Market Update: Carnival and FedEx Earnings Preview
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 23 2026
0mins
Source: CNBC
- Carnival Earnings Preview: Carnival Cruise Line is set to report quarterly results on Monday, with shares up 25% over the past three months, although down 11% from February highs, indicating market concerns about its recovery potential.
- FedEx Earnings Outlook: FedEx will release its earnings after the bell, with a nearly 14% rise in stock price over the last three months, yet down 5% from last week's peak, reflecting cautious market sentiment regarding its profitability.
- Amazon Prime Day Survey: Amazon's Prime Day event runs from Tuesday to Friday, with a recent survey indicating that 27% of Americans plan to participate, down from 34% last year, suggesting a decline in consumer enthusiasm, with shares down 16% from May highs.
- Communication Services Sector Decline: The S&P Communication Services sector fell nearly 4% on Monday, with Netflix shares plummeting almost 6%, down 45% from last June's peak, highlighting significant challenges facing the industry.
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Analyst Views on CCL
Wall Street analysts forecast CCL stock price to rise
18 Analyst Rating
14 Buy
4 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 27.910
Low
33.00
Averages
37.41
High
45.00
Current: 27.910
Low
33.00
Averages
37.41
High
45.00
About CCL
Carnival Corporation is a global cruise and leisure travel company. The Company has a portfolio of cruise lines, including AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises (Australia), P&O Cruises (UK), Princess Cruises, and Seabourn. The Company's segment includes NAA cruise operations, Europe cruise operations (Europe), Cruise Support and Tour and Other. Its Cruise Support segment includes its portfolio of port destinations and exclusive islands as well as other services, all of which are operated for the benefit of its cruise brands. In addition to its cruise operations, it owns Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, a tour company in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon, which complements its Alaska cruise operations. Its Tour and Other segment represents the hotel and transportation operations of Holland America Princess Alaska Tours and other operations. Its tour company owns and operates hotels, lodges, glass-domed railcars and motorcoaches.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Holland America Line Unveils 2027-2028 Caribbean Season Highlights
- Diverse Itineraries: The 2027-2028 Caribbean season features 29 itineraries across 47 departures, visiting 35 ports, offering more nine-day-or-longer voyages than any other cruise line, aimed at enhancing customer exploration and satisfaction.
- Unique Experiences: The new season includes shore excursions curated with The HISTORY Channel and locally focused 'Meet the Makers' tours, designed to connect guests more deeply with Caribbean culture and flavors, while onboard amenities like the adults-only aft pool enhance the overall guest experience.
- Oosterdam Upgrade: The reimagined Oosterdam will debut in December 2027, introducing Solo Verandah staterooms with private balconies and panoramic ocean view suites, aimed at meeting modern travelers' needs while enhancing onboard facilities and service diversity.
- Holiday Voyages: The season offers eight holiday cruises, including special itineraries for Thanksgiving and Christmas, featuring festive decorations and special dining options onboard, aimed at providing guests with a stress-free holiday celebration experience, further enhancing brand appeal.
See More
Holland America Line Unveils 2027-2028 Caribbean Season Highlights
- Diverse Itineraries: Holland America Line's 2027-2028 Caribbean season features 29 itineraries with 47 departures, visiting 35 ports across 25 countries and territories, offering more nine-day or longer voyages than any other cruise line, enhancing guest exploration opportunities.
- Oosterdam Transformation: The reimagined Oosterdam will debut in December 2027, introducing Solo Verandah staterooms with private balconies and Bridgeview Suites with panoramic ocean views, significantly improving passenger comfort and aligning with modern travel preferences.
- Private Island Enhancements: RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is included in nearly all itineraries, now featuring a new beach club, priority tendering, and exclusive food and beverage options, aimed at elevating the private island experience and enhancing guest satisfaction.
- Holiday Voyage Options: The season includes eight holiday cruises, such as a seven-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary departing December 22, featuring festive activities and global traditions, ensuring guests enjoy a stress-free holiday at sea.
See More
Queen Mary 2 Celebrates 250 Years of American Independence
- Historic Celebration: Queen Mary 2, the world's only ocean liner, took center stage in New York Harbor for the 250th anniversary of American independence, drawing national attention and showcasing an unprecedented scale of festivities.
- International Parade of Sail: The celebration featured over 100 vessels, including 47 tall ships from 20 nations, highlighting maritime culture's diversity and fostering international friendships through this grand event.
- Military Flyover: The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels led a flyover with more than 150 aircraft, accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display that illuminated the Manhattan skyline, enhancing the visual impact of the celebrations.
- Transatlantic Legacy: The event coincided with the anniversary of Cunard's first crossing, emphasizing its historical connection between the U.S. and the UK and highlighting Cunard's significant role in American immigration history.
