sale
    1,805       2,294  
Other
    27,480       27,261  
 
           
Total current assets
    331,111       421,327  
 
           
Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments
    1,398,503       1,434,403  
Preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments
    1,407,287       1,428,057  
Cemetery property, at cost
    1,458,945       1,451,666  
Property and equipment, net
    1,559,090       1,569,534  
Non-current assets held for sale
    120,999       122,626  
Goodwill
    1,227,624       1,198,153  
Deferred charges and other assets
    441,141       400,734  
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments
    863,284       905,744  
 
           
 
  $ 8,807,984     $ 8,932,244  
 
           
Liabilities & Stockholders’ Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
  $ 294,707     $ 343,392  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    51,289       36,594  
Current liabilities held for sale
    201       149  
Income taxes
    262       46,305  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    346,459       426,440  
 
           
Long-term debt
    1,828,511       1,820,106  
Deferred preneed funeral revenues
    579,476       526,668  
Deferred preneed cemetery revenues
    765,275       753,876  
Deferred income taxes
    147,776       140,623  
Non-current liabilities held for sale
    89,654       91,928  
Other liabilities
    388,605       383,642  
Non-controlling interest in funeral and cemetery trusts
    2,334,152       2,390,288  
Non-controlling interest in cemetery perpetual care trusts
    871,667       906,590  
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, $1 per share par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 257,164,644 and 262,858,169 issued and outstanding (net of 8,896,829 and 1,961,300 treasury shares, at par)
    257,165       262,858  
Capital in excess of par value
    1,814,724       1,874,600  
Accumulated deficit
    (750,923 )     (797,965 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    135,443       152,590  
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,456,409       1,492,083  
 
           
 
  $ 8,807,984     $ 8,932,244  
 
           
(See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements)

5


 

SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
                 
    Six months ended  
    June 30,  
    2008     2007  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 72,916     $ 52,760  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    362       (5,134 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
          14,480  
Premiums paid on early extinguishment of debt
          (11,368 )
Depreciation and amortization
    68,008       73,799  
Amortization of cemetery property
    16,526       17,800  
Amortization of loan costs
    1,863       3,617  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    3,915       6,688  
Provision for deferred income taxes
    28,079       38,024  
Loss (gain) on divestitures and impairment charges, net
    15,904       (2,063 )
Share-based compensation
    5,256       5,980  
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards
    (2,170 )     (4,123 )
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
          (6,270 )
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and divestitures:
               
Decrease (increase) in receivables
    6,484       (5,222 )
Increase in other assets
    (10,069 )     (12,196 )
Decrease in payables and other liabilities
    (128,320 )     (40,626 )
Effect of preneed funeral production and maturities:
               
Decrease in preneed funeral receivables and trust investments
    15,098       19,866  
Increase in deferred preneed funeral revenue
    20,836       18,656  
Decrease in funeral non-controlling interest
    (24,640 )     (25,518 )
Effect of cemetery production and deliveries:
               
Decrease in preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments
    24,206       30,452  
Increase in deferred preneed cemetery revenue
    20,421       24,218  
Decrease in cemetery non-controlling interest
    (17,578 )     (19,215 )
Other
    (585 )     (329 )
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations
    116,512       174,276  
Net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations
          17,279  
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    116,512       191,555  
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (68,035 )     (65,392 )
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment
    12,831       214,494  
Acquisitions
    (7,871 )     (212 )
Net deposits of restricted funds and other
    (21,477 )     (238 )
 
           
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities from continuing operations
    (84,552 )     148,652  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from discontinued operations
    858       (8,546 )
 
           
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (83,694 )     140,106  
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt
    72,000       398,996  
Debt issuance costs
          (6,443 )
Payments of debt
    (54,367 )     (2,152 )
Principal payments on capital leases
    (12,013 )     (13,807 )
Early extinguishment of debt
          (422,641 )
Purchase of Company common stock
    (79,470 )     (103,598 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    3,596       13,189  
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards
    2,170       4,123  
Payments of dividends
    (20,879 )     (17,645 )
Bank overdrafts and other
    (6,714 )     2,211  
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations
    (95,677 )     (147,767 )
Net cash used in financing activities from discontinued operations
          (2,113 )
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (95,677 )     (149,880 )
Effect of foreign currency on cash and cash equivalents
    (1,035 )     1,124  
 
           
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (63,894 )     182,905  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    168,594       39,880  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 104,700     $ 222,785  
 
           
(See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements)

6


 

SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
                                                         
                                            Accumulated        
                    Treasury     Capital in             other        
    Outstanding     Common     stock, par     excess of     Accumulated     comprehensive        
    shares     stock     value     par value     deficit     income     Total  
Balance at December 31, 2007
    262,858     $ 264,819     $ (1,961 )   $ 1,874,600     $ (797,965 )   $ 152,590     $ 1,492,083  
Cumulative effect of accounting change
                                    (3,265 )             (3,265 )
Net income
                                    72,916               72,916  
Dividends declared on common stock ($.08 per share)
                            (20,581 )                     (20,581 )
Other comprehensive loss
                                            (17,147 )     (17,147 )
Employee share-based compensation earned
                            4,548                       4,548  
Stock option exercises
    950       950               2,646                       3,596  
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures and other
    363       293       70       346                       709  
Tax benefit related to share-based awards
                            3,020                       3,020  
Purchase of Company stock
    (7,006 )             (7,006 )     (49,855 )     (22,609 )             (79,470 )
                                           
Balance at June 30, 2008
    257,165     $ 266,062     $ (8,897 )   $ 1,814,724     $ (750,923 )   $ 135,443     $ 1,456,409  
 
                                         
(See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements)

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SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
1. Nature of Operations
     We are a provider of deathcare products and services, with a network of funeral service locations and cemeteries primarily operating in the United States and Canada. Our operations consist of funeral service locations, cemeteries, funeral service/cemetery combination locations, crematoria, and related businesses.
     Funeral service locations provide professional services relating to funerals and cremations, including the use of funeral facilities and motor vehicles and preparation and embalming services. Funeral related merchandise, including caskets, burial vaults, cremation receptacles, flowers, and other ancillary products and services, is sold at funeral service locations. Cemeteries provide cemetery property interment rights, including mausoleum spaces, lots, and lawn crypts, and sell cemetery related merchandise and services, including stone and bronze memorials, markers, casket and cremation memorialization products, merchandise installations, and burial openings and closings. We also sell preneed funeral and cemetery products and services whereby a customer contractually agrees to the terms of certain products and services to be provided in the future.
     We divested 70% of Kenyon International Emergency Services (Kenyon), a company that specializes in providing disaster management services in mass fatality incidents, in the fourth quarter of 2007. Kenyon’s results are included in our funeral operations segment through the date of the sale. As part of the Alderwoods transaction, we acquired an insurance business that we sold in the third quarter of 2007. The operations of this business through the date of sale are presented as discontinued operations in our condensed consolidated statement of operations.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
     Our condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Service Corporation International and all wholly-owned subsidiaries. These financial statements also include the accounts of the funeral trusts, cemetery merchandise and services trusts, and cemetery perpetual care trusts in which we have a variable interest and are the primary beneficiary. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals and any other adjustments, which management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the results for these periods. These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in a manner consistent with the accounting policies described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, unless otherwise disclosed herein, and should be read in conjunction therewith. The accompanying year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year period.
Reclassifications and Prior Period Items
     Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period financial statement presentation with no effect on our previously reported results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.
     In connection with our ongoing efforts to remediate our previously reported material weaknesses and other internal control deficiencies, we recorded several immaterial adjustments related to prior accounting periods during the three months ended June 30, 2008. These adjustments were not quantitatively or qualitatively material to our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three or six months ended June 30, 2008, nor were such items quantitatively or qualitatively material to any of our prior annual or quarterly financial statements. The net impact of these adjustments was an increase to our pre-tax income in the amount of $3.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. These adjustments had no impact on our consolidated or segment gross profit for the three months ended June 30, 2008.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
     The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions as described in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. These estimates and assumptions may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates.

8


 

3. Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets
     In April 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (FSP 142-3). FSP 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and requires enhanced related disclosures. FSP 142-3 must be applied prospectively to all intangible assets acquired as of and subsequent to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting FSP 142-3 on our consolidated financial statements.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
     In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (SFAS 161). SFAS 161 amends and expands the disclosures required by SFAS 133 to provide an enhanced understanding of the reasons an entity engages in derivate instruments and hedging activities. It also requires disclosures about how such items are accounted for under SFAS 133 and how they impact the entity’s financial statements. The provisions of SFAS 161 are effective for us beginning January 1, 2009. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Business Combinations
     In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141(R)), which establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired (including goodwill), the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. SFAS 141(R) also establishes disclosure requirements to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. The provisions of SFAS 141(R) are effective for us for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2009, with the exception of certain income tax effects related to our prior business combinations, which will be accounted for pursuant to the provisions of SFAS 141(R). The impact of adopting SFAS 141(R) will be dependent on future business combinations, if any, that we may pursue after its effective date.
Non-controlling Interests
     In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51” (SFAS 160), which establishes accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS 160 clarifies that a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary, which is sometimes referred to as an unconsolidated investment, is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as a component of equity in the consolidated financial statements. Among other requirements, SFAS 160 requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the non-controlling interest. It also requires disclosure, on the face of the consolidated income statement, of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the non-controlling interest. The provisions of SFAS 160 are effective for us on January 1, 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 160 on our consolidated financial statements.
Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreements
     In March 2007, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) on Issue No. 06-10 “Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreements” (EITF 06-10). EITF 06-10 provides guidance for determining the liability for the postretirement benefit obligation as well as recognition and measurement of the associated asset on the basis of the terms of a collateral assignment agreement. We adopted the provisions of EITF 06-10 effective January 1, 2008. As a result of our adoption, we recorded a $3.3 million cumulative-effect adjustment which increased our Accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2008.
Fair Value Option
     In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure various financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. The fair value option may be elected on an instrument-by-instrument basis, as long as it is applied to the instrument in its entirety. The election is irrevocable, unless an event specified in SFAS 159 occurs that results in a new election date. We adopted the provisions of SFAS 159 effective January 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS 159 had no impact on our consolidated financial statements as we elected not to measure any additional financial instruments at fair value as of the date of adoption.

9


 

Fair Value Measurements
     In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157). The statement defines fair value as 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, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about instruments measured at fair value. SFAS 157 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:
    Level 1 — inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
 
    Level 2 — inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument;
 
    Level 3 — inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
     An asset’s or liability’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
     In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 157-1. “Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements that Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13” (FSP 157-1) and FSP No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (FSP 157-2). FSP 157-1 amends SFAS 157 to exclude SFAS No. 13, ” Accounting for Leases” and its related accounting pronouncements that address leasing transactions. FSP 157-2 provides a one-year deferral of the effective date of SFAS 157 for non-financial assets and liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed in the financial statements at fair value at least annually. In accordance with FSP 157-2, we adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 for our financial assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis at fair value, effective January 1, 2008. These financial assets include the investments of our funeral, cemetery, and cemetery perpetual care trusts. For additional disclosures required by SFAS 157 for these assets, see Notes 4 through 6 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
     The provisions of SFAS 157 have not been applied to our non-financial assets and liabilities. The major categories of assets and liabilities that are subject to non-recurring fair value measurement, for which we have not yet applied the provisions of SFAS 157, are as follows: reporting units measured at fair value in the first step of a goodwill impairment test under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (SFAS 142); indefinite-lived intangible assets measured at fair value for impairment assessment under SFAS 142; non-financial assets measured at fair value for an impairment assessment under SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” and non-financial assets and liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination under SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations”.
4. Preneed Funeral Activities
     Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments, net of allowance for cancellation, represent trust investments, including investment earnings, and customer receivables, net of unearned finance charges, related to unperformed, price-guaranteed preneed funeral contracts. When we, as the primary beneficiary, receive payments from the customer, we deposit the amount required by law into the trust and reclassify the corresponding amount from Deferred preneed funeral revenues into Non-controlling interest in funeral and cemetery trusts. Amounts are withdrawn from the trusts after the contract obligations are performed. We deposited $23.9 million and $27.4 million into and withdrew $31.6 million and $39.2 million from the trusts during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We deposited $44.8 million and $45.4 million into and withdrew $70.5 million and $74.2 million from the trusts during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Cash flows from preneed funeral contracts are presented as operating cash flows in our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.
     The components of Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments in our condensed consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are as follows:

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    June 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    (In thousands)  
Trust investments, at market
  $ 830,783     $ 848,195  
Cash and cash equivalents
    150,952       194,728  
Insurance-backed fixed income securities
    214,986       201,258  
Receivables from customers
    236,684       225,905  
Unearned finance charge
    (6,219 )     (5,961 )
 
           
 
    1,427,186       1,464,125  
Allowance for cancellation
    (28,683 )     (29,722 )
 
           
Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments
  $ 1,398,503     $ 1,434,403  
 
           
     The cost and market values associated with funeral trust investments recorded at fair market value at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are detailed below. Cost reflects the investment (net of redemptions) of control holders in common trust funds, mutual funds, and private equity investments. Fair market value represents the value of the underlying securities and cash held by the common trust funds, mutual funds at published values, and the estimated market value of private equity investments (including debt as well as the estimated fair value related to the contract holder’s equity in majority-owned real estate investments). The fair market value of such funeral trust investments, in the aggregate, was 95% and 101% of the related cost basis of such investments as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
                                 
    June 30, 2008  
            Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair market  
    Cost     gains     losses     value  
            (In thousands)          
Fixed income securities:
                               
U.S. Treasury
  $ 54,096     $ 439     $ (3,365 )   $ 51,170  
Foreign government
    99,347       539       (503 )     99,383  
Corporate
    21,938       118       (402 )     21,654  
Mortgage-backed
    18,315       172       (1,299 )     17,188  
Asset-backed
    20                   20  
Equity securities:
                               
Preferred stock
    1,354       11       (103 )     1,262  
Common stock
    363,168       7,635       (26,619 )     344,184  
Mutual funds:
                               
Equity
    125,127       1,413       (9,872 )     116,668  
Fixed income
    147,096       2,150       (8,468 )     140,778  
Private equity and other
    53,439       2,244       (8,603 )     47,080  
 
                       
Trust investments
  $ 883,900     $ 14,721     $ (59,234 )   $ 839,387  
 
                       
Less: Assets associated with businesses held for sale
                            (8,604 )
 
                             
 
                          $ 830,783  
 
                             

11


 

