The reduced death rate in any given year is relatively useless...

The reduced death rate in any given year is relatively useless when considering future business prospects. It does impact am the income stream of that year but on average idea expectancy is not drastically changed by external events. If fewer people pass this year, the following year more will. The relevant question is can they accomodate the fluctuation and maximise the high turnover periods while keeping operating costs low and margins firm during these extreme times.