RNS Number : 3165O
Carnival PLC
28 January 2019
 

January 28, 2019

 

RELEASE OF CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2018

 

Carnival Corporation & plc announced its fourth quarter and annual results of operations in its earnings release issued on December 20, 2018. Carnival Corporation & plc is hereby announcing that today it has filed its joint Annual Report on Form 10-K ("Form 10-K") with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") containing the Carnival Corporation & plc 2018 annual consolidated financial statements, which reported results are unchanged from those previously announced on December 20, 2018.

 

The information included in the attached Schedules A, B and C is extracted from the Form 10-K and has been prepared in accordance with SEC rules and regulations. The Carnival Corporation & plc consolidated financial statements contained in the Form 10-K have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP").

 

•       Schedule A contains the Carnival Corporation & plc consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended November 30, 2018

•       Schedule B contains management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") of financial conditions and results of operations

•       Schedule C contains information on Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc's sales and purchases of their equity securities and use of proceeds from such sales

 

The Directors consider that within the Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc dual listed company arrangement, the most appropriate presentation of Carnival plc's results and financial position is by reference to the Carnival Corporation & plc U.S. GAAP consolidated financial statements.

 

All these schedules (A, B and C) are presented together as Carnival plc's annual report in accordance with the requirements of the UK Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

 

MEDIA CONTACT                                                                                INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT

Roger Frizzell                                                                                           Beth Roberts

001 305 406 7862                                                                                     001 305 406 4832

 

The Form 10-K, including the portions extracted for this announcement, is available for viewing on the SEC website at www.sec.gov under Carnival Corporation or Carnival plc or the Carnival Corporation & plc website at www.carnivalcorp.com or www.carnivalplc.com. A copy of the Form 10-K has been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/nsm. Additional information can be obtained via Carnival Corporation & plc's website listed above or by writing to Carnival plc at Carnival House, 100 Harbour Parade, Southampton, SO15 1ST, United Kingdom.

 

                Carnival Corporation & plc is the world's largest leisure travel company and among the most profitable and financially strong in the cruise and vacation industries, with a portfolio of nine of the world's leading cruise lines. With operations in North America, Australia, Europe and Asia, its portfolio features Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises (Australia), Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard.

                Together, the corporation's cruise lines operate 105 ships with 242,000 lower berths visiting over 700 ports around the world, with 20 new ships scheduled to be delivered through 2025. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour company 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&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

                With a long history of innovation and providing guests with extraordinary vacation experiences, Carnival Corporation has received thousands of industry awards - including recognition by the Consumer Technology Association™ as a CES® 2019 Innovation Awards Honoree for OceanMedallion™. A revolutionary wearable device that contains a proprietary blend of communication technologies, OceanMedallion enables the world's first interactive guest experience platform transforming vacation travel on a large scale into a highly personalized level of customized service. The prestigious CES Innovation Awards honor outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products.

                Additional information can be found on www.carnival.com, www.princess.com, www.hollandamerica.comwww.seabourn.com, www.pocruises.com.au, www.costacruise.com, www.aida.de, www.pocruises.com, and www.cunard.com.

 

SCHEDULE A

 

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in millions, except per share data)

 

 

Years Ended November 30,

 

2018

 

2017

 

2016

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

Cruise

 

 

 

 

 

Passenger ticket

$

13,930

 

 

$

12,944

 

 

$

12,090

 

Onboard and other

4,679

 

 

4,330

 

 

4,068

 

Tour and other

272

 

 

236

 

 

231

 

 

18,881

 

 

17,510

 

 

16,389

 

Operating Costs and Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Cruise

 

 

 

 

 

Commissions, transportation and other

2,590

 

 

2,359

 

 

2,240

 

Onboard and other

638

 

 

587

 

 

553

 

Payroll and related

2,190

 

 

2,107

 

 

1,993

 

Fuel

1,619

 

 

1,244

 

 

915

 

Food

1,066

 

 

1,031

 

 

1,005

 

Other ship operating

2,807

 

 

3,010

 

 

2,525

 

Tour and other

180

 

 

163

 

 

152

 

 

11,089

 

 

10,501

 

 

9,383

 

Selling and administrative

2,450

 

 

2,265

 

 

2,197

 

Depreciation and amortization

2,017

 

 

1,846

 

 

1,738

 

Goodwill and trademark impairment

-

 

 

89

 

 

-

 

 

15,556

 

 

14,701

 

 

13,318

 

Operating Income

3,325

 

 

2,809

 

 

3,071

 

Nonoperating Income (Expense)

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

14

 

 

9

 

 

6

 

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest

(194

)

 

(198

)

 

(223

)

Gains (losses) on fuel derivatives, net

59

 

 

35

 

 

(47

)

Other income, net

3

 

 

11

 

 

21

 

 

(118

)

 

(143

)

 

(243

)

Income Before Income Taxes

3,207

 

 

2,666

 

 

2,828

 

Income Tax Expense, Net

(54

)

 

(60

)

 

(49

)

Net Income

$

3,152

 

 

$

2,606

 

 

$

2,779

 

Earnings Per Share

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

4.45

 

 

$

3.61

 

 

$

3.73

 

Diluted

$

4.44

 

 

$

3.59

 

 

$

3.72

 

Dividends Declared Per Share

$

1.95

 

 

$

1.60

 

 

$

1.35

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in millions)

 

 

Years Ended November 30,

 

2018

 

2017

 

2016

Net Income

$

3,152

 

 

$

2,606

 

 

$

2,779

 

Items Included in Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

 

 

 

 

 

Change in foreign currency translation adjustment

(199

)

 

590

 

 

(675

)

Other

32

 

 

82

 

 

(38

)

Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

(167

)

 

672

 

 

(713

)

Total Comprehensive Income

$

2,986

 

 

$

3,278

 

 

$

2,066

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except par values)

 

 

November 30,

 

2018

 

2017

ASSETS

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

982

 

 

$

395

 

Trade and other receivables, net

358

 

 

312

 

Inventories

450

 

 

387

 

Prepaid expenses and other

436

 

 

502

 

  Total current assets

2,225

 

 

1,596

 

Property and Equipment, Net

35,336

 

 

34,430

 

Goodwill

2,925

 

 

2,967

 

Other Intangibles

1,176

 

 

1,200

 

Other Assets

738

 

 

585

 

 

$

42,401

 

 

$

40,778

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

Short-term borrowings

$

848

 

 

$

485

 

Current portion of long-term debt

1,578

 

 

1,717

 

Accounts payable

730

 

 

762

 

Accrued liabilities and other

1,654

 

 

1,877

 

Customer deposits

4,395

 

 

3,958

 

  Total current liabilities

9,204

 

 

8,800

 

Long-Term Debt

7,897

 

 

6,993

 

Other Long-Term Liabilities

856

 

 

769

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

 

 

Shareholders' Equity

 

 

 

Common stock of Carnival Corporation, $0.01 par value; 1,960 shares authorized; 656 shares at 2018 and 655 shares at 2017 issued

7

 

 

7

 

Ordinary shares of Carnival plc, $1.66 par value; 217 shares at 2018 and 2017 issued

358

 

 

358

 

Additional paid-in capital

8,756

 

 

8,690

 

Retained earnings

25,066

 

 

23,292

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(1,949

)

 

(1,782

)

Treasury stock, 129 shares at 2018 and 122 shares at 2017 of Carnival Corporation and 48 shares at 2018 and 32 shares at 2017 of Carnival plc, at cost

(7,795

)

 

(6,349

)

  Total shareholders' equity

24,443

 

 

24,216

 

 

$

42,401

 

 

$

40,778

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions)

 

 

Years Ended November 30,

 

2018

 

2017

 

2016

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

3,152

 

 

$

2,606

 

 

$

2,779

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities

Depreciation and amortization

2,017

 

 

1,846

 

 

1,738

 

Impairments

16

 

 

392

 

 

-

 

(Gains) losses on fuel derivatives, net

(59

)

 

(35

)

 

47

 

Share-based compensation

65

 

 

63

 

 

55

 

Other, net

(6

)

 

51

 

 

71

 

 

5,186

 

 

4,923

 

 

4,690

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

(58

)

 

6

 

 

(22

)

Inventories

(67

)

 

(49

)

 

1

 

Prepaid expenses and other

74

 

 

(13

)

 

11

 

Accounts payable

(24

)

 

21

 

 

109

 

Accrued and other liabilities

(100

)

 

73

 

 

(21

)

Customer deposits

539

 

 

361

 

 

366

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

5,549

 

 

5,322

 

 

5,134

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

(3,749

)

 

(2,944

)

 

(3,062

)

Proceeds from sales of ships

389

 

 

-

 

 

26

 

Payments of fuel derivative settlements

(39

)

 

(203

)

 

(291

)

Other, net

(102

)

 

58

 

 

4

 

Net cash used in investing activities

(3,502

)

 

(3,089

)

 

(3,323

)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from (repayments of) short-term borrowings, net

417

 

 

(29

)

 

447

 

Principal repayments of long-term debt

(1,556

)

 

(1,227

)

 

(1,278

)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

2,542

 

 

467

 

 

1,542

 

Dividends paid

(1,355

)

 

(1,087

)

 

(977

)

Purchases of treasury stock

(1,468

)

 

(552

)

 

(2,340

)

Sales of treasury stock

-

 

 

-

 

 

40

 

Other, net

(39

)

 

(24

)

 

(25

)

Net cash used in financing activities

(1,460

)

 

(2,452

)

 

(2,591

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

(1

)

 

11

 

 

(12

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

587

 

 

(208

)

 

(792

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

395

 

 

603

 

 

1,395

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$

982

 

 

$

395

 

 

$

603

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(in millions)

 

 

Common
stock

 

Ordinary
shares

 

Additional
paid-in
capital

 

Retained
earnings

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

Treasury
stock

 

Total
shareholders'
equity

At November 30, 2015

$

7

 

 

$

358

 

 

$

8,562

 

 

$

20,060

 

 

$

(1,741

)

 

$

(3,475

)

 

$

23,771

 

Net income

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

2,779

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

2,779

 

Other comprehensive loss

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(713

)

 

-

 

 

(713

)

Cash dividends declared

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(996

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(996

)

Purchases and sales under the Stock Swap program, net

-

 

 

-

 

 

14

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(13

)

 

1

 

Purchases of treasury stock under the Repurchase Program and other

-

 

 

-

 

 

56

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(2,301

)

 

(2,245

)

At November 30, 2016

7

 

 

358

 

 

8,632

 

 

21,843

 

 

(2,454

)

 

(5,789

)

 

22,597

 

Change in accounting principle (a)

-

 

 

-

 

 

2

 

 

(2

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Net income

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

2,606

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

2,606

 

Other comprehensive income

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

672

 

 

-

 

 

672

 

Cash dividends declared

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(1,155

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(1,155

)

Purchases of treasury stock under the Repurchase Program and other

-

 

 

-

 

 

56

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(560

)

 

(504

)

At November 30, 2017

7

 

 

358

 

 

8,690

 

 

23,292

 

 

(1,782

)

 

(6,349

)

 

24,216

 

Net income

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

3,152

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

3,152

 

Other comprehensive loss

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(167

)

 

-

 

 

(167

)

Cash dividends declared

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(1,378

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(1,378

)

Purchases of treasury stock under the Repurchase Program and other

-

 

 

-

 

 

66

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(1,446

)

 

(1,380

)

At November 30, 2018

$

7

 

 

$

358

 

 

$

8,756

 

 

$

25,066

 

 

$

(1,949

)

 

$

(7,795

)

 

$

24,443

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

(a)       We elected to early adopt the provisions of ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation - Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, on December 1, 2016 using the modified retrospective approach. The impact primarily related to forfeitures.

 

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1 - General

 

Description of Business

 

Carnival Corporation was incorporated in Panama in 1972 and Carnival plc was incorporated in England and Wales in 2000. Together with their consolidated subsidiaries, they are referred to collectively in these consolidated financial statements and elsewhere in this 2018 Annual Report as "Carnival Corporation & plc," "our," "us" and "we." The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc and their respective subsidiaries.

 

We are the world's largest leisure travel company and among the most profitable and financially strong in the cruise and vacation industries. We are also the largest cruise company, carrying nearly half of global cruise guests, and a leading provider of vacations to all major cruise destinations throughout the world. With operations in North America, Australia, Europe and Asia, we operate a portfolio of leading global, regional and national cruise brands that sell tailored cruise products, services and vacation experiences on 104 cruise ships to the world's most desirable destinations.

 

DLC Arrangement

 

Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc operate a dual listed company ("DLC") arrangement, whereby the businesses of Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc are combined through a number of contracts and provisions in Carnival Corporation's Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws and Carnival plc's Articles of Association. The two companies operate as a single economic enterprise with a single senior executive management team and identical Boards of Directors, but each has retained its separate legal identity. Each company's shares are publicly traded; on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") for Carnival Corporation and the London Stock Exchange ("LSE") for Carnival plc. The Carnival plc American Depository Shares are traded on the NYSE.

 

The constitutional documents of each company provide that, on most matters, the holders of the common equity of both companies effectively vote as a single body. The Equalization and Governance Agreement between Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc provides for the equalization of dividends and liquidation distributions based on an equalization ratio and contains provisions relating to the governance of the DLC arrangement. Because the equalization ratio is 1 to 1, one share of Carnival Corporation common stock and one Carnival plc ordinary share are generally entitled to the same distributions.

 

Under deeds of guarantee executed in connection with the DLC arrangement, as well as stand-alone guarantees executed since that time, each of Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc have effectively cross guaranteed all indebtedness and certain other monetary obligations of each other. Once the written demand is made, the holders of indebtedness or other obligations may immediately commence an action against the relevant guarantor.

 

Under the terms of the DLC arrangement, Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc are permitted to transfer assets between the companies, make loans to or investments in each other and otherwise enter into intercompany transactions. In addition, the cash flows and assets of one company are required to be used to pay the obligations of the other company, if necessary.

 

Given the DLC arrangement, we believe that providing separate financial statements for each of Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc would not present a true and fair view of the economic realities of their operations. Accordingly, separate financial statements for Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc have not been presented.

 

NOTE 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

We consolidate entities over which we have control, as typically evidenced by a voting control of greater than 50% or for which we are the primary beneficiary, whereby we have the power to direct the most significant activities and the obligation to absorb significant losses or receive significant benefits from the entity. We do not separately present our noncontrolling interests in the consolidated financial statements since the amounts are immaterial. For affiliates we do not control but where significant influence over financial and operating policies exists, as typically evidenced by a voting control of 20% to 50%, the investment is accounted for using the equity method.

 

Preparation of Financial Statements

 

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in our consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing our consolidated financial statements. All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include investments with maturities of three months or less at acquisition, which are stated at cost and present insignificant risk of changes in value.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories consist substantially of food, beverages, hotel supplies, fuel and gift shop merchandise, which are all carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the weighted-average or first-in, first-out methods.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over our estimates of useful lives and residual values, as a percentage of original cost, as follows:

 

Years

 

Residual
Values

Ships

30

 

15%

Ship improvements

3-30

 

  0%

Buildings and improvements

10-40

 

0% or 10%

Computer hardware and software

3-12

 

0% or 10%

Transportation equipment and other

3-20

 

0% or 10%

Leasehold improvements, including port facilities

Shorter of the remaining lease term or related asset life (3-30)

 

0%

 

The cost of ships under construction include progress payments for the construction of new ships, as well as design and engineering fees, capitalized interest, construction oversight costs and various owner supplied items. We account for ship improvement costs by capitalizing those costs we believe add value to our ships and have a useful life greater than one year and depreciate those improvements over their estimated useful life. We have a capital program for the improvement of our ships and for asset replacements in order to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our operations; to comply with, or exceed all relevant legal and statutory requirements related to health, environment, safety, security and sustainability; and to gain strategic benefits or provide improved product innovations to our guests.

 

We capitalize interest as part of the cost of capital projects during their construction period. The specifically identified or estimated cost and accumulated depreciation of previously capitalized ship components are written-off upon retirement, which may result in a loss on disposal that is also included in other ship operating expenses. Liquidated damages received from shipyards as a result of late ship delivery are recorded as reductions to the cost basis of the ship.

 

The costs of repairs and maintenance, including minor improvement costs and dry-dock expenses, are charged to expense as incurred and included in other ship operating expenses. Dry-dock expenses primarily represent planned major maintenance activities that are incurred when a ship is taken out-of-service for scheduled maintenance.

 

We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets may not be fully recoverable. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the assessment of possible impairment is based on our ability to recover the carrying value of our asset from the asset's estimated undiscounted future cash flows. If these estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment charge is recognized for the excess, if any, of the asset's carrying value over its estimated fair value. The lowest level for which we maintain identifiable cash flows that are independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities is at the individual ship level. A significant amount of judgment is required in estimating the future cash flows and fair values of our cruise ships.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a business acquisition. We review our goodwill for impairment at least annually and as events or circumstances dictate. All of our goodwill has been allocated to our reporting units. The impairment review for goodwill allows us to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the more detailed quantitative goodwill impairment test. We would perform the quantitative test if our qualitative assessment determined it is more-likely-than-not that a reporting unit's estimated fair value is less than its carrying amount. We may also elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative test for any reporting unit. When performing the quantitative test, if the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no further analysis is required. However, if the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, goodwill is written down based on the difference between the reporting unit's carrying amount and its fair value, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

 

Trademarks represent substantially all of our other intangibles. For certain acquisitions, we have allocated a portion of the purchase prices to the acquiree's identified trademarks. Trademarks are estimated to have an indefinite useful life and are not amortizable but are reviewed for impairment at least annually and as events or circumstances dictate. The impairment review for trademarks also allows us to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a more detailed quantitative trademark impairment test. We would perform the quantitative test if our qualitative assessment determined it was more-likely-than-not that the trademarks are impaired. We may also elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative test. Our trademarks would be considered impaired if their carrying value exceeds their estimated fair value.

 

A significant amount of judgment is required in estimating the fair values of our reporting units and trademarks.