                                 
    December 31, 2007  
            Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair market  
    Cost     gains     losses     value  
            (In thousands)          
Fixed income securities:
                               
U.S. Treasury
  $ 79,430     $ 630     $ (378 )   $ 79,682  
Foreign government
    60,330       344       (440 )     60,234  
Corporate
    14,937       206       (233 )     14,910  
Mortgage-backed
    2,670       53       (17 )     2,706  
Asset-backed
    33                   33  
Equity securities:
                               
Preferred stock
    1,581       36       (23 )     1,594  
Common stock
    378,628       12,415       (6,131 )     384,912  
Mutual funds:
                               
Equity
    127,606       3,991       (2,246 )     129,351  
Fixed income
    140,857       3,005       (1,612 )     142,250  
Private equity and other
    43,820       2,815       (5,297 )     41,338  
 
                       
Trust investments
  $ 849,892     $ 23,495     $ (16,377 )   $ 857,010  
 
                       
Less: Assets associated with businesses held for sale
                            (8,815 )
 
                             
 
                          $ 848,195  
 
                             
     Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities held by the common trust funds and mutual funds are classified as Level 1 investments pursuant to the three-level valuation hierarchy provided in SFAS 157. Our investments classified as Level 1 securities include common stock and mutual funds.
     Where quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, then fair values are estimated by using either quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or a fair value model with observable inputs that include a combination of interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, prepayment speeds, rating, and tax exempt status. These securities are United States (U.S.) Treasury, foreign government, corporate, mortgage-backed and asset-backed fixed income securities, and preferred stock equity securities, all of which are classified within Level 2 of the SFAS 157 valuation hierarchy.
     The valuation of private equity and other investments requires significant management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of such assets. The fair value of these investments is estimated based on the market value of the underlying real estate and private equity investments. The underlying real estate value is determined using the most recent available appraisals. Private equity investments are valued using market appraisals or a discounted cash flow methodology depending on the nature of the underlying assets. The appraisals assess value based on a combination of replacement cost, comparative sales analysis, and discounted cash flow analysis. As a result of the adoption of SFAS 157 in the first quarter of 2008, we recorded a $3.5 million decrease in the fair value of our private equity investments held by the funeral trusts to reflect time-based restrictions on the exit from the investments. Such private equity and other investments are included within Level 3 of the SFAS 157 valuation hierarchy.
     The inputs into the fair value of our market-based funeral trust investments are categorized as follows:
                                 
    June 30, 2008
    Quoted   Significant        
    market prices   other   Significant    
    in active   observable   unobservable   Fair market
    markets (Level 1)   inputs (Level 2)   inputs (Level 3)   value
    (In thousands)
Trust investments
  $ 601,630     $ 190,677     $ 47,080     $ 839,387  

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     The change in market-based funeral trust investments with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows (in thousands):
         
Fair market value, January 1, 2008
  $ 37,865  
Total realized and unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income (a)
    9,249  
Purchases, sales, contributions, and distributions, net
    (34 )
 
     
Fair market value, June 30, 2008
  $ 47,080  
 
     
 
(a)   All gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income for funeral trust investments are attributable to non-controlling interest holders and are offset by a corresponding increase (decrease) in Non-controlling interest in funeral and cemetery trusts. See Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further information related to our non-controlling interest in funeral trust investments.
     Maturity dates of the fixed income securities included in trust investments, at market, range from 2008 to 2038. Maturities of fixed income securities included in trust investments, at market, at June 30, 2008 are estimated as follows:
         
    Market  
    (In thousands)  
Due in one year or less
  $ 71,772  
Due in one to five years
    50,693  
Due in five to ten years
    40,243  
Thereafter
    26,707  
 
     
 
  $ 189,415  
 
     
     During the three months ended June 30, 2008, purchases and sales of available-for-sale securities included in trust investments were $55.1 million and $134.1 million, respectively. These sale transactions resulted in $9.5 million and $11.9 million of realized gains and realized losses, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2008. During the three months ended June 30, 2007, purchases and sales of available-for-sale securities included in trust investments were $84.5 million and $127.5 million, respectively. These sale transactions resulted in $23.3 million and $5.7 million of realized gains and realized losses, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2007.
     During the six months ended June 30, 2008, purchases and sales of available-for-sale securities included in trust investments were $190.4 million and $234.8 million, respectively. These sale transactions resulted in $30.3 million and $26.9 million of realized gains and realized losses, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2008. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, purchases and sales of available-for-sale securities included in trust investments were $311.9 million and $195.5 million, respectively. These sale transactions resulted in $32.8 million and $12.1 million of realized gains and realized losses, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
     Earnings from all trust investments are recognized in current funeral revenues when a service is performed, merchandise is delivered, or upon cancellation of the funeral contract. Only the amount we are entitled to retain is recognized when a contract is cancelled. Recognized earnings (realized and unrealized) related to these trust investments were $9.9 million and $10.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Recognized earnings (realized and unrealized) related to these trust investments were $21.1 million and $22.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
     We assess our trust investments for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. Impairment charges, if any, as a result of this assessment are recognized as investment losses and offset by interest income related to non-controlling interest in funeral trust investments in Other income, net in our condensed consolidated statement of operations. As a result of our most recent review at June 30, 2008, we recorded no impairment charges. As a result of our reviews during 2007, we recorded a $3.5 million impairment charge for other-than-temporary declines in fair value related to unrealized losses on certain private equity and other investments. See Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further information related to our non-controlling interest in funeral trust investments.
5. Preneed Cemetery Activities
     Preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments, net of allowance for cancellation, represent trust investments, including investment earnings, and customer receivables, net of unearned finance charges, for contracts sold in advance of when the property interment rights, merchandise, or services are needed. When we, as the primary beneficiary, receive payments from the customer, we

13


 

deposit the amount required by law into the trust and reclassify the corresponding amount from Deferred preneed cemetery revenues, and record the amount into Non-controlling interest in funeral and cemetery trusts. Amounts are withdrawn from the trusts when the contract obligations are performed. We deposited $30.0 million and $30.6 million into and withdrew $41.5 million and $44.2 million from the trusts during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We deposited $55.3 million and $59.2 million into and withdrew $72.7 million and $81.2 million from the trusts during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Cash flows from preneed cemetery contracts are presented as operating cash flows in our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.
     The components of Preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are as follows:
                 
    June 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    (In thousands)  
Trust investments, at market
  $ 982,863     $ 759,215  
Cash and cash equivalents
    155,667       399,301  
Receivables from customers
    350,406       351,409  
Unearned finance charges
    (48,780 )     (47,527 )
 
           
 
    1,440,156       1,462,398  
Allowance for cancellation
    (32,869 )     (34,341 )
 
           
Preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments
  $ 1,407,287     $ 1,428,057  
 
           
     The cost and market values associated with the cemetery merchandise and service trust investments recorded at fair market value at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are detailed below. Cost reflects the investment (net of redemptions) of control holders in common trust funds, mutual funds, and private equity investments. Fair market value represents the value of the underlying securities and cash held by the common trust funds, mutual funds at published values, and the estimated market value of private equity investments (including debt as well as the estimated fair value related to the contract holder’s equity in majority-owned real estate investments). The fair market value of such cemetery trust investments, in the aggregate, was 97% and 104% of the related cost basis of such investments as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
                                 
    June 30, 2008  
            Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair market  
    Cost     gains     losses     value  
            (In thousands)          
Fixed income securities:
                               
U.S. Treasury
  $ 46,049     $ 426     $ (1,892 )   $ 44,583  
Foreign government
    15,375       247       (87 )     15,535  
Corporate
    17,207       161       (293 )     17,075  
Mortgage-backed
    14,275       133       (587 )     13,821  
Equity securities:
                               
Preferred stock
    2,627       24       (108 )     2,543  
Common stock
    508,467       6,996       (22,079 )     493,384  
Mutual funds:
                               
Equity
    259,433       5,169       (13,248 )     251,354  
Fixed income
    182,162       4,152       (6,539 )     179,775  
Private equity and other
    27,623       1,286       (4,654 )     24,255  
 
                       
Trust investments
  $ 1,073,218     $ 18,594     $ (49,487 )   $ 1,042,325  
 
                       
Less: Assets associated with businesses held for sale
                            (59,462 )
 
                             
 
                          $ 982,863  
 
                             
                                 
    December 31, 2007  
            Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair market  
    Cost     gains     losses     value  
            (In thousands)          
Fixed income securities:
                               
U.S. Treasury
  $ 19,371     $ 899     $ (205 )   $ 20,065  
Foreign government
    14,016       296             14,312  
Corporate
    17,297       452       (90 )     17,659  
Equity securities:
                               
Preferred stock
    2,979       144       (33 )     3,090  
Common stock
    402,028       20,923       (5,956 )     416,995  
Mutual funds:
                               
Equity
    182,214       12,905       (2,861 )     192,258  
Fixed income
    126,728       5,535       (1,185 )     131,078  
Private equity and other
    26,124       2,103       (3,493 )     24,734  
 
                       
Trust investments
  $ 790,757     $ 43,257     $ (13,823 )   $ 820,191  
 
                       
Less: Assets associated with businesses held for sale
                            (60,976 )
 
                             
 
                          $ 759,215  
 
                             

14


 

     Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities held by the common trust funds and mutual funds are classified as Level 1 investments pursuant to the three-level valuation hierarchy provided in SFAS 157. Our investments classified as Level 1 securities include common stock and mutual funds.
     Where quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, then fair values are estimated by using either quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or a fair value model with observable inputs that include a combination of interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, prepayment speeds, rating, and tax exempt status. These securities are U.S. Treasury, foreign government, corporate, mortgage-backed and asset-backed fixed income securities, and preferred stock equity securities, all of which are classified within Level 2 of the SFAS 157 valuation hierarchy.
     The valuation of private equity and other investments requires significant management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of such assets. The fair value of these investments is estimated based on the market value of the underlying real estate and private equity investments. The underlying real estate value is determined using the most recent appraisals. Our private equity investments are valued using market appraisals or a discounted cash flow methodology depending on the nature of the underlying assets. The appraisals assess value based on a combination of replacement cost, comparative sales analysis, and discounted cash flow analysis. As a result of the adoption of SFAS 157 in the first quarter of 2008, we recorded a $2.9 million decrease in the fair value of our private equity investments held by the cemetery merchandise and service trusts to reflect time-based restrictions on the exit from the investments. Such private equity and other investments are included within Level 3 of the SFAS 157 valuation hierarchy.
     The inputs into the fair value of our market-based cemetery trust investments are categorized as follows:
                                 
    June 30, 2008
    Quoted            
    market prices   Significant   Significant    
    in active   other observable   unobservable inputs   Fair market
    markets (Level 1)   inputs (Level 2)   (Level 3)   value
            (In thousands)        
Trust investments
  $ 924,513     $ 93,557     $ 24,255     $ 1,042,325  
     The change in market-based cemetery trust investments with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows (in thousands):
         
Fair market value, January 1, 2008
  $ 21,809  
Total realized and unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income (a)
    3,711  
Purchases, sales, contributions, and distributions, net
    (1,265 )
 
     
Fair market value, June 30, 2008
  $ 24,255  
 
     
 
(a)   All gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income for cemetery trust investments are attributable to non-controlling interest holders and are offset by a corresponding increase (decrease) in Non-controlling interest in funeral and cemetery trusts. See Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further information related to our non-controlling interest in cemetery trust investments.
     Maturity dates of the fixed income securities range from 2008 to 2038. Maturities of fixed income securities at June 30, 2008 are estimated as follows:
         
    Market  
    (In thousands)  
Due in one year or less
  $ 1,929  
Due in one to five years
    32,925  
Due in five to ten years
    27,925  
Thereafter
    28,235  
 
     
 
  $ 91,014  
 
     

15


 

     During the three months ended June 30, 2008, purchases and sales of available-for-sale securities included in trust investments were $69.4 million and $143.0 million, respectively. These sale transactions resulted in $11.9 million and $13.3 million of realized gains and realized losses, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2008. During the three months ended June 30, 2007, purchases and sales of available-for-sale securities included in trust investments were $112.7 million and $94.8 million, respectively. These sale transactions resulted in $23.0 million and $5.5 million of realized gains and realized losses, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2007.
     During the six months ended June 30, 2008, purchases and sales of available-for-sale securities included in trust investments were $634.7 million and $247.3 million, respectively. These sale transactions resulted in $23.4 million and $29.8 million of realized gains and realized losses, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2008. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, purchases and sales of available-for-sale securities included in trust investments were $357.0 million and $203.6 million, respectively. These sale transactions resulted in $36.3 million and $12.4 million of realized gains and realized losses, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
     Earnings from all trust investments are recognized in current cemetery revenues when the service is performed, the merchandise is delivered, or upon cancellation of the cemetery contract. Only the amount we are entitled to retain is recognized when a contract is cancelled. Recognized earnings (realized and unrealized) related to these trust investments were $5.1 million and $5.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Recognized earnings (realized and unrealized) related to these trust investments were $9.6 million and $9.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
     We assess our trust investments for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. Impairment charges, if any, as a result of this assessment are recognized as investment losses and offset by interest income related to non-controlling interest in cemetery trust investments in Other income, net in our condensed consolidated statement of operations. As a result of our most recent review at June 30, 2008, we recorded no impairment charges. As a result of our reviews during 2007, we recorded a $3.2 million impairment charge for other-than-temporary declines in fair value related to unrealized losses on certain private equity and other investments. See Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further information related to our non-controlling interest in cemetery trust investments.
6. Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts
     We are required by state or provincial law to pay into cemetery perpetual care trusts a portion of the proceeds from the sale of cemetery property interment rights. As the primary beneficiary of the trusts, we consolidate the cemetery perpetual care trust investments with a corresponding amount recorded as Non-controlling interest in cemetery perpetual care trusts. We deposited $6.1 million and $10.5 million into the trusts and withdrew $9.3 million and $10.3 million from the trusts during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We deposited $11.9 million and $14.6 million into the trusts and withdrew $14.5 million and $18.7 million from the trusts during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Cash flows from cemetery perpetual care contracts are presented as operating cash flows in our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.
     The components of Cemetery perpetual care trust investments in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are as follows:
                 
    June 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    (In thousands)  
Trust investments, at market
  $ 791,686     $ 817,228  
Cash and cash equivalents
    71,598       88,516  
 
           
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments
  $ 863,284     $ 905,744  
 
           
     The cost and market values associated with market-based trust investments held in cemetery perpetual care trusts recorded at fair market value at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are detailed below. Cost reflects the investment (net of redemptions) of control holders in common trust funds, mutual funds, and private equity investments. Fair market value represents the value of the underlying securities and cash held by the common trust funds, mutual funds at published values, and the estimated market value of private equity investments (including debt as well as the estimated fair value related to the contract holder’s equity in majority-owned real estate

