Norwegian Cruise (NCLH) Commission Changes May Impact Net Returns, UBS Notes

Core Viewpoint - Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH) is considered a mid-cap stock to buy, with a Neutral rating and a $27 price target set by UBS analyst Robin Farley [1]. Group 1: Commission Changes - Norwegian announced the elimination of all non-commissionable rates starting December 26, 2023, for cruises sailing on or after May 1, 2026, which will significantly increase commission levels for travel brokers [1][3]. - This commission increase may reduce Norwegian's net return by 200-300 basis points for specific business segments [3]. - The commission hike will not affect more than half of the 2026 inventory sold before the start of the calendar year, nor will it apply to cruises before May 1, 2026 [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - The commission rise is specific to the Norwegian brand, which constitutes approximately 85% of NCLH's fleet, and does not impact cruises sold directly to customers, which account for over half of sales for several large-ship brands [4]. - Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. operates three brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, offering itineraries to over 700 destinations globally [4].