Carnival Corporation (CCL)vsSynchrony Financial (SYF)
CCL
Carnival Corporation
$25.73
+1.02%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $35.28B
SYF
Synchrony Financial
$67.63
+0.54%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $24.23B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Carnival Corporation generates 173% more annual revenue ($26.62B vs $9.76B). SYF leads profitability with a 36.4% profit margin vs 10.4%. CCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. CCL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
CCL
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
SYF
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+65.0%
Fair Value
$94.54
Current Price
$25.73
$68.81 discount
Margin of Safety
+59.2%
Fair Value
$178.92
Current Price
$67.63
$111.29 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
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 48.5%
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 2.5B in free cash flow
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 Return on Equity, P/E Ratio, 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 48.5%.
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 carries more volatility with a beta of 2.46 — expect wider price swings.
CCL is growing revenue faster at 6.6% — sustainability is the question.
SYF generates stronger free cash flow (2.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor TRAVEL SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CCL scores higher overall (72/100 vs 71/100). SYF offers better value entry with a 59.2% 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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