Core Viewpoint - The article compares Carnival and Viking Holdings as investment options in the cruise industry, highlighting their market positions, financial performance, and growth potential. Carnival - Carnival holds a 42% market share in the cruise industry, making it a generalist brand catering to a broad audience, which includes budget-friendly options [3] - The company faced significant challenges during the pandemic, leading to heavy borrowing and a slow recovery to pre-pandemic revenue levels, but has since seen a resurgence in demand with occupancy rates at 105% [4] - In fiscal 2025, Carnival generated $2.6 billion in free cash flow and reduced its total debt by approximately $800 million, although its total debt remains high at $25.8 billion [5] - The stock has increased by 30% over the past year and is currently valued at a P/E ratio of 16, which is lower than its competitors, suggesting potential for further growth [7] Viking Holdings - Viking has a much smaller market share of 0.8% but claims 4.2% of industry revenue, focusing on luxury experiences and educational offerings [2] - The company has a total debt of around $5.4 billion, which is considered manageable given its book value of the same amount [11] - Viking generated $674 million in free cash flow over the last year, although this has decreased as the company invests in new ships to meet high demand [12] - The stock has appreciated by 70% over the past year, with a higher P/E ratio of 35, reflecting its premium positioning and recession-resistant business model [13] Investment Considerations - Investors seeking safety may prefer Carnival due to its low P/E ratio and significant market share, alongside strong booking trends and effective debt management [14] - Conversely, those willing to take on more risk might find Viking's growth potential appealing, as its business model is less susceptible to economic downturns and its smaller ships allow access to more destinations [15]

Key Takeaways CCL trades at a forward P/E below peers, even as shares surged 35.3% in the past year.CCL sees record 2026-2027 bookings, high prices, strong deposits and expects same-ship yield growth in 2026.CCL faces cost inflation, higher dry-dock and regulatory costs, and Caribbean capacity pressure.Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) is trading at a discount relative to its peers, with a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of just 12.94x. This is below the industry average of 17.18x and the broa ...

Key Takeaways CCL saw operating income per lower berth day reach its strongest level in nearly two decades.CCL leveraged fixed ship costs as higher occupancy, pricing and onboard spending aided margins.CCL cited sourcing efficiencies and disciplined cost controls that helped protect margins.Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) closed fiscal 2025 with clear signs of improved revenue flow-through, an important development amid evolving demand and capacity dynamics across the cruise industry. Management highlighte ...

Core Viewpoint - Holland America Line collaborates with Pendleton Woolen Mills to launch a limited-edition Alaska-themed throw blanket, celebrating Alaska Statehood Day and America's 250th anniversary, reflecting both companies' commitment to craftsmanship and heritage [1][2][3]. Company Overview - Holland America Line has been a pioneer in Alaska cruising since 1947, establishing traditions that shape the modern cruise experience in the region [4]. - The cruise line offers extensive immersive exploration options in Alaska, including exclusive cruise and overland tours, and is the only cruise line providing a Cruisetour to both Denali National Park and Canada's Yukon [5]. - Holland America Line has a fleet of 11 vessels visiting nearly 400 ports in 114 countries, with over 75 years of experience in Alaska [11]. Product Offering - The custom-designed throw blanket features a design inspired by Alaska's landscapes, including wildlife such as moose, whales, and eagles, and is rendered in deep ocean blues and Holland America Line's signature orange [3][4]. - The throw is available for purchase on board Holland America Line's ships sailing in Alaska in 2026, serving as a keepsake for guests [2][3]. Partnerships and Future Plans - The collaboration with Pendleton is part of a broader initiative by Holland America Line to partner with American heritage brands in celebration of America's 250th anniversary, including a 28-day Pan Am® 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage set to sail in 2027 [6][7]. - Additional limited-edition co-branded offerings and collaborations will be introduced leading up to the July 4, 2026 milestone [7]. Special Events - Holland America Line is organizing a unique cruise titled "America's 250th Celebration: Stars and Stripes," departing on July 4, 2026, featuring special experiences and visits to historically significant cities [8][9].