16


 

investments). The fair market value of such cemetery perpetual care trust investments, in the aggregate, was 94% and 100% of the related cost basis of such investments as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
                                 
    June 30, 2008  
            Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair market  
    Cost     gains     losses     value  
            (In thousands)          
Fixed income securities:
                               
U.S. Treasury
  $ 5,313     $ 762     $ (252 )   $ 5,823  
Foreign government
    24,568       370       (152 )     24,786  
Corporate
    41,916       154       (1,919 )     40,151  
Mortgage-backed
    3,889       7       (265 )     3,631  
Equity securities:
                               
Preferred stock
    5,166       2       (381 )     4,787  
Common stock
    120,031       3,171       (8,695 )     114,507  
Mutual funds:
                               
Equity
    52,535       154       (4,203 )     48,486  
Fixed income
    572,506       254       (40,157 )     532,603  
Private equity and other
    35,937       1,862       (4,480 )     33,319  
 
                       
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments
  $ 861,861     $ 6,736     $ (60,504 )   $ 808,093  
 
                       
Less: Assets associated with businesses held for sale
                            (16,407 )
 
                             
 
                          $ 791,686  
 
                             
                                 
    December 31, 2007  
            Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair market  
    Cost     gains     losses     value  
            (In thousands)          
Fixed income securities:
                               
U.S. Treasury
  $ 2,647     $ 703     $ (1 )   $ 3,349  
Foreign government
    25,065       789       (13 )     25,841  
Corporate
    42,437       225       (555 )     42,107  
Mortgage-backed
    348       7             355  
Equity securities:
                               
Preferred stock
    2,403       13       (58 )     2,358  
Common stock
    128,815       3,501       (2,840 )     129,476  
Mutual funds:
                               
Equity
    44,221       1,208       (1,003 )     44,426  
Fixed income
    555,509       3,256       (10,714 )     548,051  
Private equity and other
    34,894       3,145       (542 )     37,497  
 
                       
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments
  $ 836,339     $ 12,847     $ (15,726 )   $ 833,460  
 
                       
Less: Assets associated with businesses held for sale
                            (16,232 )
 
                             
 
                          $ 817,228  
 
                             
     Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities held by the common trust funds and mutual funds are classified as Level 1 investments pursuant to the three-level valuation hierarchy provided in SFAS 157. Our investments classified as Level 1 securities include common stock and mutual funds.
     Where quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, then fair values are estimated by using either quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or a fair value model with observable inputs that include a combination of interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, prepayment speeds, rating, and tax exempt status. Examples of such securities are U.S. Treasury, foreign government, corporate, mortgage-backed and asset-backed fixed income securities, and preferred stock equity securities, all of which are classified within Level 2 of the SFAS 157 valuation hierarchy.
     The valuation of private equity and other investments requires significant management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of such assets. The fair value of these investments is estimated based on the market value of the underlying real estate and private equity investments. The underlying real estate value is determined using the most recent appraisals. Our private equity investments are valued using market appraisals or a discounted cash flow methodology depending on the nature of the underlying assets. The appraisals assess value based on a combination of replacement cost, comparative sales analysis, and discounted cash flow analysis. As a result of the adoption of SFAS 157 in the first quarter of 2008, we

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recorded a $4.9 million decrease in the fair value of our private equity investments held by the cemetery perpetual care trusts to reflect time-based restrictions on the exit from the investments. Such private equity and other investments are included within Level 3 of the SFAS 157 valuation hierarchy.
     The inputs into the fair value of our market-based cemetery perpetual care trust investments are categorized as follows:
                                 
    June 30, 2008
    Quoted            
    market prices   Significant   Significant    
    in active   other observable   unobservable inputs   Fair market
    markets (Level 1)   inputs (Level 2)   (Level 3)   value
            (In thousands)        
Trust investments
  $ 695,596     $ 79,178     $ 33,319     $ 808,093  
     The change in market-based cemetery perpetual care trust investments with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows (in thousands):
         
Fair market value, January 1, 2008
  $ 32,644  
Total realized and unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income (a)
    5,101  
Purchases, sales, contributions, and distributions, net
    (4,426 )
 
     
Fair market value, June 30, 2008
  $ 33,319  
 
     
 
(a)   All gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income for cemetery perpetual care trust investments are attributable to non-controlling interest holders and are offset by a corresponding increase (decrease) in Non-controlling interest in cemetery perpetual care trusts. See Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further information related to our non-controlling interest in cemetery perpetual care trust investments.
     Maturity dates of the fixed income securities range from 2008 to 2038. Maturities of fixed income securities at June 30, 2008 are estimated as follows:
         
    Market  
    (In thousands)  
Due in one year or less
  $ 2,704  
Due in one to five years
    38,976  
Due in five to ten years
    13,465  
Thereafter
    19,246  
 
     
 
  $ 74,391  
 
     
     During the three months ended June 30, 2008, purchases and sales of available-for-sale securities in the cemetery perpetual care trusts were $58.3 million and $64.5 million, respectively. These sale transactions resulted in $0.9 million and $0.6 million of realized gains and realized losses, respectively. During the three months ended June 30, 2007, purchases and sales of available-for-sale securities in the cemetery perpetual care trusts were $58.6 million and $51.7 million, respectively. These sales transactions resulted in $18.9 million and $5.0 million of realized gains and realized losses, respectively.
     During the six months ended June 30, 2008, purchases and sales of available-for-sale securities in the cemetery perpetual care trusts were $117.1 million and $125.9 million, respectively. These sale transactions resulted in $10.4 million and $13.6 million of realized gains and realized losses, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, purchases and sales of available-for-sale securities in the cemetery perpetual care trusts were $227.3 million and $94.1 million, respectively. These sales transactions resulted in $24.4 million and $6.2 million of realized gains and realized losses, respectively.
     Distributable earnings from these cemetery perpetual care trust investments are recognized in current cemetery revenues to the extent we incur qualifying cemetery maintenance costs. Recognized earnings related to these cemetery perpetual care trust investments were $10.2 million and $13.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Recognized earnings related to these cemetery perpetual care trust investments were $20.0 million and $25.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
     We assess our trust investments for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. Impairment charges, if any, as a result of this assessment are recognized as investment losses and offset by interest income related to non-controlling interest in

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cemetery perpetual care trust investments in Other income, net in our condensed consolidated statement of operations. As a result of our most recent review at June 30, 2008, we recorded no impairment charges. As a result of our reviews during 2007, we recorded a $1.2 million impairment charge for other-than-temporary declines in fair value related to unrealized losses on certain private equity and other investments. See Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further information related to our non-controlling interest in cemetery perpetual care trust investments.
7. Non-Controlling Interest in Funeral and Cemetery Trusts and in Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts
     We consolidate in our balance sheet the merchandise and service trusts associated with our preneed funeral and cemetery activities in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (revised December 2003 — an interpretation of ARB No. 51” (FIN 46R). Although FIN 46R requires the consolidation of the merchandise and service trusts, it does not change the legal relationships among the trusts, us, or our customers. The customers are the legal beneficiaries of these merchandise and service trusts, and therefore, their interests in these trusts represent a non-controlling interest in subsidiaries.
     The components of Non-controlling interest in funeral and cemetery trusts and Non-controlling interest in cemetery perpetual care trusts in our condensed consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are detailed below.
                                 
    June 30, 2008     June 30, 2008  
    Preneed     Preneed             Cemetery  
    funeral     cemetery     Total     perpetual care  
  (In thousands)
Trust investments, at market value
  $ 830,783     $ 982,863     $ 1,813,646     $ 791,686  
Cash and cash equivalents
    150,952       155,667       306,619       71,598  
Insurance-backed fixed income securities
    214,986             214,986        
Accrued trust operating asset (payable), deferred taxes, and other
    1,452       (2,551 )     (1,099 )     8,383  
 
                       
Non-controlling interest
  $ 1,198,173     $ 1,135,979     $ 2,334,152     $ 871,667  
 
                       
                                 
    December 31, 2007     December 31, 2007  
    Preneed     Preneed             Cemetery  
    funeral     cemetery     Total     perpetual care  
  (In thousands)
Trust investments, at market value
  $ 848,195     $ 759,215     $ 1,607,410     $ 817,228  
Cash and cash equivalents
    194,728       399,301       594,029       88,516  
Insurance-backed fixed income securities
    201,258             201,258        
Accrued trust operating payables, deferred taxes, and other
    (3,737 )     (8,672 )     (12,409 )     846  
 
                       
Non-controlling interest
  $ 1,240,444     $ 1,149,844     $ 2,390,288     $ 906,590  
 
                       
Other Income, Net
     The components of Other income, net in our condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are detailed below. See Notes 4 through 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the amounts related to the funeral, cemetery, and cemetery perpetual care trusts.
                                         
    Three months ended June 30, 2008  
                    Cemetery              
    Funeral     Cemetery     perpetual              
    trusts     trusts     care trusts     Other, net     Total  
                    (In thousands)                  
Realized gains
  $ 9,510     $ 11,959     $ 865     $     $ 22,334  
Realized losses
    (11,892 )     (13,320 )     (638 )           (25,850 )
Interest, dividend, and other ordinary income
    14,902       12,502       9,990             37,394  
Trust expenses and income taxes
    (4,408 )     (10,972 )     (2,386 )           (17,766 )
 
                             
Net trust investment income
    8,112       169       7,831             16,112  
Interest expense related to non-controlling interest in funeral and cemetery trust investments
    (8,112 )     (169 )                 (8,281 )
Interest expense related to non-controlling interest in cemetery perpetual care trust investments
                (7,831 )           (7,831 )
 
                             
Total non-controlling expense
    (8,112 )     (169 )     (7,831 )           (16,112 )
Other income, net
                      1,945       1,945  
 
                             
Total other income, net
  $     $     $     $ 1,945     $ 1,945  
 
                             

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    Six months ended June 30, 2008  
                    Cemetery              
    Funeral     Cemetery     perpetual              
    trusts     trusts     care trusts     Other, net     Total  
                    (In thousands)                  
Realized gains
  $ 30,309     $ 23,414     $ 10,352     $     $ 64,075  
Realized losses (1)
    (26,890 )     (29,811 )     (13,631 )           (70,332 )
Interest, dividend, and other ordinary income
    20,287       16,738       18,376             55,401  
Trust expenses and income taxes
    (9,071 )     (15,394 )     (2,922 )           (27,387 )
 
                             
Net trust investment income (losses)
    14,635       (5,053 )     12,175             21,757  
Interest (expense) income related to non-controlling interest in funeral and cemetery trust investments
    (14,635 )     5,053                   (9,582 )
Interest expense related to non-controlling interest in cemetery perpetual care trust investments
                (12,175 )           (12,175 )
 
                             
Total non-controlling interest (expense) income
    (14,635 )     5,053       (12,175 )           (21,757 )
Other income, net
                      3,117       3,117  
 
                             
Total other income, net
  $     $     $     $ 3,117     $ 3,117  
 
                             
                                         
    Three months ended June 30, 2007  
                    Cemetery              
    Funeral     Cemetery     perpetual              
    trusts     trusts     care trusts     Other, net     Total  
                    (In thousands)                  
Realized gains
  $ 23,236     $ 23,043     $ 18,924     $     $ 65,203  
Realized losses (1)
    (9,226 )     (8,766 )     (6,162 )           (24,154 )
Interest, dividend, and other ordinary income
    6,540       7,085       12,371             25,996  
Trust expenses and income taxes
    (2,331 )     (4,869 )     (1,393 )           (8,593 )
 
                             
Net trust investment income
    18,219       16,493       23,740             58,452  
Interest expense related to non-controlling interest in funeral and cemetery trust investments
    (18,219 )     (16,493 )                 (34,712 )
Interest expense related to non-controlling interest in cemetery perpetual care trust investments
                (23,740 )           (23,740 )
 
                             
Total non-controlling interest expense
    (18,219 )     (16,493 )     (23,740 )           (58,452 )
Other income, net
                      1,755       1,755  
 
                             
Total other income, net
  $     $     $     $ 1,755     $ 1,755  
 
                             
                                         
    Six months ended June 30, 2007  
                    Cemetery              
    Funeral     Cemetery     perpetual              
    trusts     trusts     care trusts     Other, net     Total  
                    (In thousands)                  
Realized gains
  $ 32,751     $ 36,337     $ 24,432     $     $ 93,520  
Realized losses (1)
    (15,637 )     (15,619 )     (7,383 )           (38,639 )
Interest, dividend, and other ordinary income
    11,651       14,693       22,319             48,663  
Trust expenses and income taxes
    (5,379 )     (8,391 )     (2,387 )           (16,157 )
 
                             
Net trust investment income
    23,386       27,020       36,981             87,387  
Interest expense related to non-controlling interest in funeral and cemetery trust investments
    (23,386 )     (27,020 )                 (50,406 )
Interest expense related to non-controlling interest in cemetery perpetual care trust investments
                (36,981 )           (36,981 )
 
                             
Total non-controlling interest expense
    (23,386 )     (27,020 )     (36,981 )           (87,387 )
Other expense, net
                      1,138       1,138  
 
                             
Total other income, net
  $     $     $     $ 1,138     $ 1,138  
 
                             
(1) Realized losses include impairment charges for other-than-temporary declines in fair value of $3.5 million for funeral trusts, $3.2 million for cemetery trusts, and $1.2 million for cemetery perpetual care trusts. See Notes 4 through 6 for additional information.
8. Income Taxes
     Income tax expense during interim periods is based on the estimated annual effective income tax rate plus any discrete items which are recorded in the period that the specific item occurs. Discrete items include such events as accrual true-ups to tax returns, tax audit settlements, and other infrequently occurring or unusual events occurring in a given quarter. For the three months ended June 30, 2008, income tax expense was approximately 39% of pre-tax income and for the six months ended June 30, 2008, income tax expense was approximately 38% of pretax income. Variances in our estimated annual effective tax rate from the 35% federal statutory rate primarily result from the effect of discrete adjustments, state and Canadian income taxes and estimated permanent differences. Specific items which affected income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2008 included a return to accrual adjustment on our 2007 Canadian income tax returns which were filed during the second -quarter, accrued interest on contingent tax liabilities recorded under FIN 48, and permanent differences between the book basis and tax basis of asset dispositions.
     At June 30, 2008 we had approximately $148 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits. If all unrecognized benefits were recognized, approximately $41 million would impact our effective tax rate in future periods. Both of the amounts have increased over the corresponding amount that existed at December 31, 2007 as a result of accrual of interest and penalties associated with our unrecognized tax benefits noted above.
     We file numerous US federal, state and foreign income tax returns. A number of years may elapse before particular tax matters, for which we have unrecognized tax benefits, are audited and finally settled. In the United States, the Internal Revenue Service has recently completed its field work for tax years 1999 through 2002 and is currently auditing tax years 2003 through 2005. Various state and foreign jurisdictions are auditing years through 2005. It is reasonably possible that one or more of the multi-jurisdictional audits will be settled by December 31, 2008 and if favorably resolved could result in a significant reduction in the amount of our unrecognized tax benefits.

