Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has announced net income for the first quarter 2008 of $75.6 million, or $0.35 per share, compared to net income of $8.8 million, or $0.04 per share, in 2007. The significant increase in earnings per share versus the first quarter 2007 was due primarily to increased capacity and higher yields, offset by higher fuel prices.
Revenues for the first quarter 2008 increased to $1.4 billion from revenues of $1.2 billion in the first quarter 2007, whilst higher fuel prices increased costs by $60 million in the first quarter 2008, which reduced earnings per share by $0.28.
Key figures for the first quarter 2008, as compared to the first quarter 2007, were as follows:
* Net Yields increased 7.1% to a record $173 per APCD.
* Excluding fuel, Net Cruise Costs per APCD decreased 1.0%.
* Fuel prices increased 53%, while fuel costs per APCD increased 24%; benefiting from energy saving initiatives and hedging. The average at- the-pump price for the quarter was $592 per metric ton versus $388 per metric ton in 2007.
* Net Cruise Costs per APCD increased 2.9%.
"It is gratifying that, despite the challenging economic times, our guests continue to appreciate the outstanding value offered by our brands," said
Richard Fain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We delivered the highest first quarter yields in our company's history, with significant improvement in ticket prices and continued healthy onboard spending."
The company expects its second quarter 2008 earnings per share to be $0.40 to $0.45, and expects full year 2008 earnings per share to be $2.85 to $3.00.
"Our record yield performance in the first quarter and our solid forward bookings demonstrate our resilience and are certainly reassuring," said Fain. "Our brands have clearly differentiated themselves and our portfolio of innovative newbuilds will continue to feed their momentum."
Fain continued, "Higher fuel prices have been a prolonged challenge for us, but our management team remains focused on cost controls and continues to help mitigate the impact. Except for higher fuel prices, it is very gratifying to see our revenues and earnings projected to be as good or better than our original expectations. Our brands' momentum, cost savings initiatives, growing economies of scale and the efficiencies of our new vessels should continue to improve our shareholder value."
The company expects to have a 5.1% increase in capacity in 2008, driven primarily by a full year of Liberty of the Seas, the Independence of the Seas entering service in May, Pullmantur's purchase of Pacific Star, and Celebrity Solstice entering service in the fourth quarter.
Royal Caribbean does not forecast fuel prices and its cost guidance for fuel is based on current at-the-pump prices net of any hedge impacts. Based on today's fuel prices, the company has included $685 million in fuel expenses in its full year 2008 guidance. This figure is $90 million, or $0.42 per share, higher than at the time of its previous earnings guidance.
As of March 31, 2008, liquidity was $1.4 billion, including $0.4 billion in cash and cash equivalents and $1.0 billion in available credit on the company's unsecured revolving credit facility.
Based on current ship orders, projected capital expenditures for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012, are estimated to be $1.9 billion, $2.0 billion, $2.2 billion, $1.0 billion, and $1.0 billion, respectively. Projected capacity increases for the same five years are estimated at 5.1%, 9.3%, 11.4%, 6.4%, and 3.4%, respectively.