 

Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments

 

We utilize derivative and non-derivative financial instruments, such as foreign currency forwards, options and swaps, foreign currency debt obligations and foreign currency cash balances, to manage our exposure to fluctuations in certain foreign currency exchange rates. We use interest rate swaps to manage our interest rate exposure to achieve a desired proportion of fixed and floating rate debt. Our policy is to not use any financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.

 

All derivatives are recorded at fair value. If a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, then the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") until the underlying hedged item is recognized in earnings or the forecasted transaction is no longer probable. If a derivative or a non-derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of our net investment in a foreign operation, then changes in the fair value of the financial instrument are recognized as a component of AOCI to offset a portion of the change in the translated value of the net investment being hedged until the investment is sold or substantially liquidated. Any ineffective portion is immediately recognized in earnings. For derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, the change in fair value is recognized in earnings.

 

We classify the fair value of all our derivative contracts as either current or long-term, depending on the maturity date of the derivative contract. The cash flows from derivatives treated as hedges are classified in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the same category as the item being hedged. Our cash flows related to fuel derivatives are classified within investing activities.

 

We measure our derivatives using valuations that are calibrated to the initial trade prices. Subsequent valuations are based on observable inputs and other variables included in the valuation model such as interest rate, yield and commodity price curves, forward currency exchange rates, credit spreads, maturity dates, volatilities and netting arrangements. We use the income approach to value derivatives for foreign currency options and forwards, and interest rate swaps using observable market data for all significant inputs and standard valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount, assuming that participants are motivated but not compelled to transact.

 

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

 

Each foreign entity determines its functional currency by reference to its primary economic environment. We translate the assets and liabilities of our foreign entities that have functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses of these foreign entities are translated at weighted-average exchange rates for the period. Equity is translated at historical rates and the resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a component of AOCI, which is a separate component of shareholders' equity. Therefore, the U.S. dollar value of the non-equity translated items in our consolidated financial statements will fluctuate from period to period, depending on the changing value of the U.S. dollar versus these currencies.

 

We execute transactions in a number of different currencies. At the date that the transaction is recognized, each asset, liability, revenue, expense, gain or loss arising from the transaction is measured and recorded in the functional currency of the recording entity using the exchange rate in effect at that date. At each balance sheet date, recorded monetary balances denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are adjusted using the exchange rate at the balance sheet date, with gains or losses recorded in other income or other expense, unless such monetary balances have been designated as hedges of net investments in our foreign entities. The net gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions were insignificant in 2018, 2017 and 2016. In addition, the unrealized gains or losses on our long-term intercompany receivables and payables which are denominated in a non-functional currency and which are not expected to be repaid in the foreseeable future are recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments included as a component of AOCI.

 

Revenue and Expense Recognition

 

Guest cruise deposits represent unearned revenues and are initially included in customer deposit liabilities when received. Customer deposits are subsequently recognized as cruise revenues, together with revenues from onboard and other activities, and all associated direct costs and expenses of a voyage are recognized as cruise costs and expenses, upon completion of voyages with durations of ten nights or less and on a pro rata basis for voyages in excess of ten nights. The impact of recognizing these shorter duration cruise revenues and costs and expenses on a completed voyage basis versus on a pro rata basis is not significant. Future travel discount vouchers are included as a reduction of cruise passenger ticket revenues when such vouchers are utilized. Guest cancellation fees are recognized in cruise passenger ticket revenues at the time of cancellation. Revenue is recognized net of expected discounts.

 

Our sale to guests of air and other transportation to and from airports near the home ports of our ships are included in cruise passenger ticket revenues, and the related cost of purchasing these services are included in cruise transportation costs. The proceeds that we collect from the sales of third-party shore excursions and on behalf of our onboard concessionaires, net of the amounts remitted to them, are included in onboard and other cruise revenues as concession revenues. All of these amounts are recognized on a completed voyage or pro rata basis as discussed above.

 

Cruise passenger ticket revenues include fees, taxes and charges collected by us from our guests. A portion of these fees, taxes and charges vary with guest head counts and are directly imposed on a revenue-producing arrangement. This portion of the fees, taxes and charges is expensed in commissions, transportation and other costs when the corresponding revenues are recognized. These fees, taxes and charges included in passenger ticket revenues and commissions, transportation and other costs were $615 million in 2018, $579 million in 2017 and $540 million in 2016. The remaining portion of fees, taxes and charges are also included in cruise passenger ticket revenues and are expensed in other ship operating expenses when the corresponding revenues are recognized.

 

Revenues and expenses from our hotel and transportation operations, which are included in our Tour and Other segment, are recognized at the time the services are performed or expenses are incurred. Revenues from the long-term leasing of ships, which are also included in our Tour and Other segment, are recognized ratably over the term of the agreement.

 

Insurance

 

We maintain insurance to cover a number of risks including illness and injury to crew, guest injuries, pollution, other third-party claims in connection with our cruise activities, damage to hull and machinery for each of our ships, war risks, workers' compensation, directors' and officers' liability, property damage and general liability for shoreside third-party claims. We recognize insurance recoverables from third-party insurers up to the amount of recorded losses at the time the recovery is probable and upon settlement for amounts in excess of the recorded losses. All of our insurance policies are subject to coverage limits, exclusions and deductible levels. The liabilities associated with crew illnesses and crew and guest injury claims, including all legal costs, are estimated based on the specific merits of the individual claims or actuarially estimated based on historical claims experience, loss development factors and other assumptions.

 

Selling and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling expenses include a broad range of advertising, marketing and promotional expenses. Advertising is charged to expense as incurred, except for media production costs, which are expensed upon the first airing of the advertisement. Selling expenses totaled $673 million in 2018, $645 million in 2017 and $630 million in 2016. Administrative expenses represent the costs of our shoreside ship support, reservations and other administrative functions, and include salaries and related benefits, professional fees and building occupancy costs, which are typically expensed as incurred.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

We recognize compensation expense for all share-based compensation awards using the fair value method. For time-based share awards, we recognize compensation cost ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the expected vesting period or to the retirement eligibility date, if earlier than the vesting period. For performance-based share awards, we estimate compensation cost based on the probability of the performance condition being achieved and recognize expense ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the expected vesting period. If all or a portion of the performance condition is not expected to be met, the appropriate amount of previously recognized compensation expense is reversed and future compensation expense is adjusted accordingly. For market-based share awards, we recognize compensation cost ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the expected vesting period. If the target market conditions are not expected to be met, compensation expense will still be recognized. We account for forfeitures as they occur.

 

Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares and common stock equivalents outstanding during each period. For earnings per share purposes, Carnival Corporation common stock and Carnival plc ordinary shares are considered a single class of shares since they have equivalent rights.

 

Accounting Pronouncements

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued amended guidance, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which requires the bifurcation of service costs and other components of net benefit cost. The presentation of the other components of net benefit cost have been recorded in other income. On December 1, 2017, we adopted this guidance using the retrospective transition method for the presentation of the service cost component and other components of net benefit cost. The impact of adopting this guidance was immaterial to our consolidated financial statements, and as such, prior period information was not revised.

 

The FASB issued guidance, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. When effective, this standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. The standard also requires more detailed disclosures and provides additional guidance for transactions that were not comprehensively addressed in U.S. GAAP. This guidance is required to be adopted by us in the first quarter of 2019. We have elected the modified retrospective adoption method which requires entities to apply the new revenue standard only to the current period consolidated financial statements and record a cumulative-effect adjustment to the December 1, 2018 opening balance of retained earnings, if any. We have completed our preliminary evaluation of changes to our revenues using the five step model supported by the new revenue standard. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on our consolidated financial statements relates to the gross presentation of prepaid travel agent commissions, shore excursions and other onboard revenues and costs which were historically presented net.  The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact to the timing of our recognition of revenues and will require additional disclosures.

 

The FASB issued amended guidance, Business Combinations - Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which assists entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. This guidance is required to be adopted by us in the first quarter of 2019 on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

The FASB issued amended guidance, Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which clarifies how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendments are aimed at reducing the existing diversity in practice. This guidance is required to be adopted by us in the first quarter of 2019 and must be applied using a retrospective approach for each period presented. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

The FASB issued amended guidance, Statement of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash, which requires restricted cash to be presented with cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. This guidance is required to be adopted by us in the first quarter of 2019 and must be applied using a retrospective approach to each period presented. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

The FASB issued amended guidance, Service Concession Arrangements, which clarifies that the grantor in a service arrangement should be considered the customer of the operating entity in all cases. This guidance is required to be adopted by us in the first quarter of 2019 and can be applied using either a retrospective or a modified retrospective approach. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

The FASB issued guidance, Leases, which requires an entity to recognize both assets and liabilities arising from financing and operating leases, along with additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. This guidance is required to be adopted by us in the first quarter of 2020 and must be applied using a modified retrospective approach which allows entities to either apply the new lease standard to the beginning of the earliest period presented or only to the current period consolidated financial statement. Early adoption is permitted. The initial adoption of this guidance is expected to increase both our total assets and total liabilities, reflecting the lease rights and obligations arising from our lease arrangements, and will require additional disclosures. We are evaluating certain contractual arrangements to determine if they contain an implicit right to use an asset that would qualify as a leasing arrangement under the new guidance.

 

The FASB issued guidance, Derivatives and Hedging, which targeted improvements to accounting for hedging activities such as hedging strategies, effectiveness assessments, and recognition of derivative gains or losses. This guidance is required to be adopted by us in the first quarter of 2020 and must be applied using a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

The FASB issued guidance, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software, which requires a customer in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract to follow the internal-use software guidance to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as assets or expense as incurred. The expense related to deferred implementation costs is required to be presented in the same income statement line item as the related hosting fees. Additionally, the payments for deferred implementation costs are required to be presented in the same line item in the statement of cash flows as payments for the related hosting fees. This guidance is required to be adopted by us in the first quarter of 2021 and must be applied using either a prospective or a retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statement.

 

NOTE 3 - Property and Equipment

 

November 30,

 (in millions)

2018

 

2017

Ships and ship improvements

$

46,957

 

 

$

46,744

 

Ships under construction

2,004

 

 

790

 

Other property and equipment

3,661

 

 

3,331

 

Total property and equipment

52,622

 

 

50,865

 

Less accumulated depreciation

(17,286

)

 

(16,435

)

 

$

35,336

 

 

$

34,430

 

 

Capitalized interest amounted to $36 million in 2018, $28 million in 2017 and $26 million in 2016.

 

Sales of Ships

 

In March 2018, we entered into an agreement to sell an NAA segment 1,260-passenger capacity ship. The ship will be transferred to the buyer in April 2019.

 

In March 2018, we sold and transferred an EA segment 700-passenger capacity ship.

 

In April 2018, we sold and transferred an EA segment 1,300-passenger capacity ship.

 

In June 2018, we sold a NAA segment 840-passenger capacity ship. The ship will be transferred to the buyer in July 2019.

 

In June 2018, we sold an EA segment 1,880-passenger capacity ship. The ship will be transferred to the buyer in August 2019.

 

In August 2018, we entered into an agreement to sell an NAA segment 1,680-passenger capacity ship. The ship will be transferred to the buyer in March 2019.

 

In November 2018, we entered into an agreement to sell an EA segment 2,210-passenger capacity ship. The ship will be transferred to the buyer by the end of 2019.

 

In November 2018, we entered into an agreement to sell an EA segment 2,110-passenger capacity ship. The ship will be transferred to the buyer at a date still to be determined.

 

NOTE 4 - Other Assets

 

We have a minority interest in Grand Bahama Shipyard Ltd. ("Grand Bahama"), a ship repair and maintenance facility. Grand Bahama provided services to us of $89 million in 2018, $97 million in 2017 and $58 million in 2016.

 

In July 2018, we acquired a minority interest in the White Pass & Yukon Route ("White Pass") division of TWC Enterprises Ltd. that includes White Pass' port, railroad and retail operations in Skagway, Alaska.

 

In October 2018, we acquired a minority interest in CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping Limited ("CSSC-Carnival"), a China-based cruise company which will operate its own fleet designed to serve the Chinese market. In November 2018, we entered into an agreement to sell two EA segment ships to CSSC-Carnival.

 

NOTE 5 - Unsecured Debt

 

November 30, 2018

 

November 30,

 (in millions)

Interest Rates

 

Maturities Through

 

2018

 

2017

Long-Term Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Export Credit Facilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate

2.4% to 5.0%

 

2030

 

$

1,819

 

 

$

860

 

EUR fixed rate

3.8% to 4.5%

 

2025

 

189

 

 

229

 

Floating rate

3.0% to 3.3%

 

2022

 

240

 

 

307

 

EUR floating rate

0.0% to 0.7%

 

2027

 

1,297

 

 

1,596

 

Bank Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EUR fixed rate

0.5% to 3.9%

 

2021

 

257

 

 

653

 

Floating rate

3.2% to 3.6%

 

2025

 

495

 

 

500

 

EUR floating rate

0.3% to 0.7%

 

2023

 

1,193

 

 

355

 

GBP floating rate

1.3% to 1.7%

 

2023

 

848

 

-

 

415

 

Private Placement Notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EUR fixed rate

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

57

 

Publicly-Traded Notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate

4.0% to 7.2%

 

2028

 

1,217

 

 

1,717

 

EUR fixed rate

1.1% to 1.9%

 

2022

 

1,989

 

 

2,072

 

Short-Term Borrowings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floating rate commercial paper

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

420

 

EUR floating rate commercial paper

(0.2)%

 

2019

 

621

 

 

65

 

EUR fixed rate bank loans

(0.2)%

 

2019

 

227

 

 

-

 

Total Debt

 

 

 

 

10,394

 

 

9,246

 

Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs

 

 

 

 

(71

)

 

(51

)

Total Debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs

 

 

 

 

10,323

 

 

9,195

 

Less: Short-term borrowings

 

 

 

 

(848

)

 

(485

)

Less: Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

 

 

(1,578

)

 

(1,717

)

Long-Term Debt

 

 

 

 

$

7,897

 

 

$

6,993

 

                         

 

The debt table does not include the impact of our foreign currency and interest rate swaps. The interest rates on some of our debt, and in the case of our main revolving credit facility, fluctuate based on the applicable rating of senior unsecured long-term securities of Carnival Corporation or Carnival plc. For the twelve months ended November 30, 2018 and 2017, we had borrowings of $2 million and $111 million and repayments of $2 million and $364 million of commercial paper with original maturities greater than three months.

 

Interest-bearing debt is recorded at initial fair value, which normally reflects the proceeds received by us, net of debt issuance costs, and is subsequently stated at amortized cost. Debt issuance costs are generally amortized to interest expense using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method, over the term of the debt. In addition, all debt issue discounts and premiums are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the term of the notes.

 

Substantially all of our fixed rate debt can be called or prepaid by incurring additional costs. In addition, substantially all of our debt agreements, including our main revolving credit facility, contain one or more financial covenants that require us to:

 

•               Maintain minimum debt service coverage 

•               Maintain minimum shareholders' equity

•               Limit our debt to capital and debt to equity ratios  

•               Limit the amounts of our secured assets as well as secured and other indebtedness 

 

Generally, if an event of default under any debt agreement occurs, then pursuant to cross default acceleration clauses, substantially all of our outstanding debt and derivative contract payables could become due, and all debt and derivative contracts could be terminated. At November 30, 2018, we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants.

 

The scheduled annual maturities of our debt were as follows:

(in millions)

 

 

Fiscal

 

November 30, 2018

2019

 

$

2,426

 

2020

 

2,143

 

2021

 

1,101

 

2022

 

1,081

 

2023

 

1,776

 

Thereafter

 

1,868

 

 

 

$

10,394

 

 

Committed Ship Financings

 

We have unsecured euro and U.S. dollar long-term export credit committed ship financings. These commitments, if drawn at the time of ship delivery, are generally repayable semi-annually over 12 years. We have the option to cancel each one at specified dates prior to the underlying ship's delivery date.

 

Revolving Credit Facilities

 

At November 30, 2018, we had $2.9 billion of total revolving credit facilities comprised of a $2.6 billion ($1.9 billion, €500 million and £169 million) multi-currency revolving credit facility that expires in 2021 (the "Facility") and a $300 million revolving credit facility that expires in 2020. A total of $2.3 billion of this capacity was available for drawing, which is net of outstanding commercial paper. The Facility currently bears interest at LIBOR/EURIBOR plus a margin of 30 basis points ("bps"). The margin varies based on changes to Carnival Corporation's and Carnival plc's long-term senior unsecured credit ratings. We are required to pay a commitment fee on any undrawn portion.

 

NOTE 6 - Commitments

 

Fiscal

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

2019

 

2020

 

2021

 

2022

 

2023

 

Thereafter

 

Total

New ship growth capital

$

4,935

 

 

$

3,849

 

 

$

3,887

 

 

$

3,117

 

 

$

2,110

 

 

$

1,132

 

 

$

19,029

 

Operating leases

70

 

 

48

 

 

46

 

 

36

 

 

35

 

 

180

 

 

415

 

Port facilities and other

311

 

 

292

 

 

249

 

 

172

 

 

132

 

 

1,097

 

 

2,253

 

 

$

5,316

 

 

$

4,189

 

 

$

4,182

 

 

$

3,325

 

 

$

2,277

 

 

$

2,409

 

 

$

21,697

 

 

NOTE 7 - Contingencies

 

Litigation

 

In the normal course of our business, various claims and lawsuits have been filed or are pending against us. Most of these claims and lawsuits, or any settlement of claims and lawsuits, are covered by insurance and the maximum amount of our liability, net of any insurance recoverables, is typically limited to our self-insurance retention levels. We believe the ultimate outcome of these claims, lawsuits, and settlements, as applicable, each and in the aggregate, will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Contingent Obligations - Indemnifications

 

Some of the debt contracts we enter into include indemnification provisions obligating us to make payments to the counterparty if certain events occur. These contingencies generally relate to changes in taxes or changes in laws which increase our lenders' costs. There are no stated or notional amounts included in the indemnification clauses, and we are not able to estimate the maximum potential amount of future payments, if any, under these indemnification clauses.

