Carnival Corporation & plc has reported fourth quarter GAAP net income, which included net unrealized gains on fuel derivatives of $31 million, of $66 million, or $0.08 diluted EPS. For the fourth quarter of 2012, U.S. GAAP net income was $93 million, or $0.12 diluted EPS. Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2013 were $3.7 billion compared to $3.6 billion for the prior year. The company’s financial year ends on 30 November.
Full financial year 2013 GAAP net income was $1.1 billion, or $1.39 diluted EPS compared to $1.3 billion, or $1.67 per share for the prior year. Revenues for the full year 2013 were $15.5 billion compared to $15.4 billion for the prior year.
Carnival Corporation & plc President and Chief Executive Officer Arnold Donald noted that fourth quarter earnings on a non-GAAP basis were better than anticipated in the company’s September guidance due primarily to better than expected cruise ticket prices and onboard spending for Carnival Cruise Lines. Donald added, “Accelerated progress in Carnival Cruise Lines’ brand recovery had a positive impact on fourth quarter results. A steady stream of innovative product initiatives, the launch of a nationwide marketing campaign and travel agent outreach program, as well as an industry-leading vacation guarantee fueled the brand’s improvement.”
Key metrics for the fourth quarter 2013 compared to the prior year were as follows:
• On a constant dollar basis, net revenue yields (net revenue per available lower berth day or “ALBD”) decreased 2.1 percent for 4Q 2013, which was better than the company’s September guidance, down 3.0 to 4.0 percent. Gross revenue yields decreased 0.9 percent in current dollars.
• Net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD increased 6.5 percent in constant dollars, driven by higher advertising spend. Costs were higher than September guidance, up 3.5 to 4.5 percent due primarily to the timing of expenses. Gross cruise costs including fuel per ALBD in current dollars increased 1.6 percent.
• Fuel prices declined 6.3 percent to $671 per metric ton for 4Q 2013 from $716 per metric ton in 4Q 2012 and were better than the September guidance of $687 per metric ton.
