CCL
Carnival Corporation & plc
Leisure
Market Cap$34.03B
5Y Perf.+82.5%
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Stock Comparison
CCL vs VIK
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
VIK
Viking Holdings Ltd
Travel Services
Market Cap$27.18B
5Y Perf.+174.0%
CCL vs VIK — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | CCL | VIK |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Leisure | Travel Services |
| Market Cap | $34.03B | $27.18B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $26.62B | $6.50B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $2.76B | $1.15B |
| Gross Margin | 37.4% | 39.0% |
| Operating Margin | 16.8% | 23.1% |
| Forward P/E | 12.5x | 25.9x |
| Total Debt | $27.99B | $5.74B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $1.93B | $3.80B |
CCL vs VIK — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
CCL
VIK
| Stock | May 24 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival Corporatio… (CCL) | 100 | 182.5 | +82.5% |
| Viking Holdings Ltd (VIK) | 100 | 274.0 | +174.0% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: CCL vs VIK
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: VIK leads in 5 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and profitability and margin quality. Carnival Corporation & plc is the stronger pick specifically for valuation and capital efficiency. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
CCL
Carnival Corporation & plc
The Income Pick
CCL is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability.
- Dividend streak 0 yrs, beta 2.27
- Lower P/E (12.5x vs 25.9x)
Best for: income & stability
VIK
Viking Holdings Ltd
The Growth Play
VIK carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth 21.9%, EPS growth 7.6%, 3Y rev CAGR 27.0%
- 229.7% 10Y total return vs CCL's -29.4%
- Lower volatility, beta 1.85, current ratio 0.79x
Best for: growth exposure and long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | VIK | 21.9% revenue growth vs CCL's 6.4% |
| Value | CCL | Lower P/E (12.5x vs 25.9x) |
| Quality / Margins | VIK | 17.7% margin vs CCL's 10.4% |
| Stability / Safety | VIK | Beta 1.85 vs CCL's 2.27 |
| Dividends | Tie | Neither stock pays a meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | VIK | +102.0% vs CCL's +41.7% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | VIK | 10.1% ROA vs CCL's 5.3%, ROIC 37.1% vs 8.9% |
CCL vs VIK — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
CCL vs VIK — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLVIKLAGGINGCCL
CCLCarnival Corporation …
1leads
VIKViking Holdings Ltd
4leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs CCLMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
VIK6/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
CCL6/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
VIK8/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
VIK6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
VIK2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
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—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
VIK leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CCL is the larger business by revenue, generating $26.6B annually — 4.1x VIK's $6.5B. VIK is the more profitable business, keeping 17.7% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to CCL's 10.4%. On growth, VIK holds the edge at +27.8% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | CCLCarnival Corporat… | VIKViking Holdings L… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $26.6B | $6.5B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $7.3B | $1.8B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $2.8B | $1.1B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $2.6B | $1.5B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +37.4% | +39.0% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +16.8% | +23.1% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +10.4% | +17.7% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +9.8% | +23.5% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +6.6% | +27.8% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +82.4% | +179.2% |
VIK leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
CCL leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 13.6x trailing earnings, CCL trades at a 59% valuation discount to VIK's 33.5x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, CCL's 8.3x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than VIK's 16.3x.
