Cruise ship operator Carnival Corp. (CCL -2.26%) reported fourth-quarter earnings on Friday, Dec. 20, that topped analyst consensus estimates on top and bottom lines. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reached $0.14, significantly exceeding the anticipated $0.08. Revenue for the quarter jumped to $5.94 billion, marking a 10% year-over-year increase and coming in just ahead of the $5.937 billion expectation. Adjusted EBITDA climbed 28.9% to $1.2 billion.
Overall, the quarter was highlighted by impressive operational recovery and strategic execution post-pandemic.
| Metric | Q4 2024 | Analysts' Estimate | Q4 2023 | Change (YOY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjusted EPS | $0.14 | $0.08 | ($0.07) | N/A |
| Revenue | $5.94 billion | $5.937 billion | $5.4 billion | 10% |
| Adjusted EBITDA | $1.2 billion | N/A | $946 million | 29% |
| Gross margin yields per ALBD | $60.57 | N/A | $50.47 | 20% |
Source: Carnival Corp. Note: Analyst consensus estimates for the quarter provided by FactSet. YOY = Year over year. EBITDA = Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. ALBD = Average Lower Berth Days is a standard measure of passenger capacity. It's calculated by multiplying passenger capacity by the revenue-producing ship's operating days in the period. ALBD assumes that each cabin has two passengers.
Overview of Carnival Corp.'s Business
Carnival Corp. is the world's largest cruise company with a rich portfolio of diverse brands ranging from family-friendly to luxury experiences. Its strategic focus is on catering to different market segments, which helps mitigate risks and maximize opportunities. Key to its recent success has been Carnival's ability to manage costs and debt effectively while meeting increased demand with strategic pricing. Sustainability initiatives also play a crucial role in enhancing its brand image and reducing operational impacts.
Recent business focuses include enhancing customer experiences and optimizing operational efficiencies. Carnival's strongest points lie in its ability to balance immediate financial recovery efforts while investing in long-term sustainability and growth, evidenced by its return on invested capital (ROIC) of 11% in 2024.
Notable Developments in Q4 2024
Carnival reported significant financial and operational achievements this quarter. The strong earnings result was chiefly influenced by higher ticket prices, increased onboard spending, and effective cost controls. Revenue climbed 10% year over year, driven by a sustained demand recovery.
From a business perspective, Carnival's advanced bookings for 2025 hit record levels in terms of pricing and occupancy, showcasing strong consumer demand and effective yield strategies. CEO Josh Weinstein emphasized this progress as broad-based across major cruise lines, aligning with the company's strategic outcomes for 2024. Customer deposits reached a record $6.8 billion, further underscoring market confidence in upcoming voyages.
On the financial side, debt reduction remained a focal point. Carnival reduced its debt by over $8 billion since January 2023, closing 2024 with $27.5 billion in debt -- a significant step towards improving balance sheet health. CFO David Bernstein noted that interest expenses in 2025 are projected to decrease by over $200 million compared to 2024, owing to successful debt management.
In terms of costs, Carnival has been diligent, improving cruise cost management with only a 7.4% rise in costs per available lower berth day (excluding fuel). The company's dedication to sustainability also advanced with reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and investments in LNG-powered ships, leading the industry in alternative fuel innovation.
Looking Ahead
Looking forward to 2025, Carnival management maintains a positive outlook, projecting adjusted net income growth over 20% to approximately $2.31 billion. This projection is based on the continued strength of customer demand and enhancements in operational yields. The company aims to outpace cost hikes with strategic pricing and efficient operations, keeping profitability in focus.
Global risks, such as geopolitical tensions and heightened costs, remain on the radar. Carnival continues to navigate these with caution, having adjusted strategies to minimize adverse impacts. As the cruise industry recovers, stakeholders are advised to monitor Carnival's efforts in managing its price strategies and operational efficiencies. Adjustments in forward guidance are pivotal, with expectations to refine growth trajectories through 2025 and into 2026.
