Joining us now first on CNBC is Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein. It's it's good to have you back. It sounds like you're another healthy report card on demand for cruising.>> Yeah, you you got it right. We uh we just finished our third quarter. Our our yields were up uh over four and a half% uh nicely over guidance.Uh you know, guests are enjoying what we have to offer. We have eight worldclass brands that are all doing amazing things all over the world. And uh and it shows in the results.It shows in ...

Core Viewpoint - Carnival Corporation (CCL.US) shares fell over 5% after reporting strong earnings, as investors took profits following a peak at $32.49, despite a pre-market increase of 4% [1] Financial Performance - Carnival reported record adjusted net income of $1.9 billion for Q3, with earnings per share (EPS) of $1.43, a 13% increase year-over-year, surpassing the 2019 record [1] - Revenue grew by 3.2% year-over-year to $8.2 billion, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of record revenue, driven by a 3.6% increase in ticket revenue and a 2.5% increase in onboard spending [1] - Customer deposits reached a record high of $7.1 billion [1] Future Outlook - The CEO of Carnival, Josh Weinstein, indicated that booking volumes have significantly outpaced capacity growth, with nearly half of the 2026 itineraries already booked in North America and Europe, and prices at historical highs [1] - The company expects adjusted net income for the full year to increase by approximately 55%, with EPS projected at around $2.14, up from the previous guidance of $2.02 [1]

Core Insights - Carnival Corporation reported strong demand for cruising, with yields up over 4.5% in the third quarter, exceeding guidance [1][2] - The company has increased its guidance for the third time this year, projecting over 5% yields for the year, primarily driven by same-ship sales rather than new ships [2][3] - Booking visibility is strong, with 50% of 2026 bookings already secured and two-thirds booked for the next 12 months [2][3] Financial Performance - Carnival Corporation achieved a 13% return on invested capital (ROIC) for the first time in nearly 20 years, alongside record net income for the quarter [4] - The company has reported record revenues, EBITDA, and operating income on a unit basis, marking the highest performance in 20 years [4] - Booking volumes for Carnival Cruise Line, the largest brand, were 8% higher year-over-year in the third quarter [5] Market Positioning - The strength of the portfolio is evident, particularly in the top two returning brands, Carnival and Aida, which are performing well due to the value offered [6] - Pricing growth is expected to hold into next year, with bookings at higher prices compared to the previous year for both North American and European brands [7] - Carnival Corporation competes not just with other cruise lines but also with the broader vacation market, emphasizing the value proposition of cruising over land-based vacations [9][10]

Core Viewpoint - Carnival Corporation (CCL.US) reported strong Q3 earnings, exceeding Wall Street expectations, but its stock fell over 5% due to profit-taking after reaching an intraday high of $32.49 [1] Financial Performance - Q3 adjusted net profit reached a record $1.9 billion, with earnings per share (EPS) of $1.43, a 13% increase year-over-year, surpassing the 2019 record [1] - Revenue grew by 3.2% year-over-year to $8.2 billion, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of record revenue, driven by a 3.6% increase in ticket sales and a 2.5% increase in onboard spending [1] - Customer deposits reached a record $7.1 billion, indicating strong future demand [1] Guidance and Market Outlook - The company raised its full-year adjusted net profit guidance by approximately 55%, projecting EPS of about $2.14, up from the previous guidance of $2.02 [1] - CEO Josh Weinstein noted that booking volumes have significantly outpaced capacity growth, with nearly half of 2026 itineraries already booked at historically high prices in North America and Europe [1]

Group 1 - Carnival reported $8.15 billion in revenue for the quarter ended August 2025, a year-over-year increase of 3.3% [1] - EPS for the same period was $1.43, compared to $1.27 a year ago, representing an EPS surprise of +8.33% over the consensus estimate of $1.32 [1] - The reported revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $8.07 billion by +0.99% [1] Group 2 - Key metrics monitored include ALBDs at 24.6 million, occupancy percentage at 112%, and passenger cruise days (PCDs) at 27.5 million [4] - Fuel cost per metric ton consumed was reported at $607.00, higher than the estimated $595.27 [4] - Net yields per ALBD were $249.11, surpassing the average estimate of $247.58 [4] Group 3 - Revenues from onboard and other sources were $2.72 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $2.66 billion, with a year-over-year change of +2.5% [4] - Revenues from passenger tickets reached $5.43 billion, compared to the average estimate of $5.34 billion, reflecting a year-over-year change of +3.7% [4] - Carnival's stock has returned -4% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite increased by +2.9% [3]

