Core Viewpoint - The Zacks Leisure and Recreation Services industry is experiencing growth driven by optimized business processes, partnerships, and digital initiatives, with strong demand for concerts and cruise bookings supporting this trend [1] Industry Overview - The Zacks Leisure and Recreation Services industry includes various recreation providers such as cruise operators, entertainment and media owners, theme park operators, and event organizers, thriving on economic growth and consumer demand [2] Trends Shaping the Industry - The cruise industry is benefiting from strong demand and increasing booking volumes, particularly in North America and Europe, with solid pricing and onboard spending contributing positively [3] - Theme park operators are experiencing improved visitation and rising consumer spending, aided by technology integration like augmented and virtual reality, while live entertainment firms are capitalizing on pent-up demand for events [4] - Rising disposable incomes in the U.S. are boosting leisure travel demand, with a shift towards experiential travel preferences and technological advancements enhancing consumer engagement [5] Industry Ranking and Performance - The Zacks Leisure and Recreation Services industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 50, placing it in the top 21% of 243 Zacks industries, indicating positive near-term prospects [6][7] - Despite the positive outlook, the industry has underperformed compared to the broader sector and the S&P 500, with a growth of 10.1% over the past year compared to 13% for the sector and 16.2% for the S&P 500 [10] Valuation Metrics - The industry trades at a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 2.49X, lower than the S&P 500's 5.36X and the sector's 2.35X, with historical trading ranges between 1.68X and 6.37X [13] Notable Companies - **Trip.com Group (TCOM)**: Benefiting from a 60% year-over-year surge in international reservations, with strong inbound travel bookings more than doubling; expected sales and earnings growth of 15.5% and 2.8% in 2025 [16][17] - **Carnival Corporation (CCL)**: Experiencing sustained demand and record pricing levels, with forward bookings for 2026 outpacing capacity growth; projected sales and earnings growth of 6.5% and 51.4% in 2025 [20][21] - **Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH)**: Strong consumer demand and record advance ticket sales of $4 billion; expected sales and earnings growth of 6% and 14.8% in 2025 [24][25] - **Marriott Vacations Worldwide (VAC)**: Anticipating benefits from strong leisure travel demand and digitization initiatives, with expected sales and earnings growth of 3% in 2025 [28][29]

Core Insights - Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Cruises are both positioned strongly for 2025, driven by resilient demand and strategic investments in destination-led growth [1] - The two companies have different approaches to expansion and value creation, with Carnival focusing on cost efficiency and balance sheet repair, while Royal Caribbean emphasizes premium product leadership and innovation [1][22] Carnival Corporation (CCL) - Carnival's transformation is gaining traction through a destination-led growth model, emphasizing yields and cost efficiency [2] - The debut of Celebration Key is attracting strong guest satisfaction and premium pricing, expected to be a significant revenue driver [3] - Fleet modernization initiatives, such as AIDA Evolutions, are aligning with consumer preferences, enhancing wellness, dining, and entertainment options [4] - Financially, Carnival is improving its balance sheet through deleveraging and refinancing, with over half of next year's bookings secured at higher prices [5] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Carnival's fiscal 2025 sales and EPS indicates year-over-year increases of 6.5% and 51.4%, respectively [12] - Carnival's stock has increased by 56.8% over the past six months, outperforming the industry and S&P 500 [17] - Carnival is trading at a forward P/E ratio of 12X, below the industry average of 17.48X [20] - The company is positioned for sustained margin expansion and potential capital distributions, earning a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [24][25] Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) - Royal Caribbean is implementing its "Perfecta" strategy, focusing on sustained earnings growth and innovation-led guest experiences [6] - The addition of new ships like Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel is enhancing the fleet with sustainable technology and improved guest amenities [7] - Royal Caribbean's destination projects, such as Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, are expected to elevate guest experiences and strengthen pricing [8] - The company is advancing digital transformation, with nearly half of onboard purchases made through its mobile app, enhancing convenience and revenue [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Royal Caribbean's 2025 sales and EPS suggests year-over-year increases of 9.1% and 32.5%, respectively [15] - Royal Caribbean shares have gained 54.9% in the past six months [17] - The company is trading at a forward P/E ratio of 16.89X, which is higher than Carnival's [20] - Near-term profitability challenges include elevated operating expenses and cost pressures from new ship launches [11][24]

