Service Corp. International (NYSE:SCI) intends to make acquisitions. Tom Ryan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Service Corp. at Bank of America Merrill Lynch Health Care Conference said: “Since 2004, we've grown at a compounded annual growth rate of earnings per share at around 12%, and cash flow approaches that, as well. And, so, the importance of the robust nature and the consistent level of the cash flow generated by the Company. And, you can see that for 2013 we've guided people to $260 million to $320 million of free cash flow, which is pretty significant when you think about our share count. And, so, we utilize that free cash flow to enhance shareholder value, primarily looking for strategic acquisitions which fit our story, and we've also been pretty active in share repurchases and increasing our dividend, all the while, again, managing that debt profile.” He added: “We have tremendous liquidity. We believe in that, because that gives us the financial flexibility in terms of the continued acquisition program within the North American market, as well as other opportunities as the free cash flow yield steers us towards further share repurchases.”

Service Corp. International announced that its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of seven cents per share of common stock. The quarterly cash dividend declared represents a 17% increase from previously declared dividends of six cents per share of common stock per quarter. The quarterly cash dividend announced is payable on June 28, 2013 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 14, 2013.

Service Corp. International announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013. For the quarter, the company reported revenues of $652,352,000 against $602,506,000 a year ago. Operating income was $127,765,000 against $101,118,000 a year ago. Income from continuing operations before income taxes was $94,012,000 against $71,435,000 a year ago. Net income attributable to common stockholders was $57,620,000 or $0.27 per diluted share against $48,025,000 or $0.22 per diluted share a year ago. Capital expenditures were $22,569,000 against $23,378,000 a year ago. Net cash provided by operating activities excluding special items increased to $154.1 million compared to $95.8 million in 2012, driven primarily by higher operating earnings and improved working capital performance. Earnings from continuing operations excluding excluding special items were $60.6 million or $0.28 per diluted share against $45.1 million or $0.20 per diluted share a year ago.