10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2010

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2010

Filed October 27, 2010For Securities:RCL

Summary

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) reported strong financial performance for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2010, demonstrating a significant recovery from the previous year. Total revenues saw a substantial increase, driven by a rise in capacity and improved Net Yields, reflecting higher ticket prices and occupancy rates. This positive trend was supported by the successful integration of new vessels and a rebound in market conditions, partially mitigating the adverse impact of currency fluctuations. The company also reported a significant improvement in profitability, with Net Income and Diluted Earnings Per Share showing substantial year-over-year growth. This enhanced profitability was bolstered by the one-time gain from the Rolls Royce settlement. Despite increased operating expenses due to higher capacity, cost containment measures and favorable currency movements helped manage these costs. RCL's financial position remains solid, with a decrease in Net Debt-to-Capital, indicating a strengthening balance sheet. The company is well-positioned with a robust outlook for the remainder of 2010 and into 2011, with planned capacity increases and continued focus on yield management and cost control.

Financial Highlights

45 data points
Beta

Revenue

$2.06B

39.8% Gross Margin

Net Income

$350.18M

17.0% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$1.61

Total Assets

$18.61B

Cash & Equivalents

$441.93M

Free Cash Flow

$346.72M

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$2.06B
Cost of Revenue$1.24B
Gross Profit$821.03M
SG&A Expenses$213.30M
Operating Income$445.50M
Interest Expense$89.08M
Net Income$350.18M
EPS (Basic)$1.63
EPS (Diluted)$1.61
Shares Outstanding (Basic)215.15M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)217.51M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 16.8% for the third quarter of 2010 and 16.0% for the first nine months, driven by higher capacity and improved Net Yields.
  • 2Net Income more than doubled year-over-year for the third quarter, reaching $356.8 million ($1.64 per diluted share), and nearly tripled for the nine-month period, reaching $504.8 million ($2.32 per diluted share).
  • 3Occupancy rates improved to 107.3% for the third quarter and 104.7% for the nine-month period, up from 105.4% and 103.0% respectively in the prior year.
  • 4Net Cruise Costs per APCD decreased by 2.3% for the third quarter, indicating effective cost management despite capacity increases.
  • 5Net Debt-to-Capital ratio improved to 49.3% as of September 30, 2010, down from 52.0% at the end of 2009, reflecting a stronger balance sheet.
  • 6The company secured $1.1 billion in financing for the upcoming delivery of the 'Allure of the Seas', scheduled for October 28, 2010.
  • 7RCL provided a positive outlook for the fourth quarter and full year 2010, expecting continued Net Yield growth and managed Net Cruise Costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by a 12.7% increase in capacity, largely due to the addition of new ships like 'Oasis of the Seas' and 'Celebrity Eclipse', and a 5.2% increase in Net Yields. The improvement in Net Yields was attributed to higher ticket prices and increased occupancy rates.

Profitability saw a significant improvement. Net Income for the third quarter of 2010 was $356.8 million, a substantial increase from $230.4 million in the same period of 2009. Diluted Earnings Per Share also rose to $1.64 from $1.07 year-over-year.

Royal Caribbean provided a positive outlook, expecting Net Yields to increase by 4-5% for the full year 2010 and a similar proportion for the full year 2011. They anticipate continued yield recovery, especially in the summer quarters of 2011, and manage Net Cruise Costs. The company also highlighted the upcoming delivery of 'Allure of the Seas' and a robust pipeline of new builds.

The company's financial position has strengthened, as evidenced by a decrease in the Net Debt-to-Capital ratio from 52.0% at the end of 2009 to 49.3% as of September 30, 2010. This improvement reflects disciplined debt management and strong operational cash flow, alongside equity growth.