Carnival Corporation (CCL)vsSynchrony Financial (SYF)
CCL
Carnival Corporation
$26.38
-2.30%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $37.40B
SYF
Synchrony Financial
$73.14
-1.16%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $25.48B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Carnival Corporation generates 173% more annual revenue ($26.98B vs $9.89B). SYF leads profitability with a 36.4% profit margin vs 11.5%. CCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. SYF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
CCL
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
SYF
Strong Buy77
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+30.7%
Fair Value
$47.73
Current Price
$26.38
$21.35 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for SYF.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 35.8% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 48.0%
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 20.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CCL
The strongest argument for CCL centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Price/Book. PEG of 1.09 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : SYF
The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.4% and operating margin at 48.0%.
Bear Case : CCL
The primary concerns for CCL are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.28 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : SYF
The primary concerns for SYF are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CCL profiles as a value stock while SYF is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CCL carries more volatility with a beta of 2.33 — expect wider price swings.
SYF is growing revenue faster at 6.1% — sustainability is the question.
SYF generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SYF scores higher overall (77/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 36.4% margins. CCL offers better value entry with a 30.7% 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 →Synchrony Financial
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.
Visit Website →Compare with Other TRAVEL SERVICES Stocks
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