l pany .(US:CLCO) ZACKS·2026-02-18 14:36Economic Overview - Inflation pressures are easing, with the consumer price index (CPI) rising 2.4% year-over-year in January, down 0.3% from the previous month, marking the lowest level since May 2025 [4][11] - Core CPI, excluding food and energy, rose 2.5% year-over-year, matching expectations and the lowest since April 2021 [5] - The U.S. economy added 130,000 jobs in January, with the unemployment rate decreasing to 4.3% from 4.4% in December [6] Federal Reserve Insights - The Federal Reserve is optimistic about inflation slowing to 2.4% by the end of 2026 and economic growth accelerating to 2.3% [7] - The recent CPI data aligns with the Fed's forecast, providing reassurance amid concerns over a cooling labor market [2][7] Investment Recommendations - Four consumer discretionary stocks are recommended for purchase: Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL), Callaway Golf Company (CALY), Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (DLB), and Marriott International, Inc. (MAR) [2] - These stocks have experienced positive earnings estimate revisions in the past 60 days and carry Zacks Ranks of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) [3] Company-Specific Insights Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) - CCL is the largest cruise operator globally, with an expected earnings growth rate of 12.9% for the current year and a 6.3% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 60 days [8][9] Callaway Golf Company (CALY) - CALY specializes in premium golf equipment and apparel, with an expected earnings growth rate of 28.6% and earnings estimates improving over 100% in the last 60 days [12][11] Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (DLB) - DLB focuses on audio and imaging technologies, with an expected earnings growth rate of 0.9% and a 1.9% improvement in earnings estimates over the past 60 days [13][14] Marriott International, Inc. (MAR) - MAR is a leading hospitality company with a development pipeline of 4,056 hotels and approximately 610,000 rooms, expecting earnings growth of 16.5% for the current year [15][16]