RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:RICK) Sees Significant Drop in Short Interest

RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:RICK) saw a significant drop in short interest during the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 925,216 shares, a drop of 24.4% from the December 15th total of 1,224,205 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 120,374 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 7.7 days. Approximately 11.7% of the shares of the company are sold short. Approximately 11.7% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 120,374 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 7.7 days.

RCI Hospitality Stock Performance

Shares of RICK traded down $1.38 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $25.36. The stock had a trading volume of 80,960 shares, compared to its average volume of 85,606. The firm has a market capitalization of $221.14 million, a PE ratio of 13.63 and a beta of 0.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 0.92 and a quick ratio of 0.83. RCI Hospitality has a 12 month low of $21.88 and a 12 month high of $57.99. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $24.54 and a 200 day moving average price of $30.16.

RCI Hospitality Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were paid a $0.07 dividend. This represents a $0.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. RCI Hospitality’s dividend payout ratio is 15.05%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Weiss Ratings reissued a “sell (d)” rating on shares of RCI Hospitality in a research report on Monday, December 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $98.00.

Institutional Trading of RCI Hospitality

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in RICK. BNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its position in RCI Hospitality by 62.0% in the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 847 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 324 shares during the period. CWM LLC increased its stake in shares of RCI Hospitality by 1,256.9% in the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,954 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $60,000 after purchasing an additional 1,810 shares in the last quarter. Brighton Jones LLC purchased a new position in RCI Hospitality during the fourth quarter valued at $211,000. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. bought a new stake in RCI Hospitality during the third quarter valued at about $115,000. Finally, Man Group plc purchased a new stake in RCI Hospitality in the third quarter worth about $205,000. 53.82% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

RCI Hospitality Company Profile

RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc operates as a diversified hospitality and entertainment company focused on the ownership and operation of adult nightclubs and themed sports bars throughout the United States and select international markets. The company’s U.S. Nightclub segment includes venues branded as Rick’s Cabaret, Club Onyx and various other upscale adult entertainment clubs, offering private dance experiences, VIP services and live performances. Its Restaurant & Bar segment operates Bombshells, a brunch-themed sports bar chain featuring chef-driven menus, craft cocktails and game-day viewing in a military-inspired setting.

In addition to its brick-and-mortar venues, RCI Hospitality deploys proprietary digital platforms for talent recruitment, training and scheduling, helping to streamline operations and drive customer engagement.