3 Leisure & Recreation Industry Stocks to Buy in a Promising Industry

Industry Overview - The Zacks Leisure and Recreation Services industry is experiencing growth due to optimized business processes, partnerships, and digital initiatives, with strong demand for concerts and cruise bookings supporting the sector [1][3] - The industry includes various recreation providers such as cruise operators, theme parks, and entertainment venues, thriving on economic growth and consumer demand driven by a healthy labor market and rising disposable income [2] Key Trends - The cruise industry is seeing robust demand, with strong booking volumes particularly in North America and Europe, leading to solid pricing and onboard spending [3] - Theme parks are benefiting from increased visitation and consumer spending, enhanced by technology integration like augmented and virtual reality, while live entertainment is experiencing a surge in ticket sales due to pent-up demand [4] - Easing trade tensions between the U.S. and China have improved investor sentiment, contributing to optimism about the economy and potential trade agreements [5] Industry Performance - The Zacks Leisure and Recreation Services industry ranks 87, placing it in the top 36% of 245 Zacks industries, indicating positive near-term prospects [6][7] - Despite this, the industry has underperformed the S&P 500, gaining 10.7% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's 12% and the broader sector's 18.4% [9][10] Valuation Metrics - The industry trades at a forward 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio of 60.75X, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 24.69X and the sector's 16.38X, with historical trading ranges between 18.33X and 66.92X [13] Company Highlights - Carnival Corporation is benefiting from strong demand, increased booking volumes, and higher onboard revenues, with a projected sales growth of 4.2% and earnings growth of 30.3% for fiscal 2025 [16][17] - Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality has shown a 9% year-over-year growth in ticket prices and lodging revenue, supported by healthy advance bookings [21] - The Marcus Corporation is optimistic about its film lineup and hotel segment resilience, with expected sales growth of 5.2% and a remarkable 264% increase in earnings for 2025 [23]