Royal Caribbean Q2 Earnings Beat Estimates, Revenues Miss, Stock Down

Core Viewpoint - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) reported mixed second-quarter 2025 results, with adjusted earnings exceeding estimates while revenues fell short, leading to a 5.4% decline in stock price during pre-market trading [1][8]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q2 2025 were $4.38, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.10, and up from $3.21 in the same quarter last year [2][8]. - Quarterly revenues reached $4,538 million, missing the consensus estimate of $4,550 million, but reflecting a year-over-year increase of 10.4% from $4.11 billion [2][8]. Revenue Breakdown - Passenger ticket revenues were $3.2 billion, an increase from $2.9 billion in the prior-year quarter, aligning with estimates [3]. - Onboard and other revenues rose to $1.34 billion from $1.22 billion year-over-year, also meeting estimates [3]. - Total cruise operating expenses were $2.28 billion, up 6.1% year-over-year, matching estimates [3]. Cost and Yield Analysis - Net yields increased by 5.2% on a constant currency basis and 5.3% on a reported basis compared to Q2 2024 [4]. - Net cruise costs, excluding fuel, per Available Passenger Cruise Day (APCD) rose by 2.5% on a reported basis and 2.1% at constant currency from the previous year [4]. Financial Position - As of June 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents stood at $735 million, up from $388 million at the end of 2024 [5]. - Long-term debt decreased to $17.61 billion from $18.47 billion at the end of 2024, with the current portion of long-term debt also declining to $1.4 billion from $1.6 billion [5]. Booking Trends - Strong booking momentum is noted for 2025 and 2026, with load factors exceeding previous years and higher pricing levels [6]. - There has been an acceleration in bookings, particularly for close-in sailings, contributing to the second-quarter performance [6]. - Demand remains robust across all product categories, supported by strong digital and commercial channel performance [6]. Future Outlook - For Q3 2025, RCL anticipates depreciation and amortization expenses between $425-$435 million and net interest expenses of $235-$245 million, with adjusted EPS projected between $5.55-$5.65 [9]. - For the full year 2025, depreciation and amortization expenses are expected to be $1.70-$1.71 billion, with adjusted EPS anticipated between $15.41 and $15.55, an increase from previous expectations [11]. - Net yields are projected to rise by 3.5-4% year-over-year on both a reported and constant currency basis [11].