 

NOTE 8 - Taxation

 

A summary of our principal taxes and exemptions in the jurisdictions where our significant operations are located is as follows:

 

U.S. Income Tax

 

We are primarily foreign corporations engaged in the business of operating cruise ships in international transportation. We also own and operate, among other businesses, the U.S. hotel and transportation business of Holland America Princess Alaska Tours through U.S. corporations.

 

Our North American cruise ship businesses and certain ship-owning subsidiaries are engaged in a trade or business within the U.S. Depending on its itinerary, any particular ship may generate income from sources within the U.S. We believe that our U.S. source income and the income of our ship-owning subsidiaries, to the extent derived from, or incidental to, the international operation of a ship or ships, is currently exempt from U.S. federal income and branch profit taxes.

 

Our domestic U.S. operations, principally the hotel and transportation business of Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, are subject to federal and state income taxation in the U.S.

 

In general, under Section 883 of the Internal Revenue Code, certain non-U.S. corporations (such as our North American cruise ship businesses) are not subject to U.S. federal income tax or branch profits tax on U.S. source income derived from, or incidental to, the international operation of a ship or ships. Applicable U.S. Treasury regulations provide in general that a foreign corporation will qualify for the benefits of Section 883 if, in relevant part, (i) the foreign country in which the foreign corporation is organized grants an equivalent exemption to corporations organized in the U.S. in respect of each category of shipping income for which an exemption is being claimed under Section 883 (an "equivalent exemption jurisdiction") and (ii) the foreign corporation meets a defined publicly-traded corporation stock ownership test (the "publicly-traded test"). Subsidiaries of foreign corporations that are organized in an equivalent exemption jurisdiction and meet the publicly-traded test also benefit from Section 883. We believe that Panama is an equivalent exemption jurisdiction and that Carnival Corporation currently satisfies the publicly-traded test under the regulations. Accordingly, substantially all of Carnival Corporation's income is exempt from U.S. federal income and branch profit taxes.

 

Regulations under Section 883 list certain activities that the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") does not consider to be incidental to the international operation of ships and, therefore, the income attributable to such activities, to the extent such income is U.S. source, does not qualify for the Section 883 exemption. Among the activities identified as not incidental are income from the sale of air transportation, transfers, shore excursions and pre- and post-cruise land packages to the extent earned from sources within the U.S.

 

We believe that the U.S. source transportation income earned by Carnival plc and its subsidiaries currently qualifies for exemption from U.S. federal income tax under applicable bilateral U.S. income tax treaties.

 

Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc and certain of their subsidiaries are subject to various U.S. state income taxes generally imposed on each state's portion of the U.S. source income subject to U.S. federal income taxes. However, the state of Alaska imposes an income tax on its allocated portion of the total income of our companies doing business in Alaska and certain of their subsidiaries.

 

UK and Australian Income Tax

 

Cunard, P&O Cruises (UK) and P&O Cruises (Australia) are divisions of Carnival plc and have elected to enter the UK tonnage tax under a rolling ten-year term and, accordingly, reapply every year. Companies to which the tonnage tax regime applies pay corporation taxes on profits calculated by reference to the net tonnage of qualifying ships. UK corporation tax is not chargeable under the normal UK tax rules on these brands' relevant shipping income. Relevant shipping income includes income from the operation of qualifying ships and from shipping related activities.

 

For a company to be eligible for the regime, it must be subject to UK corporation tax and, among other matters, operate qualifying ships that are strategically and commercially managed in the UK. Companies within UK tonnage tax are also subject to a seafarer training requirement.

 

Our UK non-shipping activities that do not qualify under the UK tonnage tax regime remain subject to normal UK corporation tax. Dividends received from subsidiaries of Carnival plc doing business outside the UK are generally exempt from UK corporation tax.

 

P&O Cruises (Australia) and all of the other cruise ships operated internationally by Carnival plc for the cruise segment of the Australian vacation region are exempt from Australian corporation tax by virtue of the UK/Australian income tax treaty.

 

Italian and German Income Tax

 

In early 2015, Costa and AIDA re-elected to enter the Italian tonnage tax regime through 2024 and can reapply for an additional ten-year period beginning in early 2025. Companies to which the tonnage tax regime applies pay corporation taxes on shipping profits calculated by reference to the net tonnage of qualifying ships.

 

Most of Costa's and AIDA's earnings that are not eligible for taxation under the Italian tonnage tax regime will be taxed at an effective tax rate of 4.8%.

 

Substantially all of AIDA's earnings are exempt from German income taxes by virtue of the Germany/Italy income tax treaty.

 

Asian Countries Income Taxes

 

Substantially all of our brands' income from their international operations in Asian countries is exempt from income tax by virtue of relevant income tax treaties.

 

Other

 

We recognize income tax provisions for uncertain tax positions, based solely on their technical merits, when it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant tax authority. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate resolution. Based on all known facts and circumstances and current tax law, we believe that the total amount of our uncertain income tax position liabilities and related accrued interest are not significant to our financial position. All interest expense related to income tax liabilities is included in income tax expense.

 

We do not expect to incur income taxes on future distributions of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and, accordingly, no deferred income taxes have been provided for the distribution of these earnings. In addition to or in place of income taxes, virtually all jurisdictions where our ships call impose taxes, fees and other charges based on guest counts, ship tonnage, passenger capacity or some other measure, and these taxes, fees and other charges are included in commissions, transportation and other costs and other ship operating expenses.

 

NOTE 9 - Shareholders' Equity

 

Under a share repurchase program effective 2004, we are authorized to repurchase Carnival Corporation common stock and Carnival plc ordinary shares (the "Repurchase Program"). Effective April 10 and August 27, 2018, the company approved modifications of the general authorization under the Repurchase Program, which replenished the remaining authorized repurchases at the time of the approvals to $1.0 billion. The Repurchase Program does not have an expiration date and may be discontinued by our Boards of Directors at any time.

 

Carnival Corporation

 

Carnival plc

(in millions)

Number of Shares Repurchased

 

Dollar Amount Paid for Shares Repurchased

 

Number of Shares Repurchased

 

Dollar Amount Paid for Shares Repurchased

2018

7.8

 

 

$

476

 

 

16.3

 

 

$

985

 

2017

3.3

 

 

$

223

 

 

5.6

 

 

$

335

 

2016

47.8

 

 

$

2,264

 

 

0.7

 

 

$

35

 

 

In addition to the Repurchase Program, we have programs that allow us to obtain an economic benefit when either Carnival Corporation common stock is trading at a premium to the price of Carnival plc ordinary shares or Carnival plc ordinary shares are trading at a premium to Carnival Corporation common stock (the "Stock Swap Programs").

 

During 2016, under the Stock Swap Programs, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation sold 0.9 million of Carnival plc ordinary shares for net proceeds of $40 million. Substantially all of the net proceeds from these sales were used to purchase 0.9 million shares of Carnival Corporation common stock. Carnival Corporation sold these Carnival plc ordinary shares owned by the subsidiary only to the extent it was able to repurchase an equivalent number of shares of Carnival Corporation common stock in the U.S.

 

During 2018 and 2017, there were no sales or repurchases under the Stock Swap Programs. During 2016, there were no sales of Carnival Corporation common stock or repurchases of Carnival plc ordinary shares under the Stock Swap Programs.

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

November 30,

(in millions)

2018

 

2017

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments, net

$

(1,875

)

 

$

(1,675

)

Unrecognized pension expenses

(56

)

 

(94

)

Net losses on cash flow derivative hedges

(19

)

 

(13

)

 

$

(1,949

)

 

$

(1,782

)

 

During 2018, 2017 and 2016, there were $5 million, $18 million and $7 million of unrecognized pension expenses that were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and were included within payroll and related expenses and selling and administrative expenses.

 

We declared quarterly cash dividends on all of our common stock and ordinary shares as follows:

 

Quarters Ended

(in millions, except per share data)

February 28/29

 

May 31

 

August 31

 

November 30

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per share

$

0.45

 

 

$

0.50

 

 

$

0.50

 

 

$

0.50

 

Dividends declared

$

322

 

 

$

357

 

 

$

350

 

 

$

349

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per share

$

0.35

 

 

$

0.40

 

 

$

0.40

 

 

$

0.45

 

Dividends declared

$

251

 

 

$

291

 

 

$

289

 

 

$

324

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per share

$

0.30

 

 

$

0.35

 

 

$

0.35

 

 

$

0.35

 

Dividends declared

$

225

 

 

$

261

 

 

$

256

 

 

$

254

 

 

Carnival Corporation's Articles of Incorporation authorize its Board of Directors, at its discretion, to issue up to $40 million shares of preferred stock. At November 30, 2018 and 2017, no Carnival Corporation preferred stock had been issued and a nominal amount of Carnival plc preference shares had been issued.

 

NOTE 10 - Fair Value Measurements, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities and Financial Risk

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and is measured using inputs in one of the following three categories:

 

•       Level 1 measurements are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Valuation of these items does not entail a significant amount of judgment.

 

•       Level 2 measurements are based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active or market data other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities.

 

•       Level 3 measurements are based on unobservable data that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

 

Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, certain estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange.

 

Financial Instruments that are not Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

November 30, 2018

 

November 30, 2017

 

Carrying
Value

 

Fair Value

 

Carrying
Value

 

Fair Value

(in millions)

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term other assets (a)

$

127

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

30

 

 

$

95

 

 

$

126

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

49

 

 

$

75

 

Total

$

127

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

30

 

 

$

95

 

 

$

126

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

49

 

 

$

75

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate debt (b)

$

5,699

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

5,799

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

5,588

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

5,892

 

 

$

-

 

Floating rate debt (b)

4,695

 

 

-

 

 

4,727

 

 

-

 

 

3,658

 

 

-

 

 

3,697

 

 

-

 

Total

$

10,394

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

10,526

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

9,246

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

9,589

 

 

$

-

 

 

(a)         Long-term other assets are comprised of notes receivable. The fair values of our Level 2 notes receivables were based on estimated future cash flows discounted at appropriate market interest rates. The fair values of our Level 3 notes receivable were estimated using risk-adjusted discount rates.

(b)         The debt amounts above do not include the impact of interest rate swaps or debt issuance costs. The fair values of our publicly-traded notes were based on their unadjusted quoted market prices in markets that are not sufficiently active to be Level 1 and, accordingly, are considered Level 2. The fair values of our other debt were estimated based on current market interest rates being applied to this debt.

 

Financial Instruments that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

November 30, 2018

 

November 30, 2017

(in millions)

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

982

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

395

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

Restricted cash

14

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

26

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Marketable securities held in rabbi trusts (a)

9

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

97

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Derivative financial instruments

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

15

 

 

-

 

Total

$

1,005

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

518

 

 

$

15

 

 

$

-

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments

$

-

 

 

$

29

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

161

 

 

$

-

 

Total

$

-

 

 

$

29

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

161

 

 

$

-

 

 

(a)       The use of marketable securities held in rabbi trusts is restricted to funding certain deferred compensation and non-qualified U.S. pension plans.

 

Nonfinancial Instruments that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

 

Valuation of Goodwill and Trademarks

 

As of July 31, 2018, we performed our annual goodwill and trademark impairment reviews and we determined there was no

impairment for goodwill or trademarks.

 

During 2017, we made a decision to strategically realign our business in Australia, which includes reducing

capacity in P&O Cruises (Australia). We performed discounted cash flow analyses and determined that the estimated fair values of the P&O Cruises (Australia) reporting unit and its trademark no longer exceeded their carrying values. We recognized a goodwill impairment charge of $38 million and a trademark impairment charge of $50 million for the year ended November 30, 2017.

 

The determination of our reporting unit goodwill and trademark fair values includes numerous assumptions that are subject to

various risks and uncertainties. The principal assumptions, all of which are considered Level 3 inputs, used in our cash flow

analyses consisted of:

 

•       Forecasted operating results, including net revenue yields and net cruise costs including fuel prices  

•       Capacity changes and the expected rotation of vessels into or out of each of these cruise brands, including decisions about the allocation of new ships amongst brands, the transfer of ships between brands and the timing of ship dispositions

•       Weighted-average cost of capital of market participants, adjusted for the risk attributable to the geographic regions in which these cruise brands operate

•       Capital expenditures, proceeds from forecasted dispositions of ships and terminal values

 

We believe that we have made reasonable estimates and judgments. Changes in the conditions or circumstances may result in a need to recognize an additional impairment charge.

 

Goodwill

(in millions)

NAA Segment

 

EA Segment

 

Total

At November 30, 2016

$

1,934

 

 

$

976

 

 

$

2,910

 

Impairment charge

(38

)

 

-

 

 

(38

)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

2

 

 

93

 

 

95

 

At November 30, 2017

1,898

 

 

1,069

 

 

2,967

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

-

 

 

(42

)

 

(42

)

At November 30, 2018

$

1,898

 

 

$

1,027

 

 

$

2,925

 

 

 

Trademarks

(in millions)

NAA Segment

 

EA Segment

 

Total

At November 30, 2016

$

975

 

 

$

231

 

 

$

1,206

 

Impairment charge

(50

)

 

-

 

 

(50

)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

3

 

 

20

 

 

23

 

At November 30, 2017

928

 

 

251

 

 

1,179

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

-

 

 

(10

)

 

(10

)

At November 30, 2018

$

927

 

 

$

242

 

 

$

1,169

 

 

Impairments of Ships

 

We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate potential impairment. Primarily as a

result of our decision during 2017 to strategically realign our business in Australia, which includes reducing capacity in P&O Cruises (Australia), we performed undiscounted cash flow analyses on certain ships as of July 31, 2017. Based on these undiscounted cash flow analyses, we determined that some of these ships had net carrying values that exceeded their estimated undiscounted future cash flows. We estimated the July 31, 2017 fair values of these ships based on their discounted cash flows and comparable market transactions. We then compared these estimated fair values to the net carrying values and, as a result, we recognized $162 million and $142 million of ship impairment charges in the NAA and EA segments, respectively, for the year end November 30, 2017. The impairment is included in other ship operating expenses in our consolidated statements of income.

 

The principal assumptions used in our analyses consisted of forecasted future operating results, including net revenue yields and net cruise costs including fuel prices, estimated ship sale proceeds, and changes in strategy, including decisions about the transfer of ships between brands. All principal assumptions are considered Level 3 inputs.

 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

 

 

November 30,

(in millions)

Balance Sheet Location

 

2018

 

2017

Derivative assets

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 

 

 

Cross currency swaps (a)

Prepaid expenses and other

 

$

-

 

 

$

3

 

Foreign currency zero cost collars (b)

Prepaid expenses and other

 

-

 

 

12

 

Total derivative assets

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

15

 

Derivative liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 

 

 

Cross currency swaps (a)

Accrued liabilities and other

 

$

5

 

 

$

13

 

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

-

 

 

17

 

Interest rate swaps (c)

Accrued liabilities and other

 

8

 

 

10

 

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

11

 

 

17

 

 

 

 

23

 

 

57

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel (d)

Accrued liabilities and other

 

6

 

 

95

 

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

-

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

104

 

Total derivative liabilities

 

 

$

29

 

 

$

161

 

 

(a)       At November 30, 2018 and 2017, we had cross currency swaps totaling $156 million and $324 million, respectively, that are designated as hedges of our net investments in foreign operations with a euro-denominated functional currency. At November 30, 2018, this cross currency swap settles through September 2019.

(b)       At November 30, 2017, we had foreign currency derivatives consisting of foreign currency zero cost collars that are designated as foreign currency cash flow hedges for a portion of our euro-denominated shipbuilding payments.

(c)       We have euro interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges whereby we receive floating interest rate payments in exchange for making fixed interest rate payments. These interest rate swap agreements effectively changed $385 million at November 30, 2018 and $479 million at November 30, 2017 of EURIBOR-based floating rate euro debt to fixed rate euro debt. At November 30, 2018, these interest rate swaps settle through March 2025.

(d)       At November 30, 2017, we had fuel derivatives consisting of zero cost collars on Brent crude oil ("Brent") to cover a portion of our estimated fuel consumption through 2018.

 

Our derivative contracts include rights of offset with our counterparties. We have elected to net certain of our derivative assets and liabilities within counterparties.

 

November 30, 2018

(in millions)

Gross Amounts

 

Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet

 

Total Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheet

 

Gross Amounts not Offset in the Balance Sheet

 

Net Amounts

Assets

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

Liabilities

$

29

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

29

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 30, 2017

(in millions)

Gross Amounts

 

Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet

 

Total Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheet

 

Gross Amounts not Offset in the Balance Sheet

 

Net Amounts

Assets

$

15

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

15

 

 

$

(8

)

 

$

7

 

Liabilities

$

161

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

161

 

 

$

(8

)

 

$

153

 

 

The effective gain (loss) portions of our derivatives qualifying and designated as hedging instruments recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income were as follows:

 

November 30,

(in millions)

2018

 

2017

 

2016

Cross currency swaps - net investment hedges

$

18

 

 

$

(31

)

 

$

(33

)

Foreign currency zero cost collars - cash flow hedges

$

(12

)

 

$

45

 

 

$

(8

)

Interest rate swaps - cash flow hedges

$

6

 

 

$

8

 

 

$

8

 

 

At November 30, 2018 and 2017, no collateral was required to be posted to or received from our fuel derivative counterparties.

 

The amount of estimated cash flow hedges' unrealized gains and losses that are expected to be reclassified to earnings in the next twelve months is not significant.

 

Financial Risk

 

Fuel Price Risks

 

We manage our exposure to fuel price risk by managing our consumption of fuel. Substantially all of our exposure to market risk for changes in fuel prices relates to the consumption of fuel on our ships. We manage fuel consumption through ship maintenance practices, modifying our itineraries and implementing innovative technologies. We are also adding new, more fuel efficient ships to our fleet and are strategically disposing of smaller, less fuel efficient ships.

