- American Public Q1 Earnings & Revenues Top Estimates, 2026 View Raised
May 12, 2026
American Public Education, Inc. APEI reported better-than-expected first-quarter 2026 results, with adjusted earnings and total revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Both the metrics grew year over year.
The quarter’s performance was supported by higher Military+ course activity and continued Health+ enrollment gains, helping lift profitability across key metrics.
APEI’s Q1 Discussion
APEI reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 94 cents, up 129.3% year over year, and surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 61 cents by 55.1%.
American Public Education, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS SurpriseAmerican Public Education, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
American Public Education, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | American Public Education, Inc. Quote
Total revenues increased 6.2% year over year to $174.7 million and edged past the consensus estimate of $174 million by 0.5%. Performance was supported by higher Military+ course activity and continued Health+ enrollment gains, helping lift profitability across key metrics.
APEI’s Q1 Discussion Shows Strong Operating Improvement
Profitability expanded meaningfully in the quarter as operating performance outpaced cost growth. Adjusted EBITDA increased 37.5% year over year to $29.2 million from $21.2 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded to 17% from 13%, reflecting stronger operating leverage on higher revenues.
Total costs and expenses in the first quarter of 2026 were $153.1 million, up 0.5% year over year. Instructional costs and services edged down to $74.6 million from $74.9 million, while selling and promotional expenses increased to $37.9 million from $35.2 million.
American Public’s Segment Discussion
American Public’s Segments Deliver Broad-Based Growth
Performance was supported by growth across both operating segments. Military+ revenues increased 6.5% year over year to $89.4 million, driven by higher registration activity. Segment EBITDA rose to $31.8 million from $25.2 million a year ago, with EBITDA margin expanding to 36% from 30%.
Health+ revenues advanced 11% year over year to $85.4 million, reflecting higher enrollment and pricing actions implemented in the second half of 2025. Segment EBITDA improved to $3.2 million from $1.9 million in the year-ago quarter, and EBITDA margin increased to 4% from 2%.
APEI Highlights Demand Indicators Across Both Portfolios
Military+ posted approximately 106,600 net course registrations in the quarter, up from roughly 102,500 a year earlier. Management noted the residual impact of the government shutdown remained limited to the U.S. Coast Guard and was resolved late in April, helping keep disruption contained.
Health+ total student enrollment increased to about 19,400 from 18,000 in the prior-year quarter. During the period, the company opened a new Rasmussen University campus in Orlando, FL, bringing its Practical Nursing Diploma program to the Orlando market.
Story Continues
APEI Builds Liquidity and Steps Up Capital Actions
APEI ended the quarter with total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $221 million, up from $176.5 million at the end of 2025. Cash flows from operations improved sharply, with net cash provided by operating activities increasing 71.1% year over year to $63.3 million.
The company also moved to optimize its capital structure and shareholder returns. In March, APEI refinanced its debt, cutting its borrowing rate by 375 basis points at then-current leverage levels and targeting about $3.7 million in annual interest savings excluding debt cost amortization. The board authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $50 million, and the company repurchased 17,840 shares through the end of the first quarter.
American Public Raises 2026 Outlook
Following the quarter’s execution, management raised its full-year 2026 guidance for revenues and adjusted EBITDA. The company now expects revenues of $686-$696 million, compared with its prior outlook of $685-$695 million and up from $648.9 million reported in 2025. Adjusted EBITDA is projected in the range of $93-$102 million versus the earlier expectation of $91.5-$100.5 million, reflecting growth from $85.7 million in 2025.
Management also increased its EPS guidance to $2.33-$2.68 from the previous range of $2.15-$2.47. The updated outlook implies significant improvement from the earnings of $1.36 per share reported in 2025. Meanwhile, capital expenditures are still expected between $28 million and $32 million, higher than the $15.9 million invested in 2025.
For the second quarter of 2026, revenues are expected to be $170-$172 million, with net income available to common stockholders projected at $6.5-$7.5 million. The company also anticipates diluted earnings per share of 34-39 cents, alongside Military+ net registrations of 98,300-100,300 and Health+ enrollment of about 19,600. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the band of $16.5-$18.0 million.
