10-KPeriod: FY2009

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2009

Filed February 23, 2010For Securities:RCL

Summary

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) in its 2010 10-K filing for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009, navigates a challenging economic landscape. The company reported a significant decrease in total revenues to $5.9 billion from $6.5 billion in the prior year, largely due to reduced ticket prices and onboard spending, exacerbated by the global economic downturn and its impact on discretionary spending. Despite these headwinds, RCL demonstrated resilience through cost-containment initiatives and strategic fleet development, including the debut of its innovative Oasis-class ship, 'Oasis of the Seas'. Looking ahead, the company anticipates a recovery in net yields and projects modest growth in net cruise costs per available passenger cruise day for 2010. RCL is actively managing its liquidity, having discontinued its quarterly dividend in late 2008 to preserve capital. The company also highlighted its ongoing commitment to international market expansion and product innovation to drive future revenue growth and maintain its competitive position in the global cruise industry.

Financial Highlights

48 data points
Beta

Revenue

$5.89B

30.9% Gross Margin

Net Income

$152.49M

2.6% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$0.71

Total Assets

$18.22B

Cash & Equivalents

$284.62M

Free Cash Flow

-$1.63B

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$5.89B
Cost of Revenue$4.07B
Gross Profit$1.82B
SG&A Expenses$762.00M
Operating Expenses$5.40B
Operating Income$488.51M
Interest Expense$309.95M
Net Income$152.49M
EPS (Basic)$0.71
EPS (Diluted)$0.71
Shares Outstanding (Basic)213.81M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)215.29M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues decreased by 9.8% to $5.9 billion in 2009, primarily due to lower ticket prices and reduced onboard spending, reflecting the impact of the global economic downturn.
  • 2Net income significantly declined to $162.4 million ($0.75 per diluted share) in 2009 from $573.7 million ($2.68 per diluted share) in 2008.
  • 3The company experienced a decrease in occupancy from 104.5% in 2008 to 102.5% in 2009, with particular pressure noted in the Spanish market.
  • 4RCL took delivery of two new ships in 2009: 'Oasis of the Seas' (Oasis-class) and 'Celebrity Equinox' (Solstice-class), expanding its capacity and introducing innovative features.
  • 5The company implemented cost-containment initiatives and discontinued its quarterly dividend in late 2008 to enhance liquidity.
  • 6RCL expects Net Yields to increase by 3% to 6% and Net Cruise Costs per APCD to be flat to slightly up in 2010, indicating an anticipated recovery.
  • 7Liquidity at the end of 2009 was $0.9 billion, consisting of cash and available credit facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

The global economic downturn significantly impacted Royal Caribbean's performance, leading to reduced consumer discretionary spending. This resulted in lower demand for cruises, decreased ticket prices, and reduced onboard spending, which collectively caused total revenues to fall to $5.9 billion in 2009 from $6.5 billion in 2008. Net income also saw a substantial decrease.

In 2009, Royal Caribbean introduced two new, highly innovative ships: the Oasis-class 'Oasis of the Seas' and the Solstice-class 'Celebrity Equinox'. These ships represent a significant investment in modernizing the fleet, offering advanced features, and catering to different market segments, which is crucial for attracting passengers and commanding premium pricing.

The company is actively implementing cost-containment initiatives, including renegotiating vendor contracts and focusing on operational efficiencies. To preserve capital and enhance liquidity during the economic challenges, Royal Caribbean discontinued its quarterly dividend in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Royal Caribbean projects a recovery in 2010, with an anticipated increase in Net Yields of 3% to 6% compared to 2009. The company also expects Net Cruise Costs per Available Passenger Cruise Day (APCD) to remain relatively flat or increase slightly. This outlook is supported by the growing order book, stabilizing credit markets, and the introduction of new, efficient ships.