Carnival Corporation (CCL)vsRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL)
CCL
Carnival Corporation
$27.41
-1.58%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $40.42B
RCL
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd
$280.00
-4.53%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $83.90B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Carnival Corporation generates 47% more annual revenue ($26.98B vs $18.39B). RCL leads profitability with a 24.4% profit margin vs 11.5%. CCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. RCL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
CCL
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
RCL
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+23.1%
Fair Value
$43.04
Current Price
$27.41
$15.63 discount
Margin of Safety
-67.2%
Fair Value
$199.66
Current Price
$280.00
$80.34 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 35.8% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 46 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 26.2%
Earnings expanding 28.9% YoY
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CCL
The strongest argument for CCL centers on Return on Equity, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.09 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : RCL
The strongest argument for RCL centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.4% and operating margin at 26.2%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CCL
The primary concerns for CCL are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.04 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : RCL
The primary concerns for RCL are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.22 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CCL profiles as a value stock while RCL is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CCL carries more volatility with a beta of 2.33 — expect wider price swings.
RCL is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.
RCL generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
RCL scores higher overall (72/100 vs 69/100), backed by strong 24.4% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. CCL offers better value entry with a 23.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Carnival Corporation
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA
Carnival Corporation & plc is a British-American cruise operator, currently the world's largest travel leisure company, with a combined fleet of over 100 vessels across 10 cruise line brands.
Visit Website →Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA
Royal Caribbean Group, formerly known as Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., is an American global cruise holding company incorporated in Liberia and based in Miami, Florida, US.
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