There is a basic industry that mankind always needs and which also turns a nice profit. As long as mankind is here, we will always need a cemetery business. It’s not just cemeteries but all of the accoutrements needed to honor our departed loved ones.

I am referring to Stonemor Partners LP (STON) which runs 58 funeral homes and 260 cemeteries throughout 27 States and in Puerto Rico. The company’s stock has been performing well over the past 2 years and is currently selling at 28.84, not far from its all time high of 32.85. Even better it gives quarterly dividends of a 9% annual dividend.

Michael L. Stache has been the Senior V.P. and COO since Stonemor was founded in 2004. Before that he worked with Cornerstone and the Loewen Group International, Inc, also providers of personal services (ie burial etc).

Paul Waimberg has been the V.P. of Finance since Stonemor was founded in 2004. Before that he worked at Cornerstone, and The Loewen Group, Inc. as V. P. of Cemetery Accounting. He also worked at Osiris Holding Corporation and has over 20 years experience in the cemetery business.

Other major companies in the cemetery business are Service Corporation International (SCI), Stewart Enterprises (STEI), and Carriage Services (CSV).