APEI’s Zacks Rank & Peer Releases
American Public currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Recent Consumer Discretionary Releases
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. RCL reported first-quarter 2026 results, with adjusted earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The top and bottom lines increased on a year-over-year basis. In the quarter under review, the company reported adjusted EPS of $3.60, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.20. In the year-ago quarter, RCL posted an adjusted EPS of $2.71. Revenues in the quarter totaled $4.45 billion, beating the consensus mark of $4.44 billion. The metric increased 11.3% year over year.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation H reported first-quarter 2026 results, wherein both earnings and revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 63 cents per share, up 37% from 46 cents a year ago. The metric beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 57 cents per share by 10.5%. Total revenues rose 1.7% year over year to $1,748 million and topped the consensus mark of $1,712 million by 2.1%. Hyatt’s operating backdrop stayed constructive, with comparable system-wide hotels RevPAR increasing 5.4% and comparable system-wide all-inclusive resorts Net Package RevPAR rising 7.4% from the year-ago quarter.
Mattel, Inc. MAT reported first-quarter 2026 results, with adjusted earnings and net sales beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Revenues improved, while the bottom line fell from the prior-year quarter levels. The company posted an adjusted loss of 20 cents per share, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 24 cents by 16.67%. The bottom line declined from an adjusted loss of 2 cents reported in the prior-year quarter. Net sales of $862 million topped the consensus mark of $801 million by 7.59% and increased 4% year over year.
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
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (H) : Free Stock Analysis Report
American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Mattel, Inc. (MAT) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
Zacks Investment Research
View Comments
- Make-A-Wish America welcomes Thomas Mazloum and Michael Bayley to national board of directors
May 11, 2026
PHOENIX, May 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Make-A-Wish America today announced the appointment of Thomas Mazloum, Chairman of Disney Experiences, and Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, to its national board of directors, deepening the organization's leadership bench as it works to bring hope, strength, and joy to more children with critical illnesses. Both leaders bring decades of experience creating meaningful, joy‑filled moments for families worldwide, expertise that will help guide Make-A-Wish as it scales wish delivery and impact across the United States.Make-A-Wish
Mazloum leads Disney Experiences, which includes the company's theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, vacation ownership, consumer products, and immersive experiences worldwide. He oversees a team of more than 180,000 cast members responsible for helping bring stories to life in ways that create joy, connection, and lasting memories for families around the globe. Mazloum replaces Josh D'Amaro, who was recently appointed CEO of The Walt Disney Company. In this role, he also advances Disney's longstanding commitment to working alongside Make-A-Wish, the world's largest wish‑granting partner, to help deliver transformative wish experiences for children with critical illnesses. On average, a Disney wish is granted every hour of every day, making Disney the number one wish granter for Make-A-Wish.
Mazloum's leadership also spans Disney Parks and Disney Signature Experiences, as well as Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Consumer Products. Previously, Mazloum served as president of Disneyland Resort and president of Disney Signature Experiences, where he guided periods of significant growth while maintaining a strong focus on guest experience and emotional impact. He began his Disney career with Disney Cruise Line in 1998 and has held senior leadership roles across Walt Disney World Resort, EPCOT, and Disney Springs, consistently championing experiences that place children and families at the center.
Bayley leads Royal Caribbean, the world's largest cruise line, overseeing a global workforce of more than 60,000 employees who deliver immersive vacation experiences to millions of guests each year across a fleet visiting more than 300 destinations. He is responsible for the brand's end‑to‑end operations, including its expanding portfolio of exclusive Perfect Day destinations and Royal Beach Clubs, with a focus on designing experiences that bring families together and create lasting memories.
Under Bayley's leadership, Royal Caribbean has continued to innovate across ship design, destination development, and global growth, with a consistent emphasis on guest experience and emotional connection. His more than four-decade career with the company began at sea as an assistant purser and progressed through senior leadership roles spanning guest satisfaction, hotel operations, fleet operations, and global sales and marketing. He is widely recognized within the industry for his leadership, serving on the global board of directors for the Cruise Lines International Association and on the executive committee of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, as well as spearheading the company's deep commitment to Make-A-Wish, which to date has granted more than 3,000 wishes.
