Investing.com -- Carnival Corporation held its investor day aboard the newly launched Queen Anne ship on Tuesday.
The event garnered positive reactions from analysts, highlighting the cruise line’s optimistic outlook and strategic advancements.
Stifel emphasized Carnival’s strong positioning, noting that early Wave Season bookings remain robust for 2025 and beyond.
“If onboard metrics and close-in pricing remain strong/status quo, we believe CCL will easily achieve yields well above current guidance,” said the firm.
Stifel also highlighted the potential of private destinations like Celebration Key, set to open in July 2025, as significant drivers of yield growth through 2030.
Truist analysts echoed the enthusiasm, describing “smiles all around” at the event. Management’s focus on enhancing high-return brands such as Carnival (NYSE:CCL), AIDA, and P&O UK, which are expected to grow from 48% to 57% of Carnival’s exposure by 2028, was a key takeaway, according to the firm.
Truist also highlighted Carnival’s success in increasing its booked position to 66% for the year, compared to a historical average of 50%, a move they believe underpins the company’s yield management strategy.
While debt reduction remains a priority, Truist suggested Carnival could reinstate dividends by year-end if booking trends continue.
Deutsche Bank (ETR:DBKGn) noted management’s confidence, boosted by internal changes under CEO Josh Weinstein.
They aid Carnival’s ability to address industry under-penetration and maintain supply growth below historical averages until 2027 stood out as a strength. The bank also noted that management remains focused on closing the pricing gap with land-based vacations and tapping into the new-to-cruise market for sustained yield growth.
Deutsche Bank pointed out that Carnival is still gaining favor among investors but noted some hesitation until further progress on deleveraging and dividends is visible.