News

Carnival Corp & plc forecasts lower 2011/12 profit, net yield rise

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 21 December 2011 21 December 2011

Carnival Corp & plc, the world’s largest cruise shipping group, expects its net income for the current financial year fall short of the $1.91 billion reported for 12 months to 30 November 2011, while net revenue yields should increase slightly.

At the present time, cumulative advance bookings for 2012 are at slightly higher prices with slightly lower occupancies compared to the prior year. For the last six weeks, booking volumes for the first three quarters of 2012 are running well ahead of the prior year at lower prices.

Based on current booking trends, the company forecasts full year 2012 net revenue yields, on a constant dollar basis, to be up 1.0 to 2.0 percent. The company expects net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD for the full year 2012 to be in line with the prior year on a constant dollar basis. At current exchange rates, full year 2012 net income is expected to be reduced by $135 million or $0.17 per share compared to 2011 due to changes in currency exchange rates.

Taking all the above factors into consideration, the company forecasts full year 2012 non- GAAP diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $2.55 to $2.85, compared to 2011 non- GAAP diluted earnings of $2.42 per share.

Looking forward, Chairman and CEO Micky Arison stated, “Our base of business for 2012 is solid and we are experiencing strong booking volumes leading into wave season, our heaviest booking period which begins in early January. Despite the uncertain economic environment, we anticipate a continued slow recovery in yields in 2012 driven by ongoing consumer recognition that our cruises provide an exceptional value.”

Carnival Corp & plc final quarter and full year profit fall

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 21 December 2011 21 December 2011

Carnival Corporation & plc has reported fourth quarter net income of $217 million compared to $248 million on the last three months of its previous financial year. Revenues increased to $3.69 billion in the period to 30 November from $3.39 billion in the same period last year. Full year net profit fell to $1.91 billion from $1.98 billion, while revenue increased to $12.1 billion from $11.0 billion.

Chairman and CEO Micky Arison noted that earnings on a non-GAAP basis were in line with the company’s September guidance for the fourth quarter of 2011.

Commenting on 2011 full year results, Arison said, “On the whole, 2011 was an encouraging year for our global portfolio of cruise brands. Our North American brands performed well, achieving an almost four percent revenue yield increase, while our European, Australian and Asian brand yields were in line with the prior year (constant dollars) despite having been significantly impacted by the geo-political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa. Higher revenue yields partially offset a 32 percent increase in fuel prices, which reduced earnings by $535 million or $0.68 per share for the year.”

Pacific Sun sold to undisclosed buyers

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 20 December 2011 20 December 2011

P&O Cruises Australia has sold the 1986 built Pacific Sun of 47,262 gross tons to undisclosed buyers. The ship will make its last cruise under the Carnival Corp & plc brand from Brisbane on 1 July next year, according to a report on news.com.au

The ship was built for Carnival Cruise Lines at the now defunct Kockums shipyard in Malmo in Sweden as Jubilee and transferred to the Australian company in 2004. Its sister ship Celebration that entered service in 1987 is currently trading as Grand Celebration of sister company Iberocruceros. All three companies are part of Carnival Corp & plc group.

P&O Cruises Australia continues to operate three former Princess Cruises’ vessels, Pacific Dawn, Pacific Jewel and Pacific Pearl, which were built between 1989 and 1991. All have received major refits prior to their entry into service with P&O Cruises Australia. Pacific Sun has recently been transferred under the Maltese flag, while the other three ships of P&O Cruises Australia fly the Red Ensign of the British merchant fleet.