Leeward Financial Partners LLC has acquired a new stake in **Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.** (NYSE: RCL), purchasing 1,134 shares valued at approximately **$355,000** during the second quarter of 2023. This transaction was reported in Leeward’s recent Form 13F filing with the **Securities and Exchange Commission**.
A number of other institutional investors have also made significant changes to their holdings in Royal Caribbean. **Florida Financial Advisors LLC** increased its position by **87.6%** in the first quarter, now owning **1,957 shares** valued at **$402,000** after acquiring an additional **914 shares**. Similarly, **Roberts Capital Advisors LLC** established a new position valued at around **$572,000** during the same period.
**Vanguard Group Inc.** boosted its holdings by **2.1%**, bringing its total to **28,674,763 shares**, worth approximately **$5.89 billion** after acquiring **602,447 additional shares**. In a remarkable move, **Cullen Frost Bankers Inc.** increased its stake by **7,890.2%**, now holding **36,675 shares** valued at **$7.54 million**. Finally, **Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC** also raised its holdings by **89.7%**, owning **7,781 shares** valued at **$1.6 million**. Collectively, hedge funds and institutional investors own **87.53%** of Royal Caribbean’s stock.
Stock Performance and Recent Developments
On **October 13, 2023**, shares of **Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.** opened at **$286.65**. Over the past year, the stock has seen significant fluctuations, with a low of **$164.01** and a high of **$366.50**. The company’s **50-day moving average** stands at **$325.66**, while the **200-day moving average** is **$296.41**. Financial metrics show a current ratio of **0.16**, a quick ratio of **0.21**, and a debt-to-equity ratio of **1.67**. Royal Caribbean boasts a market capitalization of **$77.86 billion**, with a **price-to-earnings (PE) ratio** of **19.28** and a **price-to-earnings-growth (PEG) ratio** of **0.84**.
In a positive development for shareholders, Royal Caribbean recently declared a quarterly dividend of **$1.00**, up from its previous dividend of **$0.75**. This dividend, which was paid on **October 13, 2023**, represents an annualized amount of **$4.00**, yielding **1.4%**. The company’s current dividend payout ratio is **26.90%**.
Insider Transactions and Analyst Ratings
In recent insider trading activity, **Vagn O. Sorensen**, a director at Royal Caribbean, sold **10,300 shares** on **August 19, 2023**, at an average price of **$330.04**, totaling **$3.4 million**. Following this sale, Sorensen’s remaining shares are valued at approximately **$5.41 million**, reflecting a **38.57%** decrease in position. Similarly, **Richard D. Fain**, another director, sold **16,000 shares** on **August 6, 2023**, at an average price of **$311.02**, amounting to **$4.98 million**. Post-transaction, Fain owns **150,291 shares**, valued at around **$46.74 million**, a **9.62%** decrease from his previous stake. Corporate insiders control **6.95%** of the company’s stock.
Analysts have recently provided mixed ratings for Royal Caribbean Cruises. **Tigress Financial** raised its price target from **$330.00** to **$415.00**, maintaining a “buy” rating. **UBS Group** similarly increased its target from **$311.00** to **$353.00**, also issuing a “buy” rating. Contrarily, **Wall Street Zen** downgraded the stock from a “buy” to a “hold” rating. **Weiss Ratings** reaffirmed a “buy (b)” rating, while **William Blair** maintained an “outperform” rating. Currently, one analyst rates the stock as a **Strong Buy**, nineteen as a **Buy**, and four as a **Hold**, reflecting an average rating of **“Moderate Buy”** with a target price of **$326.86**.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. operates globally under the brands of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, offering a diverse range of itineraries. As of February 21, 2024, the company operates **65 ships**, further solidifying its position in the cruise industry.
