From a technical perspective, Royal Caribbean (RCL) is looking like an interesting pick, as it just reached a key level of support. RCL recently overtook the 200-day moving average, and this suggests a long-term bullish trend.The 200-day simple moving average helps traders and analysts determine overall long-term market trends for stocks, commodities, indexes, and other financial instruments. The indicator moves higher or lower along with longer-term price moves, serving as a support or resistance level.Ove ...

While many are fixated on artificial intelligence (AI) stocks, few other growth stocks like Carnival Corporation (CCL) appear to be quietly defying expectations. Carnival closed 2025 with one of the strongest performances in its history, yet the stock remains widely overlooked heading into 2026. Let’s find out if Carnival stock is a good buy now. More News from Barchart www.barchart.com About Carnival Corp Carnival Corporation is the world’s largest cruise company. It owns and operates a diversified ...

Core Viewpoint - Royal Caribbean Cruises is experiencing significant growth driven by a new generation of younger travelers who appreciate cruise experiences, leading to increased bookings and onboard spending [1][2][8]. Financial Performance - The stock has increased over 300% in the past five years and is up more than 22% year to date as of December 30 [1][4]. - The current market capitalization of Royal Caribbean is $77 billion, with a current stock price of $281.70 [2]. - The company has a gross margin of 39.53% and a dividend yield of 1.24%, having reinstated its quarterly dividend of $1 in mid-2024 after a suspension during the pandemic [2][4]. Market Position - Royal Caribbean is perceived as a high-end cruise option, offering larger ships and unique attractions, which differentiates it from competitors like Carnival [6][10]. - The company holds approximately 26% market share among major cruise lines, while Carnival leads with over 32% [11]. Consumer Trends - Younger generations, particularly Generation Z and millennials, are prioritizing travel experiences over traditional financial milestones, which bodes well for the cruise industry as long as this trend continues [8]. - Bookings for 2026 are significantly higher than the previous year, indicating strong future demand [2]. Competitive Landscape - Royal Caribbean's stock trades at higher price-to-earnings ratios compared to competitors like Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Lines, and it carries a substantial debt of $20.6 billion [10]. - Despite the debt, Royal Caribbean is actively reducing its liabilities and is positioned to capture more market share [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - The travel industry, particularly hotels and cruises, is experiencing fluctuations, but overall spending remains strong, especially among high-end customers [1][2]. Cruise Industry - Cruise lines are focusing on enhancing out-of-cabin spending through experiences like private island destinations and upscale dining options [2][5]. - There is a noticeable bifurcation in customer segments, with high-end customers continuing to spend, while budget-conscious travelers opt for lower-cost options like interior cabins [4][6]. Theme Parks - Theme parks, particularly Six Flags and SeaWorld Entertainment, are expected to evolve their offerings, incorporating more live entertainment and diverse dining experiences to attract a wider audience [7][9]. - The market may not fully appreciate the potential growth and evolution of these theme parks, which are primarily seasonal businesses [10]. Ski Industry - The ski industry, particularly in areas like Vail, is facing challenges due to high pass prices and insufficient snowfall, impacting customer turnout [11][12].

Key Points Its ships are full, and it launched two more this year to address the high demand. The cruise line's debt remains a concern, but interest expenses have fallen sharply. Moreover, bookings remain strong -- running at a higher rate than at this time last year. 10 stocks we like better than Royal Caribbean Cruises › Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE: RCL) has managed to stand out despite being the second-largest cruise line by passenger volume. Despite lagging behind Carnival in market share, ...

Key Points Carnival posted better-than-expected financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter at the end of last week. It also reinstated the dividend it suspended at the onset of the pandemic. The stock now yields a respectable 1.9% for income investors. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line disappointed in the third quarter, but growth is starting to accelerate. 10 stocks we like better than Carnival Corp. › Better late than never, Carnival Corp. (NYSE: CUK)  (NYSE: CCL). The ...

Shares of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) are drifting sideways Monday. They gained almost 10% on Friday after offering upbeat guidance.If the move higher continues, there is a chance it ends around the $32.50 level. Our chart shows it was resistance in September; levels that have previously been resistance can become so again. This is why Carnival is the Stock of the Day.When a stock reaches a resistance level, reverses, and trends lower, holders of shares purchased at that level regret their decisio ...

