OREANDA-NEWS. December 22, 2015. Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) announced adjusted net income for the full year 2015 of \\$2.1 billion, or \\$2.70 diluted EPS, compared to \\$1.5 billion, or \\$1.93 diluted EPS, for the prior year.  Full year 2015 U.S. GAAP net income was \\$1.8 billion, or \\$2.26 diluted EPS, which included unrealized losses (non-cash) on fuel derivatives of \\$332 million and other net charges of \\$17 million. Full year 2014 U.S. GAAP net income was \\$1.2 billion, or \\$1.56 diluted EPS, which included unrealized losses (non-cash) on fuel derivatives of \\$268 million and other net charges of \\$20 million.  Revenues for the full year 2015 were \\$15.7 billion compared to \\$15.9 billion for the prior year due to the unfavorable impact from currency exchange rates of over \\$800 million.

Carnival Corporation & plc President and Chief Executive Officer

Arnold Donald noted, "We nearly doubled our fourth quarter results and ended the year with 40 percent higher earnings. Strong operational execution delivered \\$0.25 per share higher earnings than the mid-point of our full year 2015 December guidance, despite a \\$0.10 drag from the net impact of currency and fuel prices. This year we achieved a 4.3 percent improvement (constant currency) in revenue yields compared to the prior year due to higher onboard revenues and increased ticket prices as we have driven demand in excess of capacity growth, while our ongoing efforts to leverage our industry-leading scale helped to contain costs.  Our strong performance led to record operating cash flow of well over \\$4 billion versus \\$3.4 billion last year," Donald stated.

Key metrics for the fourth quarter 2015 compared to the prior year were as follows:

  • Net revenue yields (net revenue per available lower berth day or "ALBD") increased 4.1 percent in constant currency, which was better than the company's September guidance, up 3 percent. Gross revenue yields decreased 2.5 percent in current dollars due to changes in currency exchange rates.
  • Net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD increased 3.2 percent in constant currency, which was in line with September guidance, up 3 percent. Gross cruise costs including fuel per ALBD decreased 10.7 percent in current dollars.                  
  • Fuel prices declined 46 percent to \\$316 per metric ton for 4Q 2015 from \\$584 per metric ton in 4Q 2014 and were better than September guidance of \\$366 per metric ton.
  • Changes in currency exchange rates reduced earnings by \\$0.08 per share.
  • Adjusted net income was \\$389 million, or \\$0.50 diluted EPS, before U.S. GAAP unrealized losses (non-cash) on fuel derivatives of \\$117 million, or \\$0.15 diluted EPS. U.S. GAAP net income was \\$270 million, or \\$0.35 diluted EPS.
  • The company repurchased approximately 8 million shares under its \\$1 billion stock repurchase program. 

Highlights during the fourth quarter included the grand opening of

Amber Cove, a new Carnival Corporation cruise facility on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, and the launch of P&O Cruises (Australia's) Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, which have been impeccably appointed to suit Australian guests.  In October, Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises announced they will each enter the China market in 2017 with a second Carnival Cruise Line ship to be positioned there in 2018. In 2016, there is already a combined fleet of six ships from the Costa Cruises and Princess Cruises brands scheduled to operate in China.  Also, Princess Cruises will introduce the Majestic Princess to the Chinese market in 2017. That ship is currently under construction and will be the first vessel built specifically for Chinese guests incorporating a unique blend of international and Chinese features. Carnival Corporation also recently announced the formation of a joint venture with the China State Shipbuilding Corporation and the China Investment Corporation aimed at accelerating the development and growth of the overall cruise industry in China including the planned launch of the first world-class, multi-ship domestic cruise brand in the Chinese market.  These latest developments further strengthen the company's leading position in China, which is expected to, over time, surpass North America as the world's largest cruising region.

2016 Outlook

At this time, cumulative advance bookings for the first three quarters of 2016 are well ahead of the prior year at slightly higher constant currency prices. Since September, booking volumes for the first three quarters of 2016 are in line with last year's levels at higher prices.

Donald noted, "As we had anticipated, with less inventory remaining for sale, we have begun to sell at higher prices than the same time last year, particularly close to departure, affirming our expectation of continued yield improvement in 2016."

