SS/RCCL Finances: Improving, Options, Questions??!!

[highplanesdrifters]

On 5/7/2024 at 12:53 PM, Neilio said:

I have been writing covered calls

 

An option trader buddy referred to selling calls and puts as picking up dimes in front of a steamroller. You can make a lot of money, but you really need to pay attention.  😃 At least yours are covered calls!

[TLCOhio]

On 5/12/2024 at 9:36 AM, highplanesdrifters said:

An option trader buddy referred to selling calls and puts as picking up dimes in front of a steamroller. You can make a lot of money, but you really need to pay attention.  😃 At least yours are covered calls!

 

Oh, "calls and puts" are way above my playing field and financial expertise.  I will let others enjoy putting chips down and playing at that "Wall Street Casino".  Appreciate these comments and follow-ups.  Keep it coming. 

 

From a Wall Street Journal-connected financial news website yesterday morning, they had this headline: “Stock Market Crash Warning: Don’t Get Caught Holding These 3 Cruise Stocks” with these highlights: “The cruise industry has long been a popular choice. However, behind the glitz and glamor, the industry has been grappling with several inherent weaknesses. Those have left the sector particularly vulnerable to economic downturns and unforeseen crises, causing investors to question the long-term viability of these cruise stocks.  One of the most significant weaknesses of the cruise industry is its heavy reliance on discretionary spending. Unlike essential goods and services, cruises are often seen as a luxury. Some consumers easily forego such treats during times of financial uncertainty. Also, high interest rate environment and inflationary pressures have battered these cruise stocks to avoid.”

 

As to RCL, they zero in and shared:  "Royal Caribbean has demonstrated improvement in its financial results. However, the company is grappling with a substantial debt burden. Notably, it has around $20 million in cash and $21 billion in debt.   However, RCL is projecting strong performance for 2024, having raised its guidance due to robust demand. The company had a notable debt reduction in 2023, when RCL paid off approximately $4 billion.   For 2024, RCL has scheduled significant capital expenditures totaling around $3.3 billion. This price tag was primarily for its new ship orders, including the Utopia of the Seas and Silver Ray. Also, the company anticipates a capacity increase of 8.5% compared to 2023."

 

Interesting background and financial details!!   And, Royal Caribbean is in somewhat better financial shape than both Carnival and Norwegian as per how Wall Street traders view these various stocks.  This story also highlighted some factors involving OneSpaWorld Holdings that services major cruise lines.    

 

Reactions, comments, questions and predictions??

 

Full story at:

https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/stock-market-crash-warning-dont-get-caught-holding-these-3-cruise-stocks-1033370074

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island).  Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City.    Visual/Info Summaries:

www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

[TLCOhio]

From CNBC, the cable financial news network, late this morning, they had this headline: “Powell says inflation has been higher than thought and expects rates to hold steady” with these highlights: “Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated Tuesday that inflation is falling more slowly than expected and will keep the central bank on hold for an extended period.  Speaking to the Foreign Bankers’ Association in Amsterdam, the central bank leader noted that the rapid disinflation that happened in 2023 has slowed considerably this year and caused a rethink of where policy is headed.  'We did not expect this to be a smooth road. But these [inflation readings] were higher than I think anybody expected,' Powell said. 'What that has told us is that we’ll need to be patient and let restrictive policy do its work.'  While he expects inflation to come down through the year, he noted that hasn’t happened so far.”

 

Looks like interest rates are going to stay high much longer than expected and hoped.  Right or wrong?

 

Full story at:

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/14/powell-says-inflation-has-been-higher-than-thought-and-expects-rates-to-hold-steady.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

India to Singapore 2024: Live/Blog with many visuals, including “Golden Triangle”, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2992045-live-terryohio-india-to-signapore-silver-moon-rising-pix’s/

[highplanesdrifters]

Havent posted any charts in awhile. Big breakout in the 10 year after the the inflation #'s this a.m. Flag formation drops it to 4.11, fast.

Mr. Bondelero @RetiredandTravel can probably tell us what's really going on.😄

[RetiredandTravel]

19 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Havent posted any charts in awhile. Big breakout in the 10 year after the the inflation #'s this a.m. Flag formation drops it to 4.11, fast.

Mr. Bondelero @RetiredandTravel can probably tell us what's really going on.😄

 

 

Looks reasonable. You have a great track record and I hope you are right.

