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Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company
Carriage Services, Inc. (“Carriage,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a leading provider of funeral and cemetery services and merchandise in the United States. At December 31, 2020, we operated 178 funeral homes in 26 states and 32 cemeteries in 12 states. Our operations are reported in two business segments: Funeral Home Operations, which currently accounts for approximately 75% of our revenue and Cemetery Operations, which currently accounts for approximately 25% of our revenue.
Our funeral home operations are principally service businesses that generate revenue from sales of burial and cremation services and related merchandise, such as caskets and urns. Funeral services include consultation, the removal and preparation of remains, the use of funeral home facilities for visitation and memorial services and transportation services. We provide funeral services and products on both an “atneed” (time of death) and “preneed” (planned prior to death) basis.
Our cemetery operations generate revenue primarily through sales of cemetery interment rights (primarily grave sites, lawn crypts, mausoleum spaces and niches), related cemetery merchandise (such as memorial markers, outer burial containers, and monuments) and services (interments, inurnments and installation of cemetery merchandise). We provide cemetery services and products on both an atneed and preneed basis.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period financial statement presentation. Impairments and net loss on divestitures, which were previously reported in Other, net, have been reclassed to Net loss on divestitures and impairment charges within operating income on our Consolidated Statements of Operations with no effect on our previously reported net income, Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our significant estimates and judgments, which include those related to the realization of our accounts receivable, valuation of goodwill, intangible assets, deferred tax assets and liabilities and depreciation of property and equipment. 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.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Funeral and Cemetery Receivables
Our funeral receivables are recorded in Accounts receivable, net and primarily consist of amounts due for funeral services already performed.
Atneed cemetery receivables and preneed cemetery receivables with payments expected to be received within one year from the balance sheet date are recorded in Accounts receivable, net. Preneed cemetery receivables with payments expected to be received beyond one year from the balance sheet date are recorded in Preneed cemetery receivables, net. Our cemetery receivables generally consist of preneed sales of cemetery interment rights and related products and services, which are typically financed through interest-bearing installment sales contracts, generally with terms of up to five years, with such interest income reflected as Other revenue. In substantially all cases, we receive an initial down payment at the time the contract is signed. 
For our funeral and atneed cemetery receivables, we have a collections policy where statements are sent to the customer at 30 days past due. Past due notification letters are sent at 45 days and continue until payment is received or the contract is placed with a third-party collections agency. For our preneed cemetery receivables, we have a collections policy where past due notification letters are sent to the customer beginning at 15 days past due and periodically thereafter until payment is received or the contract is cancelled.
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”), Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments and subsequent amendments collectively known as (“Topic 326”). Topic 326 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 requires all expected credit losses to be measured based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts about collectability. Prior to adoption of Topic 326, we provided allowances for bad debt and contract cancellations on our receivables based on an analysis of historical trends of collection activity.
For both funeral and cemetery receivables, we determine our allowance for credit losses by using a loss-rate methodology, in which we assess our historical write-off of receivables against our total receivables over several years. From this historical loss-rate approach, we also consider the current and forecasted economic conditions expected to be in place over the life of our receivables. These estimates are impacted by a number of factors, including changes in the economy, demographics and competition in our local communities. We monitor our ongoing credit exposure through an active review of our customers’ receivables balance against contract terms and due dates. Our activities include timely performance of our accounts receivable reconciliations, assessment of our aging of receivables, dispute resolution and payment confirmation. We monitor any change in our historical write-off of receivables utilized in our loss-rate methodology and assess forecasted changes in market conditions within our credit reserve. During 2020, we increased our allowance for credit losses on our funeral and cemetery receivables as a result of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID-19).
See Notes 2 and 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein for additional information related to funeral and cemetery receivables.
Inventory
Inventory consists primarily of caskets, outer burial containers and cemetery monuments and markers and is recorded at the lower of its cost basis or net realizable value. Inventory is relieved using specific identification in fulfillment of performance obligations on our contracts.
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.
On January 3, 2020, we acquired one funeral home and cemetery combination business in Lafayette, California.
