Beleaguered cruise ship company Carnival to raise $6 billion in stock and debt, shares jump

Carnival is issuing $6 billion in stock and debt as the beleaguered cruise ship company tries to shore up its finances after suspending operations following COVID-19 outbreaks on at least three of its ships. 

The company said Tuesday it plans to issue $1.25 billion in stock, $3 billion in secured notes and $1.75 billion in convertible notes all due 2023. Carnival’s stock dropped by about 15% in premarket trading after the announcement, but recovered after the markets opened, rising more than 10%.

“We cannot predict when any of our ships will begin to sail again and ports will reopen to our ships,” the company said Tuesday in a securities filing. “Moreover, even once travel advisories and restrictions are lifted, demand for cruises may remain weak for a significant length of time and we cannot predict if and when each brand will return to pre-outbreak demand or fare pricing.”

The news comes as the coronavirus pandemic roils the travel industry, particularly major cruise lines. Since the outbreak began in China in late December, there have been several major outbreaks, quarantines and deaths aboard Carnival-owned ships. 

Carnival said the coronavirus outbreaks and deaths on some of its ships have resulted in “negative publicity which could have a long term impact on the appeal of our brands, which would diminish demand for vacations on our vessels.”

The company’s stock has cratered by about 75% since Jan. 1 to around $14 per share.

The company also announced Tuesday that it is suspending dividend payments to shareholders.

“Based on these actions and assumptions regarding the impact of COVID-19, we have concluded that we will be able to generate sufficient liquidity to satisfy our obligations and remain in compliance with our existing debt covenants for the next twelve months prior to giving effect to any additional financing, which may occur,” the company said in a public filing.

On March 13, the company fully drew down its $3 billion revolving credit line. Earlier this month, both Moody’s and S&P Global downgraded Carnival’s debt rating and placed the company on review for further downgrade, which would make it more expensive for Carnival to raise money going forward.

Earlier this month, the Cruise Lines International Association, of which Carnival is a member, announced a 30-day suspension of North American operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. On Monday, Carnival said it was extending that into May for several of its brands.