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9. Debt
     Debt as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was as follows:
                 
    June 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    (In thousands)  
6.5% notes due March 2008
  $     $ 45,209  
7.7% notes due April 2009
    28,731       28,731  
7.875% debentures due February 2013
    55,627       55,627  
7.375% senior notes due October 2014
    250,000       250,000  
6.75% notes due April 2015
    200,000       200,000  
6.75% notes due April 2016
    250,000       250,000  
7.0% notes due June 2017
    300,000       300,000  
7.625% senior notes due October 2018
    250,000       250,000  
7.5% notes due April 2027
    200,000       200,000  
Revolving credit facility due November 2011
    45,000        
Series B senior notes due November 2011
    150,000       150,000  
Convertible debentures, maturities through 2013, fixed interest rates at 5.00% conversion prices from $13.02 to $50.00 per share
    4,175       4,175  
Obligations under capital leases
    112,574       112,507  
Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050
    38,631       15,742  
Unamortized pricing discounts and other
    (4,938 )     (5,291 )
 
           
Total debt
  $ 1,879,800     $ 1,856,700  
Less current maturities
    (51,289 )     (36,594 )
 
           
Total long-term debt
  $ 1,828,511     $ 1,820,106  
 
           
     Current maturities of debt at June 30, 2008 were comprised primarily of capital leases and our 7.7% Notes due April 2009. Our consolidated debt had a weighted average interest rate of 6.77% at June 30, 2008 and 7.09% at December 31, 2007. Approximately 86% and 89% of our total debt had a fixed interest rate at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
Revolving Credit Facility
     Our revolving credit facility matures in November 2011 and provides a total lending commitment of $300.0 million, including a sublimit of $175.0 million for letters of credit. In March 2008, we utilized $45.0 million of the credit facility to repay our 6.5% notes due March 2008. As of June 30, 2008, we have also used the credit facility to support $53.7 million of letters of credit. The credit facility provides us with flexibility for working capital, if needed, and is guaranteed by our domestic subsidiaries. The subsidiary guaranty is a guaranty of payment of the outstanding amount of the total lending commitment. It covers the term of the credit facility, including extensions, and totaled a maximum potential amount of $98.7 million at June 30, 2008. The credit facility contains certain financial covenants, including a minimum interest coverage ratio, a maximum leverage ratio, maximum capital expenditure limitations, and certain cash distribution and share repurchase restrictions. We also pay a quarterly fee on the unused commitment, which ranges from 0.25% to 0.50%.
Debt Issuances and Additions
     During the six months ended June 30, 2008, we entered into loan agreements with financial institutions totaling $31.0 million. The proceeds, which are included in mortgage notes and other debt, were used for deposits related to certain transportation vehicles.
     In the three months ended June 30, 2007, we completed a private offering of $400.0 million aggregate principal unsecured senior notes, consisting of $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% Senior Notes due 2015 and $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.50% Senior notes due 2027. We are entitled to redeem the notes at any time by paying a make-whole premium. The notes are subject to the provisions of our Senior Indenture dated as of February 1, 1993, as amended, which includes covenants limiting, among other things, the creation of liens securing the indebtedness and certain sale-leaseback transactions. We used the net proceeds from the offering to fund the closing of the tender offers for our 6.50% Notes due 2008 and 7.70% Notes due 2009 as further discussed below and for general corporate purposes.
Debt Extinguishments and Reductions
     In the three months ended March 31, 2008, we repaid $45.2 million aggregate principal amount of our 6.50% notes due March 2008. There was no gain or loss recognized as a result of this repayment.

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     In the three months ended March 31, 2007, we repaid $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of our term loan. As a result of this transaction, we recognized a loss of $2.4 million recorded in Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net in our condensed consolidated statement of operations, which represents the write-off of unamortized deferred loan costs of $1.7 million and a $0.7 million premium to early extinguish the debt.
     In the three months ended June 30, 2007, we purchased $149.8 million aggregate principal amount of our 6.50% Notes due 2008 and $173.8 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.70% Notes due 2009 in a tender offer. In connection with the repurchase of the notes, we recognized a Loss on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $12.1 million, which represents the write-off of unamortized deferred loan costs of $0.4 million, a $1.0 million loss on a related interest rate hedge, and $10.7 million in premiums paid to extinguish the debt.
Capital Leases
     In the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, we acquired $14.3 million and $23.9 million, respectively, of transportation vehicles and other assets using capital leases.
10. Retirement Plans
     The components of net periodic pension plan benefit cost for the three and six months ended June 30 were as follows:
                                 
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)     (In thousands)  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
  $ 422     $ 2,083     $ 785     $ 4,166  
Actual return on plan assets
          (909 )           (1,935 )
Amortization of prior service cost
          46             92  
 
                       
 
  $ 422     $ 1,220     $ 785     $ 2,323  
 
                       
11. Share-Based Compensation
Stock Benefit Plans
     We utilize the Black-Scholes valuation model for estimating the fair value of our stock options. This model allows the use of a range of assumptions related to volatility, the risk-free interest rate, the expected life, and the dividend yield. The fair values of our stock options are calculated using the following weighted average assumptions for the six months ended June 30, 2008:
         
    Six months ended
Assumptions   June 30, 2008
Dividend yield
    1.3 %
Expected volatility
    45.9 %
Risk-free interest rate
    2.9 %
Expected holding period
  5.7 years
Stock Options
     The following table sets forth stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2008:
                 
            Weighted-average
    Options   exercise price
Outstanding at December 31, 2007
    13,568,445     $ 6.25  
Granted
    1,422,600       11.59  
Exercised
    (947,202 )     3.79  
Expired
    (7,263 )     29.82  
 
               
Outstanding at June 30, 2008
    14,036,580     $ 6.95  
 
               
Exercisable at June 30, 2008
    10,631,099     $ 5.71  
 
               

22


 

     As of June 30, 2008, the unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options of $11.3 million is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years.
Restricted Shares
     Restricted share activity for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was as follows:
                 
            Weighted-average
    Restricted   grant-date
    shares   fair value
Nonvested restricted shares at December 31, 2007
    674,576     $ 9.04  
Granted
    290,000       11.61  
Vested
    (362,134 )     8.36  
 
               
Nonvested restricted shares at June 30, 2008
    602,442     $ 10.69  
 
               
12. Stockholders’ Equity
     Our components of Accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:
                         
    Foreign             Accumulated  
    currency     Unrealized     other  
    translation     gains and     comprehensive  
    adjustment     losses     income  
            (in thousands)          
Balance at December 31, 2007
  $ 152,590     $     $ 152,590  
Activity in 2008
    (17,147 )           (17,147 )
Decrease in net unrealized gains associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts
          (142,954 )     (142,954 )
Reclassification of unrealized loss activity attributable to the non-controlling interest holders
          142,954       142,954  
 
                 
Balance at June 30, 2008
  $ 135,443     $     $ 135,443  
 
                 
     The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rate. The U.S. dollar amount that arises from such translation, as well as exchange gains and losses on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature, are included in the cumulative currency translation adjustments in Accumulated other comprehensive income. Income taxes are generally not provided on foreign currency translation adjustments. Included in the decrease in net unrealized gains associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts and offset in the reclassification of unrealized loss activity attributable to the non-controlling interest holders are $9.9 million of unrealized losses attributable to the initial adoption of SFAS 157. See Note 4-6 for further discussion.
     The components of comprehensive income are as follows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007:
                                 
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)     (In thousands)  
Comprehensive income:
                               
Net income
  $ 31,397     $ 15,118     $ 72,916     $ 52,760  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    4,959       37,190       (17,147 )     41,596  
 
                       
Comprehensive income
  $ 36,356     $ 52,308     $ 55,769     $ 94,356  
 
                       
Cash Dividends
     On May 14, 2008, our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $.04 per common share. At June 30, 2008, this dividend totaling $10.3 million was recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Capital in excess of par value in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. This dividend was paid on July 31, 2008.

23


 

Share Repurchase Program
     Subject to market conditions, normal trading restrictions, and limitations in our debt covenants, we may make purchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions under our stock repurchase program. In the six months ended June 30, 2008, we repurchased 7.0 million shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $79.5 million and an average cost per share of $11.34. After these purchases, the remaining dollar value of shares authorized to be purchased under the share repurchase program was approximately $66.1 million at June 30, 2008.
13. Segment Reporting
     Our operations are both product based and geographically based, and the reportable operating segments presented below include our funeral and cemetery operations. Our geographic areas include United States and Foreign.
     Foreign operations consists of our operations in Canada and Germany. We conduct both funeral and cemetery operations in the United States and Canada and funeral operations in Germany.
     Our reportable segment information is as follows:
                         
                    Reportable
    Funeral   Cemetery   segments
            (In thousands)        
Three months ended June 30,
                       
Revenues from external customers:
                       
2008
  $ 363,262     $ 185,520     $ 548,782  
2007
  $ 375,852     $ 189,640     $ 565,492  
Gross profit:
                       
2008
  $ 72,372     $ 34,988     $ 107,360  
2007
  $ 70,490     $ 32,749     $ 103,239  
Six months ended June 30,
                       
Revenues from external customers:
                       
2008
  $ 768,841     $ 353,392     $ 1,122,233  
2007
  $ 798,696     $ 374,351     $ 1,173,047  
Gross profit:
                       
2008
  $ 180,919     $ 64,038     $ 244,957  
2007
  $ 172,735     $ 71,487     $ 244,222  
     The following table reconciles gross profit from reportable segments to our consolidated income from continuing operations before income taxes:
                                 
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)     (In thousands)  
Gross profit from reportable segments
  $ 107,360     $ 103,239     $ 244,957     $ 244,222  
General and administrative expenses
    (21,658 )     (30,159 )     (46,733 )     (65,387 )
(Loss) gain on divestitures and impairment charges, net
    (3,858 )     9,743       (15,904 )     2,063  
Other operating income, net
    1,691             585        
 
                       
Operating income
    83,535       82,823       182,905       180,898  
Interest expense
    (33,311 )     (36,165 )     (67,380 )     (73,762 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
          (12,122 )           (14,480 )
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
          5,559             6,270  
Other income, net
    1,945       1,755       3,117       1,138  
 
                       
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ 52,169     $ 41,850     $ 118,642     $ 100,064  
 
                       

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     Our geographic area information is as follows:
                         
    United        
    States   Foreign   Total
            (In thousands)        
Three months ended June 30,
                       
Revenues from external customers:
                       
2008
  $ 492,297     $ 56,485     $ 548,782  
2007
  $ 519,596     $ 45,896     $ 565,492  
(Loss) gain on divestitures and impairment charges, net:
                       
2008
  $ (3,333 )   $ (525 )   $ (3,858 )
2007
  $ 10,279     $ (536 )   $ 9,743  
Operating income:
                       
2008
  $ 70,649     $ 12,886     $ 83,535  
2007
  $ 81,400     $ 1,423     $ 82,823  
Six months ended June 30,
                       
Revenues from external customers:
                       
2008
  $ 1,011,344     $ 110,889     $ 1,122,233  
2007
  $ 1,080,888     $ 92,159     $ 1,173,047  
(Loss) gain on divestitures and impairment charges, net:
                       
2008
  $ (12,871 )   $ (3,033 )   $ (15,904 )
2007
  $ 2,576     $ (513 )   $ 2,063  
Operating income:
                       
2008
  $ 160,378     $ 22,527     $ 182,905  
2007
  $ 175,610     $ 5,288     $ 180,898  
14. Supplementary Information
     The detail of certain income statement accounts as presented in the condensed consolidated statement of operations is as follows for the three and six months ended June 30:
                                 
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)     (In thousands)  
Merchandise revenues:
                               
Funeral
  $ 118,312     $ 127,164     $ 252,533     $ 273,898  
Cemetery
    129,021       128,810       237,453       248,262  
 
                       
Total merchandise revenues
    247,333       255,974       489,986       522,160  
Services revenues:
                               
Funeral
    229,542       236,197       489,052       502,157  
Cemetery
    47,862       52,703       98,912       109,462  
 
                       
Total services revenues
    277,404       288,900       587,964       611,619  
 
                       
Other revenues
    24,045       20,618       44,283       39,268  
 
                       
Total revenues
  $ 548,782     $ 565,492     $ 1,122,233     $ 1,173,047  
 
                       
Merchandise costs and expenses:
                               
Funeral
  $ 61,239     $ 64,278     $ 129,902     $ 135,930  
Cemetery
    58,321       55,357       104,697       102,021  
 
                       
Total cost of merchandise
    119,560       119,635       234,599       237,951  
Services costs and expenses:
                               
Funeral
    113,538       122,335       225,616       241,241  
Cemetery
    28,170       29,348       55,349       57,184  
 
                       
Total cost of services
    141,708       151,683       280,965       298,425  
 
                       
Overhead and other expenses
    180,154       190,935       361,712       392,449  
 
                       
Total costs and expenses
  $ 441,422     $ 462,253     $ 877,276     $ 928,825  
 
                       

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15. Commitments and Contingencies
Representations and Warranties
     As of June 30, 2008, we have contingent obligations of $36.1 million (of which $26.6 million is reflected in our condensed consolidated financial statements as a liability) resulting from our previous international asset sales and joint venture transactions. In some cases, we have agreed to guarantee certain representations and warranties made in such divestiture transactions with letters of credit or interest-bearing cash investments. We have interest-bearing cash investments of $25.6 million included in Deferred charges and other assets collateralizing certain of these contingent obligations. We believe it is remote that we will ultimately be required to fund third-party claims against these representations and warranties in excess of the carrying value of our recorded liability.
     In 2004, we disposed of our funeral operations in France to a newly formed, third-party company. As a result of this sale, we recognized certain Euro-denominated contractual obligations related to representations, warranties, and other indemnifications. The remaining obligation related to these indemnifications is as follows:
                   
