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"Industry giant Carnival Corp. today reported better than expected earnings for the fourth quarter of 2009 that it attributed to stronger than expected on-board spending as well as lower operating costs.
The parent company of such lines as Carnival, Princess and Holland America says it earned $193 million, or 24 cents per share, on revenues of $3.2 billion during the quarter. That compares to net income of $371 million, or 47 cents per share, during the same quarter a year ago.
The stronger-than-expected fourth quarter earnings helped the company post full year earnings of $1.8 billion, or $2.24 per share, on revenue of $13.2 billion. That compares to net income of $2.3 billion, or $2.90 per share, in 2008.
In a statement, Carnival chairman and CEO Micky Arison noted that the $1.8 billion in net income makes Carnival the most profitable leisure travel company for 2009.
"We weathered the most challenging economic environment in the company's history exceptionally well," Arison says in the statement. The line's continued level of high profits in the face of the economic crisis of the past year "is testament to the strength and quality of our global portfolio of highly recognized brands and their management teams."
In addition to its North American brands, Carnival also owns UK-based Cunard Line and P&O Cruises, Italy-based Costa Cruises and Germany's Aida Cruises, among other lines.
Carnival's net revenue yields for the fourth quarter -- a measure of how much money it made per cabin -- was down 10.4% from 2008. That's better than the 11% to 13% decline the company had been projecting.
Helping the company's profits: Excluding fuel, net cruise costs per berth were 2% lower. Including fuel, costs were down an even heftier 5.6%, thanks to a 15% drop in average fuel prices during the quarter.
Arison notes the company place its first new ship order in two years during the quarter, a fact that "demonstrates our continued confidence in the future of our industry." The 3,690-passenger ship, for the Carnival brand, will enter service in June 2012."
Cam J
Well done Carnival well done.Ben.
Well done, by the management !
quote:Originally posted by Maasdam:Well where are the main criticizers of CarnivaL. You see them only responding to trash them and there affiliates.
Interesting you make this comment Ben, since I posted a similar article about RCCL making a profit and no one had anything to say. Of course when RCCL posted a loss, there were posts for days.
Basically it goes both ways, so don't act as if you and others are above it all or that somehow Carnival Corp. is a victim. Carnival Corp. receives plenty of praise when it's do, and an equal share of criticism, most of which is warranted as well.
One thing is for certain, and that is Carnival is great at making profits. So are other leaders in their field such as Microsoft, McDonalds, and Walmart. They are all the biggest and most profitable in their field, but I don't feel any of those companies deliver the best product. They all deliver the cheapest product and appeal to the masses.
Ernie
quote:Originally posted by eroller:They all deliver the cheapest product and appeal to the masses. Ernie
They all deliver the cheapest product and appeal to the masses.
Thats just sheer ignorance........
RCCL doesn't get the praise from analyst because their debt to earnings ratio is poor and their brands are still a hoge poge.
Can't wait for the Princess new build announcement!
quote:Originally posted by Cam J:Thats just sheer ignorance........ Cam J
Yes, ignorant if you think otherwise. Do you really think that Walmart offers a better experience than Target, Microsoft a better operating system than Apple, and McDonalds a better burger than In-N-Out?
If you do, then we live in VERY different worlds and have very different concepts regarding what is a high quality, high value product vs just an ok product but at a lower cost.
quote:Originally posted by sunviking82: Can't wait for the Princess new build announcement!
Another Princess drone, but no doubt with more cabins and less space.
Just what the world needs.
quote:Originally posted by eroller:Yes, ignorant if you think otherwise. Do you really think that Walmart offers a better experience than Target?Microsoft a better operating system than Apple, and McDonalds a better burger than In-N-Out? If you do, then we live in VERY different worlds and have very different concepts regarding what is a high quality, high value product vs just an ok product but at a lower cost.Ernie
Yes, ignorant if you think otherwise. Do you really think that Walmart offers a better experience than Target?Microsoft a better operating system than Apple, and McDonalds a better burger than In-N-Out?
Oh, I see what kind of person you are ernie. Your the kind of person that has expensive taste. Target has the same items as Wal Mart for more, Microsoft has comprable computers to apple but apple costs more, Carnival & Royal Caribbean offer comprable products but Royal is overpriced, you think that the more a product is the better it is.
So yes we live in to totaly different worlds because I cant see myself forking over more money for things when I can get the same product for less elsewhere.
just my contribution
quote:Originally posted by eroller:Yes, ignorant if you think otherwise. Do you really think that Walmart offers a better experience than Target, Microsoft a better operating system than Apple, and McDonalds a better burger than In-N-Out? If you do, then we live in VERY different worlds and have very different concepts regarding what is a high quality, high value product vs just an ok product but at a lower cost.Ernie
Ernie, take the comments for what they're worth. Take time to read some reviews over on the CC Carnival board and you will find some recent unhappy Carnival cruisers. The reviews of the Dream are starting to sound like a nightmare. By the way, hope that the moving prep is going well. Happy Holidays.
quote:Originally posted by Cam J:Oh, I see what kind of person you are ernie. Your the kind of person that has expensive taste.
Oh, I see what kind of person you are ernie. Your the kind of person that has expensive taste.
Maybe I do have expensive taste, but I don't spend money just for the sake of spending money. I work hard for what I earn so I spend wisely. This being said, yes I will spend more when I feel I am getting a better value in return. This goes for cruise lines, electronics, shopping, etc. Sometimes I pay more, but I feel I'm getting more in return as well.
