- Net earnings attributable to Belmond Ltd. of $22.9 million, a $12.9 million increase over the prior-year quarter; adjusted net earnings from continuing operations of $23.3 million, an $8.7 million increase
- Total revenue (1) of $183.7 million, up $15.3 million or 9% over the prior-year quarter; up $16.9 million or 10% on a constant currency basis
- Same store revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) up 12% from the prior-year quarter; up 10% on a constant currency basis
- Total adjusted EBITDA of $65.7 million, up $13.8 million or 27% from the prior-year quarter; up $13.0 million or 25% on a constant currency basis
- Expanded trains & cruises portfolio with the launch of Belmond Grand Hibernian, Ireland's first luxury overnight train, in August 2016
- Appointed Arnaud Champenois to senior vice president, marketing & brand, in September 2016
HAMILTON, Bermuda–Belmond Ltd. (NYSE:BEL) (the “Company”), owners, part-owners or managers of 47 luxury hotel, restaurant, tourist train and river cruise properties, including two scheduled for future opening, which operate in 23 countries, today announced its results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016.
Roeland Vos, president and chief executive officer, remarked: “Results for our third quarter were strong and benefited from our heightened focus on driving top- and bottom-line growth at our existing properties. The primary drivers of our third quarter growth were Belmond Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as a result of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games and our European hotels during their traditional high seasons in the summer. In both cases, we capitalized on periods of peak demand, driving enhanced results for the quarter while at the same time increasing awareness for the Belmond brand. At Belmond Copacabana Palace, we leveraged a full hotel and increased foot traffic to generate not only strong rooms growth but also outstanding results for our food and beverage outlets. In Europe, we used the continued strong demand for our prime Italian assets to drive even higher rates, and for the rest of our hotels in Europe, we continued to successfully stimulate incremental demand from new markets. With total adjusted EBITDA growth of 25% over the prior-year quarter on a constant currency basis, I am pleased with what we accomplished and the results we delivered.
"Earlier this year, we announced the details of our strategy and our plan to double adjusted EBITDA and properties in operation by 2020. Our strategy consists of three key areas: driving organic growth, continuing to build brand awareness and expanding our global footprint. During the quarter, we made significant progress in all three areas, with our strong third quarter results illustrating our ability to drive improved results from our existing operations. With regard to the second component of our strategy, increasing brand awareness, we welcomed Arnaud Champenois as senior vice president, marketing & brand, in September. Arnaud brings over 20 years of direct experience and will be a fantastic leader and key executive in helping us accelerate our growth. We also made progress on the third focus area, footprint expansion, with the launch of the Belmond Grand Hibernian train in Ireland, our first new property to commence operations since we announced our strategic plan in June. Traveling with a full passenger load for its inaugural trip on August 30, the train has been an early success and we are looking forward to its first full operating season in 2017.
"Our performance for the first three quarters of 2016 was strong. Looking at the fourth quarter, however, we are forecasting that our two hotels in Brazil will be impacted more than previously anticipated by the expected post-Olympic lull in demand and general economic conditions in the country. Additionally, Belmond Charleston Place in South Carolina was negatively affected at the beginning of October by Hurricane Matthew, which led to a mandatory evacuation of the city of Charleston. Although the hotel did not suffer any material damage from the storm, it lost four operating days as well as the opportunity to pick up business for the days that followed. As a result, we have modestly reduced our full year 2016 RevPAR guidance, with same store, constant currency RevPAR growth now expected to be between 3% and 5%."
Third Quarter 2016 Operating Results
Total revenue for the third quarter of 2016 was $183.7 million, a $15.3 million or 9% increase over total revenue for the third quarter of 2015. In constant currency, total revenue for the third quarter of 2016 increased $16.9 million or 10% over the third quarter of 2015.
Same store RevPAR for owned hotels for the third quarter of 2016 increased 10% over the prior-year quarter on a constant currency basis as a result of an 8% increase in average daily rate ("ADR") and a 1 percentage point increase in occupancy.