Based on current booking trends, the company forecasts full year 2016 net revenue yields in constant currency to be up approximately 3 percent compared to the prior year, of which approximately 1 percent is due to an accounting reclassification for the Europe, Australia and Asia segment.  The company expects net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD in constant currency for full year 2016 to be up approximately 2 percent, of which approximately 1.5 percent is also due to the reclassification. The reclassification has no impact on operating income.

Current currency exchange rates and fuel prices, net of fuel derivatives, are \\$0.22 per share favorable compared to the prior year. Taking the above factors into consideration, the company forecasts full year 2016 adjusted earnings per share to be in the range of \\$3.10 to \\$3.40, compared to 2015 adjusted earnings of \\$2.70 per share.

Looking forward, Donald stated, "We have accelerated progress toward and remain well positioned to achieve our double digit return on invested capital threshold in the next two to three years. Over time, we expect to continue to return excess cash to shareholders as demonstrated by our recent 20 percent increase in quarterly dividends and more than \\$400 million in share repurchases."

Donald also noted that four new ships are scheduled to enter service for Carnival Corporation brands in 2016.  Holland America Line'sKoningsdam and AIDAprima will debut in April, Carnival Vista will enter service in May, and Seabourn Encore in December. Each vessel has a wide variety of exciting and innovative new features that will generate consumer buzz for those brands.

First Quarter 2016 Outlook

First quarter constant currency net revenue yields are expected to be up 3.5 to 4.5 percent compared to the prior year. Net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD for the first quarter are expected to be 2.5 to 3.5 percent higher in constant currency compared to the prior year. Based on the above factors, the company expects adjusted earnings for the first quarter 2016 to be in the range of \\$0.28 to \\$0.32 per share, compared to 2015 adjusted earnings of \\$0.20 per share.

Selected Key Forecast Metrics


Full Year 2016

First Quarter 2016

 

Year over year change:

Current

Dollars

Constant Currency

Current

Dollars

Constant Currency

Net revenue yields

Flat - up slightly

Approx. 3%

(0.5) to (1.5)%

3.5 to 4.5%

Net cruise costs excl. fuel / ALBD  

Approx. 1%

Approx. 2%

0.0   to  1.0 %

2.5 to 3.5%

Full Year 2016

First Quarter 2016

Fuel price per metric ton

\\$246

\\$239

Fuel consumption (metric tons in thousands)

3,260

800

Currency:   Euro

 \\$1.10 to €1

\\$1.10 to €1

                   Sterling

\\$1.51 to ?1

\\$1.51 to ?1

                  Australian dollar

 \\$0.73 to A\\$1

\\$0.73 to A\\$1

                  Canadian dollar

\\$0.73 to C\\$1

\\$0.73 to C\\$1

Conference Call

The company has scheduled a conference call with analysts at 10:00 a.m. EST (3:00 p.m. GMT) today to discuss its 2015 fourth quarter and full year results. This call can be listened to live, and additional information can be obtained, via Carnival Corporation & plc's Web site at www.carnivalcorp.com and www.carnivalplc.com. 

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise company in the world, with a portfolio of 10 cruise brands in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Line, Fathom, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK).

Together, these brands operate 99 ships totaling 216,000 lower berths with 18 new ships scheduled to be delivered between 2016 and 2022. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour companies in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P500 and the FTSE 100 indices. Additional information can be found on www.carnival.com, www.fathom.org,  www.hollandamerica.com, www.princess.com, www.seabourn.com, www.aida.de, www.costacruise.com, www.cunard.com, www.pocruises.com.au, and www.pocruises.com.

Cautionary Note Concerning Factors That May Affect Future Results

Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc and their respective subsidiaries are referred to collectively in this release as "Carnival Corporation & plc," "our," "us" and "we." Some of the statements, estimates or projections contained in this release are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions with respect to us, including some statements concerning future results, outlooks, plans, goals and other events which have not yet occurred. These statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical facts are statements that could be deemed forward-looking. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our business and the industry in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. We have tried, whenever possible, to identify these statements by using words like "will," "may," "could," "should," "would," "believe," "depends," "expect," "goal," "anticipate," "forecast," "project," "future," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "target," "indicate" and similar expressions of future intent or the negative of such terms.

