Topic: How To Invest

Hi Pat: Wondering what your thoughts are on Carnival Corp. Thanks.

Article Excerpt

Carnival Corp., $34.16, symbol CCL on New York, and its affiliate, Carnival plc, symbol CCL on the London Stock Exchange (Total shares outstanding: 792.0 million; Market cap: $27.1 billion; www.carnivalcorp.com), operate as single business but have separate exchange listings. The combined company is the world’s largest cruise ship operator, with over 100 ships. It took its current form in 2003 through the merger of Carnival and rival P&O Princess. Major brands include Carnival Cruise Lines, Princes Cruises, Holland America Line, Costa Cruises and Cunard Line. The company also operates ports and hotels. Carnival gets 60% of its revenue from its North American operations (mainly in the Caribbean). It gets the remaining 40% from Europe, Australia and Asia. Even with the uncertain economy, Carnival continues to attract customers. That’s because many consumers feel that cruise vacations offer better value than other kinds of trips. As well, cruises centred on various themes, such as musical performers, sports teams and other specific interests, are becoming more popular. In…