Norwegian Cruise lifts profit forecast again after record ticket sales
Adds analyst comment in paragraphs 9-10, updates shares in paragraph 3
By Doyinsola Oladipo and Savyata Mishra
Oct 31 (Reuters) -Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings NCLH.N joined rival Royal Caribbean RCL.N in raising its annual profit forecast for a fourth time on Thursday, encouraged by record quarterly revenue and advance ticket sales for 2025.
Cruise operators marked robust onboard purchases andresilient demand for their vacation experiences this quarter as consumer spending in the U.S. increased at its fastest pace in 1-1/2 years and inflation slowed sharply.
Shares of Norwegian Cruise jumped roughly 9% in morning trading, adding to gains of about 25% for the year so far.
The company'squarterly revenue increased 11% year-over-year to $2.81 billion, compared with analysts' estimates of $2.77 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.
The Oceania Cruises operator said its advance ticket sales balance ended the third quarter at $3.3 billion, about 6% higher than the same period in 2023.
It now expects an adjusted profit of $1.65 per share for fiscal 2024, compared with its previous forecast of $1.53.
"Fueled by robust demand and our relentless focus on cost control... we're raising our full-year guidance for a fourth time and expect 2024 to be our best year for revenue," said CEO Harry Sommer.
The company raised its 2024 revenue-per-cruise-day forecast to about 9.4%, from its prior outlook of 8.2%, driven by healthy demand for its cruises in Alaska, Canada, and the Northeastern United States.
"At various points throughout the year, Norwegian shares have sold off over the fear that late-year yields were likely to fall off precipitously," Citi equity analyst James Hardiman said in a note.
"Whereas, third-quarter results imply a meaningful acceleration in pricing power, while fourth-quarter guidance implies continued strength to finish the year."
The cruise operator posted third-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $0.99, compared with estimatesof $0.94.
Reporting by Savyata Mishra in Bengaluru and Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Editing by Devika Syamnath
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