        Maximum potential Carrying
        amount of future value as of
    Time limit   payments     June 30, 2008
              (In thousands)
Litigation provision
  Until entire resolution of (i) the relevant claims or (ii) settlement of the claim by the purchaser at the request of the vendor   (1)     15,117  
VAT taxes
  One month after expiration of the statutory period of limitations   (1)       5,688  
Other
  Until entire resolution of (i) the relevant claims or (ii) settlement of the claim by the purchaser at the request of the vendor   (1)       4,266  
 
                 
Total
            $ 25,071  
Less: Deductible of majority equity owner
              (2,471 )
 
                 
 
              $ 22,600  
 
                 
 
(1)   The potential maximum exposure for these three items combined is 60 million or $94.8 million at June 30, 2008.
     During the six months ended June 30, 2008, we released certain value-added tax (VAT) indemnifications and tax reserve liabilities related to our former French operations as a result of the expiration of the statutory period of limitations. In addition, we applied certain litigation and other claims against the deductible of the majority owner, and we increased the recorded amount of certain other litigation reserves. These transactions, which after consideration of related foreign currency translation effects resulted in a $1.0 million reduction of our carrying value of the obligation, were recorded in (Loss) gain on divestitures and impairment charges, net in the three and six months ended June 30, 2008.
Litigation
     We are a party to various litigation matters, investigations, and proceedings. For each of our outstanding legal matters, we evaluate the merits of the case, our exposure to the matter, possible legal or settlement strategies, and the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome. We intend to defend ourselves in the lawsuits described herein; however, if we determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated, we establish accruals we deem appropriate. We hold certain insurance policies that may reduce cash outflows with respect to an adverse outcome of certain of these litigation matters. We accrue such insurance recoveries when they become probable of being paid and can be reasonably estimated.
     Conley Investment Counsel v. Service Corporation International, et al.; Civil Action 04-MD-1609; In the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, a consolidation of three cases that were filed in 2003 and 2004 (“2003 Securities Lawsuit”). The 2003 Securities Lawsuit names as defendants SCI and several of SCI’s current and former executive officers or directors. It is a purported class action alleging that the defendants failed to disclose the unlawful treatment of human remains and gravesites at two cemeteries in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Florida. No discovery has occurred, and we cannot quantify our ultimate liability, if any, for the payment of damages.
     Burial Practices Claims. We are named as a defendant in various lawsuits alleging improper burial practices at certain of our cemetery locations. These lawsuits include the Valls and Garcia lawsuits described in the following paragraphs.
     Maria Valls, Pedro Valls and Roberto Valls, on behalf of themselves and all other similarly situated v. SCI Funeral Services of Florida, Inc. d/b/a Memorial Plan a/k/a Flagler Memorial Park, John Does and Jane Does; Case No. 23693CA08; In the Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade County, Florida (“Valls Lawsuit”). The Valls Lawsuit was filed December 5, 2005, and named a subsidiary of SCI as a defendant. The plaintiffs allege the defendants improperly handled remains, did not keep adequate records of interments, and engaged in various other improprieties in connection with the operation of the cemetery. Although the plaintiffs seek to certify as a class all family members of persons buried at the cemetery, the court has dismissed plaintiffs’ class action allegations with prejudice. Plaintiffs appeal the ruling. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief and have reserved the right to seek leave from the court to claim punitive damages. We cannot quantify our ultimate liability, if any, for the payment of any damages.
     Reyvis Garcia, Alicia Garcia, et al. v. Alderwoods Group, Inc., Osiris Holding of Florida, Inc, a Florida corporation, d/b/a Graceland Memorial Park South, f/k/a Paradise Memorial Gardens, Inc., et al. was filed in December 2004, in the Circuit Court of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade County, Florida, Case No.: 04-25646 CA 32. The Garcias are the son and sister of the decedent, Eloisa Garcia, who was buried at Graceland Memorial Park South in March 1986, when the cemetery was owned by Paradise Memorial Gardens, Inc. Initially, the suit sought damages on the individual claims of the Garcias relating to the burial of Eloisa Garcia. The Garcias claimed that due to poor record keeping, maps, and the fact that the family could not afford to purchase a marker for the grave, the burial location of the decedent could not be readily located. Subsequently, the decedent’s grave was located and verified. In July 2006, plaintiffs amended their complaint, seeking to certify a class of all persons buried at this cemetery whose burial sites cannot be located. Plaintiffs subsequently filed amended class action complaints and added additional named plaintiffs. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified monetary damages, as well as equitable and injunctive relief. No class has been certified in this matter. We cannot quantify our ultimate liability, if any, for the payment of any damages.
     Funeral Regulations Lawsuits. We are named as a defendant in various lawsuits alleging violations of federal and state funeral related regulations and/or statutes, including the Baudino and Sanchez lawsuits described in the following paragraphs.
     Mary Louise Baudino, et al. v. Service Corporation International, et al. was filed in November 2004 in Los Angeles County Superior Court; Case No. BC324007 (“Baudino Lawsuit”). The Baudino Lawsuit was initially filed as a putative nationwide class action brought on behalf of all persons, entities, and organizations who purchased funeral services from SCI. Plaintiffs allege that funeral related regulations and/or statutes (“Rules”) required us to disclose our markups on all items obtained from third parties in connection with funeral service contracts and that the failure to make certain disclosures of markups resulted in breach of contract and other legal claims. The plaintiffs seek to recover an unspecified amount of monetary damages as well as attorneys’ fees, costs, and interest. We deny all of the claims and deny that the plaintiffs have standing to sue for violations of the Rules. On September 15, 2006, the trial court granted our motion for summary judgment on the merits. Plaintiffs are appealing the summary judgment ruling.
     Richard Sanchez et al. v. Alderwoods Group, Inc. et al. was filed in February 2005 in the Superior Court of the State of California, for the County of Los Angeles, Central District; Case No. BC328962. Plaintiffs seek to certify a nationwide class on behalf of all consumers who purchased funeral goods and services from Alderwoods. Plaintiffs allege in essence that the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule requires Alderwoods to disclose its markups on all items obtained from third parties in connection with funeral service contracts. Plaintiffs allege further that Alderwoods has failed to make such disclosures. Plaintiffs seek to recover an unspecified amount of monetary damages, attorney’s fees, costs, and unspecified “injunctive and declaratory relief.” This case is substantially similar to the Baudino Lawsuit, and we expect that the outcome of this case will be governed by the law applied in the Baudino Lawsuit.

26


 

     Antitrust Claims. We are named as a defendant in two related class action antitrust cases filed in 2005. The first case is Cause No. 4:05-CV-03394; Funeral Consumers Alliance, Inc. v. Service Corporation International, et al.; In the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas — Houston (“Funeral Consumers Case”). This is a purported class action on behalf of casket consumers throughout the United States alleging that we and several other companies involved in the funeral industry violated federal antitrust laws and state consumer laws by engaging in various anti-competitive conduct associated with the sale of caskets.
     The second case is Cause No. 4:05-CV-03399; Pioneer Valley Casket, et al. v. Service Corporation International, et al.; In the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas — Houston Division (“Pioneer Valley Case”). This lawsuit makes the same allegations as the Funeral Consumers Case and is also brought against several other companies involved in the funeral industry. Unlike the Funeral Consumers Case, the Pioneer Valley Case is a purported class action on behalf of all independent casket distributors that are in the business or were in the business any time between July 18, 2001 to the present.
     The Funeral Consumers Case and the Pioneer Valley Case seek injunctions, monetary damages, and treble damages. The plaintiffs in the Funeral Consumers Case filed an expert report indicating that the damages sought from all defendants range from approximately $950 million to $1.5 billion, before trebling. Additionally, the plaintiffs in the Pioneer Valley Case filed an expert report indicating that the damages sought from all defendants would be approximately $99 million, before trebling. We deny that we engaged in anticompetitive practices related to our casket sales and intend to vigorously contest these claims and plaintiffs’ damages reports. In both cases, we have filed reports of our experts which vigorously dispute the validity of the plaintiffs’ damages theories and calculations. We cannot quantify our ultimate liability, if any, for the payment of damages.
     In addition to the Funeral Consumers Case and the Pioneer Valley Case, we received Civil Investigative Demands, dated August 2005 and February 2006, from the Attorney General of Maryland on behalf of itself and other state attorneys general, who have commenced an investigation of alleged anticompetitive practices in the funeral industry. We have also received similar Civil Investigative Demands from the Attorneys General of Florida and Connecticut.
     Wage and Hour Claims. We are named a defendant in various lawsuits alleging violations of federal and state laws regulating wage and hour overtime pay, including the lawsuits described in the following paragraphs.
     Prise, et al., v. Alderwoods Group, Inc., and Service Corporation International; Cause No. 06-164; In the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (the “Wage and Hour Lawsuit”). The Wage and Hour Lawsuit was filed by two former Alderwoods (Pennsylvania), Inc., employees in December 2006 and purports to have been brought under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) on behalf of all Alderwoods and SCI-affiliated employees who performed work for which they were not fully compensated, including work for which overtime pay was owed. The court has conditionally certified a class of claims as to certain job positions for Alderwoods employees.
     Plaintiffs allege causes of action for violations of the FLSA, failure to maintain proper records, breach of contract, violations of state wage and hour laws, unjust enrichment, fraud and deceit, quantum meruit, negligent misrepresentation, and negligence. Plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, unpaid wages, liquidated, compensatory, consequential and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, and pre- and post-judgment interest. We cannot quantify our ultimate liability, if any, in this lawsuit.
     Bryant, et al. v. Alderwoods Group, Inc., Service Corporation International, et al.; Case No. 3:07-CV-5696-SI; In the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. This lawsuit was filed on November 8, 2007 against SCI and various subsidiaries and individuals. It is related to the Wage and Hour Lawsuit, raising similar claims and brought by the same attorneys. This lawsuit has been transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and is now Case No. 08-CV-00891-JFC. We cannot quantify our ultimate liability, if any, in this lawsuit.
     Bryant, et al. v. Service Corporation International, et al.; Case No. RG-07359593; and Helm, et al. v. AWGI & SCI ; Case No. RG-07359602; In the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Almeda. These cases were filed on December 5, 2007 by counsel for plaintiffs in the Wage and Hour Lawsuit. These cases assert state law claims like those previously dismissed in the Wage and Hour Lawsuit. These cases were removed to federal court in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco/Oakland Division. The Bryant case is now Case No. 3:08-CV-01190-SI and the Helm case is now Case No. 3:08-CV-01184-SI. We cannot quantify our ultimate liability, if any, in this lawsuit.
     Stickle, et al. v. Service Corporation International, et al.; Case No. 08-CV-83; In the U.S. District Court for Arizona, Phoenix Division. Counsel for plaintiffs in the Wage and Hour Lawsuit filed this case on January 17, 2008, against SCI and various related entities and individuals asserting FLSA and other ancillary claims based on the alleged failure to pay for overtime. Plaintiffs seek the same class notice to SCI and related entities that were rejected by the Court in the Wage and Hour Lawsuit. We cannot quantify our ultimate liability, if any, in this lawsuit.
     Ordaz, et al. v. Rose Hills Mortuary, L.P., et al.; Case No. BC 386500; In the Superior Court of the State of California, for the County of Los Angeles. This case was filed on February 28, 2008 as a purported class action against our Rose Hills location asserting claims based on various violations of California law relating to the payment of wages and work hours.
     The ultimate outcome of the matters described above cannot be determined at this time. We intend to aggressively defend all of the above lawsuits; however, an adverse decision in one or more of such matters could have a material adverse effect on us, our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
16. Earnings Per Share
     Basic earnings per common share (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other obligations to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common shares that then shared in our earnings.
     A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations is presented below:
                                 
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (In thousands, except per     (In thousands, except per  
    share amounts)     share amounts)  
Income from continuing operations (numerator):
                               
Income from continuing operations — basic
  $ 31,774     $ 12,909     $ 73,278     $ 47,626  
After tax interest on convertible debt
    13             25        
 
                       
Income from continuing operations — diluted
  $ 31,787     $ 12,909     $ 73,303     $ 47,626  
 
                       
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax (numerator)
  $ (377 )   $ 2,209     $ (362 )   $ 5,134  
Net income (numerator):
                               
Net income — basic
  $ 31,397     $ 15,118     $ 72,916     $ 52,760  
After tax interest on convertible debt
    13             25        
 
                       
Net income — diluted
  $ 31,410     $ 15,118     $ 72,941     $ 52,760  
 
                       
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average shares — basic
    259,034       290,577       259,919       291,941  
Stock options
    3,356       5,361       3,543       5,318  
Restricted stock
    64       186       129       221  
Convertible debt
    121             121        
 
                       
Weighted average shares — diluted
    262,575       296,124       263,712       297,480  
 
                       
Income from continuing operations per share:
                               
Basic
  $ .12     $ .04     $ .28     $ .16  
Diluted
  $ .12     $ .04     $ .28     $ .16  
 
                       
Income from discontinued operations per share, net of tax:
                               
Basic
  $     $ .01     $     $ .02  
Diluted
  $     $ .01     $     $ .02  
 
                       
Net income per share:
                               
Basic
  $ .12     $ .05     $ .28     $ .18  
Diluted
  $ .12     $ .05     $ .28     $ .18  
 
                       

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     The computation of diluted EPS excludes outstanding stock options and convertible debt in certain periods in which the inclusion of such options and debt would be antidilutive in the periods presented. Total options and convertible debentures not currently included in the computation of dilutive EPS are as follows (in shares):
                                 
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)     (In thousands)  
Antidilutive options
    3,526       1,622       1,544       1,559  
Antidilutive convertible debentures
    52       307       52       312  
 
                       
Total common stock equivalents excluded from computation
    3,578       1,929       1,596       1,871  
 
                       
17. Divestiture-Related Activities
     As divestitures occur in the normal course of business, gains or losses on the sale of such businesses are recognized in the income statement line item (Loss) gain on divestitures and impairment charges, net, including adjustments to contingent obligations and other estimated amounts which are recognized in periods subsequent to the period of divestment.
     (Loss) gain on divestitures and impairment charges, net consists of the following for the three and six months ended June 30:
                                 
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)     (In thousands)  
Gain (loss) on divestitures, net
  $ 604   $ 28,851     $ (8,471 )   $ 21,206  
Impairment losses
    (4,462 )     (19,108 )     (7,433 )     (19,143 )
 
                       
 
  $ (3,858 )   $ 9,743     $ (15,904 )   $ 2,063  
 
                       

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Assets Held for Sale
     We have committed to a plan to sell certain operating properties. As a result, these properties have been classified as assets held for sale in our June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 condensed consolidated balance sheets.
     Net assets held for sale were as follows:
                 