 

I have been encouraged that the ten year has held the 07/08 5.25% high and the recent increase held the 2023 5%. Breaking the 5 1/4 would have been very concerning to me.

 

I tend to think that inflation will be under control because of continued productivity gains from technological advancements.  The Federal Debt needs to be addresssed or we could have serious long term issues and the current supply could slow rate decreases.

 

Given the inverted yield curve I only have ~20% of fixed income in intermediates (5-10).  I find the best risk/reward in the 0-3 year area.  If rates go down a lot I'll wish I had more duration. 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

2 hours ago, RetiredandTravel said:

 

 

I tend to think that inflation will be under control because of continued productivity gains from technological advancements. 

 

Agree.

I know it's going down because recently I was able to get reservations at restaurants usually unattainable. Although the airport was crazy crowded.

[RetiredandTravel]

1 hour ago, highplanesdrifters said:

 

Agree.

I know it's going down because recently I was able to get reservations at restaurants usually unattainable. Although the airport was crazy crowded.

 

Great indicator actually.  Also seeing the Rib Eye being replaced with the Flank steak.🐄

 

[TLCOhio]

Also in this summary, was this key concluding point: "Even with Monday’s rally, Norwegian’s stock has been recently underperforming its peers. The stock has gained 3% over the past three months, while shares of Royal Caribbean Group have soared 28.8% and Carnival Corp.’s stock has advanced 6.8%. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 has gained 7% in the past three months."

 

Thanks!!  Enjoy.  Terry in Ohio

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon, here below is their chart showing that Norwegian kept up, UP, those early morning, dramatic gains.  Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival were increasing by somewhat similar, sustained margins during the day's trading. In fact at one point today, RCL hit a 52-week peak value of $150.90.   Good news?  How long will this trend continue?

 

 

From the WSJ, they also had this headline: “Cruise Stocks Float Higher After Norwegian Lifts Outlook” with these highlights: “Norwegian shares were up 8.9% to $17.14 in midday trading, on pace for its largest percent increase since February. Shares are still down about 14% this year.  Norwegian said ahead of an investor day Monday that it had continued to see strong demand and record bookings so far this year, prompting the company to raise its outlook for adjusted earnings per share to $1.42 from $1.32.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/cruise-stocks-float-higher-after-norwegian-lifts-outlook-062eded8

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Abu Dhabi vs. Dubai?  Many different UAE tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc. with more than 20,000 views at:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2521493-abu-dhabi-vs-dubai-procon-factors/page/5/#comment-66634467

[TLCOhio]

After Monday's big stock market gains for the three cruise line stocks, things continued STRONG today, rising over 2% in value during Tuesday's trading.  Below is the Royal Caribbean chart from the Wall Street Journal.  This stock sits now at nearly double from its low point during the most recent 52-weeks.  Amazing??

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[TLCOhio]

The stock market and cruise stocks continue this week in a very "choppy seas" situation.  More later Friday or Saturday morning with the full comparisons/update for all three companies.  

 

Here below is Carnival since the big, BIG upswing on Monday morning.  Sliding back downhill??  Norwegian has moved in a similar manner.  BUT, Royal Caribbean has been fairly stable after that significant movement/rise.  Any guesses and/or explanations for why and how with these differences? 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Love the Caribbean? Here are two popular posts/links with thousands of views with much info for . . . . Grenada   

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2179927-grenada-pixs-fun-experiences-jan2015/page/2/#comment-66823149

Or, Aruba:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2178325-aruba-pixs-fun-experiences-feb2015/page/3/#comment-66677721

[TLCOhio]

From the cable CNBC financial news network and MSN News today, they had this headline: “JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon says can't rule out 'hard landing' for the U.S., stagflation will be 'worst outcome' ”  with these highlights: “A 'hard landing' for the U.S. cannot be ruled out. Speaking at the JPMorgan Global China Summit in Shanghai, he told CNBC that the worst outcome for the U.S. economy will be a 'stagflation' scenario, where inflation continues to rise, but growth slows amid high unemployment.  Dimon said interest rates could still go up 'a little bit.'  Dimon said that 'the consumer is still in good shape' — even if the economy slips into recession.”

 

Is that all clear and specific from the one person regarded as the top banker in the world?  Do these comments offer full confidence for future cruise bookings and travel planning?  Ready to buy cruise ship stocks?  