During 2019, we acquired, in three separate transactions, two funeral home and cemetery combination businesses, seven funeral home businesses and three ancillary businesses. In October 2019, we acquired the following: (i) four funeral home businesses in Buffalo, New York; and (ii) one funeral home and cemetery combination business, three funeral home businesses and three ancillary businesses, which consist of a flower shop, a pet cremation business and an online cremation business in the Rockwall, Texas area. In December 2019, we acquired one funeral home and cemetery combination business in Fairfax, Virginia.
The pro forma impact of the acquisitions on prior periods is not presented as the impact is not material to our reported results. The results of the acquired businesses are included in our results of operations from the date of acquisition.
See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein for further information related to acquisitions.
Divested Operations
Prior to divesting a funeral home or cemetery, we first determine whether the sale of the net assets and activities (together referred to as a “set”) qualifies as a business. First, we perform a screen test to determine if the set is not a business. The principle of the screen is that if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets sold resides in a single asset or group of similar assets, the set is not a business. If the screen is not met, we perform an assessment to determine if the set is a business by evaluating whether the set has both inputs and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. When both inputs and a substantive process are present then the set is determined to be a business and we apply the guidance in ASC 350 – Intangibles – Goodwill and Other to determine the accounting treatment of goodwill for that set (see discussion of Goodwill below). Goodwill is only allocated to the sale if the set is considered to be a business.
During 2020, we sold eight funeral homes for $8.4 million. During 2019, we divested three funeral homes whose building leases expired and sold a funeral home for $0.9 million. In addition, we merged a funeral home with a business in an existing market. During 2018, our management agreement with a Florida municipality expired and as a result, we divested three of our cemeteries. The operating results of these divested funeral homes and cemeteries are reflected on our Consolidated Statements of Operations through the divested date. We continually review our businesses to optimize the sustainable earning power and return on our invested capital.
See Notes 4, 5 and 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein for additional information related to divestitures.
Goodwill
The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of funeral home businesses and cemeteries acquired is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill has an indefinite life and is not subject to amortization. As such, we test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis 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 a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test.
Our intent is to perform a quantitative impairment test at least once every three years and perform a qualitative assessment during the remaining two years. In addition to our annual test, we assess the impairment of goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit may be greater than fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant negative industry or economic trends and significant adverse changes in the business climate, which may be indicated by a decline in our market capitalization or decline in operating results.
Our quantitative goodwill impairment test involves estimates and management judgment. In the quantitative analysis, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, the goodwill of that reporting unit is not considered impaired. We determine fair value for each reporting unit using both an income approach, weighted 90%, and a market approach, weighted 10%. Our methodology for determining an income-based fair value is based on discounting projected future cash flows. The projected future cash flows include assumptions concerning future operating performance and economic conditions that may differ from actual future cash flows discounted at our weighted average cost of capital based on market participant assumptions. Our methodology for determining a market approach fair value utilizes the guideline public company method, in which we rely on market multiples of comparable companies operating in the same industry as the individual reporting units. In accordance with the guidance, if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount an impairment charge is recorded in an amount equal to the difference.
As a result of economic conditions caused by COVID-19, we performed a quantitative assessment of our goodwill at March 31, 2020 and we recorded an impairment to goodwill of $13.6 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2020, as the carrying amount of our funeral homes in the Eastern Region Reporting Unit exceeded the fair value.
For our 2020 annual impairment test, we performed a qualitative assessment and determined that there were no factors that would indicate the need to perform an additional quantitative goodwill impairment test. We concluded that it is more-likely-than not that the fair value of our reporting units is greater than their carrying value and thus there was no additional impairment to goodwill.
For our 2019 quantitative assessment, there was no impairment to goodwill as the fair value of our reporting units was greater than the carrying value, however, we recorded a goodwill impairment of $0.7 million during 2019 related to two funeral homes that we divested. We recorded a goodwill impairment of $0.8 million during 2018 related to a funeral home that we divested.
When we divest a portion of a reporting unit that constitutes a business in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), we allocate goodwill associated with that business to be included in the gain or loss on divestiture. The goodwill allocated is based on the relative fair values of the business being divested and the portion of the
reporting unit that will be retained. Additionally, after each divestiture, we test the goodwill remaining in the portion of the reporting unit to be retained for impairment using a qualitative assessment unless we deem a quantitative assessment to be appropriate to ensure the fair value of our reporting units is greater than their carrying value. For the year ended December 31, 2020, we concluded that it is more-likely-than not that the fair value of our reporting units is greater than their carrying value and thus there was no additional impairment to goodwill.