Story Continues
"Thomas and Michael bring a deep understanding of how powerful experiences can create connection, joy, and lasting memories for families," said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. "That expertise will help us reach more children and deepen the impact of every wish, so even more families can experience the hope and strength a wish can bring."
Make-A-Wish America's national board unites leaders from across finance, operations, marketing, technology, healthcare, and philanthropy in support of the organization's mission. Through strategic oversight and counsel, board members help ensure wish experiences continue to deliver measurable impact for children facing critical illnesses.
Make-A-Wish America operates 57 chapters across the United States, each supported by local boards committed to delivering life-changing wishes in their communities.
To learn more about Make-A-Wish and how to get involved, visit wish.org.
About Make-A-Wish® Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is the #1 most trusted nonprofit operating locally in all 50 states throughout the U.S. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 20,000 volunteers across the country, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 650,000 wishes worldwide; more than 400,000 wishes in the U.S. and its territories alone. For more information about Make-A-Wish America, visit wish.org.Cision
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/make-a-wish-america-welcomes-thomas-mazloum-and-michael-bayley-to-national-board-of-directors-302767637.html
View Comments
- Wall Street Analysts Think Royal Caribbean (RCL) Is a Good Investment: Is It?
May 11, 2026
When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?
Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about Royal Caribbean (RCL) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.
Royal Caribbean currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.58, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 26 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.58 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 26 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 18 are Strong Buy and one is Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 69.2% and 3.9% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for RCLBroker Rating Breakdown Chart for RCL
Check price target & stock forecast for Royal Caribbean here>>>
The ABR suggests buying Royal Caribbean, but making an investment decision solely on the basis of this information might not be a good idea. According to several studies, brokerage recommendations have little to no success guiding investors to choose stocks with the most potential for price appreciation.
Do you wonder why? As a result of the vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover, their analysts tend to rate it with a strong positive bias. According to our research, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell" recommendation.
In other words, their interests aren't always aligned with retail investors, rarely indicating where the price of a stock could actually be heading. Therefore, the best use of this information could be validating your own research or an indicator that has proven to be highly successful in predicting a stock's price movement.
Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating tool with an impressive externally audited track record, categorizes stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), and is an effective indicator of a stock's price performance in the near future. Therefore, using the ABR to validate the Zacks Rank could be an efficient way of making a profitable investment decision.
ABR Should Not Be Confused With Zacks Rank
Although both Zacks Rank and ABR are displayed in a range of 1--5, they are different measures altogether.
The ABR is calculated solely based on brokerage recommendations and is typically displayed with decimals (example: 1.28). In contrast, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model allowing investors to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
Story Continues
Analysts employed by brokerage firms have been and continue to be overly optimistic with their recommendations. Since the ratings issued by these analysts are more favorable than their research would support because of the vested interest of their employers, they mislead investors far more often than they guide.
In contrast, the Zacks Rank is driven by earnings estimate revisions. And near-term stock price movements are strongly correlated with trends in earnings estimate revisions, according to empirical research.
Furthermore, the different grades of the Zacks Rank are applied proportionately across all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide earnings estimates for the current year. In other words, at all times, this tool maintains a balance among the five ranks it assigns.
Another key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank is freshness. The ABR is not necessarily up-to-date when you look at it. But, since brokerage analysts keep revising their earnings estimates to account for a company's changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in indicating future price movements.
Is RCL Worth Investing In?
Looking at the earnings estimate revisions for Royal Caribbean, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has declined 2.8% over the past month to $17.35.
Analysts' growing pessimism over the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates lower, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to plunge in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for Royal Caribbean. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
Therefore, it could be wise to take the Buy-equivalent ABR for Royal Caribbean with a grain of salt.
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
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
Zacks Investment Research
View Comments
- Wynn Resorts Q1 Earnings & Revenues Beat Estimates, Rise Y/Y
May 8, 2026
Wynn Resorts, Limited WYNN reported first-quarter 2026 results, with earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The top and bottom lines increased on a year-over-year basis.
