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Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Financial Instruments - Credit Losses
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments and subsequent amendments collectively known as (Topic 326). This ASU applies to all entities holding financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans, trade and financed receivables and other financial instruments. The guidance introduces a new credit reserving model known as Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”), which requires earlier recognition of credit losses, while also providing additional transparency about credit risk. The CECL model utilizes a lifetime expected credit loss measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired. The CECL model requires all expected credit losses to be measured based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts about collectability.
This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted for all entities. We plan to adopt the provisions of this ASU for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective approach.
We believe that our current process of analyzing and calculating our allowance for doubtful accounts on trade receivables and the allowance for contract cancellations on financed receivables considers the credit risk of our customers and accounts for the recognition of credit losses at inception. Our customer base is generally a homogeneous pool of consumers based in the United States that, as a group, have a similar level of credit risk that are less subject to material economic and demographic changes. Additionally, our trade receivables are short term in nature (outstanding less than 90 days). Therefore, due to the similar level of credit risk of our customer base and the short-term nature of our receivables, we use our historical loss experience to forecast future collectability of our trade receivables and record an allowance at each reporting period. Our current contract cancellation policy on cemetery financed receivables requires that we record an allowance at the date that the sale is recognized as revenue. Additionally, we reserve 100% of the receivable on contracts in which the revenue has been recognized and payments are 90 days past due or more. Because we believe our current processes already consider credit risk and recognize credit losses at inception, we do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In addition, the new guidance prospectively replaces the other-than-temporary impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and requires the recognition of an allowance for reductions in a security's fair value attributable to declines in credit quality, instead of a direct write-down of the security, when a valuation decline is determined to be other-than-temporary. We are currently establishing a policy where we review our available-for-sale securities at each reporting period and perform an analysis on securities whose fair value is less than amortized cost to determine if impairment is appropriate. If the analysis of the security reflects impairment, we will perform a present value calculation of the future cash flows on the respective security using the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the date of acquisition. The impairment recognized will be the greater of the current fair market value or the present value of the future cash flows of the security. We do not expect the impact of the new guidance on available-for-sale securities to be material to our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
Income Taxes
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU, Income Taxes (Topic 740), to simplify the accounting for income taxes. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We plan to adopt the provisions of this ASU for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2021 and are currently evaluating the impact of adoption on our consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Indefinite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Intangible Assets
Our intangible assets include tradenames resulting from acquisitions and are included in Intangible and other non-current assets, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Our tradenames are considered to have an indefinite life and are not subject to amortization. As such, we test our intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis. Our intent is to perform a quantitative impairment test at least once every three years unless certain indicators or events suggest otherwise and perform a qualitative assessment during the remaining two years.
We perform our annual intangible assets impairment test as of August 31st each year. Under current guidance, we are permitted to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than not that the fair value of the tradename is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. We conducted qualitative assessments in 2017 and 2018; however, we performed a quantitative assessment in 2019. In addition to our annual test, we assess the impairment of intangible assets whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the intangible asset may be greater than the fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results and significant negative industry or economic trends.
Our quantitative intangible asset impairment test involves estimates and management judgment. Our quantitative analysis is performed using the relief from royalty method, which measures the tradenames by determining the value of the royalties that we are relieved from paying due to our ownership of the asset. We determine the fair value of the asset by discounting the cash flows that represent a savings in lieu of paying a royalty fee for use of the tradename. The discounted cash flow valuation uses projections of future cash flows and includes assumptions concerning future operating performance and economic conditions that may differ from actual future cash flows and the determination and application of an appropriate royalty rate and discount rate. To estimate the royalty rates for the individual tradename, we mainly rely on the profit split method, but also consider the comparable third-party license agreements and the return on asset method. A scorecard is used to assess the relative strength of the individual tradename to further adjust the royalty rates selected under the profit-split method for qualitative factors. In accordance with the guidance, if the fair value of the tradename is less than its carrying amount, then an impairment charge is recorded in an amount equal to the difference.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Goodwill
Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]
Business Combinations
Tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at fair value and goodwill is recognized for any difference between the price of the acquisition and fair value. We recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at the fair value as of that date. Acquisition related costs are recognized separately from the acquisition and are expensed as incurred. We customarily estimate related transaction costs known at closing. To the extent that information not available to us at the closing date subsequently becomes available during the allocation period, we may adjust goodwill, intangible assets, assets or liabilities associated with the acquisition.
Principles of Consolidation, Policy
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been elimin
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Use of Estimates
The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, realization of accounts receivable, goodwill, intangible assets, property and equipment and deferred tax assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience, third party data and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these considerations form the basis for making judgments about the amount and timing of revenue and expenses, the carrying value of assets and the recorded amounts of liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates and such estimates may change if the underlying conditions or assumptions change. Historical performance should not be viewed as indicative of future performance, as there can be no assurance that our results of operations will be consistent from year to year.
Revenue Recognition, Sales of Services, Policy
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Inventory, Policy
Inventory
Inventory consists primarily of caskets, outer burial containers and cemetery monuments and markers and is recorded at the lower of its cost basis (determined by the specific identification method) or net realizable value.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment (including equipment under finance leases) are stated at cost. The costs of ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred, while renewals and major replacements that extend the useful economic life of the asset are capitalized. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (including equipment under finance leases) is computed based on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives of the assets: 
 
Years
Buildings and improvements
15 to 40
Furniture and fixtures
5 to 10
Machinery and equipment
3 to 15
Automobiles
5 to 70
Property, plant and equipment is comprised of the following at December 31, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2019
Land
$
81,012

 
$
84,608

Buildings and improvements
223,646

 
242,641

Furniture, equipment and automobiles
81,125

 
88,046

Property, plant and equipment, at cost
385,783

 
415,295

Less: accumulated depreciation
(124,945
)
 
