Billionaire David E. Shaw’s 10 Small-Cap Stock Picks with Huge Upside Potential

6. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH)

D. E. Shaw’s Equity Stake: $115.57 Million

Market Capitalization as of May 9: $7.82 Billion

Stock Upside Potential as of May 9: 40.17%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 58

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH) is a cruise company that operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. Its brands provide accommodations, multiple dining venues, bars and lounges, a spa, a casino, retail shopping areas, and entertainment choices. While the stock is down by about 35% year to date due to weakening cruise demand, it is still one of billionaire David E. Shaw’s 10 small-cap stock picks with tremendous upside potential.

Despite the lower demand, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH) is not planning to offer discounts to attract more ticket sales for its cruises. Instead, it prioritizes strong pricing in anticipation of normalizing demand. Additionally, it is accelerating cost-saving initiatives to maintain profitability. It has already identified about $300 million in potential efficiencies.

The Miami-based operator delivered disappointing first-quarter 2025 results as revenues fell 3% year over year on softening demand to $2.13 billion compared to $2.15 billion a year ago. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $0.07, missing estimates of $0.09. Nevertheless, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH) maintained its outlook for 2025, anticipating adjusted EPS of $2.05, increasing about 13% year-over-year.

However, on May 1, BofA Securities cut Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s (NYSE:NCLH) price target from $23.00 to $20.00, keeping a Neutral rating due to declining future bookings, economic uncertainty, and weaker travel demand.