Latest news with #AIDA
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CCL vs. RCL: Which Cruise Line Stock is the Smarter Buy Right Now?
As consumer appetite for experiential travel continues to rebound, cruise operators like Carnival Corporation & plc CCL and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. RCL are vying for investor attention with strong brand portfolios and improving fundamentals. Both companies are capitalizing on elevated demand and pricing power, setting them up for differences in strategy, innovation, and operational discipline raise the question: which cruise stock stands out more favorably in the current climate?Let's see how these two cruise giants stack up. Carnival is leveraging its global scale and multi-brand strategy to deliver robust yield growth and operational momentum. Carnival recently exceeded its 2026 targets — 50% growth in EBITDA per berth and a 12% return on invested capital — 18 months ahead of schedule. It achieved its highest EBITDA margin in nearly two decades, supported by strong close-in ticket demand, onboard spending, and cost fiscal 2025, Carnival will debut Celebration Key, a flagship private Caribbean destination featuring the world's largest swim-up bar, expansive lagoons, and curated beach experiences. Additional upgrades to Half Moon Cay and Mahogany Bay (to be rebranded Isla Tropicale) further strengthen its 'Paradise Collection' strategy to attract and retain guests. Additionally, Carnival is revamping its fleet through the AIDA Evolution upgrade and moderate newbuild pipeline. It is also launching a new loyalty program — Carnival Rewards — in mid-2026, which ties benefits to overall spend and credit card use. This initiative, modeled after successful airline programs, is expected to boost guest engagement in the upcoming the financial side, Carnival refinanced $7 billion of debt so far in fiscal 2025 and improved its net debt-to-EBITDA ratio sequentially from 4.1x to 3.7x in the fiscal second quarter 2025. With limited new ship deliveries through 2029 and growing free cash flow, Carnival is focused on regaining investment-grade status while delivering long-term shareholder value. Royal Caribbean is executing on its 'Perfecta Performance' strategy by combining premium guest experiences, moderate capacity expansion, and disciplined cost management to drive strong financial growth. In the first quarter of 2025, the company reported yield growth of 5.6% and a 35% EBITDA margin — up 360 basis points year over year — fueled by exceptional close-in demand, pricing power, and elevated onboard spending. The company continues to expand its exclusive destination portfolio with the upcoming Royal Beach Club in Nassau, designed to complement its popular Perfect Day at CocoCay. The club will feature curated beach experiences, elevated dining, and expanded guest capacity, intended to deepen guest engagement and boost ancillary Caribbean's growing digital footprint is another key differentiator. Its mobile app, now widely adopted across the fleet, is driving higher levels of direct booking and pre-cruise purchases. Loyalty program integration and frictionless trip planning are central to the company's efforts to improve revenue capture and increase repeat the company may face near-term pressure related to ship deployment timing and elevated expenses tied to destination rollouts and dry dock activity. Cost growth is expected to vary across quarters, primarily influenced by the scheduling of dry docks, ship deliveries, and the ramp-up of expenses tied to the Costa Maya port acquisition and other destination investments. The second and third quarters are expected to have higher costs, with the third quarter particularly affected, facing a 280-basis-point impact from these timing-related factors. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Carnival's fiscal 2025 sales and earnings per share (EPS) suggests year-over-year increases of 5.4% and 38%, respectively. In the past 60 days, earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 have risen 3.8%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Royal Caribbean's 2025 sales and EPS suggests year-over-year increases of 9.4% and 30.7%, respectively. In the past 60 days, earnings estimates for 2025 have increased 6%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Carnival stock has rallied 31.7% in the past three months, significantly outpacing its industry and the S&P 500's rise of 15.8% and 10.1%, respectively. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean shares have risen 42.6% in the same time. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Carnival is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 12.92X, below the industry average of 18.59X over the last year. RCL's forward 12-month P/E multiple sits at 17.92X over the same time frame. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Based on short-term price targets offered by 23 analysts, Carnival's average price target represents an increase of 10.7% from the last closing price of $26.17. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Based on short-term price targets offered by 24 analysts, RCL's average price target represents a decline of 7.1% from the last closing price of $295.89. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Given their contrasting strategies, Carnival presents a more attractive near-term buying opportunity than Royal Caribbean. While RCL continues to deliver premium experiences and superior margins, it faces near-term cost pressures related to destination rollouts and dry dock activity. Carnival, on the other hand, is delivering operational efficiency and financial gains through disciplined execution, fleet upgrades, and destination-led brand differentiation. Its early achievement of long-term margin and sustainability targets, coupled with attractive valuation and rising earnings estimates, highlights a clear edge. With a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and momentum on its side, Carnival offers a compelling entry point for investors seeking near-term gains and long-term value. Meanwhile, RCL, carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), may warrant a wait-and-see approach. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. 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 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
