In the United States, the death care industry is worth an estimated $19 billion. And while there are many smaller funeral homes and family-owned businesses, there are also a few large corporations that dominate the market.
These companies have an international presence and often have hundreds of funeral homes across the country.
Let’s take a closer look at these businesses and see what makes them the biggest in the industry.
Types of companies:
1. Funeral home/Funeral hall operators
Funeral home/funeral hall operators are responsible for the physical upkeep of the funeral facilities as well as coordinating with grieving families to ensure their loved one’s final wishes are carried out.
While some smaller funeral homes may be family-owned and operated, most funeral homes today are part of large corporations. As a result, funeral home operators must have excellent customer service skills and be able to maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
They must also be able to work long hours, as many families prefer to hold funerals on weekends or holidays. In addition, funeral home operators must have a keen eye for detail in order to ensure that all aspects of the funeral service are carried out flawlessly.
2. Cemetery operators
Cemetery operators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a cemetery. This includes maintaining the grounds, selling burial plots, and arranging funerals. Additionally, cemetery operators are required to keep accurate records of all burials and ensure that the cemetery is properly licensed.
Although some cemetery operators are employed by a funeral home or another organization, many work independently. Cemetery operators must have a strong understanding of state and federal regulations surrounding burial practices.
3. Crematorium operators
Crematorium operators must be trained in the proper operation of the equipment and know how to load the body into the cremation chamber. They must also be familiar with the types of containers that can be used for cremation, as well as the type of funeral service that will be provided.
4. Manufacturers of Supplies/Equipment used by the deathcare industry (caskets, cremation equipment, etc.)
The death care industry relies on a variety of supplies and equipment to carry out its work. Caskets, for example, are an essential part of the funeral process, and cremation equipment is necessary for those who choose that option.
The manufacturers of these products play an important role in the deathcare industry, and they must meet rigorous standards to ensure that their products are of the highest quality.
Analysis of the largest funeral home companies
1. Service Corporation International
Service Corporation International (SCI) is the largest funeral home company in the world, with a network of over 2,000 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in 1962, SCI has been a leader in the funeral home industry for over 50 years.
In addition to funeral homes, SCI also operates cremation facilities, cemetery properties, and memorial parks. With a strong commitment to providing compassionate care to grieving families, SCI provides a wide range of services to meet the unique needs of each family.
From traditional funerals to cremation services, SCI offers families a variety of ways to honor their loved ones. With its extensive network of locations and experienced staff, SCI is able to provide personalized service and support to families during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
2. OGF
With a turnover of $580 million in FYI 2019/2020, OGF is the French leader in the funeral industry. It is present throughout France through a network of agencies operating under different brands (PFG, Roblot, Henri de Borniol, and other local Dignité Funéraire brands).
Thanks to its size and its large network of agencies, OGF is able to offer multiple services including online funeral planning and online cremation services. OGF has a network of over 1,000 funeral homes in France. Whether it is organizing a funeral, transporting the remains, or providing support to the bereaved family, OGF is there to help.
3. Matthews International
Matthews International is a leading manufacturer of copper and granite monuments, coffins, and cremation urns. Founded in 1873, the company is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Matthews International serves customers in over 30 countries across 6 continents. The company operates through two business segments: The Death Care segment provides funeral products and services to funerals homes and cemeteries, and the Memorialization segment manufactures and sells bronze and granite memorials, as well as cremation urns and jewelry.
In addition to its manufacturing capabilities, Matthews International also owns and operates a number of funeral homes and cemeteries. The company is dedicated to providing quality products and services that meet the needs of its customers.
4. InvoCare
InvoCare is one of the largest funeral service providers in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. The company operates a network of over 270 funeral homes, 16 cemeteries, and crematoria. InvoCare specializes in death care services, including pre-planning and bereavement support.
The company has a strong focus on providing quality services and products, and its experienced team of professionals is dedicated to helping families through the difficult time of losing a loved one. InvoCare strives to provide peace of mind during a time of grief, and its wide range of services and products are designed to meet the needs of every family.
5. Co-operative Group Limited
The Co-operative Group Limited, better known as Co-op, is the UK’s largest consumer co-operative. It includes legal and funeral services, insurance, e-pharmacy, and wholesale food businesses.
With over 4,000 offices nationwide and a turnover of over £13 billion, Co-op is one of the most recognisable brands in the country. The group is owned by its members, who each have a say in how the business is run. This structure ensures that the Co-op always has the best interests of its customers at heart.
In recent years, the Co-op has been praised for its ethical policies, such as its commitment to Fairtrade products and local sourcing. It has also been ranked as one of the nation’s top employers, thanks to its focus on employee wellbeing. The Co-op is a true British success story, and its commitment to values-led business makes it a trusted and respected brand.
6. Dignity Plc
Dignity plc is also a British funeral service provider, with its headquarters in Sutton Coldfield. The company owns a network of approximately 720 funeral homes and 46 crematoria.
Dignity is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. Dignity was founded in 1977 by Peter Hodgkinson. It acquired the Co-operative Funeralcare business in July 2007, which added almost 300 funeral homes to its network.
In November 2015, Dignity announced its intention to convert to a plc structure. This was completed on 28 February 2017. The company has been criticized for the high fees it charges for funerals. However, Dignity argues that its prices are fair & transparent and that its services represent value for money.
7. StoneMor Partners L.P.
Founded in 2002, StoneMor Partners L.P. is a leading provider of deathcare products and services in North America. The company operates 313 cemeteries and 82 funeral homes in a total of 397 locations across 26 states and Puerto Rico. StoneMor provides a variety of services to its customers, including burial plots, grave markers, monument design, and funeral planning.
