Operating income also dipped slightly to $927.68 million with an operating margin of 22.16%, down from 23.03% in 2023. This slight contraction is attributable to elevated operating expenses, particularly SG&A costs which decreased from $157.37 million in 2023 to $139.02 million in 2024, indicating some operational efficiencies despite pressure on overall profitability.

Cash Flow and Capital Allocation#

Free cash flow grew +9.57% year-over-year to $555.8 million, supported by robust operating cash flow of $944.91 million. This healthy cash generation underpins SCI’s capital allocation strategy, which balances shareholder returns and strategic investments. Dividend payments totaled $174.28 million in 2024, consistent with a payout ratio of 24.78%, reflecting a conservative approach to dividend sustainability.

Share repurchases were reduced to $253.73 million in 2024 from $544.84 million in 2023, signaling a more cautious approach to buybacks amid market volatility and ongoing strategic investments, including acquisitions totaling $156.81 million.

Balance Sheet and Leverage#

SCI’s total assets rose to $17.38 billion, with long-term debt increasing modestly to $4.8 billion. The company’s net debt to EBITDA ratio stands at 5.08x, indicating a leveraged capital structure typical of the sector but requiring ongoing cash flow discipline to maintain financial flexibility.

The current ratio remains low at 0.61x, highlighting limited short-term liquidity but manageable given SCI’s stable operating cash flows.

Strategic Developments and Market Position#

M&A and Growth Initiatives#

SCI continues to pursue strategic acquisitions to consolidate its market leadership in the funeral services industry, spending $156.81 million on acquisitions in 2024. These moves aim to expand geographic reach and service offerings, reinforcing SCI’s competitive moat.

The company’s focus on operational efficiencies is evident in the reduction of SG&A expenses and controlled capital expenditures of $389.11 million, supporting infrastructure modernization and technology upgrades critical for long-term growth.

Competitive Landscape#

The funeral services sector remains fragmented but increasingly competitive, with SCI maintaining a dominant market share through scale, brand recognition, and service diversification. Competitors like Carriage Services have also reported strong Q2 2025 results, underscoring the sector’s steady demand despite demographic headwinds.

SCI’s strategic emphasis on digital marketing and customer engagement—as highlighted in recent industry reports—positions it well to capture market share in a traditionally conservative sector. This digital pivot is expected to enhance lead generation and customer retention, crucial for future revenue growth.

Valuation and Market Sentiment#

SCI trades at a forward P/E of approximately 20.12x for 2025, down from 21.13x in 2024, reflecting moderate valuation compression amid margin pressures. The enterprise value to EBITDA multiple stands near 11.79x, signaling a fair valuation given the company’s stable cash flows and growth prospects.

The stock’s dividend yield of 1.54% and a payout ratio below 25% reflect a balanced approach to rewarding shareholders while preserving capital for strategic initiatives.

What Drives SCI's Dividend Sustainability?#

SCI's dividend sustainability is anchored in its strong free cash flow generation, which increased +9.57% year-over-year to $555.8 million in 2024. The company maintains a conservative payout ratio of 24.78%, leaving ample room for dividend coverage even in periods of earnings volatility. Moreover, SCI’s disciplined capital allocation, reflected in reduced share buybacks and focused reinvestment in acquisitions and infrastructure, supports long-term dividend stability.

Key Financial Metrics Comparison#

Metric	2024 Actual	2023 Actual	% Change
Revenue	$4.19B	$4.10B	+2.11%
Net Income	$518.65M	$537.32M	-3.47%
Operating Income	$927.68M	$944.25M	-1.78%
Free Cash Flow	$555.8M	$507.25M	+9.57%
Dividend Payout Ratio	24.78%	25.32%	-2.12%

Analyst Revenue and EPS Estimates Through 2027#

Year	Revenue Estimate	EPS Estimate	Number of Analysts
2025	$4.3B	$3.83	4
2026	$4.45B	$4.22	5
2027	$4.65B	$4.66	2

These estimates indicate expectations for steady revenue growth at a CAGR of approximately 3.4% and EPS growth approaching 7.7%, underscoring market confidence in SCI’s strategic direction and operational execution.

What This Means For Investors#

Investors should consider SCI’s demonstrated ability to generate robust free cash flow and maintain dividend sustainability amid a competitive and mature industry landscape. The company’s strategic acquisitions and digital marketing initiatives provide pathways for growth and market share expansion.

However, the relatively high leverage ratio and margin compression warrant close monitoring, especially given potential macroeconomic uncertainties. SCI’s financial discipline, reflected in controlled capital expenditures and moderated share repurchases, positions it well to navigate these challenges.

Conclusion: Strategic Execution in a Mature Market#

Service Corporation International’s recent financial results and strategic initiatives highlight a company balancing growth and financial discipline. The modest revenue growth and slight net income contraction reflect industry dynamics, yet free cash flow strength and dividend prudence underscore management’s commitment to shareholder value.

The company’s focus on acquisitions and digital transformation initiatives aligns with evolving market demands, supporting sustainable competitive positioning. As SCI approaches its next earnings announcement in October 2025, investors will watch for continued execution of these strategies and their impact on profitability and cash flow generation.

Key Takeaways#

SCI posted a Q2 2025 EPS beat with +11% growth, driving positive stock momentum.
Revenue grew modestly +2.11% in 2024, while net income declined -3.47% due to margin pressures.
Free cash flow rose +9.57%, underpinning dividend sustainability and strategic investments.
Debt levels remain elevated with a net debt/EBITDA of 5.08x, requiring disciplined cash flow management.
Strategic acquisitions and digital marketing initiatives bolster growth and competitive positioning.
Forward estimates project steady revenue and EPS growth through 2027.

Sources#