Royal Caribbean Q4 Profit Beats View; Provides Q1 EPS Outlook Better Than Estimates; Stock Up

(RTTNews) - Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) Tuesday reported higher profit for the fourth quarter, better than analysts' view. The company also provided first-quarter earnings guidance above the Street expectations. Following the news, Royal Caribbean shares were more than 5 percent up in pre-market.

The company posted net income of $553 million or $2.02 per share for the fourth quarter, higher than $278 million or $1.06 per share in the same quarter a year ago.

Excluding one-time items, earnings were $445 million or $1.63 per share, that beat the average estimate of 19 analysts of $1.5 per share. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Revenue for the quarter increased to $3.761 billion from $3.331 billion in the previous year. The consensus estimate was for $3.77 billion.

Looking forward to the first quarter, Royal Caribbean expects adjusted EPS of $2.43 to $2.53. The Street is looking for profit of $2.36 per share.

For the full year, the company sees adjusted EPS in the range of $14.35 - $14.65. The consensus estimate stands at $14.44.

Royal Caribbean stock had closed at $236.82, up 2.03 percent on Monday. It has traded in the range of $113.10 - $258.70 in the last 1 year.