Forward-looking statements include those statements that may impact, among other things, the forecasting of our adjusted earnings per share; net revenue yields; booking levels; pricing; occupancy; operating, financing and tax costs, including fuel expenses; net cruise costs per available lower berth day; estimates of ship depreciable lives and residual values; liquidity; goodwill, ship and trademark fair values and outlook. Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are many factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in this release. This note contains important cautionary statements of the known factors that we consider could materially affect the accuracy of our forward-looking statements and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial position. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. There may be additional risks that we consider immaterial or which are unknown. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • general economic and business conditions;
  • increases in fuel prices;
  • incidents, the spread of contagious diseases and threats thereof, adverse weather conditions or other natural disasters and other incidents affecting the health, safety, security and satisfaction of guests and crew;
  • the international political climate, armed conflicts, terrorist and pirate attacks, vessel seizures, and threats thereof, and other world events affecting the safety and security of travel;
  • negative publicity concerning the cruise industry in general or us in particular, including any adverse environmental impacts of cruising;
  • geographic regions in which we try to expand our business may be slow to develop and ultimately not develop how we expect;
  • economic, market and political factors that are beyond our control, which could increase our operating, financing and other costs;
  • changes in and compliance with laws and regulations relating to the protection of persons with disabilities, employment, environment, health, safety, security, tax and other regulations under which we operate;
  • our inability to implement our shipbuilding programs and ship repairs, maintenance and refurbishments on terms that are favorable or consistent with our expectations;
  • increases to our repairs and maintenance expenses and refurbishment costs as our fleet ages;
  • lack of continuing availability of attractive, convenient and safe port destinations on terms that are favorable or consistent with our expectations;
  • continuing financial viability of our travel agent distribution system, air service providers and other key vendors in our supply chain and reductions in the availability of, and increases in the prices for, the services and products provided by these vendors;
  • disruptions and other damages to our information technology and other networks and operations, and breaches in data security;
  • failure to keep pace with developments in technology;
  • competition from and overcapacity in the cruise ship and land-based vacation industry;
  • loss of key personnel or our ability to recruit or retain qualified personnel;
  • union disputes and other employee relationship issues;
  • disruptions in the global financial markets or other events that may negatively affect the ability of our counterparties and others to perform their obligations to us;
  • the continued strength of our cruise brands and our ability to implement our strategies;
  • additional risks to our international operations not generally applicable to our U.S. operations;
  • our decisions to self-insure against various risks or our inability to obtain insurance for certain risks at reasonable rates;
  • litigation, enforcement actions, fines or penalties;
  • fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
  • whether our future operating cash flow will be sufficient to fund future obligations and whether we will be able to obtain financing, if necessary, in sufficient amounts and on terms that are favorable or consistent with our expectations;
  • risks associated with our dual listed company arrangement;
  • uncertainties of a foreign legal system as Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc are not U.S. corporations and
  • the ability of a small group of shareholders effectively to control the outcome of shareholder voting.

Forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant stock exchange rules, we expressly disclaim any obligation to disseminate, after the date of this release, any updates or revisions to any such forward-looking statements to reflect any change in expectations or events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

(in millions, except per share data)


Three Months Ended

Twelve Months Ended

November 30, 

November 30, 

2015

2014

2015

2014

Revenues







     Cruise







          Passenger tickets

\\$   2,709

\\$   2,745

\\$   11,601

\\$   11,889

          Onboard and other

969

941

3,887

3,780

     Tour and other

33

32

226

215

3,711

3,718

15,714

15,884

Operating Costs and Expenses







     Cruise









           Commissions, transportation and other

490

520

2,161

2,299

           Onboard and other

131

127

526

519

           Payroll and related

471

491

1,859

1,942

           Fuel

253

464

1,249

2,033

           Food

244

245

981

1,005

           Other ship operating

603

621

(a)

2,516

2,463

(a)

     Tour and other

26

30

155

160

2,218

2,498

9,447

10,421

     Selling and administrative

564

547

2,067

2,054

     Depreciation and amortization

419

408

(a)