See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information related to goodwill.
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 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.
Our intent is to perform a quantitative impairment test at least once every three years and perform a qualitative assessment during the remaining two years. 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.
As a result of economic conditions caused by COVID-19, we performed a quantitative assessment of our tradenames at March 31, 2020 and we recorded an impairment to tradenames for certain of our funeral homes of $1.1 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2020 as the carrying amount of these tradenames exceeded the fair value.
For our 2020 annual impairment test, we performed a qualitative assessment and determined that there were no factors that would indicate the need to perform an additional quantitative impairment test. We concluded that it is more-likely-than not that the fair value of our intangible assets is greater than its carrying value and thus there was no additional impairment to our intangible assets.
For our 2019 quantitative assessment, we recorded an impairment for tradenames of $0.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 as the carrying amount of certain tradenames exceeded the fair value. No impairments were recorded to our intangible assets during the year ended December 31, 2018.
See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information related to intangible assets.
Preneed and Perpetual Care Trust Funds
Preneed sales generally require deposits to a trust or purchase of a third-party insurance product. We have established a variety of trusts in connection with funeral home and cemetery operations as required under applicable state laws. Such trusts include (i) preneed funeral trusts; (ii) preneed cemetery merchandise and service trusts; and (iii) cemetery perpetual care trusts.
Our preneed and perpetual care trust funds are reported in accordance with the principles of consolidating Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In the case of preneed trusts, the customers are the legal beneficiaries. In the case of perpetual care trusts, we do not have a right to access the corpus in the perpetual care trusts.
Our trust fund assets are reflected in our financial statements as Preneed cemetery trust investments, Preneed funeral trust investments and Cemetery perpetual care trust investments. We have recognized financial interests of third parties in the trust funds in our financial statements as Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus.
The fair value of our trust fund assets are accounted for as Collateralized Financing Entities (“CFEs”) in ASC 810. The accounting guidance for CFEs allows companies to elect to measure both the financial assets and financial liabilities using the more observable of the fair value of the financial assets or fair value of the financial liabilities. Pursuant to this guidance, we have determined the fair value of the financial assets of the trusts are more observable and we first measure those financial assets at fair value. Our fair value of the financial liabilities mirror the fair value of the financial assets, in accordance with the ASC. Any changes in fair value are recognized in earnings.
Topic 326 made changes to the accounting for fixed income securities. One such change is to require credit losses to be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down on fixed income securities management does not intend to sell or believes that it is more likely than not will be required to sell.
In accordance with respective state laws, we are required to deposit a specified amount into perpetual and memorial care trust funds for each interment right and certain memorials sold. Income from the trust funds is distributed to us and used to provide for the care and maintenance of the cemeteries and mausoleums. Such trust fund income is recognized as revenue when realized by the trust and distributable to us. We are restricted from withdrawing any of the principal balances of these funds.
An enterprise is required to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest(s) give it a controlling financial interest in a VIE. This analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Our analysis continues to support our position as the primary beneficiary in the majority of our funeral and cemetery trust funds.
See Notes 7 and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein for additional information related to preneed and perpetual care trust funds.
Fair Value Measurements
In August 2018, the FASB amended “Fair Value Measurements” to modify the disclosure requirements related to fair value. The amendment removes requirements to disclose (1) the amount of and reasons for transfers between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy, (2) our policy related to the timing of transfers between levels, and (3) the valuation processes used in Level 3 measurements. It clarifies that the narrative disclosure of the effect of changes in Level 3 inputs should be based on changes that could occur at the reporting date. The amendment adds a requirement to disclose the range and weighted average of the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 measurements. We adopted the new standard as of January 1, 2020 and it had no impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows.
We measure the 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. 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.
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.
See Notes 7 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein for additional required disclosures related to fair value measurement of our financial assets and liabilities.
Capitalized Commissions on Preneed Contracts
We capitalize sales commissions and other direct selling costs related to preneed cemetery merchandise and services and preneed funeral trust contracts as these costs are incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. Our capitalized commissions on preneed contracts are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average maturity period of ten years for our preneed funeral trust contracts and eight years for our preneed cemetery merchandise and services contracts. Amortization expense totaled $0.6 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
The selling costs related to the sales of cemetery interment rights, which include real property and other costs related to cemetery development activities, continue to be expensed using the specific identification method in the period in which the sale of the cemetery interment right is recognized as revenue. The selling costs related to preneed funeral insurance contracts continue to be expensed in the period incurred as these contracts are not included on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein for additional information related to capitalized commissions on preneed contracts.