See More
Carnival's Record Sales Growth Signals Strong Recovery
- Sales Growth Momentum: Carnival's sales in Q2 2026 increased by 5.3% compared to the same period in fiscal 2025, reaching a record high, with customer deposits hitting $9 billion, indicating strong market demand and recovery potential, attracting more young and first-time cruisers, thereby solidifying its market position.
- Improving Financial Health: Despite a peak debt of $35.1 billion during the pandemic, Carnival reduced its long-term debt to $24.9 billion as of May 31, 2023, a nearly 7% year-over-year decrease, and received an investment-grade credit rating from S&P Global, reflecting an improving financial outlook.
- Dividend and Buyback Strategy: Carnival resumed a quarterly dividend of $0.15 in February 2023, yielding 2.1%, while repurchasing $381 million in stock in the first half of fiscal 2026, with plans to return $14 billion to shareholders by the end of fiscal 2029, boosting investor confidence.
- Valuation Appeal: With a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 13.1, Carnival's shares are attractively priced compared to the overall market, and analysts project an 11.2% compound annual growth rate for earnings per share from fiscal 2025 to 2028, making it a compelling investment opportunity despite debt and cyclical risks.
See More
Three Reasons to Buy Carnival Cruise Stock Now
- Demand Recovery: Carnival's sales in Q2 2026 increased by 5.3% compared to the same period in 2025, with customer deposits reaching $9 billion, indicating a strong recovery in the industry and attracting a younger demographic, highlighting significant future market potential.
- Improved Financials: Carnival's long-term debt decreased from $35.1 billion in Q1 2023 to $24.9 billion, as management focuses on cleaning up the balance sheet, which is a positive sign for financial health, further supported by S&P upgrading its credit rating to investment grade, boosting market confidence.
- Dividends and Buybacks: The company resumed dividend payments in February 2023, with a current quarterly payout of $0.15, yielding 2.1%, and stock buybacks totaling $381 million in the first half of the fiscal year, demonstrating a commitment to returning value to shareholders.
- Attractive Valuation: With a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 13.1, Carnival's stock is available at a significant discount compared to the overall market, and analysts project an 11.2% compound annual growth rate in earnings per share from 2025 to 2028, making it a compelling investment opportunity despite existing debt concerns.
See More
Investment Opportunity Analysis for Carnival Stock
- Demand Recovery: In Q2 2026, Carnival's sales increased by 5.3% compared to the same period in 2025, with customer deposits reaching $9 billion, indicating a strong post-pandemic market recovery that is expected to attract more young travelers and further drive company growth.
- Improving Financials: Carnival's long-term debt has decreased from $35.1 billion in Q1 2023 to $24.9 billion, as management prioritizes balance sheet improvement, and S&P Global recently upgraded its credit rating to investment grade, reflecting market confidence in its financial health.
- Dividends and Buybacks: Carnival resumed dividend payments in February 2023, with a current quarterly payout of $0.15, yielding 2.1%, and stock repurchases totaling $381 million in the first half of the fiscal year, demonstrating the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders.
- Attractive Valuation: Carnival's forward price-to-earnings ratio stands at 13.1, significantly below market averages, with analysts projecting an 11.2% compound annual growth rate in earnings per share from 2025 to 2028, making it a compelling investment opportunity despite debt burdens and cyclical market risks.
See More
Holland America Line Unveils 2027-2028 Caribbean Season Highlights
- Diverse Itineraries: The 2027-2028 Caribbean season features 29 itineraries across 47 departures, visiting 35 ports, offering more nine-day-or-longer voyages than any other cruise line, aimed at enhancing customer exploration and satisfaction.
- Unique Experiences: The new season includes shore excursions curated with The HISTORY Channel and locally focused 'Meet the Makers' tours, designed to connect guests more deeply with Caribbean culture and flavors, while onboard amenities like the adults-only aft pool enhance the overall guest experience.
- Oosterdam Upgrade: The reimagined Oosterdam will debut in December 2027, introducing Solo Verandah staterooms with private balconies and panoramic ocean view suites, aimed at meeting modern travelers' needs while enhancing onboard facilities and service diversity.
- Holiday Voyages: The season offers eight holiday cruises, including special itineraries for Thanksgiving and Christmas, featuring festive decorations and special dining options onboard, aimed at providing guests with a stress-free holiday celebration experience, further enhancing brand appeal.
See More
Holland America Line Unveils 2027-2028 Caribbean Season Highlights
- Diverse Itineraries: Holland America Line's 2027-2028 Caribbean season features 29 itineraries with 47 departures, visiting 35 ports across 25 countries and territories, offering more nine-day or longer voyages than any other cruise line, enhancing guest exploration opportunities.
