Royal Caribbean Resumes Dividends in 2024, Stock Quadruples
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 12 2026
0mins
Source: Fool
- Return to Profitability: Royal Caribbean became the first cruise line to resume dividends in 2024, marking a successful recovery from the COVID-19 crisis with its first quarterly profit in Q3 2022 and full-year profitability in 2023, showcasing strong market rebound capabilities.
- Revenue Growth Momentum: Despite a modest 5% revenue increase in the latest quarter, analysts project a 9% revenue acceleration by 2026, with double-digit net income growth, indicating the company's leadership and future growth potential in the cruise industry.
- Increased Shareholder Returns: Since resuming dividends in 2024, Royal Caribbean has raised its dividend three times, currently yielding 1.12%, reflecting the company's commitment to shareholders and sustained profitability.
- Market Competition Analysis: In contrast, Six Flags Entertainment's stock has plummeted two-thirds over the past year; while analysts predict a return to profitability in 2026, its high debt levels and poor market performance present significant challenges, making Royal Caribbean a more attractive investment over the next decade.
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Analyst Views on FUN
Wall Street analysts forecast FUN stock price to rise
10 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
2 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 16.530
Low
14.77
Averages
23.48
High
35.00
Current: 16.530
Low
14.77
Averages
23.48
High
35.00
About FUN
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is an amusement-resort operator with approximately 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks and nine resort properties across 17 states in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Company has a portfolio of intellectual property, such as Looney Tunes, DC Comics and PEANUTS. Its parks are family-oriented, with recreational facilities for people of all ages. The Company's parks include Cedar Point Shores, Valleyfair, Dorney Park, Knott's Berry Farm Soak City, Canada's Wonderland, Kings Dominion, Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort New Braunfels, Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Oklahoma City, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord, Six Flags St. Louis, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Oaxtepec, Six Flags Great Adventure, Six Flags New England, and others.
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.
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- Family-Friendly Design: This roller coaster is designed for guests of all ages, providing an exhilarating experience that allows young adventurers to enjoy their first coaster ride while enhancing interaction and shared excitement among family members.
- Themed Experience Enhancement: Speedway Stunt Coaster immerses guests in a vibrant setting inspired by racing and stunt action, making them feel like stars in an action-packed movie, which further enhances the brand appeal of Six Flags México.
- Ongoing Investment in Family Fun: Six Flags México continues to invest in experiences that strengthen family connections, and the opening of Speedway Stunt Coaster not only enriches the park's entertainment offerings but also creates lasting memories for visitors, reflecting the company's mission to deliver joyful experiences.
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- Family-Friendly Design: The coaster is designed for families of all ages, incorporating racing and stunt elements that allow young adventurers to safely experience thrills, thereby enhancing family interaction and the park's appeal.
- Market Positioning: As one of the park's standout attractions, Speedway Stunt Coaster aims to solidify Six Flags Mexico's competitive edge in the regional market by offering a unique themed environment and exhilarating experiences.
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- Six Flags' Operational Struggles: Despite a 1% increase in attendance in Q3, Six Flags saw a 4% drop in per capita spending, leading to a 2.3% year-over-year revenue decline to $1.3 billion, highlighting significant challenges in improving customer experience and attracting visitors.
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- Long-term Investment Outlook: Given Royal Caribbean's reasonable valuation and ongoing expansion, it is advisable to hold its stock for the long term, whereas Six Flags presents higher investment risks due to operational issues and intense market competition, warranting cautious consideration.
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- Six Flags' Post-Merger Challenges: Despite becoming the largest regional theme park operator in North America through its merger with Cedar Fair, Six Flags experienced a 2.3% year-over-year revenue decline to $1.3 billion in Q3, primarily due to a 4% drop in per capita spending, highlighting difficulties in enhancing guest experience.
- Investor Choice Disparity: Royal Caribbean's stock gained 23.3% over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 by about 10 percentage points, while Six Flags' stock plummeted by 60.5%, necessitating caution for investors, especially amid economic cycle fluctuations.
- Long-Term Investment Outlook: Although Royal Caribbean's valuation appears reasonable with a P/E ratio dropping from 22 to 19, investors should remain vigilant about changing consumer preferences and potential competitive threats when considering long-term holdings in an uncertain market environment.
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- Financial Risks: Netflix's acquisition approach could involve up to $60 billion in debt, and while it generates $7-8 billion in free cash flow annually, high leverage may restrict future investment flexibility and affect shareholder confidence.
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- Market Reaction: Versant's market cap has dropped to $4.8 billion, with shares falling from $45 to $33, indicating market concerns about its future value, which may influence Netflix's acquisition decisions.
- Competitive Pressure: Paramount is attempting to outbid for Warner Bros, but Netflix, as a more established competitor, may gain the board's favor due to its stable financial position, despite execution risks.
- Industry Outlook: Analysts suggest that Netflix's acquisition could be a defensive move to counter emerging competitors like YouTube, although this may lead to short-term financial strain.
See More
New Roller Coaster Opens, Celebrating Family Fun and Adrenaline
- New Coaster Launch: Six Flags México celebrated the grand opening of the Speedway Stunt Coaster on February 6, 2026, attracting hundreds of guests and marking a significant addition to the park's attractions, showcasing the company's ongoing innovation in family entertainment.
- Family-Friendly Design: This roller coaster is designed for guests of all ages, providing an exhilarating experience that allows young adventurers to enjoy their first coaster ride while enhancing interaction and shared excitement among family members.
- Themed Experience Enhancement: Speedway Stunt Coaster immerses guests in a vibrant setting inspired by racing and stunt action, making them feel like stars in an action-packed movie, which further enhances the brand appeal of Six Flags México.
- Ongoing Investment in Family Fun: Six Flags México continues to invest in experiences that strengthen family connections, and the opening of Speedway Stunt Coaster not only enriches the park's entertainment offerings but also creates lasting memories for visitors, reflecting the company's mission to deliver joyful experiences.
See More
Six Flags Mexico Launches Family-Friendly Speedway Stunt Coaster
- Grand Opening: Six Flags Entertainment Corporation celebrated the debut of the Speedway Stunt Coaster at Six Flags Mexico, drawing hundreds of guests to the event, marking a significant enhancement in the park's attractions.
- Family-Friendly Design: The coaster is designed for families of all ages, incorporating racing and stunt elements that allow young adventurers to safely experience thrills, thereby enhancing family interaction and the park's appeal.
- Market Positioning: As one of the park's standout attractions, Speedway Stunt Coaster aims to solidify Six Flags Mexico's competitive edge in the regional market by offering a unique themed environment and exhilarating experiences.
- Ongoing Investment: Six Flags Mexico continues to invest in family entertainment projects, committed to creating lasting family memories and enhancing the overall park experience, which is expected to attract more visitors and increase annual revenue.
See More
Investment Analysis of Royal Caribbean and Six Flags Entertainment
- Royal Caribbean's Strong Recovery: Royal Caribbean faced challenges during the pandemic peak, but its recent fourth-quarter revenue grew 13.2% year-over-year to $4.3 billion, indicating robust market demand, with plans to launch four new ships by 2028 to enhance its competitive edge.
- Six Flags' Operational Struggles: Despite a 1% increase in attendance in Q3, Six Flags saw a 4% drop in per capita spending, leading to a 2.3% year-over-year revenue decline to $1.3 billion, highlighting significant challenges in improving customer experience and attracting visitors.
- Market Performance Comparison: Over the past year, Royal Caribbean's stock rose 23.3%, outperforming the S&P 500 by about 10 percentage points, while Six Flags' stock plummeted 60.5%, reflecting stark differences in market performance and investment appeal between the two companies.
- Long-term Investment Outlook: Given Royal Caribbean's reasonable valuation and ongoing expansion, it is advisable to hold its stock for the long term, whereas Six Flags presents higher investment risks due to operational issues and intense market competition, warranting cautious consideration.
See More
Royal Caribbean Recovers Strongly, Six Flags Faces Challenges
- Royal Caribbean's Recovery: Royal Caribbean, which faced significant challenges during the pandemic, recently reported a 13.2% year-over-year revenue growth to $4.3 billion in its fourth-quarter results, indicating strong market demand and plans to launch four new ships to meet customer needs.
- Six Flags' Post-Merger Challenges: Despite becoming the largest regional theme park operator in North America through its merger with Cedar Fair, Six Flags experienced a 2.3% year-over-year revenue decline to $1.3 billion in Q3, primarily due to a 4% drop in per capita spending, highlighting difficulties in enhancing guest experience.
- Investor Choice Disparity: Royal Caribbean's stock gained 23.3% over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 by about 10 percentage points, while Six Flags' stock plummeted by 60.5%, necessitating caution for investors, especially amid economic cycle fluctuations.
- Long-Term Investment Outlook: Although Royal Caribbean's valuation appears reasonable with a P/E ratio dropping from 22 to 19, investors should remain vigilant about changing consumer preferences and potential competitive threats when considering long-term holdings in an uncertain market environment.
See More
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- Acquisition Dynamics: Netflix is reportedly considering an all-cash bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, although the board's resistance to Paramount's offer complicates negotiations, potentially impacting Netflix's market position.
- Market Reaction: Warner Bros. Discovery's spin-off, Versant, has a market cap of $4.8 billion post-IPO, with shares dropping from $45 to $33, indicating market concerns about its future value, which may influence Netflix's acquisition strategy.
- Financial Risks: Netflix's acquisition approach could involve up to $60 billion in debt, and while it generates $7-8 billion in free cash flow annually, high leverage may restrict future investment flexibility and affect shareholder confidence.
- Competitive Pressure: Amid intensifying competition in the streaming industry, Netflix faces threats from platforms like YouTube; if the acquisition fails, it could weaken its market share and growth potential.
See More
Netflix's Potential Risks and Opportunities in Warner Bros Acquisition
- Acquisition Dynamics: Netflix is considering switching its bid for Warner Bros to an all-cash offer, a strategy that could expedite the deal but also increases financial leverage risks, impacting future investment flexibility.
- Market Reaction: Versant's market cap has dropped to $4.8 billion, with shares falling from $45 to $33, indicating market concerns about its future value, which may influence Netflix's acquisition decisions.
- Competitive Pressure: Paramount is attempting to outbid for Warner Bros, but Netflix, as a more established competitor, may gain the board's favor due to its stable financial position, despite execution risks.
- Industry Outlook: Analysts suggest that Netflix's acquisition could be a defensive move to counter emerging competitors like YouTube, although this may lead to short-term financial strain.
See More
