Core Insights - Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) is entering a new phase of recovery, focusing on free cash flow (FCF) as a key part of its operations, benefiting from record profitability, firmer pricing, and improved cost execution [1][2] - The company reported record net income of $2 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, driven by a 4.6% same-ship net yield growth and operational efficiencies [2] - Customer deposits reached $7.1 billion, indicating strong advanced bookings, with nearly half of 2026 bookings secured at higher prices [3][10] Financial Performance - CCL's fiscal third-quarter performance highlighted strong same-ship demand and broad-based pricing gains, contributing to the highest quarterly profitability in nearly two decades [2] - EBITDA is projected to exceed $7 billion in fiscal 2025, indicating a shift towards a more stable FCF profile supported by ongoing cost efficiencies [3] - The stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 10.91, significantly below the industry average of 16 [12] Competitive Landscape - Carnival's main competitors, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), are focusing on capacity-driven growth, which presents a competitive challenge for CCL [4][7] - RCL is experiencing strong demand and pricing, with a 6% capacity growth entering 2026, while NCLH is also showing strong EBITDA performance despite higher costs [5][6] Market Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CCL's fiscal 2025 and 2026 earnings suggests a year-over-year increase of 52.8% and 10.8%, respectively, with EPS estimates having risen in the past 60 days [15]

Core Viewpoint - Several stocks, including Amazon, Viking Therapeutics, and Carnival Corp., are currently underperforming the market but may present significant investment opportunities moving into 2026 [1][2]. Amazon - Amazon has a market capitalization of $2.4 trillion and has only increased by 3% this year, significantly lagging behind the S&P 500's 16% growth [4][6]. - The stock is trading at 32 times its trailing earnings, which is lower than the average of 42 times for the Technology Selector Sector SPDR ETF [5]. - Amazon's growth opportunities include advancements in artificial intelligence and a 20% growth in its cloud business for the most recent quarter [7]. - The overall growth rate for Amazon remains solid at 13%, indicating potential for long-term appreciation [7]. Viking Therapeutics - Viking Therapeutics has seen a 3% decline this year, primarily due to concerns over a high discontinuation rate for its weight loss pill, VK2735 [8][11]. - The stock has rebounded to around $39, close to its pre-sell-off levels, indicating recovery potential [9][10]. - Viking's injectable version of VK2735 is in phase 3 trials, with promising results, which could lead to significant business growth and acquisition interest if approved [11]. Carnival Corp. - Carnival Corp. has only risen by 4% this year and trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 13, well below the S&P 500 average of 25 [13][16]. - The company has been posting record financial results, with operating profits reported in each of the past four quarters [16]. - Carnival's low-cost cruise offerings may attract consumers seeking affordable vacation options amid economic uncertainty, enhancing its market position [14].

Core Viewpoint - Carnival Corp. has made a significant recovery from the pandemic, achieving record-breaking numbers in revenue, bookings, and operating profits in Q3 2025 [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - Carnival's stock has underperformed compared to the S&P 500, returning only 2.3% in 2025 against the index's 16.4% [2] - The company has paid down billions in long-term debt over the past few years, improving its financial standing [4] - Carnival has booked approximately half of its 2026 capacity as of Q3 2025, indicating strong demand despite economic challenges [10] Group 2: Credit Rating and Future Outlook - Carnival's credit rating has improved, with upgrades from Moody's to Ba2 in Q3 2025, just two upgrades away from investment-grade status [7] - Achieving investment-grade credit could allow Carnival to refinance debt at better terms, further enhancing its financial flexibility [8] - The potential for improved credit ratings and strong business performance could make 2026 a pivotal year for Carnival's stock [12] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The current economic climate has not deterred Carnival's performance, as consumers may be prioritizing experiences over other expenditures [11] - High earners may be opting for Carnival as a more affordable vacation option, contributing to the company's strong performance [11]

Core Viewpoint - Carnival Corporation & plc is set to hold a conference call on December 19, 2025, to discuss its fourth quarter financial results, which will be released on the same day [1]. Company Overview - Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest global cruise company and one of the largest leisure travel companies, operating a portfolio of renowned cruise lines including AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn [2].