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/jpmorgan-ceo-jamie-dimon-says-u-s-could-see-a-hard-landing-stagflation-will-be-worst-outcome/ar-BB1mTkXE?ocid=BingNewsSearch

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio 

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 258,970 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal late Friday afternoon, below are their charts for the three major cruise lines.  During these most recent five trading days, do things look "ROCKY" as to how the traders valued these three cruise companies?  Lots of movement, not all positive?  Reactions? 

 

 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio 

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 251,299 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

[TLCOhio]

From a financial news website today, they had this headline: “Norwegian Cruise Line Stock Gets Boost From Mizuho Upgrade” with these highlights: “Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings shares rose Tuesday after it received an upgrade and price-target boost from Mizuho Securities as it cuts costs and the industry's outlook improves.  Mizuho lifted its rating to "buy" from "neutral," and the price target to $24 from $21.   Mizuho executive director Ben Chaiken said the cruise company has streamlined operations and is benefiting from high demand and limited supply.”

 

All three cruise stock were up, UP today, a Tuesday after trading was closed yesterday due to the Monday Memorial Day holiday.  Royal Caribbean was over $150 a sharing today, nearing a 52-week high.  Does a "rising tide" lift all boats (and cruise lines)??

 

Full story at:

https://www.investopedia.com/norwegian-cruise-line-stock-gets-boost-from-mizuho-upgrade-8654468

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio 

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 250,912 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

[TLCOhio]

From this Wall Street Journal-connected financial news website yesterday, they had this headline: “Viking Sales Ride High In Q1 But IPO Hits Choppy Seas” with these highlights: “Viking Holdings sailed past Wall Street's forecasts early Wednesday as the luxury cruise line posted its initial quarterly report following its May 1 initial public offering. However, VIK hit some choppy seas in early stock market action.   Viking CEO Torstein Hagen highlighted 'strong advanced bookings for 2024 and 2025' in an earnings statement.   As of May 19, Viking had sold 91% of capacity for this year and 39% for 2025 for its Viking River, Viking Ocean, Viking Expedition and Viking Mississippi lines.”

 

Their reporting also detailed: "During Q1, Vikings passenger capacity grew 14.5% from a year ago, while occupancy rose to 94% from 92.8%.  Viking gets the bulk of its revenue and profits in Q2 and Q3."

 

Full story at:

https://www.investors.com/news/viking-holdings-earnings-vik-stock-ipo-q1/?src=A00619&refcode=aflMarketWatch&_gl=1*hqeyzz*_ga*NzI5MzY4NzcyLjE3MTU4MDA4MzM.*_ga_K2H7B9JRSS*MTcxNzAwMTIwNS43OC4xLjE3MTcwMDI2MjIuMC4wLjA.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 114,074 views.

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal as of the Friday afternoon close, below are the charts for the three major cruise companies, plus Viking, too.  

 

Lots of sharp up and down moves?  How to explain and predict for the future with these stocks, plus the overall market?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados on the Silver Cloud for 26 days. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 75,547 views:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

 

Venice:  http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

For the past week during the four trading days, here are the Wall Street Journal charts showing the "ROCKY" route traveled on choppy seas for the three major cruise corporations.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

 

 

For the past week and in their first month as a listed stock, Viking has moved up, UP in a very positive manner.  Where for the future?:

 

[TLCOhio]

From the Reuters newswire and MSN yesterday, they had this headline: “Cruise operators offer summer discounts as ships crowd the Caribbean, Alaska” with these highlights: “Cruise operators Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings are discounting summer itineraries as they look to fill empty cabins aboard older ships, according to travel agencies and company websites.   The companies are lowering summer prices in part because more vessels are headed for already popular Caribbean and Alaskan destinations - and as they reroute ships away from Red Sea destinations due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.”

 

Maybe there will be some downward "adjustments" with pricing for the future?

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/travel/news/cruise-operators-offer-summer-discounts-as-ships-crowd-the-caribbean-alaska/ar-BB1nlcTL?ocid=BingNewsSearch

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Athens & Greece: Visuals, details from two visits in a city and nearby with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 65,291 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal mid-morning today, the Royal Caribbean stock is up, UP by a significant margin.  Both Carnival and Norwegian were up this morning in a major way, too.  Why and how?

 

Could it be optimism from the business publication, Barrons, late Friday afternoon as they had this headline: “After Years of Turbulence, the Cruise Lines Are Sailing Under Blue Skies”.  