Management noted the company’s strength across markets. Las Vegas delivered another quarter of EBITDAR growth and continued gains in gaming market share, while Macau saw a meaningful increase in gaming volumes year over year alongside healthy market share.
WYNN’s Q1 Earnings & Revenues
The company reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.25, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.18 by 5.9%. In the prior-year quarter, the company reported an adjusted EPS of $1.07.
Wynn Resorts, Limited Price, Consensus and EPS SurpriseWynn Resorts, Limited Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Wynn Resorts, Limited price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Wynn Resorts, Limited Quote
Quarterly operating revenues of $1.86 billion topped the consensus mark of $1.81 billion by 2.2%. The top line increased by 9.2% year over year.
WYNN’s Q1 Profitability Improves Amid Elevated Expense Levels
On a reported basis, net income attributable to Wynn Resorts increased to $120.5 million in the first quarter compared with $72.7 million reported in the year-ago quarter. Our model projected the metric to be $57.5 million.
Operating income in the first quarter advanced to $282.6 million from $268.6 million, reported in the prior-year quarter. Our model projected the metric to be $241.7 million.
Adjusted Property EBITDAR totaled $562.4 million, up from $532.9 million a year ago, and the earnings presentation indicated a quarterly EBITDAR margin of 30.3%. Cost items also moved higher in several areas, including depreciation and amortization of $160.5 million and gaming taxes of $514.5 million, while interest expense (net of amounts capitalized) was $152.4 million.
Wynn Resorts Benefits From Wynn Palace Momentum
Wynn Palace generated operating revenues of $659.3 million in the first quarter, rising $123.4 million from the prior-year period. The year-over-year increase was primarily driven by stronger gaming performance, alongside improvement across non-gaming categories. Our model projected first-quarter Wynn Palace revenues to be $572.9 million.
Profitability strengthened in tandem with the revenue gains. Adjusted Property EBITDAR at Wynn Palace rose to $203.8 million from $161.9 million a year earlier. Mass-market table games’ win percentage increased to 26.6% from 24.8%, while the VIP win rate was 3.11%, within the property’s expected 3.1% to 3.4% range.
WYNN’s Wynn Macau Results Reflect Unfavorable Hold
Wynn Macau posted operating revenues of $329.9 million in the first quarter, essentially unchanged from $330.0 million in the year-ago quarter. Our model projected first-quarter Wynn Macau revenues to be $326 million. While revenue trends were stable, profitability was constrained by weaker win rates relative to the prior-year period.
Adjusted Property EBITDAR declined to $75.6 million from $90.2 million a year ago. Mass-market table games’ win percentage decreased to 15.1% from 18.7%, and VIP win as a percentage of turnover fell to 0.39%, below the property’s expected range of 3.1% to 3.4%.
Story Continues
Wynn Resorts Sustains Premium Positioning in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Operations delivered operating revenues of $661.9 million in the first quarter, up $36.6 million year over year. Management attributed the performance to continued market share gains and ongoing investment in the property’s amenity set and customer experience. Our model predicted the first-quarter segment revenues to be $662.4 million.
Adjusted Property EBITDAR for Las Vegas Operations increased to $232.5 million from $223.4 million a year ago. Operational metrics in the earnings presentation showed RevPAR of $506, up 9.8% year over year, while table games win percentage was 25.2%, within the property’s expected range and above the prior-year level of 24.3%.
WYNN Continues Capital Returns and Funds for UAE Development
WYNN declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per share, payable May 29, 2026. The company also repurchased 528,667 shares during the quarter for $53.8 million at an average price of $101.72 per share, and it ended the quarter with $401.1 million remaining under its repurchase authorization.
Liquidity and development funding remained in focus. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.19 billion at March 31, 2026, excluding $607.6 million of short-term investments held by Wynn Macau, Limited, while total current and long-term debt outstanding was $10.52 billion. During the quarter, the company contributed $100.1 million to the Wynn Al Marjan Island joint venture, bringing life-to-date cash contributions to $1.01 billion, with the project expected to open in 2027.
