Stewart Enterprises Reports a 40 Percent Increase in Earnings per Share to $.14 for the Second Quarter of 2013

JEFFERSON, La., June 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stewart Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:STEI) reported today its results for the second quarter of 2013. Earnings from continuing operations were $11.9 million compared to $9.6 million for the second quarter of 2012. On a diluted per share basis for the three months ended April 30, 2013, the Company reported earnings from continuing operations of $.14 and adjusted earnings from continuing operations of $.15 per share, compared to $.11 per share for reported earnings and $.13 per share for adjusted earnings for the same period of last year.

Thomas M. Kitchen, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "The previously announced definitive merger agreement by Service Corporation International ("SCI") is evidence of the value we have created in the Company, and we are pleased to see that benefit recognized for our shareholders. We will continue to operate the business with a high degree of performance and believe that fiscal year 2013 is off to a strong start.  For the six months ended April 30, 2013, we improved adjusted earnings from continuing operations by 27 percent and adjusted earnings per share by 30 percent.  These improvements were driven by a $12 million increase in revenue and a $10 million increase in gross profit, which reflects the highest six months of revenue and gross profit in six years. We are pleased with our second quarter results which include an increase in gross profit by 10 percent, adjusted earnings from continuing operations by 13 percent and adjusted earnings per share by 15 percent as compared to the second quarter of 2012.   Our funeral business benefitted from an improvement in same-store calls for the fourth consecutive quarter, which contributed to a 3 percent improvement in funeral revenue compared to the second quarter of last year. Overall our cemetery business produced a 29 percent improvement in gross profit, primarily from an increase in our revenue related to trust activities, combined with a reduction in our expenses throughout the quarter. Some additional highlights of the second quarter compared to the same quarter of last year include:

• Improving overall revenue, gross profit and earnings from continuing operations for the fifth consecutive quarter and improving same-store funeral services for the fourth consecutive quarter;
   
• Generating operating cash flow of $33.2 million, an improvement of $12.5 million, and free cash flow of $29.9 million, an improvement of $13.0 million;
   
• Realizing an 8 percent improvement in adjusted EBITDA to $32.3 million or a 24.1 percent adjusted EBITDA margin, as discussed in the table "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures;"
   
• Producing total returns for the quarter of 6 percent in our preneed trusts and 5 percent in our cemetery perpetual care trusts; and
   
• Announcing a 12.5 percent increase in the Company's quarterly dividend to $.045 per share and returning $3.8 million in dividends to our shareholders."

Mr. Kitchen concluded, "Our balance sheet and liquidity remain strong with $103.4 million in cash and marketable securities on hand as of April 30, 2013, with no amounts borrowed on our $150 million credit facility. For the first six months of fiscal year 2013, we have generated $45 million in operating cash flow. We believe our ability to consistently produce strong cash flow is one of the many reasons why SCI is paying a significant premium for the Company."

Definitive Merger Agreement with Service Corporation International

On May 29, 2013, the Company announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with SCI. Pursuant to the agreement, holders of the Company's Class A and Class B common stock will receive $13.25 in cash for each share of common stock they hold.   The transaction is subject to the approval of the Company's shareholders and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, including expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. The proposed transaction is expected to close in late calendar year 2013 or early 2014. For additional information, see the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2013.

Second Quarter Results

FUNERAL

• Funeral revenue increased $2.5 million, or 3.4 percent, to $75.2 million for the second quarter of 2013.
   
• Same-store services increased 4.4 percent, or 606 events, which the Company believes is consistent with industry-wide data. During the second quarter of 2013, the Company experienced a $0.5 million increase in revenue related to trust activities. These increases were partially offset by a 0.6 percent decrease in same-store average revenue per funeral service, coupled with a $0.7 million decrease in insurance commission revenue primarily as a result of a decline in net preneed funeral sales.
   
• Funeral gross profit decreased $0.2 million, or 1.1 percent, to $18.3 million for the second quarter of 2013 compared to $18.5 million for the same period of 2012. Funeral gross profit margin declined 110 basis points to 24.3 percent for the second quarter of 2013 from 25.4 percent for the second quarter of 2012. The Company experienced a decrease in insurance commission revenue, as previously mentioned, coupled with an increase in advertising, direct merchandise and services costs compared to the same period of last year.
   
