Carnival Corporation (CCL)vsRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL)
CCL
Carnival Corporation
$21.84
-1.49%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $31.78B
RCL
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd
$245.81
-1.57%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $69.57B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Carnival Corporation generates 46% more annual revenue ($27.31B vs $18.68B). RCL leads profitability with a 23.5% profit margin vs 11.2%. CCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.82. CCL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
CCL
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
RCL
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+14.7%
Fair Value
$38.77
Current Price
$21.84
$16.93 discount
Margin of Safety
-62.4%
Fair Value
$205.49
Current Price
$245.81
$40.32 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 27.1%
Areas to Watch
Earnings declined 6.5%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Earnings declined 4.6%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CCL
The strongest argument for CCL centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.82 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 23.5% and operating margin at 27.1%. PEG of 1.05 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CCL
The primary concerns for CCL are EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.02 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : RCL
The primary concerns for RCL are EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.30 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 2.31 — expect wider price swings.
RCL is growing revenue faster at 6.5% — sustainability is the question.
CCL generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CCL scores higher overall (66/100 vs 64/100). Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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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