Carnival Q2 Preview: Cruiser Operator Looks To Ease Investor Concern On Consumer Slowdown

Core Viewpoint - Carnival Corporation is expected to report strong demand and alleviate investor concerns regarding a consumer slowdown in its upcoming fourth-quarter financial results [1] Earnings Estimates - Analysts predict Carnival will report fourth-quarter revenue of $6.37 billion, an increase from $5.94 billion in the same quarter last year [2] - Expected earnings per share for the fourth quarter are 25 cents, up from 14 cents per share in the previous year [2] - The company has consistently beaten revenue estimates for six consecutive quarters and earnings per share estimates for over ten quarters [2][3] Analyst Insights - JPMorgan analyst Matthew R. Boss noted a recent sell-off in cruise line stocks, suggesting it may be driven by investor panic rather than actual evidence of a consumer slowdown [4] - Concerns about rising supply in the Caribbean and a potential consumer slowdown in 2026 were highlighted, although strong bookings for early 2026 were reported [5] Key Items to Watch - The upcoming report is anticipated to emphasize consumer demand and future booking strength, with guidance being crucial for share performance in 2025 [5] - Carnival's customer deposits reached a record $7.1 billion in the third quarter, indicating potential strength in future quarters [9] - The company has raised its guidance three times in 2025, and there is significant interest in the 2026 guidance [10] Price Action - Carnival stock is trading at $28.26, with a year-to-date increase of 13.0% in 2025 [11] - In comparison, Norwegian shares have decreased by 16.6% in 2025, while Royal Caribbean shares have increased by 25.3% [11]