Carnival vs Expedia
Carnival plc and Expedia Inc. This page compares their business models, financial performance, and market context to help readers understand how these travel and leisure brands operate in their respective spaces. The content is neutral and accessible, providing factual context for informed consideration. Educational content, not financial advice.
Carnival plc and Expedia Inc. This page compares their business models, financial performance, and market context to help readers understand how these travel and leisure brands operate in their respec...
Why It's Moving
Carnival Powers Ahead with Record 2025 Results and Dividend Comeback
- Adjusted net income hit $3.1B on record $26.6B revenues and $7.2B EBITDA, showcasing robust post-pandemic demand recovery.
- Debt metrics strengthened to 3.4x net debt/EBITDA with $10B reduction since peak, plus Fitch investment-grade nod and $19B refinancing success.
- Quarterly $0.15/share dividend reinstated (record Feb 13) and dual-listed structure unification proposed, streamlining for future growth.
Expedia Stock Dips Amid Strong Travel Trends but Eyes Q4 Earnings Catalyst
- Unpack '26 report shows explosive travel interest, with destination searches up 92% for spots like Big Sky and Hotels.com salvage-stay searches surging 194%, signaling robust consumer demand.
- Operational wins include 7% growth in booked room nights, mainly international, plus 16% adjusted EBITDA rise with margin expansion, alongside $627M in share buybacks and a $0.40 dividend.
- Fresh Island Hot List reveals 30% average spike in global island travel, underscoring AI tools like Trip Matching turning social media into bookable trips amid raised 2025 guidance.
Carnival Powers Ahead with Record 2025 Results and Dividend Comeback
- Adjusted net income hit $3.1B on record $26.6B revenues and $7.2B EBITDA, showcasing robust post-pandemic demand recovery.
- Debt metrics strengthened to 3.4x net debt/EBITDA with $10B reduction since peak, plus Fitch investment-grade nod and $19B refinancing success.
- Quarterly $0.15/share dividend reinstated (record Feb 13) and dual-listed structure unification proposed, streamlining for future growth.
Expedia Stock Dips Amid Strong Travel Trends but Eyes Q4 Earnings Catalyst
- Unpack '26 report shows explosive travel interest, with destination searches up 92% for spots like Big Sky and Hotels.com salvage-stay searches surging 194%, signaling robust consumer demand.
- Operational wins include 7% growth in booked room nights, mainly international, plus 16% adjusted EBITDA rise with margin expansion, alongside $627M in share buybacks and a $0.40 dividend.
- Fresh Island Hot List reveals 30% average spike in global island travel, underscoring AI tools like Trip Matching turning social media into bookable trips amid raised 2025 guidance.
Investment Analysis
Carnival
CUK
Pros
- Carnival has demonstrated a strong revenue recovery post-pandemic, with revenue growing over 7% expected in 2025 and further growth forecasted in 2026.
- Earnings per share (EPS) have shown significant improvement, with a 50% increase expected in 2025 and continued growth into 2026.
- Industry analysts have a strong buy consensus on Carnival, with a price target implying nearly 26% upside from current levels.
Considerations
- Carnival faces high uncertainty related to demand fluctuations and external factors affecting travel and leisure industries.
- The company's valuation shows some risk with a forward price-to-earnings ratio around 13, which may limit upside compared to growth peers.
- Carnival carries a sizable debt load, evidenced by recent issuance of $1.25 billion in senior unsecured notes, which could pressure financial flexibility.
Expedia
EXPE
Pros
- Expedia benefits from its strong position as a leading online travel agency with diversified offerings beyond cruises, including hotel and transportation bookings.
- The company has good exposure to growing global travel demand recovery, supported by increasing consumer bookings in leisure and business travels.
- Expedia’s market cap near $22 billion reflects a solid scale for investing in new technologies and expanding market share globally.
Considerations
- Expedia faces intense competition across online travel platforms and cruise booking sectors, including direct competition with companies like Carnival for cruise customers.
- The highly cyclical nature of travel demand exposes Expedia to economic downturns or geopolitical events that can quickly reduce consumer travel spending.
- Profitability can be pressured by rising costs in technology, advertising, and customer acquisition to maintain market position in a competitive environment.
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Carnival (CUK) Next Earnings Date
Carnival plc (CUK) is scheduled to report its next earnings on March 19, 2026, before market open. This release will cover the fiscal quarter ending February 2026. Consensus EPS estimates stand at $0.17 for this period, aligning with the company's typical mid-March pattern for Q1 results.
Expedia (EXPE) Next Earnings Date
Expedia Inc. (EXPE) is scheduled to report its next earnings on February 12, 2026, covering the fourth quarter of 2025 ending December 31. This date aligns with the company's official announcement and consensus from analyst estimates following the prior Q3 2025 release on November 6, 2025. Investors should anticipate the earnings call on the same day to discuss results and outlook.
Carnival (CUK) Next Earnings Date
Carnival plc (CUK) is scheduled to report its next earnings on March 19, 2026, before market open. This release will cover the fiscal quarter ending February 2026. Consensus EPS estimates stand at $0.17 for this period, aligning with the company's typical mid-March pattern for Q1 results.
Expedia (EXPE) Next Earnings Date
Expedia Inc. (EXPE) is scheduled to report its next earnings on February 12, 2026, covering the fourth quarter of 2025 ending December 31. This date aligns with the company's official announcement and consensus from analyst estimates following the prior Q3 2025 release on November 6, 2025. Investors should anticipate the earnings call on the same day to discuss results and outlook.
Which Baskets Do They Appear In?
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Explore BasketWanderlust Economy
Explore investment opportunities in companies powering global travel experiences. These carefully selected stocks represent the full journey ecosystem, from booking platforms to airlines, cruise lines, and hospitality. Travel industry innovators poised for growth as exploration rebounds worldwide.
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Explore BasketWhich Baskets Do They Appear In?
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
Explore BasketExperience Economy
Companies creating memorable experiences are capturing a growing share of consumer spending. This carefully curated collection includes stocks selected by expert analysts that are positioned to benefit from the shift toward travel, entertainment, and leisure activities.
Published: June 17, 2025
Explore BasketWanderlust Economy
Explore investment opportunities in companies powering global travel experiences. These carefully selected stocks represent the full journey ecosystem, from booking platforms to airlines, cruise lines, and hospitality. Travel industry innovators poised for growth as exploration rebounds worldwide.
Published: June 17, 2025
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