SCI Tops Q2 Estimates and Lifts Cash Flow Outlook on Robust Preneed Sales
SCI sits 29% above its 52-week low of $68.41.
Summary
SCI posted Q2 adjusted EPS of $0.90, exceeding expectations, and raised its 2026 cash flow guidance by $50 million, driven by strong preneed cemetery sales and lower cash taxes.
Key Events · Earnings and Guidance · SCI
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Q2 Earnings Beat
Adjusted EPS climbed to $0.90 from $0.88 a year ago, while revenue grew 4% to $1.10 billion, driven by higher funeral average revenue and an 8% increase in comparable cemetery preneed sales production.
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Cash Flow Surge
Operating cash flow jumped 43% to $238.7 million, aided by a $64.3 million reduction in cash taxes from a renewable energy investment and strong preneed cemetery collections.
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Raised Cash Flow Guidance
The midpoint for full-year 2026 adjusted operating cash flow guidance was raised by $50 million to $1,085 million, reflecting sustained strength in preneed cemetery collections.
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EPS Guidance Narrowed
The 2026 adjusted EPS guidance range was narrowed to $4.10–$4.30, with the $4.20 midpoint confirmed, implying 8–12% long-term growth.
Analysis · SCI · Trade & Services
A solid Q2 beat underscores Service Corporation International's momentum, with adjusted EPS rising to $0.90 from $0.88 a year ago, fueled by higher funeral average revenue and strong cemetery preneed sales. Operating cash flow surged 43% to $238.7 million, boosted by a $64 million reduction in cash taxes from a renewable energy investment. Reflecting confidence in sustained preneed cemetery collections, management raised its full-year cash flow guidance by $50 million at the midpoint. The company also narrowed its EPS guidance range, signaling stability. With $363 million returned to shareholders year-to-date via buybacks and dividends, SCI continues to execute a balanced capital allocation strategy. The stock is trading near its 52-week high, suggesting the market anticipated the strong results.
At the time of this filing, SCI was trading at $88.06 on NYSE in the Trade & Services sector, with a market capitalization of approximately $11.8B. The 52-week trading range was $68.41 to $88.67. This filing was assessed with positive market sentiment and an importance score of 7 out of 10.