(136,095
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
260,838

 
$
279,200


During 2019, we acquired $21.7 million of property, plant and equipment in connection with the funeral home and cemetery businesses we acquired during 2019, as further discussed in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. During 2018, we acquired $17.5 million of property, plant and equipment in connection with the funeral home businesses we acquired during 2018. We recorded depreciation expense of $12.6 million, $13.8 million and $13.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment subject to depreciation and amortization, are reviewed for impairment at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable in accordance with the Property, Plant and Equipment topic of the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360. This guidance requires that long-lived assets to be held and used are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value. We assess long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be greater than the fair value. We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment when a funeral home or cemetery business has negative earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for four consecutive years and if there has been a decline in EBITDA in that same period. We review our long-lived assets deemed held-for-sale to the point of recoverability. Assets to be disposed of and assets not expected to provide any future service potential are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less estimated cost to sell. If we determine that the carrying value is not recoverable from the proceeds of the sale, we record an impairment at that time.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded an impairment of $0.2 million related to the real property of a funeral home business held for sale, as the carrying value exceeded fair value. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2019, no impairment was identified on our long-lived assets.
Income Taxes, Policy
Income Taxes
We and our subsidiaries file a consolidated U. S. federal income tax return, separate income tax returns in 15 states in which we operate and combined or unitary income tax returns in 14 states in which we operate. We record deferred taxes for temporary differences between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities. We classify our deferred tax liabilities and assets as non-current on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
We record a valuation allowance to reflect the estimated amount of deferred tax assets for which realization is uncertain. Management reviews the valuation allowance at the end of each quarter and makes adjustments if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the tax benefits will be realized.
We analyze tax benefits for uncertain tax positions and how they are to be recognized, measured, and derecognized in the financial statements; provide certain disclosures of uncertain tax matters; and specify how reserves for uncertain tax positions should be classified on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits reserve for uncertain tax positions primarily relates to pending accounting method changes filed for the tax year ended December 31, 2018. The amount of the reserve recorded as of December 31, 2019 was $3.2 million. No reserve is recorded at December 31, 2018.
Stock Plans and Stock-Based Compensation, Policy
Stock Plans and Stock-Based Compensation
We have stock-based employee and director compensation plans under which we grant stock, restricted stock, stock options and performance awards. We also have an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”). We recognize compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the stock-based awards expected to vest or to be purchased over the requisite service period.
Fair value is determined on the date of the grant. The fair value of restricted stock is determined using the stock price on the grant date. The fair value of options or awards containing options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The fair value of the performance awards related to market performance is determined using a Monte-Carlo simulation pricing model. The fair value of the performance awards related to internal performance metrics is determined using the stock price on the grant date. The fair value of the ESPP is determined based on the discount element offered to employees and the embedded option element, which is determined using an option calculation model.
We recognize all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies (including tax benefits of dividends on share-based payment awards) as income tax benefit or expense in the income statement. We treat the tax effects of exercised or vested awards as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, the excess tax deficiency related to share-based payments was approximately $0.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively, recorded within Tax adjustment related to certain discrete items on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Excess tax benefits or deficiencies related to share-based payments are included in operating cash flows on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Computation of Earnings Per Common Share, Policy
Computation of Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive common equivalent shares consist of stock options and our Convertible Notes (as defined in Note 15).
Share-based awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are recognized as participating securities and included in the computation of both basic and diluted earnings per share. Our grants of restricted stock awards to our employees and directors are considered participating securities, and we have prepared our earnings per share calculations attributable to common stockholders to exclude outstanding unvested restricted stock awards, using the two-class method, in both the basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding calculation. 
Fair Value Measurements, Policy
Fair Value Measurements
We measure the available-for-sale securities held by our funeral merchandise and service, cemetery merchandise and service, and cemetery perpetual care trusts at fair value on a recurring basis in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the ASC. This guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The guidance establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:
• Level 1 — inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
• Level 2 — inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; and
• Level 3 — inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
We disclose the extent to which fair value is used to measure financial assets and liabilities, the inputs utilized in calculating valuation measurements, and the effect of the measurement of significant unobservable inputs on earnings, or changes in net assets, as of the measurement date. The fair value disclosures of transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 and the gross presentation of purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the Level 3 reconciliation of the three-tier fair value hierarchy are also presented in Notes 7 and 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. We currently do not have any assets that have fair values determined by Level 3 inputs and no liabilities measured at fair value. We have not elected to measure any additional financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value.
To determine the fair value of assets and liabilities in an environment where the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased, the exit price is used as the fair value measurement. For the year ended December 31, 2019, we did not incur significant decreases in the volume or level of activity of any asset or liability. We consider an impairment of debt and equity securities other-than-temporary unless (a) we have the ability and intent to hold an investment and (b) evidence indicating the cost of the investment is recoverable before we are more likely than not required to sell the investment. If an impairment is indicated, then an adjustment is made to reduce the carrying amount to fair value which is recorded as a reduction to either Deferred preneed cemetery receipts held in trust, Deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust or Care trusts’ corpus on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
In the ordinary course of business, we are typically exposed to a variety of market risks. Currently, these are primarily related to changes in fair market values related to outstanding debts and changes in the values of securities associated with the preneed and perpetual care trusts. Management is actively involved in monitoring exposure to market risk and developing and utilizing risk management techniques when appropriate and when available for a reasonable price.
Discontinued Operations, Policy
Divested Operations
Subsequent Events, Policy
Subsequent Events
We have evaluated events and transactions during the period subsequent to December 31, 2019 through the date the financial statements were issued for potential recognition or disclosure in the accompanying financial statements covered by this report.