WYNN’s Zacks Rank
Wynn Resorts currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Recent Consumer Discretionary Releases
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. RCL reported first-quarter 2026 results, with adjusted earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The top and bottom lines increased on a year-over-year basis. In the quarter under review, the company reported adjusted EPS of $3.60, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.20. In the year-ago quarter, RCL posted an adjusted EPS of $2.71. Revenues in the quarter totaled $4.45 billion, beating the consensus mark of $4.44 billion. The metric increased 11.3% year over year.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation H reported first-quarter 2026 results, wherein both earnings and revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 63 cents per share, up 37% from 46 cents a year ago. The metric beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 57 cents per share by 10.5%. Total revenues rose 1.7% year over year to $1,748 million and topped the consensus mark of $1,712 million by 2.1%. Hyatt’s operating backdrop stayed constructive, with comparable system-wide hotels RevPAR increasing 5.4% and comparable system-wide all-inclusive resorts Net Package RevPAR rising 7.4% from the year-ago quarter.
Mattel, Inc. MAT reported first-quarter 2026 results, with adjusted earnings and net sales beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Revenues improved, while the bottom line fell from the prior-year quarter levels. The company posted an adjusted loss of 20 cents per share, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 24 cents by 16.67%. The bottom line declined from an adjusted loss of 2 cents reported in the prior-year quarter. Net sales of $862 million topped the consensus mark of $801 million by 7.59% and increased 4% year over year.
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
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (H) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Mattel, Inc. (MAT) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Wynn Resorts, Limited (WYNN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
Zacks Investment Research
View Comments
- Jim Cramer Shares Why Royal Caribbean (RCL) Is Still Good Despite The Hantavirus
May 8, 2026
We recently published Jim Cramer Said Sandisk Stock Performance is Befuddling & Discussed These 17 Stocks. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) is one of the stocks discussed by Jim Cramer.
Cruise ship operator Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) has started to make a resurgence on Jim Cramer’s radar lately. As was the case last year, the CNBC TV host continues to be optimistic about the sector. He believes that cruise ship stocks experienced excessive negative sentiment due to the conflict in Iran. Tigress Financial discussed Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL)’s shares on February 6th as it raised the share price target to $425 from $415 and kept a Buy rating on the stock. As part of its coverage, Tigress remarked that Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) had entered 2026 on a strong note when it came to bookings and other metrics. Cramer continued to discuss the firm’s earnings and commented on the recent remarks about the Orthohantavirus:
“I thought that Royal Caribbean had a really good quarter, but whenever there’s an illness on a cruise ship, people take all the cruise ships down. I still think that Royal Caribbean at 15 times earnings is good. You mentioned earlier about where the war could hurt things. It is travel.”Jim Cramer Shares Why Royal Caribbean (RCL) Is Still Good Despite The Hantavirus
A Royal Caribbean cruise. Photo from Royal Caribbean website
Carillon Eagle Mid Cap Growth Fund discussed Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) in its fourth quarter 2025 investor letter:
“Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) operates a global fleet of cruise ships. The stock lagged as initial fiscal year 2026 guidance was viewed as slightly disappointing, although we suspect a conservative estimate was put forth. Investor sentiment was further pressured by a competing cruise line’s announcement of a significant increase in its Caribbean supply, raising concerns about future pricing dynamics in the region.”
While we acknowledge the potential of RCL as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
READ NEXT: 33 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and Cathie Wood 2026 Portfolio: 10 Best Stocks to Buy.
Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
View Comments
- Hantavirus: What to Know About the Virus—and Why Moderna Stock Rallied
May 7, 2026
Evercore ISI analysts cautioned investors, writing Thursday that “with regards to current headlines, we see no meaningful revenue opportunity.”
Continue Reading
- I Sailed the MV Hondius. Its Crisis Won’t Derail Cruising.
May 6, 2026
Today, three people have died on board the ship from what appears to be an outbreak of hantavirus, and the MV Hondius is hoping to be accepted by a Spanish port. In an eerie replay of the early days of Covid-19’s spread, officials say it can’t dock without an inspection and remaining passengers are under quarantine, although the World Health Organization says the broader public-health risk is low. It’s a new test for an industry that’s jumped from strength to strength in the postpandemic era, but one that’s unlikely to derail enthusiasm for cruises.
