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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH)
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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) AI Stock Analysis

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NCLH

Norwegian Cruise Line

(NYSE:NCLH)

Rating:74Outperform
Price Target:
$27.00
▲(9.05% Upside)
Norwegian Cruise Line's overall stock score is influenced most significantly by its robust earnings call and strategic corporate events, indicating strong future growth potential. Financial performance shows recovery despite high leverage, and technical analysis points to positive market sentiment. Valuation is fair, though income investors may find the absence of dividends a downside.
Positive Factors
Bookings
Forward bookings have rebounded to an optimal position, indicating strong future demand.
Caribbean Strategy
The Caribbean deployment is set to increase to 40% of capacity, indicating a strategic focus on high-demand regions.
Earnings
The 2Q earnings beat and positive forward commentary are expected to drive a re-rating in the shares.
Negative Factors
Debt
With net debt still elevated compared to peers, the risk-reward is wide.
European Market
Concerns have been raised over weaker commentary around Europe and luxury brands, contributing to a historical discount in valuation compared to peers.
Market Performance
Despite recent gains, the stock remains down 10% year-to-date, underperforming the market and peers.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Norwegian Cruise Line Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionNorwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a cruise company in North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. It offers itineraries ranging from three days to a 180-days calling on various locations, including destinations in Scandinavia, Russia, the Mediterranean, the Greek Isles, Alaska, Canada and New England, Hawaii, Asia, Tahiti and the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Africa, India, South America, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean. As of December 31, 2021, the company had 28 ships with approximately 59,150 berths. It distributes its products through retail/travel advisor and onboard cruise sales channels, as well as meetings, incentives, and charters. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. was founded in 1966 and is based in Miami, Florida.
How the Company Makes MoneyNorwegian Cruise Line generates revenue primarily through ticket sales from cruise bookings and ancillary services provided to passengers. The main revenue streams include cruise ticket sales, which contribute the largest portion of income, alongside onboard spending such as dining, beverage packages, shore excursions, and spa services. Additionally, NCLH earns revenue from its vacation packages and land-based offerings, which can include pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, ground transportation, and tours. The company also benefits from partnerships with travel agencies and online travel platforms that help promote and sell its cruise packages. Seasonal promotions and marketing campaigns further enhance bookings and onboard spending, contributing to overall revenue growth.

Norwegian Cruise Line Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Passengers Carried
Passengers Carried
Indicates the total number of passengers who traveled, reflecting demand for cruises and the company’s ability to attract and retain customers.
Chart InsightsNorwegian Cruise Line has seen a strong recovery in passenger numbers post-pandemic, surpassing pre-COVID levels in recent quarters. The introduction of the new Prima Plus class ship and enhancements at Great Stirrup Cay are expected to sustain this momentum. However, challenges with European bookings could introduce volatility in the near term. Despite this, the company remains optimistic, supported by strategic cost-saving initiatives and robust booking trends for 2026, indicating a positive long-term outlook.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Norwegian Cruise Line Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 31, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: 5.81%|
Next Earnings Date:Oct 29, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted a strong financial performance with record-breaking results, successful fleet expansion, and promising new initiatives such as the Great Tides Waterpark. However, it was tempered by occupancy challenges, foreign exchange headwinds, and some softness in European itineraries. Despite these challenges, the reaffirmed guidance and strategic focus on cost management and brand development contribute to a positive outlook.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record-Breaking Quarter
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings reported a record quarter, meeting or exceeding guidance across all metrics, with record bookings over the last 3 months and record Q2 revenue.
Successful Delivery and Expansion of Fleet
Successful delivery of Oceania Cruises Allura and confirmation of 2 additional next-generation Sonata Class Ships for Oceania Cruises, indicating strong investment in fleet expansion.
Launch of Great Tides Waterpark
Announcement of the new Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, which will open in 2026, expected to enhance the guest experience significantly and drive incremental onboard revenue.
Strong Financial Performance
Adjusted EBITDA reached $694 million, $24 million above guidance, and trailing 12-month margin improved by over 300 basis points year-over-year.
Cost Management Success
Adjusted net cruise cost ex-fuel remained flat, reflecting successful cost management strategies and efficiencies.
Positive Outlook and Guidance
Reaffirmed full-year guidance with expectations of expanded margins and decreased net leverage by year-end 2025.
Negative Updates
Occupancy Challenges
Expected occupancy of 105.5% in Q3 and 103.3% for the full year, reflecting some decline due to softness in bookings earlier in the year.
Foreign Exchange Headwinds
An $0.08 headwind from the impact of foreign exchange rates affected adjusted EPS, impacting financial performance.
European Itinerary Softness
Some softness in bookings for longer European itineraries attributed to early-year challenges, leading to adjustments in future itineraries and deployment.
Company Guidance
During the second quarter 2025 earnings call for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, CEO Harry Sommer announced that the company met or exceeded guidance across all metrics, reaffirming their full-year guidance. The call highlighted a 3.1% growth in net yield, driven by strong demand and onboard spending, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA of $694 million—$24 million above guidance. The trailing 12-month margin improved by more than 300 basis points to 36.3%. Adjusted EBITDA per share was $0.51, aligning with guidance despite an $0.08 foreign exchange headwind. The call also detailed upcoming enhancements, such as the Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, expected to drive incremental onboard revenue and guest satisfaction. The company reported record bookings over the past three months, reflecting robust consumer demand and strategic brand positioning.