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 improvements15 to 40
Furniture and fixtures5 to 10
Machinery and equipment3 to 15
Automobiles
5 to 70
Property, plant and equipment is comprised of the following (in thousands):
December 31, 2019December 31, 2020
Land$84,608 $82,615 
Buildings and improvements242,641 240,567 
Furniture, equipment and automobiles88,046 91,302 
Property, plant and equipment, at cost415,295 414,484 
Less: accumulated depreciation(136,095)(145,433)
Property, plant and equipment, net$279,200 $269,051 
During 2020, we acquired $1.7 million of property, plant and equipment related to our acquisition that closed on January 3, 2020, described in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. In addition, we divested eight funeral homes that had a carrying value of property, plant and equipment of $8.0 million, which was included in the gain or loss on the sale of divestitures and recorded in Net loss on divestitures and impairment charges on our Consolidated Statements of Operations, described in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
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. In addition, we ceased to operate three funeral homes whose building leases expired, sold a funeral home and merged a funeral home in an existing market that had a carrying value of property, plant and equipment of $0.6 million.
Our capital expenditures totaled $15.4 million and $15.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, for property, plant, equipment and cemetery development. We recorded depreciation expense of $13.8 million, $13.8 million and $14.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets (see leases discussion below) 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 ASC 360 – Property, Plant and Equipment. 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 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. 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.
In connection with the goodwill impairment recorded for the Eastern Region Reporting Unit during the quarter ended March 31, 2020 we also evaluated the long-lived assets of our funeral homes in the Eastern Region Reporting Unit and concluded that there was no impairment to our long-lived assets. Subsequent to our impairment tests performed at March 31, 2020, we did not identify any new factors or events that would trigger us to perform an additional assessment of our long-lived assets. For our 2020 annual impairment test, no impairment was identified on our long-lived assets at December 31, 2020.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, no impairment was identified on our long-lived assets. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded an impairment of $0.2 million related to the real property of a funeral home that we divested, as the carrying value exceeded fair value.
Cemetery Property
When we acquire a cemetery, we utilize an internal and external approach to determine the fair value of the cemetery property. From an external perspective, we obtain an accredited appraisal to provide reasonable assurance for property existence, property availability (unrestricted) for development, property lines, available spaces to sell, identifiable obstacles or easements and general valuation inclusive of known variables in that market. From an internal perspective, we conduct a detailed analysis of the acquired cemetery property using other cemeteries in our portfolio as a benchmark. This provides the added benefit of relevant data that is not available to third party appraisers. Through this thorough internal process, the Company is able to identify viable costs of property based on historical experience, particular markets and demographics, reasonable margins, practical retail prices and park infrastructure and condition.
Cemetery property was $87.0 million and $101.1 million, net of accumulated amortization of $41.7 million and $46.6 million at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, respectively. When cemetery property is sold, the value of the cemetery property (interment right costs) is expensed as amortization using the specific identification method in the period in which the sale of the interment right is recognized as revenue. We recorded amortization expense for cemetery interment rights of $3.6 million, $4.0 million and $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
Leases
We have operating and finance leases. We lease certain office facilities, certain funeral homes and equipment under operating leases with original terms ranging from one to nineteen years. Many leases include one or more options to renew, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 26 years. We lease certain funeral homes under finance leases with original terms ranging from ten to forty years years. We do not have lease agreements with residual value guarantees, sale-leaseback terms, material restrictive covenants or related parties. We do not have any material sublease arrangements.
