Carnival vs United Airlines (CCL vs UAL)
Carnival (CCL) vs United Airlines (UAL) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Carnival (CCL) and United Airlines (UAL) compete in travel, leisure and gaming. Here are Carnival and United Airlines 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 United Airlines.
Carnival vs United Airlines: the figures
| Figure | Carnival | United Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $31.32 (November 4, 2026) | $115.76 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $42.1 billion | $37.6 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 13.8x | 10.6x |
| Forward P/E | 12.2x | 9.8x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +3.5% | +17.4% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 11.4% | 5.5% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 3.3x | 2.8x |
| Dividend yield | 1.54% | 0.00% |
| Beta | 2.46 | 1.37 |
Carnival and United Airlines figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Carnival or United Airlines figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Carnival and United Airlines
- Volatility: Carnival stock moves more (beta 2.46) than United Airlines (beta 1.37); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
- Growth: United Airlines grew sales +17.4% year on year in its latest quarter, against +3.5% for Carnival.
- Valuation: Carnival trades at 13.8x its annual earnings and United Airlines at 10.6x; the market pays more for each dollar of Carnival profit, usually because it expects more growth.
Carnival or United Airlines: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: United Airlines 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: United Airlines has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: United Airlines 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 United Airlines 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 United Airlines 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.
United Airlines (UAL)
United Airlines flies passengers from hubs including Chicago, Newark, Houston, Denver and San Francisco, with a broad international network reaching Europe, Asia and Latin America. Ticket sales are the main source of revenue, supplemented by cargo and MileagePlus, which sells miles to Chase for its co-branded credit cards. Full United Airlines analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Carnival vs United Airlines
Is Carnival or United Airlines the better stock?
Choosing between Carnival and United Airlines depends on what you are looking for. United Airlines is growing faster right now, and United Airlines trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Carnival or United Airlines: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Carnival or United Airlines?
As of November 4, 2026, Carnival yields 1.54% and United Airlines pays none. Also check how much of their profit Carnival and United Airlines pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Carnival or United Airlines?
On P/E, Carnival (13.8x) is more expensive than United Airlines (10.6x) 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 United Airlines?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Carnival and United Airlines, 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 United Airlines.
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More companies like Carnival and United Airlines: travel, leisure and gaming stocks. Educational content about Carnival and United Airlines, not investment advice.