10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2001

CARNIVAL CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Aug 31, 2001

Filed September 28, 2001For Securities:CCL

Summary

Carnival Corporation's Q3 2001 report shows robust top-line growth driven by the consolidation of Costa and increased passenger capacity, leading to a significant revenue increase of 22.1% year-over-year for the nine-month period. Net income also saw a healthy rise, indicating strong operational performance despite some cost pressures. Notably, the company successfully managed its liquidity, with substantial cash reserves and available credit facilities, positioning it to navigate future commitments and potential market uncertainties. The report highlights a significant impairment loss in the third quarter, primarily related to luxury brands Cunard and Seabourn, which impacted profitability for the quarter but is not expected to have a material long-term effect. Additionally, the company is actively addressing litigation and environmental investigations, with several settlements in progress or awaiting final approval. Despite these challenges and the looming impact of the September 11th terrorist attacks, Carnival Corporation expressed confidence in its ability to remain profitable and manage its financial position.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue increased by 22.1% for the nine months ended August 31, 2001, driven by the consolidation of Costa and increased passenger capacity.
  • 2Net income for the nine months rose to $809.9 million from $771.7 million in the prior year period.
  • 3A significant impairment loss of $101 million was recognized in the third quarter, primarily related to Cunard and Seabourn brands.
  • 4The company generated $1.1 billion in cash from operations for the nine months ended August 31, 2001.
  • 5Carnival Corporation has a substantial newbuild order pipeline with 15 ships on contract for delivery over the next four years.
  • 6The report acknowledges the significant negative impact of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on bookings and cancellations, with preliminary estimates of a $20 million revenue reduction.
  • 7Despite the post-9/11 environment, the company expects to be profitable for the fiscal 2001 fourth quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers for the revenue increase were the consolidation of Costa Cruises' operations and an increase in overall passenger capacity across other brands. This resulted in a 24.2% increase in cruise revenues for the nine-month period.

The impairment loss was primarily associated with Carnival's luxury cruise brands, Cunard and Seabourn. It included a write-off of goodwill for Seabourn ($36 million), a reduction in the carrying value of ships for Seabourn and Cunard ($53 million), and a loss from the sale of two Seabourn ships ($11 million).

The terrorist attacks had a significant negative impact on leisure travel. In the immediate aftermath, new bookings dropped to 50-60% of expected levels, and cancellations increased. Carnival estimated reduced revenues and additional costs of approximately $20 million in the week following the attacks, largely due to travel disruptions. While the full impact on the fourth quarter and fiscal 2002 is still uncertain, the company anticipates an increase in insurance and operating costs.

Despite the impact of the September 11th attacks, Carnival Corporation expects to remain profitable for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001. The company is taking steps to mitigate the negative impacts, including considering itinerary changes. However, the long-term impact on fiscal year 2002 results is still too early to reasonably estimate.