1,626

1,637

(a)

3,201

3,453

13,140

14,112

Operating Income

510

265

2,574

1,772









Nonoperating (Expense) Income







     Interest income

2

2

8

8

     Interest expense, net of capitalized interest

(50)

(76)

(217)

(288)

     Losses on fuel derivatives, net (b)

(198)

(280)

(576)

(271)

     Other income (expense), net

7

(8)

10

4

(239)

(362)

(775)

(547)









Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

271

(97)

1,799

1,225









Income Tax Expense, Net

(1)

(7)

(42)

(9)









Net Income (Loss)

\\$      270

\\$    (104)

\\$     1,757

\\$     1,216









Earnings (Loss) Per Share







     Basic

\\$     0.35

\\$    (0.13)

\\$       2.26

\\$       1.57

     Diluted

\\$     0.35

\\$    (0.13)

\\$       2.26

\\$       1.56









Adjusted Earnings Per Share-Diluted (c) 

\\$     0.50

\\$     0.27

\\$       2.70

\\$       1.93









Dividends Declared Per Share

\\$     0.30

\\$     0.25

\\$       1.10

\\$       1.00









Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding – Basic

774

776

777

776

Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted

777

776

779

778

(a)  

In the first quarter of 2015, we revised and corrected the accounting for one of our brands' marine and technical spare parts in order to consistently expense them fleetwide. Had we not revised, this accounting may have resulted in material inconsistencies to our financial statements in the future. Accordingly, we will revise other previously reported results in future filings.  This revision increased our three and twelve months ended November 30, 2014 other ship operating expenses by \\$1 million and \\$18 million and depreciation expense by \\$1 million and \\$2 million, respectively.

(b)  

During the three months ended November 30, 2015 and 2014, our losses on fuel derivatives, net include unrealized losses of \\$117 million and \\$277 million and realized losses of \\$81 million and \\$3 million, respectively. During the twelve months ended November 30, 2015 and 2014, our losses on fuel derivatives, net include unrealized losses of \\$332 million and \\$268 million and net realized losses of \\$244 million and \\$2 million, respectively.

(c)  

See the U.S. GAAP net income (loss) to Adjusted net income reconciliations in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures included herein.

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

(in millions, except par values)


November 30,

2015

2014

ASSETS


Current Assets


    Cash and cash equivalents

\\$               1,395

\\$                  331

    Trade and other receivables, net

303

332

    Insurance recoverables

109

154

    Inventories

330

349

    Prepaid expenses and other

314

322

        Total current assets

2,451

1,488




Property and Equipment, Net

31,888

32,819




Goodwill

3,010

3,127




Other Intangibles

1,238

1,270




Other Assets

650

744

\\$             39,237

\\$             39,448




LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY


Current Liabilities


    Short-term borrowings

\\$                    30

\\$                  666

    Current portion of long-term debt

1,344

1,059

    Accounts payable

627

626

    Accrued liabilities and other

1,683

1,538

    Customer deposits

3,272

3,032

       Total current liabilities

6,956

6,921




Long-Term Debt

7,413

7,363




Other Long-Term Liabilities

1,097

960




Shareholders' Equity


    Common stock of Carnival Corporation, \\$0.01 par value; 1,960 shares


        authorized; 653 shares at 2015 and 652 shares at 2014 issued

7

7

    Ordinary shares of Carnival plc, \\$1.66 par value; 216 shares at 2015


        and 2014 issued

358

358

    Additional paid-in capital

8,562

8,384

    Retained earnings

20,060

19,158

    Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(1,741)

(616)

    Treasury stock, 70 shares at 2015 and 59 shares at 2014 of Carnival Corporation

        and 27 shares at 2015 and 32 shares at 2014 of Carnival plc, at cost

(3,475)

(3,087)

                Total shareholders' equity

23,771

24,204

\\$             39,237

\\$             39,448

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC

OTHER INFORMATION


Three Months Ended

Twelve Months Ended

November 30,

November 30,

2015

2014

2015

2014

STATISTICAL INFORMATION




   ALBDs (in thousands) (a)