Moreover, the company offers pre-need funeral contracts, which allow customers to prepay for their funeral services. With over 17 years of experience in the deathcare industry, StoneMor is a trusted name in the industry.
8. Carriage Services
Carriage Services, Inc. is the fastest-growing publicly traded funeral and cemetery service company in the United States. Carriage is a leader in providing cremation, funeral, and cemetery services to families in need.
Carriage is dedicated to providing families with affordable, dignified, and professional funeral and burial services. Carriage services more than two hundred thousand funerals annually, making it one of the largest funeral and cemetery service providers in the country. Carriage also owns and operates over one hundred twenty funeral homes and cemeteries across the United States.
In addition to its impressive size, Carriage is also a Fortune 1000 company and is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Carriage’s strong financial position has allowed it to continue to grow through acquisitions, new product development, and expansion into new markets.
9. Fu Shou Yuan International Group
Fu Shou Yuan International Group is a leading provider of funeral and cemetery services in China. The company was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Shanghai. Fu Shou Yuan operates a network of funeral homes, crematories, and cemeteries across China.
In 2019, the company generated revenues of $283 million. Fu Shou Yuan is dedicated to providing quality services that meet the needs of its customers.
The company’s mission is to provide dignified and respectful services that help families cope with the loss of a loved one. The company also provides grief counseling and support services for grieving families. Fu Shou Yuan is committed to providing quality services at affordable prices. In 2018, it was named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by the Ethisphere Institute.
10. Nirvana Asia Group
Founded in 2006, the company has grown rapidly in recent years and now has a network of 21 brands with more than 16,000 authorized agents. Nirvana’s primary focus is on the premium segment of the funeral service market, offering numerous products and services that cater to this elevated market.
The company also features a unique “farewell journey” service that allows the deceased’s family to send their loved one on a final journey to one of Nirvana’s many global destinations. With its innovative approach and commitment to quality, Nirvana Asia Group is quickly becoming the go-to provider for premium funeral services in Singapore and beyond.
11. San Holdings
San Holdings is a holding company that manages a number of funeral-related businesses. San Holdings conducts more than 10,000 funerals per year, employs 315 funeral directors, and has 71 funeral parlors. In addition to providing funeral services, San Holdings also manufactures and sells various funeral-related products, including caskets, urns, and headstones.
With its strong market position and a vast array of products and services, San Holdings is able to provide its customers with a comprehensive end-to-end solution for all their funeral needs.
12. Mémora Group
Mémora Group is a well-known organization in the field, with worldwide involvement in funeral homes, cemeteries, and crematoriums. Mémora group has more than one hundred years of experience and tradition in the management of funeral services.
The company was founded in 1902 by Mr. Luis Mémora Pallás, who started his funeral business in Valencia, Spain. In the beginning, the company only had a few funeral homes and a limited number of employees.
However, over the years, the company has grown significantly and now has a presence in more than 35 countries. Mémora Group also owns and operates crematoriums and cemeteries.
Mémora Group is committed to providing its customers with the best possible service and to ensuring that their loved ones are treated with dignity and respect.
13. Albia Group
Albia Group is a Spanish company that specializes in funeral services. The company manages 126 mortuaries, 280 funeral homes, 20 cemeteries and 36 crematoria. Along with its operations in Spain, Albia has also established a subsidiary in Argentina called FunArg.The company offers funeral planning, transportation, and cemetery management.
With its extensive experience and network of resources, Albia is able to provide comprehensive support during the grieving process.
14. Ahorn AG
Founded in 1881, Ahorn AG is among the top 5 funeral service providers in Germany. It has a network of 250 branches, and the company offers personalized services & packages to its clients, from simple burial arrangements to more elaborate funeral ceremonies.
Ahorn AG prides itself on its commitment to providing personal and professional service to each of its clients, and its staff is trained to provide support and guidance during what is often a difficult time.
In addition to its funeral services, Ahorn AG also offers a variety of other products and services, including cemetery plots, headstones, and flowers. With over 130 years of experience, Ahorn AG is a name you can trust when it comes to planning a funeral.
Is Owning a Funeral Home Profitable?
Owning a funeral home can be a profitable business venture, but there are also some expenses that come with it. One of the biggest costs is the cost of the property itself. Funeral homes are typically located in larger cities, which means that the rent or mortgage payments can be quite high. Moreover, funeral homes must be licensed and insured, which adds to the overall expense.
However, funeral homes also bring in a steady stream of customers, which can help to offset some of the costs. And, of course, funeral homes also offer a variety of services that families can use, making them an essential part of the process. As a result, owning a funeral home can be a profitable business venture for those who are passionate about helping others through their time of need.
How Much Does a Funeral Home Make Per Funeral?
The average funeral home in the United States charges between $2,000 and $4,000 for their services. This includes the cost of the casket, embalming, cremation, funeral ceremony, and other expenses. The total cost can increase to over $10,000 if additional services are added, such as a graveside service or flowers.
So how much does a funeral home make per funeral? It depends on a number of factors, but the average profit margin is between 10% and 20%, according to The National Funeral Directors Association. This means that a typical funeral home will make between $200 and $800 in profit from each funeral they perform.
Of course, this is just an average, and some funeral homes will make more or less depending on their overhead costs and the services they provide. However, it’s safe to say that most funeral homes are able to make a healthy profit from each funeral they conduct.
New Death Care Industry Trends
In recent years, there has been a shift away from traditional funeral practices such as viewings and burials.
More and more people are instead opting for alternative options that are less expensive and more environmentally friendly. One popular option is biodegradable urns that contain the ashes of the deceased along with a seed that will grow into a tree.
This gives loved ones a living reminder of the deceased while also helping to offset the environmental impact of traditional burial practices. As society becomes increasingly eco-conscious, it is likely that these trends will continue to grow in popularity.