 

November 30,

(in millions)

2018

 

2017

 

2016

Unrealized gains on fuel derivatives, net

$

94

 

 

$

227

 

 

$

236

 

Realized losses on fuel derivatives, net

(35

)

 

(192

)

 

(283

)

Gains (losses) on fuel derivatives, net

$

59

 

 

$

35

 

 

$

(47

)

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risks

 

Overall Strategy

 

We manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates through our normal operating and financing activities, including netting certain exposures to take advantage of any natural offsets and, when considered appropriate, through the use of derivative and non-derivative financial instruments. Our primary focus is to monitor our exposure to, and manage, the economic foreign currency exchange risks faced by our operations and realized if we exchange one currency for another. We currently only hedge certain of our ship commitments and net investments in foreign operations. The financial impacts of the hedging instruments we do employ generally offset the changes in the underlying exposures being hedged.

 

Operational Currency Risks

 

Our operations primarily utilize the U.S. dollar, Australian dollar, euro or sterling as their functional currencies.  Our operations also have revenue and expenses denominated in non-functional currencies. Movements in foreign currency exchange rates will affect our financial statements.  

 

Investment Currency Risks

 

We consider our investments in foreign operations to be denominated in stable currencies. Our investments in foreign operations are of a long-term nature. We have $5.9 billion and $848 million of euro- and sterling-denominated debt, respectively, including the effect of cross currency swaps, which provides an economic offset for our operations with euro and sterling functional currency. We also partially mitigate our net investment currency exposures by denominating a portion of our foreign currency intercompany payables in our foreign operations' functional currencies.

 

Newbuild Currency Risks

 

Our shipbuilding contracts are typically denominated in euros. Our decision to hedge a non-functional currency ship commitment for our cruise brands is made on a case-by-case basis, considering the amount and duration of the exposure, market volatility, economic trends, our overall expected net cash flows by currency and other offsetting risks. We use foreign currency derivative contracts to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk for some of our ship construction payments. At November 30, 2018 we had no outstanding foreign currency derivative contracts used to manage shipyard payments.

 

At November 30, 2018, our remaining newbuild currency exchange rate risk primarily relates to euro-denominated newbuild contract payments to non-euro functional currency brands, which represent a total unhedged commitment of $10.1 billion for newbuilds scheduled to be delivered from 2019 through 2025.

 

The cost of shipbuilding orders that we may place in the future that is denominated in a different currency than our cruise brands' will be affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. These foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations may affect our decision to order new cruise ships.

 

Interest Rate Risks

 

We manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates through our debt portfolio management and investment strategies. We evaluate our debt portfolio to determine whether to make periodic adjustments to the mix of fixed and floating rate debt through the use of interest rate swaps, issuance of new debt, amendment of existing debt or early retirement of existing debt.

 

Concentrations of Credit Risk

 

As part of our ongoing control procedures, we monitor concentrations of credit risk associated with financial and other institutions with which we conduct significant business. We seek to minimize these credit risk exposures, including counterparty nonperformance primarily associated with our cash equivalents, investments, committed financing facilities, contingent obligations, derivative instruments, insurance contracts and new ship progress payment guarantees, by:

 

•       Conducting business with large, well-established financial institutions, insurance companies and export credit agencies

•       Diversifying our counterparties

•       Having guidelines regarding credit ratings and investment maturities that we follow to help safeguard liquidity and minimize risk

•       Generally requiring collateral and/or guarantees to support notes receivable on significant asset sales, long-term ship charters and new ship progress payments to shipyards

 

We believe the risk of nonperformance by any of our significant counterparties is remote. At November 30, 2018, our exposures under foreign currency contracts and interest rate swap agreements were not material. We also monitor the creditworthiness of travel agencies and tour operators in Asia, Australia and Europe, which includes charter-hire agreements in Asia and credit and debit card providers to which we extend credit in the normal course of our business. Our credit exposure also includes contingent obligations related to cash payments received directly by travel agents and tour operators for cash collected by them on cruise sales in Australia and most of Europe where we are obligated to honor our guests' cruise payments made by them to their travel agents and tour operators regardless of whether we have received these payments. Concentrations of credit risk associated with these trade receivables, charter-hire agreements and contingent obligations are not considered to be material, principally due to the large number of unrelated accounts, the nature of these contingent obligations and their short maturities. We have not experienced significant credit losses on our trade receivables, charter-hire agreements and contingent obligations. We do not normally require collateral or other security to support normal credit sales.

 

NOTE 11 - Segment Information

 

Beginning in the first quarter of 2018, we revised our operating segments due to changes in our internal reporting as a result of the recent strategic realignment of our business in Australia. The presentation of prior period segment information has been revised to reflect this change. Our operating segments are reported on the same basis as the internally reported information that is provided to our chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), who is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc. The CODM assesses performance and makes decisions to allocate resources for Carnival Corporation & plc based upon review of the results across all of our segments. Our four reportable segments are comprised of (1) NAA cruise operations, (2) EA cruise operations, (3) Cruise Support and (4) Tour and Other.

 

The operating segments within each of our NAA and EA reportable segments have been aggregated based on the similarity of their economic and other characteristics. Our Cruise Support segment includes our portfolio of leading port destinations and other services, all of which are operated for the benefit of our cruise brands. Our Tour and Other segment represents the hotel and transportation operations of Holland America Princess Alaska Tours and other operations.

 

As of and for the years ended November 30,

(in millions)

Revenues

 

Operating costs and expenses

 

Selling and administrative

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

Operating income (loss)

 

Capital expenditures

 

Total assets

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAA

$

12,236

 

 

$

7,180

 

 

$

1,403

 

 

$

1,264

 

 

$

2,389

 

 

$

2,614

 

 

$

25,613

 

EA

6,243

 

 

3,676

 

 

751

 

 

611

 

 

1,205

 

 

945

 

 

13,825

 

Cruise Support

129

 

 

53

 

 

268

 

 

103

 

 

(296

)

 

38

 

 

2,303

 

Tour and Other

272

 

 

180

 

 

28

 

 

39

 

 

26

 

 

152

 

 

660

 

 

$

18,881

 

 

$

11,089

 

 

$

2,450

 

 

$

2,017

 

 

$

3,325

 

 

$

3,749

 

 

$

42,401

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAA

$

11,442

 

 

$

6,704

 

 

$

1,337

 

 

$

1,195

 

 

$

2,117

 

(a)

$

1,715

 

 

$

24,430

 

EA

5,703

 

 

3,568

 

 

667

 

 

561

 

 

907

 

 

793

 

 

14,149

 

Cruise Support

129

 

 

66

 

 

246

 

 

53

 

 

(235

)

 

431

 

 

1,739

 

Tour and Other

236

 

 

163

 

 

15

 

 

37

 

 

20

 

 

5

 

 

459

 

 

$

17,510

 

 

$

10,501

 

 

$

2,265

 

 

$

1,846

 

 

$

2,809

 

 

$

2,944

 

 

$

40,778

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAA

$

10,563

 

 

$

5,961

 

 

$

1,273

 

 

$

1,117

 

 

$

2,211

 

 

$

2,114

 

 

$

24,066

 

EA

5,464

 

 

3,203

 

 

638

 

 

538

 

 

1,086

 

 

622

 

 

12,844

 

Cruise Support

131

 

 

67

 

 

278

 

 

42

 

 

(256

)

 

310

 

 

1,513

 

Tour and Other

231

 

 

152

 

 

8

 

 

41

 

 

30

 

 

16

 

 

458

 

 

$

16,389

 

 

$

9,383

 

 

$

2,197

 

 

$

1,738

 

 

$

3,071

 

 

$

3,062

 

 

$

38,881

 

 

(a)       Includes $89 million of impairment charges related to NAA's goodwill and trademarks.

 

Revenues by geographic areas, which are based on where our guests are sourced, were as follows:

 

Years Ended November 30,

(in millions)

2018

 

2017

 

2016

North America

$

10,066

 

 

$

9,195

 

 

$

8,327

 

Europe

5,957

 

 

5,414

 

 

5,254

 

Australia and Asia

2,530

 

 

2,604

 

 

2,506

 

Other

327

 

 

297

 

 

302

 

 

$

18,881

 

 

$

17,510

 

 

$

16,389

 

 

Substantially all of our long-lived assets consist of our ships and move between geographic areas.

 

NOTE 12 - Compensation Plans

 

Equity Plans

 

We issue our share-based compensation awards, which at November 30, 2018 included time-based share awards (restricted stock awards and restricted stock units), performance-based share awards and market-based share awards (collectively "equity awards"), under the Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc stock plans. Equity awards are principally granted to management level employees and members of our Boards of Directors. The plans are administered by the Compensation Committee which is made up of independent directors who determine which employees are eligible to participate, the monetary value or number of shares for which equity awards are to be granted and the amounts that may be exercised or sold within a specified term. We had an aggregate of 13.5 million shares available for future grant at November 30, 2018. We fulfill our equity award obligations using shares purchased in the open market or with unissued shares or treasury shares. Our equity awards generally vest over a three-year period, subject to earlier vesting under certain conditions.

 

Shares

 

Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair
Value

Outstanding at November 30, 2015

3,609,395

 

 

$

42.84

 

Granted

1,451,917

 

 

$

53.98

 

Vested

(1,454,381

)

 

$

38.18

 

Forfeited

(193,806

)

 

$

47.76

 

Outstanding at November 30, 2016

3,413,125

 

 

$

48.03

 

Granted

1,116,314

 

 

$

54.79

 

Vested

(1,466,690

)

 

$

38.95

 

Forfeited

(112,781

)

 

$

51.72

 

Outstanding at November 30, 2017

2,949,968

 

 

$

51.82

 

Granted

951,906

 

 

$

66.68

 

Vested

(1,419,218

)

 

$

45.45

 

Forfeited

(202,139

)

 

$

56.57

 

Outstanding at November 30, 2018

2,280,517

 

 

$

61.57

 

 

As of November 30, 2018, there was $65 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to equity awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years.

 

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

 

We have several single-employer defined benefit pension plans, which cover some of our shipboard and shoreside employees. The U.S. and UK shoreside employee plans are closed to new membership and are funded at or above the level required by U.S. or UK regulations. The remaining defined benefit plans are primarily unfunded. In determining all of our plans' benefit obligations at November 30, 2018 and 2017, we assumed a weighted-average discount rate of 3.4% for 2018 and 2.7% for 2017.

 

In addition, we participate in two multiemployer defined benefit pension plans in the UK, the British Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund (registration number 10005645) ("MNOPF"), which is divided into two sections, the "New Section" and the "Old Section" and the British Merchant Navy Ratings Pension Fund (registration number 10005646) ("MNRPF"). Collectively, we refer to these as "the multiemployer plans." The multiemployer plans are maintained for the benefit of the employees of the participating employers who make contributions to the plans. However, contributions made by employers, including us, may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers, and if any of the participating employers withdraw from the multiemployer plans or fail to make their required contributions, any unfunded obligations would be the responsibility of the remaining participating employers. We are contractually obligated to make all required contributions as determined by the plans' trustees. All of our multiemployer plans are closed to new membership and future benefit accrual. The MNOPF Old Section is fully funded.

 

We expense our portion of the MNOPF New Section deficit as amounts are invoiced by, and become due and payable to, the trustees. We accrue and expense our portion of the MNRPF deficit based on our estimated probable obligation from the most recent actuarial review. Total expense for all defined benefit pension plans, including the multiemployer plans, was $36 million in 2018, $53 million in 2017 and $27 million in 2016.

 

Based on the most recent valuation at March 31, 2015 of the MNOPF New Section, it was determined that this plan was 90% funded. In 2018, 2017 and 2016, our contributions to the MNOPF New Section did not exceed 5% of total contributions to the fund. Based on the most recent valuation at March 31, 2017 of the MNRPF, it was determined that this plan was 84% funded. In 2018, 2017 and 2016 our contributions to the MNRPF did not exceed 5% of total contributions to the fund. It is possible that we will be required to fund and expense additional amounts for the multiemployer plans in the future; however, such amounts are not expected to be material to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Defined Contribution Plans

 

We have several defined contribution plans available to most of our employees. We contribute to these plans based on employee contributions, salary levels and length of service. Total expense for these plans was $39 million in 2018, $37 million in 2017 and $30 million in 2016.

 

NOTE 13 - Earnings Per Share

 

Years Ended November 30,

 (in millions, except per share data)

2018

 

2017

 

2016

Net income for basic and diluted earnings per share

$

3,152

 

 

$

2,606

 

 

$

2,779

 

Weighted-average shares outstanding

709

 

 

722

 

 

745

 

Dilutive effect of equity plans

2

 

 

3

 

 

2

 

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding

710

 

 

725

 

 

747

 

Basic earnings per share

$

4.45

 

 

$

3.61

 

 

$

3.73

 

Diluted earnings per share

$

4.44

 

 

$

3.59

 

 

$

3.72

 

 

NOTE 14 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest, was $182 million in 2018, $191 million in 2017 and $211 million in 2016. In addition, cash paid for income taxes, net of recoveries, was $58 million in 2018, $43 million in 2017 and $48 million in 2016.

  

SCHEDULE B

 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Cautionary Note Concerning Factors That May Affect Future Results

 

Some of the statements, estimates or projections contained in this document 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," "outlook," and similar expressions of future intent or the negative of such terms.

 

Forward-looking statements include those statements that relate to our outlook and financial position including, but not limited to, statements regarding:

      Net revenue yields

      Net cruise costs, excluding fuel per available lower berth day

      Booking levels

      Estimates of ship depreciable lives and residual values

      Pricing and occupancy

      Goodwill, ship and trademark fair values

      Interest, tax and fuel expenses

      Liquidity

      Currency exchange rates

      Adjusted earnings per share

 

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 by our forward looking statements. 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:

 

•       Adverse world events impacting the ability or desire of people to travel may lead to a decline in demand for cruises

•       Incidents concerning our ships, guests or the cruise vacation industry as well as adverse weather conditions and other natural disasters may impact the satisfaction of our guests and crew and lead to reputational damage

•       Changes in and non-compliance with laws and regulations under which we operate, such as those relating to health, environment, safety and security, data privacy and protection, anti-corruption, economic sanctions, trade protection and tax may lead to litigation, enforcement actions, fines, penalties, and reputational damage

•       Breaches in data security and lapses in data privacy as well as disruptions and other damages to our principal offices, information technology operations and system networks and failure to keep pace with developments in technology may adversely impact our business operations, the satisfaction of our guests and crew and lead to reputational damage   

•       Ability to recruit, develop and retain qualified shipboard personnel who live away from home for extended periods of time may adversely impact our business operations, guest services and satisfaction

•       Increases in fuel prices and availability of fuel supply may adversely impact our scheduled itineraries and costs

•       Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may adversely impact our financial results

•       Overcapacity and competition in the cruise and land-based vacation industry may lead to a decline in our cruise sales and pricing

•       Geographic regions in which we try to expand our business may be slow to develop or ultimately not develop how we expect

•       Inability to implement our shipbuilding programs and ship repairs, maintenance and refurbishments may adversely impact our business operations and the satisfaction of our guests

 

The ordering of the risk factors set forth above is not intended to reflect our indication of priority or likelihood.

 

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 document, 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.

 

2018 Executive Overview

 

2018 marked another strong financial performance, achieving double-digit ROIC and the highest full year earnings in the company's history.

 

Key information for 2018 compared to the prior year (see "Key Performance Non-GAAP Financial Indicators" for definitions and reconciliations):

 

•       Net income increased 21% to $3.2 billion from $2.6 billion in 2017 and diluted earnings per share increased to $4.44 from $3.59 in 2017.

•       Adjusted net income increased 9.3% to $3.0 billion from $2.8 billion in 2017 and adjusted diluted earnings per share increased to $4.26 from $3.82 in 2017. Adjusted net income excludes for the full year 2018 unrealized gains and losses on fuel derivatives and other net gains, totaling $123 million in net gains and for the full year 2017 unrealized gains and losses on fuel derivatives of $227 million in net gains and impairments and other net charges of $390 million.

•       Revenues increased $1.4 billion to $18.9 billion from $17.5 billion in 2017.

•       Gross cruise revenues increased 7.7% to $18.6 billion from $17.3 billion in 2017. In constant currency, net cruise revenues increased 5.7% to $15.1 billion from $14.3 billion in 2017.

•       Gross revenue yields increased 5.7%. In constant currency, net revenue yields increased 3.7%, comprised of a 3.2% increase in net passenger ticket revenue yields and a 5.1% increase in net onboard and other revenue yields.

•       Gross cruise costs including fuel per ALBD increased 3.9%. Net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD in constant currency increased 1.6%. 

•       Changes in fuel prices (including realized fuel derivatives) and currency exchange rates decreased earnings by $0.21 per share.

 

We achieved double-digit ROIC and the highest full year earnings in our company's history, our fifth consecutive year of adjusted earnings growth and third consecutive record year.  Our 120,000 team members went above and beyond to deliver a more than doubling in ROIC and near tripling of adjusted earnings per share, in just five years, by executing on our strategy to create demand in excess of measured capacity growth while leveraging our industry leading scale, despite numerous headwinds. Their efforts, combined with the strong support of our valued travel agent partners, enabled our record breaking results.

 

While the journey over the last five years to sustained double-digit ROIC was built on the foundation of exceeding guest expectations every single day, we had many other contributions that helped pave the way.

 

•       Our proactive public relations effort to increase understanding and reduce misconceptions has clearly had a positive impact. The absolute number of positive media mentions are multiples of what they were five years ago and our brands consistently capture over 75 percent of all positive media in our industry. 

 

•       Our brands marketing efforts have shared the spotlight with many well-known personalities who brought with them a greater audience of potential new-to-cruise to our respective brands, including Oprah Winfrey for Holland America Line, Shaquille O'Neal for Carnival Cruise Line, Shakira for Costa, and Her Majesty the Queen for P&O Cruises (UK).

 

•       Our brands were featured on television programs all around the world including The New Celebrity Apprentice, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, ITV reality show, The Cruise, in its 6th season in the UK, and Ant & Dec, also in the UK. We created our own original content TV programs which have already reached more than 400 million views airing on major U.S. networks. Our proprietary shows, which include the Voyager with Josh Garcia, Ocean Treks with Jeff Corwin, Vacation Creation, and La Gran Sorpresa, are among the most popular travel series on TV.

