New maxi-order for Fincantieri, which has signed a memorandum of understanding with MSC Cruises for the construction of four cruise ships of the extra-luxury segment. The shipbuilding group made it known in a note, specifying that the total value of the agreement exceeds two billion euros.
The ships will have a gross tonnage of approximately 64 thousand tons and will be equipped with 500 cabins. The first ship will be delivered in the spring of 2023, with the others entering service once a year over the next three years. The ships, the note reads, will be equipped with the latest technologies for environmental protection and other next-generation maritime solutions.
"It is with pride that two major Italian brands, known throughout the world, today announce an important construction program - commented the CEO of Fincantieri, Giuseppe Bono – We are extremely satisfied that to launch a new class of ships in the luxury sector, MSC has recognized that our project will allow for the creation of a new generation of innovative ships both from a technological point of view, as well as from a safety and comfort point of view for the passengers who will be particularly well cared for. With this project, Fincantieri brings the number of cruise ships in the company's order book to 53 and confirms itself as the absolute leader in this market".
The news gave sprint to the share on the Fincantieri Stock Exchange, which at the end of the morning gained 1,4%, to 1,349 euros, going against the trend of the Ftse Mib (-0,2%) and outperforming the Ftse Italia Mid Cap (+0,3%).
Analysts Imi Bank (buy recommendation and target price of 1,54 euros) talk about “very positive surprise”, estimating that the order represents “about 9% of total current funding” and that it could generate a “solid profitability of around 8%”.
Meanwhile, on the front of military ships, the news also arrives from Fincantieri that the negotiation for the alliance with Naval it will not close in 2018. In recent days there had been talk of possible second thoughts by the French. In any case, Bono assured that by the end of the year "we will make progress".
