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Carnival (GB:CCL)
LSE:CCL

Carnival (CCL) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:CCL

Carnival

(LSE:CCL)

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Outperform 74 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:74Outperform
Price Target:
2,012.00p
▲(1.46% Upside)
Carnival Corporation's overall stock score reflects a strong financial recovery and positive earnings call insights, which are the most significant factors. The company's technical indicators suggest caution, while the valuation is reasonable. Corporate events add a positive strategic dimension. However, high leverage remains a risk that needs careful management.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
Consistent revenue growth and improving margins indicate strong market demand and effective cost management, supporting long-term profitability.
Operational Execution
Effective cost management enhances profitability and competitiveness, providing a buffer against economic fluctuations and supporting sustainable growth.
Debt Reduction
Reducing and refinancing debt improves financial flexibility and lowers risk, positioning the company for future investment and growth opportunities.
Negative Factors
High Leverage
High leverage can strain cash flow and limit financial flexibility, potentially impacting the company's ability to invest in growth and weather economic downturns.
Increased Interest Expenses
Rising interest expenses can erode profitability and limit financial resources available for strategic initiatives, impacting long-term financial health.
Expected Cost Increases
Anticipated cost increases could pressure margins and reduce profitability, challenging the company's ability to maintain competitive pricing and invest in growth.

Carnival (CCL) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Carnival Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCarnival Corporation & plc is a global cruise company and one of the largest leisure travel companies in the world. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, it operates a fleet of cruise ships under several well-known brands, including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and more. The company offers a variety of cruise itineraries and experiences, catering to different market segments and customer preferences, ranging from family vacations to luxury travel.
How the Company Makes MoneyCarnival generates revenue primarily through the sale of cruise tickets and onboard services. The key revenue streams include ticket sales, which account for a significant portion of income, as well as onboard spending from guests on services such as dining, excursions, spa treatments, and retail purchases. Additionally, Carnival earns money through ancillary services like travel insurance and pre-cruise hotel packages. The company also benefits from partnerships with travel agencies, airlines, and other service providers that help to promote its offerings. Seasonal demand and the ability to effectively manage operating costs are crucial factors influencing its profitability.

Carnival Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Sep 29, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Mar 20, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflected a strong overall performance for Carnival Corporation, with record-breaking financial results, successful new initiatives, and positive future booking trends. Operational execution and cost discipline were emphasized, along with strategic growth in key markets. However, challenges such as increased net interest expenses and anticipated cost increases in 2026 were acknowledged. Overall, the positive outcomes and strategic initiatives significantly outweighed the challenges.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record-Breaking Financial Performance
Achieved an all-time high net income of $2 billion, surpassing pre-pause benchmark by nearly 10%. Yields increased 4.6% on a same ship basis, and operating income and EBITDA reached the highest levels in nearly twenty years.
Strong Operational Execution and Cost Discipline
Unit costs beat guidance by 1.5 points due to continued cost discipline. Outperformance on revenue and costs alongside refinancing efforts enabled an increase in full-year guidance for the third time this year.
Significant Improvement in Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)
ROIC reached 13% for the trailing twelve months, the first time since 2007 that returns have reached the teens, demonstrating fundamental improvements in operational performance.
Successful Launch of Celebration Key
Celebration Key opened to rave reviews, with nearly half a million guests passing through since late July. The grand opening generated almost 1.5 billion media impressions.
Positive Booking Trends
Booking trends have continued to improve, outpacing capacity growth at higher prices and setting a record for bookings made on sailings two years out.
Debt Reduction and Financial Fortress Rebuild
Reduced secured debt by nearly $2.5 billion and refinanced over $11 billion of debt this year. Net debt to EBITDA ratio improved from 4.3 times at the end of 2024 to 3.6 times at the end of 2025.
Strong Portfolio Performance in Key Markets
Significant presence in Alaska and Europe, with both regions performing incredibly well. The vast majority of capacity is at brands delivering double-digit returns.
Negative Updates
Increased Net Interest Expense
Net interest expense increased nearly 600% compared to 2019, although strong operational execution more than compensated for this.
Cost Increases Expected in 2026
Operating expenses for new destinations and increased dry dock work in 2026 are expected to impact overall year-over-year cost comparisons by about 1.5 points.
Loyalty Program Impact on Yields
Carnival Rewards program, starting in June 2026, is expected to impact yields by about half a point year-over-year.
Company Guidance
In the third quarter of 2025, Carnival Corporation achieved record-breaking financial results, with net income reaching an all-time high of $2 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by nearly 10%. This was accomplished despite a significant increase in net interest expenses compared to 2019. The company reported record revenues, yields, operating income, EBITDA, and customer deposits, with yields increasing by 4.6% on a same-ship basis and operating income and EBITDA attaining their highest unit levels in nearly two decades. Carnival also noted a 1.5-point beat on unit cost guidance due to continued cost discipline, and its ROIC reached 13% for the trailing twelve months, marking the first time since 2007 that returns have hit the teens. The company's leverage decreased to 3.6 times net debt to EBITDA, positioning it closer to investment-grade metrics. Looking forward, Carnival sees opportunities to further increase same-ship yields, close the value gap with land-based alternatives, and improve margins and returns. The company is optimistic about 2026, with nearly half of the year already booked at higher prices, and continues to benefit from the introduction of new assets like the Star Princess and Celebration Key, which are expected to enhance brand strength and guest experiences.