19,622

19,170

77,307

76,000

   Occupancy percentage (b)

102.5%

101.9%

104.8%

104.1%

   Passengers carried (in thousands)

2,699

2,623

10,837

10,566

   Fuel consumption in metric tons (in thousands)

802

794

3,181

3,194

   Fuel consumption in metric tons per ALBD

0.041

0.041

0.041

0.042

   Fuel cost per metric ton consumed

\\$         316

\\$         584

\\$       393

\\$            636

   Currencies




           U.S. dollar to Euro

\\$        1.11

\\$        1.27

\\$      1.12

\\$          1.34

           U.S. dollar to Sterling

\\$        1.53

\\$        1.60

\\$      1.54

\\$          1.66

           U.S. dollar to Australian dollar

\\$        0.71

\\$        0.88

\\$      0.76

\\$          0.91

           U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar

\\$        0.75

\\$        0.89

\\$      0.79

\\$          0.91






CASH FLOW INFORMATION




Cash from operations

\\$         978

\\$         637

\\$    4,545

\\$        3,430

Capital expenditures

\\$         590

\\$         906

\\$    2,294

\\$        2,583

Dividends paid

\\$         232

\\$         194

\\$       816

\\$           776

Notes to Statistical Information

(a)   

ALBD is a standard measure of passenger capacity for the period that we use to approximate rate and capacity variances, based on consistently applied formulas that we use to perform analyses to determine the main non-capacity driven factors that cause our cruise revenues and expenses to vary. ALBDs assume that each cabin we offer for sale accommodates two passengers and is computed by multiplying passenger capacity by revenue-producing ship operating days in the period.

(b)  

In accordance with cruise industry practice, occupancy is calculated using a denominator of ALBDs, which assumes two passengers per cabin even though some cabins can accommodate three or more passengers. Percentages in excess of 100% indicate that on average more than two passengers occupied some cabins.

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Consolidated gross and net revenue yields were computed by dividing the gross and net cruise revenues by ALBDs as follows (dollars in millions, except yields) (a) (b):


Three Months Ended November 30,

Twelve Months Ended November 30,


2015


2015


Constant


Constant

2015

Dollar

2014

2015

Dollar

2014

Passenger ticket revenues

\\$               2,709

\\$             2,838

\\$               2,745

\\$           11,601

\\$             12,316

\\$           11,889

Onboard and other revenues

969

1,001

941

3,887

4,052

3,780

Gross cruise revenues

3,678

3,839

3,686

15,488

16,368

15,669

Less cruise costs






   Commissions, transportation and other

(490)

(516)

(520)

(2,161)

(2,324)

(2,299)

   Onboard and other

(131)

(136)

(127)

(526)

(549)

(519)

(621)

(652)

(647)

(2,687)

(2,873)

(2,818)








