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 July 31, 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: 1-15449
 
STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
LOUISIANA
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
  72-0693290
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
1333 South Clearview Parkway    
Jefferson, Louisiana
(Address of principal executive offices)
  70121
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (504) 729-1400
 
     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
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act.) Yes o No þ
     The number of shares of the registrant’s Class A common stock, no par value per share, and Class B common stock, no par value per share, outstanding as of August 31, 2008, was 88,691,827 and 3,555,020, respectively.
 
 

 


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
                 
            Page
Part I.   Financial Information        
 
               
 
  Item 1.   Financial Statements (Unaudited)        
 
               
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings — Three Months Ended July 31, 2008 and 2007
    3  
 
               
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings— Nine Months Ended July 31, 2008 and 2007
    4  
 
               
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets — July 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007
    5  
 
               
   
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity — Nine Months Ended July 31, 2008
    7  
 
               
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Nine Months Ended July 31, 2008 and 2007
    8  
 
               
   
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
    9  
 
               
 
  Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     37  
 
               
 
  Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     52  
 
               
 
  Item 4.   Controls and Procedures     52  
 
               
Part II.   Other Information        
 
               
 
  Item 1.   Legal Proceedings     52  
 
               
 
  Item 1A.   Risk Factors     53  
 
               
 
  Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds     54  
 
               
 
  Item 5.   Other Information     54  
 
               
 
  Item 6.   Exhibits     55  
 
               
 
  Signatures         57  

2


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                 
    Three Months Ended July 31,  
    2008     2007  
Revenues:
               
Funeral
  $ 68,558     $ 66,914  
Cemetery
    61,870       60,665  
 
           
 
    130,428       127,579  
 
           
Costs and expenses:
               
Funeral
    53,524       52,589  
Cemetery
    48,906       48,481  
 
           
 
    102,430       101,070  
 
           
Gross profit
    27,998       26,509  
Corporate general and administrative expenses
    (8,188 )     (8,343 )
Hurricane related charges, net
    (341 )     (210 )
Separation charges
          (48 )
Gains on dispositions and impairment (losses), net
    25       (46 )
Other operating income, net
    407       290  
 
           
Operating earnings
    19,901       18,152  
Interest expense
    (6,000 )     (6,222 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
          (677 )
Investment and other income, net
    593       810  
 
           
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
    14,494       12,063  
Income taxes
    5,365       3,853  
 
           
Earnings from continuing operations
    9,129       8,210  
 
           
Discontinued operations:
               
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
          (138 )
Income tax benefit
          (51 )
 
           
Loss from discontinued operations
          (87 )
 
           
 
               
Net earnings
  $ 9,129     $ 8,123  
 
           
 
               
Basic earnings per common share:
               
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ .10     $ .08  
Earnings from discontinued operations
           
 
           
Net earnings
  $ .10     $ .08  
 
           
 
               
Diluted earnings per common share:
               
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ .10     $ .08  
Earnings from discontinued operations
           
 
           
Net earnings
  $ .10     $ .08  
 
           
 
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):
               
Basic
    92,203       102,479  
 
           
Diluted
    92,414       102,714  
 
           
 
               
Dividends declared per common share
  $ .025     $ .025  
 
           
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                 
    Nine Months Ended July 31,  
    2008     2007  
Revenues:
               
Funeral
  $ 218,862     $ 212,410  
Cemetery
    178,658       184,043  
 
           
 
    397,520       396,453  
 
           
Costs and expenses:
               
Funeral
    163,260       160,415  
Cemetery
    143,558       145,757  
 
           
 
    306,818       306,172  
 
           
Gross profit
    90,702       90,281  
Corporate general and administrative expenses
    (24,226 )     (23,129 )
Hurricane related charges, net
    (351 )     (2,343 )
Separation charges
          (580 )
Gains on dispositions and impairment (losses), net
    153       44  
Other operating income, net
    753       1,441  
 
           
Operating earnings
    67,031       65,714  
Interest expense
    (17,981 )     (19,274 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
          (677 )
Investment and other income, net
    1,670       2,427  
 
           
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
    50,720       48,190  
Income taxes
    18,766       14,191  
 
           
Earnings from continuing operations
    31,954       33,999  
 
           
Discontinued operations:
               
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
          (519 )
Income tax benefit
          (198 )
 
           
Loss from discontinued operations
          (321 )
 
           
 
Net earnings
  $ 31,954     $ 33,678  
 
           
 
Basic earnings per common share:
               
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ .34     $ .32  
Earnings from discontinued operations
           
 
           
Net earnings
  $ .34     $ .32  
 
           
 
               
Diluted earnings per common share:
               
Earnings from continuing operations
    .34       .32  
Earnings from discontinued operations
           
 
           
Net earnings
    .34       .32  
 
           
 
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):
               
Basic
    94,504       104,215  
 
           
Diluted
    94,676       104,384  
 
           
 
               
Dividends declared per common share
  $ .075     $ .075  
 
           
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                 
    July 31,     October 31,  
    2008     2007  
ASSETS
               
 
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 48,693     $ 71,545  
Marketable securities
    38       262  
Receivables, net of allowances
    78,248       60,615  
Inventories
    35,900       36,061  
Prepaid expenses
    8,927       6,355  
Deferred income taxes, net
    8,479       8,621  
 
           
Total current assets
    180,285       183,459  
Receivables due beyond one year, net of allowances
    69,802       83,608  
Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments
    439,821       515,053  
Preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments
    223,293       255,679  
Goodwill
    273,188       273,286  
Cemetery property, at cost
    377,137       374,800  
Property and equipment, at cost:
               
Land
    43,767       43,767  
Buildings
    317,035       310,968  
Equipment and other
    175,919       164,246  
 
           
 
    536,721       518,981  
Less accumulated depreciation
    230,580       213,063  
 
           
Net property and equipment
    306,141       305,918  
Deferred income taxes, net
    181,060       192,859  
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments
    207,425       236,503  
Other assets
    17,302       17,809  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 2,275,454     $ 2,438,974  
 
           
(continued)

5


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                 
    July 31,     October 31,  
    2008     2007  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
 
Current liabilities:
               
Current maturities of long-term debt
  $ 27     $ 198  
Accounts payable
    23,286       26,606  
Accrued payroll and other benefits
    16,376       16,316  
Accrued insurance
    21,939       21,252  
Accrued interest
    6,589       5,576  
Other current liabilities
    15,461       17,958  
Income taxes payable
    1,131       4,177  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    84,809       92,083  
Long-term debt, less current maturities
    450,097       450,115  
Deferred preneed funeral revenue
    250,482       256,603  
Deferred preneed cemetery revenue
    279,855       284,507  
Non-controlling interest in funeral and cemetery trusts
    581,686       683,052  
Other long-term liabilities
    19,749       13,869  
 
           
Total liabilities
    1,666,678       1,780,229  
 
           
Commitments and contingencies
               
Non-controlling interest in perpetual care trusts
    205,636       235,427  
 
           
 
               
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued
           
Common stock, $1.00 stated value:
               
Class A authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 88,681,765 and 94,865,387 shares at July 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, respectively
    88,682       94,865  
Class B authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 3,555,020 shares at July 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007; 10 votes per share convertible into an equal number of Class A shares
    3,555       3,555  
Additional paid-in capital
    538,778       583,789  
Accumulated deficit
    (227,903 )     (258,902 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
               
Unrealized appreciation of investments
    28       11  
 
           
Total accumulated other comprehensive income
    28       11  
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    403,140       423,318  
 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 2,275,454     $ 2,438,974  
 
           
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

6


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                         
            Additional             Unrealized     Total  
    Common     Paid-In     Accumulated     Appreciation of     Shareholders’  
    Stock (1)     Capital     Deficit     Investments     Equity  
 
                                       
Balance October 31, 2007
  $ 98,420     $ 583,789     $ (258,902 )   $ 11     $ 423,318  
 
                                       
Comprehensive income:
                                       
Net earnings
                31,954             31,954  
 
                                       
Other comprehensive income:
                                       
Unrealized appreciation of investments, net of deferred tax expense of ($9)
                      17       17  
 
                             
Total other comprehensive income
                      17       17  
 
                             
Total comprehensive income
                31,954       17       31,971  
 
                                       
Cumulative effect of adoption of FIN 48
                (955 )           (955 )
Restricted stock activity
    28       332                   360  
Issuance of common stock
    160       1,013                   1,173  
Stock options exercised
    247       1,162                   1,409  
Share-based compensation
          1,431                   1,431  
Tax benefit associated with stock options exercised
          127                   127  
Purchase and retirement of common stock
    (6,618 )     (42,009 )                 (48,627 )
Dividends ($.075 per share)
          (7,067 )                 (7,067 )
 
                             
Balance July 31, 2008
  $ 92,237     $ 538,778     $ (227,903 )   $ 28     $ 403,140  
 
                             
 
(1)   Amount includes 88,682 and 94,865 shares (in thousands) of Class A common stock with a stated value of $1 per share as of July 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, respectively, and includes 3,555 shares (in thousands) of Class B common stock.
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

7


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                 
    Nine Months Ended July 31,  
    2008     2007  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net earnings
  $ 31,954     $ 33,678  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
(Gains) on dispositions and impairment losses, net
    (153 )     514  
Depreciation and amortization
    21,188       20,033  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    5,742       6,934  
Share-based compensation
    1,431       1,146  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
          677  
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
    (171 )     (108 )
Provision for deferred income taxes
    5,844       5,062  
Other
    973       1,160  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
(Increase) decrease in receivables
    (3,902 )     1,652  
Increase in prepaid expenses
    (2,574 )     (3,193 )
Increase in inventories and cemetery property
    (2,072 )     (2,261 )
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (477 )     (6,545 )
Net effect of preneed funeral production and maturities:
               
(Increase) decrease in preneed funeral receivables and trust investments
    7,711       (665 )
Decrease in deferred preneed funeral revenue
    (5,767 )     (5,260 )
Increase (decrease) in funeral non-controlling interest
    (5,395 )     3,247  
Net effect of preneed cemetery production and deliveries:
               
Increase in preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments
    (52 )     (2,710 )
Decrease in deferred preneed cemetery revenue
    (4,652 )     (7,884 )
Increase in cemetery non-controlling interest
    3,712       9,238  
Increase (decrease) in other
    (1,087 )     84  
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    52,253       54,799  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities
    20,219        
Purchases of marketable securities
    (19,955 )     (148 )
Proceeds from sale of assets, net
    358       1,645  
Purchase of subsidiaries and other investments, net of cash acquired
    (1,378 )     (6,134 )
Insurance proceeds related to hurricane damaged properties
          1,400  
Additions to property and equipment
    (20,370 )     (23,120 )
Other
    75       56  
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (21,051 )     (26,301 )
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from long-term debt
          250,000  
Repayments of long-term debt
    (190 )     (176,461 )
Debt issue costs
          (5,572 )
Proceeds from sale of common stock warrants
          43,850  
Issuance of common stock
    1,659       2,521  
Purchase of call options
          (60,000 )
Purchase and retirement of common stock
    (48,627 )     (64,201 )
Dividends
    (7,067 )     (7,724 )
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
    171       108  
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (54,054 )     (17,479 )
 
           
 
               
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    (22,852 )     11,019  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    71,545       43,870  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 48,693     $ 54,889  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental cash flow information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Income taxes, net
  $ 11,767     $ 9,044  
Interest
  $ 15,799     $ 18,096  
 
               
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Issuance of common stock to executive officers and directors
  $ 923     $ 1,028  
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures
  $ 260     $ 4,186  
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

8


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(1)   Basis of Presentation
  (a)   The Company
     Stewart Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company”) is a provider of funeral and cemetery products and services in the death care industry in the United States. Through its subsidiaries, the Company offers a complete line of funeral merchandise and services, along with cemetery property, merchandise and services, both at the time of need and on a preneed basis. As of July 31, 2008, the Company owned and operated 221 funeral homes and 139 cemeteries in 24 states within the United States and Puerto Rico. The Company has five operating and reportable segments consisting of a corporate trust management segment and a funeral and cemetery segment for each of two geographic areas: Eastern and Western.
  (b)   Principles of Consolidation
     The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
  (c)   Interim Disclosures
     The information as of July 31, 2008, and for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, is unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflects all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations for the interim periods. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 (the “2007 Form 10-K”).
     The October 31, 2007 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements in the Company’s 2007 Form 10-K, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which are presented in the Company’s 2007 Form 10-K.
     The results of operations for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2008.
  (d)   Use of Estimates
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company’s significant estimates are disclosed in Note 2 in the Company’s 2007 Form 10-K.
  (e)   Share-Based Compensation
     The Company has share-based compensation plans, which are described in more detail in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2007 Form 10-K. Net earnings for the three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 include $481 and $455, respectively, of share-based compensation costs. Net earnings for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 include $1,431 and $1,146, respectively, of share-based compensation costs all of which are included in corporate general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. As of July 31, 2008, there was $3,017 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested share-based compensation that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.53 years of which $1,819 of total share-based compensation is expected for fiscal year 2008. The expense related to restricted stock is reflected in earnings and amounted to $187 and $354 for the three months ended July 31, 2008

9


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(1)   Basis of Presentation—(Continued)
and 2007, respectively, and $557 and $501 for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
     On January 17, 2008, the Company issued a total of 72,000 shares of Class A common stock to the independent directors of the Company. The expense related to this stock amounted to $531 and was recorded in corporate general and administrative expenses during the first quarter of 2008. Each independent director must hold at least 75 percent of the shares received until completion of service as a member of the Board of Directors.
     The table below presents all stock options and restricted stock granted to employees during the nine months ended July 31, 2008:
                         
            Weighted Average        
    Number of Shares   Exercise Price per        
Grant Type   Granted   Share   Vesting Period   Vesting Condition
Stock Options
    403,750     $ 8.12     Primarily equal one-fourth portions over 4 years   Service condition
Stock Options
    157,500     $ 8.34     Primarily equal one-third portions over 3 years   Market condition
Restricted Stock
    55,000     $ 8.31     Primarily equal one-third portions over 3 years   Performance condition
     The fair value of the Company’s service based stock options is the estimated present value at grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for the service based stock options granted during the nine months ended July 31, 2008: expected dividend yield of 1.2 percent; expected volatility of 37.5 percent; risk-free interest rate of 3.6 percent; and an expected term of 6.9 years. The Company also issued stock options in the first and third quarters of fiscal year 2008 with market conditions based on reaching certain target stock prices in fiscal years 2008, 2009 and 2010. The Company records this expense over the requisite service period. The fair value of the Company’s market based stock options is the estimated present value at the grant date using the Monte Carlo lattice model approach with the following weighted average assumptions for the market based stock options granted during the nine months ended July 31, 2008: expected dividend yield of 1.2 percent; expected volatility of 31.0 percent; risk-free interest rate of 3.4 percent; and an expected term of 2.8 years.
  (f)   Reclassifications
     Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2007 condensed consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows in order for these periods to be comparable. Businesses sold in fiscal year 2007 that met the criteria for discontinued operations have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. These reclassifications had no effect on net earnings or operating cash flows.
(2)   New Accounting Principles
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”)
     In July 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, which clarifies the accounting and disclosure for uncertain tax positions in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” This interpretation requires companies to use a prescribed model for assessing the financial statement recognition and measurement of all tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure

10


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(2)   New Accounting Principles—(Continued)
and transition. This interpretation was adopted by the Company on November 1, 2007. The Company has reviewed its income tax positions and identified certain tax deductions or revenue deferrals that are not certain. As a result of the adoption, the Company recognized a charge of $955 to the November 1, 2007 accumulated deficit balance. As of the adoption date, the Company had gross tax affected unrecognized tax benefits of $3,615 of which $551, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. Also, as of the adoption date, we had accrued interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits of $733. The Company’s policy with respect to potential penalties and interest is to record them as “other” expense and interest expense, respectively.
     With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for fiscal years before 2002. During the nine months ended July 31, 2008, we recognized an additional $178 in potential interest associated with uncertain tax positions. To the extent tax, interest and penalties are not assessed with respect to uncertain tax positions in the future, amounts accrued will be reduced and reflected as a reduction of tax expense, interest expense or “other” expense.
Other, not yet adopted
     In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”), which establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement is effective for financial assets and liabilities as well as for any assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis in financial statements as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007, which corresponds to the Company’s fiscal year beginning November 1, 2008. In February 2008, the FASB issued a one-year deferral for non-financial assets and liabilities to comply with SFAS No. 157. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
     In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS No. 159”). This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial assets and liabilities and certain other items at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. This statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007, which corresponds to the Company’s fiscal year beginning November 1, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
     In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations (SFAS 141(R))” (“SFAS No. 141R”). SFAS No. 141R states that all business combinations, whether full, partial, or step acquisitions, will result in all assets and liabilities of an acquired business being recorded at their fair values at the acquisition date. In subsequent periods, contingent liabilities will be measured at the higher of their acquisition date fair value or the estimated amounts to be realized. SFAS No. 141R applies to all transactions or other events in which an entity obtains control of one or more businesses. This statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2008, which corresponds to the Company’s fiscal year beginning November 1, 2009. This statement will apply to any future business combinations as of that date.
     In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statement—amendments of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 states that accounting and reporting for minority interests will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of shareholders’ equity. SFAS No. 160 applies to all entities that prepare consolidated financial statements, except not-for-profit organizations, but will affect only those entities that have an outstanding noncontrolling interest in one or more subsidiaries or that deconsolidate a subsidiary. This statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s