Carnival Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Carnival has shown a strong recovery with improving revenue, profitability, and cash flow. However, high leverage remains a concern despite efficient equity use and strong cash generation.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Carnival's income statement shows a strong recovery with a TTM revenue growth rate of 2.15% and improving margins. The gross profit margin stands at 39.49%, and the net profit margin is 10.07%, indicating solid profitability. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are also healthy at 15.53% and 25.90%, respectively. The company has shown consistent revenue growth over the past few years, rebounding from significant losses in 2020 and 2021.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a high debt-to-equity ratio of 2.34, which poses a risk due to significant leverage. However, the return on equity is strong at 26.18%, indicating efficient use of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio is moderate, suggesting a balanced asset structure. While the company has improved its financial position, the high debt levels remain a concern.
Cash Flow
78
Positive
Carnival's cash flow statement shows a robust free cash flow growth rate of 41.36% in the TTM period, highlighting improved cash generation. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 0.49, and the free cash flow to net income ratio is 0.52, indicating a healthy conversion of income to cash. Despite past challenges, the company has strengthened its cash flow position significantly.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue26.23B25.02B21.59B12.17B1.91B5.59B
Gross Profit8.30B9.38B7.28B412.00M-2.75B-2.65B
EBITDA6.10B6.23B4.37B-2.20B-5.69B-7.12B
Net Income2.64B1.92B-74.00M-6.09B-9.50B-10.24B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets50.83B48.28B49.12B51.70B53.34B53.59B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.76B1.21B2.42B4.03B9.14B9.51B
Total Debt27.86B28.88B31.89B35.88B34.61B28.38B
Total Liabilities38.90B39.03B42.24B44.64B41.20B33.04B
Stockholders Equity11.93B9.25B6.88B7.06B12.14B20.55B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow2.91B1.30B997.00M-6.61B-7.72B-9.92B
Operating Cash Flow5.61B5.92B4.28B-1.67B-4.11B-6.30B
Investing Cash Flow-2.39B-4.54B-2.81B-4.77B-3.54B-3.24B
Financing Cash Flow-2.99B-2.58B-5.09B3.58B6.95B18.65B

Carnival Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price1983.00
Price Trends
50DMA
1882.84
Positive
100DMA
1968.95
Positive
200DMA
1765.44
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
24.47
Negative
RSI
66.83
Neutral
STOCH
90.53
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:CCL, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 1983 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 1847.03, above the 50-day MA of 1882.84, and above the 200-day MA of 1765.44, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 24.47 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 66.83 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 90.53 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for GB:CCL.

Carnival Risk Analysis

Carnival disclosed 19 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Carnival reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Carnival Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
75
Outperform
£2.59B6.0223.98%1.17%7.17%-2.22%
74
Outperform
£27.29B13.8325.66%3.55%56.77%
71
Outperform
£4.19B8.5719.64%1.15%14.60%58.84%
69
Neutral
£15.86B28.501.23%5.55%19.27%
66
Neutral
£4.12B17.107.52%3.97%-2.12%8.95%
65
Neutral
£3.68B43.331.97%8.95%4.21%-65.57%
61
Neutral
$18.38B12.79-2.54%3.03%1.52%-15.83%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:CCL
Carnival
1,983.00
96.00
5.09%
GB:JET2
Jet2 PLC
1,409.00
-157.08
-10.03%
GB:IHG
InterContinental Hotels
10,455.00
649.08
6.62%
GB:WTB
Whitbread
2,599.00
-219.36
-7.78%
GB:TW
Taylor Wimpey
104.25
-7.67
-6.85%
GB:JD
JD Sports Fashion
86.68
-7.21
-7.68%

Carnival Corporate Events

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Carnival plc Updates on Voting Rights and Capital Structure
Neutral
Dec 5, 2025

Carnival plc announced its current voting rights and capital structure, revealing that it has 217,411,094 issued ordinary shares, with 145,607,591 shares carrying voting rights. This update is crucial for shareholders and stakeholders to determine their notification obligations under the FCA’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Carnival CEO Joins Chipotle Board as Non-Executive Director
Positive
Nov 25, 2025

Carnival Corporation & plc announced the appointment of its CEO, Josh Weinstein, as a Non-Executive Director at Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. This move highlights the strategic alignment between Carnival’s leadership and other major industries, potentially enhancing the company’s influence and networking capabilities within the corporate sector.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Carnival plc Updates on Voting Rights and Capital Status
Neutral
Nov 7, 2025

Carnival plc announced the current status of its voting rights and capital, revealing that it has 145,607,591 voting rights available. This update is crucial for shareholders and others with notification obligations under the FCA’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules, as it affects their calculations regarding interest notifications in the company.

Financial Disclosures
Carnival Corporation Reports Strong Q3 2025 Financial Results
Positive
Sep 29, 2025

Carnival Corporation & plc has released its quarterly financial results for the third quarter of 2025, highlighting an increase in total revenues and net income compared to the previous year. The company reported total revenues of $8.153 billion for the three months ended August 31, 2025, up from $7.896 billion in the same period in 2024, and a net income of $1.852 billion, an increase from $1.735 billion. This financial performance underscores Carnival’s strong recovery and growth in the cruise industry, reflecting improved passenger ticket sales and onboard revenues. The results are expected to positively impact the company’s market position and provide confidence to stakeholders about its financial health and operational resilience.

Financial Disclosures
Carnival Corporation to Discuss Q3 Earnings in Upcoming Call
Neutral
Sep 15, 2025

Carnival Corporation & plc announced a scheduled conference call with analysts on September 29, 2025, to discuss their third-quarter financial results. This event reflects the company’s commitment to transparency and engagement with stakeholders, potentially impacting its market position and investor relations.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 07, 2025