CarnivalLive Nation

Carnival vs Live Nation

This page compares Carnival and Live Nation, examining how their business models shape strategy, how financial performance is reported in practice, and the market context in which they operate. It off...

Why It's Moving

Carnival

Carnival Powers Ahead with Record Profits, Dividend Return, and Stellar 2026 Outlook.

  • Debt slashed by $10B since peak, with $19B refinancing paving the way for sub-3x leverage by 2026β€”slashing risk and boosting financial firepower.
  • Record net yields and 3.4x net debt to EBITDA ratio triggered dividend reinstatement at $0.15/share, signaling confidence in gushing cash flows.
  • 2026 bookings match 2025 highs at premium prices, with double-digit earnings growth eyedβ€”extending the travel demand boom into next year.
Sentiment:
πŸƒBullish
Live Nation

Live Nation Buzzes with Tour Announcements as Analyst Tweaks Stir Debate on LYV's Path.

  • Wave of tour reveals from Feb 9-13, including Fuerza Regida's first national stadium tour and Jimmy Eat World's 25th anniversary trek, underscores strong pipeline for ticket sales and venue revenue.
  • Citigroup slashed its price target from $195 to $181 but retained Buy rating, highlighting tempered upside amid Q3 profit decline outlook.
  • Deutsche Bank nudged target from $175 to $173 with Buy intact, balancing buy-side support against high leverage and legal scrutiny pressures.
Sentiment:
βš–οΈNeutral

Investment Analysis

Pros

  • Achieved all-time high net income of $1.9 billion in Q3 2025 with adjusted net income reaching $2.0 billion, showing strong profitability.
  • Recorded revenue of $8.2 billion for the tenth consecutive quarter, reflecting consistent top-line growth supported by strong demand and onboard spending.
  • Raised full-year 2025 adjusted net income guidance three times, indicating robust operational execution and favorable market conditions.

Considerations

  • Stock price sentiment shows recent bearish trends with forecasts predicting a potential decline of over 24% by end of 2025 based on technical indicators.
  • Shares remain relatively volatile with a beta of 2.53, suggesting sensitivity to market fluctuations and economic cycles.
  • Despite strong current performance, the cruise industry remains exposed to macroeconomic risks like travel disruptions and geopolitical tensions.

Pros

  • Reported record Q3 revenue of $8.5 billion, highlighting strong growth momentum in live entertainment.
  • Shares have yielded a 15% compound annual growth rate over the last five years, demonstrating a track record of shareholder returns.
  • Operates a diversified business with ticket sales, venue management, and artist management, providing multiple growth avenues.

Considerations

  • Net income declined by over 13% year-over-year as of September 2024, indicating recent profitability pressure.
  • Free cash flow remains significantly negative, with over $1 billion deficit, reflecting ongoing high capital expenditure or operating costs.
  • Recent large-scale share sales by institutional investors may indicate some profit-taking or concern about near-term growth prospects.

Related Market Insights

The Experience Economy: Why Memories Are the New Luxury

Explore the Experience Economy Neme. Invest in companies like Live Nation, Royal Caribbean, & Booking Holdings as consumers prioritize memories over goods. Start investing with Nemo.

Author avatar

Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst

July 25, 2025

Read Insight

Carnival (CCL) Next Earnings Date

Carnival Corporation (CCL) is scheduled to report its next earnings on March 20, 2026, covering the first quarter of 2026. This date aligns with the company's historical reporting pattern and has been consistently projected across multiple financial tracking sources. The earnings report will provide investors with updated financial performance metrics and management guidance for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Live Nation (LYV) Next Earnings Date

Live Nation Entertainment (LYV) is scheduled to report its next earnings, covering Q4 2025, after market close on Thursday, February 19, 2026. This date aligns with analyst expectations and historical patterns for the company's fiscal year-end release. The earnings call is set for February 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET.

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Ephemeral Experiences

Ephemeral Experiences

Invest in companies creating lasting memories through fleeting moments. These carefully selected stocks represent leaders in the experience economy, from sold-out concerts to dream vacations. As consumers increasingly value doing over owning, these companies are positioned to capture this powerful spending shift.

Published: June 17, 2025

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