10-KPeriod: FY2015

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2015

Filed February 22, 2016For Securities:RCL

Summary

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) reported strong performance in its 2015 10-K filing, demonstrating resilience and a focus on long-term shareholder value. The company achieved record adjusted earnings, growing over 40% year-over-year for the second consecutive year, and saw a sixth consecutive year of increasing net yields on a constant currency basis. This growth was driven by increased capacity, higher ticket prices, and strong onboard spending, particularly with the successful integration of new ships like the Quantum of the Seas into key markets like China. Despite facing headwinds such as currency fluctuations, particularly the strengthening US dollar impacting foreign earnings, and challenges in the Latin American market which led to an impairment charge for its Pullmantur brand, RCL maintained a strategic outlook. The company is actively managing its fleet by investing in new, efficient vessels while also divesting older capacity. Furthermore, RCL is focused on cost efficiency, strengthening customer engagement, and expanding global market penetration, underscoring its commitment to its 'Double-Double' program goals.

Financial Highlights

50 data points
Beta

Revenue

$8.30B

38.6% Gross Margin

Net Income

$665.78M

8.0% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$3.02

Total Assets

$20.78B

Cash & Equivalents

$121.56M

Free Cash Flow

$333.03M

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$8.30B
Cost of Revenue$5.10B
Gross Profit$3.20B
SG&A Expenses$1.09B
Operating Expenses$7.42B
Operating Income$874.90M
Interest Expense$277.73M
Net Income$665.78M
EPS (Basic)$3.03
EPS (Diluted)$3.02
Shares Outstanding (Basic)219.54M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)220.69M

Key Highlights

  • 1Reported record adjusted earnings, with over 40% year-over-year growth for the second consecutive year, indicating strong operational and financial performance.
  • 2Achieved a sixth consecutive year of increasing net yields on a constant currency basis, highlighting effective pricing strategies and revenue management.
  • 3Successfully integrated new capacity, including the Quantum of the Seas, into key markets such as China, which yielded record ticket and onboard revenue.
  • 4Demonstrated a strategic approach to fleet management by investing in new, state-of-the-art ships while also divesting older capacity, such as the pending sale of Splendour of the Seas.
  • 5Experienced a significant non-cash impairment charge of $399.3 million related to the Pullmantur brand, primarily due to challenging market conditions and currency devaluation in Latin America.
  • 6Announced a 25% dividend increase and a $500 million stock repurchase program, signaling confidence in future performance and a commitment to returning capital to shareholders.
  • 7Maintained a strong focus on cost efficiency, with Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel per APCD decreasing by 3.2% year-over-year.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main drivers of Royal Caribbean's financial performance in 2015 included increased capacity from new ships like Anthem of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, higher ticket prices across various itineraries (Europe, Alaska, Caribbean), and strong onboard spending. The successful deployment of Quantum of the Seas to China also significantly contributed to record yields in that region.

The strengthening of the US dollar against other major currencies had an unfavorable impact on Royal Caribbean's earnings. This weakened the value of earnings denominated in foreign currencies and negatively affected onboard spending for international markets, with the exception of Asia. The company reported a $384.4 million decrease in total revenues due to these currency exchange rate effects.

The Latin American market experienced significant volatility in 2015, with material depreciation of core economies' currencies against the US dollar. This negatively impacted Royal Caribbean's results, particularly for its Pullmantur brand. In response, the company shifted its Pullmantur strategy from growth to 'right-sizing,' which involves reducing exposure to Latin America, refocusing on the Spanish market, and reducing the brand's fleet size. This strategic change resulted in a $399.3 million impairment charge.

For 2016, Royal Caribbean projected a capacity increase of 6.3% and expected Net Yields to be flat to up 2.0% as reported, or 2.0% to 4.0% on a constant currency basis. Net Cruise Costs per APCD were expected to decrease by 2.5% to 3.0% (or 2.0% to 2.5% excluding fuel). The company forecasted diluted Adjusted Earnings per Share to be in the range of $5.90 to $6.10.