Net passenger ticket revenues

2,219

2,322

2,225

9,440

9,992

9,590

Net onboard and other revenues

838

865

814

3,361

3,503

3,261

Net cruise revenues

\\$               3,057

\\$             3,187

\\$               3,039

\\$           12,801

\\$            13,495

\\$           12,851








ALBDs

19,621,729

19,621,729

19,170,347

77,307,323

77,307,323

75,999,952








Gross revenue yields

\\$            187.46

\\$           195.65

\\$            192.29

\\$           200.34

\\$            211.73

\\$           206.17

% (decrease) increase vs. 2014

(2.5)%

1.7%

(2.8)%

2.7%








Net revenue yields

\\$            155.80

\\$           162.44

\\$            158.53

\\$           165.58

\\$            174.57

\\$           169.09

% (decrease) increase vs. 2014

(1.7)%

2.5%

(2.1)%

3.2%








Net passenger ticket revenue yields

\\$            113.09

\\$           118.34

\\$            116.07

\\$           122.11

\\$            129.25

\\$           126.18

% (decrease) increase vs. 2014

(2.6)%

2.0%

(3.2)%

2.4%








Net onboard and other revenue yields

\\$               42.70

\\$              44.11

\\$               42.46

\\$             43.48

\\$               45.32

\\$             42.90

% increase vs. 2014

0.6%

3.9%

1.3%

5.6%














Three Months Ended

Twelve Months Ended


November 30,

November 30,


2015


2015


Constant


Constant


Currency

2014

Currency

2014

Net passenger ticket revenues

\\$              2,366

\\$               2,225

\\$           10,123

\\$              9,590

Net onboard and other revenues

872

814

3,513

3,261

Net cruise revenues


\\$              3,238

\\$               3,039

\\$           13,636

\\$           12,851








ALBDs


19,621,729

19,170,347

77,307,323

75,999,952








Net revenue yields


\\$           165.00

\\$            158.53

\\$           176.39

\\$           169.09

% increase vs. 2014

4.1%


4.3%








Net passenger ticket revenue yields


\\$           120.59

\\$            116.07

\\$           130.94

\\$           126.18

% increase vs. 2014

3.9%


3.8%








Net onboard and other revenue yields


\\$              44.41

\\$              42.46

\\$              45.45

\\$              42.90

% increase vs. 2014

4.6%


5.9%

(See Notes to Non-GAAP Financial Measures.)

                              

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED)

Consolidated gross and net cruise costs and net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD were computed by dividing the gross and net cruise costs and net cruise costs excluding fuel by ALBDs as follows (dollars in millions, except costs per ALBD) (a) (b):





Three Months Ended November 30,

Twelve Months Ended November 30,


2015


2015


Constant


Constant

2015

Dollar

2014

2015

 Dollar

2014

Cruise operating expenses

\\$                2,192

\\$             2,280

\\$               2,468

\\$              9,292

\\$               9,767

\\$            10,261

Cruise selling and administrative expenses

561

584

545

2,058

2,168

2,046

Gross cruise costs

2,753

2,864

3,013

11,350

11,935

12,307

Less cruise costs included above






      Commissions, transportation and other

(490)

(516)

(520)

(2,161)

(2,324)

(2,299)

      Onboard and other

(131)

(136)

(127)

(526)

(549)

(519)

       Restructuring expenses

(4)

(5)

(18)

(25)

(30)

(18)

      Gains (losses) on ship sales and ship impairment, net 

2

2

(17)

8

8

(2)

Net cruise costs

2,130

2,209

2,331

8,646

9,040

9,469

Less fuel

(253)

(253)

(464)

(1,249)

(1,249)

(2,033)

Net cruise costs excluding fuel

\\$               1,877

\\$             1,956

\\$               1,867

\\$               7,397

\\$                7,791

\\$               7,436








ALBDs

19,621,729

19,621,729

19,170,347

77,307,323

77,307,323

75,999,952








Gross cruise costs per ALBD

\\$             140.30

\\$           145.95

\\$             157.18

\\$            146.81

\\$            154.39

\\$            161.93

% decrease vs. 2014

(10.7)%

(7.1)%

(9.3)%

(4.7)%








Net cruise costs per ALBD

\\$             108.53

\\$           112.61

\\$             121.61

\\$            111.83

\\$             116.94

\\$            124.59

% decrease  vs. 2014

(10.8)%

(7.4)%

(10.2)%

(6.1)%








Net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD

\\$               95.62

\\$              99.70

\\$               97.41

\\$              95.68

\\$             100.78

\\$              97.84

% (decrease) increase vs. 2014

(1.8)%

2.4%

(2.2)%

3.0%














Three Months Ended

Twelve Months Ended


November 30,

November 30,


2015


2015


Constant


Constant


Currency

2014

Currency

2014

Net cruise costs excluding fuel

\\$              1,972

\\$               1,867

\\$              7,828

\\$              7,436








ALBDs


19,621,729

19,170,347

77,307,323

75,999,952








Net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD

\\$           100.49

\\$              97.41

\\$           101.26

\\$              97.84

% increase vs. 2014

3.2%


3.5%








(See next page for Notes to Non-GAAP Financial Measures.)