13-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC TO HOLD CONFERENCE CALL ON SECOND QUARTER EARNINGS
MIAMI, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) has scheduled a conference call with analysts for Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 10 a.m. (EDT); 3 p.m. (BST) to discuss the company's second quarter financial results which are expected to be released that morning. A simulcast of the call will be available via the company's websites at and About Carnival Corporation & plc Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest global cruise company, and among the largest leisure travel companies, with a portfolio of world-class cruise lines – AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn. For more information, please visit and To learn more about Carnival Corporation's purpose and our positive impact worldwide on people and the planet, go to View original content: SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc
Hans India
05-06-2025
- Hans India
IIT-Madras to hold ‘Demo Day' at T-Hub today
Hyderabad: The IIT Madras faculty and alumni will meet JEE candidates and their parents at T-Hub on Thursday. According to officials, this initiative is part of the 'Demo Day' events that are being held in both physical mode in several cities across India as well in online mode. The event is an opportunity for students and their parents to interact with current students, faculty, and alumni and receive authentic and up-to-date information directly from the source. Through the Demo Day events, students can also seek clarification about recent changes, like the introduction of new courses. IIT Madras has introduced two new B Tech Programmes – Computational Engineering and Mechanics (CEM) and Instrumentation and Biomedical Engineering (IBME) – besides a B Tech in AI and Data Analytics (AIDA) that was introduced last year. Interested JEE candidates can register via the link Aspirants can also browse through existing answers.
Indian Express
30-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
IIT Madras invites JEE aspirants to ‘walk the halls of the campus' before Advanced results
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is inviting JEE aspirants and their parents to attend a demo day events that will be held in both physical mode in several cities across India as well in online mode. It is an opportunity for them to interact with current students, faculty, and alumni. Physical events will be held at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Jaipur, Vijayawada and Hyderabad, as mentioned in the press release. Interested JEE candidates have to register at since there are limited seats, said IIT-Madras in a statement. Through the demo day events, students can also seek clarification about recent changes, like the introduction of new courses. IIT Madras has introduced two new BTech Programmes – Computational Engineering and Mechanics (CEM) and Instrumentation and Biomedical Engineering (iBME) — besides a BTech in AI and Data Analytics (AIDA) that was introduced last year. Students unable to travel to IIT Madras or any of the six other venues can also participate in an online session scheduled for June 3, during which Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, other faculty, and alumni will respond to various queries related to academic and non-academic aspects of life on campus. The current IIT Madras academic system aims to offer students flexibility in their choice of courses via the elective system. Students can choose between their courses as electives, including courses from any other department. Students can also opt for a 'minor' or switch to an 'IDDD' (Inter-Disciplinary Dual Degree). Workshops for first-year students have been reintegrated into the semester, adding two more weeks of vacation time. Furthermore, a compulsory recreation course (Pass/Fail, 2 credits) has been introduced for students in the first two semesters, promoting a healthy work-life balance. The institute has decided to offer an entrepreneurship elective course in the third/fourth semester for interested students. IIT Madras had announced separate admission categories for those excelling in Sports and Fine Arts. The Institute has introduced Fine Arts and Culture Excellence (FACE) Admission to undergraduate programmes from the Academic year 2025 – 26. The 'Sports Excellence Admission' (SEA) was introduced from the last academic year of 2024-2025. This initiative is to recognise and reward talented students who have excelled in sports. This programme encourages deserving students to pursue higher education while continuing to excel in their sports. Under both these initiatives, two seats per programme will be allotted in all BTech and BS programmes of IIT Madras. Of the two seats in each programme, one seat will be female-only, and the other will be gender-neutral. IIT Madras Alumni and CSR partners have rallied together to provide financial support to 100 per cent of BTech students whose annual parental income is in the 'Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh' category for two consecutive years (2022-23 & 2023-24). The 'Merit-cum-Means' (MCM) Scholarship is one among the numerous financial assistance and scholarship support provided to students by IIT Madras, the Central and State Governments. SC/ST students admitted to the BTech program are exempted from paying tuition fees, irrespective of their parental income. Further, IIT Madras is also introducing the 'First Principles Teachers Award' this year to recognize exceptional educators who have made an impact on their students' educational journeys through teaching from first principles at a pre-UG level.