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][16] - Full-year yields improved by more than 5.5% compared to the previous year, exceeding initial guidance by almost 1.5% [4][5] - Operating margins and EBITDA margins increased by over 250 basis points year-over-year, achieving the highest operating income per ALBD in nearly 20 years [5][6] - The company achieved a return on invested capital (ROIC) exceeding 13%, the highest level in 19 years [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced record booking volumes for 2026 and 2027, with customer deposits up 7% year-over-year, reaching an all-time high [6][7] - The onboard revenue per diem significantly outperformed prior year levels, indicating strong demand despite lower consumer sentiment [6][7] - The company anticipates a 3% yield increase in 2026, normalizing for accounting changes and geopolitical uncertainties [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is about two-thirds booked for 2026, in line with historical highs for North America and Europe [6][8] - The Caribbean market is expected to see a 14% increase in non-Carnival Corporation capacity growth, contributing to competitive dynamics [8][12] 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 [9][10] - The strategy includes a focus on capital allocation to return value to shareholders while continuing to invest in new destination developments and vessel enhancement programs [10][11] - The company is transitioning its destination strategy to enhance marketability and growth potential, with new developments like Celebration Key and Isla Tropical [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of demand for cruise lines, despite macroeconomic challenges and low consumer sentiment [6][14] - The company expects another year of double-digit earnings growth on top of the 60% increase achieved in 2025 [14][15] - Management highlighted the importance of effective cost management and operational efficiencies to mitigate inflation and other cost pressures [9][10] Other Important Information - The company is recommending unification of its dual-listed company structure to streamline governance and reduce administrative costs [26] - The unification is expected to enhance liquidity for stock trades and increase the stock's weighting in major U.S. indices [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for 2026 yield growth and close-in demand - Management indicated that the guidance for 2026 is based on current expectations and momentum, with close-in bookings expected to continue supporting performance [30][32] Question: Caribbean capacity and bookings - Management noted that for Q1, bookings are slightly better positioned compared to the previous year, with a focus on managing Caribbean capacity effectively [34][41] Question: Momentum and booking volumes into 2026 - Management confirmed strong booking volumes leading into 2026, with no irrational pricing observed, and emphasized the importance of managing the booking curve [46][48] Question: Cost management and efficiencies - Management highlighted that cost mitigation efforts are embedded in the forecast, with a focus on leveraging scale to offset inflation [50][51] Question: Caribbean demand and pricing actions - Management expressed confidence in Caribbean yields supporting business momentum, with positive expectations for 2026 [58][59]

Financial Performance Highlights - Achieved a record full year Adjusted Net Income of $3.1 billion[11], significantly outperforming initial guidance due to strong demand and effective cost management[1]. - Adjusted Earnings Per Share (Diluted) reached $2.25, exceeding the December guidance by approximately $0.55[13]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the full year reached $7.2 billion, surpassing the December guidance by approximately $600 million[13]. - Adjusted ROIC exceeded 13%, the highest in nearly 20 years[11]. - Reduced total debt by over $10 billion since early 2023[45]. Q4 2025 Performance - Q4 2025 Adjusted Net Income was $0.45 billion, nearly 2.5 times the levels of Q4 2024[12]. - Q4 2025 Adjusted EBITDA reached $1.48 billion, exceeding guidance of $1.34 billion[12]. - Net yields outperformed guidance by 110 basis points, reaching 5.4% compared to the guided 4.3%[12]. 2026 Outlook - The company projects Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of under 3.0x for 2026, inclusive of over $0.8 billion of dividend payments[49]. - Expects Adjusted Net Income of approximately $3.45 billion and Adjusted Earnings Per Share (Diluted) of $2.48 for FY 2026[14]. - Anticipates Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $7.63 billion for FY 2026[14]. Strategic Initiatives - Reinstated dividend payments at an initial rate of $0.15 per share[1]. - Successfully completed a refinancing plan, refinancing $19 billion of debt in 2025[45]. - Simplified capital structure and optimized future debt maturities[46].

Core Insights - Carnival Corporation & plc reported strong financial results for Q4 and full year 2025, exceeding guidance due to robust demand and effective cost management [1][3][6] - The company reinstated its dividend, reflecting confidence in its long-term performance and financial stability [3][14] Financial Performance - Full year net income reached $2.8 billion, with adjusted net income at a record $3.1 billion, up over 60% from the previous year [6][7] - Record revenues of $26.6 billion were achieved, driven by record net yields in constant currency [6][7] - Operating income for the year was $4.5 billion, a 25% increase compared to the prior year [6] - Adjusted EBITDA for the year was $7.2 billion, exceeding the previous year by over $1 billion [6] Cost Management - Cruise costs per available lower berth day (ALBD) increased by 2.2% compared to 2024, while adjusted cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD rose by only 0.5%, outperforming guidance [5][6] - Fuel consumption per ALBD decreased by 5.6% due to ongoing efforts to reduce fuel usage [12] Booking Trends - The company reported record booking volumes for 2026 and 2027, with strong demand continuing from Black Friday through Cyber Monday [10] - Approximately two-thirds of occupancy for the upcoming year is already booked at historical high prices in constant currency [9][10] 2026 Outlook - For 2026, the company expects adjusted net income to reach $3.5 billion, surpassing 2025 levels [6][11] - The first quarter of 2026 is projected to see net yields increase by approximately 5.1% year-over-year [24] Corporate Structure Changes - Carnival Corporation proposed unifying its dual-listed framework into a single company listed solely on the New York Stock Exchange, which is expected to streamline governance and enhance shareholder value [19][20] - The company plans to shift its legal incorporation from Panama to Bermuda, aligning with international financial standards [19] Recent Developments - The company successfully completed a $19 billion refinancing plan, improving its net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio to 3.4x, recognized as investment grade by Fitch [11][15] - Record customer deposits of $7.2 billion were reported, surpassing the previous fourth quarter record [12]