Carnival (CCL) Fiscal Q3 2026 Earnings Call: Record Yields, EPS Guidance Raised

Source Tradingkey

Key Takeaways

  • Carnival Corporation (NYSE: CCL) reported record fiscal Q3 2026 revenue, yields and net income. Net income exceeded the company’s June guidance by more than $100 million, or $0.08 per share.
  • Net yields increased nearly 2.5% year over year, driven by stronger close-in demand and robust onboard spending. This was 1.2 percentage points above June guidance.
  • Cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD rose 1.8%, 100 basis points better than guidance. Fuel consumption declined nearly 4% year over year.
  • Full-year EPS guidance increased by $0.02 to $2.24. More than $150 million of operational improvement offset an approximately $150 million headwind from higher fuel prices.
  • Customer deposits reached a third-quarter record of approximately $7.6 billion, up about 7%, while capacity growth over the next 12 months remains broadly flat.
  • Carnival has repurchased nearly $1.2 billion of stock, representing 45 million shares. Total debt has fallen below $24 billion from a peak of $36 billion in 2023.

Core Financial Data

MetricFiscal Q3 2026 / Updated OutlookContext
RevenueRecordExact amount was not stated on the call
Net incomeRecordMore than $100 million above June guidance
EPS outperformance$0.08 per share$0.05 from revenue, $0.02 from costs and $0.01 from fuel consumption
Net yield growthNearly 2.5% YoY1.2 percentage points above June guidance
Cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBDUp 1.8% YoY100 basis points better than June guidance
Fuel consumptionDown nearly 4% YoYFollowing a reduction of more than 5% in the prior-year quarter
Customer depositsApproximately $7.6 billionUp about 7% YoY
FY2026 EPS guidance$2.24Increased by $0.02 from prior guidance
Expected FY2026 EBITDAMore than $7 billionSupports investment, deleveraging and shareholder returns
Total debtBelow $24 billionDown from a $36 billion peak in 2023

Business and Operating Performance

Disclaimer: For information purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
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