NCLH vs. RCL: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison

Updated on October 15, 2025

Here’s a clear look at NCLH and RCL, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.

Company Profile

Symbol	NCLH	RCL
Company Name	Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.	Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Country	United States	United States
GICS Sector	Consumer Discretionary	Consumer Discretionary
GICS Industry	Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure	Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure
Market Capitalization	10.78 billion USD	83.75 billion USD
Exchange	NYSE	NYSE
Listing Date	January 18, 2013	April 28, 1993
Security Type	Common Stock	Common Stock

Historical Performance

This chart compares the performance of NCLH and RCL by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each. Use the tabs to select the desired time period. Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.

NCLH vs. RCL: Growth of a $10,000 investment over the past one year.

Historical Performance at a Glance

Symbol	NCLH	RCL
5-Day Price Return	-3.62%	-3.69%
13-Week Price Return	7.83%	-7.57%
26-Week Price Return	45.19%	63.43%
52-Week Price Return	17.87%	71.48%
Month-to-Date Return	-3.86%	-4.72%
Year-to-Date Return	-7.97%	33.65%
10-Day Avg. Volume	12.05M	1.65M
3-Month Avg. Volume	15.02M	2.19M
3-Month Volatility	39.61%	29.94%
Beta	2.11	1.96

Profitability

Return on Equity (TTM)

NCLH

51.86%

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 84.03%
Q3: 40.12%
Median: 17.38%
Q1: 7.45%
Min: -33.94%

In the upper quartile for the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry, NCLH’s Return on Equity of 51.86% signals a highly effective use of shareholder capital to drive profitability compared to most of its peers.

RCL

45.41%

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 84.03%
Q3: 40.12%
Median: 17.38%
Q1: 7.45%
Min: -33.94%

In the upper quartile for the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry, RCL’s Return on Equity of 45.41% signals a highly effective use of shareholder capital to drive profitability compared to most of its peers.

NCLH vs. RCL: A comparison of their Return on Equity (TTM) against the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry benchmark.

Net Profit Margin (TTM)

NCLH

7.52%

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 25.61%
Q3: 14.65%
Median: 8.66%
Q1: 3.36%
Min: -9.83%

NCLH’s Net Profit Margin of 7.52% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.

RCL

20.97%

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 25.61%
Q3: 14.65%
Median: 8.66%
Q1: 3.36%
Min: -9.83%

A Net Profit Margin of 20.97% places RCL in the upper quartile for the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry, signifying strong profitability and more effective cost management than most of its peers.

NCLH vs. RCL: A comparison of their Net Profit Margin (TTM) against the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry benchmark.

Operating Profit Margin (TTM)

NCLH

14.77%

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 45.80%
Q3: 22.44%
Median: 14.98%
Q1: 6.59%
Min: -15.28%

NCLH’s Operating Profit Margin of 14.77% is around the midpoint for the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.

RCL

23.69%

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 45.80%
Q3: 22.44%
Median: 14.98%
Q1: 6.59%
Min: -15.28%

An Operating Profit Margin of 23.69% places RCL in the upper quartile for the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry. This signals a strong ability to translate revenue into operating profit, outperforming most of its competitors in core business efficiency.

NCLH vs. RCL: A comparison of their Operating Profit Margin (TTM) against the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry benchmark.

Profitability at a Glance

Symbol	NCLH	RCL
Return on Equity (TTM)	51.86%	45.41%
Return on Assets (TTM)	3.48%	9.60%
Net Profit Margin (TTM)	7.52%	20.97%
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)	14.77%	23.69%
Gross Profit Margin (TTM)	41.35%	50.06%

Financial Strength

Current Ratio (MRQ)

NCLH

0.18

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 2.73
Q3: 1.63
Median: 1.12
Q1: 0.73
Min: 0.18

NCLH’s Current Ratio of 0.18 falls into the lower quartile for the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry. This indicates a tighter liquidity situation and a more constrained capacity to handle short-term debt than many of its competitors.

RCL

0.23

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 2.73
Q3: 1.63
Median: 1.12
Q1: 0.73
Min: 0.18

RCL’s Current Ratio of 0.23 falls into the lower quartile for the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry. This indicates a tighter liquidity situation and a more constrained capacity to handle short-term debt than many of its competitors.

NCLH vs. RCL: A comparison of their Current Ratio (MRQ) against the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry benchmark.

Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)

NCLH

8.77

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 11.29
Q3: 4.71
Median: 1.65
Q1: 0.27
Min: 0.00

NCLH’s leverage is in the upper quartile of the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry, with a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 8.77. While this approach can boost equity growth, it also exposes the company to greater financial vulnerability.

RCL

2.07

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 11.29
Q3: 4.71
Median: 1.65
Q1: 0.27
Min: 0.00

RCL’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 2.07 is typical for the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry, indicating its use of leverage is in line with the sector norm. This suggests a balanced approach to its capital structure.

NCLH vs. RCL: A comparison of their Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) against the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry benchmark.

Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)

NCLH

2.16

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 21.72
Q3: 11.40
Median: 4.02
Q1: 1.19
Min: -11.84

NCLH’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 2.16 is positioned comfortably within the norm for the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry, indicating a standard and healthy capacity to cover its interest payments.

RCL

4.40

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 21.72
Q3: 11.40
Median: 4.02
Q1: 1.19
Min: -11.84

RCL’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 4.40 is positioned comfortably within the norm for the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry, indicating a standard and healthy capacity to cover its interest payments.

NCLH vs. RCL: A comparison of their Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) against the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry benchmark.

Financial Strength at a Glance

Symbol	NCLH	RCL
Current Ratio (MRQ)	0.18	0.23
Quick Ratio (MRQ)	0.07	0.13
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)	8.77	2.07
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)	2.16	4.40

Growth

Revenue Growth

NCLH vs. RCL: A side-by-side comparison of their Revenue Growth for the MRQ (YoY), TTM (YoY), 3-Year CAGR, and 5-Year CAGR periods.

EPS Growth

NCLH vs. RCL: A side-by-side comparison of their EPS Growth for the MRQ (YoY), TTM (YoY), 3-Year CAGR, and 5-Year CAGR periods.

Dividend

Dividend Yield (TTM)

NCLH

0.00%

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 6.81%
Q3: 2.73%
Median: 0.74%
Q1: 0.00%
Min: 0.00%

NCLH currently does not pay a dividend, resulting in a yield of 0%. This is a common strategy for growth-focused companies that prioritize reinvesting earnings, though it may be less typical in mature, income-oriented sectors.

RCL

0.54%

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 6.81%
Q3: 2.73%
Median: 0.74%
Q1: 0.00%
Min: 0.00%

RCL’s Dividend Yield of 0.54% is consistent with its peers in the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry, providing a dividend return that is standard for its sector.

NCLH vs. RCL: A comparison of their Dividend Yield (TTM) against the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry benchmark.

Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)

NCLH

0.00%

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 128.39%
Q3: 61.60%
Median: 21.91%
Q1: 0.00%
Min: 0.00%

NCLH has a Dividend Payout Ratio of 0%, indicating it does not currently pay a dividend. This is a common strategy for growth-oriented companies that reinvest all profits back into the business.

RCL

18.26%

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 128.39%
Q3: 61.60%
Median: 21.91%
Q1: 0.00%
Min: 0.00%

RCL’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 18.26% is within the typical range for the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry, suggesting a balanced approach between shareholder payouts and company reinvestment.

NCLH vs. RCL: A comparison of their Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) against the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry benchmark.

Dividend at a Glance

Symbol	NCLH	RCL
Dividend Yield (TTM)	0.00%	0.54%
Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)	0.00%	18.26%

Valuation

Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)

NCLH

14.89

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 56.96
Q3: 33.82
Median: 21.30
Q1: 15.75
Min: 6.06

In the lower quartile for the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry, NCLH’s P/E Ratio of 14.89 suggests the stock may be undervalued compared to its peers, potentially presenting an attractive entry point for investors.

RCL

23.32

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 56.96
Q3: 33.82
Median: 21.30
Q1: 15.75
Min: 6.06

RCL’s P/E Ratio of 23.32 is within the middle range for the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry. This suggests its valuation is in line with the sector average, representing neither a significant premium nor a discount compared to its peers.

NCLH vs. RCL: A comparison of their Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) against the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry benchmark.

Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)

NCLH

1.12

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 7.19
Q3: 3.99
Median: 1.93
Q1: 1.26
Min: 0.17

In the lower quartile for the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry, NCLH’s P/S Ratio of 1.12 indicates its revenue is valued more conservatively than most of its peers. This could present a compelling opportunity if the market has overlooked its sales-generating capabilities.

RCL

4.89

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 7.19
Q3: 3.99
Median: 1.93
Q1: 1.26
Min: 0.17

RCL’s P/S Ratio of 4.89 is in the upper echelon for the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry. This means the company is valued richly on its revenue stream compared to its peers, suggesting the stock is priced for a high level of future performance.

NCLH vs. RCL: A comparison of their Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) against the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry benchmark.

Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)

NCLH

5.77

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 24.89
Q3: 11.60
Median: 4.91
Q1: 2.29
Min: 0.37

NCLH’s P/B Ratio of 5.77 is within the conventional range for the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry. This shows a balanced market view, where the stock’s price is neither at a significant premium nor a discount to the book value of its peers.

RCL

9.27

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry

Max: 24.89
Q3: 11.60
Median: 4.91
Q1: 2.29
Min: 0.37

RCL’s P/B Ratio of 9.27 is within the conventional range for the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry. This shows a balanced market view, where the stock’s price is neither at a significant premium nor a discount to the book value of its peers.

NCLH vs. RCL: A comparison of their Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) against the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry benchmark.

Valuation at a Glance

Symbol	NCLH	RCL
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)	14.89	23.32
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)	1.12	4.89
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)	5.77	9.27
Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM)	19.94	23.42