Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated adjusted earnings per share of $0.88, an increase of over 11% compared to $0.79 in the prior year period [5] - Total comparable funeral revenue increased by over $15 million, or about 3%, compared to the prior year quarter [5] - Funeral gross profit increased by about $15 million, with the gross profit percentage rising by 20 basis points [6][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable core funeral revenues increased by $8 million, or about 2%, driven by a 3.3% growth in core average revenue per service [6] - Comparable cemetery revenue increased by $2 million, or almost 1%, with a core revenue increase of about $1 million [8][9] - Preneed funeral sales production decreased by $29 million, or about 9%, primarily due to the transition to a new preneed insurance provider [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates comparable core preneed sales production growth in 2025, despite a decrease in the current quarter [7] - The transition to the new preneed insurance provider has impacted sales production, but the company expects growth in the future [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company confirmed its normalized earnings per share guidance range of $3.7 to $4 for 2025, raising its cash flow outlook due to stronger working capital trends [10] - The company plans to invest $100 million in capital expenditures, focusing on existing locations, cemetery development, and new builds [17][18] - The acquisition pipeline remains optimistic, with an anticipated investment target of $75 million to $125 million for 2025 [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving revenue and margin growth for both funeral and cemetery segments in the remainder of 2025 [10] - The company expects preneed cemetery and funeral sales production to grow at low to mid-single-digit percentages over the prior year's six-month period [11] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by higher effective tax rates but remains optimistic about cash flow and operational performance [21] Other Important Information - The company returned $239 million of capital to shareholders in the second quarter through dividends and share repurchases [19] - The company ended the quarter with liquidity of about $1.4 billion, consisting of approximately $250 million in cash and $1.2 billion available on its long-term bank credit facility [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: What caused the dip in the recognition rate in the current quarter? - Management attributed the dip to normal volatility in cemetery production and expects the recognition rate to return to normal in the second half of the year [26][27] Question: What are the expectations for the cremation rate moving forward? - Management indicated that the pace of increase in the cremation rate may moderate, adjusting expectations to a range of 50 to 80 basis points [30][32] Question: How will the changes in cash taxes affect long-term cash flow? - Management expects a $30 million benefit from lower cash taxes this year, with ongoing benefits from capital improvements [34][39] Question: What are the expectations for funeral volumes in the back half of the year? - Management noted that the third quarter may present tougher comparisons for funeral volumes, while cemetery revenues are expected to be strong [42] Question: How is the company performing in preneed sales production? - Management expects low to mid-single-digit growth in preneed sales production for both funeral and cemetery segments in the second half of the year [58][60] Question: What is the outlook for capital deployment given the increase in cash flows? - Management indicated that capital will be deployed to the highest return opportunities, including M&A and new construction projects [66][70]

Banking Industry Performance & Outlook - The banking industry anticipates a strong quarter, projecting earnings per share growth of 7%, with expectations rising to 14% for the following year [1] - Revenue growth is observed within the industry, a trend not seen recently [2] - Credit costs are expected to remain well-managed [2] - Net interest income growth for the sector is projected at 9% this year [5] Loan Growth & Market Confidence - Loan growth experienced softness at the end of the first quarter and the beginning of the second quarter, but is expected to finish the second quarter stronger [2][3] - Increased confidence and market stabilization contributed to improved performance during the quarter [4] - Reduced nervousness regarding the uncertainty of a new administration is contributing to a pickup in loan growth [6] Economic Factors - The yield curve has steepened, allowing banks to function more effectively [4] - The percentage expectation for a recession continues to decrease [7] - Positive job growth and a declining unemployment rate are observed [7] - GDP growth is present, albeit slow [8] - Inflation has not significantly increased, contributing to increased comfort levels [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, comparable diluted earnings per share increased to $0.76 from $0.68 in Q1 2024, representing a 12% growth [12] - Comparable net earnings for Q1 2025 were $216 million, driven by higher volumes, lower interest expenses, and cost management initiatives [12][14] - The company anticipates a net debt to comparable EBITDA ratio of 2.75 times by year-end 2025 and plans to repurchase at least $1.3 billion worth of shares in 2025 [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North and Central America saw a 2% increase in comparable operating earnings, driven by stronger-than-expected volume performance, particularly in energy drinks and non-alcoholic beverages [12][13] - EMEA segment volume remained robust, with comparable operating earnings increasing by 13% [13] - South America experienced a 25% increase in segment comparable operating earnings, supported by strong volume performance across all markets [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global shipments increased by 2.6% year-over-year in Q1 2025, with volume growth expected to be in the 2% to 3% range for the year [8][9] - In EMEA, mid-single-digit volume growth is anticipated for 2025, driven by the competitive advantages of aluminum packaging [9] - In South America, recovery in Argentina and Chile, along with growth in Brazil, is expected to drive volume growth above the long-term range of 4% to 6% in 2025 [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on achieving 11% to 14% comparable diluted earnings per share growth in 2025 and generating record adjusted free cash flow [7][19] - A strategic partnership, Oasis Venture Holdings, was formed to enhance the aluminum cup business, indicating a focus on long-term growth potential [10] - The company emphasizes operational excellence, disciplined cost management, and driving efficiency across the organization [17][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in navigating uncertainties related to tariffs and consumer pressures, particularly in the U.S., while sustaining positive momentum [7][19] - The company is optimistic about the resilience of its global portfolio and strong customer alignment, which positions it well to handle potential economic slowdowns [10][19] - Management highlighted the importance of monitoring geopolitical developments and their potential impact on operations [17] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased $651 million worth of shares year-to-date and plans to continue aggressive stock repurchases [15] - The effective tax rate for 2025 is expected to be slightly above 22%, influenced by lower year-over-year tax credits [16] - Capital expenditures for 2025 are expected to be slightly below depreciation and amortization, in the range of $600 million [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you frame your supply position in Europe and the next leg of incremental growth? - Management indicated that they have made significant investments in Europe, which allows for scaling up production, and they expect continued growth into 2026 and 2027 [25][28] Question: How are self-improvement initiatives tracking in North America? - Management noted that while they do not expect margin expansion, they are seeing improvements in Europe and South America due to lean initiatives [30] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on demand, particularly regarding Mexico beer exposure? - Management stated that the impact of tariffs is minimal and they have not seen significant changes in customer behavior or forecasts [36][38] Question: How is the promotional environment shaping up in major markets? - Management observed that there has been innovation in the energy segment and a more deliberate effort to price products to drive volume [46] Question: Can the company achieve 11% EPS growth if volume falls short due to tariffs? - Management expressed confidence in navigating uncertainties and highlighted the resilience of aluminum packaging in a recession [70][74] Question: What are the expectations for margin sustainability in North America? - Management acknowledged that maintaining current margins will be challenging due to affordability concerns among CPG customers [112][114] Question: How is the company adjusting its mix in specialty cans? - Management noted that there is growth in 12-ounce cans and that affordability is a key factor in the current market [115] Question: What are the trends in Latin America and expectations for growth? - Management indicated that Brazil is expected to see 2% to 3% growth, with recovery in Argentina and Chile contributing to overall growth in the region [121][123] Question: How should the market view supply-demand dynamics in Europe? - Management highlighted that Europe presents more growth opportunities than North America due to the shift away from glass packaging [125][128]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.96 for Q1 2025, an increase from $0.89 in the prior year, reflecting a growth of approximately 7.9% [6][7] - Total comparable funeral revenue increased by over $23 million, or about 4%, compared to the prior year quarter [8] - Funeral gross profit increased by about $21 million, with the gross profit percentage rising by 240 basis points to over 24% [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable core funeral revenue increased by $18 million, or about 4%, driven by a 2.5% growth in average revenue per service and a 1% increase in services performed [8] - Preneed funeral sales production decreased by $32 million, or about 10%, primarily due to the transition to a new insurance provider [11] - Comparable cemetery revenue decreased by $8 million, or about 2%, with a core revenue decline of $10 million attributed to lower recognized preneed property revenue [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates flat to slightly down funeral volume compared to 2024, with average revenue per case growing at inflationary rates [15] - Preneed cemetery sales production is expected to grow in the low single-digit percentage range, resulting in cemetery revenue growth of about 1% to 2% [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning from a trust to an insurance-funded preneed model, which is expected to stabilize and grow in the latter half of 2025 [12][16] - The company confirmed its normalized earnings per share guidance range of $3.7 to $4 for 2025, representing a midpoint of 9% year-over-year growth [15] - The focus remains on managing inflationary costs while maintaining gross margin percentages in the 32% to 33% range [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the sales pipeline, indicating a strong outlook for the remainder of the year despite external pressures [34][37] - The company is aware of macroeconomic pressures but believes that its products are viewed as essential, which may mitigate trade-down effects during economic downturns [90] - Management expects preneed funeral sales production to normalize later in 2025, with a projected $1.2 billion in production, which is 27% higher than 2019 levels [16] Other Important Information - The company generated adjusted operating cash flow of $316 million in the quarter, exceeding expectations and showing a substantial improvement over the prior year [22] - Capital investments totaled $95 million, with $67 million allocated to maintenance capital and $13 million to growth capital [23][24] - The company returned $176 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, repurchasing approximately 1.7 million shares at an average price of $79 [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the cemetery preneed sales production being down? - Management noted that large sales were worse than core production, but they expect a strong pipeline moving forward, with April showing good sales [32][34] Question: How do you view the impact of tariffs on costs? - Management indicated that they have long-term contracts that protect against immediate impacts and do not expect material changes to guidance due to tariffs [40][44] Question: What drove the increase in funeral volume in Q1? - Management attributed the increase to slight market share growth and the effects of their pre-need program, despite quarterly volatility [48][50] Question: What is the outlook for preneed funeral volume transitioning to insurance? - Management expects the transition to insurance to yield higher premiums in the future, with a target of returning to growth rates of 3% to 5% by 2026 [62][65] Question: How does the company view the impact of M&A on earnings and volumes? - Management indicated that M&A could contribute 1% to 3% to growth, depending on the timing and nature of acquisitions [92]