    June 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    (In thousands)  
Assets:
               
Current assets
  $ 1,805     $ 2,294  
Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments
    9,624       9,944  
Preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments
    62,872       64,751  
Cemetery property
    7,639       9,341  
Property and equipment, at cost
    12,454       9,968  
Deferred charges and other assets
    12,003       12,390  
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments
    16,407       16,232  
 
           
Total assets
    122,804       124,920  
 
           
Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    201       149  
Deferred preneed funeral revenues
    7,913       8,388  
Deferred preneed cemetery revenues
    65,190       67,141  
Other liabilities
    144       167  
Non-controlling interest in cemetery perpetual care trusts
    16,407       16,232  
 
           
Total liabilities
    89,855       92,077  
 
           
Net assets held for sale
  $ 32,949     $ 32,843  
 
           
Discontinued Operations
     As part of the Alderwoods transaction, we acquired an insurance subsidiary that we sold in the third quarter of 2007. Accordingly, the operations of this entity are classified as discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007. In addition, in the second quarter of 2008, we settled an outstanding contingency related to the 2005 divestiture of our operations in Argentina. The loss related to this transaction is included in discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008.
     The results of our discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:
                                 
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)     (In thousands)  
Revenues
  $     $ 17,162     $     $ 42,626  
Costs and other expenses
          (14,646 )           (36,448 )
Other income
          916             916  
Loss on divestitures and impairment charges, net
    (572 )           (557 )      
 
                       
(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes
    (572 )     3,432       (557 )     7,094  
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
    195       (1,223 )     195       (1,960 )
 
                       
(Loss) income from discontinued operations
  $ (377 )   $ 2,209     $ (362 )   $ 5,134  
 
                       
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The Company
     We are North America’s leading provider of deathcare products and services, with a network of funeral homes and cemeteries unequalled in geographic scale and reach. At June 30, 2008, we operated 1,328 funeral service locations and 379 cemeteries (including 209 combination locations) in North America, which are geographically diversified across 43 states, eight Canadian provinces, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Our funeral segment also includes the operations of 12 funeral homes in Germany that we intend to exit when economic values and conditions are conducive to a sale. As part of the Alderwoods Group, Inc.

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(Alderwoods) transaction in the fourth quarter of 2006, we acquired Mayflower National Life Insurance Company (Mayflower), an insurance business that we sold in July 2007. The operations of this business through the date of sale are presented as discontinued operations in our condensed consolidated statement of operations.
     We currently have approximately $66.1 million authorized to repurchase our common stock. Our financial stability is further enhanced by our $6.8 billion backlog of future revenues from both trust and insurance funded sales at June 30, 2008, which is the result of preneed funeral and cemetery sales. We believe we have the financial strength and flexibility to reward shareholders through dividends while maintaining a prudent capital structure and pursuing new opportunities for profitable growth.
Strategies for Growth
     We are confident about our competitive position, our financial strength, and our ability to further our principal strategies to generate profitable growth over the long-term. These strategies are as follows:
  Target our customer;
 
  Drive operating discipline and leverage our scale; and
 
  Manage and grow the footprint.
     For additional information on these strategies, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Capital Allocation Considerations
     We rely on cash flow from operations as a significant source of liquidity. In addition, we have approximately $201.3 million in borrowing capacity under our 5-year, $300.0 million revolving credit facility. We believe these sources of liquidity can be supplemented by our ability to access the capital markets for additional debt or equity securities. As of June 30, 2008, we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants.
     At June 30, 2008, our current liabilities exceeded our current assets by $15.3 million. We believe our future operating cash flows and available capacity under our credit facility will be adequate to meet our working capital requirements.
Cash Flow
     We believe our ability to generate strong operating cash flow is one of our fundamental financial strengths and provides us with substantial flexibility in meeting operating and investing needs. Highlights of cash flow for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
     Operating Activities — Net cash provided by operating activities in the first half of 2008 was $116.5 million compared to $191.6 million in the first half of 2007. Included in the first half of 2008 is a federal tax payment of $90.0 million related to gains on the sale of our equity investment in French operations and other divestitures in late 2007 and $3.3 million of Alderwoods transition costs. Included in the first half of 2007 is $11.4 million of premiums paid on early extinguishment of debt and $19.5 million of Alderwoods transition costs. Net cash provided by operating activities also decreased $12.6 million, or 5.7%, due largely to our sale of Mayflower Insurance Company, which contributed $17.3 million of operating cash from discontinued operations in the first half of 2007.
     Investing Activities — Net cash provided by investing activities decreased $223.8 million in the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007 primarily due to a $201.7 million decrease in proceeds from the sales of businesses in North America and a $21.2 million increase in deposits of restricted funds. In the first half of 2007, we received $214.2 million in proceeds from the sales of businesses in North America driven by the sale of properties in accordance with our consent decree with the FTC.
     Financing Activities — Net cash used in financing activities decreased $54.2 million in the first half of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007 as a $372.2 million decrease in debt payments and a $24.1 million decrease in purchases of the Company’s common stock were partially offset by a $320.6 million decrease in proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt and a $9.6 million reduction in proceeds from the exercise of stock options. Payments of debt in 2008 included a $45.2 million repayment of our 6.5% notes due

30


 

March 2008, $9.2 million in other scheduled debt payments, and $12.0 million in payments on capital leases. Payments of debt of $438.6 million in 2007 were due to the acceptance of the tenders of $149.8 million of our 6.50% senior notes due 2008 and $173.8 million of our 7.70% senior notes due 2009, a $100.0 million repayment of our term loan, $2.2 million in scheduled debt payments, and $13.8 million in payments on capital leases.
Financial Assurances
     In support of our operations, 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 preneed funeral and cemetery sales activities that are not backed by trust investments. The obligations underlying these surety bonds are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as Deferred preneed funeral revenues and Deferred preneed cemetery revenues. The breakdown of surety bonds between funeral and cemetery preneed arrangements, as well as surety bonds for other activities, is described below.
                 
    June 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    (Dollars in millions)  
Preneed funeral
  $ 129.9     $ 134.9  
Preneed cemetery:
               
Merchandise and services
    136.3       148.0  
Pre-construction
    4.0       6.4  
 
           
Bonds supporting preneed funeral and cemetery obligations
    270.2       289.3  
 
           
Bonds supporting preneed business permits
    5.1       5.4  
Other bonds
    17.0       8.4  
 
           
Total surety bonds outstanding
  $ 292.3     $ 303.1  
 
           
     When selling preneed funeral and cemetery 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. The amount of the bond posted is generally determined by the total amount of the preneed contract that would otherwise be required to be trusted, in accordance with applicable state law. For the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, we had $7.9 million and $10.2 million, respectively, of cash receipts attributable to bonded sales. For the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, we had $15.8 million and $20.6 million, respectively, of cash receipts attributable to bonded sales. These amounts do not consider reductions associated with taxes, obtaining costs, or other costs.
     Surety bond premiums are paid annually and are automatically renewable until maturity of the underlying preneed contracts, unless we are given prior notice of cancellation. Except for cemetery pre-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 was 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 does not expect that we will be required to fund material future amounts related to these surety bonds because of lack of surety capacity.
Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Activities and Backlog of Contracts
     In addition to selling our products and services to client families at the time of need, we sell price-guaranteed preneed funeral and cemetery contracts, which provide for future funeral or cemetery services and merchandise. Since preneed funeral and cemetery services or merchandise will not be provided until sometime in the future, most states and provinces require that all or a portion of the funds collected from customers on preneed funeral and cemetery contracts be paid into merchandise and service trusts until the merchandise is delivered or the service is performed. In certain situations, as described above, where permitted by state or provincial laws, we post a surety bond as financial assurance for a certain amount of the preneed funeral or cemetery contract in lieu of placing funds into trust accounts. Our backlog of funeral and cemetery contracts shown below represents the total amount of future revenues we have under contract at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.
     The tables below detail our North America results of preneed funeral and cemetery production and maturities, excluding insurance contracts, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

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    North America  
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (Dollars in millions)     (Dollars in millions)  
Funeral:
                               
Preneed trust-funded (including bonded):
                               
Sales production
  $ 40.5     $ 37.3     $ 78.4     $ 74.8  
 
                       
Sales production (number of contracts)
    8,464       8,048       15,973       16,147  
 
                       
Maturities
  $ 51.7     $ 47.3     $ 108.2     $ 103.4  
 
                       
Maturities (number of contracts)
    11,651       11,274       23,940       25,281  
 
                       
Cemetery:
                               
Sales production:
                               
Preneed
  $ 110.5     $ 111.3     $ 200.5     $ 203.5  
Atneed
    63.4       69.8       131.2       144.6  
 
                       
Total sales production
  $ 173.9     $ 181.1     $ 331.7     $ 348.1  
 
                       
Sales production deferred to backlog:
                               
Preneed
  $ 46.2     $ 49.7     $ 80.8     $ 91.7  
Atneed
    48.8       52.4       99.9       109.0  
 
                       
Total sales production deferred to backlog
  $ 95.0     $ 102.1     $ 180.7     $ 200.7  
 
                       
Revenue recognized from backlog:
                               
Preneed
  $ 37.4     $ 38.5     $ 89.2     $ 80.3  
Atneed
    52.8       52.8       101.5       104.9  
 
                       
Total revenue recognized from backlog
  $ 90.2     $ 91.3     $ 190.7     $ 185.2  
 
                       
     Insurance-Funded Preneed Funeral Contracts: Where permitted by state or provincial law, customers may arrange their preneed funeral contract by purchasing a life insurance or annuity policy from third-party insurance companies, for which we earn a commission as general sales agent for the insurance company. The policy amount of the insurance contract between the customer and the third-party insurance company generally equals the amount of the preneed funeral contract. We do not reflect the unfulfilled insurance-funded preneed funeral contract amounts in our condensed consolidated balance sheet.
     The table below details the North America results of insurance-funded preneed funeral production and maturities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, and the number of contracts associated with those transactions.
                                 
    North America  
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (Dollars in millions)     (Dollars in millions)  
Preneed funeral insurance-funded (1):
                               
Sales production
  $ 81.6     $ 68.8     $ 150.4     $ 149.5  
 
                       
Sales production (number of contracts)
    13,610       11,737       25,203       26,342  
 
                       
General agency revenue
  $ 14.7     $ 12.0     $ 26.2     $ 21.7  
 
                       
Maturities
  $ 58.9     $ 61.7     $ 126.7     $ 129.6  
 
                       
Maturities (number of contracts)
    11,329       12,236       24,941       28,060  
 
                       
 
(1)   Amounts are not included in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.
     North America Backlog of Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Contracts: The following table reflects our North America backlog of trust-funded deferred preneed funeral and cemetery contract revenues including amounts related to Non-controlling interest in funeral and cemetery trusts at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007. Additionally, the table reflects our North America backlog of unfulfilled insurance-funded contracts (which is not included in our condensed consolidated balance sheet) at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007. The backlog amounts presented are reduced by an amount that we believe will cancel before maturity based on historical experience.

32


 

     The table also reflects our North America preneed funeral and cemetery receivables and trust investments (market and cost bases) associated with the backlog of deferred preneed funeral and cemetery contract revenues, net of the estimated cancellation allowance. We believe that the table below is meaningful because it sets forth the aggregate amount of future revenues we expect to recognize as a result of preneed sales, as well as the amount of assets associated with those revenues. Because the future revenues exceed the asset amounts, future revenues will exceed the cash distributions actually received from the associated trusts.
                                 
    North America  
    June 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    Market     Cost     Market     Cost  
            (Dollars in billions)          
Backlog of trust-funded deferred preneed funeral revenues
  $ 1.64     $ 1.68     $ 1.63     $ 1.63  
Backlog of insurance-funded preneed funeral revenues
  $ 3.32     $ 3.32     $ 3.36     $ 3.36  
 
                       
Total backlog of preneed funeral revenues
  $ 4.96     $ 5.00     $ 4.99     $ 4.99  
 
                       
Assets associated with backlog of trust-funded deferred preneed funeral revenues, net of estimated allowance for cancellation
  $ 1.29     $ 1.33     $ 1.32     $ 1.31  
Insurance policies associated with insurance-funded deferred preneed funeral revenues, net of estimated allowance for cancellation
  $ 3.32     $ 3.32     $ 3.36     $ 3.36  
 
                       
Total assets associated with backlog of preneed funeral revenues
  $ 4.61     $ 4.65     $ 4.68     $ 4.67  
 
                       
Backlog of deferred cemetery revenues
  $ 1.83     $ 1.86     $ 1.78     $ 1.75  
 
                       
Assets associated with backlog of deferred cemetery revenues, net of estimated allowance for cancellation
  $ 1.25     $ 1.28     $ 1.27     $ 1.25  
 
                       
     The difference between the backlog and asset amounts represents the contracts for which we have posted surety bonds as financial assurance in lieu of trusting, the amounts collected from customers that were not required to be deposited into trust, and allowable cash distributions from trust assets. The table also reflects the amounts expected to be received from insurance companies through the assignment of policy proceeds related to insurance-funded funeral contracts.
Results of Operations — Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007
Management Summary
     Key highlights in the second quarter of 2008 were as follows:
    Revenues decreased $16.7 million, or 3.0%, as a result of significant divestiture activity throughout 2007 which included the sale of approximately 400 locations that generated more than $400 million of proceeds; and
 
    despite a difficult economic environment, comparable average revenue per funeral service increased 4.4%. Comparable funeral services performed decreased 2.6%.
Results of Operations
     In the second quarter of 2008, we reported net income of $31.4 million ($.12 per diluted share) compared to net income in the second quarter of 2007 of $15.2 million ($.05 per diluted share). These results were impacted by the following items:
    a net after-tax loss on asset sales of $4.6 million in the second quarter of 2008 versus a net after-tax loss of $9.7 million in the second quarter of 2007;
 
    an after-tax loss from the early extinguishment of debt of $7.0 million in the second quarter of 2007;
 
    after-tax expenses related to our acquisition and integration of Alderwoods of $2.7 million in the second quarter of 2007; and
 
    after-tax loss from discontinued operations of $0.4 million in the second quarter of 2008 versus after-tax income from discontinued operations of $2.2 million in the second quarter of 2007.

33


 

Consolidated Versus Comparable Results
     The table below reconciles our consolidated GAAP results to our comparable, or “same store,” results for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. We define comparable operations (or same store operations) as those funeral and cemetery locations that were owned for the entire period beginning January 1, 2007 and ending June 30, 2008. The following tables present operating results for funeral and cemetery locations that were owned by us during this period. As implied by our definition of comparable operations, these results include results from the properties that we acquired in the Alderwoods transaction.
                                 
