Beamr video compression achieves up to 50% improvement for AVs
On Monday, Stifel analysts highlighted Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NYSE:NCLH) as a significant buying opportunity, following a recent sell-off in the company’s shares. In a client note recapping the South Florida Cruise Tour, which included meetings with Carnival Corporation (NYSE:CCL), Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL), and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, the analysts observed strong investor demand for the sector. The enthusiasm appears well-founded, as InvestingPro data shows RCL has delivered an impressive 99% return over the past year, with its stock currently trading near $247.
The timing of the tour was particularly noteworthy, as it came right after Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings experienced a negative market reaction the day before, and just before Royal Caribbean Cruises’ investor day set for Tuesday. According to InvestingPro data, 13 analysts have recently revised their earnings expectations upward for RCL, with the company maintaining a strong "Buy" consensus rating of 1.69. Additionally, the potential for a corporate tax hike on the cruise industry was a prevalent topic among investors.
Despite the recent sell-off in NCLH shares, which saw a 16% decline in one week, Stifel analysts believe that concerns over demand and potential tax increases are overestimated. They noted that demand and spending patterns within the cruise industry appear robust, extending into 2026. This optimism is supported by RCL’s strong financial metrics, including a healthy 48.9% gross profit margin and projected earnings of $15.28 per share for FY2025. While Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings seemed the most cautious regarding current demand and spending, Stifel suggested that their caution might be excessive.For deeper insights into the cruise industry’s financial health and detailed analysis, investors can access comprehensive Pro Research Reports for over 1,400 US stocks through InvestingPro.
As a result of these findings, Stifel has made the decision to add Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings to the Stifel Select List, replacing OSW. The firm’s analysts are convinced that the market’s reaction to the recent news has been overstated and that there is a compelling case for a beat and raise narrative for NCLH throughout 2025. This move signals Stifel’s confidence in the stock’s potential for growth and a rebound in its value.
In other recent news, Royal Caribbean Cruises has reported a strong financial performance in the fourth quarter of 2024, with revenue increasing by 12.91% year-over-year to $3.76 billion and full-year revenue rising 18.59% to a record $16.49 billion. This growth is attributed to high demand for cruises and expansion efforts. Analysts from Tigress Financial and UBS have responded positively, with Tigress Financial maintaining a Buy rating and raising their price target to $330, while UBS increased their price target to $301, citing new private destinations as a contributing factor.
S&P Global Ratings upgraded Royal Caribbean’s credit rating to ’BBB-’ from ’BB+’, highlighting strong forward bookings and improved credit measures. The company has reportedly sold over two-thirds of its capacity for 2025, providing visibility into future revenue. Royal Caribbean’s financial strategy, including debt reduction and operational efficiencies, has also been noted as a positive development.
Macquarie analysts have lifted their price target for Royal Caribbean to $300, following a robust Q4 performance and a record start to the WAVE season. The company’s liquidity stands at $4.1 billion, supporting significant capital expenditures planned for 2025. Additionally, Royal Caribbean announced its entry into the river cruise market with the launch of Celebrity River Cruises, expected to begin in 2027. This expansion is anticipated to enhance the company’s financial performance, despite the initial costs associated with new ventures.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.