Norwegian Cruise Line Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Norwegian Cruise Line shows a substantial recovery in profitability, with strong net and gross profit margins. However, high leverage and negative free cash flow present significant risks. The company must address these issues for sustainable growth.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Norwegian Cruise Line shows a substantial recovery in revenue and profitability metrics. The gross profit margin for the TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) is approximately 38.2%, indicating strong operational efficiency. The net profit margin has improved to 9.1%, showcasing a positive turnaround from previous losses. Revenue growth is evident, although there was a slight decline of 0.67% from 2024 to the TTM. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are healthy at 15.5% and 20.9% respectively, indicating good profitability. However, the slight revenue decline and past years' volatility still pose some risk.
Balance Sheet
50
Neutral
The balance sheet presents a challenging picture with a high debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 9.88, indicating substantial leverage which could pose financial risks. The return on equity for the TTM is a strong 60.2%, driven by improved net income, but this is partly due to low equity. The equity ratio is a low 6.6%, reflecting limited shareholder equity in proportion to assets. Despite the strong ROE, the high leverage remains a concern for long-term stability.
Cash Flow
45
Neutral
The cash flow statement shows improvement in operating cash flow, with an operating cash flow to net income ratio of 2.25, indicating efficient cash generation relative to earnings. However, free cash flow has declined significantly, showing a negative free cash flow to net income ratio, as capital expenditures outpace cash generated from operations. The free cash flow growth rate is negative, which is a concern for cash sustainability and future investments.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue9.56B9.48B8.55B4.84B647.99M1.28B
Gross Profit3.95B3.79B3.08B576.67M-960.05M-413.15M
EBITDA1.44B2.49B1.77B-665.14M-1.67B-2.78B
Net Income719.16M910.26M166.18M-2.27B-4.51B-4.01B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets21.60B19.97B19.49B18.56B18.73B18.40B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments184.01M190.76M402.42M946.99M1.75B3.30B
Total Debt13.76B13.92B14.73B13.62B12.45B11.81B
Total Liabilities20.03B18.54B19.19B18.49B16.30B14.05B
Stockholders Equity1.57B1.43B300.81M68.59M2.43B4.35B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-504.48M838.87M-744.65M-1.57B-3.22B-3.50B
Operating Cash Flow1.97B2.05B2.01B210.02M-2.47B-2.56B
Investing Cash Flow-2.48B-1.23B-2.90B-1.76B-1.00B-975.36M
Financing Cash Flow100.66M-1.03B346.86M986.22M1.68B6.58B

Norwegian Cruise Line Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price24.76
Price Trends
50DMA
21.89
Positive
100DMA
19.80
Positive
200DMA
22.59
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.69
Positive
RSI
56.20
Neutral
STOCH
40.81
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For NCLH, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 24.76 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 24.17, above the 50-day MA of 21.89, and above the 200-day MA of 22.59, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.69 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 56.20 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 40.81 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for NCLH.

