10-KPeriod: FY2013

CARNIVAL CORP Annual Report, Year Ended Nov 30, 2013

Filed January 29, 2014For Securities:CCL

Summary

Carnival Corporation & plc, the world's largest cruise company with a 46% global market share, operates 101 ships across ten brands, serving diverse markets. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2013, the company focused on capitalizing on the cruise industry's favorable characteristics, including its value proposition and low penetration rates, particularly in emerging Asian markets. Strategic initiatives included fleet enhancement with new ship deliveries and investment in existing vessels, alongside efforts to boost onboard revenues and leverage scale for cost efficiencies and synergies. The company faced significant challenges in 2012 and 2013 due to voyage disruptions and negative publicity impacting key brands like Costa Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines. However, recovery was evident, with Costa returning to profitability and Carnival Cruise Lines showing strong brand perception rebound. Carnival is committed to enhancing guest experience, safety, and environmental protection, while aiming for profitable growth, strong balance sheets, and returning capital to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. The company is also actively managing environmental regulations and investing in technologies like scrubbers to mitigate compliance costs.

Financial Statements
Beta
Cost of Revenue$10.64B
SG&A Expenses$1.88B
Operating Expenses$14.13B
Operating Income$1.33B
Interest Expense$319.00M
Net Income$1.05B
EPS (Basic)$1.36
EPS (Diluted)$1.36
Shares Outstanding (Basic)775.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)777.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Carnival Corporation & plc holds a dominant 46% market share in the global cruise industry, operating 101 ships across 10 brands.
  • 2The company is actively expanding its presence in emerging Asian markets, having more than doubled its operations in China and launched its first cruises from Japan in 2013.
  • 3Significant investments are being made in fleet modernization, with eight new ships scheduled to enter service between May 2014 and June 2016.
  • 4Carnival is focusing on enhancing the guest experience through initiatives like the 'Fun Ship 2.0' program for Carnival Cruise Lines and 'Come Back New' campaign for Princess Cruises.
  • 5The company is addressing the reputational impact of past incidents, noting significant recovery in brand perception for Costa Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines.
  • 6Carnival is investing in environmental technologies, such as 'scrubbers' for exhaust gas cleaning, to comply with evolving regulations and mitigate fuel cost impacts.
  • 7Strategic goals include profitable growth, maintaining a strong balance sheet, increasing return on invested capital, and returning free cash flow to shareholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise company globally with a 46% market share. Its strategy focuses on capitalizing on the cruise industry's attractive characteristics, such as its value proposition and relatively low penetration rates. Growth is driven by fleet expansion with new ships, enhancing onboard offerings, leveraging scale for efficiencies, and expanding into emerging markets like Asia, particularly China.

Following significant voyage disruptions and negative publicity in 2012-2013, Carnival has implemented comprehensive measures to restore confidence. This includes a focus on safety, operational enhancements, and rebuilding brand image. The company reports significant recovery in brand perception for its Costa Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines brands, with Costa returning to profitability.

Carnival is investing heavily in its fleet, with new ships scheduled for delivery and enhancements to existing vessels. Its primary financial goals are profitable growth, increasing return on invested capital, maintaining a strong balance sheet, and generating significant operating cash flow. The company intends to return free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks.

Carnival is proactively addressing environmental regulations by investing in technologies like exhaust gas cleaning 'scrubbers' to reduce emissions and comply with stricter standards, which also helps mitigate higher fuel costs. The company is also focused on improving fuel efficiency across its fleet and is working with ports to develop shore power connections. These efforts are designed to ensure compliance and minimize the financial impact of environmental regulations.