Carnival Corporation (CCL, Financial) just dropped the mic on its fiscal year with a blowout Q4 that has investors buzzing. The cruise giant smashed expectations, posting adjusted earnings of $0.14 per share—double Wall Street's $0.07 estimate. Revenue hit $5.94 billion, a 10% jump from last year, and the company swung to a $303 million net profit from a $48 million loss in the same quarter of 2023. CEO Josh Weinstein didn't hold back, calling it "an incredibly strong finish to a record year," with advanced bookings for 2025 already hitting all-time highs for both pricing and occupancy.
But here's the kicker: Carnival isn't just riding this wave—it's building momentum for years to come. Demand for 2026 cruises is breaking records, and the company has raised the bar with an ambitious outlook for 2025. They're projecting a 4.2% boost in net yields and a 20% jump in adjusted net income to $2.3 billion. Oh, and they're on track to hit their 2026 EBITDA goals a full year early. With occupancy at 103% and onboard spending climbing, it's clear Carnival isn't slowing down. These numbers underscore what's shaping up to be an extended golden age for cruising.
Investors have taken notice. Carnival's stock popped nearly 5% on the news, locking in its fourth straight monthly gain—a feat it hasn't pulled off since 2017. This isn't just a post-pandemic comeback story; it's a full-fledged surge in luxury travel demand. For investors, Carnival isn't just coasting—it's charting a course for even bigger returns, making now the perfect time to climb aboard.