 

•       With our history making voyage to Cuba in 2016, we became the first U.S. cruise operator in over 40 years to bring U.S. cruise guests directly from the U.S. to Cuba, and opened up an exciting new destination option for guests of Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Seabourn. Our cruise brands continue to further the guest experience through new destinations like Cuba and Amber Cove and new terminals like Barcelona and Dubai.

 

Our ongoing fleet replenishment efforts are central to our strategy to create demand in excess of measured capacity growth. Over the last five years, we welcomed 12 state-of-the-art, larger, more efficient vessels and exited nine less efficient ships from our fleet, building a more return resilient fleet. We leveraged our scale to reduce costs, achieving cumulative savings of over $350 million in just five years.

 

We also created many innovations and made other investments along the way.

 

•       OceanMedallion debuted onboard Caribbean Princess and has received 36 billion favorable media impressions. We have been recognized globally for our innovation efforts, including being recognized by Fast Company as one of the Top Ten Most Innovative Companies in the travel category.

 

•       Our state-of-the-art revenue management tool has been deployed across half the company to facilitate further yield growth.

 

•       Across many of our brands, we are in the process of rolling out new technology both onboard and shoreside. This includes enhanced targeted marketing, improved CRM capabilities, new mobile apps and redesigned websites, which collectively contribute to an enhanced guest experience, added empowerment to our travel agent partners, increased revenues and reduced cost of sales. 

 

•       We underwent multibillion dollar fleet wide reinvestment efforts, including Funship 2.0 for Carnival Cruise Line and Signature of Excellence for Holland America Line.

 

•       We signed a historic joint venture agreement with CSSC, China State Shipbuilding Corporation, forming a local cruise operating company and forging a significant long-term relationship to help build the cruise industry in China.

 

Over the past five years, we also had many notable achievements in our sustainability efforts including the opening of our significantly expanded Arison Maritime Center in the Netherlands, delivering state of the art maritime training through cutting-edge bridge and engine room simulators and curriculum. We also opened three state-of-the-art Fleet Operations Centers around the globe to provide real time support, ship to shore. On the environmental front, we exceeded our target unit fuel consumption reduction of 25 percent, three years ahead of schedule. We are fully committed to continuous improvement in health, environment, safety and security. 

 

Our strong and growing cash from operations, which reached $5.5 billion in 2018, allows us to internally fund our capital improvements, debt maturities and dividend payments. In addition, we have $11.5 billion of committed export credit facilities available at attractive rates to fund the vast majority of our new ship growth capital.

 

Going forward, our fleet replenishment efforts are purposely designed to achieve greater economies. Over the next five years, we expect net capacity growth of approximately five percent compounded annually. The higher rate of capacity growth will enable us to better contain costs, leaving us less reliant on revenue yield growth to produce double-digit earnings growth over time. This, in combination with our strategy of creating demand in excess of measured capacity growth, will allow us to continue to grow our earnings and to deliver sustainable and growing double-digit ROIC over time.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

Refer to our consolidated financial statements for further information on Accounting Pronouncements.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

Our critical accounting estimates are those we believe require our most significant judgments about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. A discussion of our critical accounting estimates, the underlying judgments and uncertainties used to make them and the likelihood that materially different estimates would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions is as follows:

 

                Ship Accounting

 

Our most significant assets are our ships, including ship improvements and ships under construction, which represent 78% of our total assets at November 30, 2018. We make several critical accounting estimates with respect to our ship accounting. First, in order to compute our ships' depreciation expense, which represented 11% of our cruise costs and expenses in 2018, we have to estimate the useful life of each of our ships as well as their residual values. Secondly, we account for ship improvement costs by capitalizing those costs we believe add value to our ships and have a useful life greater than one year and depreciate those improvements over its estimated remaining useful life. The costs of repairs and maintenance, including minor improvement costs and dry-dock expenses, are charged to expense as incurred. When we record the retirement of a ship component included within the ship's cost basis, we may have to estimate the net book value of the asset being retired in order to remove it from the ship's cost basis.

 

We determine the useful life of our ships and ship improvements based on our estimates of the period over which the assets will be of economic benefit to us, including the impact of long-term vacation market conditions, marketing and technical obsolescence, competition, physical deterioration, historical useful lives of similarly-built ships, regulatory constraints and maintenance requirements. In addition, we consider estimates of the weighted-average useful lives of the ships' major component systems, such as the hull, cabins, main electric, superstructure and engines. Taking all of this into consideration, we have estimated our new ships' useful lives at 30 years.

 

We determine the residual value of our ships based on our long-term estimates of their resale value at the end of their useful life to us but before the end of their physical and economic lives to others, historical resale values of our and other cruise ships and viability of the secondary cruise ship market. We have estimated our residual values at 15% of our original ship cost.

 

Given the large size and complexity of our ships, ship accounting estimates require considerable judgment and are inherently uncertain. We do not have cost segregation studies performed to specifically componentize our ships. In addition, since we do not separately componentize our ships, we do not identify and track depreciation of original ship components. Therefore, we typically have to estimate the net book value of components that are retired, based primarily upon their replacement cost, their age and their original estimated useful lives.

 

If materially different conditions existed, or if we materially changed our assumptions of ship useful lives and residual values, our depreciation expense, loss on retirement of ship components and net book value of our ships would be materially different. In addition, if we change our assumptions in making our determinations as to whether improvements to a ship add value, the amounts we expense each year as repair and maintenance expense could increase, which would be partially offset by a decrease in depreciation expense, resulting from a reduction in capitalized costs. Our 2018 ship depreciation expense would have increased by approximately $42 million assuming we had reduced our estimated 30-year ship useful life estimate by one year at the time we took delivery or acquired each of our ships. In addition, our 2018 ship depreciation expense would have increased by approximately $213 million assuming we had estimated our ships to have no residual value at the time of their delivery or acquisition.

 

We believe that the estimates we made for ship accounting purposes are reasonable and our methods are consistently applied in all material respects and result in depreciation expense that is based on a rational and systematic method to equitably allocate the costs of our ships to the periods during which we use them. In addition, we believe that the estimates we made are reasonable. We applied our methods consistently in determining (1) the useful life and residual values of our ships, including ship improvements; (2) which improvement costs add value to our ships and (3) the net book value of ship component assets being retired. Finally, we believe our critical ship accounting estimates are generally comparable with those of other major cruise companies.   

 

Asset Impairments

 

Impairment reviews of our cruise ships, goodwill and trademarks require us to make significant estimates to determine the fair values of these assets and reporting units. 

 

For our cruise ships, we perform our impairment reviews, if required, at the individual cruise ship level, which is the lowest level for which we have identifiable cash flows independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Refer to our consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of ship impairment reviews.

 

The determination of ship fair value includes numerous assumptions that are subject to various risks and uncertainties, unless a comparable, viable actively-traded market exists, which is usually not the case for cruise ships, cruise brands and trademarks. Our ships' fair values are typically estimated based either on ship sales price negotiations or discounted future cash flows. The principal assumptions used to calculate our discounted future cash flows include forecasted future operating results over the expected period. We believe the ships, including their estimated residual values, will have economic benefit to us.

 

As of July 31, 2018, we performed our annual goodwill and trademark impairment reviews. Refer to our consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of our goodwill and trademark impairment reviews.

 

The determination of our reporting unit goodwill and trademark fair values includes numerous assumptions that are subject to

various risks and uncertainties. The principal assumptions, all of which are considered Level 3 inputs, used in our cash flow

analyses consisted of:

 

•       Forecasted operating results, including net revenue yields and net cruise costs including fuel prices

•       Capacity changes and the expected rotation of vessels into or out of each of these cruise brands, including decisions about the allocation of new ships amongst brands, the transfer of ships between brands and the timing of ship dispositions

•       Weighted-average cost of capital of market participants, adjusted for the risk attributable to the geographic regions in which these cruise brands operate

•       Capital expenditures, proceeds from forecasted dispositions of ships and terminal values

 

We believe that we have made reasonable estimates and judgments. Changes in the conditions or circumstances may result in a need to recognize an additional impairment charge.

 

                Contingencies

 

We periodically assess the potential liabilities related to any lawsuits or claims brought against us, as well as for other known unasserted claims, including environmental, legal, regulatory, guest and crew and tax matters. In addition, we periodically assess the recoverability of our trade and other receivables and our charter-hire and other counterparty credit exposures, by financial and other institutions with which we conduct significant business. Our credit exposure also includes contingent obligations related to our guests' cash payments received directly by travel agents and tour operators in Australia and Europe. In most of Europe, we are obligated to honor our guests' cruise payments made to their travel agents and tour operators regardless of whether we have received these payments. While it is typically very difficult to determine the timing and ultimate outcome of these matters, we use our best judgment to determine if it is probable, or more likely than not ("MLTN") for income tax matters, that we will incur an expense related to the settlement or final adjudication of such matters and whether a reasonable estimation of such probable or MLTN loss, if any, can be made. In assessing probable losses, we make estimates of the amount of probable insurance recoveries, if any, which are recorded as assets where appropriate. We accrue a liability and establish a reserve when we believe a loss is probable or MLTN for income tax matters, and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Such accruals and reserves are typically based on developments to date, management's estimates of the outcomes of these matters, our experience in contesting, litigating and settling other similar non-income tax matters, historical claims experience, actuarially determined estimates of liabilities and any related insurance coverages. 

 

Given the inherent uncertainty related to the eventual outcome of these matters and potential insurance recoveries, it is possible that all or some of these matters may be resolved for amounts materially different from any provisions or disclosures that we may have made. In addition, as new information becomes available, we may need to reassess the amount of asset or liability that needs to be accrued related to our contingencies. All such changes in our estimates could materially impact our results of operations and financial position.

 

Results of Operations

 

We earn substantially all of our cruise revenues from the following:

 

•   Sales of passenger cruise tickets and, in some cases, the sale of air and other transportation to and from airports near our ships' home ports and cancellation fees. We also collect fees, taxes and other charges from our guests

 

•   The cruise ticket price typically includes the following:

 

Accommodations

Most meals, including snacks at numerous venues

•Access to amenities such as swimming pools, water slides, water parks, whirlpools, a health club and sun decks

Supervised youth programs

Entertainment, such as theatrical and comedy shows, live music and nightclubs

Visits to multiple destinations

 

•   Sales of goods and services not included in the cruise ticket price are generally the following:

 •    Substantially all liquor and some non-alcoholic beverage sales

 •    Internet and communication services

 •    Casino gaming

 •    Full service spas

 •    Shore excursions

 •    Specialty restaurants

 •    Gift shop sales

 •    Art sales

 •    Photo sales

 •    Laundry and dry cleaning services

 

These goods and services are provided either directly by us or by independent concessionaires, from which we receive either a percentage of their revenues or a fee.

 

We incur cruise operating costs and expenses for the following:

 

•   The costs of passenger cruise bookings, which represent costs that are directly associated with passenger cruise ticket revenues, and include travel agent commissions, cost of air and other transportation and credit and debit card fees

 

•   Onboard and other cruise costs, which represent costs that are directly associated with onboard and other revenues, and include the costs of liquor and some non-alcoholic beverages, costs of tangible goods sold by us in our gift shops and from our photo packages, communication costs, costs of cruise vacation protection programs, costs of pre- and post-cruise land packages and credit and debit card fees

 

•   Fuel costs, which include fuel delivery costs

 

•   Payroll and related costs, which represent all costs related to our shipboard personnel, including bridge and engineering officers and crew and hotel and administrative employees, while costs associated with our shoreside personnel are included in selling and administrative expenses

 

•   Food costs, which include both our guest and crew food costs

 

•   Other ship operating expenses, which include port costs that do not vary with guest head counts; repairs and maintenance, including minor improvements and dry-dock expenses; hotel costs; entertainment; gains and losses on ship sales; ship impairments; freight and logistics; insurance premiums and all other ship operating expenses

 

Concession revenues do not have significant associated expenses because the costs and services incurred for concession revenues are borne by our concessionaires.

 

Statistical Information

 

Years Ended November 30,

 

2018

 

2017

 

2016

ALBDs (in thousands) (a) (b)

83,872

 

 

82,303

 

 

80,002

 

Occupancy percentage (c)

106.9

%

 

105.9

%

 

105.9

%

Passengers carried (in thousands)

12,407

 

 

12,130

 

 

11,520

 

Fuel consumption in metric tons (in thousands)

3,296

 

 

3,286

 

 

3,233

 

Fuel consumption in metric tons per thousand ALBDs

39.3

 

 

39.9

 

 

40.4

 

Fuel cost per metric ton consumed

$

491

 

 

$

378

 

 

$

283

 

Currencies (USD to 1)

 

 

 

 

 

     AUD

$

0.75

 

 

$

0.77

 

 

$

0.74

 

     CAD

$

0.78

 

 

$

0.77

 

 

$

0.75

 

     EUR

$

1.18

 

 

$

1.12

 

 

$

1.11

 

     GBP

$

1.34

 

 

$

1.28

 

 

$

1.37

 

     RMB

$

0.15

 

 

$

0.15

 

 

$

0.15

 

 

(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 2018 compared to 2017, we had a 1.9% capacity increase in ALBDs comprised of a 2.9% capacity increase in our NAA segment and a 0.2% capacity increase in our EA segment.

 

Our NAA segment's capacity increase was caused by:               

•       Partial period impact from one Princess Cruises 3,560-passenger capacity ship that entered into service in April 2017

•       Partial period impact from one Carnival Cruise Line 3,960-passenger capacity ship that entered into service in April 2018

•       Partial period impact from one Seabourn 600-passenger capacity ship that entered into service in May 2018

               

These increases were partially offset by the partial period impact from one P&O Cruises (Australia) 1,550-passenger capacity ship removed from service in April 2017.

 

Our EA segment's capacity increase was caused by:

•       Partial period impact from one AIDA 3,290-passenger capacity ship that entered into service in June 2017

 

This increase was partially offset by

•       Partial period impact from one P&O Cruises (UK) 700-passenger capacity ship removed from service in March 2018

•       Partial period impact from one Costa Cruises 1,300-passenger capacity ship removed from service in April 2018

 

In 2017 compared to 2016, we had a 2.9% capacity increase in ALBDs comprised of a 2.8% capacity increase in our NAA segment and a 3.0% capacity increase in our EA segment.

 

Our NAA segment's capacity increase was caused by:

•       Full period impact from one Seabourn 600-passenger capacity ship that entered into service in December 2016

•       Partial period impact from one Holland America Line 2,650-passenger capacity ship that entered into service in April 2016

•       Partial period impact from one Carnival Cruise Line 3,930-passenger capacity ship that entered into service in May 2016

•       Partial period impact from one Princess Cruises 3,560-passenger capacity ship that entered into service in April 2017

 

These increases were partially offset by the partial period impact from one P&O Cruises (Australia) 1,550-passenger capacity ship removed from service in April 2017.

 

Our EA segment's capacity increase was caused by:

•       Partial period impact from one AIDA 3,290-passenger capacity ship that entered into service in April 2016

•       Partial period impact from one AIDA 3,290-passenger capacity ship that entered into service in June 2017

 

(c)       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.

 

2018 Compared to 2017

 

     Revenues

 

Consolidated

 

Cruise passenger ticket revenues made up 74% of our 2018 total revenues. Cruise passenger ticket revenues increased by $986 million, or 7.6%, to $13.9 billion in 2018 from $12.9 billion in 2017. 

 

This increase was caused by:

•       $264 million - increase in cruise ticket revenues, driven primarily by price improvements in our European, Australian, China and various other programs and net favorable foreign currency transactional impacts

•       $247 million - 1.9% capacity increase in ALBDs

•       $246 million - foreign currency translational impact from a weaker U.S. dollar against the functional currencies of our foreign operations ("foreign currency translational impact")

•       $119 million - increase in occupancy

•       $81 million - increase in air transportation revenues

•       $29 million - increase in other passenger revenue 

 

The remaining 26% of 2018 total revenues were substantially all comprised of onboard and other cruise revenues, which increased by $349 million, or 8.1%, to $4.7 billion in 2018 from $4.3 billion in 2017.

 

This increase was caused by:

•       $132 million - higher onboard spending by our guests

•       $83 million - 1.9% capacity increase in ALBDs

•       $52 million -  foreign currency translational impact

•       $42 million -  increase in other revenues

•       $40 million - increase in occupancy

 

Concession revenues, which are included in onboard and other revenues, increased by $83 million, or 7.9%, to $1.1 billion in 2018 from $1.1 billion in 2017.

 

NAA Segment

 

Cruise passenger ticket revenues made up 72% of our NAA segment's 2018 total revenues. Cruise passenger ticket revenues increased by $562 million, or 6.8% to $8.8 billion in 2018 from $8.3 billion in 2017. 

 

This increase was driven by:

•       $239 million - 2.9% capacity increase in ALBDs

•       $229 million - increase in cruise ticket revenues, driven primarily by price improvements in the European, Australian and China programs and net favorable foreign currency transactional impacts

•       $70 million - increase in air transportation revenues

•       $21 million - increase in occupancy

 

The remaining 28% of our NAA segment's 2018 total revenues were comprised of onboard and other cruise revenues, which increased by $232 million, or 7.3%, to $3.4 billion in 2018 from $3.2 billion in 2017. 

 

This increase was driven by:

•       $100 million - higher onboard spending by our guests

•       $92 million - 2.9% capacity increase in ALBDs

•       $35 million - increase in other revenues

 

Concession revenues, which are included in onboard and other revenues, increased by $57 million, or 7.5%, to $807 million in 2018 from $751 million in 2017. 

 

EA Segment

 

Cruise passenger ticket revenues made up 82% of our EA segment's 2018 total revenues. Cruise passenger ticket revenues increased by $442 million, or 9.4%, to $5.1 billion in 2018 from $4.7 billion in 2017. 

 

This increase was driven by:

•       $251 million - foreign currency translational impact

•       $96 million - increase in occupancy

•       $69 million - increase in cruise ticket revenues, driven primarily by price improvements in the European, China and various other programs, partially offset by decrease in the Caribbean programs and net unfavorable foreign currency transactional impacts

 

The remaining 18% of our EA segment's 2018 total revenues were comprised of onboard and other cruise revenues, which increased by $98 million, or 9.7%, to $1.1 billion in 2018 from $1.0 billion in 2017.

