From Nasdaq: 2025-01-30 08:45:00

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (NYSE: RCL) stock surged over 10% after reporting strong fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 earnings, with an optimistic profit outlook for 2025 and the launch of Celebrity River Cruises. The stock hit a new all-time high, gaining over 115% in the last year, outperforming the S&P 500.

Earnings for Royal Caribbean showed robust consumer strength, with quarterly revenue of $3.76 billion and net income of $553 million, nearly double that of the prior year. Earnings per share of $1.63 beat estimates and marked the 11th consecutive quarter of beating consensus estimates.

Royal Caribbean forecasts 2025 full-year EPS between $14.35 to $14.65, with strong pricing on last-minute demand and a record-breaking start to Wave season. The company’s investment in river cruises aligns with rising demand, catering to 50% of its customer base interested in river cruises.

Analysts are bullish on Royal Caribbean, with a consensus price target of $252.31 and increased price targets from Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase. However, caution is advised as the company’s earnings projections rely on lower fuel costs and may face headwinds from potential economic downturns and increased capital expenditures.



Read more at Nasdaq:: Royal Caribbean Soars, But Smooth Sailing Isn’t Guaranteed