Zacks Analyst Interview Highlights: Marriott International, Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zacks.com releases the latest Analyst Interview. Today’s interview is with senior analyst Sean P. Smith, who discusses Marriott International (NYSE: MAR), Carnival Cruise Lines (NYSE: CCL) and Royal Caribbean (NYSE: RCL).

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We would avoid lodging companies such as Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) that have both exposure to lower-end hotel chains and significant exposure to the time-share industry, given the poor fundamentals in residential real estate.

Companies with weak balance sheets, or even limited financial flexibility, will likely have a harder time navigating the challenges created by the recession. We note that Carnival Cruise Lines (NYSE: CCL) and Royal Caribbean (NYSE: RCL) both recently suspended their common stock dividend in order to ensure that liquidity would not become an issue even if the operating environment deteriorated significantly from the already challenging levels. We viewed these proactive moves positively. Other companies in the travel and leisure industry, however, may not have such options available.

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