Net earnings attributable to Belmond Ltd. for the third quarter of 2016 were $22.9 million ($0.23 per common share), a $12.9 million or 129% increase over $10.0 million ($0.10 per common share) for the third quarter of 2015.
Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2016 were $23.3 million ($0.23 per common share), an $8.7 million or 60% increase over $14.6 million ($0.14 per common share) for the third quarter of 2015.
Total adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2016 was $65.7 million, a $13.8 million or 27% increase over total adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2015. In constant currency, total adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2016 increased $13.0 million or 25% over the third quarter of 2015.
Recent Company Highlights
- Expands global trains & cruises portfolio with launch of Belmond Grand Hibernian — On August 30, 2016, the Company commenced operations of Belmond Grand Hibernian, the first luxury overnight train to travel throughout the island of Ireland. The latest addition to the Company's stable of world-renowned luxury rail experiences, Belmond Grand Hibernian accommodates up to 40 passengers and offers guests spectacular two-, four- and six-night journeys, each beginning and ending in Dublin and traversing the Irish countryside, coasts and cities.
- Strengthens management team with appointment of Arnaud Champenois to senior vice president, marketing & brand — During the quarter, the Company completed its search for an experienced leader to drive its brand and marketing efforts with the appointment of Arnaud Champenois to the position of senior vice president, marketing & brand. Joining the Company in September 2016, Mr. Champenois brings more than 20 years' experience in leading brands, marketing and communications in the luxury goods and services sector. Mr. Champenois most recently served as vice president, brand director for Asia Pacific at Starwood Hotels & Resorts since 2011 and previously held various positions with L'Oreal in Paris and Asia and Cartier in London.
- Increases brand awareness with recognition in Condé Nast Traveler magazine's readers' choice awards — Condé Nast Traveler magazine recently announced the results of its annual readers' choice awards. The 2016 poll ranked 17 of the Company’s properties among the best in their locations.
Third Quarter 2016 Business Unit Results
Owned hotels:
Europe:
For the third quarter of 2016, revenue from owned hotels was $92.3 million, an increase of $3.0 million or 3% over $89.3 million for the third quarter of 2015. In constant currency, revenue for the region for the third quarter of 2016 increased $4.0 million or 5% over the prior-year quarter primarily due to solid peak season performances for the Company's Italian hotels complemented by strong year-over-year growth for the remaining hotels in Europe. Revenue for the Italian hotels excluding Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Venice was up $2.9 million or 6% over the prior-year quarter largely as a result of leveraging strong demand to drive higher rates. As anticipated, year-over-year revenue growth for Belmond Hotel Cipriani was negatively impacted because the Biennale art festival, which occurs every other year, took place in 2015, as did the World Expo 2015 in Milan, both of which generated increased visitation to Venice. Outside of Italy, the Company increased revenue over the prior-year quarter by $1.0 million or 19% at Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg, Russia; $0.6 million or 7% at Belmond La Residencia, Mallorca, Spain; and $0.5 million or 10% at Belmond Reid's Palace, Madeira, Portugal, all primarily as a result of driving demand from new markets coupled with enhanced revenue management.
In constant currency, same store RevPAR for owned hotels in the region increased 5% over the prior-year quarter as a result of a 3 percentage point increase in occupancy and a 1% increase in ADR.
Adjusted EBITDA for the region for the quarter of $45.6 million represented an increase of $4.0 million or 10% over $41.6 million for the third quarter of 2015. In constant currency, adjusted EBITDA for the region for the third quarter of 2016 increased $4.2 million or 10% over the prior-year quarter mainly due to adjusted EBITDA growth of $2.8 million or 11% for the Company's Italian hotels excluding Belmond Hotel Cipriani, $0.7 million or 48% at Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, $0.6 million or 17% at Belmond La Residencia, and $0.5 million or 27% at Belmond Reid's Palace.