 

Here were a few of their reporting highlights: “Annie Lennox may have been channeling the cruise lines when she sang of traveling the world and the seven seas in her 1983 hit “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” Today, millions are following her. The top cruise operators, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Royal Caribbean, are reporting record bookings. Royal Caribbean stock trades above its prepandemic price. Carnival shares are up 4% since Barron’s highlighted the stock in early April. Norwegian caught an upgrade on Tuesday, and analysts launching coverage of newly public Viking Holdings have been giddy.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.barrons.com/articles/cruise-line-stocks-carnival-norwegian-royal-caribbean-32682be4?_gl=1*1bw6k2r*_ga*NzI5MzY4NzcyLjE3MTU4MDA4MzM.*_ga_K2H7B9JRSS*MTcxNzQyMzAzMS4xMDEuMS4xNzE3NDIzMzcxLjAuMC4w

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 56,796 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal early afternoon today, this chart below shows Royal Caribbean going up, UP to a new 52-week HIGH!!  Something positive is being sense and driving their stock upward.  Right?  Why and how??

 

Also from the Wall Street Journal early this morning, they had this headline: “The Dollar Is at Its Strongest Since the 1980s. Can It Last?" and sub-headline:  "The greenback is historically very expensive amid a recovery in global growth and a fraught election campaign.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “For a decade now, currency markets have been ruled by the strengthening dollar. But no kingdom lasts forever.  Contrary to what many on Wall Street expected, the U.S. dollar has gotten a fresh wind this year, as bumpy inflation data has prompted investors to dial back bets on rate cuts. Measured against other currencies, the greenback is still below the recent 2022 peak when an aggressive Federal Reserve was raising interest rates. But it remains historically expensive in inflation-adjusted terms—just 10% shy of the level at which Richard Nixon ended gold convertibility in 1971.”

 

Interesting financial history?  How does this affect cruising, their pricing, etc., for the future?  Good or bad??  Below is a detailed WSJ chart over the past decades:

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/economy/the-dollar-is-at-its-strongest-since-the-1980s-canit-last-a1d407b9

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit.  Now at 35,553 views.  Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[TLCOhio]

Could this news/story be the reason for the major upswing today for all three cruise corporation?  

 

From the Wall Street Journal's sister publication of Barrons within the past hour, they had this headline: “Carnival Is Absorbing Australian Cruise Line. It Could Be ‘Catalyst Needed to Start a Rally” with these highlights: “Carnival is wrapping its Australian line of cruise ships into its flagship brand—a move that Melius Research sees as a big step for the cruise line."

 

Full story at:

https://www.barrons.com/articles/carnival-australia-cruise-line-stock-84609ef1?_gl=1*1paxz8*_ga*NzI5MzY4NzcyLjE3MTU4MDA4MzM.*_ga_K2H7B9JRSS*MTcxNzUyMDM1OS4xMDcuMS4xNzE3NTIxNTcwLjAuMC4w

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 33,387 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

[TLCOhio]

Here is more background as to the Carnival move for Australia.  From USA Today and MSN News today, they had this headline: “Carnival Corp to fold P&O Cruises Australia brand into Carnival Cruise Line.”

 

Here are their reporting highlights: “Carnival Corp. will fold P&O Cruises Australia into Carnival Cruise Line next year.   The cruise line operator will retire the P&O Cruises Australia brand in March 2025, the company announced Monday.  'Despite increasing Carnival Cruise Line's capacity by almost 25% since 2019 including transferring three ships from Costa Cruises, guest demand remains incredibly strong so we're leveraging our scale in an even more meaningful way by absorbing an entire brand into the world's most popular cruise line,' Carnival Corp. CEO Josh Weinstein said in a news release.  The change does not affect Carnival Corp.’s England-based P&O Cruises, which is a separate brand.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/carnival-corp-to-fold-p-o-cruises-australia-brand-into-carnival-cruise-line/ar-BB1nCn4r?ocid=BingNewsSearch

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 22,765 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[TLCOhio]

Today is another 52-week high/peak for the value of the Royal Caribbean stock.  Things also are up for the other two major cruise stocks. These two, however, still are not close to reaching and soaring above their 52-week highs.  See the Wall Street Journal chart this afternoon below for RCL:

 

Also below from the Wall Street Journal, they had this headline: “Norwegian Cruise Line Looks to Cut Costs and Debt—‘No Sacred Cows’ " with this sub-headline:  "The Miami-based company is paying down debt that built up during the pandemic while aiming to cut $300 million in costs by 2026.”

