BUZZ-Royal Caribbean rises on higher-than-expected profit forecast

** Shares of cruise operator Royal Caribbean RCL.N up ~4% at $247.27 premarket

** Co forecasts annual profit above estimates, betting on higher bookings to private destinations and premium voyages

** Expects annual adjusted earnings per share (EPS) in range of $14.35 to $14.65, midpoint of which is above analysts' average estimate of $14.41 - data compiled by LSEG

** Logs adjusted EPS of $1.63 vs estimates of $1.50

** However, posts Q4 revenue of $3.76 bln vs. $3.33 bln a year ago; analysts on average expected $3.77 bln

** RCL rose about 78% in 2024