North America:
Revenue from owned hotels for the third quarter of 2016 was $30.6 million, up $1.3 million or 4% over $29.3 million for the third quarter of 2015. In constant currency, revenue for the region for the third quarter of 2016 increased $1.4 million or 5% over the prior-year quarter primarily due to a $1.4 million or 9% year-over-year revenue increase at Belmond Charleston Place, South Carolina. The hotel increased food and beverage revenue by 26% year-over-year largely as a result of a new high-end sports pub that commenced operations in July 2016 and also continued to benefit from improved room product related to the Company's three-year rooms renovation project that was completed in December 2015.
In constant currency, same store RevPAR for owned hotels in the region was up 4% over the prior-year quarter due to a 2 percentage point increase in occupancy and a 1% increase in ADR.
Adjusted EBITDA for the region for the quarter was $3.2 million, an increase of $0.2 million or 7% over $3.0 million for the third quarter of 2015. In constant currency, adjusted EBITDA for the region for the third quarter of 2016 increased $0.2 million or 8% over the prior-year quarter largely as a result of adjusted EBITDA growth of $0.2 million or 4% at Belmond Charleston Place.
Rest of world:
Revenue from owned hotels for the third quarter of 2016 was $37.0 million, an increase of $12.6 million or 52% over $24.4 million for the third quarter of 2015. In constant currency, revenue for the third quarter of 2016 increased $10.7 million or 43% over the prior-year quarter principally as a result of revenue growth of $8.9 million or 97% at Belmond Copacabana Palace and revenue growth of $1.9 million at Belmond Safaris, Botswana. At Belmond Copacabana Palace, the Company successfully capitalized on the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, driving year-over-year ADR and food and beverage revenue growth of 96% and 96%, respectively, for the third quarter of 2016. Belmond Safaris benefited from being fully operational in the third quarter of 2016, as Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, one of the Company's three safari lodges, was closed from January to November 2015 for a complete renovation.
In constant currency, same store RevPAR for owned hotels was up 38% over the prior-year quarter as a result of a 38% increase in ADR, with occupancy consistent with the prior-year quarter.
Adjusted EBITDA for the region for the quarter of $11.3 million grew $7.2 million over adjusted EBITDA of $4.1 million for the prior-year quarter. In constant currency, adjusted EBITDA for the region increased $6.5 million over the prior-year quarter largely due to adjusted EBITDA growth of $5.7 million at Belmond Copacabana Palace and $1.3 million at Belmond Safaris.
Owned trains & cruises:
Revenue for the third quarter of 2016 was $19.2 million, down $2.2 million or 10% from $21.4 million for the third quarter of 2015. In constant currency, revenue increased $0.3 million or 1% primarily as a result of Belmond Grand Hibernian, which commenced operations on August 30, 2016 and generated $1.2 million of revenue in its first few weeks of operations. Partially offsetting this year-over-year increase, revenue for Belmond Royal Scotsman was down $0.6 million or 16% primarily as a result of operating two fewer chartered trips in the current-year quarter.
Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $3.2 million, a $0.5 million or 14% decrease from $3.7 million for the third quarter of 2015. In constant currency, adjusted EBITDA decreased $0.1 million or 3% largely due to a $0.2 million or 16% decrease in adjusted EBITDA for Belmond Royal Scotsman.
Management fees:
Management fees for the third quarter of 2016 were $4.6 million, up $0.6 million or 15% from $4.0 million for the third quarter of 2015 primarily as a result of increased management fee income from the Company's PeruRail joint venture largely as a result of the joint venture commencing transport of copper concentrate from the Las Bambas mine in the first quarter of 2016.
Share of earnings from unconsolidated companies:
Adjusted share of earnings from unconsolidated companies for the third quarter of 2016 of $6.3 million increased $1.0 million or 19% over $5.3 million for the third quarter of 2015 largely for the same reasons described above for management fee growth.
Central costs:
For the third quarter of 2016, adjusted central overheads of $6.4 million were $0.6 million or 9% lower than adjusted central overheads of $7.0 million for the prior-year quarter primarily due to reduced legal and professional fees and payroll savings related to a weaker British pound than in the prior-year quarter.
