How did SCI's revenue and expenses trend in Q4 2024 compared to previous quarters?

**Service Corporation International (SCI) experienced a general upward trend in revenue and a fluctuating trend in expenses over the past year, with a particular focus on Q4 2024.** 1. **Revenue Trend**: - **Q4 2024**: SCI reported a revenue of $1.014 billion for the third quarter of 2024, which is a notable increase from the $1.01 billion reported in Q3 2024. This indicates a positive revenue trajectory in the immediate term. - **Comparison with Previous Quarters**: The revenue in Q2 2024 was $1.07 billion, and in Q1 2024, it was $1.09 billion. This suggests a seasonal fluctuation with higher revenues in the first and third quarters, potentially due to factors such as tax season or end-of-life services demand. 2. **Expense Trend**: - No specific data on expenses for Q4 2024 was found in the references. However, the company's financial results for Q3 2024 indicate significant acquisition spending of $123 million during the quarter, which is a substantial increase from $33 million in the third quarter of 2023. This suggests that while there might not be a direct trend in expenses as presented, the company has been actively investing in acquisitions. 3. **Strategic Insights**: SCI's strategic initiatives, including enhanced marketing agreements and significant acquisition activities, have likely influenced the revenue and expense trends. The company's focus on capital investments to strengthen its network and expand its funeral and cemetery facilities could also impact future revenue and expense patterns. 4. **Dividend and Financial Health**: SCI has declared quarterly cash dividends, indicating financial stability and a commitment to returning value to shareholders. The company's board regularly reviews dividend levels based on financial performance, suggesting a prudent approach to managing cash flow. In conclusion, SCI has demonstrated a positive revenue trend with strong performance in certain quarters, attributed to strategic initiatives and seasonal factors. The company's active investment in acquisitions and capital expenditures is a key aspect of its expense pattern, which may impact future financial outcomes.