            Less:              
            results associated     Less:        
            with acquisition/     results associated        
Three months ended June 30, 2008   Consolidated     new construction     with divestitures     Comparable  
            (Dollars in millions)          
North America
                               
Funeral revenue
  $ 361.4     $ 0.5     $ 1.0     $ 359.9  
Cemetery revenue
    185.5             0.3       185.2  
 
                       
 
    546.9       0.5       1.3       545.1  
Germany
                               
Funeral revenue
    1.9                   1.9  
 
                       
Total revenues
  $ 548.8     $ 0.5     $ 1.3     $ 547.0  
 
                       
North America
                               
Funeral gross profits
  $ 72.3     $ 0.1     $ (0.7 )   $ 72.9  
Cemetery gross profits
    35.0                   35.0  
 
                       
 
    107.3       0.1       (0.7 )     107.9  
Germany
                               
Funeral gross profits
    0.1                   0.1  
 
                       
Total gross profits
  $ 107.4     $ 0.1     $ (0.7 )   $ 108.0  
 
                       
                         
            Less:        
            results associated        
Three months ended June 30, 2007   Consolidated     with divestitures     Comparable  
    (Dollars in millions)
North America
                       
Funeral revenue
  $ 374.3     $ 22.9     $ 351.4  
Cemetery revenue
    189.6       10.7       178.9  
 
                 
 
    563.9       33.6       530.3  
Germany
                       
Funeral revenue
    1.6             1.6  
 
                 
Total revenues
  $ 565.5     $ 33.6     $ 531.9  
 
                 
North America
                       
Funeral gross profits
  $ 70.5     $ (2.8 )   $ 73.3  
Cemetery gross profits
    32.8       0.7       32.1  
 
                 
 
    103.3       (2.1 )     105.4  
Germany
                       
Funeral gross profits
    (0.1 )           (0.1 )
 
                 
Total gross profits
  $ 103.2     $ (2.1 )   $ 105.3  
 
                 
     The following table provides the data necessary to calculate our consolidated average revenue per funeral service for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. We calculate average revenue per funeral service by dividing consolidated funeral revenue, excluding General Agency (GA) revenues and certain other revenues in order to avoid distorting our averages of normal funeral services revenue, by the number of funeral services performed during the period.
                 
    Three months ended June 30,  
    2008     2007  
    (Dollars in millions, except average  
    revenue per funeral service)  
Consolidated funeral revenue
  $ 363.3     $ 375.9  
Less: consolidated GA and other revenues
    17.3       15.6  
 
           
Adjusted consolidated funeral revenue
  $ 346.0     $ 360.3  
 
           
Consolidated funeral services performed
    67,962       74,585  
Consolidated average revenue per funeral service
  $ 5,091     $ 4,831  

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     The following table provides the data necessary to calculate our comparable average revenue per funeral service for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. We calculate average revenue per funeral service by dividing comparable funeral revenue, excluding comparable GA revenues and certain other revenues in order to avoid distorting our averages of normal funeral services revenue, by the comparable number of funeral services performed during the period.
                 
    Three months ended June 30,  
    2008     2007  
    (Dollars in millions, except average  
    revenue per funeral service)  
Comparable funeral revenue
  $ 361.8     $ 353.0  
Less: comparable GA and other revenues
    17.1       13.7  
 
           
Adjusted comparable funeral revenue
  $ 344.7     $ 339.3  
 
           
Comparable funeral services performed
    67,816       69,661  
Comparable average revenue per funeral service
  $ 5,083     $ 4,871  
Funeral Results
Funeral Revenue
     Consolidated revenues from funeral operations were $363.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $375.9 million in the same period of 2007. This decrease is primarily due to the divestiture of non-strategic assets throughout 2007, which resulted in a decrease of $22.9 million of revenue in the second quarter of 2008, partially offset by a 5.4% increase in average revenue per funeral service. Comparable funeral revenues increased $8.8 million, or 2.5%, compared to the second quarter of 2007 driven by a 4.4% increase in the average revenue per funeral service and a $3.4 million increase in general agency revenues due to a 20.3% increase in preneed funeral insurance production over the same period in 2007.
Funeral Services Performed
     Our consolidated funeral services performed decreased 6,623, or 8.9%, in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily due to our planned 2007 divestiture of non-strategic assets, which contributed an incremental 4,846 funeral services in the second quarter of 2007. Our comparable funeral services performed decreased 1,845, or 2.6%, primarily due to the implementation of our strategic pricing initiative at former Alderwoods locations discussed below. Our comparable cremation rate of 42.0% in the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased from the 40.7% rate for the same period in 2007.
Average Revenue Per Funeral
     Our consolidated average revenue per funeral service increased $260, or 5.4%, in the three months ended June 30, 2008 over the same period of 2007 and our comparable average revenue per funeral service increased 4.4%, or $212 per funeral service. These increases reflect the continued benefits from our strategic pricing initiative, which was implemented at former Alderwoods locations throughout 2007. Pursuant to this strategy, we have realigned our pricing focus away from products to service offerings, reflecting our competitive advantage and concentrating on services that our customers believe add the most value. This strategy has resulted in a decline in highly discounted, low-service cremation funeral services, but has continued to generate significant improvements in average revenue per funeral service and increased profitability.
Funeral Gross Profit
     Consolidated funeral gross profit increased $2.0 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007 as the decreased revenue levels discussed above were more than offset by variable cost decreases, primarily in merchandise and salary expenses. The consolidated gross margin percentage increased to 19.9% from 18.7%. Gross profit from our comparable funeral locations decreased $0.2 million, or 0.3%, as the increase in revenue described above was more than offset by higher selling costs resulting from increased preneed funeral production, investments in new marketing initiatives, and a $1.8 million increase in energy-related costs in the second quarter of 2008.

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Cemetery Results
Cemetery Revenue
     Consolidated revenues from our cemetery operations decreased $4.1 million, or 2.2%, in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. This decrease was due to a $10.4 million decline in revenue from the divestiture of non-strategic assets that was partially offset by an increase in comparable cemetery revenues. Our comparable cemetery revenues of $185.2 million in the second quarter of 2008 increased $6.3 million, or 3.5%, compared to the same period of 2007. This increase is due to increased cemetery sales production and higher property and merchandise recognition rates. These increases were partially offset by a decline in new cemetery property construction revenue as several large non-recurring construction projects were completed in 2007, as well as $2.3 million less in cemetery perpetual care trust fund income.
Cemetery Gross Profits
     Consolidated cemetery gross profit increased $2.2 million, or 6.7%, in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007 and our comparable cemetery gross profit increased $2.9 million, or 9.0%. Our comparable cemetery gross margin percentage was 18.9% compared to 17.9% in the same period of 2007. We experienced a $4.0 million reduction in administrative and overhead costs as synergies from the Alderwoods acquisition were realized. These margin improvements were offset by increased maintenance costs, including higher energy-related costs and increased commissions due to strong production.
Other Financial Statement Items
General and Administrative Expenses
     General and administrative expenses were $21.7 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared to $30.2 million in the second quarter of 2007. The $8.5 million decrease is primarily due to $5.6 million of one-time transition and other expenses related to the acquisition of Alderwoods incurred in the second quarter of 2007, as well as a $2.9 million decrease in employee compensation-related expense.
(Loss) Gain on Divestitures and Impairment Charges, Net
     We recognized a $3.9 million net pretax loss in the second quarter of 2008 versus a $9.7 million net pretax gain in the second quarter of 2007 from impairments and asset divestitures primarily associated with non-strategic funeral and cemetery businesses in the United States and Canada.
Interest Expense
     Interest expense decreased to $33.3 million in the second quarter of 2008, compared to $36.2 million in the second quarter of 2007 as a result of the repayment of $100.0 million of our term loan in the second quarter of 2007 and $50.0 million of our Series A Senior Notes in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Weighted Average Shares
     The diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding was 262.6 million in the second quarter of 2008, compared to 296.1 million in the second quarter of 2007, reflecting share repurchases under our Board-approved share repurchase program.
Results of Operations — Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007
Management Summary
     Key highlights in the first half of 2008 were as follows:
    Revenues decreased $50.8 million, or 4.3%, as a result of significant divestiture activity throughout 2007 which included the sale of approximately 400 locations that generated more than $400 million of proceeds; and

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    Despite a difficult economic environment, comparable average revenue per funeral service increased 4.9%; comparable funeral services performed decreased 1.8%.
Results of Operations
     In the first half of 2008, we reported net income of $72.9 million ($.28 per diluted share) compared to net income in the first half of 2007 of $52.8 million ($.18 per diluted share). These results were impacted by the following items:
    a net after-tax loss on asset sales of $14.2 million in the first half of 2008 versus a net after-tax loss of $18.3 million in the first half of 2007;
 
    an after-tax loss from the early extinguishment of debt of $8.4 million in the first half of 2007;
 
    after-tax expenses related to our acquisition and integration of Alderwoods of $0.7 million in the first half of 2008 and $9.7 million in the first half of 2007; and
 
    after-tax loss from discontinued operations of $0.4 million in the first half of 2008 versus after-tax income from discontinued operations of $5.1 million in the first half of 2007.
Consolidated Versus Comparable Results
     The table below reconciles our consolidated GAAP results to our comparable, or “same store,” results for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.
                                 
            Less:              
            results associated     Less:        
            with acquisition/     results associated        
Six months ended June 30, 2008   Consolidated     new construction     with divestitures     Comparable  
    (Dollars in millions)  
North America
                               
Funeral revenue
  $ 765.0     $ 0.7     $ 2.5     $ 761.8  
Cemetery revenue
    353.4       0.1       0.8       352.5  
 
                       
 
    1,118.4       0.8       3.3       1,114.3  
 
                               
Germany
                               
Funeral revenue
    3.8                   3.8  
 
                       
Total revenues
  $ 1,122.2     $ 0.8     $ 3.3     $ 1,118.1  
 
                       
North America
                               
Funeral gross profits
  $ 180.7     $     $ (1.2 )   $ 181.9  
Cemetery gross profits
    64.0             (0.1 )     64.1  
 
                       
 
    244.7             (1.3 )     246.0  
 
                               
Germany
                               
Funeral gross profits
    0.3                   0.3  
 
                       
Total gross profits
  $ 245.0     $     $ (1.3 )   $ 246.3  
 
                       
                         
            Less:        
            results associated        
Six months ended June 30, 2007   Consolidated     with divestitures     Comparable  
    (Dollars in millions)  
North America
                       
Funeral revenue
  $ 795.6     $ 60.9     $ 734.7  
Cemetery revenue
    374.3       23.7       350.6  
 
                 
 
    1,169.9       84.6       1,085.3  
 
                       
Germany
                       
Funeral revenue
    3.1             3.1  
 
                 
Total revenues
  $ 1,173.0     $ 84.6     $ 1,088.4  
 
                 
North America
                       
Funeral gross profits
  $ 172.7     $ 5.1     $ 167.6  
Cemetery gross profits
    71.5       0.9       70.6  
 
                 
 
    244.2       6.0       238.2  
Germany
                       
Funeral gross profits
                 
 
                 
Total gross profits
  $ 244.2     $ 6.0     $ 238.2  
 
                 

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     The following table provides the data necessary to calculate our consolidated average revenue per funeral service for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. We calculate average revenue per funeral service by dividing consolidated funeral revenue, excluding GA revenues and certain other revenues in order to avoid distorting our averages of normal funeral services revenue, by the number of funeral services performed during the period.
                 
    Six months ended June 30,  
    2008     2007  
    (Dollars in millions, except average  
    revenue per funeral service)  
Consolidated funeral revenue
  $ 768.8     $ 798.7  
Less: Consolidated GA and other revenues
    31.1       28.6  
 
           
Adjusted consolidated funeral revenue
  $ 737.7     $ 770.1  
 
           
Consolidated funeral services performed
    145,348       160,672  
Consolidated average revenue per funeral service
  $ 5,075     $ 4,793  
     The following table provides the data necessary to calculate our comparable average revenue per funeral service for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. We calculate average revenue per funeral service by dividing comparable funeral revenue, excluding comparable GA revenues and certain other revenues in order to avoid distorting our averages of normal funeral services revenue, by the comparable number of funeral services performed during the period.
                 
    Six months ended June 30,  
    2008     2007  
    (Dollars in millions, except average  
    revenue per funeral service)  
Comparable funeral revenue
  $ 765.6     $ 737.8  
Less: Comparable GA and other revenues
    31.0       24.6  
 
           
Adjusted comparable funeral revenue
  $ 734.6     $ 713.2  
 
           
Comparable funeral services performed
    144,844       147,439  
Comparable average revenue per funeral service
  $ 5,072     $ 4,837  
Funeral Results
Funeral Revenue
     Consolidated revenues from funeral operations were $768.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $798.7 million in the same period of 2007. This decrease is primarily due to the divestiture of non-strategic assets throughout 2007, which resulted in a decrease of $60.9 million of revenue in the first half of 2008, partially offset by a 5.9% increase in average revenue per funeral service. Comparable funeral revenues increased $27.8 million, or 3.8%, compared to the first half of 2007, driven by a 4.9% increase in the comparable average revenue per funeral service, and a $6.4 million increase in GA revenue due to increased preneed funeral production which more than offset a 1.8% decline in the number of funeral services performed.
Funeral Services Performed
     Our consolidated funeral services performed decreased 15,324, or 9.5%, in the first half of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily due to our planned 2007 divestiture of non-strategic assets, which contributed an incremental 12,841 funeral services in the first half of 2007. Our comparable funeral services performed decreased 2,595, or 1.8%, due to the implementation of our strategic pricing initiative at former Alderwoods locations discussed below. Our comparable cremation rate of 41.3% in the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased from the 41.0% rate for the same period in 2007.