Impairment of property, plant and equipment:
The Company recorded an impairment charge in the quarter of $1.0 million as a result of writing down the property, plant and equipment of Belmond Orcaella, one of the Company's two river cruise boats in Myanmar.
Investments
The Company continued its strategy of disciplined re-investment in core assets and projects with attractive forecasted returns. During the third quarter of 2016, the Company invested a total of $13.5 million in its portfolio, including $2.5 million at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa mainly for the renovation of rooms in the hotel's main building; $2.2 million at Belmond La Residence d'Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia primarily for a rooms renovation project; $1.4 million at Belmond Charleston Place partially for a new high-end sports pub that opened in July 2016 and roof replacement works; $1.0 million on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train mainly for required statutory works; and $0.9 million on the Belmond Grand Hibernian luxury overnight train, which commenced operations in Ireland in August 2016.
Balance Sheet
At September 30, 2016, the Company had total debt of $601.6 million and cash balances of $184.0 million, resulting in total net debt of $417.6 million and a ratio of net debt to trailing twelve-months total adjusted EBITDA of 3.1 times, which compared to net debt of $443.9 million and a ratio of net debt to trailing twelve-months total adjusted EBITDA of 3.7 times at December 31, 2015.
Changes to Earnings Release Income Statement Presentation
Management conducted a review of its use of non-GAAP financial measures in light of the recent Securities and Exchange Commission Staff's Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations and has modified its earnings release income statement presentation. Beginning with this quarter, the Company is no longer including earnings from unconsolidated companies in revenue in its presentation of quarterly and annual results. Instead, the Company will present in revenue a new item disclosing management fees earned from joint ventures and third-party owned assets as calculated in accordance with GAAP, which amounts were previously included in the results for part-owned / managed hotels and part-owned / managed trains. Management also relocated expenses associated with its development team, which is the department engaged in pursuing the Company’s footprint expansion strategy, to central overheads from its previous location in the results for part-owned / managed hotels. Please refer to the final table of this earnings release for an historical analysis of the Company's quarterly results prepared in accordance with this new presentation.
Outlook
The Company is providing the following RevPAR and other guidance for the fourth quarter and full year 2016:
Fourth Quarter 2016 Full Year 2016 Same store worldwide owned hotel RevPAR growth guidance (1) On a constant currency basis (5)% – (1)% 3% – 5% In U.S. dollars (1)% – 3% 1% – 3% Statement of operations guidance ($ millions) Central overheads (2) $6.4 – $7.4 $26.2 – $27.2 Share-based compensation $1.2 – $2.2 $6.4 – $7.4 Central marketing costs $1.0 – $2.0 $3.9 – $4.9 Depreciation & amortization $13.2 – $14.2 $52.8 – $53.8 Interest $6.8 – $7.8 $29.3 – $30.3 Tax (benefit) / expense $(6.0) – $(5.0) $23.1 – $24.1 Cash flow guidance ($ millions) Cash interest expense (3) $8.8 – $9.8 $42.8 – $43.8 Cash taxes $7.6 – $8.6 $20.5 – $21.5 Scheduled loan repayments $0.8 – $1.8 $4.9 – $5.9 (1) Projected same store RevPAR growth for the fourth quarter and full year ending December 31, 2016 exclude the operations of Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, which was closed for refurbishment from January through November 2015, and Belmond La Residence d'Angkor, which closed for refurbishment in May 2016 and is expected to re-open in mid-November 2016. (2) Projected central overheads for the fourth quarter and full year ending December 31, 2016 include expenses associated with the Company's development team, which is the department engaged in pursuing the Company’s footprint expansion strategy, as a result of the relocation of these expenses to central overheads from its previous location in the results for part-owned / managed hotels. (3) Projected cash interest expense for the full year ending December 31, 2016 includes a $14.3 million accrued interest payment related to the June 2016 repayment in full of a local loan facility at Belmond Charleston Place.
To view full financial release and corresponding tables please click the PDF icon or visit: http://investor.belmond.com/~/media/Files/B/Belmond-IR/reports/2016-q3-earnings-call-release.pdf