11


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(2)     New Accounting Principles—(Continued)
first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2008, which corresponds to the Company’s fiscal year beginning November 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
     In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS No. 161”). SFAS No. 161 changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (1) the ways in which an entity uses derivatives, (2) the accounting for derivatives and hedging activities, and (3) the impact that derivatives have (or could have) on an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. This statement is effective for financial statements of fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early adoption encouraged. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS No. 161 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
     In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS No. 162”). This statement identifies sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP in the United States. SFAS No. 162 moves the hierarchy of GAAP sources for non-governmental entities from the auditing literature to the accounting literature. This statement will become effective 60 days following approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) of amendments made by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” Any effect of applying SFAS No. 162 should be reported as a change in accounting principle. The Company does not expect this statement to have any impact on its consolidated financial statements.
     In May 2008, FASB Staff Position No. APB 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)” (“FSP No. APB 14-1”) was issued. FSP No. APB 14-1 states that convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion (including partial cash settlement) are not addressed by paragraph 12 of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 14 and that issuers of such instruments should account separately for the liability and equity components of the instruments in a manner that will reflect the entity’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. This opinion is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2008, which corresponds to the Company’s fiscal year beginning November 1, 2009, and must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of FSP No. APB 14-1 will have on its consolidated financial statements, but expects to record higher interest expense related to its senior convertible notes beginning in fiscal year 2010.
(3) Preneed Funeral Activities
     The Company maintains three types of trust and escrow accounts: (1) preneed funeral merchandise and services, (2) preneed cemetery merchandise and services and (3) cemetery perpetual care, the activity of which is detailed below and in Notes 4 and 5. The Company marks its trust portfolio to market value each quarter. Changes in the market value of the trusts are recorded by increasing or decreasing trust assets included in the preneed funeral and cemetery receivables and trust investments line items in the condensed consolidated balance sheet, with a corresponding increase or decrease in the deferred preneed revenue and non-controlling interest line items in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Therefore, there is no effect on current period net income.
     The Company determines whether or not the investment portfolio has an other than temporary impairment on a security-by-security basis. A loss is considered other than temporary if the security has a reduction in market value compared with its cost basis of 20 percent or more for a period of six months or longer. In addition, the Company periodically reviews its investment portfolio to determine if any of the temporarily impaired assets should

12


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(3)     Preneed Funeral Activities—(Continued)
be designated as other than temporarily impaired due to changes in market conditions or concerns specific to the issuer of the securities. If a loss is other than temporary, the cost basis of the security is adjusted downward to its market value, which is allocated to the non-controlling interests in the trusts. This affects the Company’s footnote disclosure but does not have an effect on its financial statements, since the trust portfolio is already marked to market value each quarter. Realized earnings on the trust assets flow into and out of the statement of earnings through investment and other income, net with no net effect on revenue or net earnings.
Preneed Funeral Receivables and Trust Investments
     Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments represent trust assets and customer receivables related to unperformed, price-guaranteed trust-funded preneed funeral contracts. An allowance for cancellations is estimated based on historical experience. The components of preneed funeral receivables and trust investments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at July 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 are as follows:
                 
    July 31, 2008     October 31, 2007  
Trust assets
  $ 404,603     $ 477,335  
Receivables from customers
    45,975       48,488  
 
           
 
    450,578       525,823  
Allowance for cancellations
    (10,757 )     (10,770 )
 
           
Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments
  $ 439,821     $ 515,053  
 
           
     The cost and market values associated with preneed funeral merchandise and services trust assets as of July 31, 2008 are detailed below. The adjusted cost basis of the funeral merchandise and services trust assets below reflects an other than temporary decline in the trust assets of approximately $95,560 as of July 31, 2008 from their original cost basis. The Company believes the unrealized losses reflected below of $44,134 related to trust investments are temporary in nature.
                                         
    July 31, 2008
    Adjusted     Unrealized     Unrealized                
    Cost Basis     Gains     Losses     Market          
Cash, money market and other short-term investments
  $ 32,672     $     $     $ 32,672          
U.S. Government, agencies and municipalities
    12,584       268       (1 )     12,851          
Corporate bonds
    57,636       454       (4,470 )     53,620          
Preferred stocks
    72,954       100       (13,017 )     60,037          
Common stocks
    198,901       17,391       (23,995 )     192,297          
Mutual funds
    34,464       336       (2,651 )     32,149          
Insurance contracts and other long- term investments
    19,629       104             19,733          
 
                               
Trust investments
  $ 428,840     $ 18,653     $ (44,134 )     403,359          
 
                                 
Market value as a percentage of cost
                                    94.1 %
 
                                     
Accrued investment income
                            1,244          
 
                                     
Trust assets
                          $ 404,603          
 
                                     

13


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(3)     Preneed Funeral Activities—(Continued)
     The estimated maturities and market values of debt securities included above are as follows:
         
    July 31, 2008  
Due in one year or less
  $ 5,146  
Due in one to five years
    32,810  
Due in five to ten years
    28,459  
Thereafter
    56  
 
     
 
  $ 66,471  
 
     
     Activity related to preneed funeral trust investments is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended July 31,   Nine Months Ended July 31,
    2008   2007   2008   2007
Purchases
  $ 10,153     $ 14,337     $ 19,009     $ 96,423  
Sales
    7,743       15,128       20,517       92,546  
Realized gains on sales
    1,087       1,020       2,825       6,782  
Realized losses on sales
    (309 )     (57 )     (620 )     (977 )
Impairment losses on other than temporarily impaired trust assets
    (10,614 )           (21,876 )     (371 )
Deposits
    8,129       8,250       24,111       24,364  
Withdrawals
    11,362       11,137       35,499       33,943  
     Cash flows from preneed funeral contracts are presented as operating cash flows in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
(4)     Preneed Cemetery Merchandise and Service Activities
Preneed Cemetery Receivables and Trust Investments
     Preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments represent trust assets and customer receivables for contracts sold in advance of when the merchandise or services are needed. An allowance for cancellations is estimated based on historical experience. The receivables related to the sale of preneed property interment rights are included in the Company’s current and long-term receivables. The components of preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of July 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 are as follows:
                 
    July 31, 2008     October 31, 2007  
Trust assets
  $ 186,846     $ 215,541  
Receivables from customers
    41,333       46,906  
 
           
 
    228,179       262,447  
Allowance for cancellations
    (4,886 )     (6,768 )
 
           
Preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments
  $ 223,293     $ 255,679  
 
           
     The cost and market values associated with the preneed cemetery merchandise and services trust assets as of July 31, 2008 are detailed below. The adjusted cost basis of the cemetery merchandise and services trust assets below reflects an other than temporary decline in the trust assets of approximately $49,728 as of July 31, 2008 from their original cost basis. The Company believes the unrealized losses reflected below of $23,570 related to trust investments are temporary in nature.

14


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(4)     Preneed Cemetery Merchandise and Service Activities—(Continued)
                                         
    July 31, 2008  
    Adjusted     Unrealized     Unrealized                
    Cost Basis     Gains     Losses     Market          
Cash, money market and other short-term investments
  $ 15,496     $     $     $ 15,496          
U.S. Government, agencies and municipalities
    13,908       550       (3 )     14,455          
Corporate bonds
    12,187       158       (868 )     11,477          
Preferred stocks
    26,054       20       (4,878 )     21,196          
Common stocks
    103,321       7,806       (12,968 )     98,159          
Mutual funds
    30,002       117       (4,853 )     25,266          
Insurance contracts and other long-term investments
    298                   298          
 
                               
Trust investments
  $ 201,266     $ 8,651     $ (23,570 )     186,347          
 
                                 
Market value as a percentage of cost
                                    92.6 %
 
                                     
Accrued investment income
                            499          
 
                                     
Trust assets
                          $ 186,846          
 
                                     
     The estimated maturities and market values of debt securities included above are as follows:
         
    July 31, 2008  
Due in one year or less
  $ 3,700  
Due in one to five years
    14,334  
Due in five to ten years
    7,692  
Thereafter
    206  
 
     
 
  $ 25,932  
 
     
     Activity related to preneed cemetery merchandise and services trust investments is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended July 31,   Nine Months Ended July 31,
    2008   2007   2008   2007
Purchases
  $ 7,302     $ 38,419     $ 13,933     $ 182,756  
Sales
    3,356       36,162       10,014       174,969  
Realized gains on sales
    577       2,634       1,650       9,372  
Realized losses on sales
    (89 )     (20 )     (285 )     (193 )
Impairment losses on other than temporarily impaired trust assets
    (3,259 )     (4 )     (9,178 )     (549 )
Deposits
    4,815       4,622       13,432       13,551  
Withdrawals
    4,327       4,926       14,897       14,329  
     Cash flows from preneed cemetery merchandise and services contracts are presented as operating cash flows in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
(5)     Cemetery Interment Rights and Perpetual Care Trusts
     Earnings realized from cemetery perpetual care trust investments that the Company is legally permitted to withdraw are recognized in current cemetery revenues and are used to defray cemetery maintenance costs which are expensed as incurred. Recognized earnings related to these cemetery perpetual care trust investments were $2,635

15


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(5)     Cemetery Interment Rights and Perpetual Care Trusts—(Continued)
and $2,498 for the three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $8,040 and $7,323 for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
     The cost and market values of the trust investments held by the cemetery perpetual care trusts as of July 31, 2008 are detailed below. The adjusted cost basis of the cemetery perpetual care trusts below reflects an other than temporary decline in the trust assets of $40,118 as of July 31, 2008 from their original cost basis. The Company believes the unrealized losses reflected below of $26,610 related to trust investments are temporary in nature.
                                         
    July 31, 2008  
    Adjusted     Unrealized     Unrealized                
    Cost Basis     Gains     Losses     Market          
Cash, money market and other short-term investments
  $ 12,174     $     $     $ 12,174          
U.S. Government, agencies and municipalities
    8,934       300       (61 )     9,173          
Corporate bonds
    45,078       830       (2,076 )     43,832          
Preferred stocks
    68,749       13       (14,451 )     54,311          
Common stocks
    77,315       9,258       (9,413 )     77,160          
Mutual funds
    9,581       162       (609 )     9,134          
Insurance contracts and other long-term investments
    708       80             788          
 
                               
Trust investments
  $ 222,539     $ 10,643     $ (26,610 )     206,572          
 
                                 
Market value as a percentage of cost
                                    92.8 %
 
                                     
Accrued investment income
                            853          
 
                                     
Trust assets
                          $ 207,425          
 
                                     
     The estimated maturities and market values of debt securities included above are as follows:
         
    July 31, 2008  
Due in one year or less
  $ 535  
Due in one to five years
    31,483  
Due in five to ten years
    20,383  
Thereafter
    604  
 
     
 
  $ 53,005  
 
     
     Activity related to preneed cemetery perpetual care trust investments is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended July 31,   Nine Months Ended July 31,
    2008   2007   2008   2007
Purchases
  $ 16,376     $ 23,564     $ 46,640     $ 56,330  
Sales
    17,841       14,331       42,899       47,104  
Realized gains on sales
    1,287       1,749       4,334       4,136  
Realized losses on sales
          (35 )     (7 )     (325 )
Impairment losses on other than temporarily impaired trust assets
    (5,032 )           (8,577 )     (770 )
Deposits
    2,186       2,153       6,147       6,066  
Withdrawals
    2,350       2,357       7,351       7,778  
     During the three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, cemetery revenues were $61,870 and $60,665, respectively, of which $2,210 and $2,677, respectively, were required to be placed into perpetual care trusts and

16


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(5)     Cemetery Interment Rights and Perpetual Care Trusts—(Continued)
were recorded as revenues and expenses. During the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, cemetery revenues were $178,658 and $184,043, respectively, of which $6,800 and $7,628, respectively, were required to be placed into perpetual care trusts and were recorded as revenues and expenses.
     Cash flows from cemetery perpetual care contracts are presented as operating cash flows in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
(6)     Non-Controlling Interest in Funeral and Cemetery Trusts and in Perpetual Care Trusts
     The components of non-controlling interest in funeral and cemetery trusts and non-controlling interest in perpetual care trusts at July 31, 2008 are as follows:
                                 
                            Non-controlling  
    Non-controlling Interest     Interest in  
    Preneed     Preneed             Perpetual  
    Funeral     Cemetery     Total     Care Trusts  
Trust assets at market value
  $ 404,603     $ 186,846     $ 591,449     $ 207,425  
Less:
                               
Pending withdrawals
    (9,090 )     (4,214 )     (13,304 )     (2,570 )
Pending deposits
    2,238       1,303       3,541       781  
 
                       
Non-controlling interest
  $ 397,751     $ 183,935     $ 581,686     $ 205,636  
 
                       
Investment and other income, net
     The components of investment and other income, net in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 are detailed below.
                                 
    Three Months Ended July 31,     Nine Months Ended July 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Non-controlling interest:
                               
Realized gains
  $ 2,951     $ 5,403     $ 8,809     $ 20,290  
Realized losses
    (398 )     (112 )     (912 )     (1,495 )
Impairment losses on other than temporarily impaired trust assets
    (18,905 )     (4 )     (39,631 )     (1,690 )
Interest income, dividend and other ordinary income
    7,876       7,644       23,257       20,878  
Trust expenses and income taxes
    (2,639 )     (3,135 )     (8,380 )     (8,571 )
 
                       
Net trust investment income
    (11,115 )     9,796       (16,857 )     29,412  
Non-controlling interest in funeral and cemetery trust investment income
    9,182       (6,690 )     18,140       (21,755 )
Non-controlling interest in perpetual care trust investment income
    1,933       (3,106 )     (1,283 )     (7,657 )
 
                       
Total non-controlling interest
                       
Investment and other income, net (1)
    593       810       1,670       2,427  
 
                       
Total investment and other income, net
  $ 593     $ 810     $ 1,670     $ 2,427  
 
                       
 
(1)   Investment and other income, net consists of interest income primarily on the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities not held in trust.

17


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(7)     Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
     Henrietta Torres and Teresa Fiore, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated and the General Public v. Stewart Enterprises, Inc., et al.; No. BC328961, on the docket of the Superior Court for the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, Central District. This purported class action was filed on February 17, 2005 on behalf of a nationwide class defined to include all persons who purchased funeral goods and/or services in the United States from defendants at any time on or after February 17, 2001. The suit named the Company and several of its Southern California affiliates as defendants and also sought to assert claims against a class of all entities located anywhere in the United States whose ultimate parent corporation has been the Company at any time on or after February 17, 2001.
     In May 2005, the court ruled that this case was related to similar actions against Service Corporation International (“SCI”) and Alderwoods Group, Inc., and designated the SCI case as the lead case. The case against the Company effectively has been held in abeyance while the court tests plaintiff’s legal theories in the lead case. Rulings on legal issues in the lead case will apply equally in the case against the Company, and the court has allowed the Company to participate in hearings and briefings in the lead case.
     As a result of demurrers, the plaintiff in the lead case amended her case twice. On January 31, 2006, however, the court overruled SCI’s demurrer to the third amended complaint and established a schedule leading to a hearing on a motion for summary judgment to test the viability of the named plaintiff’s claim against SCI. The third amended complaint in the lead case alleges that the SCI defendants violated the “Funeral Rule” promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission by failing to disclose that the prices charged to the plaintiffs for certain goods and services the SCI defendants obtained from third parties specifically on the plaintiff’s behalf exceeded what the defendants paid for them. The plaintiff alleges that by failing to comply with the Funeral Rule, defendants (i) breached contracts with the plaintiffs, (ii) were unjustly enriched, and (iii) engaged in unfair, unlawful and fraudulent business practices in violation of a provision of California’s Business and Professions Code. The plaintiff seeks restitution damages, disgorgement, interest, costs and attorneys’ fees.
     In September and October 2006, the court granted the motion for summary judgment filed by the SCI affiliate with whom the plaintiff had contracted and entered a judgment of dismissal in favor of that SCI affiliate. On December 8, 2006, the plaintiff noticed an appeal of this judgment.
     Because the matter is being appealed, the likelihood of liability and the extent of any damages cannot be reasonably assessed at this time. The Company intends to aggressively defend itself in this matter. The Company has not recorded a liability related to this litigation given that it does not believe that a loss is probable and estimatable.
     Funeral Consumers Alliance, Inc., et al. v. Service Corporation International, Alderwoods Group, Inc., Stewart Enterprises, Inc., Hillenbrand Industries, Inc., and Batesville Casket Co., number H-05-3394 on the docket of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This purported class action was originally filed on May 2, 2005, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, on behalf of a nationwide class defined to include all consumers who purchased a Batesville casket from the funeral home defendants at any time. The court consolidated it with five subsequently filed, substantially similar cases (the “Consolidated Consumer Cases”).
     The Consolidated Consumer Cases allege that the defendants acted jointly to reduce competition from independent casket discounters and fix and maintain prices on caskets in violation of the federal antitrust laws and California’s Business and Professions Code. The plaintiffs seek treble damages, restitution, injunctive relief, interest, costs and attorneys’ fees.

