SCI's Earnings Gap: A Closer Look at the 17% Shareholder Returns

Service Corporation International (NYSE:SCI), the largest provider of deathcare products and services in North America, has seen a notable divergence between its earnings growth and shareholder returns over the past five years. While the company's earnings per share (EPS) have grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 16% since 2019, its shareholder returns have surged by 17% annually during the same period. This discrepancy has raised questions about the factors driving SCI's stock performance. This article aims to explore the reasons behind this earnings gap and shed light on the company's strategic moves that have contributed to its strong shareholder returns.

SCI's strategic acquisitions and cost-cutting measures have played a significant role in its shareholder returns. The company expanded its footprint through strategic acquisitions, such as the 2019 purchase of 118 funeral homes and cemeteries, enhancing its scale and market presence. Additionally, SCI has implemented cost-cutting measures, such as streamlining operations and improving operational efficiency, which have boosted earnings and driven shareholder returns.



SCI's cemetery property strategy and growth in preneed sales have also driven its shareholder value. SCI owns and operates over 1,900 funeral homes and cemeteries across 44 states, eight Canadian provinces, and Puerto Rico. The company's cemetery property strategy involves investing in lasting tributes that honor personal stories for generations to come, which has proven to be a robust driver of shareholder value. Furthermore, SCI's growth in preneed sales, which account for a significant portion of the company's revenue, has further bolstered its financial performance and shareholder returns.



SCI's dividend policy and share buybacks have also contributed to its strong shareholder returns. Over the past five years, SCI has consistently increased its dividends, with a 5-year growth rate of 11%. Additionally, the company has repurchased shares, reducing the number of outstanding shares by 4.5% over the same period. These factors, combined with a robust balance sheet and strong cash flow generation, have boosted SCI's earnings per share and driven its stock performance.

Despite the impressive shareholder returns, SCI's earnings growth has lagged behind, raising questions about the drivers of its stock performance. A closer look reveals that shifts in consumer preferences, such as the rise of cremations over traditional burials, have impacted the company's revenue and earnings growth. While cremations are generally less profitable than traditional funerals, SCI has adapted by offering more customized and affordable cremation services. The company's net revenue growth of 0% in 2023 can be attributed to this trend, as well as the slower recovery of at-need funeral services.



SCI's expansion and acquisition strategy have also contributed to its overall performance and earnings growth over the past five years. In 2020, SCI acquired 100% ownership of 108 funeral homes and 123 cemeteries from competitor Stewart Enterprises, expanding its footprint and increasing its revenue base. Additionally, SCI has made several strategic acquisitions of cemetery properties, such as the acquisition of Rose Hills Memorial Park in 2019, which has since contributed to SCI's overall earnings growth. Furthermore, SCI's expansion into Canada through its acquisition of Arbor Memorial Services has opened up new revenue streams and growth opportunities.

In conclusion, Service Corporation International's strong shareholder returns, despite trailing its earnings growth, can be attributed to its strategic acquisitions, cost-cutting measures, cemetery property strategy, and dividend policy. However, shifts in consumer preferences and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have also played a role in the company's performance. As SCI continues to adapt to the evolving deathcare landscape and maintain a balanced approach to growth and value creation, investors can expect the company to remain a significant player in the deathcare industry.