Service Corp International (SCI)

Service Corp International (SCI-N) has established itself as the leading operator of funeral homes and cemeteries in both Canada and the US, boasting a significant 17% market share in a fragmented industry. While the company has experienced a few weaker quarters following the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains financially robust and has a sound growth strategy focused on its innovative pre-need approach. Analysts anticipate a return to a normal earnings growth rate of 8-10%, supported by a rising return on equity of 30%. Additionally, the stock offers a growing dividend yield of 1.60%, making it an attractive, steady performer that could provide stability in an investor's portfolio. With shares starting to show positive momentum, SCI-N is viewed as a quiet outperformer and a potentially solid choice for conservative investors seeking balance.