Continue Reading
- Live Nation Posts Wider-Than-Expected Q1 Loss, Revenues Beat Estimates
May 6, 2026
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. LYV reported first-quarter 2026 results, with revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate, while earnings missed the same. The top line increased year over year, while the bottom line remained in line with the prior-year quarter’s adjusted figure.
Live Nation reported steady performance, supported by strong global touring demand, higher fan engagement and expanding venue operations. Management stated that growing demand for live experiences, continued ticket sales momentum and expansion of its venue footprint supported quarterly growth.
LYV’s Q1 Earnings & Revenues
The company reported an adjusted loss per share of 32 cents, wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 27 cents. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items. On a GAAP basis, loss per share was $1.85. In the year-ago quarter, it reported an adjusted loss per share of 32 cents.
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS SurpriseLive Nation Entertainment, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. Quote
Revenues of $3.79 billion beat the consensus mark of $3.59 billion. The top line increased 12% year over year.
Live Nation’s Q1 Segmental Discussion
Concerts: The segment’s first-quarter revenues totaled $2.78 billion, up 12% year over year. Adjusted operating income came in at $2.9 million compared with $6.6 million reported in the prior-year quarter.
Management noted that fan attendance reached 24 million during the quarter, up 7% year over year. Tickets sold through April increased 11% year over year to more than 107 million.
Ticketing: Segmental revenues amounted to $765 million, up 10% from the prior-year quarter. Adjusted operating income was $255.6 million, up 1% from $253.1 million reported in the prior-year quarter.
Primary gross transaction value increased 14% during the quarter. Ticketmaster’s total fee-bearing tickets transacted through April increased 9% year over year to 138 million, while gross transaction value climbed 15% to $17 billion.
Sponsorship & Advertising: Revenues from this segment totaled $258.6 million, up 20% from the year-ago quarter’s figure. Adjusted operating income of $164.6 million was up 21% year over year.
Management stated that nearly 85% of sponsorship commitments for 2026 had already been booked through April, supported by healthy brand demand and continued venue expansion.
Other Financial Information of LYV
Live Nation's cash and cash equivalents, as of March 31, 2026, totaled $9.08 billion compared with $7.09 billion as of Dec. 31, 2025. At the end of the first quarter, goodwill was $2.93 billion compared with $2.89 billion at 2025-end. Long-term debt as of March 31, 2026, was $6.71 billion compared with $7.61 billion as of Dec. 31, 2025.
For the first quarter, net cash provided by operating activities was $2.34 billion compared with $1.32 billion reported in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted free cash flow was $174.7 million compared with $216.1 million in the year-ago period.
Story Continues
2026 Outlook by LYV
Looking ahead, Live Nation expects adjusted operating income to grow at a double-digit rate in 2026. Management stated that more than 85% of large venue shows for the year have already been booked, with stadium, arena and amphitheater show counts pacing above the prior year.
Venue Nation is expected to grow fan attendance at owned or operated venues by double digits in 2026. Planned projects include two U.S. amphitheaters and one stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, while recently completed acquisitions include Movistar Arena Santiago, Unipol Forum in Milan and IMPACT Arena in Bangkok.
Capital expenditures for 2026 are projected between $1.1 billion and $1.2 billion, with nearly $800-$850 million allocated toward venue expansion and enhancement projects. Management expects sponsorship-adjusted operating income growth to remain strong, supported by venue portfolio expansion and growing festival partnerships.
LYV’s Zacks Rank & Recent Consumer Discretionary Releases
Live Nation currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. RCL reported first-quarter 2026 results, with adjusted earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The top and bottom lines increased on a year-over-year basis. In the quarter under review, the company reported adjusted EPS of $3.60, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.20. In the year-ago quarter, RCL posted an adjusted EPS of $2.71. Revenues in the quarter totaled $4.45 billion, beating the consensus mark of $4.44 billion. The metric increased 11.3% year over year.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation H reported first-quarter 2026 results, wherein both earnings and revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 63 cents per share, up 37% from 46 cents a year ago. The metric beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 57 cents per share by 10.5%. Total revenues rose 1.7% year over year to $1,748 million and topped the consensus mark of $1,712 million by 2.1%. Hyatt’s operating backdrop stayed constructive, with comparable system-wide hotels RevPAR increasing 5.4% and comparable system-wide all-inclusive resorts Net Package RevPAR rising 7.4% from the year-ago quarter.
