Darren Sissons
Stewart Enterprises Inc
STEI-Q
DON'T BUY
Feb 13, 2013
Funerals should be a very stable business. Tons of recurring revenue and good demographics. However, looking at the industry, this has not been the case. It’s a unionized business, dominated by mom and pop stores. Balance sheet on this one is a little rough. Doesn’t have the stability that he wants.
He owns both Stewart Enterprises (STEI-Q) and Service Enterprises (SCI-N). They're both in the funeral sector. Service has hit his target, but he has not sold yet to see if it will run further. Pretty much recession proof. Think they both have a ways to run.
Both Service Corp (SCI-N) and Stewart Enterprises (STEI-N) are dominant leaders in the funeral industry. Quite a bit of debt. Could have chosen either of these as Top Picks.
Funeral business. People are still going to want their funerals. Shrinkage in margins because of cremation. But this is a necessity. Just reported reasonable numbers. Not keen on de3bt load
2nd largest funeral and cemetery company in the US. The 2 certainties in life are death and taxes. Demographic changes in the next 15-20 years are going to be very positive. Possibility that their largest competitor may try to buy them again in the next 6-12 months.
Funeral home company. He has 2.6% of shares and is in controversy about strategic alternatives including selling the company, significant dividend increase or share buyback, with management.
Death care industry. The oldest company he has by about 3 years. Pays a dividend. Recent results were excellent and they keep raising the dividend yearly. Debt is high but normal in this industry. Would not buy it now although there is still a lot of upside.
Funerals and cemeteries. Has done a really good job of cutting costs in the last year. Increased their dividend and have been buying back stocks. Near-term outlook is very good. Logical acquisition candidate.
Funerals should be a very stable business. Tons of recurring revenue and good demographics. However, looking at the industry, this has not been the case. It’s a unionized business, dominated by mom and pop stores. Balance sheet on this one is a little rough. Doesn’t have the stability that he wants.