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Switch 2 Sales Momentum Makes Nintendo a Holiday Bargain
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Despite a recent dip, Nintendo’s prospects look bright as the holiday season unfolds.
- Nintendo Co. stock is up about 14.5% in 2025.
- A 21.7% drop in the 30 days ending Dec. 24 was driven by rising RAM prices.
- The company increased its Switch 2 sales forecast from 15 million to 19 million units.
- Nintendo trades on the over-the-counter market (OTCMKTS), limiting platform availability.
Nintendo Co. has experienced a solid year in 2025, though its stock is up about 14.5%, which trails the broader market. A recent 21.7% decline in the 30 days ending Dec. 24 is attributed to surging prices for random access memory (RAM) – a consequence of high demand from artificial intelligence (AI) applications – and the resulting pressure on margins for Nintendo’s Switch 2 gaming consoles.
However, Nintendo has increased its sales forecast for the Switch 2 from 15 million to 19 million units, and intends to maintain the current price for the console. This is likely supported by long-term contracts with suppliers that should mitigate the impact of higher component costs, at least for the time being.
If Nintendo hits its sales targets, the stock, currently trading under $20 per share, appears to be a bargain.
Investors should note that Nintendo trades on the over-the-counter market (OTCMKTS), meaning not all trading platforms will offer the stock.
Explosive Customer Growth Fuels Bullish Case for NU Stock
NU Holdings is up more than 61% in 2025, significantly outperforming both finance stocks and the broader market. The Latin American fintech company has demonstrated strong growth throughout 2025, adding approximately 17 million new customers and increasing revenue by 42% year-over-year.
The bullish outlook for NU Holdings in 2026 hinges on its continued ability to expand its customer base. Continued growth should also drive cost efficiency. The company also plans to pursue a banking license, potentially unlocking new revenue streams.
Risks include a slowdown in customer acquisition, particularly in Brazil, or failure to secure a banking charter. U.S. investors also face potential currency risks if the U.S. dollar weakens.
Despite these risks, analysts remain optimistic about NU stock. Goldman Sachs recently reiterated a Buy rating with a price target of $21, representing a 16% premium over the consensus price, which is itself about 8% above the stock’s price on Dec. 24.
Dividend Reinstatement Signals a New Chapter for Carnival
For many, the holidays evoke images of cruise vacations. Carnival Cruise Lines has enjoyed a smooth sailing year, with its stock up about 21%, mirroring the broader market’s performance.
The stock is recovering from headwinds following its latest earnings report. Analysts are generally bullish, with a consensus price target of $34.41, offering a 10% upside. Several analysts have even higher targets for Carnival stock.
On Dec. 19, Carnival issued a business update, upgrading its full-year guidance and forecasting net yields of at least 2.5% in the upcoming fiscal year.
Significantly, the company reinstated its dividend, announcing a quarterly payout of 15 cents per share payable on Feb. 27, 2026, to shareholders of record on Feb. 13, 2026. Carnival had suspended its dividend in 2020, and this reinstatement signals a return to financial stability and a commitment to shareholder returns alongside future growth.