Core Insights - Princess Cruises celebrated the New Year by unveiling its "Together in the Magic of Alaska" float at the 137th Rose Parade, highlighting the debut of its newest ship, Star Princess, for the 2026 Alaska season [1][7] Company Overview - Princess Cruises is recognized as the 1 cruise line in Alaska, with the 2026 season being its largest ever, featuring eight ships, 180 departures, and 19 destinations [7] - The Star Princess is a 177,800-ton vessel designed to accommodate 4,300 guests, showcasing advanced features such as The Dome and a sphere-shaped Piazza [6] Float Design and Features - The float, designed by Artistic Entertainment Services, is approximately 55 feet long and 21 feet high, adorned with over 300,000 flowers and natural materials, depicting Alaska's wildlife and scenery [3][2] - Floral elements include Blue Tweedia, representing Alaska's state flower, and various other authentic Alaskan florals, creating a lush representation of the state's natural beauty [5][2] Thematic Elements - The float's theme, "The Magic in Teamwork," reflects the dedication of Princess Cruises' 25,000 crew members who contribute to delivering exceptional travel experiences [4] - Performers danced to a reimagined version of "The Love Boat" theme song, connecting the float to the brand's legacy and its role in popularizing cruise vacations [5]

While many are fixated on artificial intelligence (AI) stocks, few other growth stocks like Carnival Corporation (CCL) appear to be quietly defying expectations. Carnival closed 2025 with one of the strongest performances in its history, yet the stock remains widely overlooked heading into 2026. Let’s find out if Carnival stock is a good buy now. More News from Barchart www.barchart.com About Carnival Corp Carnival Corporation is the world’s largest cruise company. It owns and operates a diversified ...

Financial Performance - Carnival Corporation & plc reported adjusted net income of $454 million in Q4 2025, translating to an adjusted EPS of $0.34, which is an increase of over 140% compared to 2024 and exceeded September guidance by more than $150 million [1] - Total revenues for Q4 2025 reached $6,330 million, up from $5,938 million in Q4 2024, driven by higher passenger ticket revenues and onboard and other revenues [2] - Full-year revenues for 2025 amounted to $26.6 billion, achieving record net yields in constant currency and surpassing guidance for the fourth time in 2025 due to strong close-in demand [2] Operational Efficiency - Fuel consumption per ALBD decreased by 5.6% in Q4 2025 compared to the previous year, reflecting the company's ongoing efforts and investments to reduce fuel consumption [3] - The company achieved a significant milestone by exceeding the investment grade leverage metric threshold, with a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 3.4x for 2025 [3] Future Outlook - The company anticipates adjusted net income to grow by approximately 12% in FY 2026 compared to the record year of 2025, despite less than 1% capacity growth [4]