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED)

Adjusted fully diluted earnings per share was computed as follows (in millions, except per share data) (b):


Three Months Ended

 Twelve Months Ended

November 30,  


November 30,   


2015

2014

2015

2014

Net income (loss)




    U.S. GAAP net income (loss)

\\$     270

\\$  (104)

\\$ 1,757

\\$ 1,216

    Restructuring expenses (c)

4

18

25

18

    (Gains) losses on ship sales and ship impairment, net (c)

(2)

17

(8)

2

    Unrealized losses on fuel derivatives (d)

117

277

332

268

    Adjusted net income

\\$     389

\\$    208

\\$ 2,106

\\$ 1,504






Weighted-average shares outstanding (e)

777

776

779

778






Earnings (loss) per share




    U.S. GAAP earnings (loss) per share

\\$     0.35

\\$ (0.13)

\\$    2.26

\\$   1.56

    Restructuring expenses (c)

-

0.02

0.03

0.02

    Losses (gains) on ship sales and ship impairment, net (c)

-

0.02

(0.01)

-

    Unrealized losses on fuel derivatives (d)

0.15

0.36

0.42

0.35

    Adjusted earnings per share

\\$     0.50

\\$   0.27

\\$    2.70

\\$   1.93






Notes to Non-GAAP Financial Measures


(a)

We use net cruise revenues per ALBD ("net revenue yields"), net cruise costs per ALBD and net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD as significant non-GAAP financial measures of our cruise segments' financial performance. These measures enable us to separate the impact of predictable capacity changes from the more unpredictable rate changes that affect our business; gains and losses on ship sales and ship impairments, net; and restructuring expenses that are not part of our core operating business. We believe these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors and expanded insight to measure our revenue and cost performance as a supplement to our U.S. GAAP consolidated financial statements.



Net revenue yields are commonly used in the cruise industry to measure a company's cruise segment revenue performance and for revenue management purposes. We use "net cruise revenues" rather than "gross cruise revenues" to calculate net revenue yields. We believe that net cruise revenues is a more meaningful measure in determining revenue yield than gross cruise revenues because it reflects the cruise revenues earned net of our most significant variable costs, which are travel agent commissions, cost of air and other transportation, certain other costs that are directly associated with onboard and other revenues and credit and debit card fees. Substantially all of our remaining cruise costs are largely fixed, except for the impact of changing prices and food expenses, once our ship capacity levels have been determined.



Net passenger ticket revenues reflect gross passenger ticket revenues, net of commissions, transportation and other costs. Net onboard and other revenues reflect gross onboard and other revenues, net of onboard and other cruise costs. Net passenger ticket revenue yields and net onboard and other revenue yields are computed by dividing net passenger ticket revenues and net onboard and other revenues by ALBDs.



Net cruise costs per ALBD and net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD are the most significant measures we use to monitor our ability to control our cruise segments' costs rather than gross cruise costs per ALBD. We exclude the same variable costs that are included in the calculation of net cruise revenues to calculate net cruise costs with and without fuel to avoid duplicating these variable costs in our non-GAAP financial measures. In addition, we exclude gains and losses on ship sales and ship impairments, net and restructuring expenses from our calculation of net cruise costs with and without fuel as they are not considered part of our core operating business.



As a result of our revision of 2014 cruise ship operating expenses, our previously reported results changed as follows (in millions, except per ALBD data):



Three Months Ended 
November 30, 2014

Twelve Months Ended
November 30, 2014



As Previously
Reported

As
Revised

As Previously
Reported

As 
Revised


Gross cruise costs per ALBD

\\$157.12

\\$157.18

\\$161.69

\\$161.93


Net cruise costs per ALBD

\\$121.55

\\$121.61

\\$124.35

\\$124.59


Net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD

\\$97.35

\\$97.41

\\$97.60

\\$97.84


U.S. GAAP net (loss) income

\\$(102)

\\$(104)

\\$1,236

\\$1,216


Adjusted net income

\\$210

\\$208

\\$1,524

\\$1,504

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED)


We have not provided estimates of future gross revenue yields or future gross cruise costs per ALBD because it would be too difficult to prepare a reliable U.S. GAAP quantitative reconciliations of forecasted gross cruise revenues to forecasted net cruise revenues or forecasted gross cruise costs to forecasted net cruise costs without unreasonable efforts. As such, management has not provided this reconciling information.



