Tuesday, Carnival Corporation (NYSE:CCL) shares received a reiterated Buy rating from BofA Securities, maintaining a price target of $24.00. The firm's analyst pointed to stable demand trends and slight tailwinds from fuel and currency as factors supporting the rating. Carnival is expected to announce its third-quarter results for 2024 on Monday, September 30, before the market opens.
The industry has observed normalized cruise trends throughout the year as it completes its first full year of utilization since the pandemic. Data from pricing checks and aggregated credit and debit card information indicate that demand has remained stable. Updates from other industry players like Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL), Norwegian Cruise, and Viking Holdings have also been positive, suggesting a favorable environment for Carnival.
BofA Securities has adjusted its 2024 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and earnings per share (EPS) estimates for Carnival upward. The new EBITDA forecast is $5,916 million, up from the previous $5,847 million. Similarly, the EPS estimate has been increased to $1.23 from $1.18. The analyst cited fuel costs and currency exchange rates as slight earnings tailwinds going into the fourth quarter of 2024.
Carnival's upcoming earnings report follows guidance provided in June and will offer investors further insight into the company's financial performance and operational outlook. The cruise operator continues to navigate a post-pandemic travel industry, with its stock performance and corporate strategies closely watched by investors and industry analysts alike.
BofA's maintained Buy rating reflects confidence in Carnival's ability to sustain its recovery trajectory. As the cruise industry leader prepares to share its third-quarter results, stakeholders will be looking for signs of continued stability and growth in a sector that has faced significant challenges in recent years.
In other recent news, Carnival Corporation has been the focus of various analyst firms. Stifel has increased its price target for Carnival Corporation shares to $27.00, maintaining its Buy rating. This adjustment comes as the analyst anticipates a potential raise in their full-year guidance during their upcoming earnings report, citing robust demand and pricing.
Mizuho Securities also raised its price target on Carnival to $25.00, reflecting optimism about the company's financial performance and growth prospects. Meanwhile, Truist Securities increased the price target for Carnival to $20 from $17, maintaining a Hold rating.
Carnival Corporation recently reported record Q2 earnings, surpassing its guidance with a $170 million bottom-line outperformance, driven by a 12% increase in yields. This led to record revenues, operating income, and all-time highs in customer deposits and booking levels. The company's outlook is positive, with an 8% yield guidance for Q3 and improved full-year net income guidance by $275 million due to increased yields and cost savings.
The company has announced the expansion of its fleet with three new liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ships, scheduled for delivery in 2029, 2031, and 2033. The agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri will result in the construction of the largest ships in the Carnival Corporation global fleet, each boasting nearly 230,000 gross registered tonnes.
Carnival is also in the process of strategic brand consolidation, with plans to sunset P&O Cruises Australia and integrate it into Carnival Cruise Line. Moreover, Carnival Corporation is developing a new destination, Celebration Key, expected to launch in 2025, which is anticipated to contribute to revenue and fuel efficiency. These are recent developments indicating Carnival Corporation's continued growth and improved returns.
InvestingPro Insights
As Carnival Corporation (NYSE:CCL) gears up to release its third-quarter results for 2024, InvestingPro data provides a snapshot of the company's financial health and stock performance. With a market capitalization of approximately $21.86 billion, Carnival shows a promising revenue growth of 34.02% over the last twelve months as of Q2 2024, signaling a robust recovery trajectory. The company's gross profit margin stands at an impressive 51.17%, underscoring efficient operations and cost management.
Investors tracking Carnival's stock will note its strong return over the last three months, with a 15.74% price total return, reflecting positive market sentiment. Moreover, an InvestingPro Tip highlights the company's high shareholder yield, which can be an attractive draw for investors seeking value.
Another tip to consider is the expectation of net income growth this year, which, if realized, could bolster investor confidence further. For those interested in more nuanced analysis, there are over 10 additional InvestingPro Tips available, providing deeper insights into Carnival's financial and operational outlook.
As the leading cruise operator presents its financial performance, these data points and tips from InvestingPro may help investors make more informed decisions. With Carnival trading at a P/E ratio of 24.14, the company's valuation is a key factor to watch, especially in relation to its near-term earnings growth. As the market anticipates the upcoming earnings report, these InvestingPro insights offer a valuable perspective on Carnival's position within the competitive landscape of the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry.
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