Providing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish, 19 analysts have published ratings on Carnival (NYSE:CCL) in the last three months.

The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.

Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish
Total Ratings 9 7 3 0 0
Last 30D 0 1 0 0 0
1M Ago 0 0 0 0 0
2M Ago 3 0 2 0 0
3M Ago 6 6 1 0 0

Analysts have set 12-month price targets for Carnival, revealing an average target of $37.37, a high estimate of $45.00, and a low estimate of $33.00. Witnessing a positive shift, the current average has risen by 5.98% from the previous average price target of $35.26.

price target chart

Deciphering Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Analysis

An in-depth analysis of recent analyst actions unveils how financial experts perceive Carnival. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.

Analyst Analyst Firm Action Taken Rating Current Price Target Prior Price Target
Trey Bowers Wells Fargo Raises Overweight $40.00 $38.00
Patrick Scholes Truist Securities Raises Hold $34.00 $31.00
Kevin Kopelman TD Cowen Raises Buy $38.00 $35.00
Robin Farley UBS Raises Buy $38.00 $37.00
Nicholas Thomas B of A Securities Raises Buy $45.00 $40.00
Richard Clarke Bernstein Raises Market Perform $33.00 $26.00
Chris Woronka Deutsche Bank Raises Hold $34.00 $33.00
Steven Wieczynski Stifel Raises Buy $40.00 $38.00
Ben Chaiken Mizuho Raises Outperform $38.00 $37.00
James Hardiman Citigroup Raises Buy $39.00 $36.00
Trey Bowers Wells Fargo Raises Overweight $38.00 $35.00
John Staszak Argus Research Maintains Buy $35.00 $35.00
Brandt Montour Barclays Raises Overweight $37.00 $36.00
Robin Farley UBS Raises Buy $37.00 $35.00
Brandt Montour Barclays Lowers Overweight $36.00 $37.00
Christopher Stathoulopoulos Susquehanna Raises Positive $40.00 $35.00
David Katz Jefferies Raises Buy $37.00 $34.00
Trey Bowers Wells Fargo Raises Overweight $35.00 $34.00
James Hardiman Citigroup Lowers Buy $36.00 $38.00

Key Insights:

  • Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Carnival. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.
  • Rating: Analyzing trends, analysts offer qualitative evaluations, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Carnival compared to the broader market.
  • Price Targets: Analysts gauge the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Carnival's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.

For valuable insights into Carnival's market performance, consider these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators. Stay well-informed and make prudent decisions using our Ratings Table.

Stay up to date on Carnival analyst ratings.

Unveiling the Story Behind Carnival

Carnival is the largest global cruise company, with more than 90 ships in service. Its portfolio of brands includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn in North America; P&O Cruises and Cunard Line in the United Kingdom; Aida in Germany; Costa Cruises in Southern Europe. It recently folded its P&O Australia brand into Carnival. The firm also owns Holland America Princess Alaska Tours in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Carnival's brands attracted nearly 14 million guests in 2025.

Understanding the Numbers: Carnival's Finances

Market Capitalization Analysis: With an elevated market capitalization, the company stands out above industry averages, showcasing substantial size and market acknowledgment.

Revenue Growth: Carnival displayed positive results in 3M. As of 30 November, 2025, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 6.6%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Consumer Discretionary sector.

Net Margin: Carnival's net margin lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maintaining strong profitability. With a net margin of 6.67%, the company may face hurdles in effective cost management.

Return on Equity (ROE): Carnival's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 3.49% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.

Return on Assets (ROA): Carnival's ROA is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.82%, the company may encounter challenges in delivering satisfactory returns from its assets.

Debt Management: Carnival's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 2.28, reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach.

Analyst Ratings: Simplified

Within the domain of banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their work involves attending company conference calls and meetings, researching company financial statements, and communicating with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically assess and rate each stock once per quarter.

Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability.

This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.