Group 1 - The article discusses Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) and highlights an optimistic outlook following the company's strong Q2 2025 earnings report [1] - The positive sentiment is supported by an upgraded outlook for the year and attractive market multiples, indicating potential for growth [1] - The author, Manika, has extensive experience in investment management and focuses on opportunities in the green economy through her investing group, Green Growth Giants [1]

Core Insights - Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) has shown robust earnings in Q2 2025, leading to an upgraded outlook for the year and presenting attractive market multiples [1] Group 1: Company Performance - The company's strong earnings in Q2 2025 have contributed to a positive outlook for the remainder of the year [1] - Carnival's market multiples are considered attractive, indicating potential for investment [1] Group 2: Analyst Background - The article references Manika, a macroeconomist with over 20 years of experience in investment management, stock broking, and investment banking [1] - Manika runs the profile Long Term Tips (LTT), focusing on opportunities in the green economy [1] - The investing group Green Growth Giants delves deeper into opportunities within the green economy segment [1]

Group 1 - Carnival (CUK, CCL, OCTPK: CUKPF) is being considered for investment due to its lower valuation multiples compared to peers, particularly Royal Caribbean (RCL) [1] - The company has a low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, indicating potential undervaluation in the market [1] Group 2 - The analysis focuses on thematic investing, crisis investing, systematic options trading, and discretionary global macro strategies [1] - The analyst has extensive experience in private mergers and acquisitions, as well as trading publicly-traded equities and equity-based derivatives [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses the author's transition from a potential career in politics to a focus on value investing, emphasizing the importance of risk management and long-term wealth growth [1] Group 1: Career Transition - The author initially pursued a career in politics but shifted to finance after facing challenges in 2019, recognizing the need for financial stability [1] - The decision to study value investing was driven by the desire to make money work effectively and to safeguard against future setbacks [1] Group 2: Professional Experience - From 2020 to 2022, the author worked in a sales role at a law firm, where they became the top-grossing salesman and managed a team, contributing to sales strategy [1] - The experience gained during this period was instrumental in assessing company prospects based on their sales strategies [1] Group 3: Investment Advisory Role - The author served as an investment advisory representative with Fidelity from 2022 to 2023, focusing on 401K planning [1] - Despite excelling in this role and passing Series exams ahead of schedule, the author felt constrained by Fidelity's reliance on modern portfolio theory, leading to a decision to leave after one year [1] Group 4: Current Endeavors - In November 2023, the author began writing for Seeking Alpha, sharing investment opportunities discovered through personal research and experience [1] - The articles serve as a platform for the author to communicate investment strategies and insights to readers, who are seen as partners in this journey [1]

Cruise stocks, such as Carnival Corp (NYSE:CCL) , Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NYSE:NCLH) and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (NYSE:RCL) have been treated like a disaster is already happening — sliding over 20% since late September while investors rush for the exits.Track CCL stock hereBut after meeting with industry executives and conducting field checks, JPMorgan analyst Matthew R. Boss says the sell-off looks like panic pricing with no real-world evidence to support it.Fear Is Driving Cruise Stocks Do ...

Core Viewpoint - Carnival Corp. is experiencing a business recovery post-pandemic, with a focus on regaining lost value and exploring new revenue opportunities through private island developments [2][6]. Financial Performance - Third-quarter revenue increased by 3.3% to $8.15 billion, driven by modest ticket and onboard sales growth [3][6]. - Operating income rose by 4.2% year over year to $2.27 billion in the third quarter, indicating progress in profitability [6]. Debt Management - As of the third quarter, Carnival's long-term debt was $25 billion, with cash reserves of $1.76 billion, leading to a third-quarter interest expense of $317 million [8]. - The company has been actively refinancing its debt to extend maturities, benefiting from falling interest rates [8]. Growth Initiatives - Carnival plans to enhance growth through new experiences like Celebration Key, a private island in the Bahamas, expecting 3 million guests by 2026, which would represent about 25% of its total passenger volume based on 2024 estimates [4][5]. - Another development, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, is set to open in mid-2026, aiming to provide a refined guest experience [5]. Investment Considerations - Despite the recovery and manageable debt, Carnival's high enterprise value of $60 billion raises concerns about its valuation, especially given its vulnerability to economic downturns and low growth rates [10].