What were the primary drivers of the revenue increase in the second quarter of 2006?

The revenue increase was driven by a combination of higher pricing, reflected in a 5.9% increase in Gross Yields, and a 1.5% increase in capacity, largely due to the addition of the 'Freedom of the Seas' and the lengthening of the 'Enchantment of the Seas'.

Why did net income decrease despite higher revenues?

Net income decreased primarily due to a significant increase in operating costs. Notably, fuel expenses per Available Passenger Cruise Day (APCD) rose by 37.2%, and other operating costs, including ship refurbishment and marketing, selling, and administrative expenses, also increased.

How is Royal Caribbean managing its debt and financing its growth?

Royal Caribbean is actively managing its debt through a mix of debt issuance and repayment. In the second quarter, they drew down a $570 million term loan, issued $900 million in senior notes, and redeemed $530.6 million of their LYONs. The company maintains a strong liquidity position and is financing its substantial fleet expansion plans through a combination of operating cash flows, existing credit facilities, and new debt and equity issuances.

What is the company's outlook for the remainder of 2006?

For the full year 2006, Royal Caribbean projects earnings per share to be in the range of $2.90 to $3.00. They anticipate continued growth in Net Yields (3-4%) but also expect Net Cruise Costs per APCD to increase (6-7%) due to persistent higher fuel costs and other operational expenses.

RCL 10-Q Quarterly Report Q2 FY2006 — Revenue, Net Income, EPS

Summary

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) reported its second-quarter 2006 financial results, showcasing a 7.4% increase in total revenues to $1.3 billion, driven by a 5.9% rise in Gross Yields and a 1.5% expansion in capacity. Despite this top-line growth, net income for the quarter declined to $122.4 million ($0.57 per diluted share) from $155.2 million ($0.72 per diluted share) in the prior year. This decrease was primarily attributed to a significant 37.2% increase in fuel expenses per Available Passenger Cruise Day (APCD), coupled with higher refurbishment and marketing, selling, and administrative expenses. The company's outlook for the full year 2006 projects earnings per share between $2.90 and $3.00, anticipating continued yield improvements alongside cost pressures, particularly from fuel. Financially, RCL demonstrated strengthened liquidity, with cash and cash equivalents increasing to $323.2 million from $125.4 million at the end of 2005. The company also improved its capital structure, reducing its Net Debt-to-Capital ratio to 43.4% from 46.3% year-over-year. Significant financing activities included drawing down a $570 million unsecured term loan and issuing $900 million in senior unsecured notes, while also redeeming $530.6 million of its Liquid Yield Option™ Notes. The company continues its substantial investment in fleet expansion, with five new ships on order and a robust capital expenditure plan for the coming years.

Key Highlights

1Total revenues for Q2 2006 increased by 7.4% to $1.3 billion year-over-year, driven by higher pricing (Gross Yields up 5.9%) and a 1.5% capacity increase.
2Net income for Q2 2006 decreased to $122.4 million ($0.57/share) from $155.2 million ($0.72/share) in Q2 2005, impacted by rising operating costs.
3Fuel expenses per APCD surged by 37.2% in Q2 2006 compared to Q2 2005, significantly impacting profitability.
4Net Cruise Costs per APCD increased by 14.4% in Q2 2006, primarily due to higher fuel, refurbishment, and marketing/selling/administrative expenses.
5The company's Net Debt-to-Capital ratio improved to 43.4% as of June 30, 2006, from 46.3% a year prior.
6RCL secured $570 million in new debt financing and issued $900 million in senior unsecured notes, while also redeeming $530.6 million in LYONs.
7Capital expenditures for the first six months of 2006 were $831.0 million, reflecting significant investments in fleet expansion, with five new ships on order.
8Full-year 2006 earnings per share are projected to be between $2.90 and $3.00.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2006

Summary

Key Highlights

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