18


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(7)     Commitments and Contingencies—(Continued)
     At the defendants’ request, in late September 2005, the court transferred the Consolidated Consumer Cases to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. The transferred Consolidated Consumer Cases have been consolidated before a single judge in the Southern District of Texas.
     On November 10, 2006, after the court denied Defendants’ motions to dismiss, the Company answered the first amended consolidated class action complaint, denying liability and asserting various affirmative defenses. The court conducted a hearing on plaintiffs’ motion for class certification on December 4-7, 2006 and has taken the motion under advisement. Fact discovery has been completed, and expert discovery is ongoing.
     In April 2007, the plaintiffs filed an expert report indicating that the damages sought from all defendants would be in the range of approximately $950 million to approximately $1.5 billion, before trebling. A successful plaintiff in an anti-trust case may elect to enforce any judgment against any or all of the co-defendants, who have no right of contribution against one another. Accordingly, any adverse judgment could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the substantive allegations asserted, to class certification, and to the plaintiffs’ damage theories and calculations, and the Company intends to aggressively defend itself in these proceedings. The Company has not recorded a liability related to this litigation given that it does not believe that a loss is probable and estimatable.
     Pioneer Valley Casket Co., Inc., et al. v. Service Corporation International, Alderwoods Group, Inc., Stewart Enterprises, Inc., Hillenbrand Industries, Inc., and Batesville Casket Co., number H-05-3399 (“Pioneer Valley Case”). This purported class action was filed on July 8, 2005, in the Northern District of California on behalf of a nationwide class of independent casket retailers. The casket retailers make allegations similar to those made in the Consolidated Consumer Cases reported above and seek treble damages, injunctive relief, interest, costs and attorneys’ fees.
     Like the Consolidated Consumer Cases, in late September 2005, this matter was transferred to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. The Pioneer Valley Case has been consolidated with the Consolidated Consumer Cases for purposes of discovery only.
     On November 14, 2006, after the court denied Defendants’ motions to dismiss, the Company answered the first amended complaint, denying liability and asserting various defenses. The court conducted a hearing on plaintiffs’ motion for class certification on December 8, 2006 and has taken the motion under advisement. Fact discovery has been completed, and expert discovery is ongoing.
     In April 2007, the plaintiffs filed an expert report indicating that the damages sought from all defendants would be approximately $99.0 million, before trebling. A successful plaintiff in an anti-trust case may elect to enforce any judgment against any or all of the co-defendants, who have no right of contribution against one another. Accordingly, any adverse judgment could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the substantive allegations asserted, to class certification, and to the plaintiffs’ damage theories and calculations, and the Company intends to aggressively defend itself in these proceedings. The Company has not recorded a liability related to this litigation given that it does not believe that a loss is probable and estimatable.
     In Re: State Attorney General Civil Investigative Demands - On August 4, 2005, the Attorney General for the State of Maryland issued a civil investigative demand to the Company seeking documents and information relating to funeral and cemetery goods and services. Subsequently, the Attorneys General for the States of Florida and Connecticut issued a similar civil investigative demand to the Company. The Company has entered into arrangements allowing the Maryland and Florida Attorneys General to share in information provided by the Company with the attorneys general of certain other states. The Company has provided documents and information to the attorneys general, and they have not sought any additional documents or information since 2006. The

19


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(7)     Commitments and Contingencies—(Continued)
Company will continue to cooperate with the attorneys general in their investigation if it is called upon to do so.
Other Litigation
     The Company is a defendant in a variety of other litigation matters that have arisen in the ordinary course of business, which are covered by insurance or otherwise not considered to be material. The Company carries insurance with coverages and coverage limits that it believes to be adequate.
Securities and Exchange Commission Investigation
     In November 2006, the Company received a subpoena from the SEC, issued pursuant to a formal order of investigation, seeking documents and information related to the Company’s previously disclosed and completed deferred revenue project. In response to both the initial and subsequent related subpoenas, the Company has provided to the SEC documents and other information. The Company is cooperating fully with the investigation and is in discussions with the SEC in an effort to resolve the matters raised by the inquiry. At this time, the Company is unable to predict the timing or ultimate outcome of these discussions.
Employee Retention Plan
     The Board of Directors adopted a retention plan on June 18, 2008 and amended it on August 1, 2008. The retention plan, as amended, is designed to encourage the continued employment of key management personnel, including the executive officers, in the event of an impending change of control of the Company and to alleviate concerns about the possible loss of employment upon a change of control. The total cost, if all participants were to be terminated is approximately $16,500.
Other
     From time to time, unrecorded contracts are presented to the Company relating to contracts sold prior to the Company acquiring certain businesses. In addition, from time to time, the Company has identified in its backlog, related to such businesses, certain contracts in which services or merchandise have already been performed. Using historical trends, and statistical analysis, the Company has recorded an estimated liability for these items of approximately $7 million.

20


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(8)     Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Per Share Data
                         
    Earnings     Shares     Per Share  
    (Numerator)     (Denominator)     Data  
Three Months Ended July 31, 2008
                       
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ 9,129                  
Basic earnings per common share:
                       
Earnings from continuing operations available to common shareholders
  $ 9,129       92,203     $ .10  
 
                   
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Time-vest stock options assumed exercised and restricted stock
            211          
 
                     
Diluted earnings per common share:
                       
Earnings from continuing operations available to common shareholders plus time-vest stock options assumed exercised and restricted stock
  $ 9,129       92,414     $ .10  
 
                 
                         
    Earnings     Shares     Per Share  
    (Numerator)     (Denominator)     Data  
Three Months Ended July 31, 2007
                       
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ 8,210                  
Basic earnings per common share:
                       
Earnings from continuing operations available to common shareholders
  $ 8,210       102,479     $ .08  
 
                   
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Time-vest stock options assumed exercised and restricted stock
            235          
 
                     
Diluted earnings per common share:
                       
Earnings from continuing operations available to common shareholders plus time-vest stock options assumed exercised and restricted stock
  $ 8,210       102,714     $ .08  
 
                 
                         
    Earnings     Shares     Per Share  
    (Numerator)     (Denominator)     Data  
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2008
                       
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ 31,954                  
Basic earnings per common share:
                       
Earnings from continuing operations available to common shareholders
  $ 31,954       94,504     $ .34  
 
                   
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Time-vest stock options assumed exercised and restricted stock
            172          
 
                     
Diluted earnings per common share:
                       
Earnings from continuing operations available to common shareholders plus time-vest stock options assumed exercised and restricted stock
  $ 31,954       94,676     $ .34  
 
                 

21


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(8)     Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Per Share Data—(Continued)
                         
    Earnings     Shares     Per Share  
    (Numerator)     (Denominator)     Data  
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2007
                       
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ 33,999                  
Basic earnings per common share:
                       
Earnings from continuing operations available to common shareholders
  $ 33,999       104,215     $ .32  
 
                   
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Time-vest stock options assumed exercised and restricted stock
            169          
 
                     
Diluted earnings per common share:
                       
Earnings from continuing operations available to common shareholders plus time-vest stock options assumed exercised and restricted stock
  $ 33,999       104,384     $ .32  
 
                 
     Options to purchase 829,759 and 773,719 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $5.84 to $8.24 per share were antidilutive during the three and nine months ended July 31, 2008, respectively. These options expire between May 15, 2013 and June 17, 2015.
     There were no antidilutive options for the three months ended July 31, 2007. Options to purchase 2,753 shares of common stock at a price of $7.31 per share were outstanding during the nine months ended July 31, 2007, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices of the options were greater than the average market price of the common shares.
     For the three and nine months ended July 31, 2008, 697,500 market based stock options and 415,000 market and performance based shares of restricted stock were not dilutive. For the three and nine months ended July 31, 2007, 540,000 market based stock options and 360,000 market and performance based shares of restricted stock were not dilutive. The market based stock options and the market and performance based restricted stock were not dilutive because the market conditions or performance conditions for the respective grants were not achieved during any of periods presented.
     For the three and nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, a maximum of 25,000,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock related to the senior convertible notes and a maximum of 20,000,000 shares of Class A common stock under the common stock warrants associated with the June 2007 senior convertible debt transaction were also not dilutive, as the average price of the Company’s stock for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 was less than the conversion price of the senior convertible notes and strike price of the warrants.
     The Company includes Class A and Class B common stock in its diluted shares calculation. As of July 31, 2008, the Company’s Chairman, Frank B. Stewart, Jr., was the record holder of all of the Company’s shares of Class B common stock. The Company’s Class A and B common stock are substantially identical, except that holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share, and holders of Class B common stock are entitled to 10 votes per share. Each share of Class B common stock is automatically converted into one share of Class A common stock upon transfer to persons other than certain affiliates of Frank B. Stewart, Jr.
(9)     Segment Data
     The Company has five operating and reportable segments consisting of a corporate trust management segment and a funeral and cemetery segment for each of two geographic areas: Eastern and Western. The

22


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(9)     Segment Data—(Continued)
Company does not aggregate its operating segments. Therefore, its operating and reportable segments are the same. The table below presents information about reported segments for the Company’s continuing operations.
                                                 
    Funeral Revenue     Cemetery Revenue (1)     Total Revenue  
    Three Months     Three Months     Three Months     Three Months     Three Months     Three Months  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    July 31, 2008     July 31, 2007     July 31, 2008     July 31, 2007     July 31, 2008     July 31, 2007  
Eastern Division
  $ 28,105     $ 27,671     $ 32,839     $ 34,344     $ 60,944     $ 62,015  
Western Division
    35,843       34,666       26,738       23,855       62,581       58,521  
Corporate Trust Management (2)
    4,610       4,577       2,293       2,466       6,903       7,043  
 
                                   
Total
  $ 68,558     $ 66,914     $ 61,870     $ 60,665     $ 130,428     $ 127,579  
 
                                   
                                                 
    Funeral Revenue     Cemetery Revenue (1)     Total Revenue  
    Nine Months     Nine Months     Nine Months     Nine Months     Nine Months     Nine Months  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    July 31, 2008     July 31, 2007     July 31, 2008     July 31, 2007     July 31, 2008     July 31, 2007  
Eastern Division
  $ 89,987     $ 89,059     $ 98,001     $ 108,519     $ 187,988     $ 197,578  
Western Division
    114,760       109,446       73,665       68,382       188,425       177,828  
Corporate Trust Management (2)
    14,115       13,905       6,992       7,142       21,107       21,047  
 
                                   
Total
  $ 218,862     $ 212,410     $ 178,658     $ 184,043     $ 397,520     $ 396,453  
 
                                   
                                                 
    Funeral Gross Profit     Cemetery Gross Profit (1)     Total Gross Profit  
    Three Months     Three Months     Three Months     Three Months     Three Months     Three Months  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    July 31, 2008     July 31, 2007     July 31, 2008     July 31, 2007     July 31, 2008     July 31, 2007  
Eastern Division
  $ 3,914     $ 3,059     $ 4,434     $ 4,735     $ 8,348     $ 7,794  
Western Division
    6,718       6,915       6,468       5,115       13,186       12,030  
Corporate Trust Management (2)
    4,402       4,351       2,062       2,334       6,464       6,685  
 
                                   
Total
  $ 15,034     $ 14,325     $ 12,964     $ 12,184     $ 27,998     $ 26,509  
 
                                   
                                                 
    Funeral Gross Profit     Cemetery Gross Profit (1)     Total Gross Profit  
    Nine Months     Nine Months     Nine Months     Nine Months     Nine Months     Nine Months  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    July 31, 2008     July 31, 2007     July 31, 2008     July 31, 2007     July 31, 2008     July 31, 2007  
Eastern Division
  $ 16,211     $ 15,378     $ 12,059     $ 17,581     $ 28,270     $ 32,959  
Western Division
    25,924       23,263       16,796       13,984       42,720       37,247  
Corporate Trust Management (2)
    13,467       13,354       6,245       6,721       19,712       20,075  
 
                                   
Total
  $ 55,602     $ 51,995     $ 35,100     $ 38,286     $ 90,702     $ 90,281  
 
                                   
                                                 
    Net Preneed Funeral     Net Preneed Cemetery     Net Total Preneed  
    Merchandise and     Merchandise and     Merchandise and  
    Service Sales (3)     Service Sales (3)     Service Sales (3)  
    Three Months     Three Months     Three Months     Three Months     Three Months     Three Months  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    July 31, 2008     July 31, 2007     July 31, 2008     July 31, 2007     July 31, 2008     July 31, 2007  
Eastern Division
  $ 11,288     $ 11,219     $ 9,679     $ 9,852     $ 20,967     $ 21,071  
Western Division
    14,716       13,417       4,565       4,565       19,281       17,982  
 
                                   
Total
  $ 26,004     $ 24,636     $ 14,244     $ 14,417     $ 40,248     $ 39,053  
 
                                   

23


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(9)     Segment Data—(Continued)
                                                 
    Net Preneed Funeral     Net Preneed Cemetery     Net Total Preneed  
    Merchandise     Merchandise and     Merchandise and  
    and Service Sales (3)     Service Sales (3)     Service Sales (3)  
    Nine Months     Nine Months     Nine Months     Nine Months     Nine Months     Nine Months  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    July 31, 2008     July 31, 2007     July 31, 2008     July 31, 2007     July 31, 2008     July 31, 2007  
Eastern Division
  $ 31,501     $ 33,652     $ 27,867     $ 29,174     $ 59,368     $ 62,826  
Western Division
    41,462       42,006       12,700       12,546       54,162       54,552  
 
                                   
Total
  $ 72,963     $ 75,658     $ 40,567     $ 41,720     $ 113,530     $ 117,378  
 
                                   
 
(1)   Perpetual care trust earnings are included in the revenues and gross profit of the related geographic segment and amounted to $2,635 and $2,498 for the three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $8,040 and $7,323 for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
(2)   Corporate trust management consists of trust management fees and funeral and cemetery merchandise and service trust earnings recognized with respect to preneed contracts delivered during the period. Trust management fees are established by the Company at rates consistent with industry norms and are paid by the trusts to the Company’s subsidiary, Investors Trust, Inc. The trust earnings represent earnings realized over the life of the preneed contracts delivered during the relevant periods. Trust management fees included in funeral revenue for the three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 were $1,264 and $1,472, respectively, and funeral trust earnings for the three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 were $3,346 and $3,105, respectively. Trust management fees included in cemetery revenue for the three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 were $1,255 and $1,345, respectively, and cemetery trust earnings for the three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 were $1,038 and $1,121, respectively. Trust management fees included in funeral revenue for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 were $3,957 and $4,400, respectively, and funeral trust earnings for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 were $10,158 and $9,505, respectively. Trust management fees included in cemetery revenue for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 were $3,844 and $3,983, respectively, and cemetery trust earnings for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 were $3,148 and $3,159, respectively.
 
(3)   Preneed sales amounts represent total preneed funeral and cemetery service and merchandise sales generated in the applicable period, net of cancellations. These sales are deferred and are recorded as revenue in the period the services are performed or the merchandise is delivered.
     A reconciliation of total segment gross profit to total earnings from continuing operations before income taxes for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended July 31,     Nine Months Ended July 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Gross profit for reportable segments
  $ 27,998     $ 26,509     $ 90,702     $ 90,281  
Corporate general and administrative expenses
    (8,188 )     (8,343 )     (24,226 )     (23,129 )
Hurricane related charges, net
    (341 )     (210 )     (351 )     (2,343 )
Separation charges
          (48 )           (580 )
Gains on dispositions and impairment (losses), net
    25       (46 )     153       44  
Other operating income, net
    407       290       753       1,441  
Interest expense
    (6,000 )     (6,222 )     (17,981 )     (19,274 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
          (677 )           (677 )
Investment and other income, net
    593       810       1,670       2,427  
 
                       
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ 14,494     $ 12,063     $ 50,720     $ 48,190  
 
                       

24


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(10)     Supplementary Information
     The detail of certain income statement accounts is as follows for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007.
                                 