• The cremation rate for the Company's same-store operations was 43.8 percent for the second quarter of 2013 compared to 42.5 percent for the second quarter of 2012.
   
• Net preneed funeral sales decreased 6.5 percent during the second quarter of 2013 compared to the second quarter of 2012. Preneed funeral sales are deferred until the underlying contracts are performed and have no impact on current revenue.

CEMETERY

• Cemetery revenue decreased $1.2 million, or 2.0 percent, to $58.7 million for the second quarter of 2013.  The decline in cemetery revenue is primarily due to a $6.0 million, or 21.2 percent, decrease in cemetery property sales compared to the second quarter of 2012. As part of the integration of its operations and sales teams, the Company revised its organizational structure and compensation packages. In addition, the Company tightened its sales terms for cemetery property sales. These actions negatively impacted cemetery property sales for the second quarter of 2013. The Company knew these changes would create challenges, and is taking the necessary steps to address them. 
   
• During the second quarter, the Company produced a $2.3 million increase in revenue related to trust activities, coupled with a $1.7 million improvement in revenue recognized for cemetery property sales for which construction was completed. In addition, merchandise delivered and services performed improved by $0.5 million.
   
• Cemetery gross profit increased $3.1 million, or 29.2 percent, to $13.7 million for the second quarter of 2013 compared to $10.6 million for the same period of 2012. Cemetery gross profit margin improved 560 basis points to 23.3 percent for the second quarter of 2013 from 17.7 percent for the same period of 2012. The improvement is due in part to the increase in revenue related to trust activities, as previously mentioned, coupled with a reduction in costs associated with the decline in cemetery property sales and the sales reorganization.

OTHER

• During the three months ended April 30, 2013, the Company incurred $0.6 million in merger-related costs which consist primarily of financial advisory and legal fees.
   
• During the second quarter of 2012, the Company recorded $2.5 million in restructuring and other charges. These charges were primarily related to separation pay, termination benefits and a non-cash asset impairment, due in part to the restructuring of the sales and operations of the organization, as well as a separate reduction in workforce associated with the Company's ongoing continuous improvement initiative. 
   
• The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the quarter ended April 30, 2013 was 38.0 percent compared to 35.9 percent for the same period in 2012. During the second quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $0.4 million resulting from a reduction in the valuation allowance for capital losses, associated with the improved performance of the Company's trust portfolio.  
   
• During the second quarter of 2012, the Company decided to hold one of its e-commerce businesses for sale with the results of its operations and the related impairment included in discontinued operations.

Year to Date Results

FUNERAL

• Funeral revenue increased $8.6 million, or 5.9 percent, to $153.4 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2013.
   
• Same-store funeral services increased 6.4 percent, or 1,782 events, which the Company believes compares favorably to industry-wide data. During the first six months of fiscal year 2013, the Company experienced a $0.4 million increase in revenue related to trust activities.  These increases were partially offset by a 0.3 percent decrease in same-store average revenue per funeral service. 
   
• Funeral gross profit increased $2.5 million, or 6.7 percent, to $39.8 million for the first half of fiscal year 2013. Funeral gross profit margin improved 10 basis points to 25.9 percent for the six months ended April 30, 2013 from 25.8 percent for the same period of 2012. The increase is primarily due to the $8.6 million improvement in revenue, as previously noted.
   
• The cremation rate for the Company's same-store operations was 43.3 percent for the first six months of fiscal year 2013 compared to 42.9 percent for the corresponding period of 2012.
   
• Net preneed funeral sales decreased 6.9 percent during the first six months of fiscal year 2013 compared to the same period of 2012. Preneed funeral sales are deferred until the underlying contracts are performed and have no impact on current revenue.