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Average Revenue Per Funeral
     Our consolidated average revenue per funeral service increased $282, or 5.9%, in the six months ended June 30, 2008 over the same period of 2007 and our comparable average revenue per funeral service increased 4.9%, or $235 per funeral service. These increases reflect the continued benefits from our strategic pricing initiative, which was implemented at former Alderwoods locations throughout 2007. Pursuant to this strategy, we have realigned our pricing focus away from our products to our service offerings, reflecting our competitive advantage and concentrating on services that our customers believe add the most value. This strategy has resulted in a decline in highly discounted, low-service cremation funeral services. These initiatives, although reducing our funeral services volume, have generated improvements in average revenue per funeral service and more profitability.
Funeral Gross Profit
     Consolidated funeral gross profit increased $8.3 million in the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007 despite the divestiture of non-strategic assets that contributed an incremental $5.1 million of gross profit in the first half of 2007 compared to the first half of 2008. The consolidated gross margin percentage increased to 23.5% from 21.6%. Gross profit from our comparable funeral locations increased $14.6 million, or 8.7%, primarily as a result of the increase in revenue described above, partially offset by higher selling costs resulting from increased preneed funeral production, investments in new marketing initiatives, due to the previously discussed preneed production, and a $2.6 million increase in energy-related costs.
Cemetery Results
Cemetery Revenue
     Consolidated revenues from our cemetery operations decreased $20.9 million, or 5.6%, in the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007. This decrease was due to a $23.7 million decline in revenue from the divestiture of non-strategic assets that was partially offset by an increase in comparable cemetery revenues. Our comparable cemetery revenues of $352.5 million in the first half of 2008 increased $1.9 million, or 0.5%, compared to the same period of 2007. This increase was due to an increase in merchandise revenue partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease in cemetery property revenue. This decline in property revenue was driven by $10.8 million recognized in the first half of 2007 from the completion of one-time construction projects primarily at our Rose Hills cemetery which were not repeated in the first half of 2008.
Cemetery Gross Profits
     Consolidated cemetery gross profit decreased $7.5 million, or 10.5%, in the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007 and our comparable cemetery gross profit decreased $6.5 million, or 9.2%. Our comparable cemetery gross margin percentage was 18.2% compared to 20.1% in the same period of 2007. The lower margin percentage is driven by the $10.8 million of decreased cemetery property construction revenue, which typically generates comparatively higher margins. We experienced a $7.8 million reduction in administrative and overhead costs as synergies from the Alderwoods acquisition were realized. These decreases were more than offset by increased maintenance costs led by higher energy-related costs and increased commissions due to strong preneed sales.
Other Financial Statement Items
General and Administrative Expenses
     General and administrative expenses were $46.7 million in the first half of 2008 compared to $65.4 million in the first half of 2007. The $18.7 million decrease is primarily due to $16.9 million of one-time transition and other expenses related to the acquisition of Alderwoods incurred in the first half of 2007, as well as a decrease in employee benefit expense.
(Loss) gain on Divestitures and Impairment Charges, Net
     We recognized a $15.9 million net pretax loss in the first half of 2008 versus a $2.1 million net pretax gain in the first half of 2007 from impairments and asset divestitures primarily associated with non-strategic funeral and cemetery businesses in the United States and Canada.

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Interest Expense
     Interest expense decreased to $67.4 million in the first half of 2008, compared to $73.8 million in the first half of 2007 as a result of the repayment of $100 million of our term loan in the first half of 2007 and $50 million of our Series A Senior Notes in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Weighted Average Shares
     The diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding was 263.7 million in the first half of 2008, compared to 297.5 million in the first half of 2007, reflecting share repurchases under our Board-approved share repurchase program.
Critical Accounting Policies
     The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Except as described below, our critical accounting policies are disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Fair Value Measurements
     We measure the available-for-sale securities held by our funeral, cemetery merchandise and service, and cemetery perpetual care trusts at fair value on a recurring basis. Changes in unrealized gains and/or losses related to these securities are reflected in other comprehensive income and offset by the non-controlling interest in those unrealized gains and/or losses; therefore these gains and/or losses have no impact on our condensed consolidated statement of operations. Certain of these securities have been classified in Level 3 of the SFAS 157 hierarchy due to significant management judgment required as a result of the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of the securities. These securities represent 3.9% of the total $2.7 billion in securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2008.
     No other significant changes to our accounting policies have occurred subsequent to December 31, 2007, except as described below within Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Accounting Changes.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Accounting Changes
     For discussion of recent accounting pronouncements and accounting changes, see Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements, Note 3.
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements
     The statements in this Form 10-Q that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements made in reliance on the “safe harbor” protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be accompanied by words such as “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” or “predict,” that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. These statements are based on assumptions that we believe are reasonable; however, many important factors could cause our actual results in the future to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made herein and in any other documents or oral presentations made by us, or on our behalf. Important factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:
  Changes in general economic conditions, both domestically and internationally, impacting financial markets (e.g., marketable security values, access to capital markets, as well as currency and interest rate fluctuations) that could negatively affect us, particularly, but not limited to, levels of trust fund income, interest expense, and negative currency translation effects.
 
  Changes in operating conditions such as supply disruptions and labor disputes.
 
  Our inability to achieve the level of cost savings, productivity improvements or earnings growth anticipated by management, whether due to significant increases in energy costs (e.g., electricity, natural gas and fuel oil), costs of other materials, employee-related costs or other factors.

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  Inability to complete acquisitions, divestitures or strategic alliances as planned or to realize expected synergies and strategic benefits.
 
  The outcomes of pending lawsuits, proceedings, and claims against us and the possibility that insurance coverage is deemed not to apply to these matters or that an insurance carrier is unable to pay any covered amounts to us.
 
  Allegations regarding compliance with laws, regulations, industry standards, and customs regarding burial procedures and practices.
 
  The amounts payable by us with respect to our outstanding legal matters exceed our established reserves.
 
  The outcome of pending Internal Revenue Service audits. We maintain accruals for tax liabilities which relate to uncertain tax matters. If these tax matters are unfavorably resolved, we will make any required payments to tax authorities. If these tax matters are favorably resolved, the accruals maintained by us will no longer be required, and these amounts will be reversed through the tax provision at the time of resolution.
 
  Our ability to manage changes in consumer demand and/or pricing for our products and services due to several factors, such as changes in numbers of deaths, cremation rates, competitive pressures, and local economic conditions.
 
  Changes in domestic and international political and/or regulatory environments in which we operate, including potential changes in tax, accounting, and trusting policies.
 
  Changes in credit relationships impacting the availability of credit and the general availability of credit in the marketplace.
 
  Our ability to successfully access surety and insurance markets at a reasonable cost.
 
  Our ability to successfully leverage our substantial purchasing power with certain of our vendors.
 
  The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, and our ability to certify the effectiveness of the internal controls and to obtain an unqualified attestation report of our auditors regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.
 
  The possibility that our credit agreement and privately placed debt securities may prevent us from engaging in certain transactions.
 
  Our ability to buy our common stock under our share repurchase programs which could be impacted by, among others, restrictive covenants in our bank agreements, unfavorable market conditions, the market price of our common stock, the nature of other investment opportunities presented to us from time to time, and the availability of funds necessary to continue purchasing common stock.
     For further information on these and other risks and uncertainties, see our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Copies of this document as well as other SEC filings can be obtained from our website at www.sci-corp.com. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements made by us, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
     There have been no significant changes in our exposure to market risk during the most recently completed fiscal quarter.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
     Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective disclosure controls and procedures. As of June 30, 2008, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time period specified by the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In light of the material weaknesses described below, these officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of June 30, 2008. To address the material weaknesses described below, we performed additional analyses and other post-closing procedures to ensure our consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These additional analyses and procedures included, among other things: (i) expansion of our normal quarter-end closing and testing

41


 

procedures, (ii) assignment of a dedicated team of personnel to review all account reconciliations, including reconciliations performed by our outsourced accounting functions, and (iii) deployment of significant in-house and external resources to complete our income tax provision and various account reconciliations, ensure posting of all transactions, and perform a detailed review and comprehensive analysis of account balances and reconciliations. Based on the additional analyses and procedures performed, management has determined that the consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly present, in all material respects, our financial condition, result of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented.
Material Weaknesses in Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Status of Remediation Efforts
     As reported in our Form 10-K as of December 31, 2007 we did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 as a result of material weaknesses in (a) accounting for income taxes and (b) account reconciliations. A material weakness is a control 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 Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
     In response to the identified material weaknesses, our management, with oversight from the Company’s Audit Committee, has dedicated significant resources, including retaining third-party consultants, to enhance the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and remediate the identified material weaknesses. However, these material weaknesses continue to exist as of June 30, 2008.
Accounting for Income Taxes:
     Our management has implemented the following remediation steps related to our internal control over the calculation of the Company’s income tax provision and related balance sheet accounts:
    Hired an experienced Managing Director in the first quarter of 2008 to lead the Company’s tax department, with responsibility for direction and oversight of all income tax and other tax functions.
 
    Revised the tax department's organizational structure to ensure that the department is staffed with an adequate mix of qualified personnel.
 
    Hired experienced tax professionals in all tax director and manager level positions.
Our management is continuing to implement the following remediation steps:
    The completion of a comprehensive income tax accounting training program for tax and certain finance personnel (scheduled to occur in the third quarter of 2008).
 
    The evaluation of existing roles and responsibilities within the tax function to ensure they are staffed by appropriate personnel.
 
    The enhancement of standardized documentation and processes related to the income tax provision area, including the review and approval of related journal entries by experienced tax and finance personnel.
 
    The evaluation of various software solutions to replace manual processes and spreadsheets used to compute and manage the income tax provision.
Account Reconciliations:
     Our management has implemented the following remediation steps related to our internal control over the timely completion and review of account reconciliations:
    Created a monitoring function within the Company’s Controller’s organization to review all key account reconciliations.

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    Engaged a third-party advisor to assist our internal subject matter experts in performing an effectiveness review of certain financial processes and related controls, and to make recommendations to management regarding the Company’s organizational structure, control processes control environment.
Our management is continuing to implement the following remediation steps:
    The provision of training, including continuing professional education regarding the impact and importance of business conduct and internal controls, to all employees involved in the account reconciliations process.
 
    The hiring of additional in-house resources and an ongoing commitment to evaluate existing roles and responsibilities within the accounting and finance function, to ensure they are staffed by competent and experienced personnel.
 
    The hiring of an experienced supervisor to oversee the account reconciliations remediation process and to monitor the related functions post-remediation.
 
    The continued refinement of certain entity-level monitoring controls, first implemented in the third quarter of 2007 to gain visibility into material issues within business functions, in order to achieve the level of precision and operating effectiveness desired by our management.
 
    The creation, implementation, and training of new policies relating to account reconciliations and account write-offs, along with the development of standardized templates to ensure consistency.
     The remaining steps outlined above are part of our overall plan to remediate the identified material weaknesses by no later than December 31, 2008. We expect to fully implement these remediation measures and test their operating effectiveness during the second half of 2008.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
     Significant changes to our internal control over financial reporting were principally related to our remediation efforts described above.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
     Information regarding legal proceedings is set forth in Note 15 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q, which information is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
     There have been no material changes in our Risk Factors as set forth in Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 except as described below.
Our ability to execute our business plan depends on many factors, many of which are beyond our control.
     In addition to the matters discussed in the Form 10-K under this risk factor, we feel that the following additional matters could affect the execution of our business plan.
    Changes in operating conditions, such as supply disruptions and labor disputes, could negatively impact our operations.
    Our inability to achieve the levels of cost savings, productivity improvements, or earnings growth anticipated by management could affect our financial performance. For example, higher energy costs, including gasoline and natural gas, have increased our costs and negatively impacted our margins. Higher commodity prices for copper, bronze and other raw materials have increased costs associated with some of our cemetery products.
    Our inability to complete acquisitions, divestitures, or strategic alliances as planned or to realize expected synergies and strategic benefits could impact our financial performance.
     Failure to execute any or all of our strategic plan could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
     On April 30, 2008, we issued 609 deferred common stock equivalents, or units, pursuant to provisions regarding dividends under the Amended and Restated Director Fee Plan to four non-employee directors. We did not receive any monetary consideration for the issuances. These issuances were unregistered because they did not constitute a “sale” within the meaning of Section 2(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
     As of June 30, 2008, the aggregate purchases pursuant to our share repurchase program totaled $947.9 million. As of June 30, 2008, the remaining dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under our share repurchase program was approximately $66.1 million. Pursuant to the program, we repurchased shares of our common stock during the first half of 2008 as set forth in the table below.

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                    Total number of    
                    shares purchased as   Dollar value of shares that
    Total number of   Average price   part of publicly   may yet be purchased under
Period   shares purchased   paid per share   announced programs   the programs
April 1, 2008 — April 30, 2008
    73,800       10.33       73,800       108,230,346  
May 1, 2008 — May 31, 2008
    900,000       11.05       900,000       98,289,486  
June 1, 2008 — June 30, 2008
    3,021,129       10.65       3,021,129       66,128,544  
 
                               
 
    3,994,929               3,994,929          
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
     On May 14, 2008, we held our annual meeting of shareholders and elected four directors. The shares voting on the director nominees were cast as follows:
                 
Nominee
  Votes for   Abstentions or votes withheld
Thomas L. Ryan
    225,718,632       2,023,825  
Malcolm Gillis
    216,556,871       11,185,586  
Clifton H. Morris, Jr.
    215,970,558       11,771,899  
W. Blair Waltrip
    225,603,568       2,138,889  
     In addition, the shareholders approved the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2008. The share voting were cast as follows:
             
Votes for   Votes against   Abstentions or votes withheld   Broker non-votes
225,839,143
  1,693,361   209,953   0
Item 5. Other Information
     On July 28, 2008, our preferred share purchase rights plan expired by its terms.
Item 6. Exhibits
         
 
12.1     Ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.
 
 
31.1     Certification of Thomas L. Ryan as Chief Executive Officer in satisfaction of Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2     Certification of Eric D. Tanzberger as Principal Financial Officer in satisfaction of Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1     Certification of Periodic Financial Reports by Thomas L. Ryan as Chief Executive Officer in satisfaction of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2     Certification of Periodic Financial Reports by Eric D. Tanzberger as Principal Financial Officer in satisfaction of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Undertaking
     We hereby undertake, pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 601(b), paragraph (4) (iii), to furnish to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, all constituent instruments defining the rights of holders of our long-term debt not filed herewith for the reason that the total amount of securities authorized under any of such instruments does not exceed 10 percent of our total consolidated assets.

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SIGNATURE
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
August 8, 2008  SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL
 
 
  By:   /s/ Jeffrey I. Beason    
    Jeffrey I. Beason   
    Vice President and Corporate Controller
(Chief Accounting Officer) 
 
 

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Index to Exhibits
     
12.1
  Ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Thomas L. Ryan as Chief Executive Officer in satisfaction of Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Eric D. Tanzberger as Principal Financial Officer in satisfaction of Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32.1
  Certification of Periodic Financial Reports by Thomas L. Ryan as Chief Executive Officer in satisfaction of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32.2
  Certification of Periodic Financial Reports by Eric D. Tanzberger as Principal Financial Officer in satisfaction of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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