Core Insights - Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) is recognized as a strong investment opportunity by Wall Street analysts, with a recent price target increase to $40 from $38 by Tigress Financial, maintaining a Buy rating due to record Q3 2025 results [1][3] - The company's 12-month price target indicates a potential upside of nearly 38% from current levels, with Q3 2025 net income reaching an all-time high of $2 billion, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by approximately 10% [2][3] - Carnival has raised its full-year 2025 net income guidance for the third time, now projecting around $2.9 billion or $2.14 per share, reflecting a 15% improvement over 2024 [3] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Carnival Corporation achieved a record net income of $2 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic benchmarks by about 10% [2] - The company anticipates a full-year 2025 net income of approximately $2.9 billion, which translates to $2.14 per share, marking a 15% increase compared to 2024 [3] Market Outlook - Forward bookings and guest deposits are at record levels, providing revenue visibility into 2026, with bookings for 2026 nearly half full at higher prices [1][3] - CEO Josh Weinstein confirmed strong demand, with record pricing levels for both North American and European bookings, and 2027 bookings starting off at a record pace [3] Company Overview - Carnival Corporation operates as a cruise company providing leisure travel services across North America, Australia, Europe, and internationally, structured into four segments: NAA Cruise Operations, Europe Cruise Operations, Cruise Support, and Tour & Other [3]

Market Overview - The markets are exhibiting mixed signals of risk and optimism, with concerns about future actions over the next quarter [1] - The market is described as stretched and narrow, with increased risks from fiscal, geopolitical, and earnings perspectives [1] - Recent market highs occurred during a government shutdown, highlighting ongoing fiscal issues, while gold prices are also reaching new highs [1] Earnings Trends - Earnings estimates for tech, communications services, and financial sectors have increased since July, indicating potential investment opportunities [2] - The previous earnings season demonstrated resilience among US corporations, justifying some valuations, particularly for larger, high-growth companies [2] - The upcoming earnings season is critical, as earnings and cash flow must validate current valuations, especially for major index constituents [2] Stock Recommendations - Kenvue Inc. (NYSE:KVUE) has an average volume of 26.632 million and an average upside potential of 25.19%, but recent price target reductions by JPMorgan and Citi indicate a challenging outlook due to weak consumer demand [8][9] - Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) has an average volume of 19.622 million and an average upside potential of 25.82%, with recent record Q3 results and raised full-year net income guidance reflecting strong demand and revenue visibility [11][12][13]

Core Viewpoint - Carnival Corporation & plc is a leading player in the global cruise industry, demonstrating strong financial performance with a record revenue and consistent earnings growth [1][3][5] Financial Performance - Carnival reported earnings of $1.43 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus estimate of $1.32 by $0.11 [2][6] - The company's revenue for the third quarter reached a record $8.2 billion, an increase of over $250 million from the previous year [3][6] - Carnival is expected to grow its earnings by 47.9% this year, marking its 12th consecutive quarter of beating earnings expectations [5] Market Position - The stock is currently trading at $29.06, reflecting a slight increase from the previous session, with a market capitalization of approximately $38 billion [4] - Carnival's stock has fluctuated between a high of $32.80 and a low of $15.07 over the past year [4] - Analysts have set a price target of $40 for CCL, indicating a potential upside of about 38.1% from its trading price [2] Valuation - Carnival is considered undervalued with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 13.7 [3][6]

Core Insights - Holland America Line has announced its 2027-2028 Asia cruise season, introducing new ports and extended stays to enhance guest experiences in the region [1][2][3] Itinerary Highlights - The cruise season will feature three new ports in Japan: Hitachinaka, Nagoya, and Maizuru, along with scenic cruising in Maizuru Bay [1][3] - Cruises will range from 13 to 15 days, covering destinations in Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam [2][5] - Notable itineraries include a 14-Day Circle Japan, a 14-Day Southern Japan, and a 14-Day Japan, South Korea, and China cruise, each with unique port calls and overnight stays [6][13] Guest Experience Enhancements - Extended overnight stays in key locations such as Halong Bay, Seoul, Bangkok, Manila, Osaka, and Shanghai allow for deeper cultural immersion [4][10] - The onboard dining experience will feature local Asian flavors through the Destination Dining program, highlighting regional specialties [8] Shore Excursions - Shore excursions will offer curated experiences that showcase the culture, history, and natural beauty of each destination, including ancient temples and local markets [9] Booking Incentives - Holland America Line is offering a "Have It All Early Booking Bonus" that includes various amenities for guests who book early [10][11]

Group 1 - ASICS Corporation Unsponsored ADR is currently outperforming the Consumer Discretionary sector with a year-to-date return of 23.7%, compared to the sector average of 6.7% [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ASICS's full-year earnings has increased by 7.5% over the past three months, indicating improving analyst sentiment [4] - ASICS Corporation holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting a strong potential for outperformance in the market [3] Group 2 - ASICS is part of the Leisure and Recreation Products industry, which ranks 66 in the Zacks Industry Rank, and has gained an average of 1.2% this year [6] - In comparison, Carnival, another stock in the Consumer Discretionary sector, has a year-to-date return of 16.2% and is part of the Leisure and Recreation Services industry, which ranks 62 [5][7] - Both ASICS and Carnival are showing solid performance, making them noteworthy for investors interested in Consumer Discretionary stocks [7]

