Royal Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean is posting record booking and occupancy levels, with customers booking earlier and paying more for premium offerings, which increases revenue per guest. The company is investing in new ships and exclusive destinations to strengthen its competitive position. Risks remain high capital expenditure, fuel prices, geopolitical developments and economic fluctuations that could weigh on demand and margins. » More on finanzen.net

Royal Caribbean confirmed a deal to acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for about $3 billion, implying roughly a 10x forward EBITDA multiple and funded by committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley. The company said the transaction is expected to close early next year and be accretive to earnings, with a joint board led by Jason Liberty and Adam Stewart. Investors sold the stock on concerns over a debt-funded pivot into land-based resorts and the delay until earnings accretion, while Carnival and Norwegian also slipped amid sector weakness. » More on finance.yahoo.com

Royal Caribbean is in talks to buy a 50% equity stake in Sandals for about $3 billion, valuing the Caribbean resort chain at roughly $6 billion. Discussions are ongoing and may not result in a transaction. The move would expand Royal Caribbean’s push into land-based and all-inclusive vacations; the news sent Royal Caribbean shares down about 6%. » More on cnbc.com