Carnival Corp reports strong earnings and reinstates dividend
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 22 2025
0mins
Should l Buy CCL?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
Carnival Corp's stock rose by 3.15% and reached a 20-day high, reflecting positive investor sentiment amid broader market gains, with the Nasdaq-100 up 0.29% and the S&P 500 up 0.43%.
The surge is attributed to Carnival Corporation's report of a net income of $2.8 billion for 2025, reinstating its quarterly dividend at $0.15 per share, which reflects confidence in future performance and is expected to attract more investments. This strong financial performance showcases the company's robust competitive position in the cruise industry, despite ongoing market challenges.
This positive earnings report and dividend reinstatement are likely to enhance shareholder confidence and could lead to increased interest from investors, further solidifying Carnival's position in the market.
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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: 32.680
Low
33.00
Averages
37.41
High
45.00
Current: 32.680
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.
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- Technical Pattern Analysis: The stock is currently forming a cup-and-handle pattern above its rising 40-week moving average, with a breakout above the $33 resistance likely to push the price target near $41, showcasing strong short-term upside potential.
- Historical Performance Review: Since early 2022, CCL has established three similar bullish patterns, each followed by strong breakouts and subsequent gains, indicating consistent performance in breakout momentum for the stock.
- Long-Term Upside Potential: A successful breakout here would not only resolve the short-term pattern but could also signify a multi-year base breakout dating back to early 2020, significantly enhancing long-term upside potential.
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- Payment Details: The dividend will be paid to shareholders of record on February 13, 2026, with common stock and ADS holders receiving payments in U.S. dollars, while Carnival plc ordinary shareholders can opt for sterling, showcasing the company's flexibility to cater to diverse shareholder needs.
- Exchange Rate Conversion: The dividend payable in sterling will be converted at the rate of 11.05869 pence per share based on the February 17, 2026 exchange rate (US$1 = 73.72457 pence), providing transparency for shareholders receiving payments in GBP.
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- Price Uptrend: Carnival Corporation (CCL) saw its stock price surge nearly 120% from April 2025 to August 2025, and despite a subsequent 25% drawdown, it is now forming a potential cup-and-handle pattern, indicating strong rebound signs.
- Technical Pattern Analysis: The stock is currently forming a cup-and-handle pattern above its rising 40-week moving average, with a breakout above the $33 resistance likely to push the price target near $41, showcasing strong short-term upside potential.
- Historical Performance Review: Since early 2022, CCL has established three similar bullish patterns, each followed by strong breakouts and subsequent gains, indicating consistent performance in breakout momentum for the stock.
- Long-Term Upside Potential: A successful breakout here would not only resolve the short-term pattern but could also signify a multi-year base breakout dating back to early 2020, significantly enhancing long-term upside potential.
See More
Carnival Corporation Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend
- Dividend Announcement: Carnival Corporation announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share on December 19, 2025, payable on February 27, 2026, reflecting the company's commitment to shareholder returns and boosting investor confidence.
- Payment Details: The dividend will be paid to shareholders of record on February 13, 2026, with common stock and ADS holders receiving payments in U.S. dollars, while Carnival plc ordinary shareholders can opt for sterling, showcasing the company's flexibility to cater to diverse shareholder needs.
- Exchange Rate Conversion: The dividend payable in sterling will be converted at the rate of 11.05869 pence per share based on the February 17, 2026 exchange rate (US$1 = 73.72457 pence), providing transparency for shareholders receiving payments in GBP.
- Company Background: Carnival Corporation is the largest global cruise company, boasting a portfolio of world-class cruise lines, which continues to attract consumers and solidify the company's leadership position in the leisure travel market.
See More
Corvex Management's Q4 Investment Moves Revealed
- Increased Vestis Holdings: Corvex Management raised its stake in Vestis Corporation from 18.80 million shares to 19.81 million shares during Q4, indicating confidence in the company's growth potential.
- Boosted Disney and IAC Positions: The fund increased its holdings in Walt Disney Company from 1.31 million shares to 1.94 million shares, and in IAC from 2.79 million shares to 3.36 million shares, reflecting a continued investment strategy in the entertainment and digital media sectors.
- Oracle Stake Increase: Corvex raised its Oracle holdings from 349,500 shares to 403,200 shares, showcasing optimism about the company's future performance, particularly with its preferred shares yielding 6.6%.
- No New Positions Initiated: Despite not initiating any new positions in Q4, Corvex maintained its investments in tech giants like Meta, Microsoft, and Nvidia, demonstrating a long-term bullish outlook on these companies.
See More
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- Route Expansion: Princess Cruises will operate its largest Alaska season ever in 2026, featuring eight ships, 180 departures, and 19 destinations, which is expected to attract more tourists and further solidify its leadership position in the Alaskan market.
- Unique Experiences: The 2026 season will offer over 20 cruisetour options, including a 15-night National Parks Expedition Tour that visits five iconic national parks, combining seven days at sea with eight nights on land, enhancing overall guest experience and satisfaction.
- Special Promotions: The limited-time 'Princess Signature Sale' offers up to $600 in instant savings and $99 deposits, enticing more guests to book 2026 voyages, which is anticipated to significantly boost sales and market share.
- Commemorative Merchandise: To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, guests can purchase limited-edition items onboard, such as a Pendleton blanket inspired by Glacier Bay National Park and a 'Celebrating America 250' collector pin, which enhances brand cultural identity and customer loyalty.
See More
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- Tech Stocks Decline: The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (NYSE:IGV) fell over 2.7% in midday New York trading, marking its 11th decline in the past 15 sessions and pushing year-to-date losses to nearly 25%, reflecting ongoing investor concerns over potential AI-driven market disruptions.
- Nasdaq Underperformance: While broader equity indices were largely flat, the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 slipped 0.3%, indicating a lack of confidence in the tech sector that may influence future investment decisions.
- Airline Stocks Rally: Airbnb Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) added 3.7%, extending last week's post-earnings momentum, while Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) jumped over 6% following analyst upgrades, suggesting a positive outlook for the airline industry's recovery.
- Commodity Market Decline: Following Iran's foreign minister's statement on reaching key principles with the U.S., crude oil fell 1.3% to $62 per barrel, while gold and silver dropped 2.5% and nearly 6%, respectively, indicating market reactions to geopolitical risks.
See More
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- Postpandemic Travel Stocks: Many travel stocks have thrived in the postpandemic period, indicating a strong recovery in the industry.
- Activist Interest: Companies that have not performed well are attracting attention from activists, highlighting disparities in the market.
See More
