NCLH stock target increased, buy rating on positive outlook

Published 06/01/2025, 16:16
NCLH stock target increased, buy rating on positive outlook

On Monday, Stifel analysts increased the stock price target for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NYSE:NCLH) shares to $35 from the previous $32, while maintaining a Buy rating on the stock. Currently trading at $25.58, with a market capitalization of $11.25 billion, the company shows strong momentum.

The upgrade reflects a positive outlook for the company's performance, with the analysts identifying NCLH as their top large-cap cruise operator pick for 2025. According to InvestingPro, the stock has 8 key investment tips that could influence its trajectory.

The analysts projected approximately a 40% upside to the new price target, which is based on a 2026 EBITDA estimate of $3.15 billion, discounted back to the present. The revision comes after NCLH shares experienced a significant rise of around 40% in 2024, outperforming the S&P 500 index, which saw a 20% increase in the same period.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has notably surpassed the recovery phase in terms of occupancy and revenue, according to the Stifel analysts. Trading at a P/E ratio of 20.02, the company appears to be in a strong financial position. This milestone comes after the industry faced substantial challenges in the past years.

The analysts' confidence in the cruise line operator is underpinned by the expected continued growth and financial performance leading up to 2026. InvestingPro's comprehensive research report provides deep-dive analysis of NCLH's valuation and growth prospects.

In addition to the focus on larger-cap stocks, Stifel analysts also mentioned a preference for playing the cruise industry through smaller-cap companies for investors with suitable mandates. They highlighted Lindblad Expeditions (LIND) as a preferred choice in the smaller-cap market segment, despite recognizing that its appeal might be limited due to its sub-$1 billion market cap.

The analysts' endorsement of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings as a leading investment opportunity in the cruise sector is based on a thorough analysis of the company's projected earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. The increased price target and sustained Buy rating suggest a positive trajectory for NCLH in the investment firm's view.

In other recent news, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has made significant strides in its financial and leadership structure. The company has settled its outstanding borrowings under several credit facilities and has announced executive changes. Andrea DeMarco will be stepping down as President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a subsidiary of NCLH, and Jason Montague will assume the new role of Chief Luxury Officer.

NCLH has also reported a robust revenue growth of 15.76% in the last twelve months. Financial analysts from Barclays (LON:BARC), Goldman Sachs, Truist Securities, Tigress Financial Partners, and Macquarie have recently revised their outlook on NCLH. Barclays and Goldman Sachs upgraded NCLH's stock, citing the company's market position and structural revenue improvements, respectively.

NCLH reported its highest quarterly gross revenue and adjusted EBITDA recently, with a 31% increase in adjusted earnings per share to $0.99. The company has also highlighted strategic initiatives, including a $300 million annual cost savings plan and a multiyear partnership with the National Hockey League. These recent developments suggest a positive outlook on NCLH's financial prospects.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.