Core Insights - Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) is shifting its strategy towards destination-led growth, focusing on enhancing guest experiences rather than expanding fleet capacity, with projected capacity growth below 1% in fiscal 2026 [1][8] - The company is leveraging its exclusive Caribbean properties to drive yield gains and improve margins, moving towards a sustainable, high-ROI model centered on differentiated vacation experiences [1][4] Destination Strategy - Celebration Key, Carnival's newest private island, opened in mid-2025 and has attracted nearly half a million visitors, generating over 1.5 billion media impressions, indicating strong brand impact [2] - The company plans to expand pier capacity at Celebration Key to accommodate up to four ships simultaneously, enhancing year-round utilization across 20 vessels and 12 home ports [2] - Additional expansions at RelaxAway (Half Moon Cay) and Isla Tropicale (Mahogany Bay) are expected to attract over 8 million guest visits in 2026, nearly matching the entire cruise industry's visitor count [3] Financial Performance - In fiscal 2025, Carnival reported a 4.6% year-over-year increase in net yields, surpassing guidance and achieving record highs on a same-ship basis [4] - With nearly half of 2026 bookings secured at higher prices, Carnival's destination portfolio is positioned to be a sustainable driver of yield growth [4][8] Competitive Landscape - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) is leading in destination-driven growth with its Perfect Day series and upcoming Royal Beach Club projects, reporting a constant-currency net yield growth of 5.2% in Q2 2025 [5] - Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) is also investing in its private island, Great Stirrup Cay, aiming to increase capacity from approximately 400,000 guests to over 1 million by 2026, projecting a 25-basis-point yield lift in 2026 [6] Stock Performance and Valuation - Carnival's shares have increased by 56.1% over the past six months, outperforming the industry's growth of 23% [9] - CCL trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 11.96X, significantly lower than the industry average of 16.99X [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CCL's fiscal 2025 and 2026 earnings indicates a year-over-year increase of 49.3% and 12.4%, respectively, with EPS estimates rising in the past 60 days [12]

Core Insights - Sapphire Princess has undergone a two-week drydock in Portland, Oregon, and is set to unveil new guest experiences, including the addition of two specialty restaurants, Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill, starting November 16, 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: New Dining Experiences - Makoto Ocean, featuring Edomae-style sushi by Chef Makoto Okuwa, replaces the former Internet Café on Deck 7, offering a premium menu with items like truffle salmon and toro tartare [2]. - Crown Grill, now located in the former Savoy Dining Room on Deck 5, is recognized as one of the "Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses at Sea," serving premium aged beef and seafood [3]. - Both dining experiences are priced at $60 per person and are included in the Princess Premier package [3]. Group 2: Upcoming Itineraries - Following its revitalization, Sapphire Princess will sail to Mexico, then reposition for South America/Antarctica cruises, and later for Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages in spring and summer 2026 [4]. - In March 2027, Sapphire Princess will reunite with sister ship Diamond Princess in Japan for an extensive cruise season [5]. Group 3: Company Statements - Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Princess Cruises, emphasized the enhancement of the culinary journey for guests aboard Sapphire Princess with the addition of the new dining options [6].

Core Insights - Carnival Corporation is experiencing a significant rebound in business, with stock prices increasing over 200% since mid-2020, driven by record revenues and net income in the third quarter [3][4] - Despite the positive performance, the company faces challenges related to its high levels of long-term debt, which currently stands at $25 billion, generating substantial interest expenses [6][8] Business Performance - Carnival's revenue for the third quarter reached a record $8.15 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 3.3%, while net income increased by 6.7% to a record $1.85 billion [3] - The company has achieved 10 consecutive quarters of record revenue, with consumer deposits remaining high at $7.1 billion for the third quarter [4] Market Context - The cruise industry is showing strong demand, contrasting with challenges faced by other sectors of the U.S. tourism industry, such as Las Vegas, which is experiencing a decline in visitors [5] - Macroeconomic factors, including lower interest rates, may support consumer spending in the cruise sector [4] Debt Situation - Carnival has accumulated significant long-term debt due to the pandemic, which has led to equity dilution and cash outflows that could impact investor returns for years [6][7] - The company reported an interest expense of $317 million in the third quarter, highlighting the financial burden of its debt [8]