 

This increase was driven by:

•       $55 million - foreign currency translational impact

•       $21 million - increase in occupancy

 

Concession revenues, which are included in onboard and other revenues, increased by $26 million, or 8.7%, to $328 million in 2018 from $301 million in 2017.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

Consolidated

 

Operating costs and expenses increased by $588 million or 5.6%, to $11.1 billion in 2018 from $10.5 billion in 2017.

 

This increase was caused by: 

•       $371 million - higher fuel prices 

•       $197 million - 1.9% capacity increase in ALBDs

•       $169 million - foreign currency translational impact

•       $100 million - higher commissions, transportation and other expenses

•       $37 million -  increase in occupancy

•       $27 million - higher onboard and other expenses

•       $21 million - higher dry-dock expenses and repair and maintenance expenses

 

These increases were partially offset by:

•       $304 million - ship impairments in 2017

•       $51 million - gains on ship sales in 2018

•       $20 million - improved fuel consumption

 

Selling and administrative expenses increased by $185 million, or 8.2%, to $2.5 billion in 2018 from $2.3 billion in 2017.

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $171 million, or 9.3%, to $2.0 billion in 2018 from $1.8 billion in 2017.

 

Goodwill and trademark impairment charges of $89 million include a goodwill impairment charge of $38 million and a trademark impairment charge of $50 million during 2017.

 

NAA Segment

 

Operating costs and expenses increased by $476 million, or 7.1%, to $7.2 billion in 2018 from $6.7 billion in 2017.

 

This increase was caused by:

•       $253 million - higher fuel prices 

•       $194 million - 2.9% capacity increase in ALBDs

•       $102 million - higher commissions, transportation and other

•       $31 million - higher dry-dock expenses and repair and maintenance expenses

•       $30 million - higher port expenses

•       $24 million - higher cruise payroll and related expenses

•       $24 million - higher onboard and other expenses

 

These increases were partially offset by impairment of ships of $162 million recorded in 2017.

 

Selling and administrative expenses increased by $66 million, or 4.9%, to $1.4 billion in 2018 from $1.3 billion in 2017.

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $70 million, or 5.8%, to $1.3 billion in 2018 from $1.2 billion in 2017.

 

Goodwill and trademark impairment charges of $89 million include a goodwill impairment charge of $38 million and a trademark impairment charge of $50 million during 2017.

 

EA Segment

 

Operating costs and expenses increased by $108 million, or 3.0%, to $3.7 billion in 2018 from 3.6 billion in 2017.

This increase was caused by:

•       $174 million - foreign currency translational impact

•       $117 million - higher fuel prices

•       $29 million - increase in occupancy

 

These increases were partially offset by: 

•       $141 million - ship impairments in 2017

•       $39 million - gains on ship sales in 2018

•       $21 million - lower cruise payroll and related expenses

 

Selling and administrative expenses increased by $84 million, or 13%, to $751 million in 2018 from $667 million in 2017.

 

This increase was driven by:

•       $39 million - foreign currency translational impact

•       $27 million -  higher administrative expenses

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $50 million, or 9.0%, to $611 million in 2018 from $561 million in 2017.

 

Operating Income

 

Our consolidated operating income increased by $516 million, or 18%, to $3.3 billion in 2018 from $2.8 billion in 2017. Our NAA segment's operating income increased by $272 million, or 13%, to $2.4 billion in 2018 from $2.1 billion in 2017, and our EA segment's operating income increased by $298 million, or 33%, to $1.2 billion in 2018 from $0.9 billion in 2017. These changes were primarily due to the reasons discussed above.

 

Nonoperating Income (Expense)

 

Years Ended November 30,

(in millions)

2018

 

2017

Unrealized gains on fuel derivatives

$

94

 

 

$

227

 

Realized (losses) on fuel derivatives, net

(35

)

 

(192

)

Gains on fuel derivatives, net

$

59

 

 

$

35

 

 

Explanations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

We use net cruise revenues per ALBD ("net revenue yields"), net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD, adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share as non-GAAP financial measures of our cruise segments' and the company's financial performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are provided along with U.S. GAAP gross cruise revenues per ALBD ("gross revenue yields"), gross cruise costs per ALBD and U.S. GAAP net income and U.S. GAAP earnings per share. 

 

Net revenue yields and net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD enable us to separate the impact of predictable capacity or ALBD changes from price and other changes that affect our 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.

 

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.

 

We believe that gains and losses on ship sales, impairment charges, restructuring and other expenses are not part of our core operating business and are not an indication of our future earnings performance. Therefore, we believe it is more meaningful for gains and losses on ship sales, impairment charges, and restructuring and other non-core gains and charges 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.

 

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. It is possible that our non-GAAP financial measures 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.

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. 

 

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 cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD is the measure 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 as well as fuel expense to calculate net cruise costs without fuel to avoid duplicating these variable costs in our non-GAAP financial measures. Substantially all of our net cruise costs excluding fuel are largely fixed, except for the impact of changing prices once the number of ALBDs has been determined.

 

Reconciliation of Forecasted Data

 

We have not provided a reconciliation of forecasted gross cruise revenues to forecasted net cruise revenues or forecasted gross cruise costs to forecasted net cruise costs without fuel or forecasted U.S. GAAP net income to forecasted adjusted net income or forecasted U.S. GAAP earnings per share to forecasted adjusted earnings per share because preparation of meaningful U.S. GAAP forecasts of gross cruise revenues, gross cruise costs, net income and earnings per share would require unreasonable effort. We are unable to predict, without unreasonable effort, the future movement of foreign exchange rates and fuel prices. While we forecast realized gains and losses on fuel derivatives by applying current Brent prices to the derivatives that settle in the forecast period, we do not forecast the impact of unrealized gains and losses on fuel derivatives because we do not believe they are an indication of our future earnings performance. We are unable to determine the future impact of gains or losses on ships sales, restructuring expenses and other non-core gains and charges.

Constant Dollar and Constant Currency

 

Our operations primarily utilize the U.S. dollar, Australian dollar, euro and sterling as functional currencies to measure results and financial condition. Functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar subject us to foreign currency translational risk. Our operations also have revenues and expenses that are in currencies other than their functional currency, which subject us to foreign currency transactional risk.

 

We report net revenue yields, net passenger revenue yields, net onboard and other revenue yields and net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD on a "constant dollar" and "constant currency" basis assuming the 2018 and 2017 periods' currency exchange rates have remained constant with the 2017 and 2016 periods' rates. These metrics facilitate a comparative view for the changes in our business in an environment with fluctuating exchange rates.

 

Constant dollar reporting removes only the impact of changes in exchange rates on the translation of our operations.

 

Constant currency reporting removes the impact of changes in exchange rates on the translation of our operations (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.

 

Examples:

 

•       The translation of our operations with functional currencies other than U.S. dollar 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 operations 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.

 

Consolidated gross and net revenue yields were computed by dividing the gross and net cruise revenues by ALBDs as follows:

 

Years Ended November 30,

(dollars in millions, except yields)

2018

 

2018 Constant Dollar

 

2017

 

2017 Constant  Dollar

 

2016

Passenger ticket revenues

$

13,930

 

 

$

13,684

 

 

$

12,944

 

 

$

12,998

 

 

$

12,090

 

Onboard and other revenues

4,679

 

 

4,627

 

 

4,330

 

 

4,338

 

 

4,068

 

Gross cruise revenues

18,609

 

 

18,311

 

 

17,274

 

 

17,336

 

 

16,158

 

Less cruise costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Commissions, transportation and other

(2,590

)

 

(2,526

)

 

(2,359

)

 

(2,371

)

 

(2,240

)

     Onboard and other

(638

)

 

(630

)

 

(587

)

 

(589

)

 

(553

)

 

(3,228

)

 

(3,156

)

 

(2,946

)

 

(2,960

)

 

(2,793

)

Net passenger ticket revenues

11,340

 

 

11,158

 

 

10,585

 

 

10,627

 

 

9,850

 

Net onboard and other revenues

4,041

 

 

3,997

 

 

3,744

 

 

3,749

 

 

3,515

 

Net cruise revenues

$

15,381

 

 

$

15,155

 

 

$

14,329

 

 

$

14,376

 

 

$

13,365

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALBDs

83,872,441

 

 

83,872,441

 

 

82,302,887

 

 

82,302,887

 

 

80,002,092

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross revenue yields

$

221.87

 

 

$

218.32

 

 

$

209.88

 

 

$

210.63

 

 

$

201.97

 

% increase

5.7

%

 

4.0

%

 

3.9

%

 

4.3

%

 

 

Net revenue yields

$

183.38

 

 

$

180.69

 

 

$

174.10

 

 

$

174.67

 

 

$

167.06

 

% increase

5.3

%

 

3.8

%

 

4.2

%

 

4.6

%

 

 

Net passenger ticket revenue yields

$

135.21

 

 

$

133.03

 

 

$

128.62

 

 

$

129.12

 

 

$

123.11

 

% increase

5.1

%

 

3.4

%

 

4.5

%

 

4.9

%

 

 

Net onboard and other revenue yields

$

48.17

 

 

$

47.65

 

 

$

45.48

 

 

$

45.55

 

 

$

43.95

 

% increase

5.9

%

 

4.8

%

 

3.5

%

 

3.6

%

 

 

 

 

Years Ended November 30,

(dollars in millions, except yields)

2018

 

2018 Constant Currency

 

2017

 

2017 Constant Currency

 

2016

Net passenger ticket revenues

$

11,340

 

 

$

11,137

 

 

$

10,585

 

 

$

10,632

 

 

$

9,850

 

Net onboard and other revenues

4,041

 

 

4,008

 

 

3,744

 

 

3,741

 

 

3,515

 

Net cruise revenues

$

15,381

 

 

$

15,145

 

 

$

14,329

 

 

$

14,373

 

 

$

13,365

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALBDs

83,872,441

 

 

83,872,441

 

 

82,302,887

 

 

82,302,887

 

 

80,002,092

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue yields

$

183.38

 

 

$

180.57

 

 

$

174.10

 

 

$

174.63

 

 

$

167.06

 

% increase

5.3

%

 

3.7

%

 

4.2

%

 

4.5

%

 

 

Net passenger ticket revenue yields

$

135.21

 

 

$

132.79

 

 

$

128.62

 

 

$

129.18

 

 

$

123.11

 

% increase

5.1

%

 

3.2

%

 

4.5

%

 

4.9

%

 

 

Net onboard and other revenue yields

$

48.17

 

 

$

47.78

 

 

$

45.48

 

 

$

45.45

 

 

$

43.95

 

% increase

5.9

%

 

5.1

%

 

3.5

%

 

3.4

%

 

 

 

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:

 

Years Ended November 30,

(dollars in millions, except costs per ALBD)

2018

 

2018 Constant Dollar

 

2017

 

2017 Constant  Dollar

 

2016

Cruise operating expenses

$

10,910

 

 

$

10,740

 

 

$

10,338

 

 

$

10,372

 

 

$

9,231

 

Cruise selling and administrative expenses

2,422

 

 

2,385

 

 

2,250

 

 

2,259

 

 

2,188

 

Gross cruise costs

13,332

 

 

13,125

 

 

12,588

 

 

12,631

 

 

11,419

 

Less cruise costs included above

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commissions, transportation and other

(2,590

)

 

(2,526

)

 

(2,359

)

 

(2,371

)

 

(2,240

)

Onboard and other

(638

)

 

(630

)

 

(587

)

 

(589

)

 

(553

)

Gains (losses) on ship sales and impairments

38

 

 

34

 

 

(298

)

 

(288

)

 

2

 

Restructuring expenses

(1

)

 

(1

)

 

(3

)

 

(3

)

 

(2

)

Other

(2

)

 

(2

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(41

)

Net cruise costs

10,139

 

 

10,000

 

 

9,341

 

 

9,380

 

 

8,585

 

Less fuel

(1,619

)

 

(1,619

)

 

(1,244

)

 

(1,244

)

 

(915

)

Net cruise costs excluding fuel

$

8,521

 

 

$

8,382

 

 

$

8,097

 

 

$

8,136

 

 

$

7,670

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALBDs

83,872,441

 

 

83,872,441

 

 

82,302,887

 

 

82,302,887

 

 

80,002,092

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross cruise costs per ALBD

$

158.96

 

 

$

156.49

 

 

$

152.94

 

 

$

153.46

 

 

$

142.73

 

% increase

3.9

%

 

2.3

%

 

7.2

%

 

7.5

%

 

 

Net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD

$

101.59

 

 

$

99.93

 

 

$

98.37

 

 

$

98.84

 

 

$

95.87

 

% increase

3.3

%

 

1.6

%

 

2.6

%

 

3.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended November 30,

(dollars in millions, except costs per ALBD)

2018

 

2018 Constant Currency

 

2017

 

2017 Constant Currency

 

2016

Net cruise costs excluding fuel

$

8,521

 

 

$

8,385

 

 

$

8,097

 

 

$

8,108

 

 

$

7,670

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALBDs

83,872,441

 

 

83,872,441

 

 

82,302,887

 

 

82,302,887

 

 

80,002,092

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD

$

101.59

 

 

$

99.98

 

 

$

98.37

 

 

$

98.51

 

 

$

95.87

 

% increase

3.3

%

 

1.6

%

 

2.6

%

 

2.7

%

 

 

 

 

Years Ended November 30,

(dollars in millions, except per share data)

2018

 

2017

 

2016

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

     U.S. GAAP net income

$

3,152

 

 

$

2,606

 

 

$

2,779

 

     Unrealized (gains) losses on fuel derivatives, net

(94

)

 

(227

)

 

(236

)

     (Gains) losses on ship sales and impairments

(38

)

 

387

 

 

(2

)

1

 

 

3

 

 

2

 

     Other

8

 

 

-

 

 

37

 

     Adjusted net income

$

3,029

 

 

$

2,770

 

 

$

2,580

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares outstanding

710

 

 

725

 

 

747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

     U.S. GAAP earnings per share

$

4.44

 

 

$

3.59

 

 

$

3.72

 

     Unrealized (gains) losses on fuel derivatives, net

(0.13

)

 

(0.31

)

 

(0.32

)

     (Gains) losses on ship sales and impairments

(0.05

)

 

0.53

 

 

-

 

     Restructuring expenses

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

     Other

0.01

 

 

-

 

 

0.05

 

     Adjusted earnings per share

$

4.26

 

 

$

3.82

 

 

$

3.45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cruise revenues increased by $1.1 billion, or 7.3%, to $15.4 billion in 2018 from $14.3 billion in 2017.

 

The increase was caused by:

•     $545 million - 3.7% increase in constant currency net revenue yields

•     $271 million - 1.9% capacity increase in ALBDs

•     $236 million - foreign currency impacts (including both foreign currency translational and transactional impacts)

 

The 3.7% increase in net revenue yields on a constant currency basis was due to a 3.2% increase in net passenger ticket revenue yields and a 5.1% increase in net onboard and other revenue yields.

 

The 3.2% increase in net passenger ticket revenue yields was driven primarily by price improvements in our European, Australian, China and various other programs. This 3.2% increase in net passenger ticket revenue yields was comprised of a 2.4% increase from our NAA segment and a 4.8% increase from our EA segment.

 

The 5.1% increase in net onboard and other revenue yields was caused by similar increases in our NAA and EA segments.

 

Net cruise costs excluding fuel increased by $425 million, or 5.2%, to $8.5 billion in 2018 from $8.1 billion in 2017.

 

The increase was caused by:

•     $155 million - 1.9% capacity increase in ALBDs

•     $135 million - foreign currency impacts (including both foreign currency translational and transactional impacts)

•     $134 million - 1.6% increase in constant currency net cruise costs excluding fuel

 

Fuel costs increased by $374 million, or 30%, to $1.6 billion in 2018 from $1.2 billion in 2017. This was driven by higher fuel prices, which accounted for $370 million.

 

2017 Compared to 2016

 

     Revenues

 

Consolidated

 

Cruise passenger ticket revenues made up 74% of our 2017 total revenues. Cruise passenger ticket revenues increased by $854 million, or 7.1%, to $12.9 billion in 2017 from $12.1 billion in 2016.

 

This increase was caused by:

•       $517 million - increase in cruise ticket revenues, driven primarily by price improvements in our Caribbean, European and Alaska programs, partially offset by decrease in our China programs

•       $348 million - 2.9% capacity increase in ALBDs

•       $55 million - increase in other passenger revenue

 

These increases were partially offset by:

•       $54 million - foreign currency translational impact

•       $20 million - decrease in air transportation revenues

 

The remaining 26% of 2017 total revenues were substantially all comprised of onboard and other cruise revenues, which increased by $262 million, or 6.4%, to $4.3 billion in 2017 from $4.1 billion in 2016.

 

This increase was driven by:

•       $124 million - higher onboard spending by our guests

•       $117 million - 2.9% capacity increase in ALBDs

 

Concession revenues, which are included in onboard and other revenues, increased by $18 million, or 1.8%, to $1.1 billion in 2017 from $1.0 billion in 2016.

 

NAA Segment

 

Cruise passenger ticket revenues made up 72% of our NAA segment's 2017 total revenues. Cruise passenger ticket revenues increased by $666 million, or 8.8% to $8.3 billion in 2017 from $7.6 billion in 2016.

 

This increase was driven by:

•       $390 million - increase in cruise ticket revenues, driven primarily by price improvements in the Caribbean, European and Alaska programs, partially offset by decrease in the China programs

•       $214 million - 2.8% capacity increase in ALBDs

•       $29 million - increase in other passenger revenue

•       $26 million - increase in occupancy

 

The remaining 28% of our NAA segment's 2017 total revenues were comprised of onboard and other cruise revenues, which increased by $213 million, or 7.2%, to $3.2 billion in 2017 from $3.0 billion in 2016.

