Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL) the world’s second largest cruise shipping group, has reconfirmed its latest adjusted earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $8.70 to $8.90 per share, excluding the potential effects of the acquisition of a controlling interest in Silversea Cruises, the Monaco based luxury cruise operator
Some cruise industry analysts have recently questioned the strength of the demand side plus raised concerns about the rise in fuel prices.
“This updated guidance does not include any potential impact from the transaction (to acquire a 66.7% stake in Silversea Cruises), although RCCL does not expect the transaction to materially impact near-term adjusted earnings per share,” the company said in a statement.
Operationally, the company's forecast for the third and fourth quarters has remained unchanged, but increases in the market price of fuel and the strength of the dollar are expected to cost the company roughly 25 cents per share.
Fortunately, strong close-in demand for core products and better than expected performance below the line is expected to drive improved results for the second quarter.
“These improved results are expected to completely offset the impact of the FX (foreign exchange) and fuel headwinds in the second half of the year, which allows the company to maintain its guidance for 2018.