    Three Months Ended July 31,     Nine Months Ended July 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Service revenue
                               
Funeral
  $ 42,795     $ 40,341     $ 136,202     $ 128,709  
Cemetery
    15,726       15,058       48,592       47,328  
 
                       
 
    58,521       55,399       184,794       176,037  
Merchandise revenue
                               
Funeral
    23,872       24,452       76,800       77,394  
Cemetery
    42,227       41,087       118,299       124,018  
 
                       
 
    66,099       65,539       195,099       201,412  
Other revenue
                               
Funeral
    1,891       2,121       5,860       6,307  
Cemetery
    3,917       4,520       11,767       12,697  
 
                       
 
    5,808       6,641       17,627       19,004  
 
                       
 
                               
Total revenue
  $ 130,428     $ 127,579     $ 397,520     $ 396,453  
 
                       
 
                               
Service costs
                               
Funeral
  $ 15,403     $ 15,235     $ 45,979     $ 44,253  
Cemetery
    11,515       11,218       32,043       32,250  
 
                       
 
    26,918       26,453       78,022       76,503  
Merchandise costs
                               
Funeral
    15,116       15,381       47,094       47,626  
Cemetery
    23,615       24,123       69,818       73,167  
 
                       
 
    38,731       39,504       116,912       120,793  
General and administrative expenses
                               
Funeral
    23,005       21,973       70,187       68,536  
Cemetery
    13,776       13,140       41,697       40,340  
 
                       
 
    36,781       35,113       111,884       108,876  
 
                       
 
                               
Total costs
  $ 102,430     $ 101,070     $ 306,818     $ 306,172  
 
                       
     Service revenue includes funeral service revenue, funeral trust earnings, insurance commission revenue, burial site openings and closings and perpetual care trust earnings. Merchandise revenue includes funeral merchandise revenue, flower sales, cemetery property sales revenue, cemetery merchandise revenue and merchandise trust earnings. Other revenue consists of finance charge revenue and trust management fees. Service costs include the direct costs associated with service revenue and preneed selling costs associated with preneed service sales. Merchandise costs include the direct costs associated with merchandise revenue and preneed selling costs associated with preneed merchandise sales.

25


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(11)   Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements of Guarantors of Senior Notes and Senior Convertible Notes
     The following tables present the condensed consolidating historical financial statements as of July 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 and for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, for the direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries of the Company that serve as guarantors of the Company’s 6.25 percent senior notes and its 3.125 percent and 3.375 percent senior convertible notes, and the financial results of the Company’s subsidiaries that do not serve as guarantors. Non-guarantor subsidiaries of the 6.25 percent senior notes include the Puerto Rican subsidiaries, Investors Trust, Inc. and certain immaterial domestic subsidiaries, which are prohibited by law from guaranteeing the senior notes. The guarantor subsidiaries of the 6.25 percent senior notes are wholly-owned directly or indirectly by the Company, except for three immaterial guarantor subsidiaries of which the Company is the majority owner. The non-guarantor subsidiaries of the senior convertible notes are identical to those of the 6.25 percent senior notes but also include three immaterial non-wholly owned subsidiaries and any future non-wholly owned subsidiaries. The guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several. In the statements presented within this footnote, Tier 2 guarantor subsidiaries represent the three immaterial non-wholly owned subsidiaries that do not guaranty the senior convertible notes but do guaranty the 6.25 percent senior notes. Non-guarantor subsidiaries represent the identical non-guarantor subsidiaries of the 6.25 percent senior notes and senior convertible notes. In the condensed consolidating statements of earnings and other comprehensive income, corporate general and administrative expenses and interest expense of the parent are presented net of amounts charged to the guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries.
     The condensed consolidating statements of earnings and other comprehensive income for the nine months ended July 31, 2007 has been revised to correct $1,295 of hurricane related charges that were previously included in the Tier 1 guarantor subsidiaries column but should have been included in the Tier 2 guarantor subsidiaries column. These revisions had no impact on the consolidated totals or the totals for guarantor subsidiaries in the Company’s condensed consolidating statements of earnings and other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2007 and no impact on the condensed consolidating balance sheet as of October 31, 2007 or condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the nine months ended July 31, 2007.

26


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(11)   Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements of Guarantors of Senior Notes and Senior Convertible Notes—(Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Earnings and Other Comprehensive Income
                                                 
    Three Months Ended July 31, 2008  
            Guarantor     Guarantor     Non-              
            Subsidiaries-     Subsidiaries-     Guarantor              
    Parent     Tier 1     Tier 2     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  
Revenues:
                                               
Funeral
  $     $ 63,398     $ 381     $ 4,779     $     $ 68,558  
Cemetery
          56,046       842       4,982             61,870  
 
                                   
 
          119,444       1,223       9,761             130,428  
 
                                   
Costs and expenses:
                                               
Funeral
          49,648       265       3,611             53,524  
Cemetery
          44,114       698       4,094             48,906  
 
                                   
 
          93,762       963       7,705             102,430  
 
                                   
Gross profit
          25,682       260       2,056             27,998  
Corporate general and administrative expenses
    (8,188 )                             (8,188 )
Hurricane related charges, net
    (402 )           61                   (341 )
Gains on dispositions and impairment (losses), net
          25                         25  
Other operating income, net
    22       341             44             407  
 
                                   
Operating earnings (loss)
    (8,568 )     26,048       321       2,100             19,901  
Interest expense
    (1,585 )     (3,869 )     (40 )     (506 )           (6,000 )
Investment and other income, net
    563       29             1             593  
Equity in subsidiaries
    16,458       (74 )                 (16,384 )      
 
                                   
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
    6,868       22,134       281       1,595       (16,384 )     14,494  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (2,261 )     7,236       195       195             5,365  
 
                                   
Net earnings
    9,129       14,898       86       1,400       (16,384 )     9,129  
Other comprehensive loss, net
    (26 )                 (4 )     4       (26 )
 
                                   
Comprehensive income
  $ 9,103     $ 14,898     $ 86     $ 1,396     $ (16,380 )   $ 9,103  
 
                                   

27


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(11)   Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements of Guarantors of Senior Notes and Senior Convertible Notes—(Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Earnings and Other Comprehensive Income
                                                 
    Three Months Ended July 31, 2007  
            Guarantor     Guarantor     Non-              
            Subsidiaries-     Subsidiaries-     Guarantor              
    Parent     Tier 1     Tier 2     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  
Revenues:
                                               
Funeral
  $     $ 61,689     $ 379     $ 4,846     $     $ 66,914  
Cemetery
          54,757       794       5,114             60,665  
 
                                   
 
          116,446       1,173       9,960             127,579  
 
                                   
Costs and expenses:
                                               
Funeral
          49,259       276       3,054             52,589  
Cemetery
          43,819       636       4,026             48,481  
 
                                   
 
          93,078       912       7,080             101,070  
 
                                   
Gross profit
          23,368       261       2,880             26,509  
Corporate general and administrative expenses
    (8,343 )                             (8,343 )
Hurricane related charges, net
          (210 )                       (210 )
Separation charges
          (48 )                       (48 )
Gains on dispositions and impairment (losses), net
          (46 )                       (46 )
Other operating income, net
    19       215             56             290  
 
                                   
Operating earnings (loss)
    (8,324 )     23,279       261       2,936             18,152  
Interest expense
    (2,158 )     (3,242 )     (37 )     (785 )           (6,222 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    (677 )                             (677 )
Investment and other income, net
    792       13             5             810  
Equity in subsidiaries
    19,346       510                   (19,856 )      
 
                                   
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
    8,979       20,560       224       2,156       (19,856 )     12,063  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    856       3,406       85       (494 )           3,853  
 
                                   
Earnings from continuing operations
    8,123       17,154       139       2,650       (19,856 )     8,210  
Discontinued operations:
                                               
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
          (138 )                       (138 )
Income tax benefit
          (51 )                       (51 )
 
                                   
Loss from discontinued operations
          (87 )                       (87 )
 
                                   
Net earnings
    8,123       17,067       139       2,650       (19,856 )     8,123  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net
                                   
 
                                   
Comprehensive income
  $ 8,123     $ 17,067     $ 139     $ 2,650     $ (19,856 )   $ 8,123  
 
                                   

28


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(11)   Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements of Guarantors of Senior Notes and Senior Convertible Notes—(Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Earnings and Other Comprehensive Income
                                                 
    Nine Months Ended July 31, 2008  
            Guarantor     Guarantor     Non-              
            Subsidiaries-     Subsidiaries-     Guarantor              
    Parent     Tier 1     Tier 2     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
                                               
Revenues:
                                               
Funeral
  $     $ 202,495     $ 1,410     $ 14,957     $     $ 218,862  
Cemetery
          161,205       2,565       14,888             178,658  
 
                                   
 
          363,700       3,975       29,845             397,520  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Costs and expenses:
                                               
Funeral
          151,970       898       10,392             163,260  
Cemetery
          129,453       2,155       11,950             143,558  
 
                                   
 
          281,423       3,053       22,342             306,818  
 
                                   
Gross profit
          82,277       922       7,503             90,702  
Corporate general and administrative expenses
    (24,226 )                             (24,226 )
Hurricane related charges, net
    (779 )     37       391                   (351 )
Gains on dispositions and impairment (losses), net
          153                         153  
Other operating income, net
    79       509       1       164             753  
 
                                   
Operating earnings (loss)
    (24,926 )     82,976       1,314       7,667             67,031  
Interest expense
    (3,318 )     (12,916 )     (113 )     (1,634 )           (17,981 )
Investment and other income, net
    1,614       50             6             1,670  
Equity in subsidiaries
    54,263       418                   (54,681 )      
 
                                   
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
    27,633       70,528       1,201       6,039       (54,681 )     50,720  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (4,321 )     21,280       399       1,408             18,766  
 
                                   
Net earnings
    31,954       49,248       802       4,631       (54,681 )     31,954  
Other comprehensive income, net
    17                   17       (17 )     17  
 
                                   
Comprehensive income
  $ 31,971     $ 49,248     $ 802     $ 4,648     $ (54,698 )   $ 31,971  
 
                                   

29


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(11)   Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements of Guarantors of Senior Notes and Senior Convertible Notes—(Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Earnings and Other Comprehensive Income
                                                 
    Nine Months Ended July 31, 2007  
            Guarantor     Guarantor     Non-              
            Subsidiaries-     Subsidiaries-     Guarantor              
    Parent     Tier 1     Tier 2     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
                                               
Revenues:
                                               
Funeral
  $     $ 196,247     $ 1,154     $ 15,009     $       212,410  
Cemetery
          165,634       2,313       16,096             184,043  
 
                                   
 
          361,881       3,467       31,105             396,453  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Costs and expenses:
                                               
Funeral
          150,321       782       9,312             160,415  
Cemetery
          131,879       1,869       12,009             145,757  
 
                                   
 
          282,200       2,651       21,321             306,172  
 
                                   
Gross profit
          79,681       816       9,784             90,281  
Corporate general and administrative expenses
    (23,129 )                             (23,129 )
Hurricane related charges, net
    (3 )     (1,045 )     (1,295 )                 (2,343 )
Separation charges
    (384 )     (196 )                       (580 )
Gains on dispositions and impairment (losses), net
          44                         44  
Other operating income, net
    296       950       1       194             1,441  
 
                                   
Operating earnings (loss)
    (23,220 )     79,434       (478 )     9,978             65,714  
Interest expense
    (5,739 )     (11,511 )     (153 )     (1,871 )           (19,274 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    (677 )                             (677 )
Investment and other income, net
    2,378       39             10             2,427  
Equity in subsidiaries
    59,762       758                   (60,520 )      
 
                                   
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
    32,504       68,720       (631 )     8,117       (60,520 )     48,190  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (1,174 )     14,126       (234 )     1,473             14,191  
 
                                   
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
    33,678       54,594       (397 )     6,644       (60,520 )     33,999  
Discontinued operations:
                                               
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
          (519 )                       (519 )
Income tax benefit
          (198 )                       (198 )
 
                                   
Loss from discontinued operations
          (321 )                       (321 )
 
                                   
Net earnings (loss)
    33,678       54,273       (397 )     6,644       (60,520 )     33,678  
Other comprehensive income, net
    3                   3       (3 )     3  
 
                                   
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 33,681     $ 54,273     $ (397 )   $ 6,647     $ (60,523 )   $ 33,681  
 
                                   

30


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(11)   Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements of Guarantors of Senior Notes and Senior Convertible Notes—(Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
                                                 
    July 31, 2008  
            Guarantor     Guarantor     Non-              
            Subsidiaries-     Subsidiaries-     Guarantor              
    Parent     Tier 1     Tier 2     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  
ASSETS
                                               
Current assets:
                                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 38,871     $ 7,889     $ 33     $ 1,900     $     $ 48,693  
Marketable securities
                      38             38  
Receivables, net of allowances
    20,552       52,704       484       4,508             78,248  
Inventories
    334       32,768       316       2,482             35,900  
Prepaid expenses
    1,602       5,834       64       1,427             8,927  
Deferred income taxes, net
    1,253       5,969       56       1,201             8,479  
 
                                   
Total current assets
    62,612       105,164       953       11,556             180,285  
Receivables due beyond one year, net of allowances
          53,429       376       15,997             69,802  
Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments
          429,604             10,217             439,821  
Preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments
          213,545       1,134       8,614             223,293  
Goodwill
          253,353       48       19,787             273,188  
Cemetery property, at cost
          340,144       11,540       25,453             377,137  
Property and equipment, at cost
    47,965       449,078       1,829       37,849             536,721  
Less accumulated depreciation
    29,414       186,602       780       13,784             230,580  
 
                                   
Net property and equipment
    18,551       262,476       1,049       24,065             306,141  
Deferred income taxes, net
    32,913       144,865             6,592       (3,310 )     181,060  
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments
          195,457       8,355       3,613             207,425  
Other assets
    9,836       6,375       16       1,075             17,302  
Intercompany receivables
    839,387                         (839,387 )      
Equity in subsidiaries
    26,156       7,244                   (33,400 )      
 
                                   
Total assets
  $ 989,455     $ 2,011,656     $ 23,471     $ 126,969     $ (876,097 )   $ 2,275,454  
 
                                   
 
                                               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                       
Current liabilities:
                                               
Current maturities of long-term debt
  $ 27     $     $     $     $     $ 27  
Accounts payable
    2,011       19,674       105       1,496             23,286  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    15,649       43,018       9       2,820             61,496  
 
                                   
Total current liabilities
    17,687       62,692       114       4,316             84,809  
Long-term debt, less current maturities
    450,097                               450,097  
Deferred income taxes
                3,310             (3,310 )      
Intercompany payables
          822,442       3,994       12,951       (839,387 )      
Deferred preneed funeral revenue
          204,797             45,685             250,482  
Deferred preneed cemetery revenue
          251,924       322       27,609             279,855  
Non-controlling interest in funeral and cemetery trusts
          575,057       1,035       5,594             581,686  
Other long-term liabilities
    16,491       3,134             124             19,749  
Negative equity in subsidiaries
    102,040                         (102,040 )      
 
                                   
Total liabilities
    586,315       1,920,046       8,775       96,279       (944,737 )     1,666,678  
 
                                   
Non-controlling interest in perpetual care trusts
          193,650       8,372       3,614             205,636  
 
                                   
Common stock
    92,237       102       324       52       (478 )     92,237  
Other
    310,875       (102,142 )     6,000       26,996       69,146       310,875  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    28                   28       (28 )     28  
 
                                   
Total shareholders’ equity
    403,140       (102,040 )     6,324       27,076       68,640       403,140  
 
                                   
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 989,455     $ 2,011,656     $ 23,471     $ 126,969     $ (876,097 )   $ 2,275,454  
 
                                   

31


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(11)   Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements of Guarantors of Senior Notes and Senior Convertible Notes—(Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
                                                 
    October 31, 2007  
            Guarantor     Guarantor     Non-              
            Subsidiaries-     Subsidiaries-     Guarantor              
    Parent     Tier 1     Tier 2     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  
ASSETS
                                               
Current assets:
                                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 63,202     $ 6,685     $ 36     $ 1,622     $     $ 71,545  
Marketable securities
                      262             262  
Receivables, net of allowances
    4,054       51,619       103       4,839             60,615  
Inventories
    368       32,765       328       2,600             36,061  
Prepaid expenses
    950       4,306       3       1,096             6,355  
Deferred income taxes, net
    1,334       5,785       78       1,424             8,621  
 
                                   
Total current assets
    69,908       101,160       548       11,843             183,459  
Receivables due beyond one year, net of allowances
    10,358       53,926       928       18,396             83,608  
Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments
          504,534             10,519             515,053  
Preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments
          245,056       1,199       9,424             255,679  
Goodwill
          253,451       48       19,787             273,286  
Cemetery property, at cost
          338,274       11,408       25,118             374,800  
Property and equipment, at cost
    43,395       436,588       1,699       37,299             518,981  
Less accumulated depreciation
    26,701       172,924       663       12,775             213,063  
 
