Carnival Cleans Up

Miami-based cruise company Carnival Corporation has reported its strongest ever non-GAAP net income of USD 1.4 billion in the quarter ended August 31.

The company’s non-GAAP net income for the third quarter of 2014 was USD 1.2 billion.

U.S. GAAP net income for the third quarter of 2015, which included unrealized losses on fuel derivatives of USD 137 million, was USD 1.2 billion, on par with the third quarter of 2014. Carnival’s revenues for the third quarter of 2015 were USD 4.9 billion, in line with the prior year.

”Our third quarter non-GAAP performance was the strongest of any quarter on record with earnings USD 0.17 per share higher than the prior year despite a slight drag from the net impact of fuel prices and currency,” Carnival Corporation & plc President and Chief Executive Officer Arnold Donald said.

”Non-GAAP earnings for the quarter were also USD 0.17 higher than the mid-point of prior guidance. Net revenue yields improved 5 percent (constant currency) from the prior year benefiting from strong demand which led to higher occupancy levels, increased ticket prices and increased onboard spending. Clearly our ongoing investments in the guest experience, combined with our global marketing and public relations efforts along with our initiatives to leverage our scale are having a positive impact.”

Based on the strength in third quarter net revenue yields and current booking trends, the company now expects revenue yields to be up approximately 4 percent compared to the prior year versus previous guidance of up 3 to 4 percent on a constant currency basis.

“In 2015, we are on track to achieve a nearly 35 percent earnings improvement and we are accelerating progress toward achieving double digit return on invested capital in the next three to four years,” Donals said.

‘Our improved performance has driven even stronger operating cash, which is expected to exceed USD 4 billion this year. We remain committed to further enhancing shareholder returns as demonstrated by our recent 20 percent increase in quarterly dividends.”