Carnival vs Meliá Hotels (CCL vs MEL)
Carnival (CCL) vs Meliá Hotels (MEL) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Carnival (CCL) and Meliá Hotels (MEL) compete in travel, leisure and gaming. Here are Carnival and Meliá Hotels 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 Meliá Hotels.
Carnival vs Meliá Hotels: the figures
| Figure | Carnival | Meliá Hotels |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $31.32 (November 4, 2026) | €10.67 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $42.1 billion | €2.4 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 13.8x | 14.0x |
| Forward P/E | 12.2x | 13.1x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +3.5% | +8.7% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 11.4% | 4.1% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 3.3x | 4.1x |
| Dividend yield | 1.54% | 1.65% |
| Beta | 2.46 | 0.67 |
Carnival and Meliá Hotels figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Carnival or Meliá Hotels figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Carnival and Meliá Hotels
- Volatility: Carnival stock moves more (beta 2.46) than Meliá Hotels (beta 0.67); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Carnival keeps 11.4 as net profit and Meliá Hotels keeps 4.1.
- Growth: Meliá Hotels grew sales +8.7% year on year in its latest quarter, against +3.5% for Carnival.
Carnival or Meliá Hotels: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Meliá Hotels 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): Meliá Hotels pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Carnival 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 Meliá Hotels 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 Meliá Hotels 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.
Meliá Hotels (MEL)
Meliá Hotels earns from hotels it owns or leases, keeping room and food revenue, and from third-party hotels it manages or franchises for fees. Its brands include Gran Meliá, ME by Meliá, Paradisus, Meliá, INNSiDE and Sol, with Spain and the Caribbean as key regions. Full Meliá Hotels analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Carnival vs Meliá Hotels
Is Carnival or Meliá Hotels the better stock?
Choosing between Carnival and Meliá Hotels depends on what you are looking for. Meliá Hotels is growing faster right now, and Carnival trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Carnival or Meliá Hotels: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Carnival or Meliá Hotels?
As of November 4, 2026, Meliá Hotels yields 1.65% and Carnival yields 1.54%. Also check how much of their profit Carnival and Meliá Hotels pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Carnival or Meliá Hotels?
On P/E, Meliá Hotels (14.0x) 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 Meliá Hotels?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Carnival and Meliá Hotels, 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 Meliá Hotels.
More comparisons with Carnival or Meliá Hotels
- Carnival vs Delta Air Lines
- Carnival vs United Airlines
- Carnival vs Royal Caribbean
- Delta Air Lines vs Meliá Hotels
More companies like Carnival and Meliá Hotels: travel, leisure and gaming stocks. Educational content about Carnival and Meliá Hotels, not investment advice.