                                   
Net property and equipment
    16,694       263,664       1,036       24,524             305,918  
Deferred income taxes, net
    29,238       156,254             9,913       (2,546 )     192,859  
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments
          224,182       8,322       3,999             236,503  
Other assets
    9,664       7,039       16       1,090             17,809  
Intercompany receivables
    897,546                         (897,546 )      
Equity in subsidiaries
    21,124       6,826                   (27,950 )      
 
                                   
Total assets
  $ 1,054,532     $ 2,154,366     $ 23,505     $ 134,613     $ (928,042 )   $ 2,438,974  
 
                                   
 
                                               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                               
Current liabilities:
                                               
Current maturities of long-term debt
  $ 198     $     $     $     $     $ 198  
Accounts payable
    2,196       21,284       1,075       2,051             26,606  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    16,654       45,934             2,691             65,279  
 
                                   
Total current liabilities
    19,048       67,218       1,075       4,742             92,083  
Long-term debt, less current maturities
    450,115                               450,115  
Deferred income taxes
                2,546             (2,546 )      
Intercompany payables
          869,802       4,419       23,325       (897,546 )      
Deferred preneed funeral revenue
          212,166             44,437             256,603  
Deferred preneed cemetery revenue
          255,266       515       28,726             284,507  
Non-controlling interest in funeral and cemetery trusts
          674,977       1,119       6,956             683,052  
Other long-term liabilities
    11,717       2,152                         13,869  
Negative equity in subsidiaries
    150,334                         (150,334 )      
 
                                   
Total liabilities
    631,214       2,081,581       9,674       108,186       (1,050,426 )     1,780,229  
 
                                   
Non-controlling interest in perpetual care trusts
          223,119       8,309       3,999             235,427  
 
                                   
Common stock
    98,420       102       324       52       (478 )     98,420  
Other
    324,887       (150,436 )     5,198       22,365       122,873       324,887  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    11                   11       (11 )     11  
 
                                   
Total shareholders’ equity
    423,318       (150,334 )     5,522       22,428       122,384       423,318  
 
                                   
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,054,532     $ 2,154,366     $ 23,505     $ 134,613     $ (928,042 )   $ 2,438,974  
 
                                   

32


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(11)   Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements of Guarantors of Senior Notes and Senior Convertible Notes—(Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
                                                 
    Nine Months Ended July 31, 2008  
            Guarantor     Guarantor     Non-              
            Subsidiaries-     Subsidiaries-     Guarantor              
    Parent     Tier 1     Tier 2     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
                                               
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (22,882 )   $ 63,484     $ 464     $ 11,187     $     $ 52,253  
 
                                   
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                               
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities
    19,969                   250             20,219  
Purchases of marketable securities
    (19,952 )                 (3 )           (19,955 )
Proceeds from sale of assets, net
          358                         358  
Purchase of subsidiaries and other investments, net of cash acquired
    (1,378 )                             (1,378 )
Additions to property and equipment
    (5,147 )     (14,399 )     (42 )     (782 )           (20,370 )
Other
          75                         75  
 
                                   
Net cash used in investing activities
    (6,508 )     (13,966 )     (42 )     (535 )           (21,051 )
 
                                   
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                               
Repayments of long-term debt
    (190 )                             (190 )
Intercompany receivables (payables)
    59,113       (48,314 )     (425 )     (10,374 )            
Issuance of common stock
    1,659                               1,659  
Purchase and retirement of common stock
    (48,627 )                             (48,627 )
Dividends
    (7,067 )                             (7,067 )
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
    171                               171  
 
                                   
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    5,059       (48,314 )     (425 )     (10,374 )           (54,054 )
 
                                   
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    (24,331 )     1,204       (3 )     278             (22,852 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    63,202       6,685       36       1,622             71,545  
 
                                   
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 38,871     $ 7,889     $ 33     $ 1,900     $     $ 48,693  
 
                                   

33


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(11)   Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements of Guarantors of Senior Notes and Senior Convertible Notes—(Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
                                                 
    Nine Months Ended July 31, 2007  
            Guarantor     Guarantor     Non-              
            Subsidiaries-     Subsidiaries-     Guarantor              
    Parent     Tier 1     Tier 2     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
                                               
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (13,518 )   $ 58,627     $ (250 )   $ 9,940     $     $ 54,799  
 
                                   
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                               
Purchases of marketable securities
                      (148 )           (148 )
Proceeds from sale of assets, net
          1,645                         1,645  
Purchase of subsidiaries and other investments, net of cash acquired
          (6,134 )                       (6,134 )
Insurance proceeds related to hurricane damaged properties
          1,400                         1,400  
Additions to property and equipment
    (5,436 )     (16,651 )     (69 )     (964 )           (23,120 )
Other
          56                         56  
 
                                   
Net cash used in investing activities
    (5,436 )     (19,684 )     (69 )     (1,112 )           (26,301 )
 
                                   
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                             
Proceeds from long-term debt
    250,000                               250,000  
Repayments of long-term debt
    (146,461 )                 (30,000 )           (176,461 )
Intercompany receivables (payables)
    11,629       (33,786 )     300       21,857              
Debt issue costs
    (5,572 )                             (5,572 )
Proceeds from sale of common stock warrants
    43,850                               43,850  
Issuance of common stock
    2,521                               2,521  
Purchase of call options
    (60,000 )                             (60,000 )
Purchase and retirement of common stock
    (64,201 )                             (64,201 )
Dividends
    (7,724 )                             (7,724 )
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
    108                               108  
 
                                   
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    24,150       (33,786 )     300       (8,143 )           (17,479 )
 
                                   
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    5,196       5,157       (19 )     685             11,019  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    39,120       3,254       37       1,459             43,870  
 
                                   
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 44,316     $ 8,411     $ 18     $ 2,144     $     $ 54,889  
 
                                   
(12)   Dispositions and Acquisitions
Dispositions
     The Company recorded net gains on dispositions and impairment losses for continuing operations of $25 and $153 for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2008, respectively. For the three and nine months ended July 31, 2007, net gains on dispositions and impairment losses amounted to ($46) and $44, respectively, for continuing operations and ($203) and ($558), respectively, for discontinued operations. The Company sold one immaterial funeral home from the Western Division funeral segment during the nine months ended July 31, 2008. The change in goodwill from October 31, 2007 to July 31, 2008 is a result of this sale.
Acquisitions
     During the nine months ended July 31, 2008, the Company acquired an investment in an outside business for approximately $1,378. During the nine months ended July 31, 2007, the Company purchased two properties for approximately $3,328 and a new funeral home in its Eastern Division for approximately $2,800. This funeral home

34


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(12)   Discontinued Operations and Acquisitions—(Continued)
acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method, and the acquired assets and liabilities were valued at their estimated fair values. Its results of operations have been included since the acquisition date. The excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired for this funeral home was allocated to goodwill.
(13)   Separation Charges
     The Company recorded $350 for separation pay in the nine months ended July 31, 2007 related to the retirement of a former executive officer, but will make the payments over a two-year period in accordance with the terms of the retirement agreement. As of July 31, 2008, the Company has $278 in remaining payments under all executive officer separation agreements. The Company also recorded approximately $230 in the nine months ended July 31, 2007 primarily related to the reorganization of its divisions during fiscal year 2005. Reorganization costs in 2007 primarily relate to a lease agreement for which the Company is committed through 2009. In the third quarter of 2007, the Company entered into a sublease of this property; however, this sublease does not cover the full cost of the original lease.
(14)   Consolidated Comprehensive Income
     Consolidated comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended July 31,     Nine Months Ended July 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Net earnings
  $ 9,129     $ 8,123     $ 31,954     $ 33,678  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments, net of deferred tax (expense) benefit of $17, $—, ($9), and ($2), respectively
    (26 )           17       3  
(Increase) reduction in net unrealized losses associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts
    (45,065 )     (23,628 )     (98,678 )     (8,384 )
Reclassification of the net unrealized losses activity attributable to the non-controlling interest holders
    45,065       23,628       98,678       8,384  
 
                       
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
    (26 )           17       3  
 
                       
Total comprehensive income
  $ 9,103     $ 8,123     $ 31,971     $ 33,681  
 
                       
(15)   Hurricane Related Charges
     The Company has insurance coverage related to property damage, incremental costs and property operating expenses it incurred due to damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. The insurance policies also provide coverage for interruption to the business, including lost profits, and reimbursement for other expenses and costs incurred relating to the damages and losses suffered. Net expenses of $341 and $210 for the three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $351 and $2,343 for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, are reflected in the “Hurricane related charges, net” line in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. Net expenses recorded in fiscal year 2008 primarily relate to the lawsuit the Company filed against its insurance carriers which is described below. The Company received $10,000 in hurricane related insurance proceeds including $3,169 in business interruption insurance proceeds during the first quarter of 2007, all of which was recorded in receivables as of October 31, 2006. No additional insurance proceeds were recorded in the nine months ended July 31, 2008 or 2007. For additional information on the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the Company, see Note 22 to the

35


 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(15)   Hurricane Related Charges—(Continued)
consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2007 Form 10-K.
     The Company has been unable to finalize its negotiations with its insurance carriers related to property damage and extra expenses, and business interruption damages, related to Hurricane Katrina, and filed suit against the carriers in August 2007. In 2007, the carriers advanced an additional $1,100, which the Company has not recorded as income but as a liability pending the outcome of the litigation. The suit involves numerous policy interpretation disputes, among other issues, and no assurance can be given as to how much additional proceeds the Company may recover from its insurers, if any, or the timing of the receipt of any additional proceeds. A trial date has been set in Federal Court on December 1, 2008. With the exception of any legal costs related to this suit, the Company does not anticipate any additional charges related to Hurricane Katrina.
(16)   Income Taxes
     The Company has been advised that the congressional Joint Committee on Taxation approved its requested refund of approximately $10,400 and interest of approximately $2,000 related to the Company’s amended federal income tax returns for fiscal years ended October 31, 1997 through 2000 and 2002 through 2004. As of October 31, 2007, this amount was classified in receivables due beyond one year on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet. As a result of the approval and the expectation that the refund will be received within the next 12 months, the receivable was reclassified to current receivables as of July 31, 2008.
     During the third quarter of 2008, the Company filed with the IRS (in connection with the filing of its October 31, 2007 federal income tax return) an application to change its tax accounting method with regards to the taxation of preneed services. This change resulted in an increase in income tax receivables of $8,912 and a corresponding decrease in deferred income taxes in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company received $4,345 of this refund in August 2008, which was recorded in current receivables as of July 31, 2008. The remaining amount of $4,567 was applied against tax payments due by the Company on July 15, 2008, which reduced income taxes payable as of July 31, 2008.
(17)   Subsequent Events
     On September 1, 2008, Hurricane Gustav made landfall in southern Louisiana. The Company’s corporate headquarters building and its New Orleans funeral homes and cemeteries sustained minor damages and were able to restore operations shortly thereafter.

36


 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
General
     We are the second largest provider of funeral and cemetery products and services in the death care industry in the United States. As of August 31, 2008, we owned and operated 221 funeral homes and 139 cemeteries in 24 states within the United States and Puerto Rico. We sell cemetery property and funeral and cemetery products and services both at the time of need and on a preneed basis. Our revenues in each period are derived primarily from at-need sales, preneed sales delivered out of our backlog during the period (including the accumulated trust earnings or build-up in the face value of insurance contracts related to these preneed deliveries), preneed cemetery property sales and other items such as perpetual care trust earnings, insurance commissions and finance charges. For a more detailed discussion of our accounting for preneed sales and trust and escrow account earnings, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Item 7 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 (the “2007 Form 10-K”).
     Our focus for fiscal year 2008 is our ‘Best in Class’ initiative, which aims to improve performance at the individual locations by giving all managers the same key metrics by which they can measure their performance and by providing tools to facilitate the sharing of best practices by key metric. We also seek to strengthen our performance-oriented company culture and to refocus management’s time and attention on improving field operations. The goal of our ‘Best in Class’ initiative is to generate a higher return on assets and to grow profits and cash flow at our existing funeral homes and cemeteries. For additional information, see Item 1 in our 2007 Form 10-K. We are currently also implementing continuous improvement initiatives. During the third quarter of 2008, we formalized a “Continuous Improvement” department which was formed to execute the plans to strengthen and streamline our processes to eliminate waste and inefficiencies.
     Our results can be affected by the number of deaths in our markets. The number of deaths in the United States is expected to increase at a steady, moderate pace over the long-term; however, the number can fluctuate from market to market and period to period. Although we have experienced a decline in funeral service volume for several years, our funeral service volumes have increased 1.4 percent thus far in fiscal year 2008. For additional information, see Item 1 in our 2007 Form 10-K. We are addressing funeral service volumes through our ‘Best in Class’ initiative and enhanced sales and marketing efforts for both at-need and preneed sales.
     Families have been showing an increasing preference for cremation. This trend has been a significant concern for traditional funeral home and cemetery operators like us because cremations have typically included few, if any, additional products or services other than the cremation itself, and can result in lower revenue and profits than traditional services. For additional information, see Item 1 in our 2007 Form 10-K. To address this trend, we have increased our efforts to market full service funerals and cremations. Our other efforts to increase our funeral and cemetery revenue include our funeral package pricing and our emphasis on customization. For additional information, see Item 1 in our 2007 Form 10-K. We are also increasing our focus on expanding the types of death care products and services we offer our customers. For the nine months ended July 31, 2008, we achieved a 1.9 percent increase in our average revenue per traditional funeral service and a 3.2 percent increase in our average revenue per cremation service.
     Current economic conditions have impacted our ability to timely close preneed sales. Through the first nine months of 2008, preneed cemetery property sales, net of discounts, declined 5.0 percent, which decreases our cemetery revenue. In addition, preneed funeral and cemetery service and merchandise sales decreased 2.4 percent for the nine-month period which does not impact current revenue but reduces our backlog and could reduce our future revenues. Current economic conditions could also decrease prices at-need customers are willing to pay, but we have not seen this trend occur through the first nine months of 2008 as our overall funeral average revenue, including trust earnings, increased 2.3 percent.
     In addition, the cost of certain commodities, particularly copper, which represents a large component of our bronze markers sold in our cemetery business, has increased significantly. In the first quarter of 2008, we were impacted by escalating merchandise and energy costs and we have taken steps to counter this impact. Some of the

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costs impacting our business are largely beyond our control. To the extent that we are unable to continue to pass these cost increases on to our customers, they will have a negative impact on our earnings and cash flows.
     Recent changes in the financial markets have not had a significant adverse effect on our current results of operations or cash flows, although declines in the values of investments in our trust and escrow accounts have reduced their carrying value on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. Prolonged market downturns can affect the returns on our trusts and escrow accounts, which can adversely affect our revenue and profits over the longer term. For additional information, see Items 1 and 1A in our 2007 Form 10-K. The contracts our trusts relate to are long-term in nature, and we can manage the portfolio to mitigate the effects we are currently experiencing. It is more significant to focus on annual returns over a longer period of time which will present a better picture of our portfolio. Our five year total annual returns including the third quarter of 2008 were 4.2 percent for the funeral and cemetery merchandise trusts and 3.5 percent for the cemetery perpetual care trust.
     As previously disclosed, during the third quarter of fiscal 2008, Service Corporation International (“SCI”) made proposals to acquire all of our stock for cash. In a letter dated July 21, 2008, SCI offered $11.00 per share in cash for all of our outstanding shares, subject to the negotiation of mutually satisfactory definitive written agreements and the completion of certain limited, confirmatory due diligence. Our Board of Directors unanimously approved the formation of a committee of independent directors (the “Independent Committee”) to evaluate alternatives available to us to maximize shareholder value. The Independent Committee has commenced the process of working with its advisors and management to collect information and analyze all strategic alternatives available to the Company. Neither the Independent Committee nor the Board intends to provide any update with respect to the Independent Committee’s review of potential strategic alternatives until the Board has approved a definitive course of action.
Financial Summary
     For the third quarter of fiscal year 2008, net earnings increased $1.0 million to $9.1 million from $8.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007. Earnings from continuing operations for the quarter increased $0.9 million to $9.1 million from $8.2 million for the corresponding period in the prior year.
     Revenue from continuing operations increased $2.8 million to $130.4 million for the quarter ended July 31, 2008. Funeral revenue from continuing operations increased $1.6 million from $66.9 million in the third quarter of 2007 to $68.5 million in the third quarter of 2008. During the third quarter of 2008, our same-store funeral operations experienced an increase in average revenue per traditional funeral service of 2.3 percent and an increase in average revenue per cremation service of 6.3 percent due primarily to the continued refinement of new funeral packages and pricing. These increases along with a quarter-over-quarter increase in funeral trust earnings resulted in an overall increase in our same-store average revenue per funeral service of 3.5 percent. Despite the increases in same-store average revenue, we experienced a 1.2 percent decrease in same-store funeral services performed. Cemetery revenue from continuing operations increased $1.2 million from $60.7 million for the quarter ended July 31, 2007 to $61.9 million for the quarter ended July 31, 2008. This increase is due primarily to a $1.4 million increase in construction on various cemetery projects and a $0.8 million increase in cemetery merchandise delivered and services performed. Consolidated gross profit increased $1.5 million to $28.0 million.
     Interest expense decreased $0.2 million to $6.0 million for the third quarter of 2008 due to a 118 basis point decrease in the average rate primarily related to the issuance of the $250.0 million senior convertible notes in fiscal year 2007. We also recorded a $0.7 million charge for the loss on early extinguishment of debt in the third quarter of 2007 related to the $250.0 million senior convertible note transaction. Our weighted average diluted shares outstanding decreased to 92.4 million shares for the quarter ended July 31, 2008 compared to 102.7 million shares for the same period of 2007, yielding a positive impact on earnings per share.
     For the third quarter of fiscal year 2008, we had a 5.6 percent increase in net preneed funeral sales and a 4.4 percent decrease in cemetery property sales, net of discounts, compared to the same period of last year.
     For the nine months ended July 31, 2008, net earnings decreased $1.7 million to $32.0 million from $33.7 million for the same period of fiscal year 2007. Earnings from continuing operations for the first nine months of fiscal year 2008 decreased $2.0 million to $32.0 million from $34.0 million for the corresponding period in the prior