- Oosterdam Transformation: The reimagined Oosterdam will debut in December 2027, introducing Solo Verandah staterooms with private balconies and Bridgeview Suites with panoramic ocean views, significantly improving passenger comfort and aligning with modern travel preferences.
- Private Island Enhancements: RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is included in nearly all itineraries, now featuring a new beach club, priority tendering, and exclusive food and beverage options, aimed at elevating the private island experience and enhancing guest satisfaction.
- Holiday Voyage Options: The season includes eight holiday cruises, such as a seven-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary departing December 22, featuring festive activities and global traditions, ensuring guests enjoy a stress-free holiday at sea.
See More
Queen Mary 2 Celebrates 250 Years of American Independence
- Historic Celebration: Queen Mary 2, the world's only ocean liner, took center stage in New York Harbor for the 250th anniversary of American independence, drawing national attention and showcasing an unprecedented scale of festivities.
- International Parade of Sail: The celebration featured over 100 vessels, including 47 tall ships from 20 nations, highlighting maritime culture's diversity and fostering international friendships through this grand event.
- Military Flyover: The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels led a flyover with more than 150 aircraft, accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display that illuminated the Manhattan skyline, enhancing the visual impact of the celebrations.
- Transatlantic Legacy: The event coincided with the anniversary of Cunard's first crossing, emphasizing its historical connection between the U.S. and the UK and highlighting Cunard's significant role in American immigration history.
See More
Carnival's Record Sales Growth Signals Strong Recovery
- Sales Growth Momentum: Carnival's sales in Q2 2026 increased by 5.3% compared to the same period in fiscal 2025, reaching a record high, with customer deposits hitting $9 billion, indicating strong market demand and recovery potential, attracting more young and first-time cruisers, thereby solidifying its market position.
- Improving Financial Health: Despite a peak debt of $35.1 billion during the pandemic, Carnival reduced its long-term debt to $24.9 billion as of May 31, 2023, a nearly 7% year-over-year decrease, and received an investment-grade credit rating from S&P Global, reflecting an improving financial outlook.
- Dividend and Buyback Strategy: Carnival resumed a quarterly dividend of $0.15 in February 2023, yielding 2.1%, while repurchasing $381 million in stock in the first half of fiscal 2026, with plans to return $14 billion to shareholders by the end of fiscal 2029, boosting investor confidence.
- Valuation Appeal: With a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 13.1, Carnival's shares are attractively priced compared to the overall market, and analysts project an 11.2% compound annual growth rate for earnings per share from fiscal 2025 to 2028, making it a compelling investment opportunity despite debt and cyclical risks.
See More
Three Reasons to Buy Carnival Cruise Stock Now
- Demand Recovery: Carnival's sales in Q2 2026 increased by 5.3% compared to the same period in 2025, with customer deposits reaching $9 billion, indicating a strong recovery in the industry and attracting a younger demographic, highlighting significant future market potential.
- Improved Financials: Carnival's long-term debt decreased from $35.1 billion in Q1 2023 to $24.9 billion, as management focuses on cleaning up the balance sheet, which is a positive sign for financial health, further supported by S&P upgrading its credit rating to investment grade, boosting market confidence.
- Dividends and Buybacks: The company resumed dividend payments in February 2023, with a current quarterly payout of $0.15, yielding 2.1%, and stock buybacks totaling $381 million in the first half of the fiscal year, demonstrating a commitment to returning value to shareholders.
- Attractive Valuation: With a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 13.1, Carnival's stock is available at a significant discount compared to the overall market, and analysts project an 11.2% compound annual growth rate in earnings per share from 2025 to 2028, making it a compelling investment opportunity despite existing debt concerns.
See More
Investment Opportunity Analysis for Carnival Stock
- Demand Recovery: In Q2 2026, Carnival's sales increased by 5.3% compared to the same period in 2025, with customer deposits reaching $9 billion, indicating a strong post-pandemic market recovery that is expected to attract more young travelers and further drive company growth.
- Improving Financials: Carnival's long-term debt has decreased from $35.1 billion in Q1 2023 to $24.9 billion, as management prioritizes balance sheet improvement, and S&P Global recently upgraded its credit rating to investment grade, reflecting market confidence in its financial health.
- Dividends and Buybacks: Carnival resumed dividend payments in February 2023, with a current quarterly payout of $0.15, yielding 2.1%, and stock repurchases totaling $381 million in the first half of the fiscal year, demonstrating the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders.
- Attractive Valuation: Carnival's forward price-to-earnings ratio stands at 13.1, significantly below market averages, with analysts projecting an 11.2% compound annual growth rate in earnings per share from 2025 to 2028, making it a compelling investment opportunity despite debt burdens and cyclical market risks.
See More