In addition, our Europe, Australia & Asia ("EAA") cruise brands utilize the euro, sterling and Australian dollar as their functional currency, the monetary unit of the primary economic environment in which they operate, to measure their results and financial condition. This subjects us to foreign currency translational risk. All of our North American ("NA") and EAA cruise brands also have revenues and expenses that are in a currency other than their functional currency. This subjects us to foreign currency transactional risk.



We report non-GAAP financial measures on a "constant dollar" and "constant currency" basis assuming the 2015 periods' currency exchange rates have remained constant with the 2014 periods' rates. These metrics facilitate a comparative view for the changes in our business in an environment with fluctuating exchange rates.



Constant dollar reporting is a Non-GAAP financial measure that removes only the impact of changes in exchange rates on the translation of our EAA brands.


Constant currency reporting is a Non-GAAP financial measure that removes the impact of changes in exchange rates on the translation of our EAA brands (as in constant dollar) plus the transactional impact of changes in exchange rates from revenues and expenses that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency for both our NA and EAA brands.


Examples:


  • The translation of our EAA brand operations to our U.S. dollar reporting currency results in decreases in reported U.S. dollar revenues and expenses if the U.S. dollar strengthens against these foreign currencies and increases in reported U.S. dollar revenues and expenses if the U.S. dollar weakens against these foreign currencies.
  • Our NA brands have a U.S. dollar functional currency but also have revenue and expense transactions in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.  If the U.S. dollar strengthens against these other currencies it reduces the U.S. dollar revenues and expenses.  If the U.S. dollar weakens against these other currencies it increases the U.S. dollar revenues and expenses.
  • Our EAA brands have a euro, sterling and Australian dollar functional currency but also have revenue and expense transactions in currencies other than their functional currency. If their functional currency strengthens against these other currencies it reduces the functional currency revenues and expenses.  If the functional currency weakens against these other currencies it increases the functional currency revenues and expenses.  

Our foreign currency transactional impact is more significant to our 2015 results compared to 2014 given the continuing expansion of our global business and the heightened volatility in foreign currency exchange rates. This differed from previous years when our constant dollar reporting removed substantially all of the impact of changes in currency exchange rates between periods. Accordingly, we also reported on a constant currency basis beginning in 2015.

(b)

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The presentation of our non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation from, as substitute for, or superior to the financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. There are no specific rules for determining our non-GAAP as reported, constant dollar and constant currency financial measures and, accordingly, they are susceptible to varying calculations, and it is possible that they may not be exactly comparable to the like-kind information presented by other companies, which is a potential risk associated with using these measures to compare us to other companies.


(c)

We believe that the gains on ship sales and ship impairment, net and restructuring expenses recognized in the three and twelve months ended November 30, 2015 and 2014 are not part of our core operating business and, therefore, are not an indication of our future earnings performance.  As such, we believe it is more meaningful for gains on ship sales and ship impairment, net and restructuring expenses to be excluded from our net income and earnings per share and, accordingly, we present adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share excluding these items.



(d)

Under U.S. GAAP, the realized and unrealized gains and losses on fuel derivatives not qualifying as fuel hedges are recognized currently in earnings. We believe that unrealized gains and losses on fuel derivatives are not an indication of our earnings performance since they relate to future periods and may not ultimately be realized in our future earnings. Therefore, we believe it is more meaningful for the unrealized gains and losses on fuel derivatives to be excluded from our net income and earnings per share and, accordingly, we present adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share excluding these unrealized gains and losses.


(e)

For the three months ended November 30, 2014, adjusted diluted weighted-average shares outstanding were 778 million, which includes the dilutive effect of equity plans.



We have excluded from our earnings guidance the impact of unrealized gains and losses on fuel derivatives because we do not believe they are an indication of our future earnings performance. Accordingly, our earnings guidance is presented on an adjusted basis only. As a result, management has not provided a reconciliation between forecasted adjusted earnings per share guidance and forecasted U.S. GAAP earnings per share guidance because it would be too difficult to prepare a reliable U.S. GAAP quantitative reconciliation without unreasonable effort. However, we do forecast realized gains and losses on fuel derivatives by applying current Brent prices to the derivatives that settle in the forecast period.