CEMETERY

• Cemetery revenue increased $3.5 million, or 3.1 percent, to $116.2 million for the six months ended April 30, 2013. During the first six months of fiscal year 2013, the Company generated a $4.7 million increase in revenue recognized for cemetery property sales for which the down payment required for revenue recognition was received. In addition, revenue related to trust activities increased by $3.8 million and revenue recognized for cemetery property sales for which construction was completed increased by $3.0 million.
   
• Cemetery property sales declined $9.2 million, or 17.7 percent, compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2012.  As part of the integration of its operations and sales teams, the Company revised its organizational structure and compensation packages. In addition, the Company tightened its sales terms for cemetery property sales. These actions negatively impacted cemetery property sales for the first six months of fiscal year 2013. The Company knew these changes would create challenges, and is taking the necessary steps to address them. 
   
• Cemetery gross profit increased $7.2 million, or 41.6 percent, to $24.5 million for the first half of fiscal year 2013. Cemetery gross profit margin improved 570 basis points to 21.1 percent for the six months ended April 30, 2013 from 15.4 percent for the corresponding period of fiscal year 2012. The increase in gross profit is primarily due to the improvement in revenue, as previously noted, coupled with a reduction in property and related selling costs associated with the decline in cemetery property sales and the previously discussed sales reorganization.

OTHER

• Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $1.0 million to $13.9 million for the six months ended April 30, 2013, compared to $12.9 million for the same period of 2012. Due to the strong operating results for the first six months of fiscal year 2013, the Company increased its accrual for annual incentive compensation.
   
• During the six months ended April 30, 2013, the Company incurred $0.6 million in merger-related costs which consist primarily of financial advisory and legal fees.
   
• The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the first six months ended April 30, 2013 was 31.2 percent compared to 35.0 percent for the corresponding period in fiscal year 2012. For the six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company benefitted from a $2.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively, reduction in the valuation allowance for capital losses, associated with the positive performance of its trust portfolio. 
   
• During the first six months of fiscal year 2013, the Company repurchased 0.2 million shares of its Class A common stock for $1.8 million under its stock repurchase program.

Cash Flow Results and Debt for Total Operations

• Cash flow provided by operating activities for the second quarter of fiscal year 2013 was $33.2 million compared to $20.7 million for the same period of last year. During the second quarter of 2013, the Company generated a $3.1 million improvement in net earnings. In addition, the Company experienced a change in working capital, partly driven by a $7.5 million decrease in receivables due in part to the decline in preneed funeral and cemetery property sales, which are typically financed and for which the Company has tightened the sales terms.
   
• Cash flow provided by operating activities for the first six months of fiscal 2013 was $45.0 million compared to $28.5 million for fiscal year 2012. For the first six months of fiscal year 2013, the Company generated a $10.0 million improvement in net earnings. In addition, the Company experienced a change in working capital, partly driven by a $4.4 million decrease in receivables due in part to the decline in preneed funeral and cemetery property sales, which are typically financed and a $3.3 million decline in spending on cemetery development projects. These changes were partially offset by the timing of trust withdrawals and deposits.
   
• Free cash flow was $29.9 million and $36.5 million for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal year 2013, respectively, compared to $16.9 million and $20.7 million for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal year 2012, respectively, primarily due to the changes in operating cash flow, as described above. See table "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for additional information on free cash flow.
   
• The Company paid $.045 per share in dividends in the second fiscal quarter of 2013, compared to $.040 per share in the prior year period. The Company paid $.085 per share in dividends in the first six months of fiscal year 2013, compared to $.075 per share in the prior year period. The Company paid $7.2 million in dividends in the first six months of fiscal year 2013, compared to $6.5 million in the corresponding period of last year.

Trust Performance

The following total returns include realized and unrealized gains and losses:

• For the quarter ended April 30, 2013, the Company's preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise and services trusts experienced a total return of 5.7 percent, and its perpetual care trusts experienced a total return of 5.2 percent.
   
• For the six months ended April 30, 2013, the Company's preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise and services trusts experienced a total return of 10.4 percent, and its perpetual care trusts experienced a total return of 9.2 percent.
   
• For the twelve months ended April 30, 2013, the Company's preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise and services trusts experienced a total return of 14.0 percent, and its perpetual care trusts experienced a total return of 14.4 percent.
   