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception based on the facts and circumstances of the agreement. A right-of-use (“ROU”) asset represents our right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and the lease liability represents our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The lease terms used to calculate the ROU asset and related lease liability include options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as an operating expense, while the expense for finance leases is recognized as depreciation expense and interest expense using the accelerated interest method of recognition. Variable lease payment amounts that cannot be determined at the commencement of the lease such as increases in lease payments based on changes in index rates or usage, are not included in the ROU assets or liabilities. These are expensed as incurred and recorded as variable lease expense. We have real estate lease agreements which require payments for lease and non-lease components and account for these as a single lease component. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less, that do not include an option to renew the underlying asset, are not recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Operating lease ROU assets are included in Operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities are included in Current portion of operating lease obligations and Obligations under operating leases, net of current portion on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Finance lease ROU assets are included in Property, plant and equipment, net and finance lease liabilities are included in Current portion of finance lease obligations and Obligations under finance leases, net of current portion on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
In connection with the goodwill and intangible impairment tests performed at March 31, 2020, we also evaluated the operating and finance leases of our funeral homes in the Eastern Reporting Unit and concluded that there was no impairment to our operating and finance lease assets. Subsequent to our impairment tests performed at March 31, 2020, we did not identify any new factors or events that would trigger us to perform an additional assessment of our operating and finance leases. See discussion of our impairment policy for long-lived assets and right-of-use assets above.
See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information related to leases.
Equity Plans and Stock-Based Compensation
We have equity-based employee and director compensation plans under which we have granted stock awards, stock options and performance awards. We also have an employee stock purchase plan (the “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. We recognize the effect of forfeitures in compensation cost when they occur and any previously recognized compensation cost for an award is reversed in the period that the award is forfeited.
Fair value is determined on the date of the grant. The fair value of stock awards is determined using the stock price on the grant date. The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The fair value of the performance awards related to market performance conditions is determined using a Monte-Carlo simulation pricing model. 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, 2019 and 2020, the excess tax deficiency related to share-based payments was approximately $0.8 million, $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively, recorded within Tax adjustment related to 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.
See Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information related to equity plans and stock-based compensation.
Revenue Recognition
Funeral and Cemetery Operations Revenue is recognized when control of the merchandise or services is transferred to the customer. Our performance obligations include the delivery of funeral and cemetery merchandise and services and cemetery property interment rights. Control transfers when merchandise is delivered or services are performed. For cemetery property interment rights, control transfers to the customer when the property is developed and the interment right has been sold and can no longer be marketed or sold to another customer. Sales taxes collected are recognized on a net basis on our Consolidated Financial Statements. On our atneed contracts, we generally deliver the merchandise and perform the services at the time of need.
Memorial services frequently include performance obligations to direct the service, provide facilities and motor vehicles, catering, flowers, and stationary products. All other performance obligations on these contracts, including arrangement, removal, preparation, embalming, cremation, interment, and delivery of urns and caskets and related memorialization merchandise are fulfilled at the time of need. Personalized marker merchandise and marker installation services sold on atneed contracts are recognized when control is transferred to the customer, generally when the marker is delivered and installed in the cemetery.
Some of our contracts with customers include multiple performance obligations. For these contracts, we allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price, which is based on prices charged to customers per our general price list. Packages for service and ancillary items are offered to help the customer make decisions during emotional and stressful times. Package discounts are reflected net in Revenue. We recognize revenue when the merchandise is transferred or the service is performed, in satisfaction of the corresponding performance obligation. Sales taxes collected are recognized on a net basis on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Ancillary funeral service revenue, which is recorded in Other revenue, represents revenue from our flower shop, pet cremation and online cremation businesses in Texas.
The earnings from our preneed trust investments, as well as trust management fees charged by our wholly-owned registered investment advisory firm (“CSV RIA”) are recorded in Other revenue. As of December 31, 2020, CSV RIA provided investment management and advisory services to approximately 80% of our trust assets, for a fee based on the market value of
trust assets. Under state trust laws, we are allowed to charge the trust a fee for advising on the investment of the trust assets and these fees are recognized as income in the period in which services are provided.
Balances due on undelivered preneed funeral trust contracts have been reclassified to reduce Deferred preneed funeral revenue on our Consolidated Balance Sheet of $8.9 million and $8.2 million at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, respectively. As these performance obligations are to be completed after the date of death, we cannot quantify the recognition of revenue in future periods. However, we estimate an average maturity period of ten years for preneed funeral contracts.
