10 Affordable Blue Chip Stocks to Buy

5. Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)

Stock Upside Potential: 33.89%

Forward P/E: 11.09

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 69

Carnival Corporation (NYSE:CCL) is an affordable blue chip stock to buy. On November 25, UBS analyst Robin M. Farley reaffirmed a Buy rating on Carnival Corporation (NYSE:CCL) and maintained a $35 price target, pointing to the company’s deliberate 7% capacity growth in the Caribbean, well below the industry’s 12%, as a sign of disciplined expansion. Farley emphasized the resilience of cruise bookings during economic slowdowns and noted that upcoming earnings results and 2026 guidance could further strengthen investor confidence.

Although accounting adjustments and drydock expenses are expected to weigh on near-term yields, Farley underscored Carnival’s long-term growth potential and highlighted strategic initiatives—such as the Celebration Key development, as major contributors to a positive outlook.

Earlier on November 18, Wells Fargo initiated coverage of the stock with an Overweight rating and a $37 price target. The research firm remains confident about the company’s prospects as it moves towards investment grade amid EBITDA growth.

In addition, Carnival Corporation (NYSE:CCL) is undergoing financial recovery following the slowdown triggered by pandemic disruptions as it increasingly retires its debt. The cost-reduction initiative, which comes on the back of solid yield growth, also affirms the company’s positive outlook.

According to Wells Fargo, Carnival Corporation is at par with industry peers as it remains focused on highlighting its ability to drive ROIC with limited capacity growth in the coming years that should drive strong pricing growth.”

Bank of America analyst Andrew Didora shares similar sentiments, having reiterated a Buy rating on the stock on November 10 and set a $38 price target.

Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) is a global cruise company that owns and operates a portfolio of cruise line brands, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Costa Cruises. It provides cruise packages and related travel services, and it also operates tour companies, such as Holland America Princess Alaska Tours.