WallStSmart

Estee Lauder Companies Inc (EL)vsRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd generates 24% more annual revenue ($18.39B vs $14.83B). RCL leads profitability with a 24.4% profit margin vs -1.7%. RCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.20. RCL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

EL

Hold

38

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.7Profit: 4.0Value: 7.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.68

RCL

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.0Value: 5.3Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.96
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ELUndervalued (+35.7%)

Margin of Safety

+35.7%

Fair Value

$163.80

Current Price

$86.20

$77.60 discount

UndervaluedFair: $163.80Overvalued
RCLSignificantly Overvalued (-56.5%)

Margin of Safety

-56.5%

Fair Value

$213.30

Current Price

$275.24

$61.94 premium

UndervaluedFair: $213.30Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

EL0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

RCL6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
49.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 50 in profit

Market CapQuality
$73.82B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
24.4%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
26.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.2%

EPS GrowthGrowth
28.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 28.9% YoY

Areas to Watch

EL4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.684/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-6.0%2/10

ROE of -6.0% — below average capital efficiency

RCL1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.962/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : EL

PEG of 1.43 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 : EL

The primary concerns for EL are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.74 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : RCL

The primary concerns for RCL are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

EL profiles as a turnaround stock while RCL is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

RCL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.78 — 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 38/100), backed by strong 24.4% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. EL offers better value entry with a 35.7% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Estee Lauder Companies Inc

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS · USA

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. is an American multinational manufacturer and marketer of prestige skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care products, based in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The company owns a diverse portfolio of brands, distributed internationally through both digital commerce and retail channels.

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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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