Sell-Side Target Review on This Stock: Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL)

Zooming in on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL), we note that the average target price is presently $139.92. This is the consensus target based on projections provided by the covering analysts polled. Wall Street analysts have the ability to provide price target predictions for stocks that they cover.  Price target estimates can be calculated using various methods.  Many investors will track stock target prices, especially when analysts make changes to the projections. A good research report will generally give detailed reasoning for a specific target price estimate. Some investors may follow analyst targets very closely and use the information to complement their own stock research.

Equity market investing has a way of provoking strong emotions. When markets become frantic, investors may feel compelled to make decisions that they might not normally make. Having the proper perspective and staying focused can help the individual investor stay committed to the previously created plan. Trying to predict the day to day movements of the stock market can be extremely difficult. Even the top professionals may get thrown for a loop every now and then. Chasing winners and holding onto losers may be a recipe for portfolio disaster over the long run. Investors who are able to stay calm and think logically should be able to better position themselves when markets become stormy.

Checking in on stock price activity for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL), we have recently seen shares trading near the $120.99 mark. Investors will often track the current stock price in relation to its 52-week high and low levels. The 52-week high is currently $132.14, and the 52-week low is presently $89.48. When the current stock price is trading close to either the 52-week high or 52-week low, investors may pay closer attention to see if there will be a breakthrough that level. Over the past 12 weeks, the stock has seen a change of 10.24%. Going back to the start of the calendar year, we can see that shares have moved 23.72%. Pulling the focus closer to the past 4 weeks, shares have seen a change of 2.73%. Over the past 5 trading days, the stock has moved 1.72%.

Taking a quick look at analyst opinions, we can see that the current average broker recommendation on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) is presently 1.43. Out of the covering analysts polled by Zacks Research, 11 have put a Strong Buy or Buy rating on the stock. 

As earnings season comes into focus, investors will be closely tracking sell-side estimates. According to analysts polled by Zacks Research, the current quarter EPS consensus estimate is currently sitting at 2.51 for shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL). The number consists of estimates provided by 7 contributing analysts. For the last reporting period, the company posted a quarterly EPS of 1.53. The consensus estimate for last quarter before the earnings report was 1.11. Looking out further to the next quarter EPS estimate, the consensus is currently resting at 4.59. This consensus estimate includes 7 analysts taken into consideration by Zacks. Shifting the focus to the current fiscal year EPS estimate, the number is currently 8.84. Widening the gaze to the next fiscal year, we can see that the consensus EPS estimate is presently 9.96.

Stock analysis typically falls into two main categories. Some investors may prefer technical analysis, and others may prefer to study the fundamentals. Many investors will keep an eye on both. Technical analysis involves trying to project future stock price movements based on prior stock activity. Technicians strive to identify chart patterns and study other historical price and volume data. Technical investors look to identify trends when assessing a stock. The trend is typically considered to be the main direction of the share price. Trends are generally categorized as either up, down, or sideways. If a bullish trend is spotted, the trader may expect the upward trend to continue and thus try to capitalize on further upward action.