High-rolling investors have positioned themselves bearish on Royal Caribbean Gr (NYSE:RCL), and it's important for retail traders to take note.\This activity came to our attention today through Benzinga's tracking of publicly available options data. The identities of these investors are uncertain, but such a significant move in RCL often signals that someone has privileged information.Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 8 options trades for Royal Caribbean Gr. This is not a typical pattern.The sentime ...

It’s Christmas Eve and Santa’s on his way. I hope you’ve completed all your shopping. The malls will be full of stressed-out last-minute shoppers. Thankfully, my wife and I spent most of our Christmas dough on this past summer’s vacation in Europe. Tomorrow will be a time to relax and enjoy family and friends. I hope you do the same. More News from Barchart In yesterday’s trading, the NYSE’s new 52-week highs outdid the 52-week lows, 125 to 47. On Nasdaq, the tables were turned, with new 52-week lows ...

Core Insights - Carnival Corporation & plc reported fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded analyst expectations, with adjusted earnings per share of $0.34 compared to estimates of $0.25, leading to a more than 9% increase in shares intra-day [1] - The company announced the reinstatement of its dividend, which contributed to the positive market reaction [1] - For the full fiscal year, Carnival reported adjusted net income of $3.1 billion, a year-over-year increase of over 60%, driven by strong demand and effective cost management [2] Financial Performance - Revenue for the fourth quarter totaled $6.3 billion, slightly below the consensus estimate of $6.37 billion, but still marked a record performance for the company [1] - Fourth-quarter net yields in constant currency rose by 5.4% compared to 2024, exceeding the company's September guidance by 1.1 percentage points [2] Future Outlook - Carnival projected adjusted net income growth of approximately 12% in fiscal 2026 relative to record 2025 levels [3] - Net yields in constant currency are expected to increase by about 2.5%, supported by favorable demand trends and pricing [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of over $3 billion for 2025, a 60% increase from 2024, marking an all-time high [4][17] - Full-year yields improved by more than 5.5% compared to the previous year, exceeding initial guidance by almost 1.5% [4][18] - Operating margins and EBITDA margins increased by over 250 basis points year-over-year, leading to the highest operating income per ALBD in nearly 20 years [5][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record results in every quarter of 2025, with significant improvements in onboard revenue per diem and customer deposits, which rose by 7% year-over-year [6][10] - The normalized net cruise cost excluding fuel per ALBD is expected to increase by about 2.5% for 2026, reflecting effective cost management despite inflation and increased operational expenses [10][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is about two-thirds booked for 2026, in line with historical booking patterns, and at record high prices for North America and Europe [6][10] - The company anticipates a 3% yield increase in 2026, normalizing for accounting changes and geopolitical uncertainties [8][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to resume dividends at an initial rate of $0.15 per quarter, reflecting confidence in cash generation and balance sheet improvements [10][11] - The strategy includes transitioning destination offerings to enhance marketability, with new developments like Celebration Key and enhancements at Half Moon Cay [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the resilience of demand for cruise lines, despite low consumer sentiment readings [6][14] - The company expects another year of yield improvement, projecting double-digit earnings growth on top of the 60% increase achieved in 2025 [14][23] Other Important Information - The company has successfully completed a $19 billion refinancing plan, reducing debt by over $10 billion since its peak [19] - A recommendation to unify the dual-listed company structure into a single entity is planned, which is expected to streamline governance and increase liquidity [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for 2026 yield growth - The management indicated that the guidance reflects current expectations and that close-in bookings are hoped to exceed expectations [30] Question: Caribbean capacity and bookings - Management noted that Q1 bookings are slightly better than last year, with a focus on managing Caribbean capacity effectively [32] Question: Revenue management strategy - The company is focused on maximizing revenue through effective management and is optimistic about supporting guidance for 2026 [33] Question: Caribbean demand and pricing - Management confirmed that Caribbean yields are expected to be positive in 2026, supporting overall business momentum [42] Question: Fixed vs variable costs - Most costs are fixed due to operating at full capacity, but the company is focused on optimizing spending and improving efficiency [56]

All right, we just hit on it. Record 122 million people traveling. About a 2% jump from the levels that we saw last year.What does that signify. Does that signify consumers that are willing to spend on travel. Does it signify something else.>> This has been a secular trend, Frank, coming out of CO and it continues all the way through and and frankly we're expecting it into 2026 where consumers are spending more on experiences than they are on things. Uh and that has worked well for the stocks you had up the ...

Core Viewpoint - Carnival Corp. has made a significant recovery from the pandemic, achieving record-breaking numbers in revenue, bookings, and operating profits in Q3 2025 [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - Carnival's stock has underperformed compared to the S&P 500, returning only 2.3% in 2025 against the index's 16.4% [2] - The company has paid down billions in long-term debt over the past few years, improving its financial standing [4] - Carnival has booked approximately half of its 2026 capacity as of Q3 2025, indicating strong demand despite economic challenges [10] Group 2: Credit Rating and Future Outlook - Carnival's credit rating has improved, with upgrades from Moody's to Ba2 in Q3 2025, just two upgrades away from investment-grade status [7] - Achieving investment-grade credit could allow Carnival to refinance debt at better terms, further enhancing its financial flexibility [8] - The potential for improved credit ratings and strong business performance could make 2026 a pivotal year for Carnival's stock [12] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The current economic climate has not deterred Carnival's performance, as consumers may be prioritizing experiences over other expenditures [11] - High earners may be opting for Carnival as a more affordable vacation option, contributing to the company's strong performance [11]

