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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) Down 8.7% Since Last Earnings Report: Can It Rebound?
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A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 8.7% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Norwegian Cruise Line due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
Norwegian Cruise has reported better-than-expected results for the first quarter of 2019. With this, the company’s earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for nine consecutive quarters. Revenues also exceeded the consensus mark in three of the trailing four quarters.
The company’s quarterly results were aided by strong demand and a record booking trend. Also, a robust wave season has been boosting its profits. Norwegian Cruise raised guidance for earnings per share, which further boosted investors’ confidence.
Earnings & Revenue Discussion
Adjusted earnings of 83 cents per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 71 cents by 16.9%. The bottom line also grew 38.3% from the year-ago quarter.
Revenues were $1,403.6 million in the first quarter, slightly surpassing the consensus mark of $1,391 million, and grew 8.5% year over year. Revenues were driven by an improvement of 9.4% in passenger ticket revenues.
Total revenues were also favored by the addition of Norwegian Bliss along with robust growth in organic pricing across all core markets. Strong onboard spending also had positive bearings on the quarter’s revenues.
Onboard and other revenues increased 6.6% from the year-ago quarter. Gross yield (total revenue per Capacity Day) increased 2.8% in the quarter on a year-over-year basis.
On a constant-currency basis, net yield increased 4.1% in the first quarter of 2019. The measure was up 3.2% on a reported basis.
Expenses & Operating Results
Total cruise operating expenses increased 7.6% in the quarter under review from the year-ago quarter. This increase is attributable to growth Capacity Days.
Gross cruise costs per capacity day increased 2.4%. Adjusted Net cruise costs (excluding fuel) per Capacity Day increased 3.6% on a constant-currency basis and 3% on a reported basis. Fuel price per metric ton (net of hedges) increased 2.9% to $461 in the quarter under review.
Net interest expenses were $73.5 million in the first quarter of 2019, up from $59.7 million in the first quarter of 2018.
Balance Sheet
Cash and cash equivalents as of Mar 31, 2019, were $304.7 million, up from $163.9 million as of Dec 31, 2018. Long-term debt at the end of the first quarter totaled $5.9 billion, up from $5.8 billion at the end of 2018.
Second-Quarter 2019 Guidance
For the second quarter of 2019, Norwegian Cruise expects adjusted earnings to be $1.33 per share, above the consensus estimate of $1.26.
Net yield is expected to be 5.5% at constant currency. The company expects net cruise costs (excluding Fuel per Capacity Day) to be roughly 5.3% in constant currency.
2019 Outlook
For 2019, Norwegian Cruise expects adjusted EPS of $5.40 to $5.50, up from the earlier $5.20-$5.30. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in 2019 stands at $5.45, below the mid-point of the company’s guided range.
Net yield is expected to be 3.5% to 4.5% while adjusted Net cruise costs are anticipated to be roughly 3.5% (both in constant currencies).
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
In the past month, investors have witnessed an upward trend in fresh estimates. The consensus estimate has shifted 5.95% due to these changes.
VGM Scores
At this time, Norwegian Cruise Line has a nice Growth Score of B, however its Momentum Score is doing a bit better with an A. Following the exact same course, the stock was allocated a grade of A on the value side, putting it in the top 20% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of A. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Outlook
Estimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of this revision looks promising. Notably, Norwegian Cruise Line has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) Down 8.7% Since Last Earnings Report: Can It Rebound?
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 8.7% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Norwegian Cruise Line due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
Norwegian Cruise Q1 Earnings & Revenues Beat Estimates
Norwegian Cruise has reported better-than-expected results for the first quarter of 2019. With this, the company’s earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for nine consecutive quarters. Revenues also exceeded the consensus mark in three of the trailing four quarters.
The company’s quarterly results were aided by strong demand and a record booking trend. Also, a robust wave season has been boosting its profits. Norwegian Cruise raised guidance for earnings per share, which further boosted investors’ confidence.
Earnings & Revenue Discussion
Adjusted earnings of 83 cents per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 71 cents by 16.9%. The bottom line also grew 38.3% from the year-ago quarter.
Revenues were $1,403.6 million in the first quarter, slightly surpassing the consensus mark of $1,391 million, and grew 8.5% year over year. Revenues were driven by an improvement of 9.4% in passenger ticket revenues.
Total revenues were also favored by the addition of Norwegian Bliss along with robust growth in organic pricing across all core markets. Strong onboard spending also had positive bearings on the quarter’s revenues.
Onboard and other revenues increased 6.6% from the year-ago quarter. Gross yield (total revenue per Capacity Day) increased 2.8% in the quarter on a year-over-year basis.
On a constant-currency basis, net yield increased 4.1% in the first quarter of 2019. The measure was up 3.2% on a reported basis.
Expenses & Operating Results
Total cruise operating expenses increased 7.6% in the quarter under review from the year-ago quarter. This increase is attributable to growth Capacity Days.
Gross cruise costs per capacity day increased 2.4%. Adjusted Net cruise costs (excluding fuel) per Capacity Day increased 3.6% on a constant-currency basis and 3% on a reported basis. Fuel price per metric ton (net of hedges) increased 2.9% to $461 in the quarter under review.
Net interest expenses were $73.5 million in the first quarter of 2019, up from $59.7 million in the first quarter of 2018.
Balance Sheet
Cash and cash equivalents as of Mar 31, 2019, were $304.7 million, up from $163.9 million as of Dec 31, 2018. Long-term debt at the end of the first quarter totaled $5.9 billion, up from $5.8 billion at the end of 2018.
Second-Quarter 2019 Guidance
For the second quarter of 2019, Norwegian Cruise expects adjusted earnings to be $1.33 per share, above the consensus estimate of $1.26.
Net yield is expected to be 5.5% at constant currency. The company expects net cruise costs (excluding Fuel per Capacity Day) to be roughly 5.3% in constant currency.
2019 Outlook
For 2019, Norwegian Cruise expects adjusted EPS of $5.40 to $5.50, up from the earlier $5.20-$5.30. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in 2019 stands at $5.45, below the mid-point of the company’s guided range.
Net yield is expected to be 3.5% to 4.5% while adjusted Net cruise costs are anticipated to be roughly 3.5% (both in constant currencies).
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
In the past month, investors have witnessed an upward trend in fresh estimates. The consensus estimate has shifted 5.95% due to these changes.
VGM Scores
At this time, Norwegian Cruise Line has a nice Growth Score of B, however its Momentum Score is doing a bit better with an A. Following the exact same course, the stock was allocated a grade of A on the value side, putting it in the top 20% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of A. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Outlook
Estimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of this revision looks promising. Notably, Norwegian Cruise Line has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.