• For the five years ended April 30, 2013, the Company's preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise and services trusts experienced an average annual total return of 5.1 percent, and its perpetual care trusts experienced an average annual total return of 6.9 percent.
   
• For fiscal year 2013, the fair market value of the Company's portfolio improved $60.8 million to $917.0 million.

Founded in 1910, Stewart Enterprises, Inc. is the second largest provider of products and services in the death care industry in the United States. The Company currently owns and operates 217 funeral homes and 141 cemeteries in the United States and Puerto Rico. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides a complete range of funeral and cremation merchandise and services, along with cemetery property, merchandise and services, both at the time of need and on a preneed basis. For additional information on Stewart Enterprises, Inc. please visit www.stewartenterprises.com. 

Important Additional Information Will be Filed with the SEC

The Company plans to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and mail to its shareholders a Proxy Statement in connection with the merger agreement and related transactions, and may furnish or file other materials with the SEC in connection with the merger agreement and related transactions. The Proxy Statement will contain important information about the Company, SCI, the merger agreement and voting agreement, transactions contemplated by these agreements and related matters. Investors and security holders are urged to read the Proxy Statement and other materials furnished or filed with the SEC relating to the transaction carefully when they are available before making any voting or investment decision. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement and other materials furnished or filed with the SEC by the Company through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement and other materials furnished or filed with the SEC relating to the transaction from the Company.

Participants in the Solicitation of Proxies

The Company and its directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of the Company in connection with the transaction described in this press release. Information regarding the Company's directors and executive officers is included in the Company's proxy statement for its 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on or about February 22, 2013. Additional information regarding the potential participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in the Proxy Statement described above.   The Company's proxy statement for its 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is available, and the Proxy Statement and other materials furnished or filed with the SEC relating to the transaction, when furnished or filed, will be available, at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and from the Company.

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

This press release includes forward-looking statements that are generally identifiable through the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "will" and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements rely on assumptions, estimates and predictions that could be inaccurate and that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our goals or forecasts. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

• effects on our trusts and escrow accounts of changes in stock and bond prices and interest and dividend rates;
   
• effects of the substantial unrealized losses in the investments in our trusts, including:

• decreased future cash flow and earnings as a result of reduced earnings from our trusts and trust fund management;
   
• the potential to realize additional losses and additional cemetery perpetual care funding obligations and tax valuation allowances;

• effects on at-need and preneed sales of a weak economy;
   
• effects on revenue due to the changes in the number of deaths in our markets and recent annual declines in funeral call volume;
   
• effects on our revenue and earnings of the continuing national trend toward increased cremation and the increases in the percentage of cremations performed by us that are inexpensive direct cremations;
   
• effects on our future revenue and costs of our organizational restructuring designed to better integrate operations and sales, implemented primarily during the latter part of fiscal year 2012 and the beginning of fiscal year 2013;
   
• effects on cash flow and earnings as a result of increased costs, particularly supply costs related to increases in commodity prices;
   
• effects on our market share, prices, revenues and margins of intensified price competition or improved advertising and marketing by competitors, including low-cost casket providers and increased offerings of products or services over the Internet;
   
• risk of loss due to hurricanes and other natural disasters;
   
• effects of the call options the Company purchased and the warrants the Company sold on our Class A common stock and the effects of the outstanding warrants on the ownership interest of our current stockholders;
   
• our ability to pay future dividends on our common stock;
   
• the effects on us as a result of our industry's complex accounting model;
   
• the occurrence of any circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company related to the merger agreement; the inability to complete the transaction due to the failure to obtain shareholder approval or the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the transaction, including the receipt of all regulatory approvals related to the transaction; the failure of SCI to obtain the necessary financing arrangements set forth in the commitment letter delivered pursuant to the merger agreement; the disruption of management's attention from the Company's ongoing business operations due to the transaction; the effect of the announcement of the transaction on the Company's relationships with its customers, operating results and business generally;

and other risks and uncertainties described in our Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2012 and our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2013, filed with the SEC. We disclaim any obligation or intent to update or revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.