 

The increase was driven by:

•       $96 million - higher onboard spending by our guests

•       $83 million - 2.8% capacity increase in ALBDs

 

Concession revenues, which are included in onboard and other revenues, increased by $19 million, or 3.0%, to $751 million in 2017 from $732 million in 2016.

 

EA Segment

 

Cruise passenger ticket revenues made up 82% of our EA segment's 2017 total revenues. Cruise passenger ticket revenues increased by $178 million, or 4.0%, to $4.7 billion in 2017 from $4.5 billion in 2016.

 

This increase was caused by:

•       $135 million - 3.0% capacity increase in ALBDs

•       $123 million - increase in cruise ticket revenues, driven primarily by price improvements in the European programs, partially offset by decrease in the China programs

 

These increases were partially offset by:

•       $63 million - foreign currency translational impact

 

The remaining 18% of our EA segment's 2017 total revenues were comprised of onboard and other cruise revenues, which increased by $60 million, or 6.3%, to $1.0 billion in 2017 from $0.9 billion in 2016.

 

The increase was caused by:

•       $42 million - higher onboard spending by our guests

•       $28 million -  3.0% capacity increase in ALBDs

 

Concession revenues, which are included in onboard and other revenues, remained flat at $301 million in 2017 and 2016.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

Consolidated

 

Operating costs and expenses increased by $1.1 billion or 12%, to $10.5 billion in 2017 from $9.4 billion in 2016.

 

This increase was caused by:

•       $314 million - higher fuel prices

•       $304 million - impairment of ships

•       $265 million - 2.9% capacity increase in ALBDs

•       $68 million - higher cruise payroll and related expenses

•       $67 million - higher port expenses

•       $65 million - higher commissions, transportation and other expenses

•       $64 million - higher dry-dock expenses and repair and maintenance expenses

 

These increases were partially offset by foreign currency translational impact, which accounted for $34 million.

 

Selling and administrative expenses increased by $68 million, or 3.1%, to $2.3 billion in 2017 from $2.2 billion in 2016.

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $108 million, or 6.2%, to $1.8 billion in 2017 from $1.7 billion in 2016.

 

Goodwill and trademark impairment charges of $89 million include a goodwill impairment charge of $38 million and a trademark impairment charge of $50 million during the third quarter of 2017.

 

NAA Segment

 

Operating costs and expenses increased by $743 million, or 13%, to $6.7 billion in 2017 from $6.0 billion in 2016.

 

This increase was driven by:

•       $207 million - higher fuel prices

•       $168 million - 2.8% capacity increase in ALBDs

•       $162 million - impairment of ships

•       $80 million - higher commissions, transportation and other expenses

•       $42 million - higher port expenses

•       $41 million - higher cruise payroll and related expenses

•       $24 million - higher dry-dock expenses and repair and maintenance expenses

 

Selling and administrative expenses increased by $64 million, or 5.1%, and were $1.3 billion in 2017 and 2016.

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $77 million, or 6.9%, to $1.2 billion in 2017 from $1.1 billion in 2016.

 

Goodwill and trademark impairment charges of $89 million include a goodwill impairment charge of $38 million and a trademark impairment charge of $50 million during the third quarter of 2017.

 

EA Segment

 

Operating costs and expenses increased by $365 million, or 11%, to $3.6 billion in 2017 from $3.2 billion in 2016.

 

This increase was caused by:

•       $141 million - impairment of ships

•       $107 million - higher fuel prices

•       $95 million - 3.0% capacity increase in ALBDs

•       $43 million - higher dry-dock expenses and repair and maintenance expenses

•       $26 million - higher port expenses

•       $21 million - higher cruise payroll and related expenses

 

These increases were partially offset by:

•       $49 million - foreign currency translational impact

•       $23 million - decrease in air transportation costs

 

Selling and administrative expenses increased by $29 million, or 4.5%, to $667 million in 2017 from $638 million in 2016.

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $23 million, or 4.3%, to $561 million in 2017 from $538 million in 2016.

 

Operating Income

 

Our consolidated operating income decreased by $262 million, or 8.5%, to $2.8 billion in 2017 from $3.1 billion in 2016. Our NAA segment's operating income decreased by $94 million, or 4.3%, to $2.1 billion in 2017 from $2.2 billion in 2016, and our EA segment's operating income decreased by $179 million, or 16%, to $0.9 billion in 2017 from $1.1 billion in 2016. These changes were primarily due to the reasons discussed above.

 

Nonoperating Expense

 

 

Years Ended November 30,

(in millions)

2017

 

2016

Unrealized gains on fuel derivatives

$

227

 

 

$

236

 

Realized losses on fuel derivatives, net

(192

)

 

(283

)

Gains (losses) on fuel derivatives, net

$

35

 

 

$

(47

)

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

Net cruise revenues increased by $964 million, or 7.2%, to $14.3 billion in 2017 from $13.4 billion in 2016.

 

The increase was caused by:

•        $626 million - 4.5% increase in constant currency net revenue yields

•        $381 million - 2.9% capacity increase in ALBDs

 

These increases were partially offset by foreign currency impacts (including both foreign currency translational and transactional impacts), which accounted for $44 million.

 

The 4.5% increase in net revenue yields on a constant currency basis was due to a 4.9% increase in net passenger ticket revenue yields and a 3.4% increase in net onboard and other revenue yields.

 

The 4.9% increase in net passenger ticket revenue yields was driven primarily by price improvements in our Caribbean, European and Alaska programs for our NAA segment and European programs for our EA segment, partially offset by decreases in our China programs. This 4.9% increase in net passenger ticket revenue yields was comprised of a 5.7% increase from our NAA segment and a 3.2% increase from our EA segment.

 

The 3.4% increase in net onboard and other revenue yields was caused by similar increases in our NAA and EA segments.

Gross cruise revenues increased by $1.1 billion, or 6.9%, to $17.3 billion in 2017 from $16.2 billion in 2016 for largely the same reasons as discussed above.

 

Net cruise costs excluding fuel increased by $427 million, or 5.6%, to $8.1 billion in 2017 from $7.7 billion in 2016.

 

The increase was caused by:

•      $222 million - 2.9% capacity increase in ALBDs

•      $216 million - 2.7% increase in constant currency net cruise costs excluding fuel

 

These increases were partially offset by:

•      $12 million - foreign currency impacts (including both foreign currency translational and transactional impacts)

 

Fuel costs increased by $329 million, or 36%, to $1.2 billion in 2017 from $0.9 billion in 2016. This was driven by higher fuel prices, which accounted for $313 million.

 

Gross cruise costs increased, by $1.2 billion, or 10%, to $12.6 billion in 2017 from $11.4 billion in 2016 for largely the same reasons as discussed above and the impairment of ships, which accounted for $304 million.

 

Liquidity, Financial Condition and Capital Resources

 

Our primary financial goals are to profitably grow our cruise business and sustain and grow our double-digit ROIC, while maintaining a strong balance sheet and strong investment grade credit ratings. (We define ROIC as the twelve-month adjusted earnings before interest divided by the monthly average of debt plus equity minus construction-in-progress.) Our ability to generate significant operating cash flow allows us to internally fund our capital improvements, debt maturities and dividend payments. We have $11.5 billion of committed export credit facilities available to fund the vast majority of our new ship growth capital. Other objectives of our capital structure policy are to maintain a sufficient level of liquidity through our available cash and cash equivalents and committed financings for immediate and future liquidity needs and to maintain a reasonable debt maturity profile.

 

Based on our historical results, projections and financial condition, we believe that our future operating cash flows and liquidity will be sufficient to fund all of our expected capital improvements, new ship growth capital, debt maturities and dividend payments over the next several years. We believe that our ability to generate significant operating cash flows and our strong balance sheet, as evidenced by our strong investment grade credit ratings, provide us with the ability, in most financial credit market environments, to obtain debt financing.

 

We had a working capital deficit of $7.0 billion as of November 30, 2018 compared to a working capital deficit of $7.2 billion as of November 30, 2017. The decrease in working capital deficit was driven by the increase in our cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by an increase in customer deposits and short-term borrowings. We operate with a substantial working capital deficit. This deficit is mainly attributable to the fact that, under our business model, substantially all of our passenger ticket receipts are collected in advance of the applicable sailing date. These advance passenger receipts remain a current liability until the sailing date. The cash generated from these advance receipts is used interchangeably with cash on hand from other sources, such as our borrowings and other cash from operations. The cash received as advanced receipts can be used to fund operating expenses, pay down our debt, make long-term investments or any other use of cash. Included within our working capital deficit are $4.4 billion and $4.0 billion of customer deposits as of November 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In addition, we have a relatively low-level of accounts receivable and limited investment in inventories. We generate substantial cash flows from operations and our business model has historically allowed us to maintain this working capital deficit and still meet our operating, investing and financing needs. We expect that we will continue to have working capital deficits in the future.

 

Sources and Uses of Cash

 

     Operating Activities

 

Our business provided $5.5 billion of net cash from operations during 2018, an increase of $227 million, or 4.3%, compared to $5.3 billion in 2017. This increase was driven by an increase in customer deposits. During 2017, our business provided $5.3 billion of net cash from operations, an increase of $188 million, or 3.7%, compared to $5.1 billion in 2016. This increase was caused by an increase in our revenues less expenses settled in cash.

 

     Investing Activities

 

During 2018, net cash used in investing activities was $3.5 billion. This was caused by:

•       Capital expenditures of $2.1 billion for our ongoing new shipbuilding program

•       Capital expenditures of $1.7 billion for ship improvements and replacements, information technology and buildings and improvements

•       Proceeds from sale of ships of $389 million

•       Purchase of minority interest of $135 million

•       Payments of $39 million of fuel derivative settlements

 

During 2017, net cash used in investing activities was $3.1 billion. This was caused by:

•       Capital expenditures of $1.4 billion for our ongoing new shipbuilding program

•       Capital expenditures of $1.5 billion for ship improvements and replacements, information technology and buildings and improvements

•       Payments of $203 million of fuel derivative settlements

 

During 2016, net cash used in investing activities was $3.3 billion. This was caused by:

•       Capital expenditures of $1.9 billion for our ongoing new shipbuilding program

•       Capital expenditures of $1.2 billion for ship improvements and replacements, information technology and buildings and improvements

•       Payments of $291 million of fuel derivative settlements

•       Proceeds from sale of ships of $26 million

 

    Financing Activities

 

During 2018, net cash used in financing activities of $1.5 billion was substantially all due to the following:

•       Net proceeds of short-term borrowings of $417 million in connection with our availability of, and needs for, cash at various times throughout the period

•       Repayments of $1.6 billion of long-term debt

•       Issuances of $2.5 billion of long-term debt

•       Payments of cash dividends of $1.4 billion

•       Purchases of $1.5 billion of Carnival Corporation common stock and Carnival plc ordinary shares in open market transactions under our Repurchase Program

 

During 2017, net cash used in financing activities of $2.5 billion was substantially all due to the following:

•       Net repayments of short-term borrowings of $29 million in connection with our availability of, and needs for, cash at various times throughout the period

•       Repayments of $1.2 billion of long-term debt

•       Issuances of $100 million of long-term debt under a term loan

•       Proceeds of $367 million of long-term debt under an export credit facility

•       Payments of cash dividends of $1.1 billion

•       Purchases of $552 million of Carnival Corporation common stock and Carnival plc ordinary shares in open market transactions under our Repurchase Program

 

During 2016, net cash used in financing activities of $2.6 billion was substantially all due to the following:

•       Net proceeds from short-term borrowings of $447 million in connection with our availability of, and needs for, cash at various times throughout the period

•       Repayments of $1.3 billion of long-term debt

•       Issuances of $555 million of euro-denominated publicly-traded notes, which net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes

•       Proceeds of $987 million of long-term debt

•       Payments of cash dividends of $977 million

•       Purchases of $2.3 billion of shares of Carnival Corporation common stock and $35 million of Carnival plc ordinary shares in open market transactions under our Repurchase Program

 

Future Commitments

 

 

Payments Due by

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

2019

 

2020

 

2021

 

2022

 

2023

 

Thereafter

 

Total

Debt (a)

$

2,633

 

 

$

2,320

 

 

$

1,243

 

 

$

1,203

 

 

$

1,867

 

 

$

2,095

 

 

$

11,360

 

Other long-term liabilities reflected on the balance

     sheet (b)

-

 

 

135

 

 

90

 

 

73

 

 

59

 

 

178

 

 

535

 

New ship growth capital

4,935

 

 

3,849

 

 

3,887

 

 

3,117

 

 

2,110

 

 

1,132

 

 

19,029

 

Operating leases

70

 

 

48

 

 

46

 

 

36

 

 

35

 

 

180

 

 

415

 

Port facilities and other

311

 

 

292

 

 

249

 

 

172

 

 

132

 

 

1,097

 

 

2,253

 

Purchase obligations

451

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

451

 

Total Contractual Cash Obligations

$

8,400

 

 

$

6,644

 

 

$

5,514

 

 

$

4,600

 

 

$

4,203

 

 

$

4,682

 

 

$

34,044

 

 

(a)       Includes principal as well as estimated interest payments.

(b)       Represents cash outflows for certain of our long-term liabilities which can be reasonably estimated. The primary outflows are for estimates of our compensation plans' obligations, crew and guest claims and certain deferred income taxes. Customer deposits and certain other deferred income taxes have been excluded from the table because they do not require a cash settlement in the future.

 

Capital Expenditure and Capacity Forecast

 

Our annual capital expenditure forecast consists of contracted new ship growth capital, estimated payments for planned new ship growth capital and capital improvements.

 (in billions)

 

2019

 

2020

 

2021

 

2022

Annual capital expenditure forecast

 

$

6.8

 

 

$

5.7

 

 

$

5.9

 

 

$

5.4

 

                                 

 

Our annual capacity forecast consists of contracted new ships and announced dispositions.

 

 

2019

 

2020

 

2021

 

2022

Annual capacity forecast

 

4.6

%

 

5.5

%

 

7.2

%

 

5.2

%

                         

 

Share Repurchase Program and Stock Swap Programs

 

Under a share repurchase program effective 2004, we are authorized to repurchase Carnival Corporation common stock and Carnival plc ordinary shares (the "Repurchase Program"). Effective April 10 and August 27, 2018, the company approved modifications of the general authorization under the Repurchase Program, which replenished the remaining authorized repurchases at the time of the approvals to $1.0 billion. The Repurchase Program does not have an expiration date and may be discontinued by our Boards of Directors at any time.

 

In addition to the Repurchase Program, we have programs that allow us to obtain an economic benefit when either Carnival Corporation common stock is trading at a premium to the price of Carnival plc ordinary shares or Carnival plc ordinary shares are trading at a premium to Carnival Corporation common stock (the "Stock Swap Programs"). For example:

 

•       In the event Carnival Corporation common stock trades at a premium to Carnival plc ordinary shares, we may elect to sell shares of Carnival Corporation common stock, at prevailing market prices in ordinary brokers' transactions and repurchase an equivalent number of Carnival plc ordinary shares in the UK market.

 

•       In the event Carnival plc ordinary shares trade at a premium to Carnival Corporation common stock, we may elect to sell ordinary shares of Carnival plc, at prevailing market prices in ordinary brokers' transactions and repurchase an equivalent number of shares of Carnival Corporation common stock in the U.S. market.

 

During 2018 and 2017, there were no sales or repurchases under the Stock Swap Programs. During 2016, under the Stock Swap Programs, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation sold 0.9 million of Carnival plc ordinary shares for net proceeds of $40 million. Substantially all of the net proceeds from these sales were used to purchase 0.9 million shares of Carnival Corporation common stock. Any sales of Carnival Corporation common stock and Carnival plc ordinary shares have been or will be registered under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

Funding Sources

 

At November 30, 2018, we had liquidity of $14.6 billion. Our liquidity consisted of $710 million of cash and cash equivalents, which excludes $271 million of cash used for current operations, $2.3 billion available for borrowing under our revolving credit facilities, net of our outstanding commercial paper borrowing, and $11.5 billion under our committed future financings, which are comprised of ship export credit facilities. These commitments are from numerous large and well-established banks and export credit agencies, which we believe will honor their contractual agreements with us. 

(in billions)

 

2019

 

2020

 

2021

 

2022

Availability of committed future financing at November 30, 2018

 

$

3.4

 

 

$

2.9

 

 

$

2.8

 

 

$

2.4

 

                                 

 

At November 30, 2018, all of our revolving credit facilities are scheduled to mature in 2021, except for $300 million which matures in 2020.

 

Substantially all of our debt agreements contain financial covenants as described in the consolidated financial statements. At November 30, 2018, we were in compliance with our debt covenants. In addition, based on, among other things, our forecasted operating results, financial condition and cash flows, we expect to be in compliance with our debt covenants for the foreseeable future. Generally, if an event of default under any debt agreement occurs, then pursuant to cross default acceleration clauses, substantially all of our outstanding debt and derivative contract payables could become due, and all debt and derivative contracts could be terminated.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We are not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements, including guarantee contracts, retained or contingent interests, certain derivative instruments and variable interest entities that either have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

For a discussion of our hedging strategies and market risks, see the discussion below and the consolidated financial statements. 

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risks 

 

Operational Currency Risks

 

Our operations primarily utilize the U.S. dollar, Australian dollar, euro or sterling as their functional currencies. Our operations also have revenue and expenses denominated in non-functional currencies. Movements in foreign currency exchange rates will affect our financial statements.

 

Based on a 10% change in all currency exchange rates that were used in our December 20, 2018 guidance, we estimate that our adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance would change by the following:

 

•       $0.27 per share on an annualized basis for 2019

•       $0.01 per share for the first quarter of 2019

 

Investment Currency Risks

 

The foreign currency exchange rates were as follows:

 

November 30,

USD to 1:

2018

 

2017

AUD

$

0.73

 

 

$

0.76

 

CAD

$

0.75

 

 

$

0.78

 

EUR

$

1.14

 

 

$

1.18

 

GBP

$

1.28

 

 

$

1.33

 

RMB

$

0.14

 

 

$

0.15

 

 

If the November 30, 2017 currency exchange rates had been used to translate our November 30, 2018 non-U.S. dollar functional currency operations' assets and liabilities (instead of the November 30, 2018 U.S. dollar exchange rates), our total assets would have been higher by $615 million and our total liabilities would have been higher by $308 million.