Balances due from customers on delivered preneed cemetery contracts are included in Accounts receivable, net and Preneed cemetery receivables, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Balances due on undelivered preneed cemetery contracts have been reclassified to reduce Deferred preneed cemetery revenue on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The transaction price allocated to preneed merchandise and service performance obligations that were unfulfilled was $4.8 million and $7.9 million at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, respectively. As these performance obligations are to be completed after the date of death, we cannot quantify the recognition of revenue in future periods. However, we estimate an average maturity period of eight years for preneed cemetery contracts.
See Notes 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein for additional information related to revenue.
Income Taxes
We and our subsidiaries file a consolidated U. S. federal income tax return, separate income tax returns in 15 states and combined or unitary income tax returns in 14 states. 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 recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) has certain provisions that are applicable to the Company as follows:
(i) allowing net operating losses (“NOLs”) arising in 2018, 2019 and 2020 to be carried back five years;
(ii) increasing the taxable income threshold on the interest deduction from 30% to 50% for tax years beginning in 2019 and 2020;
(iii) suspending payment requirements for the 6.2% employer portion of Social Security taxes from the date of enactment through the end of 2020, with half the balance due by the end of 2021, and the other half due by the end of 2022; and
(iv) our ability to receive employee retention credits up to $5,000 for paying wages to employees who are unable to work, while business operations are suspended.
In connection with the CARES Act, we filed a claim for a refund on June 30, 2020, to carryback the NOLs generated in the tax year ended December 31, 2018. The refund claim from the 2018 tax year was received on August 7, 2020. An additional carryback claim for a refund was filed on November 3, 2020 for the tax year ended December 31, 2019. The refund from this filing has not yet been received. On December 4, 2020, Carriage filed an amended federal return for the tax year ended December 31, 2018, in order to take full advantage of the CARES Act legislative changes. The changes reported in the amended return resulted in additional $2.3 million of loss. The additional losses generated from the amended filing will be administratively carried back and processed as part of the Joint Committee review of the 2018 carryback claim.
The majority of the NOLs generated in tax years 2018 and 2019 are the result of filing non-automatic accounting method changes relating to the recognition of revenue from our cemetery property and merchandise and services sales. Due to the uncertainty of the timing of receiving Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) approval of the method change applications, a reserve has been recorded against the net cash tax benefit derived from carrying back the NOLs generated to tax years in which the enacted federal rate was 35%. The Company's unrecognized tax benefit reserve for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020 was $0.7 million and $3.7 million, respectively. There was no reserve recorded at December 31, 2018.
Additional benefits stemming from the CARES Act are the deferral of approximately $3.5 million of the 6.2% employer portion of Social Security taxes and approximately $0.4 million employer retention credits for qualifying wages paid to employees unable to work due to governmental restrictions.
See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information related to income taxes.
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 13).
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 stock awards to our employees are considered participating securities, and we have prepared our earnings per share calculations attributable to common stockholders to exclude earnings allocated to unvested restricted stock awards, using the two-class method, in both the basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding calculation.
The fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, and the corresponding calculation of fully diluted earnings per share, included 337,000, 10,000 and 9,000 shares that would have been issued upon the conversion of our Convertible Notes as a result of the application of the if-converted method prescribed by the FASB ASC 260.
See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein related to the computation of per share earnings.
Correction of Immaterial Error
During the fourth quarter of 2020, we corrected an immaterial error related to the net unrealized gains and losses associated with our trust investments. We previously recognized the net unrealized gains and losses associated with our trust investments in Accumulated other comprehensive income (“OCI”). In accordance with ASC 810, the fair value of our trust fund assets are accounted for as CFEs. We have determined the fair value of the financial assets of the trust is more observable and we first measure those financial assets at fair value. Our fair value of the financial liabilities mirror the fair value of the financial assets, in accordance with the ASC. Any changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. As such, we have made the adjustment to reflect changes in unrealized gains and losses related to our trust securities in Other, net on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The net unrealized gains and losses in our Preneed cemetery trust investments, Preneed funeral trust investments and Cemetery perpetual care trust investments are equally offset by the net unrealized gains and losses in our Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus, which results in a net impact of zero.
Management evaluated the effect of the adjustment on previously issued interim and annual Consolidated Financial Statements and concluded that it was immaterial to the interim and annual periods. This adjustment had no impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019.
Subsequent Events
We have evaluated events and transactions during the period subsequent to December 31, 2020 through the date the financial statements were issued for potential recognition or disclosure in the accompanying financial statements covered by this report.