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year. The earnings decrease is due primarily to an increase in income tax expense of $4.5 million due to $4.2 million in income tax benefits utilized in the first nine months of 2007.
     Revenue from continuing operations increased $1.1 million to $397.6 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2008. Funeral revenue from continuing operations increased $6.5 million from $212.4 million in the first nine months of 2007 to $218.9 million in the first nine months of 2008. During the nine months ended July 31, 2008, our same-store funeral operations achieved an increase in average revenue per traditional funeral service of 1.9 percent and an increase in average revenue per cremation service of 3.2 percent due primarily to the continued refinement of new funeral packages and pricing. These increases were offset by a shift in mix to lower-priced cremation services resulting in an overall increase in our same-store average revenue per funeral service, including trust earnings, of 2.3 percent. We also experienced an increase in same-store funeral services performed of 1.4 percent. Cemetery revenue from continuing operations decreased $5.4 million from $184.1 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2007 to $178.7 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2008. This decrease is due primarily to a $4.3 million decrease in construction on various cemetery projects and a $4.2 million, or 5.0 percent, decrease in cemetery property sales, net of discounts, due in part to current economic conditions. The decreases were partially offset by a $2.5 million, or 3.7 percent, increase in cemetery merchandise delivered and services performed. Consolidated gross profit increased $0.4 million to $90.7 million primarily due to a $3.6 million increase in funeral gross profit, partially offset by a $3.2 million decrease in cemetery gross profit, due primarily to the changes in funeral and cemetery revenue discussed above.
     Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $1.1 million to $24.2 million for the first nine months of 2008. This increase was primarily due to a $1.5 million increase in costs related to the continuous improvement initiative that began in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 and a $1.4 million increase in information technology costs due in part to the implementation of new business systems and a web development project in the current year. The increases were partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease in professional fees and a $0.9 million decrease in depreciation expense for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 due to the accelerated depreciation in the prior year of our previous computer software systems associated with the implementation of the new business systems in the prior year. We incurred $0.4 million in hurricane related charges in the first nine months of fiscal year 2008 compared to $2.3 million in hurricane related charges for the same period in 2007. Interest expense for the period decreased $1.3 million to $18.0 million for the first nine months of 2008 due to a 174 basis point decrease in the average rate primarily related to the issuance of the $250.0 million senior convertible notes in fiscal year 2007. As a result of the $250.0 million senior convertible note transaction in June 2007, we recorded a $0.7 million charge for the loss on early extinguishment of debt during the nine months ended July 31, 2007. Our weighted average diluted shares outstanding decreased to 94.7 million shares for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 compared to 104.4 million shares for the same period of 2007, yielding a positive impact on earnings per share.
     For the nine months ended July 31, 2008, we had a 3.6 percent decrease in net preneed funeral sales and a 5.0 percent decrease in cemetery property sales, net of discounts, compared to the same period of last year due in part to current economic conditions.
     Cash flow provided by operating activities for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 was $52.3 million compared to $54.8 million for the same period of last year. The decrease is primarily due to $3.2 million of business interruption insurance proceeds and $1.5 million of insurance proceeds, net of expenses, related to Hurricane Katrina, received in fiscal year 2007. In addition, the Company paid $9.0 million in net tax payments in the first nine months of 2007 compared to net tax payments of $11.8 million in the first nine months of 2008.
     For the nine months ended July 31, 2008, we made $48.4 million in stock repurchases under our current stock repurchase program.
      Critical Accounting Policies
     The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require us to make estimates and assumptions (see Note 1(d) to the condensed consolidated financial statements). Our critical accounting policies are those that are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgment. These critical accounting policies are discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis

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of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 2007 Form 10-K.
     There have been no changes to our critical accounting policies since the filing of our 2007 Form 10-K, except for the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”) during the first quarter of fiscal year 2008.
     FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. We have reviewed our income tax positions and identified certain tax deductions or revenue deferrals that are not certain. As a result of the adoption, we recognized a charge of $1.0 million to the November 1, 2007 accumulated deficit balance. As of the adoption date, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $3.6 million of which $0.6 million, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. Also, as of the adoption date, we had accrued interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits of $0.7 million. Our policy with respect to potential penalties and interest is to record them as “other” expense and interest expense, respectively.
     With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for fiscal years before 2002. To the extent tax, interest and penalties are not assessed with respect to uncertain tax positions in the future, amounts accrued will be reduced and reflected as a reduction of tax expense, interest expense or “other” expense.
     Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates or we adjust these estimates in future periods, we may need to change our allowance, which could materially impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Results of Operations
     The following discussion segregates the financial results of our continuing operations into our various segments, grouped by our funeral and cemetery operations. For a discussion of our segments, see Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein. As there have been no material acquisitions or construction of new locations in fiscal years 2008 and 2007, results from continuing operations essentially reflect those of same-store locations.

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Three Months Ended July 31, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended July 31, 2007—Continuing Operations
Funeral Operations
                         
    Three Months Ended July 31,  
                    Increase  
    2008     2007     (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Funeral Revenue:
                       
Eastern Division
  $ 28.1     $ 27.7     $ .4  
Western Division
    35.8       34.7       1.1  
Corporate Trust Management (1)
    4.6       4.5       .1  
 
                 
Total Funeral Revenue
  $ 68.5     $ 66.9     $ 1.6  
 
                 
 
Funeral Costs:
                       
Eastern Division
  $ 24.2     $ 24.6     $ (.4 )
Western Division
    29.1       27.8       1.3  
Corporate Trust Management (1)
    .2       .2        
 
                 
Total Funeral Costs
  $ 53.5     $ 52.6     $ .9  
 
                 
 
Funeral Gross Profit:
                       
Eastern Division
  $ 3.9     $ 3.1     $ .8  
Western Division
    6.7       6.9       (.2 )
Corporate Trust Management (1)
    4.4       4.3       .1  
 
                 
Total Funeral Gross Profit
  $ 15.0     $ 14.3     $ .7  
 
                 
Same-Store Analysis
                                 
    Change in Average   Change in   Same-Store
    Revenue Per   Same-Store   Cremation Rate
    Funeral Service   Funeral Services   2008   2007
Eastern Division
    2.0 %     (.3 )%     36.5 %     36.2 %
Western Division
    4.1 %     (1.9 )%     42.2 %     42.6 %
Total
    3.5 % (1)     (1.2 )%     39.7 %     39.8 %
 
(1)   Corporate trust management consists of trust management fees and funeral merchandise and service trust earnings recognized with respect to preneed contracts delivered during the period. Trust management fees are established by the Company at rates consistent with industry norms and are paid by the trusts to our subsidiary, Investors Trust, Inc. The trust earnings represent the earnings realized over the life of the preneed contracts delivered during the relevant periods. See Notes 3 and 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein for information regarding the cost basis and market value of the trust assets and current performance of the trusts (i.e., current realized gains and losses, interest income and dividends). Trust management fees included in funeral revenue for the three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 were $1.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively. As corporate trust management is considered a separate operating segment, trust earnings are included in the total average revenue per funeral service presented, not in the Eastern or Western divisions’ average revenue per funeral service. Funeral trust earnings for the three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 were $3.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively.
Consolidated Operations—Funeral
     Funeral revenue from continuing operations increased $1.6 million, or 2.4 percent, from $66.9 million in the third quarter of 2007 to $68.5 million in the third quarter of 2008. During the third quarter of 2008, our same-store funeral operations experienced an increase in average revenue per traditional funeral service of 2.3 percent and an increase in average revenue per cremation service of 6.3 percent due primarily to the continued refinement of new funeral packages and pricing. These increases along with a quarter-over-quarter increase in funeral trust

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earnings resulted in an overall increase in our same-store average revenue per funeral service of 3.5 percent. The cremation rate for our same-store operations was 39.7 percent for the three months ended July 31, 2008 compared to 39.8 percent for the corresponding period in 2007. During the third quarter of 2008, our same-store funeral services performed decreased 1.2 percent, or 174 events, to 13,911 events.
     Funeral gross profit increased $0.7 million to $15.0 million for the third quarter of 2008 compared to $14.3 million for the same period of 2007. This increase is primarily due to the $1.6 million increase in funeral revenue, as discussed above. Funeral gross profit margin increased 50 basis points to 21.9 percent for the third quarter of 2008 from 21.4 percent for the same period of 2007.
Segment Discussion—Funeral
     Funeral revenue in the Eastern division funeral segment increased $0.4 million primarily due to an increase in the average revenue per funeral service in our same-store operations of 2.0 percent due primarily to the continued refinement of new funeral packages and pricing, partially offset by a decrease in the number of funeral services performed by our same-store operations of 0.3 percent. Funeral revenue in the Western division funeral segment increased $1.1 million primarily due to a 4.1 percent increase in the average revenue per funeral service in our same-store operations due primarily to the continued refinement of new funeral packages and pricing, partially offset by a 1.9 percent decrease in the number of funeral services performed by same-store operations. Funeral revenue in the corporate trust management segment increased $0.1 million due to a $0.2 million increase in funeral trust earnings, partially offset by a $0.1 million decline in trust management fees.
     Funeral gross profit for the Eastern division funeral segment increased $0.8 million primarily due to an increase in revenue, as discussed above, and a decrease in expenses. The decrease in expenses is primarily due to a decrease in salaries and wages. Funeral gross profit for the Western division funeral segment decreased $0.2 million. As demonstrated in the table above, the same-store cremation rate increased for the Eastern division and decreased for the Western division.
Cemetery Operations
                         
    Three Months Ended July 31,  
                    Increase  
    2008     2007     (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Cemetery Revenue:
                       
Eastern Division
  $ 32.8     $ 34.3     $ (1.5 )
Western Division
    26.8       23.9       2.9  
Corporate Trust Management (1)
    2.3       2.5       (.2 )
 
                 
Total Cemetery Revenue
  $ 61.9     $ 60.7     $ 1.2  
 
                 
 
Cemetery Costs:
                       
Eastern Division
  $ 28.4     $ 29.6     $ (1.2 )
Western Division
    20.3       18.7       1.6  
Corporate Trust Management (1)
    .2       .2        
 
                 
Total Cemetery Costs
  $ 48.9     $ 48.5     $ .4  
 
                 
 
Cemetery Gross Profit:
                       
Eastern Division
  $ 4.4     $ 4.7     $ (.3 )
Western Division
    6.5       5.2       1.3  
Corporate Trust Management (1)
    2.1       2.3       (.2 )
 
                 
Total Cemetery Gross Profit
  $ 13.0     $ 12.2     $ .8  
 
                 
 
(1)   Corporate trust management consists of trust management fees and cemetery merchandise and service trust earnings recognized with respect to preneed contracts delivered during the period. Trust management fees are established by the Company at rates consistent with industry norms and are paid by the trusts to our subsidiary, Investors Trust, Inc. The trust earnings represent the earnings realized over the life of the preneed contracts delivered during the relevant periods. See Notes 4 and 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements

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    included herein for information regarding the cost basis and market value of the trust assets and current performance of the trusts (i.e., current realized gains and losses, interest income and dividends). Trust management fees included in cemetery revenue for the three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 were $1.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively, and cemetery trust earnings for the three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 were $1.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Perpetual care trust earnings are included in the revenues and gross profit of the related geographic segment.
Consolidated Operations—Cemetery
     Cemetery revenue from continuing operations increased $1.2 million, or 2.0 percent, from $60.7 million for the quarter ended July 31, 2007 to $61.9 million for the quarter ended July 31, 2008. This increase is primarily due to a $1.4 million increase in construction on various cemetery projects and a $0.8 million increase in cemetery merchandise delivered and services performed. These increases were partially offset by a $1.2 million, or 4.4 percent, decrease in cemetery property sales, net of discounts, due in part to current economic conditions.
     Perpetual care trust earnings for the quarter ended July 31, 2008 amounted to $2.6 million compared to $2.5 million for the same period in 2007.
     Cemetery gross profit increased $0.8 million to $13.0 million for the third quarter of 2008 compared to $12.2 million for the same period of 2007. The increase in gross profit is primarily due to the increase in revenue, as discussed above. Cemetery gross profit margin increased by 90 basis points to 21.0 percent for the third quarter of 2008 from 20.1 percent for the same period of 2007.
Segment Discussion—Cemetery
     Cemetery revenue in the Eastern division cemetery segment decreased $1.5 million primarily due to a $1.9 million decrease in revenue recognition resulting from contracts for which we have not collected 10 percent of the sale. Cemetery revenue in the Western division cemetery segment increased $2.9 million primarily due to a $1.4 million increase in construction on various cemetery projects. Cemetery revenue in the corporate trust management segment decreased $0.2 million due to a $0.1 million decline in cemetery trust earnings and a $0.1 million decline in trust management fees.
     Cemetery gross profit for the Eastern division cemetery segment decreased $0.3 million due to the decrease in cemetery revenue, as discussed above, partially offset by a decrease in expenses. The decrease in cemetery expenses is primarily due to the decline in cemetery costs related to contracts for which we have not collected 10 percent of the sale. Cemetery gross profit for the Western division cemetery segment increased $1.3 million primarily due to an increase in revenue as discussed above.
     Goodwill of a reporting unit must be tested for impairment on at least an annual basis. We conduct our annual goodwill impairment analysis during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. In addition to an annual review, we assess the impairment of goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may be greater than its fair value. Factors we consider important that could trigger an impairment review include significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of the use of our assets or the strategy for our overall business and significant negative industry or economic trends.
     While the current economic downturn has continued to impact cemetery property sales in our Eastern division in the quarter ended July 31, 2008, a triggering event has not occurred. As of July 31, 2008, we have $26.0 million of cemetery goodwill recorded related to the Eastern division which would be the maximum potential future charge, although the amount of any future charge would depend on the results of the fair value assessment required under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS No. 142”),” and cannot be predicted with any certainty at this time.
Other
     The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the three months ended July 31, 2008 was 37.0 percent

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compared to 31.9 percent for the same period in 2007. The reduced rate in 2007 was primarily due to a tax benefit of $0.8 million attributable to the completion of an audit by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for tax periods 1999, 2000 and 2001.
     We incurred $0.3 million in hurricane related charges in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 primarily due to legal costs associated with ongoing litigation. We incurred $0.2 million in hurricane related charges for the third quarter of fiscal 2007 primarily due to repairs at locations damaged by Hurricane Katrina. We are continuing to pursue claims with our insurance carriers as described in Note 15 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
     Interest expense decreased $0.2 million to $6.0 million for the third quarter of 2008 due to a 118 basis point decrease in the average rate during the quarter primarily related to the issuance of the $250.0 million senior convertible notes in fiscal year 2007. The senior convertible notes carry an average interest rate of 3.25 percent.
     Investment and other income, net decreased $0.2 million to $0.6 million due primarily to a decrease in the average rate earned on our cash balances from 4.83 percent in the third quarter of 2007 to 1.42 percent in the third quarter of 2008.
     As a result of the $250.0 million senior convertible note transaction in June 2007, we recorded a charge for the loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $0.7 million during the third quarter of 2007.
     Our weighted average diluted shares outstanding decreased to 92.4 million shares for the quarter ended July 31, 2008 compared to 102.7 million shares for the same period in 2007. The decrease is primarily due to our stock repurchase program in which we have repurchased $48.4 million, or 6.6 million shares, of our Class A common stock, yielding a positive impact on earnings per share. In June 2008, we announced an increase in the stock repurchase program from $50.0 million to $75.0 million leaving us with $26.6 million available under the current program.
Preneed Sales into and Deliveries out of the Backlog
     Net preneed funeral sales increased 5.6 percent during the third quarter of 2008 compared to the corresponding period in 2007 despite current economic conditions.
     The revenues from our preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise and service sales are deferred into our backlog and are not included in our operating results presented above. We added $45.7 million in gross preneed sales to our funeral and cemetery merchandise and services backlog (including $19.6 million related to insurance-funded preneed funeral contracts) during the three months ended July 31, 2008 to be recognized in the future (net of cancellations) as these prepaid products and services are delivered, compared to gross sales of $44.5 million (including $18.8 million related to insurance-funded preneed funeral contracts) for the corresponding period in 2007. Insurance-funded preneed funeral contracts which will be funded by life insurance or annuity contracts issued by third-party insurers are not reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Revenues recognized on deliveries out of our preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise and services backlog, including accumulated trust earnings related to these preneed deliveries, amounted to $37.5 million for the three months ended July 31, 2008, compared to $35.5 million for the corresponding period in 2007, resulting in net additions to the backlog of $8.2 million and $9.0 million for the three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

