Carnival Cruise Lines

This question has two parts. Answer both parts. Structure your response using headings and subheadings where appropriate. The use of tables and point form should also be used where you feel it is appropriate.

Part 1

The case makes reference to several aspects of Carnival Cruise Lines' operations that have financial implications. They include:
• Cost control
• Use of debt
• Growth and positioning for future growth
• Cash management and the primary sources and uses of cash

From your analysis of the case and its related financial information, provide multiple sources of evidence that describes Carnival's practice for each. Provide appropriate support for your conclusions using whatever financial analysis tools you feel are most relevant.

Part 2

Assuming that customer retention and cost control are Carnival's two primary strategic initiatives, develop a balanced scorecard with multiple for each objective. Beneath each perspective, provide a description of the linkages between the objectives.

Part 3

Using the information from the consolidated statement of operations, classify the behaviour of each cost shown on the statement using your best judgment. Then calculate the breakeven point and any other cost-volume-profit analysis that you feel is relevant. What are the conclusions and recommendations from your analysis?

The percentage in brackets indicates how much each portion of the question is worth.