Core Insights - Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) are both entering 2026 with strong demand trends and strategies that are reshaping their long-term earnings profiles [1] - Carnival has gained momentum following a strong finish to 2025, reflecting growing investor confidence in its operational turnaround [1] - Norwegian Cruise is advancing a measured, ROI-focused transformation aimed at enhancing yields and margin durability [1] Carnival Corporation (CCL) - Carnival is evolving towards a destination-led cruise model, investing in exclusive private destinations and fleet enhancements to support sustained yield growth [3] - The company reported record revenues, EBITDA, and operating income in 2025, with operating margins expanding significantly and return on invested capital rising above 13%, the highest in nearly two decades [4] - Key growth strategies include expanding its portfolio of private destinations, such as Celebration Key, which is expected to deepen customer engagement and improve itinerary economics [5] - However, unit costs are expected to rise by approximately 3.25% year-over-year in 2026 due to inflation and increased operational costs [6] Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) - Norwegian Cruise is executing its "Charting the Course" strategy, focusing on disciplined capacity growth and investments in high-impact destinations to support yield expansion [7] - The transformation of Great Stirrup Cay is a key initiative, with plans for new guest amenities and infrastructure to enhance load factors and yield [9] - Norwegian Cruise is increasing its exposure to the luxury market, with solid demand trends for its premium brands, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas [10] - The company is on track to deliver over $300 million in cumulative cost savings, helping to keep adjusted net cruise cost growth below inflation [11] - Elevated leverage relative to peers and sensitivity to external variables may temper near-term flexibility [12] Financial Performance and Valuation - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Carnival's fiscal 2026 sales and EPS suggests increases of 4.1% and 9.3%, respectively, with earnings estimates rising by 2.5% in the past 60 days [13] - For Norwegian Cruise, the 2026 sales and EPS estimates suggest increases of 10.2% and 26.9%, respectively, although earnings estimates have declined by 0.4% in the past 60 days [16] - Carnival stock has gained 23.6% over the past year, outperforming the industry's rise of 5.9% and the S&P 500's growth of 19.7%, while Norwegian Cruise shares have declined by 12.9% [18] - Carnival is trading at a forward P/E ratio of 12.40, below the industry average of 17.17, while NCLH's forward P/E is at 8.39 [21] Overall Analysis - Carnival holds a modest positioning advantage over Norwegian Cruise as the industry moves into 2026, supported by stronger cash flow momentum and an expanding private-destination footprint [23] - Norwegian Cruise's yield-focused strategy and premium brand exposure offer long-term potential, but elevated leverage and sensitivity to external variables temper near-term flexibility [24] - Both companies currently carry a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), with Carnival slightly standing out due to clearer execution trends and a business model aligned with sustaining profitability [25]

Core Insights - Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) has demonstrated strong forward booking visibility for fiscal 2026, with approximately two-thirds of bookings already secured at historically high prices, indicating robust demand despite macroeconomic uncertainties [1][3][9] Booking and Demand - Customer deposits for CCL increased by 7% year over year, reaching an all-time high in Q4 of fiscal 2025, which serves as a strong demand indicator and enhances cash flow visibility [2][9] - The company has experienced record booking volumes for 2026 and 2027 over the past three months, extending visibility beyond the near term [1] Revenue Management - CCL has maintained disciplined revenue management and price integrity, allowing for yield growth without aggressive discounting, even as industry capacity expands [3] - Close-in demand remains strong, with higher ticket pricing and increased onboard spending contributing to improved revenue generation visibility [3][9] Competitive Positioning - Compared to peers, CCL's forward booking profile is notable for its depth and duration, suggesting a strong foundation heading into 2026 [6] - Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line also report strong demand, but CCL's multi-year booking visibility and elevated customer deposits provide a competitive edge [4][5][6] Stock Performance and Valuation - CCL shares have increased by 8.3% over the past three months, outperforming the industry average rise of 1% [7] - The stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 12.37, significantly lower than the industry's average of 17.31, indicating potential undervaluation [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CCL's fiscal 2026 earnings suggests a year-over-year increase of 9.3%, with EPS estimates having risen in the past 30 days [14]

Core Insights - The launch of the "Winter Snow, Warm Sunshine - Meet in Shenyang" Ice and Snow Carnival Series and the 3rd Snow Football Village Super League marks the beginning of Shenyang's winter tourism season, emphasizing the integration of culture, tourism, sports, and commerce [1][3] Industry Development - Shenyang is developing a comprehensive industrial chain that encompasses ice-and-snow tourism, winter sports, ice-snow culture, and winter sports equipment, aiming to enhance the supply of winter projects and services [2] - The event is part of Shenyang's preparation for the 15th National Winter Games, positioning the ice-and-snow economy as a new growth driver for the region [2] Event Highlights - The 2025-2026 ice-and-snow season will feature nearly 300 activities focused on themes such as "snow fun & hot springs, theater performances & art exhibitions, and New Year folk customs," showcasing a blend of tradition and modern creativity [3] - The 3rd Snow Football Village Super League will involve over 100 teams from various districts and provinces, creating a new cultural tourism intellectual property (IP) for winter [3] Visitor Experience - The event includes a 400-meter-long snow slide, 40 ice-and-snow activities, regular fireworks displays, and a variety of local delicacies and warm beverages, enhancing the lively atmosphere of Shenyang's ice-and-snow economy [4]