Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest global cruise company, and among the largest leisure travel companies, with a portfolio of world-class cruise lines – AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn. For more information, please visit www.carnivalcorp.com, www.aida.de, www.carnival.com, www.costacruises.com, www.cunard.com, www.hollandamerica.com, www.pocruises.com, www.princess.com, and www.seabourn.com. SOURCE Carnival C ...

Core Insights - Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) is the largest cruise company globally, with a market cap of $34.3 billion, operating under brands like Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, and carrying nearly half of global cruise guests [1] Stock Performance - CCL shares have outperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks, gaining 27.1% compared to the S&P 500 Index's 18.3% increase, but are up only 11.8% year-to-date, lagging behind the SPX's 17.2% rise [2] - Over the past 52 weeks, CCL shares have also outpaced the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLY) return of 19.8% [3] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Carnival Corp reported adjusted EPS of $1.43 and revenue of $8.15 billion, exceeding expectations, yet shares fell nearly 4% on Sept. 29 due to projected cruise costs rising 3.3% for the year and potential impacts from increased investments in 2026 [4] - For the fiscal year ending in November 2025, analysts expect CCL's adjusted EPS to increase by 52.8% year-over-year to $2.17, with a strong earnings surprise history [5] Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Among 25 analysts covering CCL, the consensus rating is a "Strong Buy," with 19 "Strong Buy" ratings, one "Moderate Buy," and five "Holds" [5] - Citi raised its price target on Carnival to $38, maintaining a "Buy" rating, with a mean price target of $35.43 indicating a 27.2% premium to the current price, and a Street-high price target of $43 suggesting a potential upside of 54.3% [6]

Core Viewpoint - The cruise industry is recovering post-pandemic, with Royal Caribbean positioned for growth while Carnival is focused on stabilizing its finances [1][2]. Royal Caribbean - Royal Caribbean is experiencing strong demand, with bookings extending into 2027, and is expanding its fleet with new Icon-class ships aimed at luxury travelers [3]. - The company has reduced its net debt from a pandemic peak of $22 billion to $18.3 billion, improving its credit profile to a BBB- rating from Fitch [4]. - Royal Caribbean's EBITDA margin stands at 42% in Q2 2025, and it trades at a forward P/E ratio of approximately 20x, above its pre-pandemic average of 14x, indicating investor confidence in its growth potential [5]. Carnival - Carnival is working on reducing its pandemic-era debt, targeting a net debt reduction of $8 billion by the end of 2025, but still carries over $25 billion in net debt, rated BB+ by Fitch [6]. - The company's focus is on operational stabilization rather than growth, with a forward P/E ratio of about 13x and an EBITDA margin of 24%, reflecting a slower recovery compared to competitors [7]. - Carnival's stock price is currently around $29, significantly below its pre-COVID range of $50 to $60, suggesting potential for long-term upside if its turnaround strategy is successful [13]. Investment Considerations - Royal Caribbean is recommended for investors seeking growth, with a current price of $311 and a 12-month target near $347, indicating a potential 10% upside [12]. - Carnival may appeal to contrarian investors, offering a discounted valuation and potential for significant long-term rewards if management successfully executes its turnaround strategy [13].

Core Viewpoint - Carnival Corporation & plc has successfully arranged a new $4.5 billion multi-currency revolving credit facility, enhancing its liquidity and supporting debt reduction efforts [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Arrangement - The new revolving credit facility matures in June 2030 and replaces the existing facility of Carnival Holdings (Bermuda) II Limited [1]. - The facility includes an accordion feature, allowing for up to $1.0 billion of additional revolving commitments, representing a 50 percent increase in available liquidity [1][2]. Group 2: Management Commentary - The Chief Financial Officer, David Bernstein, emphasized that the increase in the revolver reflects confidence in the company's performance and is a milestone in rebuilding its financial strength [2]. - Bernstein noted that the New Revolver is a testament to the company's ongoing business improvement and strong banking relationships [2]. Group 3: Security and Structure - The New Revolver will be unsecured and guaranteed on an unsecured basis by the same subsidiaries that guarantee the company's senior secured term loan facilities [3]. - Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc are entering into the New Revolver with a global syndicate of financial institutions, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. acting as the administrative agent [3]. Group 4: Company Overview - Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest global cruise company and one of the largest leisure travel companies, operating a portfolio of world-class cruise lines [4].