Core Insights - Carnival Corp. reported its eighth consecutive quarter of record revenue, with EBITDA rising 26% year over year and net income of $565 million exceeding management's guidance by $185 million [1] - The company surpassed all three of its 2026 strategic targets 18 months early and upgraded its full-year guidance [1] Financial Performance - In the trailing 12 months, EBITDA per available lower berth day (ALBD) was 52% above the 2023 baseline, and return on invested capital (ROIC) surpassed 12.5%, marking the highest levels in nearly two decades [2][3] - Unit net yields expanded by over 6.4% on an adjusted basis compared to the prior year, building on a comparable 12% gain from last year [2] Strategic Initiatives - Carnival is investing in exclusive destinations like Celebration Key, which features 275,000 square feet of lagoon space, to capture greater price premiums and boost market share against land-based vacation alternatives [4] - Early pricing premiums on Celebration Key itineraries are in line with expectations, supporting the company's portfolio yield management strategy [5] Financial Flexibility - During the second quarter, Carnival prepaid $350 million in senior notes due in 2026 and increased its revolving credit capacity by 50% to $4.5 billion [6] - The net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio improved from 4.1x to 3.7x, with rating upgrades bringing the company just one notch below investment-grade status at both S&P Global and Fitch [6][7] Future Outlook - Full-year 2025 net income guidance was increased by $200 million to approximately $2.7 billion, with net yield growth guidance raised to 5% for FY2025 [8] - The company plans to set new post-2026 financial and environmental targets and focus on the launch of Celebration Key in July 2025 and the new Carnival Rewards loyalty program in the second half of 2026 [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported consolidated revenues of $233 million, an over 11% increase year-over-year, with both divisions contributing to revenue growth [11] - Consolidated operating income was $32.8 million, and adjusted EBITDA reached $52.3 million, marking record results for the third quarter [11] - Net earnings for the third quarter were $24.8 million or $0.78 per share, excluding the impacts of convertible debt repurchases [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Theatres division revenue was $143.8 million, a 13.6% increase compared to the prior year, with comparable theatre admission revenue up 9.5% and attendance increasing by 7.1% [13][14] - Hotels & Resorts division revenues were $88.7 million, an 8.1% increase year-over-year, with RevPAR for comparable owned hotels growing 9.8% [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. box office receipts increased 3.8% during the fiscal 2024 third quarter compared to the same period in fiscal 2023, indicating the company's theatres outperformed the industry by approximately 5.7 percentage points [14] - The upper-upscale hotel segment experienced a RevPAR increase of 1.4%, indicating the company's hotels outperformed the industry by 8.4 percentage points, including the impact of the Republican National Convention [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a balanced approach to capital allocation, investing in growth while returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [30][53] - The management expressed optimism about the long-term future of the theatre business, citing a strong film slate for the remainder of 2024 and 2025 [43][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the theatre industry is experiencing a significant recovery, with record results achieved in both divisions, and emphasized the importance of a favorable film slate [33][34] - The Republican National Convention positively impacted hotel revenues, demonstrating the potential for future events to drive demand [46] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $13.5 million of convertible senior notes for $15.5 million, marking the retirement of substantially all convertible debt [28] - Cash flow from operations was $30 million, an increase from $21 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to higher EBITDA [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of consumer behavior on attendance - Management acknowledged that the theatre business often benefits during economic slowdowns as it becomes a more affordable entertainment option [60] Question: Capital allocation and M&A opportunities - Management is open to M&A but noted a slow market for transactions, with many potential sellers waiting for more stable conditions [62] Question: Attendance trends and customer demographics - Management indicated that the changes to Value Tuesday and other promotions have successfully attracted value-driven customers, contributing to improved attendance [68][78] Question: Concession sales and merchandise - Management confirmed an increase in souvenir items, which has positively impacted concession sales, although there is not a significant introduction of standalone merchandise [79]