 

As of November 30, 2018, we have a cross currency swap of $156 million which settles in September 2019. This cross currency swap is designated as a hedge of our net investments in foreign operations, which have a euro-denominated functional currency, thus partially offsetting the foreign currency exchange rate risk. Based on a 10% change in the U.S. dollar to euro exchange rate as of November 30, 2018, we estimate that this cross currency swap's fair value and offsetting change in U.S. dollar value of our net investments would change by $16 million. 

 

Newbuild Currency Risks

 

At November 30, 2018, our remaining newbuild currency exchange rate risk primarily relates to euro-denominated newbuild contract payments, which represent a total unhedged commitment of $10.1 billion and substantially all relates to newbuilds scheduled to be delivered from 2019 through 2025 to non-euro functional currency brands. The functional currency cost of each of these ships will increase or decrease based on changes in the exchange rates until the unhedged payments are made under the shipbuilding contract. We may enter into additional foreign currency derivatives to mitigate some of this foreign currency exchange rate risk. Based on a 10% change in euro to U.S. dollar exchange rates as of November 30, 2018, the remaining unhedged cost of these ships would have a corresponding change of $1 billion.

 

Interest Rate Risks

 

The composition of our debt, including the effect of cross currency swaps and interest rate swaps, was as follows:

 

November 30, 2018

Fixed rate

29

%

EUR fixed rate

29

%

Floating rate

6

%

EUR floating rate

28

%

GBP floating rate

8

%

 

At November 30, 2018, we had interest rate swaps that have effectively changed $385 million of EURIBOR-based floating rate euro debt to fixed rate euro debt. Based on a 10% change in the November 30, 2018 market interest rates, our annual interest expense on floating rate debt, including the effect of our interest rate swaps, would change by an insignificant amount. Substantially all of our fixed rate debt can only be called or prepaid by incurring additional costs.

 

Fuel Price Risks

 

Substantially all our exposure to market risk for changes in fuel prices relates to the consumption of fuel on our ships. We have been installing advanced air quality systems on our ships. These efforts are mitigating much of the impact from the ECA requirements. Given the installation schedule, we expect to use a greater percentage of low sulfur fuel in 2020, which may increase our fuel costs.

 

Based on a 10% change in fuel prices versus the current spot price that was used to calculate fuel expense in our December 20, 2018 guidance, we estimate that our adjusted diluted earnings per share December 20, 2018 guidance would change by the following:

 

•       $0.21 per share on an annualized basis for 2019

•       $0.05 per share for the first quarter of 2019

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The selected consolidated financial data presented below for 2014 through 2018 and as of the end of each such year, except for the statistical data, are derived from our consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with those consolidated financial statements and the related notes.

(in millions, except per share, per ton and currency data)

Years Ended November 30,

2018

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

2014

Statements of Income Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

$

18,881

 

 

$

17,510

 

 

$

16,389

 

 

$

15,714

 

 

$

15,884

 

Operating income

$

3,325

 

 

$

2,809

 

 

$

3,071

 

 

$

2,574

 

 

$

1,772

 

Net income

$

3,152

 

 

$

2,606

 

 

$

2,779

 

 

$

1,757

 

 

$

1,216

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Basic

$

4.45

 

 

$

3.61

 

 

$

3.73

 

 

$

2.26

 

 

$

1.57

 

     Diluted

$

4.44

 

 

$

3.59

 

 

$

3.72

 

 

$

2.26

 

 

$

1.56

 

Adjusted net income

$

3,029

 

 

$

2,770

 

 

$

2,580

 

 

$

2,106

 

 

$

1,504

 

Adjusted earnings per share - diluted

$

4.26

 

 

$

3.82

 

 

$

3.45

 

 

$

2.70

 

 

$

1.93

 

Dividends declared per share

$

1.95

 

 

$

1.60

 

 

$

1.35

 

 

$

1.10

 

 

$

1.00

 

Statistical Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALBDs (in thousands)

83,872

 

 

82,303

 

 

80,002

 

 

77,307

 

 

76,000

 

Occupancy percentage

106.9

%

 

105.9

%

 

105.9

%

 

104.8

%

 

104.1

%

Passengers carried (in thousands)

12,407

 

 

12,130

 

 

11,520

 

 

10,840

 

 

10,570

 

Fuel consumption in metric tons (in thousands)

3,296

 

 

3,286

 

 

3,233

 

 

3,181

 

 

3,194

 

Fuel consumption in metric tons per thousand ALBDs

39.3

 

 

39.9

 

 

40.4

 

 

41.2

 

 

42.0

 

Fuel cost per metric ton consumed

$

491

 

 

$

378

 

 

$

283

 

 

$

393

 

 

$

636

 

Currencies (USD to 1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     AUD

$

0.75

 

 

$

0.77

 

 

$

0.74

 

 

$

0.76

 

 

$

0.91

 

     CAD

$

0.78

 

 

$

0.77

 

 

$

0.75

 

 

$

0.79

 

 

$

0.91

 

     EUR

$

1.18

 

 

$

1.12

 

 

$

1.11

 

 

$

1.12

 

 

$

1.34

 

     GBP

$

1.34

 

 

$

1.28

 

 

$

1.37

 

 

$

1.54

 

 

$

1.66

 

     RMB

$

0.15

 

 

$

0.15

 

 

$

0.15

 

 

$

0.16

 

 

$

0.16

 

 

As of November 30,

(in millions)

2018

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

2014

Balance Sheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets (a)

$

42,401

 

 

$

40,778

 

 

$

38,881

 

 

$

39,237

 

 

$

39,448

 

Total debt (a)

$

10,323

 

 

$

9,195

 

 

$

9,399

 

 

$

8,787

 

 

$

9,088

 

 

(a)       Total assets and total debt for years 2015 and 2014 have not been updated to reflect the changes as a result of adopting ASU 2015-03 - Debt Issuance Cost

 

Years Ended November 30,

(in millions, except for per share data):

2018

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

2014

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     U.S. GAAP net income

$

3,152

 

 

$

2,606

 

 

$

2,779

 

 

$

1,757

 

 

$

1,216

 

     Unrealized (gains) losses on fuel derivatives, net

(94

)

 

(227

)

 

(236

)

 

332

 

 

268

 

     (Gains) losses on ship sales and impairments

(38

)

 

387

 

 

(2

)

 

(8

)

 

2

 

     Restructuring expenses

1

 

 

3

 

 

2

 

 

25

 

 

18

 

Other

8

 

 

-

 

 

37

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

     Adjusted net income

$

3,029

 

 

$

2,770

 

 

$

2,580

 

 

$

2,106

 

 

$

1,504

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares outstanding

710

 

 

725

 

 

747

 

 

779

 

 

778

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     U.S. GAAP earnings per share

$

4.44

 

 

$

3.59

 

 

$

3.72

 

 

$

2.26

 

 

$

1.56

 

     Unrealized (gains) losses on fuel derivatives, net

(0.13

)

 

(0.31

)

 

(0.32

)

 

0.42

 

 

0.35

 

     (Gains) losses on ship sales and impairments

(0.05

)

 

0.53

 

 

-

 

 

(0.01

)

 

-

 

     Restructuring expenses

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

0.03

 

 

0.02

 

     Other

0.01

 

 

-

 

 

0.05

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

   Adjusted earnings per share

$

4.26

 

 

$

3.82

 

 

$

3.45

 

 

$

2.70

 

 

$

1.93

 

 

COMMON STOCK AND ORDINARY SHARES

 

Carnival Corporation's common stock, together with paired trust shares of beneficial interest in the P&O Princess Special Voting Trust, which holds a Special Voting Share of Carnival plc, is traded on the NYSE under the symbol "CCL." Carnival plc's ordinary shares trade on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol "CCL." Carnival plc's American Depository Shares ("ADSs"), each one of which represents one Carnival plc ordinary share, are traded on the NYSE under the symbol "CUK." The depository for the ADSs is JPMorgan Chase Bank.

 

As of November 30, 2018, there were 3,024 holders of record of Carnival Corporation common stock and 29,330 holders of record of Carnival plc ordinary shares and 113 holders of record of Carnival plc ADSs. The past performance of our share prices cannot be relied on as a guide to their future performance.

 

All dividends for both Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc are declared in U.S. dollars. If declared, holders of Carnival Corporation common stock and Carnival plc ADSs receive a dividend payable in U.S. dollars. The dividends payable for Carnival plc ordinary shares are payable in sterling, unless the shareholders elect to receive the dividends in U.S. dollars. Dividends payable in sterling will be converted from U.S. dollars into sterling at the U.S. dollar to sterling exchange rate quoted by the Bank of England in London at 12:00 p.m. on the next combined U.S. and UK business day that follows the quarter end. 

 

The payment and amount of any future dividend is within the discretion of the Boards of Directors. Our dividends were and will be based on a number of factors, including our earnings, liquidity position, financial condition, tone of business, capital requirements, credit ratings and the availability and cost of obtaining new debt. We cannot be certain that Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc will continue their dividend in the future, and if so, the amount and timing of such future dividends are not determinable and may be different than prior declarations.

 

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

Our revenues from the sale of passenger tickets are seasonal. Historically, demand for cruises has been greatest during our third quarter, which includes the Northern Hemisphere summer months. This higher demand during the third quarter results in higher ticket prices and occupancy levels and, accordingly, the largest share of our operating income is earned during this period. The seasonality of our results also increases due to ships being taken out-of-service for maintenance, which we schedule during non-peak demand periods. In addition, substantially all of Holland America Princess Alaska Tours' revenue and net income is generated from May through September in conjunction with the Alaska cruise season. The quarterly data below, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the unaudited interim periods.

 

 

2018 Quarters Ended

(in millions, except per share data)

  February 28

 

May 31

 

August 31

 

November 30

Revenues

$

4,232

 

 

$

4,357

 

 

$

5,836

 

 

$

4,456

 

Operating income

$

419

 

 

$

559

 

 

$

1,794

 

 

$

552

 

Net income

$

391

 

 

$

561

 

 

$

1,707

 

 

$

494

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Basic

$

0.54

 

 

$

0.79

 

 

$

2.42

 

 

$

0.71

 

     Diluted

$

0.54

 

 

$

0.78

 

 

$

2.41

 

 

$

0.71

 

Adjusted net income (a)

$

375

 

 

$

489

 

 

$

1,673

 

 

$

492

 

Adjusted earnings per share - diluted (a)

$

0.52

 

 

$

0.68

 

 

$

2.36

 

 

$

0.70

 

Dividends declared per share

$

0.45

 

 

$

0.50

 

 

$

0.50

 

 

$

0.50

 

(a)       Adjusted net income and adjusted fully diluted earnings per share were computed as follows:

 

 

2018 Quarters Ended

(in millions, except per share data)

February 28

 

  May 31

 

 August 31

 

November 30

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     U.S. GAAP net income

$

391

 

 

$

561

 

 

$

1,707

 

 

$

494

 

     Unrealized (gains) losses on fuel derivatives, net

(32

)

 

(50

)

 

(8

)

 

(4

)

(Gains) losses on ship sales and impairments

16

 

 

(28

)

 

(27

)

 

-

 

Restructuring expenses

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1

 

     Other

-

 

 

6

 

 

-

 

 

1

 

     Adjusted net income

$

375

 

 

$

489

 

 

$

1,673

 

 

$

492

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares outstanding

719

 

 

715

 

 

707

 

 

699

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     U.S. GAAP earnings per share

$

0.54

 

 

$

0.78

 

 

$

2.41

 

 

$

0.71

 

     Unrealized (gains) losses on fuel derivatives, net

(0.05

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.01

)

 

(0.01

)

(Gains) losses on ship sales and impairments

0.02

 

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.04

)

 

-

 

     Restructuring expenses

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

     Other

-

 

 

0.01

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

     Adjusted earnings per share

$

0.52

 

 

$

0.68

 

 

$

2.36

 

 

$

0.70

 

  

 

2017 Quarters Ended

(in millions, except per share data)

  February 28

 

May 31

 

August 31

 

November 30

Revenues

$

3,791

 

 

$

3,945

 

 

$

5,515

 

 

$

4,259

 

Operating income

$

368

 

 

$

500

 

 

$

1,393

 

 

$

548

 

Net income

$

352

 

 

$

379

 

 

$

1,329

 

 

$

546

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Basic

$

0.48

 

 

$

0.52

 

 

$

1.84

 

 

$

0.76

 

     Diluted

$

0.48

 

 

$

0.52

 

 

$

1.83

 

 

$

0.76

 

Adjusted net income (a)

$

279

 

 

$

378

 

 

$

1,659

 

 

$

452

 

Adjusted earnings per share - diluted (a)

$

0.38

 

 

$

0.52

 

 

$

2.29

 

 

$

0.63

 

Dividends declared per share

$

0.35

 

 

$

0.40

 

 

$

0.40

 

 

$

0.45

 

(a)       Adjusted net income and adjusted fully diluted earnings per share were computed as follows:

 

 

2017 Quarters Ended

(in millions, except per share data)

February 28

 

  May 31

 

 August 31

 

November 30

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     U.S. GAAP net income

$

352

 

 

$

379

 

 

$

1,329

 

 

$

546

 

     Unrealized losses (gains) on fuel derivatives, net

(72

)

 

2

 

 

(65

)

 

(93

)

(Gains) losses on ship sales and impairments

-

 

 

(4

)

 

392

 

 

(1

)

Restructuring expenses

-

 

 

-

 

 

3

 

 

-

 

     Other

(1

)

 

1

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

     Adjusted net income

$

279

 

 

$

378

 

 

$

1,659

 

 

$

452

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares outstanding

728

 

 

727

 

 

726

 

 

722

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     U.S. GAAP earnings per share

$

0.48

 

 

$

0.52

 

 

$

1.83

 

 

$

0.76

 

     Unrealized (gains) losses on fuel derivatives, net

(0.10

)

 

-

 

 

(0.09

)

 

(0.13

)

(Gains) losses on ship sales and impairments

-

 

 

-

 

 

0.55

 

 

-

 

     Restructuring expenses

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

     Other

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

     Adjusted earnings per share

$

0.38

 

 

$

0.52

 

 

$

2.29

 

 

$

0.63

 

 

SCHEDULE C

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities

 

        I.      Repurchase Program

 

Under a share repurchase program effective 2004, we are authorized to repurchase Carnival Corporation common stock and Carnival plc ordinary shares (the "Repurchase Program"). Effective April 10 and August 27, 2018, the company approved modifications of the general authorization under the Repurchase Program, which replenished the remaining authorized repurchases at the time of the approvals to $1.0 billion. The Repurchase Program does not have an expiration date and may be discontinued by our Boards of Directors at any time.

 

During the three months ended November 30, 2018, repurchases of Carnival Corporation common stock pursuant to the Repurchase Program were as follows:

Period

 

Total Number of Shares of Carnival Corporation

Common Stock Purchased

(in millions)

 

Average Price Paid per Share of Carnival Corporation Common Stock

 

Maximum Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Repurchase Program      (in millions)

September 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

919

 

October 1, 2018 through October 31, 2018

 

-

 

 

$

55.20

 

 

$

767

 

November 1, 2018 through November 30, 2018

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

726

 

 

 

-

 

 

$

55.20

 

 

 

 

During the three months ended November 30, 2018, repurchases of Carnival plc ordinary shares pursuant to the Repurchase Program were as follows:

Period

 

Total Number of Shares of Carnival plc

Purchased                       (in millions)

 

Average Price Paid per Share of Carnival plc

 

Maximum Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Repurchase Program      (in millions)

September 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018

 

1.1

 

 

$

62.13

 

 

$

919

 

October 1, 2018 through October 31, 2018

 

2.7

 

 

$

56.69

 

 

$

767

 

November 1, 2018 through November 30, 2018

 

0.7

 

 

$

58.08

 

 

$

726

 

 

 

4.5

 

 

$

58.24

 

 

 

 

No shares of Carnival Corporation common stock or Carnival plc ordinary shares were purchased outside of publicly announced plans or programs.

 

        II.    Stock Swap Programs

 

In addition to the Repurchase Program, we have programs that allow us to obtain an economic benefit when either Carnival Corporation common stock is trading at a premium to the price of Carnival plc ordinary shares or Carnival plc ordinary shares are trading at a premium to Carnival Corporation common stock (the "Stock Swap Programs"). For example:

 

In the event Carnival Corporation common stock trades at a premium to Carnival plc ordinary shares, we may elect to sell shares of Carnival Corporation common stock, at prevailing market prices in ordinary brokers' transactions and repurchase an equivalent number of Carnival plc ordinary shares in the UK market.

 

•     In the event Carnival plc ordinary shares trade at a premium to Carnival Corporation common stock, we may elect to sell ordinary shares of Carnival plc, at prevailing market prices in ordinary brokers' transactions and repurchase an equivalent number of shares of Carnival Corporation common stock in the U.S. market.

 

Under the Stock Swap Programs effective 2008, the Boards of Directors have made the following authorizations:

 

•       In January 2017, to sell up to 22.0 million of Carnival Corporation common stock in the U.S. market and repurchase up to 22.0 million of Carnival plc ordinary shares in the UK market. 

 

•       In 2016, to sell up to 26.9 million of existing shares of Carnival plc in the UK market and repurchase up to 26.9 million shares of Carnival Corporation common stock in the U.S. market.

 

Any sales of Carnival Corporation shares and Carnival plc ordinary shares have been or will be registered under the Securities Act of 1933. During the three months ended November 30, 2018, no Carnival Corporation common stock or Carnival plc ordinary shares were sold or repurchased under the Stock Swap Programs.

 

      III.     Carnival plc Shareholder Approvals

 

Carnival plc ordinary share repurchases under both the Repurchase Program and the Stock Swap Programs require annual shareholder approval. The existing shareholder approval is limited to a maximum of 20.9 million ordinary shares and is valid until the earlier of the conclusion of the Carnival plc 2019 annual general meeting or October 11, 2019.

 


This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.rns.com.
 
END
 
 
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