Carnival vs Delta Air Lines (CCL vs DAL)
Carnival (CCL) vs Delta Air Lines (DAL) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Carnival (CCL) and Delta Air Lines (DAL) compete in travel, leisure and gaming. Here are Carnival and Delta Air Lines side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Carnival or Delta Air Lines.
Carnival vs Delta Air Lines: the figures
| Figure | Carnival | Delta Air Lines |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $31.32 (November 4, 2026) | $89.24 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $42.1 billion | $58.7 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 13.8x | 17.8x |
| Forward P/E | 12.2x | 12.2x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +3.5% | +21.1% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 11.4% | 4.6% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 3.3x | 2.2x |
| Dividend yield | 1.54% | 1.03% |
| Beta | 2.46 | 1.42 |
Carnival and Delta Air Lines figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Carnival or Delta Air Lines figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Carnival and Delta Air Lines
- Growth: Delta Air Lines grew sales +21.1% year on year in its latest quarter, against +3.5% for Carnival.
- Volatility: Carnival stock moves more (beta 2.46) than Delta Air Lines (beta 1.42); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
- Valuation: Delta Air Lines trades at 17.8x its annual earnings and Carnival at 13.8x; the market pays more for each dollar of Delta Air Lines profit, usually because it expects more growth.
Carnival or Delta Air Lines: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Delta Air Lines is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Carnival pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Delta Air Lines has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Carnival trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Carnival nor Delta Air Lines wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Carnival and Delta Air Lines make money
Carnival (CCL)
Carnival Corporation runs a portfolio of cruise lines including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess, Holland America, AIDA, Costa and P&O Cruises. Its segments are North America and Australia, the larger one, and Europe. Revenue comes from cruise fares and from onboard spending on drinks, shore excursions, casinos and shops. Full Carnival analysis.
Delta Air Lines (DAL)
Delta Air Lines makes most of its money selling passenger tickets, with Atlanta as its main hub alongside other major U.S. airports. It also earns from SkyMiles, as American Express pays for miles issued on co-branded cards, plus cargo, maintenance work for other airlines and sales from its own oil refinery. Full Delta Air Lines analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Carnival vs Delta Air Lines
Is Carnival or Delta Air Lines the better stock?
Choosing between Carnival and Delta Air Lines depends on what you are looking for. Delta Air Lines is growing faster right now, and Carnival trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Carnival or Delta Air Lines: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Carnival or Delta Air Lines?
As of November 4, 2026, Carnival yields 1.54% and Delta Air Lines yields 1.03%. Also check how much of their profit Carnival and Delta Air Lines pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Carnival or Delta Air Lines?
On P/E, Delta Air Lines (17.8x) is more expensive than Carnival (13.8x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Carnival and Delta Air Lines?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Carnival and Delta Air Lines, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Carnival or Delta Air Lines.
More comparisons with Carnival or Delta Air Lines
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- Carnival vs Royal Caribbean
- Carnival vs Meliá Hotels
- Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines
More companies like Carnival and Delta Air Lines: travel, leisure and gaming stocks. Educational content about Carnival and Delta Air Lines, not investment advice.