FY2027 EPS Estimates for Carnival Raised by Zacks Research

Key Points

• Zacks Research raised Carnival’s FY2027 EPS estimate slightly to $2.58 from $2.57 and also projected FY2028 EPS of $2.92. The firm kept a Hold rating, while the broader consensus remains at a Moderate Buy.
• Carnival’s latest quarter came in ahead of expectations, with EPS of $0.20 versus $0.18 expected and revenue of $6.17 billion topping estimates. Revenue also rose 6.1% year over year, showing continued demand strength.
• Analyst sentiment is generally constructive, with multiple firms maintaining or raising positive ratings and the consensus target price at $34.18. The stock opened at $26.05, below that target, and the company also announced a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share.

Carnival Corporation (NYSE:CCL - Free Report) - Equities research analysts at Zacks Research increased their FY2027 earnings estimates for Carnival in a note issued to investors on Monday, May 18th. Zacks Research analyst Team now anticipates that the company will post earnings per share of $2.58 for the year, up from their previous forecast of $2.57. Zacks Research has a "Hold" rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Carnival's current full-year earnings is $2.21 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Carnival's FY2028 earnings at $2.92 EPS.

Carnival (NYSE:CCL - Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, March 27th. The company reported $0.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.18 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $6.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.13 billion. Carnival had a net margin of 11.48% and a return on equity of 26.92%. The business's revenue was up 6.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.13 EPS.

Several other research firms have also issued reports on CCL. Citigroup lowered their target price on shares of Carnival from $39.00 to $35.00 and set a "buy" rating for the company in a report on Monday, March 30th. Weiss Ratings lowered shares of Carnival from a "buy (b-)" rating to a "hold (c+)" rating in a report on Monday. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on shares of Carnival from $37.00 to $36.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 15th. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Carnival from an "equal weight" rating to an "overweight" rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $33.00 to $31.00 in a report on Thursday, March 19th. Finally, Mizuho raised their target price on shares of Carnival from $38.00 to $39.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a report on Friday, March 27th. Nineteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $34.18.

Carnival Price Performance

Carnival stock opened at $26.05 on Thursday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $26.06 and a 200-day moving average price of $28.04. The firm has a market capitalization of $32.27 billion, a PE ratio of 11.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.06 and a beta of 2.33. The company has a current ratio of 0.30, a quick ratio of 0.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.82. Carnival has a 12-month low of $21.62 and a 12-month high of $34.03.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Carnival

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. BOCHK Asset Management Ltd purchased a new position in Carnival during the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC purchased a new position in Carnival during the 3rd quarter valued at about $25,000. Lloyd Advisory Services LLC. purchased a new position in Carnival during the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. increased its position in Carnival by 381.0% during the 4th quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 962 shares of the company's stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 762 shares during the period. Finally, Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC increased its position in Carnival by 182.0% during the 3rd quarter. Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC now owns 1,021 shares of the company's stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 659 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 67.19% of the company's stock.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Sir Jonathon Band sold 11,988 shares of Carnival stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, April 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.19, for a total transaction of $313,965.72. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 52,601 shares in the company, valued at $1,377,620.19. This trade represents a 18.56% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In the last three months, insiders have sold 12,000 shares of company stock worth $314,265. Company insiders own 7.90% of the company's stock.

Carnival Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 29th. Investors of record on Monday, May 18th will be issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, May 18th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.3%. Carnival's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 26.67%.

Key Headlines Impacting Carnival

Here are the key news stories impacting Carnival this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Cruise stocks are rallying broadly, with Carnival outperforming peers as investors buy back into the sector after recent weakness; articles cited strong trading in CCL alongside gains in Norwegian Cruise Line and a comparatively smaller move in Royal Caribbean.
• Positive Sentiment: Lower oil prices are a key tailwind, since fuel is one of Carnival’s biggest operating costs. Falling energy prices can improve margin expectations and boost sentiment toward cruise operators.
• Positive Sentiment: Carnival’s brands continue to support demand headlines, including Holland America Line opening bookings for its 2028 Grand Voyages and Seabourn launching a regionally inspired culinary program for its Alaska season, both of which reinforce the company’s ability to market premium experiences and fill future itineraries.
• Neutral Sentiment: One article noted growing Russell 1000 optimism around Carnival, which may reflect improving index/market attention rather than a direct operational catalyst.
• Negative Sentiment: Recent commentary also pointed out that Carnival and other travel names have been volatile, with risk-off trading, geopolitical uncertainty, and fuel-cost sensitivity still weighing on sentiment when markets turn lower.

Carnival Company Profile

Carnival Corporation NYSE: CCL is a global cruise operator that provides leisure travel services through a portfolio of passenger cruise brands. The company's core business is operating cruise ships that offer multi-night voyages and associated vacation services, including onboard accommodations, dining, entertainment, spa and wellness offerings, casinos, youth programs, and organized shore excursions. Carnival markets cruise vacations to a broad range of consumers, from value-focused travelers to premium and luxury segments, through differentiated brand positioning and onboard experiences.

Its operating structure comprises multiple well-known cruise brands that target distinct geographic and demographic markets.

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