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Nine Months Ended July 31, 2008 Compared to Nine Months Ended July 31, 2007—Continuing Operations
Funeral Operations
                         
    Nine Months Ended July 31,  
    2008     2007     Increase  
    (In millions)  
Funeral Revenue:
                       
Eastern Division
  $ 90.0     $ 89.1     $ .9  
Western Division
    114.8       109.4       5.4  
Corporate Trust Management (1)
    14.1       13.9       .2  
 
                 
Total Funeral Revenue
  $ 218.9     $ 212.4     $ 6.5  
 
                 
 
Funeral Costs:
                       
Eastern Division
  $ 73.8     $ 73.7     $ .1  
Western Division
    88.9       86.2       2.7  
Corporate Trust Management (1)
    .6       .5       .1  
 
                 
Total Funeral Costs
  $ 163.3     $ 160.4     $ 2.9  
 
                 
 
Funeral Gross Profit:
                       
Eastern Division
  $ 16.2     $ 15.4     $ .8  
Western Division
    25.9       23.2       2.7  
Corporate Trust Management (1)
    13.5       13.4       .1  
 
                 
Total Funeral Gross Profit
  $ 55.6     $ 52.0     $ 3.6  
 
                 
Same-Store Analysis
                                 
    Change in Average   Change in   Same-Store
    Revenue Per   Same-Store   Cremation Rate
    Funeral Service   Funeral Services   2008   2007
Eastern Division
    .5 %     .4 %     35.9 %     35.0 %
Western Division
    3.6 %     2.1 %     42.9 %     42.3 %
Total
    2.3 % (1)     1.4 %     39.9 %     39.2 %
 
(1)   Corporate trust management consists of trust management fees and funeral merchandise and service trust earnings recognized with respect to preneed contracts delivered during the period. Trust management fees are established by the Company at rates consistent with industry norms and are paid by the trusts to our subsidiary, Investors Trust, Inc. The trust earnings represent the earnings realized over the life of the preneed contracts delivered during the relevant periods. See Notes 3 and 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein for information regarding the cost basis and market value of the trust assets and current performance of the trusts (i.e., current realized gains and losses, interest income and dividends). Trust management fees included in funeral revenue for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 were $4.0 million and $4.4 million, respectively. As corporate trust management is considered a separate operating segment, trust earnings are included in the total average revenue per funeral service presented, not in the Eastern or Western divisions’ average revenue per funeral service. Funeral trust earnings for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 were $10.1 million and $9.5 million, respectively.
Consolidated Operations—Funeral
     Funeral revenue from continuing operations increased $6.5 million, or 3.1 percent, from $212.4 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2007 to $218.9 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2008. We achieved a 1.4 percent increase in same-store funeral services performed, or 614 events, to 45,126 events. Our same-store funeral operations achieved a 1.9 percent increase in the average revenue per traditional funeral service and a 3.2 percent increase in the average revenue per cremation service due primarily to the continued refinement of new funeral packages and pricing. These increases were offset by a shift in mix to lower-priced cremation services resulting in an overall increase in our same-store average revenue per funeral service, including trust earnings, of 2.3 percent.

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The cremation rate for our same-store operations was 39.9 percent for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 compared to 39.2 percent for the corresponding period in 2007.
     Funeral gross profit increased $3.6 million to $55.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2008 compared to $52.0 million for the same period of fiscal year 2007 primarily due to the increase in revenue, as noted above. Funeral gross profit margin increased 90 basis points to 25.4 percent for the first nine months of fiscal year 2008 from 24.5 percent for the same period in 2007.
Segment Discussion—Funeral
     Funeral revenue in the Eastern division funeral segment increased $0.9 million primarily due to a 0.5 percent increase in average revenue per funeral service in same-store operations and a 0.4 percent increase in the number of funeral services performed by same-store operations. Funeral revenue in the Western division funeral segment increased $5.4 million primarily due to a 3.6 percent increase in the average revenue per funeral service in same-store operations and a 2.1 percent increase in the number of funeral services performed by same-store operations. Funeral revenue in the corporate trust management segment increased $0.2 million primarily due to a $0.6 million increase in funeral trust earnings, partially offset by a $0.4 million decrease in trust management fees.
     Funeral gross profit for the Eastern division funeral segment increased $0.8 million primarily due to an increase in revenue, as discussed above. Funeral gross profit for the Western division funeral segment increased $2.7 million primarily due to an increase in revenue, as discussed above. As demonstrated in the table above, the same-store cremation rate increased for both the Eastern and Western division.
Cemetery Operations
                         
    Nine Months Ended July 31,  
                    Increase  
    2008     2007     (Decrease)  
            (In millions)          
Cemetery Revenue:
                       
Eastern Division
  $ 98.0     $ 108.5     $ (10.5 )
Western Division
    73.7       68.4       5.3  
Corporate Trust Management (1)
    7.0       7.2       (.2 )
 
                 
Total Cemetery Revenue
  $ 178.7     $ 184.1     $ (5.4 )
 
                 
 
                       
Cemetery Costs:
                       
Eastern Division
  $ 86.0     $ 91.0     $ (5.0 )
Western Division
    56.9       54.4       2.5  
Corporate Trust Management (1)
    .7       .4       .3  
 
                 
Total Cemetery Costs
  $ 143.6     $ 145.8     $ (2.2 )
 
                 
 
                       
Cemetery Gross Profit:
                       
Eastern Division
  $ 12.0     $ 17.5     $ (5.5 )
Western Division
    16.8       14.0       2.8  
Corporate Trust Management (1)
    6.3       6.8       (.5 )
 
                 
Total Cemetery Gross Profit
  $ 35.1     $ 38.3     $ (3.2 )
 
                 
 
(1)   Corporate trust management consists of trust management fees and cemetery merchandise and service trust earnings recognized with respect to preneed contracts delivered during the period. Trust management fees are established by the Company at rates consistent with industry norms and are paid by the trusts to our subsidiary, Investors Trust, Inc. The trust earnings represent the earnings realized over the life of the preneed contracts delivered during the relevant periods. See Notes 4 and 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein for information regarding the cost basis and market value of the trust assets and current performance of the trusts (i.e., current realized gains and losses, interest income and dividends). Trust management fees included in cemetery revenue for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 were $3.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively, and cemetery trust earnings for both the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 were $3.2 million. Perpetual care trust earnings are included in the revenues and gross profit of the

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    related geographic segment.
Consolidated Operations—Cemetery
     Cemetery revenue from continuing operations decreased $5.4 million, or 2.9 percent, from $184.1 million for the nine month period ending July 31, 2007 to $178.7 million for the nine month period ending July 31, 2008. The decrease is due primarily to a $4.3 million decrease in construction on various cemetery projects. Last year, we experienced growth due to focused efforts to reduce the production backlog in existing cemetery projects. We also experienced a $4.2 million, or 5.0 percent, decrease in cemetery property sales, net of discounts, due in part to current economic conditions. The decreases were partially offset by a $2.5 million, or 3.7 percent, increase in cemetery merchandise delivered and services performed.
     Perpetual care trust earnings for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 amounted to $8.0 million compared to $7.3 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2007.
     Cemetery gross profit decreased $3.2 million from $38.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 to $35.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2008. Cemetery gross profit margin decreased 120 basis points to 19.6 percent in the first nine months of fiscal year 2008 from 20.8 percent in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007. The decrease in gross profit is primarily related to the decrease in cemetery revenue, as noted above.
Segment Discussion—Cemetery
     Cemetery revenue in the Eastern division cemetery segment decreased $10.5 million primarily due to a $5.8 million decrease in construction during the first nine months of fiscal year 2008 on various cemetery development projects and a $3.7 million, or 6.8 percent, decrease in cemetery property sales, net of discounts, due in part to current economic conditions. Cemetery revenue in the Western division cemetery segment increased $5.3 million primarily due to a $1.8 million increase in cemetery commission income related to a new program to manage the cemetery sales of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, a $1.6 million increase related to the leasing of our mineral rights at one of our cemeteries to an outside third-party and a $1.6 million increase in cemetery merchandise delivered and services performed. Cemetery revenue in the corporate trust management segment decreased $0.2 million due to a $0.2 million decline in trust management fees.
     Cemetery gross profit for the Eastern division cemetery segment decreased $5.5 million due to the decrease in cemetery revenue, as discussed above, partially offset by a decrease in expenses. The decrease in cemetery expenses is primarily due to a decrease in costs on construction on various cemetery projects. Cemetery gross profit for the Western division cemetery segment increased $2.8 million primarily due to an increase in revenue, as discussed above.
     Goodwill of a reporting unit must be tested for impairment on at least an annual basis. We conduct our annual goodwill impairment analysis during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. In addition to an annual review, we assess the impairment of goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may be greater than its fair value. Factors we consider important that could trigger an impairment review include significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of the use of our assets or the strategy for our overall business and significant negative industry or economic trends.
     While the current economic downturn has continued to impact cemetery property sales in our Eastern division in the quarter ended July 31, 2008, a triggering event has not occurred. As of July 31, 2008, we have $26.0 million of cemetery goodwill recorded related to the Eastern division which would be the maximum potential future charge, although the amount of any future charge would depend on the results of the fair value assessment required under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” and cannot be predicted with any certainty at this time.
Other
     The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 was 37.0 percent

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compared to 29.4 percent for the same period in 2007. The reduced rate in 2007 was primarily due to a tax benefit of $3.4 million resulting from the utilization of a capital loss carryforward, which was not previously recorded because we were uncertain we could generate sufficient capital gain income prior to its expiration at the end of fiscal 2007. We also recorded a tax benefit of $0.8 million in the nine months ended July 31, 2007 attributable to the completion of an audit by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for tax periods 1999, 2000 and 2001. The difference between the effective tax rate and the statutory tax rate of 35.0 percent is primarily due to a percentage increase caused by state income taxes offset by a percentage decrease caused by a dividend exclusion.
     As of November 1, 2007, we adopted FIN 48, which clarifies the accounting and disclosure for uncertain tax positions in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” We have reviewed our income tax positions and identified certain tax deductions or revenue deferrals that are not certain. The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 has been recorded as a $1.0 million increase to the November 1, 2007 opening balance of accumulated deficit, a $3.4 million increase in deferred tax assets and a $4.4 million increase in other long-term liabilities. For additional information on FIN 48, see Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein.
     Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $1.1 million to $24.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. The increase was primarily due to a $1.5 million increase in costs related to the continuous improvement initiative that began in the first quarter of 2008 and a $1.4 million increase in information technology costs due in part to the implementation of new business systems and a web development project in the current year. The increases were partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease in professional fees and a $0.9 million decrease in depreciation expense for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 due to the accelerated depreciation in the prior year of our previous computer software systems associated with the implementation of the new business systems in the prior year.
     We recorded $0.6 million in separation charges during the nine months ended July 31, 2007 primarily related to separation pay of a former executive officer who retired in the first quarter of 2007.
     We incurred $0.4 million in hurricane related charges in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 primarily due to legal costs associated with ongoing litigation, compared to $2.3 million in hurricane related charges for the same period in 2007 primarily due to repairs at locations damaged by Hurricane Katrina. We are continuing to pursue claims with our insurance carriers as described in Note 15 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
     Interest expense decreased $1.3 million to $18.0 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 due to a 174 basis point decrease in the average rate primarily related to the issuance of the $250.0 million senior convertible notes in fiscal year 2007. The senior convertible notes carry an average interest rate of 3.25 percent.
     Other operating income, net decreased $0.7 million to $0.8 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2008. The decrease is primarily due to the sale of excess cemetery property and proceeds related to the sale of an investment during the nine months ended July 31, 2007.
     Investment and other income, net decreased $0.7 million to $1.7 million due primarily to a decrease in the average rate earned on our cash balances from 4.82 percent in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 to 2.08 percent for the first nine months of fiscal year 2008.
     As a result of the $250.0 million senior convertible note transaction in June 2007, we recorded a $0.7 million charge for the loss on early extinguishment of debt during the nine months ended July 31, 2007.
     Our weighted average diluted shares outstanding decreased to 94.7 million shares for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 compared to 104.4 million shares for the same period in 2007. The decrease is primarily due to our $75.0 million stock repurchase program in which we have repurchased $48.4 million, or 6.6 million shares, of our Class A common stock, yielding a positive impact on earnings per share.
     Cash and cash equivalents decreased $22.9 million from October 31, 2007 to July 31, 2008 primarily due to $48.4 million in stock repurchases that occurred under our current stock repurchase program. Current receivables increased $17.6 million from October 31, 2007 to July 31, 2008 primarily due to a $10.4 million income tax refund

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receivable being reclassified from receivables due beyond one year to current receivables as of July 31, 2008 and a $4.3 million income tax receivable recorded in the third quarter of 2008 related to a change in income tax accounting methods. Deferred income taxes decreased $11.8 million from October 31, 2007 to July 31, 2008 primarily due to a change in income tax accounting methods which resulted in an $8.9 million reduction. See Note 16 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information on these income tax related items that occurred in the third quarter of 2008. The increase in other long-term liabilities of $5.9 million from October 31, 2007 to July 31, 2008 was primarily due to a $4.5 million increase due to the adoption of FIN 48 in the first quarter of 2008.
     Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments, preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments, cemetery perpetual care trust investments, non-controlling interest in funeral and cemetery trusts and non-controlling interest in perpetual care trusts were all impacted by the recent decline in market value of our trust assets due to a broad based decline in the overall financial markets. For additional information, see Notes 3, 4 and 5 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included herein.
Preneed Sales into and Deliveries out of the Backlog
     Net preneed funeral sales decreased 3.6 percent during the nine months ended July 31, 2008 compared to the corresponding period in 2007 due in part to current economic conditions.
     The revenues from our preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise and service sales are deferred into our backlog and are not included in our operating results presented above. We added $129.6 million in preneed sales to our funeral and cemetery merchandise and services backlog (including $56.4 million related to insurance-funded preneed funeral contracts) during the nine months ended July 31, 2008 to be recognized in the future (net of cancellations) as these prepaid products and services are delivered, compared to sales of $132.8 million (including $56.3 million related to insurance-funded preneed funeral contracts) for the corresponding period in 2007. Insurance-funded preneed funeral contracts which will be funded by life insurance or annuity contracts issued by third-party insurers are not reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Revenues recognized on deliveries out of our preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise and services backlog, including accumulated trust earnings related to these preneed deliveries, amounted to $114.7 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2008, compared to $109.6 million for the corresponding period in 2007, resulting in net additions to the backlog of $14.9 million and $23.2 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
     We generate cash in our operations primarily from at-need sales, preneed sales that turn at-need, funds we are able to withdraw from our trusts and escrow accounts when preneed sales turn at-need and monies collected on preneed sales that are not required to be trusted. Over the last five years, we have generated more than $50.0 million each year in cash flow from operations. We have historically satisfied our working capital requirements with cash flows from operations. We believe that our current level of cash on hand, projected cash flows from operations and available capacity under our $125.0 million revolving credit facility will be sufficient to meet our cash requirements for the foreseeable future, although we will need to refinance long-term debt becoming due in 2013 through 2016, as described below.
     We plan to continue to evaluate our options for deployment of cash flow as opportunities arise. We believe that the use of our cash to pay dividends, repurchase stock, construct funeral homes on cemeteries of unaffiliated third parties and make acquisitions of or investments in death care or related businesses are attractive options. We believe that growing our organization through acquisitions and investments is a good business strategy, as it will enable us to enjoy the important synergies and economies of scale from our infrastructure. We regularly review acquisition and other strategic opportunities, which may require us to draw on our revolving credit facility or pursue additional debt or equity financing.
     We have initiated discussions with members of our bank group regarding the renewal of the $125.0 million revolving credit facility which is set to expire in November 2009. As of July 31, 2008, there were no amounts

