Carnival Corporation (CCL) Hit a 52 Week High, Can the Run Continue?

Have you been paying attention to shares of Carnival (CCL)? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 18.6% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $26.66 in the previous session. Carnival has gained 40.2% since the start of the year compared to the 15.6% move for the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector and the 25.5% return for the Zacks Leisure and Recreation Services industry.What's Driving the Outperformance?The stock has an impressive record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn't missed our earnings consensus estimate in any of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on September 30, 2024, Carnival reported EPS of $1.27 versus consensus estimate of $1.17 while it beat the consensus revenue estimate by 1.04%.For the current fiscal year, Carnival is expected to post earnings of $1.66 per share on $25.21 billion in revenues. Meanwhile, for the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $1.88 per share on $26.07 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 26.16% and 3.45%, respectively.Valuation MetricsCarnival may be at a 52-week high right now, but what might the future hold for the stock? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company is due for a pullback from this level.On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as they provide investors with an additional way to sort through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). These styles are represented by grades running from A to F in the categories of Value, Growth, and Momentum, while there is a combined VGM Score as well. Investors should consider the style scores a valuable tool that can help you to pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.Carnival has a Value Score of A. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are A and F, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of A.In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 15.7X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is not in-line with the peer industry average of 21.2X. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 11.5X versus its peer group's average of 11.4X. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective.Zacks RankWe also need to consider the stock's Zacks Rank, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, Carnival currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to rising earnings estimates.Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if Carnival passes the test. Thus, it seems as though Carnival shares could have potential in the weeks and months to come.How Does CCL Stack Up to the Competition?Shares of CCL have been soaring, and the company still appears to be a decent choice, but what about the rest of the industry? One industry peer that looks good is Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH). NCLH has a Zacks Rank of # 2 (Buy) and a Value Score of A, a Growth Score of B, and a Momentum Score of F.Earnings were strong last quarter. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. beat our consensus estimate by 4.21%, and for the current fiscal year, NCLH is expected to post earnings of $2.05 per share on revenue of $9.46 billion.Shares of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. have gained 12.7% over the past month, and currently trade at a forward P/E of 17.3X and a P/CF of 11.35X.The Leisure and Recreation Services industry is in the top 7% of all the industries we have in our universe, so it looks like there are some nice tailwinds for CCL and NCLH, even beyond their own solid fundamental situation.Only $1 to See All Zacks' Buys and SellsWe're not kidding.Several years ago, we shocked our members by offering them 30-day access to all our picks for the total sum of only $1. No obligation to spend another cent.Thousands have taken advantage of this opportunity. Thousands did not - they thought there must be a catch. Yes, we do have a reason. We want you to get acquainted with our portfolio services like Surprise Trader, Stocks Under $10, Technology Innovators,and more, that closed 228 positions with double- and triple-digit gains in 2023 alone.See Stocks Now >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Carnival Corporation (CCL): Free Stock Analysis Report Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks