Core Viewpoint - Both Carnival and Chewy are experiencing revenue growth and present strong long-term investment opportunities in the consumer goods sector [1][2]. Group 1: Carnival - Carnival, the largest cruise operator, faced significant challenges during the pandemic, leading to a substantial increase in debt [4]. - The company has made progress by replacing older ships with fuel-efficient vessels, enhancing onboard spending strategies, and focusing on debt repayment, particularly variable-rate borrowings [4]. - Recent financial performance includes record revenue of $6.3 billion and customer deposits reaching $8.5 billion, with advanced bookings for next year matching record levels at higher fares [5]. - Carnival has exceeded financial targets in its turnaround plan, achieving the highest adjusted return on invested capital in over 20 years [6]. - Lower interest rates are expected to facilitate debt repayment and encourage consumer spending on cruises [7]. Group 2: Chewy - Chewy is a leading e-commerce platform for pet supplies, with a loyal customer base supported by its Autoship service, which accounts for 83% of overall sales [8]. - The company reported a sales increase of over 8% to $3.1 billion, with Autoship sales climbing 15% [9]. - Chewy has diversified its revenue by opening veterinary clinics, allowing it to introduce e-commerce services to new customers [10]. - The company maintains a strong financial position with no debt and over $590 million in cash [11]. - Chewy's loyal customer base, as evidenced by Autoship metrics, positions it well for long-term success despite competition [11]. Group 3: Investment Comparison - Both Carnival and Chewy are considered reasonably priced, with Carnival trading at 15 times forward earnings estimates and Chewy at 29 times [12]. - The high debt level of Carnival poses a risk, while Chewy's debt-free status is viewed favorably [14][15]. - If only one stock could be chosen, Chewy is preferred due to its lack of debt and strong customer loyalty [15].