49


 

drawn on the facility. Our availability under the revolving credit facility, after giving consideration to $14.6 million in outstanding letters of credit and a $30.8 million bond we are required to maintain to guarantee our obligations related to funds we withdrew in fiscal year 2001 from trust funds in Florida, was $79.6 million as of July 31, 2008. Our $200.0 million senior notes are not redeemable until February 15, 2009 and mature on February 15, 2013. We also have $250.0 million in senior convertible notes, half of which mature in 2014 and the other half of which mature in 2016. See the table below under “Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments” for further information on our long-term debt obligations.
     We currently pay quarterly cash dividends of two and one-half cents per share on our Class A and B common stock, which amounted to $7.1 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2008. Although we intend to pay regular quarterly cash dividends for the foreseeable future, the declaration and payment of future dividends are discretionary and will be subject to determination by the Board of Directors each quarter after its review of our financial performance. We also have a $75.0 million stock repurchase program, of which $26.6 million remains available as of July 31, 2008. Repurchases under the program are limited to our Class A common stock, and are made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at such times and in such amounts as management deemed appropriate, depending upon market conditions and other factors.
Cash Flow
     Our operations provided cash of $52.3 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2008, compared to $54.8 million for the corresponding period in 2007. The decrease is primarily due to $3.2 million of business interruption insurance proceeds and $1.5 million of insurance proceeds, net of expenses, related to Hurricane Katrina, received in fiscal year 2007. In addition, we paid $9.0 million in net tax payments in the first nine months of 2007 compared to net tax payments of $11.8 million in the first nine months of 2008.
     Our investing activities resulted in a net cash outflow of $21.1 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2008, compared to a net cash outflow of $26.3 million for the comparable period in 2007. The change is primarily due to the fact that we purchased several properties in the nine months ended July 31, 2007 resulting in a net cash outflow of $6.1 million compared to $1.4 million in the nine months ended July 31, 2008. For the nine months ended July 31, 2008, capital expenditures amounted to $20.4 million, which included $12.4 million for maintenance capital expenditures, $0.5 million for growth initiatives, $2.9 million related to Hurricane Katrina and $4.6 million related to the implementation of new business systems. For the nine months ended July 31, 2007, capital expenditures were $23.1 million, which included $11.5 million for maintenance capital expenditures, $2.2 million for growth initiatives, $5.5 million related to Hurricane Katrina and $3.9 million related to the implementation of new business systems. In the nine months ended July 31, 2008, there were no insurance proceeds related to hurricane damaged properties compared to $1.4 million in the same period in 2007.
     Our financing activities resulted in a net cash outflow of $54.1 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2008, compared to a net cash outflow of $17.5 million for the comparable period in 2007. This change is primarily due to net debt proceeds of $73.5 million ($250.0 million in proceeds of long-term debt and $176.5 million in repayments of long-term debt) in the nine months ended July 31, 2007. There were $0.2 million in debt repayments in the nine months ended July 31, 2008. In June 2007, we issued $250.0 million in senior convertible notes. As part of this debt transaction, we prepaid the remaining balance of our Term Loan B for $164.0 million, sold common stock warrants and purchased call options resulting in a net cash outflow of $16.2 million and recorded debt issuance costs of $5.6 million. Also, as part of this debt transaction, we repurchased approximately 7.7 million shares of our Class A common stock for $64.2 million, compared to $48.6 million in cash outflows related to our current stock repurchase program for the same period in 2008.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
     We have contractual obligations requiring future cash payments under existing contractual arrangements. The following table details our known future cash payments (in millions) related to various contractual obligations as of July 31, 2008.

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    Payments Due by Period  
            Less Than                     More Than  
Contractual Obligations   Total     1 Year     1-3 Years     3-5 Years     5 Years  
Long-term debt obligations (1)
  $ 450.1     $     $     $ 200.0     $ 250.1  
Interest on long-term debt (2)
    119.4       20.6       41.3       41.3       16.2  
Operating and capital lease obligations (3)
    28.9       1.1       7.2       3.7       16.9  
Non-competition and other agreements (4)
    1.4       .4       .7       .3        
 
                             
 
  $ 599.8     $ 22.1     $ 49.2     $ 245.3     $ 283.2  
 
                             
 
(1)   See below for a breakdown of our future scheduled principal payments and maturities of our long-term debt by type as of July 31, 2008.
 
(2)   Includes contractual interest payments for our senior convertible notes, senior notes and third-party debt.
 
(3)   Our noncancellable operating leases are primarily for land and buildings and expire over the next one to 15 years, except for six leases that expire between 2032 and 2039. In the first quarter of 2008, we entered into a capital lease for equipment with a two-year term for approximately $0.4 million. Our future minimum lease payments as of July 31, 2008 are $1.1 million, $4.1 million, $3.1 million, $2.1 million, $1.6 million, and $16.9 million for the years ending October 31, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and later years, respectively.
 
(4)   We have entered into non-competition agreements with prior owners and key employees of acquired subsidiaries that expire at various times through 2012. This category also includes separation pay related to former executive officers.
     We have contingent obligations that include uncertain tax positions for which we are unable to make an estimate of the timing of future cash settlements at this time.
     As of July 31, 2008, our outstanding debt balance was $450.1 million, consisting of $250.0 million of senior convertible notes, $200.0 million of 6.25 percent senior notes and $0.1 million of other debt. There were no amounts drawn on the revolving credit facility. The following table reflects future scheduled principal payments and maturities of our long-term debt (in millions) as of July 31, 2008.
                                         
                            Other, Principally        
    Revolving     Senior               Seller Financing        
Fiscal Year Ending   Credit     Convertible     Senior     of Acquired        
October 31,   Facility     Notes     Notes     Operations     Total  
2008
  $     $     $     $     $  
2009
                             
2010
                             
2011
                             
2012
                             
Thereafter
          250.0       200.0       .1       450.1  
 
                             
Total long-term debt
  $     $ 250.0     $ 200.0     $ .1     $ 450.1  
 
                             
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
     Our off-balance sheet arrangements as of July 31, 2008 consist of the following items:
  (1)   the $30.8 million bond we are required to maintain to guarantee our obligations relating to funds we withdrew in fiscal year 2001 from our preneed funeral trusts in Florida, which is discussed above and in Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements in our 2007 Form 10-K; and

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  (2)   the insurance-funded preneed funeral contracts, which will be funded by life insurance or annuity contracts issued by third-party insurers, are not reflected in our condensed consolidated balance sheets, and are discussed in Note 2(i) to the consolidated financial statements in our 2007 Form 10-K.
Recent Accounting Standards
     See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
     Quantitative and qualitative disclosure about market risk is presented in Item 7A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on December 21, 2007. Except as described below, there have been no material changes in the Company’s market risk from that disclosed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007. For a discussion of market value as of July 31, 2008 of investments in our trusts, see Notes 3, 4 and 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein.
     As of July 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, the carrying values of our long-term fixed-rate debt, including accrued interest, were approximately $456.2 million and $455.7 million, respectively, compared to fair values of $457.7 million and $457.1 million, respectively. Fair values were determined using quoted market prices. Each approximate 10 percent change in the average interest rates applicable to determine the fair value of such debt, 50 basis points for July 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 would result in changes of approximately $11.9 million and $13.3 million, respectively, in the fair values of these instruments. If these instruments are held to maturity, no change in fair value will be realized.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
     The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
     As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Disclosure Committee and management, including the CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon this evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
     There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended July 31, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
     For a discussion of our current litigation, see Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein.

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     In addition to the matters in Note 7, we and certain of our subsidiaries are parties to a number of other legal proceedings that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not expect these matters to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
     We carry insurance with coverages and coverage limits that we believe to be adequate. Although there can be no assurance that such insurance is sufficient to protect us against all contingencies, management believes that our insurance protection is reasonable in view of the nature and scope of our operations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
     Except as described below, there have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2007 Form 10-K.
     Our 2007 Form 10-K described the risks associated with a proposed change in accounting for our senior convertible notes. In May 2008, the final version of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Staff Position No. APB 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)” (“FSP No. APB 14-1”), was issued, and the new accounting rules will be effective for us beginning November 1, 2009 and must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the impact FSP No. APB 14-1 will have on our consolidated financial statements, but expect to record higher interest expense related to our senior convertible notes beginning in fiscal year 2010.
Potential continuing uncertainty resulting from the recent Service Corporation International (“SCI”) acquisition proposal and related matters may adversely affect our business and cause volatility in the trading price of our common stock.
     On July 7, 2008, our Board of Directors rejected an unsolicited proposal from SCI to acquire all of our outstanding shares for $9.50 per share in cash. In a letter dated June 25, 2008, SCI invited us to enter into negotiations regarding the possible combination of the two companies. In the letter, SCI stated that were it to be given access to certain non-public, non-competitively-sensitive information about our overhead and trust management structure, it might be able to improve its offer, suggesting a potential range of $10.25 per share to $11.25 per share. Our Board of Directors carefully evaluated the terms of the proposal and unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of Stewart Enterprises and its shareholders to reject the proposal as inadequate.
     On July 23, 2008, we issued a press release announcing that our Board of Directors met to consider another letter from SCI dated July 21, 2008 offering $11.00 per share in cash for all of our outstanding shares, subject to the negotiation of mutually satisfactory definitive written agreements and the completion of certain limited, confirmatory due diligence. At the meeting, our Board of Directors unanimously approved the formation of a committee of independent directors (the “Independent Committee”) to evaluate alternatives available to us to maximize shareholder value, and authorized the Independent Committee to hire an investment banker or other advisors as it deems appropriate.
     On August 28, 2008, we announced that the Independent Committee has retained Goldman, Sachs & Co. as financial advisor and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP as special legal counsel, in connection with the Board’s evaluation of strategic alternatives available to us to maximize shareholder value. We also announced that the Independent Committee has commenced the process of working with its advisors and management to collect information and analyze all strategic alternatives available to us. The Independent Committee intends to conduct a thorough evaluation of all strategic alternatives to determine the course of action that is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. Neither the Independent Committee nor the Board intends to provide any update with respect to the review of potential strategic alternatives until the Board has approved a definitive course of action.
     On August 28, 2008, we also announced that Chairman of the Board, Frank B. Stewart, Jr., who currently controls approximately 34 percent of our voting power, has advised the Board that he is fully supportive of the process being undertaken by the Independent Committee, has not made any decisions regarding the outcome of the

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process, and plans to wait until the Board has had the opportunity to review the appropriate information and analysis presented by the Independent Committee to the full Board before making any decisions regarding his plans or views. Under Louisiana law and our articles of incorporation, the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the voting power present is required to approve certain major transactions, including a merger, and any amendments to our articles of incorporation.
     The review and consideration of the SCI proposal and other strategic alternatives has been, and may continue to be, a distraction for our management and employees and will require a significant amount of our time and resources. SCI’s proposal may also create uncertainty for our current and potential customers and other business partners, which may cause them to terminate, or not to renew or enter into, arrangements with us. This has also created uncertainty for our employees, and this uncertainty could cause low morale and may adversely affect our ability to retain key employees and to hire new talent. These consequences, alone or in combination, may harm our business.
     We also believe that as a result of SCI’s proposal and the speculation concerning the potential sale, the trading price of our common stock may be subject to wide price fluctuations. There can be no assurance whether a transaction will occur or at what price. If a transaction does not occur, or the market perceives a transaction as unlikely to happen, our stock price may decline.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
(c) Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
                                 
                    Total number of   Maximum
                    shares   approximate dollar
                    purchased as   value of shares that
    Total number   Average   part of publicly-   may yet be
    of shares   price paid   announced plans   purchased under the
Period   purchased   per share   or programs(1)   plans or programs
May 1, 2008 through May 31, 2008
    1,000,000     $ 6.91       1,000,000     $ 5,918,049  
 
                               
June 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008
    268,708     $ 6.75       268,708     $ 29,104,970  
 
                               
July 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008
    349,492     $ 7.25       349,492     $ 26,571,185  
 
                               
 
                               
Total
    1,618,200     $ 6.96       1,618,200     $ 26,571,185  
 
                               
 
(1)   On September 19, 2007, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a new $25.0 million stock repurchase program. Repurchases under the program are limited to our Class A common stock, and are made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at such times and in such amounts as management deems appropriate, depending upon market conditions and other factors. On December 20, 2007, we announced a $25.0 million increase in this program. On June 19, 2008, we announced an additional $25.0 million increase to the program, which increased the program to $75.0 million. As of July 31, 2008, we had repurchased 6.6 million shares for $48.4 million at an average price of $7.32 per share under this program.
Item 5. Other Information
     On September 8, 2008, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to our bylaws and to our indemnity agreements with directors primarily designed to make clear that a director’s rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses vest at the time he begins to serve as a director, cannot be diminished after that time, and continue after he ceases to serve as a director. The amended and restated bylaws and the amendment to the indemnity agreements are filed as exhibits to this report.

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Item 6. Exhibits
3.1   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended and restated as of April 3, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2008)
 
3.2   By-laws of the Company, as amended and restated as of September 8, 2008
 
4.1   See Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 for provisions of the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and By-laws, as amended, defining the rights of holders of Class A and Class B common stock
 
4.2   Specimen of Class A common stock certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Amendment No. 3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-42336) filed with the Commission on October 7, 1991)
 
4.3   Rights Agreement, dated as of October 28, 1999, between Stewart Enterprises, Inc. and ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C. as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Company’s Form 8-A filed November 4, 1999)
 
4.4   Amendment No. 1 to the Rights Agreement dated June 26, 2007 between Stewart Enterprises, Inc. and Mellon Investor Services LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 27, 2007)
 
4.5   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated November 19, 2004 by and among the Company, Empresas Stewart-Cementerios and Empresas Stewart-Funerarias, as Borrowers, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer and The Other Lenders party hereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 23, 2004)
 
4.6   Indenture dated as of February 11, 2005 by and among Stewart Enterprises, Inc., the Guarantors thereunder and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the 6.25 percent Senior Notes due 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 14, 2005)
 
4.7   Form of 6.25 percent Senior Note due 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 14, 2005)
 
4.8   Indenture dated June 27, 2007 by and among Stewart Enterprises, Inc., the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, with respect to 3.125 percent Senior Convertible Notes due 2014 (including Form of 3.125 percent Senior Convertible Notes due 2014) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 27, 2007)
 
4.9   Indenture dated June 27, 2007 by and among Stewart Enterprises, Inc., the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, with respect to 3.375 percent Senior Convertible Notes due 2016 (including Form of 3.375 percent Senior Convertible Notes due 2016) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 27, 2007)
 
4.10   Registration Rights Agreement dated June 27, 2007 by and among Stewart Enterprises, Inc., the guarantors named therein and the Initial Purchasers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 27, 2007)

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10.1   Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement dated May 1, 2008 between the Company and Thomas J. Crawford (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2008)
 
10.2   Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement dated May 1, 2008 between the Company and Thomas M. Kitchen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2008)
 
10.3   Stewart Enterprises, Inc. Retention Plan and Summary Plan Description effective June 18, 2008
 
10.4   Amended and Restated Stewart Enterprises, Inc. Retention Plan and Summary Plan Description effective August 1, 2008
 
10.5   Form of First Amendment to Indemnity Agreements between Stewart Enterprises, Inc. and its Directors
 
10.6   Amendment to Stewart Enterprises, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan effective June 17, 2008
 
31.1   Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of Thomas J. Crawford, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
31.2   Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of Thomas M. Kitchen, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
32.1   Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of Thomas J. Crawford, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Thomas M. Kitchen, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
SIGNATURES
     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.
         
  STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
 
September 9, 2008  /s/ THOMAS M. KITCHEN    
  Thomas M. Kitchen   
  Senior Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer 
 
 
     
September 9, 2008  /s/ ANGELA M. LACOUR    
  Angela M. Lacour   
  Vice President Corporate Controller
Chief Accounting Officer 
 
 

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Exhibit Index
3.2   By-laws of the Company, as amended and restated as of September 8, 2008
 
10.3   Stewart Enterprises, Inc. Retention Plan and Summary Plan Description effective June 18, 2008
 
10.4   Amended and Restated Stewart Enterprises, Inc. Retention Plan and Summary Plan Description effective August 1, 2008
 
10.5   Form of First Amendment to Indemnity Agreements between Stewart Enterprises, Inc. and its Directors
 
10.6   Amendment to Stewart Enterprises, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan effective June 17, 2008
 
31.1   Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of Thomas J. Crawford, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
31.2   Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of Thomas M. Kitchen, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
32.1   Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of Thomas J. Crawford, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Thomas M. Kitchen, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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