Core Insights - Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) reported strong third-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with adjusted earnings and revenues exceeding expectations and showing year-over-year growth [2][4][9] - The company raised its full-year fiscal 2025 adjusted net income guidance for the third consecutive quarter, driven by stronger net yields and effective cost management [3][12] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q3 were $1.43, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.32 by 8.3%, and increased from $1.27 in the same quarter last year [4] - Total revenues for the quarter reached $8.15 billion, beating the consensus mark of $8.07 billion by 1% and reflecting a 3.3% year-over-year increase [4] - Adjusted net income for the quarter was $1.98 billion, a 13.2% increase from $1.75 billion year-over-year [6] - Adjusted EBITDA totaled $3 billion, up from $2.82 billion in the prior-year quarter [6] Revenue Breakdown - Passenger ticket revenues amounted to $5.43 billion, up from $5.24 billion in the prior-year quarter, exceeding estimates of $5.25 billion [5] - Onboard and other revenues increased to $2.72 billion from $2.66 billion year-over-year, matching estimates [5] Balance Sheet and Liquidity - As of August 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $1.76 billion, up from $1.21 billion as of November 30, 2024 [7] - Total liquidity at the end of the quarter was $6.26 billion, with total debt decreasing to $26.5 billion from $27.48 billion [7] Booking Trends - Carnival has experienced strong booking momentum since May, with volumes exceeding last year and outpacing capacity growth [8] - Nearly half of fiscal 2026 is already booked at historical high prices, with record booking volumes for 2027 [10] Future Outlook - For Q4 fiscal 2025, Carnival expects adjusted EBITDA of approximately $1.34 billion and adjusted net income of about $300 million, with adjusted EPS projected at nearly 23 cents [11] - The company anticipates adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2025 to be around $7.05 billion, indicating over 15% growth year-over-year, and adjusted net income to be about $2.925 billion [12]