Core Insights - Princess Cruises has launched its annual "Come Aboard Sale" for the 2026 Wave Season, offering significant discounts and promotions for travelers [1][4] Promotions and Offers - The sale runs from December 9, 2025, to February 16, 2026, featuring discounts of up to 40% off cruise fares, up to $500 in instant savings, 50% off deposits, and free third and fourth guests on select sailings [1][4] - The advertised $500 savings applies per double occupancy stateroom on 17+ day voyages in a Suite or Mini-Suite [5] Destinations and Itineraries - The "Come Aboard Sale" covers 345 destinations across all seven continents, with voyages available on Princess' 17-ship fleet, including the new Star Princess [3][6] - Notable itineraries include: - 7-day Mediterranean & Aegean starting at $999 on June 23, 2026 - 7-day Western Caribbean starting at $499 on May 16, 2026 - 7-Day Alaska Inside Passage starting at $899 on May 3, 2026 [6] Target Audience - The sale is designed for a wide range of travelers, including loyal guests, first-time cruisers, and multi-generational families [4]

Toll Brothers - Shares of Toll Brothers are under pressure due to concerns that the housing market may remain challenging into 2026, indicating a slow recovery [1][5] - The company reported mixed results for the last quarter, with revenue of $3.42 billion exceeding expectations of $3.3 billion, but adjusted EPS of $4.58 falling short [2] - Toll Brothers expects to deliver between 10,200 and 10,700 units in 2026, which is below market expectations [2] - The average selling prices for homes are projected to be between $970,000 and $990,000 for 2026, which is in line with Wall Street's forecasts [3][4] AutoZone - AutoZone's quarterly results were weaker than expected, with EPS at $31.04 and revenue at $4.63 billion, both lower than market expectations [6] - The company's investments and growth initiatives have negatively impacted margins, with gross margins declining and operating expenses increasing [7] - Despite the challenges, same-store sales increased by 5.5%, and commercial sales saw a significant jump of 14.5% [7][8] Norwegian Cruise Line - Norwegian Cruise Line received a downgrade from Goldman Sachs, moving from a buy to neutral, with a price target of $21 [9][10] - Concerns are raised regarding Norwegian's significant exposure to the Caribbean market, which may lead to profitability challenges due to rapid capacity expansion [11][12]

Core Insights - Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (LYV) experienced a 5.6% decline in stock price following a year-over-year decrease in third-quarter 2025 earnings, which also missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate [1][4] - Despite a slight miss in revenue expectations, revenues grew year over year, driven by strong fan spending trends for live events and amphitheaters [2][4] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q3 2025 were reported at 73 cents, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.21 by 39.7%, compared to an adjusted EPS of $1.66 in the same quarter last year [4][9] - Total revenues reached $8.5 billion, slightly below the consensus estimate of $8.55 billion by 0.6%, but reflecting an 11% increase year over year [4][9] Segment Analysis - Concerts segment revenues amounted to $7.28 billion, up 11% year over year, with adjusted operating income increasing to $514.2 million from $474.1 million in the prior year [5] - Ticketing segment revenues were $797.6 million, a 15% increase from the previous year, with adjusted operating income rising to $285.9 million from $235.7 million [6] - Sponsorship & Advertising segment revenues totaled $442.7 million, up 13% year over year, with adjusted operating income increasing to $313.1 million [6] Cash Flow and Financial Position - As of September 30, 2025, Live Nation's cash and cash equivalents totaled $6.75 billion, an increase from $6.1 billion at the end of 2024 [7] - Net long-term debt was reported at $6.11 billion, slightly down from $6.18 billion at the end of 2024 [7] - For the first nine months of 2025, net cash provided by operating activities was $1.45 billion, up from $680.1 million in the same period last year [8] Future Outlook - For 2026, ticket sales for concerts are projected to reach 26 million, indicating double-digit growth from 2025 [3] - The company faces challenges with elevated direct operating expenses due to increased support for stadium shows and higher selling, general, and administrative expenses [3]

Q3 2025 Performance - Load Factor reached 112%[8] - Net Yield Growth vs 2024 was 24% in constant currency[8] - NCCx Growth vs 2024 was 43% in constant currency[8] - Adjusted EBITDA was $23 billion, a 7% increase compared to 2024[8] - Adjusted EBITDA Margin was 446%[8] - Adjusted Earnings Per Share reached $575, an 11% increase compared to 2024[8] - Operating Cash Flow was $15 billion[8] FY 2025 Guidance - APCDs are projected to be 533 million[13] - Net Yield Growth vs 2024 is expected to be between 35% and 40% in constant currency[13] - NCCx Growth vs 2024 is expected to be approximately (01%) in constant currency[13] - Adjusted Earnings Per Share is projected to be between $1558 and $1563[13] Q4 2025 Guidance - APCDs are projected to be 14 million[17] - Net Yield Growth vs 2024 is expected to be between 22% and 27% in constant currency[17] - NCCx Growth vs 2024 is expected to be between (66%) and (61%) in constant currency[17] - Adjusted Earnings Per Share is projected to be between $274 and $279[17] Additional Information - The company expects 32% year-over-year growth in Adjusted EPS[15]