Mattel, Inc. MAT reported first-quarter 2026 results, with adjusted earnings and net sales beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Revenues improved, while the bottom line fell from the prior-year quarter levels. The company posted an adjusted loss of 20 cents per share, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 24 cents by 16.67%. The bottom line declined from an adjusted loss of 2 cents reported in the prior-year quarter. Net sales of $862 million topped the consensus mark of $801 million by 7.59% and increased 4% year over year.
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
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (H) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Mattel, Inc. (MAT) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (LYV) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
Zacks Investment Research
View Comments
- Marriott Q1 Earnings Beat Estimates on Higher RevPAR & Fees
May 6, 2026
Marriott International, Inc. MAR reported first-quarter 2026 results, with adjusted earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The top and bottom lines increased on a year-over-year basis.
The quarter reflected broad-based demand, with worldwide RevPAR rising 4.2%. Strength in fee generation and continued development momentum also supported results.
Following the results, Marriott’s shares gained 1.5% in the pre-market trading session.
MAR’s Q1 Earnings & Revenue Discussion
Marriott’s adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.72 beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.58. It increased 17.2% year over year from $2.32 reported in the prior-year quarter.
Marriott International, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS SurpriseMarriott International, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Marriott International, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Marriott International, Inc. Quote
Quarterly revenues of $6.65 billion beat the consensus mark of $6.59 billion. The top line moved up 6.2% on a year-over-year basis.
MAR’s Q1 Fee Revenue Mix Shows Broad Strength
Marriott’s asset-light model translated into higher fee generation in the quarter. Franchise fees rose to $872 million from $746 million in the prior-year period, benefiting from a combination of unit growth and improving systemwide performance.
In the first quarter, Base management fees increased to $339 million compared with $325 million reported in the prior-year quarter. Our model projected the metric to be $330.4 million.
Incentive management fees advanced to $222 million from $204 million in the year-ago period, supported by stronger results in the United States & Canada and broad-based improvement across international regions. Our model projected the metric to be $207.7 million.
Marriott’s Q1 RevPAR Gains Led by APEC & U.S.
In the United States & Canada, comparable systemwide RevPAR increased 4.0% year over year. Management noted that performance strengthened through the quarter and was broad-based across customer segments and chain scales, pointing to resilient travel demand.
International markets delivered additional upside, with RevPAR up 4.6% year over year despite the conflict in the Middle East affecting March trends. APEC led international performance, with first-quarter RevPAR increasing more than 7%, while RevPAR in Greater China increased by almost 6%, driven by leisure travel.
MAR’s Q1 Profitability Benefits From Operating Leverage
Operating income improved to $1,064 million from $948 million in the year-ago quarter, reflecting higher fee revenues and disciplined execution across the platform. Adjusted EBITDA increased 15% year over year to $1,398 million, indicating healthy operating leverage despite cost headwinds.
Costs moved higher in select areas. General and administrative expenses totaled $219 million compared with $209 million a year ago, reflecting higher compensation costs partly due to timing and partially offset by lower litigation expenses. Net interest expense rose to $204 million from $183 million, largely due to higher interest expense associated with higher debt balances, while the tax provision increased to $210 million from $99 million.
Story Continues
Marriott Expands Pipeline With Record Signings
Marriott’s development momentum remained a key highlight. The company added roughly 15,900 net rooms globally during the quarter, including approximately 7,500 net rooms in international markets, lifting net rooms growth to 4.5% from the end of the first quarter of 2025.
At quarter-end, Marriott’s worldwide development pipeline reached a new record of 4,107 properties and nearly 618,000 rooms. About 43% of pipeline rooms were under construction, including hotels pending conversion. Conversions continued to play an important role, representing more than 35% of signings and over 40% of openings in the quarter.