CTV News
26-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
James Moore: Canada is a getting a fresh start on artificial intelligence. Let's not waste it.
James Moore is a former federal cabinet minister under prime minister Stephen Harper, and a columnist for The recent federal election provided Canada with a much needed reset on the debate on artificial intelligence (AI), and we should all be thankful for it. There is a new member of Parliament who is the new minister for the file: Evan Solomon. Thoughtful and studious, the new Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation — the first we have had — provides an opportunity for a fresh start on the file. Evan Solomon, AI Evan Solomon fist bumps a guest as he heads to be sworn-in as Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby) Further, all the opposition critics of the AI file from the last parliament — Conservative MP Ryan Williams; Bloc Québécois MP René Villemure; and NDP MP Brian Masse — were all defeated on election day in their respective ridings. This dynamic of personal change, coupled with some good faith on policy development, should give a clear opportunity for the government to re-engage the AI issue with gusto. To start, I think it would be a mistake for the government to simply re-introduce the old Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) (Bill C-27) from the previous parliament. A great deal was exposed about the imperfections, concerns of overreach, governance and questionable spending in the debates around AIDA after its introduction in April of 2023 that should signal the government to walk away from the previous AI policy efforts. There are six areas of AI policy challenges, and they are interconnected and complex. Public safety First, is the need to balance public safety and innovation. Complimenting and supporting a thriving AI ecosystem (and the increasingly mature hubs in Edmonton, Toronto, and Montreal) while protecting people and firms from the risks of unregulated AI systems is a difficult challenge. The risk of overregulating is real and could result in a flight of startups. But at the same time, there will be public collapse of the tolerance and integration of AI into our lives if the harms of surveillance, disinformation and bias are not addressed. Privacy The second issue that needs consideration is the need to address data privacy and consent. AI systems consumed massive datasets which raises concerns about the protection of data and the informed consent of the public for the use of that data — particularly when it comes to health, family, and biometric data. Consent loopholes and data scraping are constant challenges and need to be mitigated in the public interest. And, of course, these protections need to be as borderless as we can possibly secure. Accountability The third issue to be addressed must be the public sector use of AI data and systems. It is reported that agencies are increasingly using AI to try to drive efficiency, but there are credible concerns that they are doing so without adequate public facing accountability or transparency. This needs to be fixed. Any algorithmic decision making by the government needs to be disclosed and the principles of the Privacy Act need to be modernized and ported into any use of AI technology. Jobs Fourth, the impact of labour displacement could trigger a torrent of anxiety and disruption that is greater than we imagine. The impact on jobs and skills development will be substantial and we need to gauge — with the provinces and territories — how best to reskill and retrain workforces who may find their lives sideswiped by AI implementation. Public risk Fifth, the government must apply a national security lens to the AI opportunity/challenge. One of the dominant concerns about AI technology is the lack of accountability given the possible risks that may cause harm to individuals when wrong decisions are made autonomously. For example, there is no common description in law that agreed to or enforced with respect to using AI-based lethal robotic systems for selecting targets with possible lethal force. There is a clear need for defence and intelligence policies to be modernized and continually scrutinized in collaboration with our allies. Competition And sixth, as Canada marches forward with our AI policy that serves Canada and our needs, we need to consider where global standards are headed in the E.U. and U.S. and align our interests accordingly. We must be able to compete internationally, contribute to emerging global norms on AI ethics, governance and safety and avoid regulatory fragmentation that leaves us at a disadvantage with our competitors. In sum, AI presents a complex, fast-evolving set of policy challenges that touch nearly every aspect of society. Policymakers must be agile, principled, and ambitious in the coming Parliament. AI is reshaping economies, transforming workplaces, and redefining our economic boundaries. The opportunities are incredible and the policy challenges associated with the opportunities demand the best efforts our leaders to get it right.