Norwegian Cruise Line Risk Analysis

Norwegian Cruise Line disclosed 32 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Norwegian Cruise Line 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

Norwegian Cruise Line Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (59)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$85.04B23.6047.48%0.78%12.10%37.89%
74
Outperform
$10.95B17.8263.57%5.23%66.94%
70
Neutral
$39.67B17.3412.49%0.46%16.23%56.05%
68
Neutral
$75.57B30.0533.26%10.23%-44.56%
65
Neutral
$9.10B108.4522.38%18.13%-55.21%
63
Neutral
$25.14B24.86129.04%0.38%5.69%47.33%
59
Neutral
€9.01B10.12-13.89%4.58%0.76%-39.51%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
NCLH
Norwegian Cruise Line
24.76
8.46
51.90%
TCOM
Trip.com Group Sponsored ADR
61.86
20.04
47.92%
EXPE
Expedia
209.68
78.05
59.29%
MMYT
Makemytrip
94.32
-2.24
-2.32%
RCL
Royal Caribbean
313.42
154.91
97.73%
ABNB
Airbnb
124.64
5.76
4.85%

Norwegian Cruise Line Corporate Events

Product-Related AnnouncementsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Norwegian Cruise Line Announces Great Stirrup Cay Expansion
Positive
Jul 29, 2025

On July 29, 2025, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. announced the second phase of expansion plans for Great Stirrup Cay, its private island in the Bahamas. This phase includes the development of Great Tides Waterpark, featuring a dynamic river and a kids splash zone, expected to open in the summer of 2026. This expansion is part of a broader enhancement plan that also includes a two-ship pier and other amenities, set to open by the end of 2025, potentially enhancing the company’s market positioning and customer offerings.

The most recent analyst rating on (NCLH) stock is a Buy with a $31.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Norwegian Cruise Line stock, see the NCLH Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Norwegian Cruise Line Secures Financing for New Vessels
Positive
Jul 21, 2025

On July 17, 2025, NCL Corporation Ltd., a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., entered into credit facility agreements to finance two new cruise vessels, with deliveries expected in 2030 and 2032. The financing, insured by SACE, aims to cover 80% of the delivery payments, with loans bearing a fixed interest rate and secured by ship mortgages, reflecting strategic expansion plans in the cruise industry.

The most recent analyst rating on (NCLH) stock is a Buy with a $31.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Norwegian Cruise Line stock, see the NCLH Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Norwegian Cruise Line Amends Credit Agreement June 2025
Neutral
Jun 27, 2025

On June 26, 2025, NCL Corporation Ltd., a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., amended its Seventh Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, increasing its revolving loan facility from $1.7 billion to $2.486 billion, with maturity conditions extending to January 22, 2030. Additionally, a Second Supplemental Indenture was executed to secure NCLC’s 2029 Secured Notes with the same collateral as the revolving loan facility, aligning guarantees and collateral across financial obligations.

The most recent analyst rating on (NCLH) stock is a Buy with a $25.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Norwegian Cruise Line stock, see the NCLH Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Norwegian Cruise Line Holds Annual Shareholder Meeting
Neutral
Jun 12, 2025

On June 12, 2025, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. held its annual general meeting of shareholders in Miami, Florida, where four key proposals were voted on. Shareholders elected three directors to serve until 2028, approved executive compensation on a non-binding basis, amended the 2013 Performance Incentive Plan to increase available shares, and ratified PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for 2025.

The most recent analyst rating on (NCLH) stock is a Buy with a $25.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Norwegian Cruise Line stock, see the NCLH Stock Forecast page.

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: Aug 02, 2025