MAR’s Balance Sheet Supports Ongoing Capital Return
Marriott ended the quarter with total debt of $16.5 billion and cash and equivalents of $0.5 billion, compared with $16.2 billion of debt and $0.4 billion of cash and equivalents at year-end 2025. The company also issued $600 million of senior notes due 2033 with a 4.5% coupon and $850 million of senior notes due 2038 with a 5.1% coupon.
Capital returns remained robust. Marriott repurchased 2.1 million shares for $0.7 billion during the quarter. Year to date through April 29, the company returned more than $1.2 billion to its shareholders through dividends and share repurchases and had repurchased 3.1 million shares for $1.1 billion.
Marriott’s 2026 Outlook Calls for Steady Growth
For the second quarter of 2026, management expects worldwide comparable systemwide constant-dollar RevPAR growth of 1.5% to 2.5%. Gross fee revenues are projected between $1,538 million and $1,553 million, while adjusted EBITDA is expected in the range of $1,525 million to $1,550 million.
For full-year 2026, Marriott projects worldwide RevPAR growth of 2.0% to 3.0% and year-end net rooms growth of 4.5% to 5%. The company expects gross fee revenues of $5,925 million to $5,985 million and adjusted EBITDA of $5,880 million to $5,970 million. The updated outlook assumes continued impacts from the conflict in the Middle East through year-end and excludes any impact from the renegotiation of the U.S. co-branded cards, as discussions remain ongoing.
MAR’s Zacks Rank & Recent Consumer Discretionary Releases
Marriott currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. RCL reported first-quarter 2026 results, with adjusted earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The top and bottom lines increased on a year-over-year basis. In the quarter under review, the company reported adjusted EPS of $3.60, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.20. In the year-ago quarter, RCL posted an adjusted EPS of $2.71. Revenues in the quarter totaled $4.45 billion, beating the consensus mark of $4.44 billion. The metric increased 11.3% year over year.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation H reported first-quarter 2026 results, wherein both earnings and revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 63 cents per share, up 37% from 46 cents a year ago. The metric beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 57 cents per share by 10.5%. Total revenues rose 1.7% year over year to $1,748 million and topped the consensus mark of $1,712 million by 2.1%. Hyatt’s operating backdrop stayed constructive, with comparable system-wide hotels RevPAR increasing 5.4% and comparable system-wide all-inclusive resorts Net Package RevPAR rising 7.4% from the year-ago quarter.
Mattel, Inc. MAT reported first-quarter 2026 results, with adjusted earnings and net sales beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Revenues improved, while the bottom line fell from the prior-year quarter levels. The company posted an adjusted loss of 20 cents per share, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 24 cents by 16.67%. The bottom line declined from an adjusted loss of 2 cents reported in the prior-year quarter. Net sales of $862 million topped the consensus mark of $801 million by 7.59% and increased 4% year over year.
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
Marriott International, Inc. (MAR) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (H) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Mattel, Inc. (MAT) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
Zacks Investment Research
View Comments
- Royal Caribbean Group Declares Dividend
May 5, 2026
MIAMI, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) today declared a quarterly dividend of $1.50 per common share payable on July 2, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 3, 2026.RCG logo blue (PRNewsfoto/Royal Caribbean Group)
About Royal Caribbean Group Royal Caribbean Group is a leading global vacation company spanning cruise, exclusive destinations, and land-based vacation experiences. The company operates 69 ships sailing to more than 1,000 destinations across all seven continents through its three wholly owned brands -Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea - and a 50% joint venture interest in TUI Cruises which operates the Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd brands.
The Group is expanding its portfolio of private destinations from three to eight by 2028 through its Perfect Day and Royal Beach Club collections, and the company will enter river cruising in 2027 with Celebrity River Cruises. Powered by innovative brands, advanced technology, and an industry-leading loyalty program, the company has built a connected vacation ecosystem, turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.
Named to the Fortune World's Most Admired Companies 2026 list and to Forbes' 2026 Best American Companies lists, Royal Caribbean Group is guided by its mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbeangroup.com.Cision
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/royal-caribbean-group-declares-dividend-302763224.html
View Comments