| Metric | CCLCarnival Corporat… | VIKViking Holdings L… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $34.0B | $27.2B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $60.1B | $29.1B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 13.62x | 33.48x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 12.47x | 25.87x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 8.26x | 16.30x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 1.28x | 4.18x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 3.14x | 34.26x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 13.05x | 20.86x |
CCL leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
VIK leads this category, winning 8 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
VIK delivers a 2.4% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $2 in annual profit, vs $22 for CCL. CCL carries lower financial leverage with a 2.28x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to VIK's 5.12x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), VIK scores 8/9 vs CCL's 7/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | CCLCarnival Corporat… | VIKViking Holdings L… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +22.5% | +2.4% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +5.3% | +10.1% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +8.9% | +37.1% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +11.8% | +26.3% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 7 | 8 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 2.28x | 5.12x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $26.1B | $1.9B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $1.9B | $3.8B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $28.0B | $5.7B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 3.09x | 4.14x |
VIK leads this category, winning 8 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
VIK leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in VIK five years ago would be worth $32,969 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $10,663 for CCL. Over the past 12 months, VIK leads with a +102.0% total return vs CCL's +41.7%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors VIK at 48.8% vs CCL's 37.6% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | CCLCarnival Corporat… | VIKViking Holdings L… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -10.5% | +19.1% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +41.7% | +102.0% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +160.8% | +229.7% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +6.6% | +229.7% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -29.4% | +229.7% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +37.6% | +48.8% |
VIK leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
VIK leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
VIK is the less volatile stock with a 1.85 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than CCL's 2.27 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. VIK currently trades 98.9% from its 52-week high vs CCL's 80.9% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | CCLCarnival Corporat… | VIKViking Holdings L… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 2.27x | 1.85x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $34.03 | $87.00 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $19.22 | $41.88 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +80.9% | +98.9% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 44.3 | 55.5 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 26.9M | 2.7M |
VIK leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates CCL as "Buy" and VIK as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 31.4% upside for CCL (target: $36) vs -9.8% for VIK (target: $78).
| Metric | CCLCarnival Corporat… | VIKViking Holdings L… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $36.17 | $77.60 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 47 | 13 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | — |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 0 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | — |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Key Takeaway
VIK leads in 4 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). CCL leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics).
Best OverallViking Holdings Ltd (VIK)Leads 4 of 6 categories
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CCL vs VIK: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is CCL or VIK a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Viking Holdings Ltd (VIK) is the stronger pick with 21.
9% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 6. 4% for Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL). Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) offers the better valuation at 13. 6x trailing P/E (12. 5x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) a "Buy" — based on 47 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — CCL or VIK?
On trailing P/E, Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) is the cheapest at 13.
6x versus Viking Holdings Ltd at 33. 5x. On forward P/E, Carnival Corporation & plc is actually cheaper at 12. 5x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — CCL or VIK?
Over the past 5 years, Viking Holdings Ltd (VIK) delivered a total return of +229.
7%, compared to +6. 6% for Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: VIK returned +229. 7% versus CCL's -29. 4%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — CCL or VIK?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Viking Holdings Ltd (VIK) is the lower-risk stock at 1.
85β versus Carnival Corporation & plc's 2. 27β — meaning CCL is approximately 23% more volatile than VIK relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 2% versus 5% for Viking Holdings Ltd — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — CCL or VIK?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Viking Holdings Ltd (VIK) is pulling ahead at 21.
9% versus 6. 4% for Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Viking Holdings Ltd grew EPS 756. 7% year-over-year, compared to 40. 3% for Carnival Corporation & plc. Over a 3-year CAGR, CCL leads at 29. 8% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — CCL or VIK?
Viking Holdings Ltd (VIK) is the more profitable company, earning 17.
7% net margin versus 10. 4% for Carnival Corporation & plc — meaning it keeps 17. 7% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: VIK leads at 23. 1% versus 16. 8% for CCL. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — VIK leads at 39. 0%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is CCL or VIK more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) trades at 12.
5x forward P/E versus 25. 9x for Viking Holdings Ltd — 13. 4x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for CCL: 31. 4% to $36. 17.
08Which pays a better dividend — CCL or VIK?
None of the stocks in this comparison currently pay a material dividend.
All are effectively zero-yield and should be held for capital appreciation rather than income.
09Is CCL or VIK better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Viking Holdings Ltd (VIK) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (+229.
7% 10Y return). Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) carries a higher beta of 2. 27 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (VIK: +229. 7%, CCL: -29. 4%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between CCL and VIK?
Both stocks operate in the Consumer Cyclical sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: CCL is a mid-cap deep-value stock; VIK is a mid-cap high-growth stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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Revenue Growth>
%
(CCL: 6.6% · VIK: 27.8%)Net Margin>
%
(CCL: 10.4% · VIK: 17.7%)P/E Ratio<
x
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