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Core Viewpoint - Carnival reported quarterly earnings of $1.43 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.32 per share, and showing an increase from $1.27 per share a year ago, indicating a positive earnings surprise of +8.33% [1] Financial Performance - The company achieved revenues of $8.15 billion for the quarter ended August 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.99% and up from $7.9 billion year-over-year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Carnival has consistently surpassed consensus EPS estimates and revenue estimates [2] Stock Performance - Carnival shares have increased approximately 22.9% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 13% [3] Future Outlook - The company's earnings outlook is crucial for assessing future stock performance, with current consensus EPS estimates of $0.21 on $6.32 billion in revenues for the upcoming quarter and $2.02 on $26.53 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year [7] - The Zacks Rank for Carnival is currently 2 (Buy), indicating expectations for the stock to outperform the market in the near future [6] Industry Context - The Leisure and Recreation Services industry, to which Carnival belongs, is currently ranked in the top 38% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable industry outlook [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record revenues, operating income, EBITDA, and customer deposits, with net income reaching an all-time high of $2 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by nearly 10% [7][9][19] - Operating income and EBITDA reached the highest levels in nearly 20 years, despite a 2.5% lower capacity compared to the previous year [8][9] - Yields increased by 4.6% on a same-ship basis, exceeding guidance due to strong close-in demand and onboard spending [9][20] - The company reported a return on invested capital (ROIC) of 13%, the first time in nearly 20 years that returns have reached the teens [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer deposits at the end of the quarter reached a record $7.1 billion, up over $300 million from the previous year, driven by higher ticket pricing and increased sales of pre-cruise onboard revenue items [22] - Cruise costs without fuel per available lower berth day (ALBD) increased by 5.5% compared to the prior year, but this was better than guidance due to cost-saving initiatives [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Booking trends have improved significantly, with nearly half of 2026 already booked at higher prices, indicating strong demand [10][24] - The company expects 2.8 million guests to visit Celebration Key next year, with high utilization rates anticipated [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing same-ship yields and closing the value gap with land-based alternatives, with plans to return capital to shareholders as leverage metrics improve [10][27] - The successful launch of Celebration Key is expected to enhance guest experiences and drive future bookings, with significant media impressions generated [12][13] - The company is investing in its brands and assets, with a focus on improving operational performance and profitability [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the future, citing strong booking trends and operational execution as key drivers of success [10][18] - The company is optimistic about 2026, with expectations of continued yield improvement despite some anticipated headwinds from new loyalty programs and operational costs [24][57] Other Important Information - The company has been actively refinancing and deleveraging, reducing secured debt by nearly $2.5 billion and targeting a net debt to EBITDA ratio of under three times [26][28] - The company plans to reinstate its dividend program and potentially consider share buybacks as it approaches its leverage targets [80] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on forward booking prices - Management confirmed that both North America and Europe are at historical record high pricing levels, with no dramatic changes from the previous quarter [31][32] Question: Impact of Celebration Key on ticket prices - Management indicated that Celebration Key is positively impacting ticket prices, with early operations meeting expectations [33][34] Question: Consumer behavior shifts - Management noted that they are not seeing significant shifts in consumer behavior, with strong bookings continuing year over year [40][41] Question: 2026 booking strategy - Management is optimistic about 2026, with a focus on optimizing strategies based on past experiences and current market conditions [44][45] Question: 2027 bookings and dry dock plans - Management indicated that 2027 bookings are off to an unprecedented start, with plans for fewer dry dock days compared to 2026 [50][104] Question: Evaluating new ships versus retrofitting programs - Management is actively considering retrofitting programs similar to AIDA's, focusing on maximizing existing assets [107][108] Question: Competitive edge in Galveston - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong guest experience and diversifying offerings to stay competitive in the Galveston market [110][111]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record revenues, yields, operating income, EBITDA, and customer deposits, with net income reaching an all-time high of $2 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by nearly 10% [7][20]. - Operating income and EBITDA reached the highest levels in nearly 20 years, despite a 2.5% lower capacity compared to the previous year [7][9]. - Yields increased by 4.6% on a same-ship basis, exceeding guidance due to strong close-in demand and onboard spending [9][21]. - The return on invested capital (ROIC) was reported at 13%, the first time reaching the teens since 2007 [9][27]. - The net debt to EBITDA ratio improved to 3.6 times, moving closer to investment-grade metrics [9][27]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer deposits reached a record $7.1 billion, up over $300 million year-over-year, driven by higher ticket pricing and increased sales of pre-cruise onboard revenue items [22]. - Cruise costs without fuel per available lower berth day (ALBD) increased by 5.5% compared to the prior year, but this was better than guidance due to cost-saving initiatives [21][24]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Booking trends have improved significantly, with nearly half of 2026 already booked at higher prices, indicating strong demand [10][25]. - The company expects 2.8 million guests to visit the new destination, Celebration Key, next year, enhancing utilization rates [13][16]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing same-ship yields and closing the value gap with land-based alternatives, aiming to push margins and returns higher over time [10][19]. - The successful launch of Celebration Key is expected to drive future growth, with plans for further development in Caribbean destinations [11][14]. - The company is also investing in its brands and assets, with a focus on improving operational performance and capitalizing on high-return opportunities [17][18]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the future, citing strong operational execution and improved booking trends as key drivers for growth [10][19]. - The company anticipates a favorable environment for 2026, with no significant capacity growth and a focus on optimizing operations to mitigate cost headwinds [25][55]. - Management highlighted the importance of diversifying offerings and enhancing guest experiences to maintain competitive advantages in key markets [102][103]. Other Important Information - The company has been actively refinancing to reduce interest expenses and strengthen its capital structure, with over $11 billion of debt refinanced at favorable rates [27][28]. - The company plans to return capital to shareholders as leverage metrics improve, with discussions around reinstating dividends and potential buybacks [75][76]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on forward booking prices - Management confirmed that both North America and Europe are at historical record high pricing levels, with no dramatic changes from the previous quarter [33][34]. Question: Impact of Celebration Key on ticket prices - Management indicated that Celebration Key is positively impacting ticket prices, with early operations meeting expectations [35][37]. Question: Consumer behavior shifts - Management noted that they are not seeing significant shifts in consumer behavior, with strong bookings continuing across various brands [43][44]. Question: 2026 booking strategy - Management expressed confidence in the 2026 booking strategy, emphasizing the importance of optimizing operations based on past learnings [46][55]. Question: 2027 bookings and dry dock plans - Management indicated that 2027 bookings are off to an unprecedented start, with plans for fewer dry dock days compared to 2026 [51][95]. Question: Capital return strategy - Management discussed the potential for returning capital to shareholders, emphasizing the importance of reinstating dividends while also considering buybacks [71][75].