 

Here were their reporting highlights:  "Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ finances took a hit during the pandemic, as ships stopped sailing, and it had to raise billions of dollars in capital to stay afloat. Now, the company is looking to clean up its balance sheet.

This means generating more cash to pay down debt, which during the pandemic ballooned by more than $4 billion. The Miami-based company behind the Norwegian, Regent Seven Seas and Oceania cruise lines is also planning to slash $300 million in costs by 2026, with $100 million in reductions coming this year. 'We are maniacally focused on that,' Chief Financial Officer Mark Kempa said of deleveraging the balance sheet.”

 

Slashing costs?  Can one person's view of "waste" can be another's view of for some view as delivering "luxury, style and class"?  Is this especially true for Regent and Oceania that like to view their lines as a step or two above the mass-market basics??

 

Is this "slashing cost" strategy affecting Silversea these days?

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/norwegian-cruise-line-looks-to-cut-costs-and-debtno-sacred-cows-738ed418?page=1

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas!  Now at 21,610 views. Live/blog: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal as of the Friday afternoon close, below are the charts for the three major cruise companies, plus Viking, too.  

 

Things look more steady and stable this week?  After Tuesday major upswing, things held fairly strong and level during the rest of the week.  

 

Reactions and predictions for the rest of the month?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Early 2020, many visuals and details from New Zealand/South Pacific in going from Auckland to French Polynesia.  This includes Bora Bora, Fiji, NZ experiences, etc:  Live/blog:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2735732-live-terryohio-“new”-regatta-south-pacificnz-pix’s/

 

Here are the Wall Street Journal charts for the three major cruise lines during this past week.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

 

 

For the past week, however, Viking moved somewhat downward.  Where for their young market future?:

[TLCOhio]

How do cruise executives and consumers "navigate' the changing and evolving economic conditions?  How will this affect future cruise bookings?  How much differences will there be for luxury lines versus those aimed at/for mass-market sailing brands?  Reactions??

 

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Economic Data Paint a Picture of Two Americas" with this sub-headline:  "The rich are feeling confident, but lower-income households are growing cautious.”

 

Here are a few of their reporting highlights: “The U.S. economy keeps throwing up surprises, making it difficult to get a read on what’s happening for everyone from ordinary investors to the Federal Reserve. A growing disconnect between the fortunes of upper- and lower-income Americans could account for some of the crossed signals. Companies have been warning in recent weeks that consumers are pulling back. To cite one example among many, Campbell Soup, owner of Pepperidge Farm and other snack brands, just days ago lowered its sales forecast because it said shoppers are increasingly economizing on snack purchases and switching to private label alternatives.  One possible reason for the mix of caution and abandon is that people lower on the income ladder who spend a bigger share of their income on necessities are feeling pinched and less confident about their job prospects.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/economy/consumers/economic-data-paint-a-picture-of-two-americas-fb10e908?mod=hp_lead_pos3

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island).  Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City.    Visual/Info Summaries:

www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

[TLCOhio]

From this financial news website linked below during this past weekend, they had this headline: “Is Royal Caribbean Cruises A Risky Investment?” with these highlights: “Legendary fund manager Li Lu (who Charlie Munger backed) once said, 'The biggest investment risk is not the volatility of prices, but whether you will suffer a permanent loss of capital.' So it seems the smart money knows that debt is a very important factor, when you assess how risky a company is. Importantly, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. does carry debt. But is this debt a concern to shareholders?”

 

Their chart below shows Royal Caribbean's debt (red) versus equity (blue) and cash on hand (green).  

 

Here is more from their reporting: "Zooming in on the latest balance sheet data, we can see that Royal Caribbean Cruises had liabilities of US$9.91b due within 12 months and liabilities of US$20.0b due beyond that. Offsetting this, it had US$437.0m in cash and US$455.0m in receivables that were due within 12 months. So its liabilities total US$29.0b more than the combination of its cash and short-term receivables.  This is a mountain of leverage even relative to its gargantuan market capitalization of US$39.8b."

 

Their concluding, final summary point: "it does seem to us that Royal Caribbean Cruises is a somewhat risky investment as a result of its debt."

 

Full story at:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/royal-caribbean-cruises-nyse-rcl-130016966.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Love the Caribbean? Here are popular posts/links with over 20,000 views each with much information for . . . .

Barbados:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2179164-barbados-50th-birthday-our-pixs-experiences-feb2015/page/3/#comment-65530134Or, Dominica:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2169714-dominica-love-our-experience-pictures-etc/page/3/#comment-66637276