I never purchase something just because it's the cheapest, just like I don't purchase something just because it's the most expensive.
quote:Originally posted by Atlcruiser: By the way, hope that the moving prep is going well. Happy Holidays.
By the way, hope that the moving prep is going well. Happy Holidays.
It's going. You know how moving is. The movers come on Jan 2 and Chris moves first on Jan 4 or 5. I won't be heading to Miami until around mid-Feb as I need to wrap things up with my current position, and transition to my new position (which is newly created). The great thing is I think will be able to work virtual from home at least some days during the week.
Happy Holidays to you as well. We are heading to the Polynesian at Disney World for Christmas. There I go paying more again! I guess I should be staying at the Holiday Inn at Six Flags.
quote:Originally posted by Cam J:Target has the same items as Wal Mart for more, Microsoft has comprable computers to apple but apple costs more, Carnival & Royal Caribbean offer comprable products but Royal is overpriced, you think that the more a product is the better it is.
Lastly, do you really think CARNIVAL DREAM and OASIS of the SEAS offer a similar product?
...just my two cents....
quote:Originally posted by Cam J: ...Target has the same items as Wal Mart for more....
...Target has the same items as Wal Mart for more....
I think what ernie was taliking about was more how they deliver their products. Walmart is basically a huge wearhouse inside, ugly, very crowded, noisy and an unpleasent shopping experience while at the same time is extreamly profitable and cheap for Walmart ((much like Carnival with its ships)). Target on the other hand has a much prettier presentation of their product. Target, while being more expensive, is better designed and is a much more pleasent store to shop at ((much like RCI)).
quote:Originally posted by jetwet1:It should also be pointed out that Target has 20 check out stands, but never opens more than 3 of them, so you end up spending an hour in line waiting to pay for stuff.
That has never been my experience at Target. Now Walmart on the other hand is a different story. It's probably the most unpleasant shopping experience I have ever encountered.
quote:Originally posted by Cunard Fan:I think what ernie was taliking about was more how they deliver their products. Walmart is basically a huge wearhouse inside, ugly, very crowded, noisy and an unpleasent shopping experience while at the same time is extreamly profitable and cheap for Walmart ((much like Carnival with its ships)). Target on the other hand has a much prettier presentation of their product. Target, while being more expensive, is better designed and is a much more pleasent store to shop at ((much like RCI)).
Just another steryo type.......
quote:Originally posted by eroller:That has never been my experience at Target. Now Walmart on the other hand is a different story. It's probably the most unpleasant shopping experience I have ever encountered.Ernie
I agree about Walmart-from my one experience. The store I was in was a little like a KMart-picked over, messy and not well stocked. Of course they may have better stores but we don't have many here in Southern California. The Target I usually go to (the first 2-level Target) is always spotless and well stocked and having check-outs on two levels eases the congestion at the registers and there is usually no more than 1-2 people in front of me. There are Targets that don't offer a pleasant shopping experience-their West Hollywood, CA location. It is apparently their most profitable store based on sq. footage but it seems to be impossible to stock properly due to the high volume of traffic. The ONLY reason to go there is to see the celebrities that frequent the store.
quote:Originally posted by lasuvidaboy:I agree about Walmart-from my one experience. The store I was in was a little like a KMart-picked over, messy and not well stocked. Of course they may have better stores but we don't have many here in Southern California. The Target I usually go to (the first 2-level Target) is always spotless and well stocked and having check-outs on two levels eases the congestion at the registers and there is usually no more than 1-2 people in front of me.
I agree about Walmart-from my one experience. The store I was in was a little like a KMart-picked over, messy and not well stocked. Of course they may have better stores but we don't have many here in Southern California. The Target I usually go to (the first 2-level Target) is always spotless and well stocked and having check-outs on two levels eases the congestion at the registers and there is usually no more than 1-2 people in front of me.
Are you talking about the one in Pasadena?
quote:Originally posted by Cam J:Just another steryo type....... Cam J
How is what I said a steryo type?
quote:Originally posted by lasuvidaboy: Of course they may have better stores but we don't have many here in Southern California.
Of course they may have better stores but we don't have many here in Southern California.
I think there are quite a few, at least 20 but they are more suburban and not in LA itself.
quote:Originally posted by lasuvidaboy: The Target I usually go to (the first 2-level Target) is always spotless and well stocked and having check-outs on two levels eases the congestion at the registers and there is usually no more than 1-2 people in front of me.
The Target I usually go to (the first 2-level Target) is always spotless and well stocked and having check-outs on two levels eases the congestion at the registers and there is usually no more than 1-2 people in front of me.
We have a few two-level Targets in Atlanta. They are usually located in city centers where space is limited. The suburbs even have Super Targets which are fantastic.
Every Target I have ever been to has been organized, clean, and efficient. Basically it's a pleasure to shop in.
Every Walmart I have been to has been trashy, chaotic, dirty looking, dingy, and extremely lacking in any atmosphere or customer service.
There is a relatively new Walmart near where I live. One of the first "urban" Walmart's if not 'the' first in an inner city. They tried to make it nicer (more like Target) with polished cement floors and brighter, but I still don't like it. It's very frenzied and not a pleasant experience. It's also basically a huge basement as there is a parking garage and a shopping center above it. I avoid Walmart like the plague.
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